School Bell
Williston Schools / May 26, 2023
In this issue...
A Message from Williston Schools Principal Gregory Marino - Beginner Concert Details - ABS Art News - Summer Camps - Buccaneers Youth Football Info - LOTS of important dates - and more...
In every issue...
Keep scrolling for Info/Links:
- Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
- DAMLibrary and Williston Rec - Upcoming Events/Programs
- Calendars, Handbook, Volunteer Information
- Food Service / Busing / School Safety Team links
- CVSD District & School Board Links
- Important Family Resources
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Gregory Marino, Williston Schools Principal
Looking Forward
It is truly difficult to comprehend that there are just 13.5 days of school left in this school year (13 for our 8th graders). As cliche as it is, it seems just unfathomable that the school year will be in the history books in such a short amount of time. These remaining days are a favorite time of year for me as we get to witness so many celebrations and displays of student pride and growth - both as learners and as people.
Here’s a quick shout-out to all of our musicians and artists. Student artists from both ABS and WCS had their spectacular visual creations on display in recent days in a stunning art show. Thanks go out to Art teachers, Sara Beeken and Abbie Bowker, for their tremendous efforts in guiding our young artists, helping them develop their skills, curate their own work, and then presenting their art for all of us to enjoy. Williston audiences were also treated at the 5-8 concerts at WCS this week. It is always amazing to hear our singers and instrumentalists share the musical results of their many hours of hard work under the direction of Jacob Topping (5-8 Choruses) and Kim Thompson (Bands). The sense of pride and joy coming off the stage from our young musicians was palpable.
Celebrations of growth like these are also happening with students in athletics - on our Baseball, Softball, Track and Field, and Ultimate Frisbee teams, as well as in academics, and perhaps most importantly - in personal growth. We see students displaying growing skills and habits of empathy, kindness, compassion, respect, patience, and persistence, just to name a few. Take a moment or two in the coming week to make note of some sign of growth in your own student(s). Notice it, point it out to them - and enjoy celebrating it with them.
As we walk through these remaining days of school together please remember that your school community is here for you and your kids. When in doubt, please reach out - with any concern or issue. As always, thank you for your partnership.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
05/30 - 06/02 - Scholastic Book Fair at ABS
05/31 - Horizon to Maple Street Park, Swift to Five Tree Hill
06/01 - Synergy to Montshire Museum, Swift to Petra Cliffs, 4th Grade Beginner Band Concert
06/05 - Incoming 3rd Grader Parent Orientation, WCS Auditorium @6:30pm
06/06 - Clover to Maritime Museum
06/08 - Clover to Maritime Museum, Harmony Celebration of Learning @7:30am
06/08 - Families as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am, WCS Community Room
06/08 - Last Day of PreK
06/09 - Sterling to Knight Point State Park
06/12 - 2nd Grade to 3rd Grade Step Up Day
06/13 - PreK to Kindergarten & Kindergarten to First Grade Step Up Day
06/13 - Harbor to Sandbar State Park, Summit to Oakledge Park, Sterling to Button Bay State Park
06/15 - Swift to Sandbar State Park
06/15 - 8th Grade Graduation
06/16 - Last Day of School, K-7 (Half-Day)
Lunch Menu
Williston Schools Job Opportunities
Congratulations to CVSD Psychological Services
CVSD has been recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists for being a Promising Program!
All About ABS...
Mark your calendars for the Spring Scholastic Book Fair
Families As Partners (FAP) is bringing back a student favorite: The Spring Scholastic Book Fair!
Tuesday, May 30th - Friday, June 2nd
This is the second Book Fair of the school year for the Williston Schools. It will be held at Allen Brook School from 5/30-6/2. All students at ABS (Prek-2nd grade) will have a chance to shop the Book Fair with their classes.
The Spring Book Fair theme is 'Be A BOLDER, PROUDER and STRONGER Reader'! We have lots of fun planned! This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on books to combat the dreaded 'Summer Slide'! Kids read more when they pick books that interest them!
Does your kiddo attend WCS? No problem! We are holding a special 'WCS Night' on 6/1 from 5-8 pm. WCS families are invited to join us at ABS for snacks, treats, games and prizes just for coming!
We are looking for parent volunteers to help with set-up, to assist kids with book purchases during the Book Fair, and to clean-up. Please sign-up at https://signup.com/go/faRgpqE if you are interested in helping.
See you there!
***FAP is committed to making Book Fairs equitable and accessible to all of our students. Having a Fall Book Fair at WCS and Spring Book Fair at ABS saves precious classroom time by eliminating the need to bus students back and forth.
Thank You Families as Partners - Field Day Games!
Thanks to some funds from Families as Partners, combined with the ABS Beewear fundraiser, Allen Brook School students will participate in field day activities during a recess in June. Items such as bubbles, frisbee disc golf, a large parachute, outdoor connect four, juggling items and more will be set up for students to play with as a way to celebrate their hard work in and out of the classroom!!
These items will then be available for classrooms to use throughout the school year!
Thank you again Families as Partners!
ABS Art News
It was wonderful to see so many artists, their families and friends at our Allen Brook Art Show. Thank you for coming and making it a true celebration of our children’s efforts and creative talents! This was a team effort. Special thanks to our spectacular kitchen and maintenance friends who supplied refreshments and helped to make our school sparkle. In addition, Emily Ponce, Jodi Blaine, Celeste Plouffe and Sonya Hoffman stepped in to offer support in a variety of essential ways. Thanks also to our front office crew who are forever helpful and to Part 2 staff for their flexibility. Finally, I am thankful to the Stars of The Show, our children who continue to come up with the most inventive, imaginative and captivating ways of approaching their art and expressing their ideas. There is often a fascinating story woven into their work and if we ask them to tell us about their Art, we’re sure to be led on a journey, sometimes to far-away places.
With Gratitude,
Sara Beeken
What's Up at WCS...
WCS Needlework Club Raffle!!
Would you like a chance to win a knitted lap blanket, and at the same time support a local charity? WCS Needlework Club is holding a raffle!
From Monday, May 22nd through Monday, June 5th, all students, faculty and staff are invited to go to the Direction Center to purchase a raffle ticket, $1 each. All the money collected will go to a local charity of the winner’s choice.
Thank you for your support!
The WCS Needlework Club
WCS Wins Lively Local Award at Jr. Iron Chef, VT Competition
Ollie Charlton, Ed and Memphis Whitcomb and Emma Hamble cooked their way to the podium with their recipe for Vermont Root Vegetable Shepherd's Pie, which included 11 local ingredients from area farms and co-ops.
Four Winds Nature Institute
This year's theme is Cycles in Nature
September - Insect Life Cycles
October - Traveling Seeds
November - Birds on a Wing
January - Winter Ways
February - Trees in Winter
March - Galls Galore
April - Songbird Songs
May - Dandelions
Training Schedule 22-23
Trainings held at the WCS Community Room, 8:30 - 10:30
Contact Four Winds
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer please contact: wsdfourwinds@cvsdvt.org.
Families as Partners
Williston Families as Partners Monthly Meetings
Arrival and Dismissal
Allen Brook School day begins at 7:50 am
Williston Central School day begins at 8:00 am
- To ensure all students are accounted for, everyone arriving after these times will be marked tardy and must stop at the office for a late pass.
Be sure to read the arrival and dismissal procedures for your student(s) school [linked below] if you plan to drop off or pick up your child. We appreciate all you can do to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth transition in and out of school!
Thank you for your continued cooperation during arrival and dismissal.
Attention ABS Families: Help us keep everyone safe by going to the designated areas for pickup and keep the sidewalks near the main entrance clear. This helps ensure adults can account for each and every pick-up that happens.
Wednesday: Early Dismissal!
ABS @1:35 - WCS @1:45
Student May Not Ride Another Bus
Just a reminder that we are not allowing students to ride on buses other than their regular route(s). This ensures all students are safe and accounted for. Seating charts will be used on all buses.
Williston & CVSD Services and Resources
Bus Information
Hill Closings Locations - Buses are not able to travel certain roads during inclement weather and will meet at the intersection
Williston Schools Food Service
Williston Schools Safety Team
Click HERE for meeting highlights and updates
Sign Up to Receive SMS/Text Messages!
Please enroll to receive text messages from the district and our school. If you haven't done this yet or if you are new to CVSD, follow the easy steps on this flyer. We don't overuse this method of communication, but it is helpful for reminders and quick announcements. Don't miss out!
Community Connections
Upcoming Youth Programs
Please Note: Children in 5th grade and up may use the library unattended, while those in grade 4 or younger must be supervised by a person over 16 years of age.
Hello from the Youth Department at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library! Please join us for a program soon! Visit www.damlvt.org or call us at 802-878-4918 for more information.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
Teen Game Night
Tuesday, May 30, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Stop by the library to play games! (May include Jackbox.tv games which requires a phone, tablet, or other device; board games and card games also options!)
After School Meditative Coloring
Wednesday, May 31, 2-3 p.m. Enjoy soothing soundscapes and music while you color at the library.
Food for Thought
Wednesday, May 31, 5-6 p.m. Join our teen advisory group! You bring the thoughts, we bring the food.
Preschool Music & Preschool Playtime
Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing and dance with Linda Bassick! Followed by preschool playtime from 11-11:30 a.m.
Saturday Storytime
Saturday, June 3, 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy storytime on the Town Green with Cindy! (In case of rain, Storytime will be held in the Youth Room.)
Williston Recreation & Parks
Track & Field
Age 6-14. Participants will learn the basics of running, jumping, throwing, and relays. There will be meets with other area Rec. Depts. and a VRPA State Meet for Athletes ages 7-14. Great program for those who love to run, jump, and throw. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29844
Enrichment Camps
Be sure to check out the variety of Enrichment Camps being offered this Summer. Use the Camp Grid to see what is offered and when and to pan your Summer of Fun!
Camp Grid- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/forms/6000_form.campgrid_23.1.pdf
Summer School or an Enrichment Camp?
Is your child attending Summer School or do they want to do a morning or afternoon Enrichment Camp? If so, add a half day option of R.E.C. Camp- morning or afternoon and make it a full day of camp for your child. See R.E.C Camp Info below.
ENRICHMENT CAMPS
If doing a morning or afternoon Enrichment Camp- register for the opposite R.E.C. Camp half day option and the Camp Staff will get or bring your child to their next camp, after having lunch together.
SUMMER SCHOOL
If your child is doing Summer School, register them for the half day afternoon option of R.E.C. Camp.
NOTE:
1. Summer School is Mon-Thurs, we will be accepting campers all day Fridays.
2. Summer School ends before the afternoon session of R.E.C. Camp begins- that's OK, register them for the afternoon option, let us know your child is in Summer School, and then have the Summer School Staff bring them down to the WCS Cafeteria, where they will have lunch with the Camp.
3. If an Afternoon Session of R.E.C. Camp is Full, and you need one for your child who is attending Summer School, contact Rec- We can override it and get your child in.
R.E.C. Camp- Recreation Experiences for Children
Is a wonderful twist on the traditional day camp. Packed with recreation, sports, and arts & crafts, there is never a dull moment. This child centered day camp is the perfect blend of choice activities, group games, free play and the ever-popular field trip and swim day. Campers have the opportunity to meet new friends, learn new things and have fun. Each day campers participate in choice activities, group games, and indoor and outdoor play. After a morning on the go, there is lunch and quiet time to rejuvenate and be ready for an afternoon of fun activities. Campers get to choose their choice activities that come from the counselors in camp. There are a variety of activities to choose from each Summer. Thursdays, each session, are Field Trip and Swim Day. There is a field trip in the morning and swimming\water games in the afternoon- swimming at beaches or pools or water games at camp.
CAMP INFO:
Location:
Camp is held at Williston Central School
Camp Options:
Full Days- 7:30a-5:30p
Half Days- Mornings- 7:30a-12:30p
Afternoons- 12:30-5:30p
Camp Sessions:
A session is Monday-Friday, full or half days. A session cannot be spilt up by days or the full and half day options.
There are 8-1 week Full Day Sessions available from June 26- August 18
There are 7-1 week, Morning or Afternoon Sessions offered from June 26-August 11
(Your child may attend any days of a session that you want, but the registration is taking a session spot, so full fee must be paid and will not be prorated)
Session Fees:
Full Days- $190 Res/$205 Non
Half Days- $100 Res/$115 Non
NOTE: No Camp July 3rd & 4th
July 5-7- Full Days- $115 Res/$130 Non
Half Days- $60 Res/$75 Non
Registration:
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30249
Final Camp Balance is due June 9, 2023
L.I.T. Camp- Leaders In Training
The L.I.T. camp is designed to build leaders both at camp and within the Williston community. A small number of teens can register each session for this special position at camp where they learn from experienced staff to develop the skills necessary to work with their peers and younger children. L.I.T.s will also receive training in the following areas: camper safety, positive role-modeling, team building and problem-solving. L.I.T.s may also complete projects that improve R.E.C. Camp. L.I.T.s are integrated into the camp program and receive hands-on experience working alongside counselors. L.I.T.s are not permanently assigned to Pods nor will they be without a counselor during any activity time. L.I.T.s will have an augmented camp day that includes trainings as well as portions of the day where they will be interacting directly with campers.
Expectations of L.I.T. Campers:
L.I.T’s must abide by all rules and policies of the Williston Recreation Dept. and Williston R.E.C Camp.
Arrive at Camp promptly each day and sign in with the LIT Counselor.
Provide positive role-modeling for campers.
Assist R.E.C. staff in providing a safe and healthy environment for campers.
Assist R.E.C. staff with running pod time and choice time activities while keeping the camp experience fun.
Take proper care of R.E.C. Camp property and equipment.
To be enthusiastic and engaged within their group.
Have timely communication with the LIT Counselor regarding the need for late arrival or early pick-up, issues or concerns.
CAMP INFO:
Location:
Camp is held at Williston Central School
Camp Options:
7-one week sessions are offered from 8:30am-4:30pm- June 26- August 11
Early and Late Options can be added to extend the camp day
Early Option- 7:30-8:30am
Late Option- 4:30-5:30pm
Session Fee:
$190 Res/$205 Non
Note: No Camp July 3rd & 4th- $115 Res/$130 Non
Registration:
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30250
Final Camp Balance is due June 9, 2023
O.U.R. Camps- Outdoor Ultimate Recreation Camps
Are one week adventures for youth entering grades 6th-8th in the Fall. O.U.R. Camps are for the teen who is looking to be active this summer. There are 7 weeks of themed camps offered. Each one will have a variety of trips to keep teens moving. This camp is On-The-Go and for the teen who likes to be active in the outdoors. Sign up your child for one week or more!
CAMP INFO:
Location:
Camp is held at Williston Central School and Beyond!
Camp Options:
7-one week camps are offered from 8:30am-4:30pm- June 26- August 11
Early and Late Options can be added to extend the camp day
Early Option- 8:00-8:30am
Late Option- 4:30-5:00pm
Camp Fees:
Full weeks- Monday-Friday- $260 Res./$275 Non
July 5-7 Wednesday-Friday- $160 Res/$175 Non (no camp July 3 & 4)
Registration:
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30251
Final Camp Balance is due June 9, 2023
CAMPS:
Wk. 1- Summit Scramble - June 26-30
Do you like to conquer great heights? If so, register now for this camp and enjoy a week of hikes. Hikes will progress throughout the week. See VT from new heights!
Wk. 2- 3-Day Adventure - July 5-7 (no camp July 3 & 4)
This is a short week, but a thrilling one. Campers will discover and explore 3 days of different adventures. What will these be? It is up to the group of campers that are registered this week. they will work with the Camp Director to set up adventures that interest them.
Wk. 3- Park Around - July 10-14
Come discover what the State Parks of VT have to offer- Swimming, canoeing, kayaking and much more. Each day will be a new state park to explore!
Wk. 4- Beach Bum Bonanza - July 17-21
Let's hang out at different beaches this week and enjoy the water. Each day will be discovering a new beach that we can swim and play at.
Wk. 5- Psyched About Cycling - July 24-28
Biking is the topic that we will explore this week. Short and long rides will be taken and possibly get in some Mt. biking.
Wk. 6- Wet n' Wild - July 31- Aug 4
The week is full of getting wet in wild places, like pools, splash pads, Amusement Park and other great places we can discover.
Wk. 7- Discover VT - Aug 7-11
The last week of OUR Camps will be exploring what VT has to offer from the tourist side. Come discover what great and different things VT has to offer.
(The camp descriptions above are brief, what and where actual things will be happening are determined by the counselors and campers of each week. Planning out the week and planning for different happenings is part of the camp experience)
Learn More Online...
Sports & Camps
UVM Chemistry Camp 2023 - Saturday 6/03
Dear Parents/Guardians/Teachers,
The graduate students at the Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont are offering a half-day long Chemistry Camp for elementary school students on June 3rd 2023, Saturday. Please see attached flyer for additional details on the camp.
For Registration, please fill out the registration form here (https://www.uvmfoundation.org/s/1690/19/interior.aspx?sid=1690&gid=2&pgid=3033) and send it to us by mail before May 13th 2023. Space is limited to 75 children so hurry and send in your form! Registration includes a t-shirt with Chem Camp logo, a lab note book, lunch, snacks and hand-out for students.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing your children at ChemCamp 2023.
Do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns at chemcamp@uvm.edu.
Best,
Chem Camp Committee
Department of Chemistry
82 University Place
Burlington, VT 05405
Telephone: (802) 656-0198
Summer of Science 2023 Workshops
June 1 - Apply to be a Teen Leader for the 2023 Youth Environmental Summit
Help us plan our annual summit which brings together middle and high-school students from across Vermont! We are seeking students entering grades 9-12 who can spend some time over the summer helping to plan this event and then take a leadership role at the event. Apply by June 1st. Click here
June 1 - Apply to be a 4-H Science Ambassador for the 2023-2024 school year
We are seeking students entering grades 9-12 who love science and want to take a leadership role in creating science programming for other youth next school year. Ambassadors will plan and implement 8-9 teen science cafes during the school year, and they will also create 1-2 science fun days to get younger youth excited about science. Review the Position Description and click here to apply by June 1st.
June 14 - Register to Attend the Natural Resources Management Academy
Are you interested in the environment and ready to explore, in depth, your passion for Vermont’s natural resources? If you answered yes to this question, then you should attend the Natural Resources Management Academy (NRMA). Come ready to explore natural resources management and share a weekend with other youth from around Vermont who have the same interests. Click here to learn more and register.
June 15 - Apply to Host a Workshop at the 2023 Youth Environmental Summit - Share What Your Are Doing!
The Youth Environmental Summit (YES) is an annual event for students in grades 6‐12 who want to learn about
environmental issues and find ways to take action. We are looking for workshops on a variety of topics and ideas! Click here to learn more and apply.
And join us for our Summer of Science! There are lots of amazing workshops that you can take.
Workshops are FREE but registration is required. Click here to register
Most workshops are open to youth entering grades 7-12 in the Fall but there are a few exceptions as noted.
June 23: Learn About Lake Champlain on a Floating Classroom
June 27: Flow Cytometry
June 28: Plant and Fungi Ecology and Evolution
July 6: Build a Rocket (Part 1 of 2) entering grades 9-12
July 10: Biomimicry
July 12: Learn About Forest Ecology
July 14-16: Natural Resources Management Academy entering grades 7-10 ** Note: NRMA has its own registration - click here
July 17: Special Conference/Youth Day: Stem Cells, Cell Therapy and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Disease entering grades 8-12 ** Note: there is a separate registration to attend this Youth Day - click here
July 18: Learn About Brain Connections with Neuronify
July 21: Microbe Detectives
July 24-28: Science Exploration Camp entering grades 6-8
July 27: Build a Rocket (Part 2 of 2) entering grades 9-12
July 31- August 4: Morning Cup of Code entering grades 5-12
August 4: Brain Lab
August 6: Nature Awareness and Ecological Restoration
Go to the 4-H Announcement Page to see all of the upcoming opportunities.
Information in 1-Click
Family Resources
Resources to keep accessible:
- First Call - 488-7777: phone support, crisis intervention, assessment and referrals
- In Crisis: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) (National Hopeline Network: USA)
- National Suicide Prevention Life line- 1-800-273-TALK (8255), call or chat online
- Crisis Text Line - text HOME to 741741 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
- Outright Vermont - support for LGBTQ+ community
- UVM Breathe In Breath Out - How to deal with stress due to COVID-19
- Vermont 211 -Vermont database of resources and services
- Vermont Support Line (833) 888-2557) - peer support warmline open 247 - 365 for call or text
- COVID Counselors @ VT-211
- Teen Crisis Text Line - Crisis Text Line provides free emotional support and information to teens in any type of crisis, including feeling suicidal. You can text with a trained specialist 24 hours a day. Text “HOME” to 741741.
- Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide - Website where you can find information to help yourself or a friend who may be having thoughts of suicide.
- Trevor Lifeline - 1-866- 488-7386 - provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. It offers free, 24/7, confidential counseling. TrevorText—text START to 678-678; TrevorChat—instant messaging at TheTrevorProject.org/help. It also runs TrevorSpace, an affirming social networking site for LGBTQ youth at TrevorSpace.