THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools /October 30, 2019
A Message From The Administration
Culture Is Something We Do
by Greg Marino
One professional habit practiced by our Williston Leadership Team is to collaborate in our professional learning by reading and discussing a book together. The Leadership team consists of our two principals, Angela Filion and Jackie Parks, our Director of Student Services, Sarah Crum, and me. Though I have to admit never being much of a “book group” guy, I have found this practice of reading a book together to be highly engaging and productive, and ultimately, good for our schools.
Our book choice this fall is The Culture Code, The Secrets of Highly Effective Groups, by Dan Coyle. Mr. Coyle has authored a number of other books, including another one of my favorites, The Talent Code. As the sub-title of the book suggests, The Culture Code is all about identifying what it is that makes some cultures exceptional. By exceptional, he is referring to organizations in which the accomplishments and successes of the group far exceed just the sum of its parts. He asserts that an effective team is far more than a collection of highly skilled individuals, but rather a group committed to certain habits that create a special synergy.
Throughout the book, Mr. Coyle emphasizes the fact that effective culture can not be attributed to coincidental “chemistry” or happenstance. There are specific characteristics and behaviors that these exceptionally effective cultures have in common. More importantly, these characteristics and behaviors can be identified, learned, and adapted to improve the effectiveness of any group working towards a common goal. The book jacket summarizes it well in saying, “Culture is not something you are, it is something that you do” In fact, this quote is the latest to hang on my office wall as a reminder that it is, in fact, all the little things each of us do each day that go into creating the culture that we live and work in each day. We have to be cautious of leaning back on the idea that our culture just “is” and can be taken for granted. That’s when we we risk losing what we cherish so much.
In the chapter we’re reading right now, the author provides an example of Roshi Givechi, a woman at an international design firm. Though the woman is technically a designer for the company, they have learned to use her valuable skills to help teams maximize their effectiveness. They use the phrase, “roving catalyst” to describe what she does.
Here’s Givechi describing her own work,
“I like the word connect. For me, every conversation is the same, because it’s about helping people walk away with a greater sense of awareness, excitement, and motivation to make an impact.
For me, it’s not about decisiveness - it’s about discovery. For me, that has to do with asking the right questions, the right way.”
It’s not difficult to get at the implications in this quote for both school leaders, teachers, and students.
This is just one example of a productive discussion point taken from this text. I hope to use future installments to highlight some other provocative and useful points in the book. In the meantime, as I go about my work as lead principal this week I am on a mission of discovery, seeking to understand more than to be understood.
Fall Craft Show Volunteers Needed!
SPARK Enrichment After School ~ Session 2
The 2nd session of Spark Enrichment, an after-school applied learning program for students in grades 5-8, takes place from November 7 - December 12. These small group classes will be facilitated by school faculty and staff. Please access the link to the sign-up form below by November 4th. You will be able to rank your choices for better placement!!
ABS Collecting for Operation Gratitude
Inspired by Synergy's Veterans wall, ABS is hosting a candy drive for Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude sends Care Packages filled with entertainment, hygiene, and handmade items, non-perishable snacks, and personal letters of appreciation to U.S. Troops, First Responders, Veterans, Military Families, and Wounded Heroes & their Care Givers. Every Care Package reflects countless Americans expressing gratitude.
ABS will collect October 30th through November 5th.
Donations include: individually wrapped Halloween candy (NO pixie sticks or bags of loose candy-ex. candy corn), and letters/hand drawn pictures from our students and families. Stationary will be available by the drop off box- please place finished letters into the envelope provided.
We are also accepting money donations to help with the shipping costs (any money left over will be donated to the organization.)
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Ali Hearn at apollack282@gmail.com or Rebecca Ashford at rashford@cvsdvt.org.Spring Musical
This year’s annual Spring Musical will be FROZEN, the Disney spectacular with a huge cast on epic sets.
Come join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven, Hans, Kristoff and a cast of dozens. The Parent/Student meeting is December 9th at 6:00 in the WCS Theater, and the musical will be April 3 and 4, 2020.
Also this year we are inviting 5th grade students to audition along with 6th, 7th and 8th. Lots of good roles for everyone- and of course tons of set positions.
See you at the Parent/Student Kick off December 9th!
Poetry Slam at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
Wednesday, November 20, 5:30 pm
Join us for some friendly, creative competition at our student poetry slam! Students in grades K-12 are invited to enter and read up to two original poems per themed category: nature (including animals), short epic (adventure poems), personal (experience or story), and poet’s choice (miscellaneous). Competition will be judged by a panel of local writers with prize winners of different age groups chosen in each category. All poems must be original and each poem may not exceed 3 minutes in length. Free event. Official entry of poems at event. Please pre-register by calling the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library (802-878-4918).
Event is at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, November 20.
Beginner Band Starts in November
Important dates:
Friday, 10/25- students attended the beginner band instrument demonstration.
Friday, 11/1- deadline for signing up for beginner band (on music web page)
Tuesday, 11/12, 6:30 pm- Ellis Music sponsored instrument pick up night. (WCS auditorium)
The beginner band program is available to all interested students in grades 4 and up. All beginners will attend a weekly small group lesson during their school day and have an opportunity to perform in a June concert.
How to sign up:
The Beginner Band sign up form is available on the WCS music website. Please be sure to sign up by 11/1 in order to ensure your child is enrolled in a class.
Fundraiser for VT Children's Hospital
Williston Community Food Shelf Turkey Day
Turkeys can be dropped off at 400 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130 (down behind the Williston Coffee Shop). Alternatively, feel free to donate gift cards from local grocery stores, so clients can purchase their own turkeys. Cards can be dropped off, or mailed to the Williston Community Food Shelf at P.O. Box 1605, Williston, VT 05495. Please help us reach our goal of having a turkey for each one of our less fortunate neighbors.
If you have any questions or need more information, contact
Ginger Morton, President
Williston Community Food Shelf
879-4558
The Fall Book Fair theme is Arctic Adventure! Our fall book fair will be the perfect opportunity to stock up on books for the holidays! Among all of the amazing new releases and favorites, we will have the newly released Diary of a Whimpy Kid Book and will be taking preorders for the new Dog Man book being released in December.
We are looking for parent volunteers to help with set up, during the book fair and clean up. Please sign up at https://signup.com/go/sONzERG if you are interested in helping. Thank you for your support, all profits from the Book Fair go to benefit all of our Williston students at both schools. Hope to see you there!
WHY HEAD LICE HAUNT AT HALLOWEEN
Why do head lice outbreaks occur during Halloween time?
- Kids compare costumes and try on each other’s costumes for fun.
- Children wearing masks can’t resist passing it around to their friends for everyone to have a turn.
- Wigs and hats that are part of spooky ensembles are likely to be shared as they can also be fun to try on and wear together.
- Anytime that children are spending time together, those involved are more susceptible to catching head lice.
See below sites for more information on Halloween Lice:
https://abc7.com/health/lice-warning-be-careful-trying-on-halloween-costumes/2559058/https://www.liceclinicsoftexas.com/halloween-scares-mean-more-head-lice/
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.
Budget Meetings: Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 17, Jan. 7, Jan. 21, at 6 pm in the CVU HS rm. 160.
Outdoor Clothing Donations for Kindergarten
Wondering what to do with outdoor gear your child has outgrown?
Kindergarten is in need of gently used gear for our Forest Classroom Time:
rain slickers- sizes 5,6,7
rain boots- sizes 12,13, 1, 2, 3
snow pants- sizes 4,5,6,7
winter boots-sizes 11,12,13, 1, 2, 3
warm waterproof mittens/gloves: kindergarten sizes
Please leave in donation box in front hallway.
Big Thanks from the Kindergarten teams!
Williston Job Openings
Intensive Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Full Time Custodial Position (2nd Shift)
Williston Schools has a full time 2nd shift (2:30 pm to 11:00 pm) custodial opening. Great benefits including paid holidays, health insurance options, sick and vacation time.
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
Part 2 is offering enrichment classes this fall and there are offerings at ABS and WCS this September.
The link to sign up is on our website, http://www.parttwokids.com/.
Four Winds Volunteers
How can I get involved?
Sign up to be a Four Winds Volunteer!
October topic is Leaves: Nature's Suncatchers
Monthly Fitness Fun
October Calendar
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.
FAP CRAFT SHOW Nov. 2
Volunteers are needed for set-up on Friday evening November 1st and during the Fall Craft Show on Saturday November 2nd. Find more information and shifts on the sign-up link: https://signup.com/go/kYomFsu or contact Karen and Paula at wsdcraftshow@cvsdvt.org.
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
Sat. Nov 2 / Craft Fair / WCS / 9 am - 4 pm
Sat. Nov. 2 / Band Auditions for Country Music Festival / 9 am - noon
Tues. Nov. 12 / Beginner Band Instrument Pick up / WCS Auditorium / 7-8:30 pm
Wed. Nov. 13 / Four Winds Training / WCS Community Rm / 8:30-10:30 am
Wed. Nov. 13 / CY Mentoring Kick off Dinner / 6-8 pm
Thurs. Nov. 14 / FAPAC /WCS Community Rm / 8:15-10 am
Nov. 18-21 / Fall WCS Book Fair
Fri. Nov. 22 / Harmony Breakfast / 7:45-8:30 am
Nov. 25 - 29 / NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
More Links, More information
DAML Programs
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