THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools /January 22, 2020
A Message From The Administration
Student Cell Phone and Electronics Use at WCS
By Jacqueline Parks, WCS Principal
Last summer, WCS made a change to student cell phone and electronics use that has made an extremely positive difference in the school culture.
Students must put away their phones upon the arrival to their team and leave them until the end of the school day. Each team was provided with lockable boxes to ensure safe keeping, however leaving phones in backpacks is also allowable (at the students own risk).
The adults in the building have noticed many positive shifts as a result of our new procedures. Here are a few:
“I find students are less anxious/stressed and engaging more with their peers. Students have been very accepting of the new rules and they deserve kudos for their new behavior.” Harbor House Educator
“The change in 5/6 was immediately noticeable. Without phone access students are way more engaged in their core/independent work times when not focusing on phones or the music they wanted to play. The new procedure has made phones less of a topic of conversation and a huge issue that we don't have to manage anymore!” Sterling House Educator
“I haven't heard a single student complain about the change!” Middle School Special Educator
I recently collected some data around how many students are using the locked boxes to house their phones and how many are choosing to keep them in their backpacks. Approximately 25% of our students are using the lock boxes and the other 75% are storing them in their backpacks. We would definitely like to see more students taking advantage of the secured location! Please have a conversation with your child about where he/she stores the phone and why. The lock boxes provide them with an easy, safe space to use and peace of mind that the phone is secure.
Thank you in advance for having follow-up phone conversations with your child. We are really pleased with the changes that have been made and we hope this also helps support students as they work on phone etiquette.
WCS 3rd/4th grade chorus
We have two performances coming up!
The 3rd/4th grade chorus concerts will be on
Wednesday, February 5th at 2:10pm and 6:30pm in the WCS auditorium.
The musicians are required to wear concert attire* for both concerts.
The musicians need to arrive at WCS at 6:10pm for the evening concert.
*What is concert attire?
Option 1: long pants, shirt with a collar, and a tie
Option 2: dress or skirt of appropriate length, or dressy pants, with an appropriate top
Shorts, t-shirts, hats, athletic wear, flip flops, and jeans are not appropriate. Please do not wear them.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Danielle Trasciatti-Holmberg (Mrs. T-H) dtrasciatti@cvsdvt.org
8th Grade Student & Parent Night
AN INVITATION
To 8th Grade Parents and Students of the Class of 2024
8th Grade Student & Parent Night
Champlain Valley Union High School
CVU Gym, Thursday, January 30, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
This evening will provide you and your child an introduction to the academic and elective programs they will experience in the 9th grade.
Thursday, Jan 30, 2020, 06:30 PM
Champlain Valley Union High School Gym
Dental Cleaning
During the month of February, your child can receive a dental cleaning, exam, and fluoride rinse for $20.00. This will be done by a dental hygienist from Dr. Jace Molinari’s office. She will also offer helpful advice about good nutrition and dental care. The dental cleaning will take place at school during school hours, on Fridays in February (ABS – Feb 8th , WCS – Feb
15th ). If you are interested, please complete the form below and return it to the health office as soon as possible so plans can be made. The cost is $20.00 per student paid by cash or check.
Please return the form below to Health Office at WCS or ABS
_________________________
Student Name
___________________ _____ _______________
House / grade / Teacher
Has permission to participate in the dental cleaning program at Williston Schools.
____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
___ check for $20.00 is enclosed
____ will send $20.00 cash with the student at time of cleaning
___ student attends Allen Brook
___ student attends WCS
Make checks payable to Lisa Bianchi.
Scholarships may be available; please contact your Health Office
(WCS: 871-6170; ABS 871-6248).
Family Reading Night March 26th
The Allen Brook School Library is pleased to invite your family to participate in the 2020 Family Reading Night. This is an opportunity for you to share a book with your child or entire family, then gather together to discuss the book with other ABS families. We’ll also enjoy cookies and cider here at Allen Brook that evening.
If you would like to participate, simply choose one you’d like to read with your family. Then, sign up by Thursday, February 6th, so that books can be sent home over the winter break. Books will be given out on Thursday, February 20th to all families who have signed up by Thursday, February 6th.
We have 7 book choices! Please sign up for a book using this online registration link:
Family Adventures in Reading Book Sign Up:
If you would like to join a group but intend to get the book by some other means, please email Mrs. Clopton in our library at cclopton@cvsdvt.org to let her know for food and group discussion planning purposes.
On the evening of Thursday, March 26th we will gather at Allen Brook School from 6:00-7:00 p.m. to discuss the books in small groups as we enjoy our treats! Please let us know in advance if you will not join us on this date so we can plan accordingly.
I hope that your family will enjoy the time spent together reading and talking about your book, and I look forward to seeing you on our family reading night.
Cara Clopton, ABS Librarian
Penguin Plunge 2020
This year’s Penguin Plunge is on Saturday, February 1st. We invite all students, parents, guardians, and staff members to join our efforts by either taking the icy plunge or making a donation to support our brave plungers.
Last year, our 46 fearless plungers raised over $17,000 – placing us second among other schools across the state. Ironically, CVU took first! Our goal this year is to raise over $20,000.
The Penguin Plunge is a Special Olympics event that supports sports training and competitions, health screenings, and leadership opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
These fundraising efforts also support our very own Unified Sports Teams. On Monday, December 16th our Unified Bowling Team proudly represented Williston, bringing home two bronze medals, four silver medals, and three gold medals from the Champion Schools Bowling tournament in Barre.
If you’re interested in taking the plunge or making a donation, please click here . Questions can be directed to this year’s Team Captain, Ashley Sutton – asutton@cvsdvt.org. Ashley is a Special Educator at WCS and co-coaches our Unified Sports team.
Game Cart Donations
Do you have games on your shelf that aren't being used? Consider donating them to the "Indoor Recess Game Cart" at WCS. Students access the cart when it's below zero, pouring rain, or when the playground is icy. Connect Four, Heads-Up, Apples to Apples, Pokeman Cards, Exploding Kittens, Throw-Throw Burrito, Spot-It, playing cards, and dice games. Any durable game in good condition that can be played in about 20 minutes. Drop off donations in the front office at WCS, care of "The Indoor Recess Game Cart." Thank you so much for considering!
Baskets Needed!
Kindergarten Registration
Williston and St. George children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2020 are eligible to enroll for Fall 2020 Kindergarten.
Please complete this registration packet and submit it, along with proof of residency, and copies of your child’s birth certificate and Immunizations, by January 31, 2020. If you would prefer we mail a copy of the registration packet to you, please call Laura at 802-871-6200.
If you would like assistance with any of the paperwork, please join us on Tuesday, January 28 between 2pm and 4 pm at Allen Brook School.
Champlain Valley School District School-based Early Education Program Peer Lottery Application
The CVSD School-based Early Education Programs are now accepting applications for a random peer lottery drawing for the 2020- 2021 school year. Our preschools are 5 STAR accredited licensed early education programs that provide play-based, developmentally appropriate environments for all children. Our curriculum is based on the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS) and Teaching Strategies Gold. We believe that a diverse classroom offers opportunities for adults and children to practice acceptance and compassion and also provides a broad range of learning experiences. Our programs are part day and partial weeks. Our programs generally follow the CVSD school calendar.
The lottery will be drawn in February 2020. Applications are due by February 6, 2020
Peers who will be age 3 or older by September 1, 2020 are eligible to enter the lottery for our programs.
If you are interested in your child being considered, please complete this form and deliver to your school.
8th Grade Challenge Fundraiser for American Cancer Society
My name is Mitchell Niarchos. For my 8th grade challenge, I have been volunteering at the American Cancer Society, working on a fundraiser called Hope on the Slopes (HOTS). Hope on the Slopes is a fun day of skiing and riding at Jay Peak resort on Sunday, March 1st. Teams compete in a vertical challenge and a fundraising competition. There will be an après ski party, duck race and other events during the weekend. Read more here: Hope on the Slopes
I am putting together a team for the event called “Mayhem 2.0”. Please consider helping the American Cancer Society by joining my team, creating a team of your own, or donating to the event here: Hope on the Slopes/Participate or Donate The entry fee is $30 and you get a free lift ticket for the day if you raise $100. If you have any questions, you can email me at mitchellniarchos@cvsdvt.org
Thank you very much!
ABS Doors to Remain Locked until 7:30
Supervision is provided in the cafeteria for students between 7:30 am and 8:00 am (breakfast is also available during this time).
Access to the classrooms begins at 7:45 am.
Families dropping students off at school should plan to arrive no earlier than 7:30 am when the doors are open and supervision is available.
All Breed Rescue
WCS Bake Sale Jan. 23
8th Grade Challenge Project
My name is Kevin Lahiri. Help me as I seek funds to improve the WCS playground basketball court. The court is in need of some site work and new backboards, hoops and nets, so that the court is safe and functional. I have started a GoFundMe site to begin fundraising for this school improvement, which is part of my 8th Grade Challenge on Voyager House. Here is the link to my fundraising site.
Book Discussion: Raising Humans in a Digital World
January 22, 2020, 7:00- 8:30pm Charlotte Public Library
ParentIn of Champlain Valley School District and the Charlotte Library are hosting a book discussion featuring digital literacy educator and advocate Diana Graber’s latest book, Raising Humans in a Digital World. Pick up the book at the Charlotte Library or consider purchasing your own copy. You'll likely be glad you did!
Williston Job Openings
Click here for full descriptions
2 day - week Administrative Assistant
Allen Brook School seeks a creative and organized person with information management, computer expertise, and communication skills. Experience with Word processing, databases, spreadsheets. This is a training and job sharing opportunity during the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, and continuing through the 2020-2021 year. Contact Cindy Pavlik with questions (cpavlik@cvsdvt.org). Apply on-line at www.schoolspring.com.
Intensive Bus Paraprofessional
Assist in transporting children on the bus. 1.5 hours a day. Pay rate is $16.7-18.27 an hour.
Bus Drivers
Regular Route drivers and substitute drivers needed. Great starting salary and benefits. Will train. kmartin@cvsdvt.org.
Food Service Subs Needed
Join our Food Service Team. Flexible hours, Training provided, Fun and Friendly atmosphere. Pick up an application or contact Scott Wagner with Questions: swagner@cvsdvt.org / Phone:(802) 871-6198
Substitute Teachers and Paraeducators
If interested, contact Cindy Morin (cmorin@cvsdvt.org) or Cindy Pavlik (cpavlik@cvsdvt.org)
Full Time Custodial Position (2nd Shift)
Williston Schools has a full time 2nd shift (2:30 pm to 11:00 pm) custodial opening.
Contact Lyall Smith with questions. lysmith@cvsdvt.org or 871-6013.
Box Tops for Education
click for a video explaining the changes and more information
Bus Information
Part 2
Four Winds Volunteers
Monthly Fitness Fun
School Nutrition Program
Please make payment checks out to 'CVSD - ABS' or 'CVSD-WCS'
Mobile App
Download the WSD App and get notifications for groups, sports teams, 3-4 Chorus, etc. to keep informed.
Open App, tap on the 3 horizontal bars in the top right and select Notifications. Tap on the group boxes for those you want.
CVSD Meeting Schedules
CVSD Committee, Board, and and Budget Meetings
Committee meetings are on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6 pm excluding Dec. and Jan., at CVUHS, Room 160, 162, 165
Regular Board Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6 pm, excluding Dec. & Jan.
Tuesday Early Dismissal
ABS Dismissal is 1:35 pm.
WCS Dismissal is 1:55 pm.
The Tuesday schedule for morning Preschool is 8:00 to 10:15 am. Afternoon preschool is 11:15 am to 1:30 pm.
Upcoming Events
Tues. Jan. 28 / Kindergarten Registration Paperwork help / ABS / 2-4 pm
Thurs. Jan. 30 / 8th gr. Student Parent night at CVU High School / 6:30-8 pm
Fri. Jan. 31 / kindergarten registration paperwork due
Fri. Jan. 31 / Variety Show / WCS Auditorium / 6:30-7:30 pm
Sat. Feb. 1 / Penguin Plunge
Wed. Feb 5 / Chorus (gr. 3-4) Concert / WCS / 6:30 pm
Thurs. Feb. 6 / Preschool Peer Lottery deadline
Fri. Feb 7 / School Dance / WCS / 6:30-8:30 pm
Wed. Feb. 12 / Four Winds Training / WCS Community Rm / 8:30-10:30 am
Thurs. Feb. 12 / FAPAC / WCS Community Room / 8:15-10 am
Feb. 17-21 / WCS Community Week
Feb. 24-28 / NO SCHOOL / Winter Break
Wed. March 11 / Grade 7-8 Concert / WCS
Wed. March 11 / Four Winds Training / WCS Community Rm / 8:30-10:30 am
Thurs. March 12 / FAPAC / WCS Community Rm / 8:15-10 am
Thurs. March 26 / Family Reading Night / ABS Library / 6-7 pm
More Links, More information
DAML Programs
Click here for Important info related to after school hours
Click here to access the DAML web site listing of events.
Recreation & Parks Offerings
Community Events
Williston Schools
Email: cpavlik@cvsdvt.org
Website: https://www.cvsdvt.org
Location: 195 Central School Drive, Williston
Phone: (802) 878-2762
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Williston-School-District-1483758238612170/timeline/
Twitter: @wsdvt