THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools / January 28, 2022
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Angela Filion
I share with you this poem that was sent to me by our very own David Bolger, who said when reading it he knew that it would "speak to me." As I read this poem I was instantly moved by the essence of what the poem was saying, but was even more moved at the fact that he took the time and space to share it with me in mind. It is these types of small gestures and interactions that remind me the power of seeing and connecting with others in ways that are authentic and genuine!
The poem reminds us all of the importance of accepting simplicity and embracing small achievements along the journey of wonder and intrigue. It gives me a sense of relief to be reminded that it is ok to live ordinarily rather than trying to strive for the extraordinary. I hear sprinklings and narratives that because of this pandemic our children "are behind" or "not thriving." Yet each day when I lean into the wonderment and inquisitive learning that takes place at ABS; I see extraordinary moments of pride, discovery, problem solving, and growth! Of course we all want to see our children be successful but for each child success means something different. Might we challenge ourselves to not ask questions like, why isn't he/she at grade level but rather what strengths, challenges, and successes has he/she discovered along the path of understanding? Just reframing these types of questions allows for us to look at things from a strengths based lens. It reminds us to take into account that we are trying to create pathways for students to reach their potential in a variety of ways. The timeline and journey may be unique and different to the individual...and that is ok!
ABS Dismissal Update
Important Ski & Ride Information
Winter Walk to School Day - February 2
Our school is participating in Winter Walk to School day on Tuesday, February 2nd! We are excited to walk to school together, see our community in a new light AND have some fun outside in the winter! Giving children opportunities for physical activity before school gets their bodies and minds ready to learn.
Plan for the day:
Walk with Mr. Marino - From Southridge Neighborhood
Meet at the corner of Metcalf Drive and Harte Circle at 7:30 am.
Walk with Ms. Dattilio - From Korner Kwik Stop/Federated Church
Meet in the Federated Church parking lot at the head of the rec path, behind the Korner Quick at 7:40 am.
Walk to ABS - from Coyote Run/Southridge (tentative location, check Facebook for changes)
Meet near the corner of Metcalf Drive and Coyote Lane at the rec path, walk to start at 7:30am
Please be sure to dress your child warmly. Your child should be prepared to walk with us. Here are some tips to make our winter walk as successful and fun as possible!
❄ Wear a warm hat and mittens (wool is always nice, but any warm hat and mittens are fine)
❄ On really cold days, you can stay warm by wearing a scarf or balaclava over their face and mouth
❄ Wear warm, waterproof boots
❄ Wear a warm, windproof coat
❄ Bright and light colors are best to wear in the winter. Something reflective is even better!
❄ Bring an extra pair of socks and mittens, in case your child gets wet.
We’d love to have you join us! Students are welcome to walk without a parent/guardian, but we would love to have you join in if you want to.
Contact Bonnie Hooper at bonnie@localmotion.org with questions.
CVSD's COVID Recovery Plan
COVID VACCINATION CLINICS at CVSD
We are taking proactive steps to ensure that our schools can stay open. One of those is scheduling additional vaccine clinics at our schools. Please consider getting your child vaccinated or a booster, if eligible.
- February 16 - WCS, Williston
- February 2 - CVU
- February 9 - SCS, Shelburne
Visit the Department of Health website for registration: Dept of Health’s website.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY VACCINE VISITS: Confident Care for Kids
Vermont Family Network has worked with VT Dept of Health, AAP, CDCI, DDC and UVM Children’s Hospital to create a training for pediatric offices to create sensory friendly vaccine visits, the program is called Confident Care for Kids. Information for parents can be found at this website - https://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org/ccfk/.
Now Hiring - Second Shift Custodians
CVSD Budget and Bond Information
The CVSD Board of Directors approved the proposed budget at this week's School Board meeting. We will be sharing updates and information with our communities about the proposed budget and bond in upcoming newsletters, on our social media sites (Facebook and Twitter), and on Front Porch Forum in the coming weeks. You are always welcome and invited to view the information on the budget page of our website. https://www.cvsdvt.org/budget We have also reformatted our Annual Report. It can be found in a number of places on the website, including on the budget page. We will continue to add more elements to the Annual Report and hope that you will review the variety of information provided there about CVSD.
Town Meeting Day is on March 1, 2022. Residents may request a ballot earlier by calling your Town Clerk or by going to https://mvp.vermont.gov.
ACCESS CVU - New Classes, New Semester, Always FUN!
Looking to do something fun and educational this winter and spring? Connect with like-minded community members and learn a new skill, or explore a topic of interest at Access CVU! With over 180 classes, this Winter/Spring 2022 semester offers something for everyone and anywhere! In-person and virtual class options are available.
View the full Winter/Spring 2022 Catalog on our website https://cvsdvt.ce.eleyo.com/ and register online or call us at 482-7194.
We will be adding NEW classes each month, so keep checking our website, and sign up for our weekly newsletter HERE.
Does your family have used books you'd like to donate to Allen Brook School?
We now have a Little Free Library shelf where kids can donate and choose books to add to their home collections. We'd like to give a special shout-out to the students from the Empower Youth Leaders Project for purchasing this beautiful bookcase for us!
CVSD School-Based Early Education Programs Preschool Lottery is coming soon!
The CVSD School-based Early Education Programs are now accepting applications for a random preschool lottery drawing for the 2022-23 school year. Our part-time, partial days, preschool classrooms are 5 STARs, licensed early education programs that provide play-based, developmentally appropriate environments for all children in an inclusive setting. 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 closely follow the CVSD school calendar. Students who will be age 3 or older by September 1, 2022, but not yet 5 years old, are eligible to enter the lottery for our programs.
All applications must be received by February 5, 2021. You can download an application here: Early Education Lottery Application. More information is available on our CVSD Early Education Website also. Students will be selected via a lottery and families notified in early March.
Internet Connectivity for Families
CVSD has been awarded a federal grant that provides assistance for Internet connectivity for families that qualify for the free and reduced-price meals program.
The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is designed to help students who currently lack Internet access that they may need to connect to classrooms. It is funded through June 2022.
If you have any questions about the program, please send a note to CVSDECFProgram@cvsdvt.org . If you have questions about your student’s eligibility for the Free and Reduced Meal program, email Stephanie Hulburt at shurlburt@cvsdvt.org
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR QUARANTINING STUDENTS
Williston Schools offers learning opportunities for students who are quarantining without their class and teacher. Learning menus are provided for each grade level. These menus will not directly connect to the lessons happening at school, but they will allow students to access productive and engaging grade appropriate learning opportunities. This slide deck contains more information: Learning Opportunities for Quarantining Kids
Knitting for a Cause Raffle
WCS is holding a raffle! Students who participated in the Knitting for a Cause Spark Workshop created a beautiful, colorful blanket -- on display in the front hallway glass case. Any WCS student, faculty or staff member can join the raffle and not only win the blanket, but also choose the cause to which any money raised will be donated.
Tickets are $1 and are available in the Front Office, with Ms. Benoit. The raffle ends Friday, Feb. 11, so don’t delay!!
Help Desk Portal for Technical Issues
ABS Safe Drop Off & Pick Up
It is very important to stay in your vehicles during arrival and dismissal.
We appreciate all you can do to ensure a safe and smooth transition in and out of school!
Please refer to this map for the correct location to drop off/pick up your student:
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)
- 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (National Suicide Prevention Lifelife: USA)
- 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
A Note from Four Winds
Happy New Year Everyone!
We hope you are all staying warm and enjoying the beautiful snow!
Have you noticed squirrels playing in your yard or stealing seeds from your bird feeders? Did you know there are actually 3 types of squirrels that live nearby? Each one has a unique appearance, shelter type, food preference and strategy for storing food for the winter.
Check out this interactive Four Winds Presentation on Squirrel Tales to learn more! You will find pictures, videos, games, songs, poems, read alouds, fun facts, activities, a puppet show and suggestions for outdoor explorations! It is a really fun scientific learning opportunity for all ages.
Stay healthy, warm and be curious!
Your Four Winds Co-coordinators
Amanda & Deb
Four Winds
Nature's News Newsletters
December - No Newsletter
Slides Presentations (ch)
Lesson 1: Leaf-Eaters
Lesson 2: Life in the Dirt
Lesson 3: Snags and Rotting Logs
Lesson 4: Squirrel Tales
Williston Four Winds Program
Contact Us: wsdfourwinds@cvsdvt.org
FAP Information
We are looking for volunteers in all areas, our council, house representatives, and event volunteers! Please fill out this form if interested in helping!
https://forms.gle/AvVx1EHUGWWAikWn9
Upcoming Events
Feb 2 - Ski & Ride grades K-8
Feb 4 - 100th Day of School
Feb 9 - Ski & Ride grades K-8
Feb 11 - Report Cards go home
Feb 16 - Ski & Ride grades K-8
Feb 21-25 - No School Winter Break
Feb28 - Back to School
Mar 2 - Ski & Ride grades K-8
CVSD School Board
CVSD's COVID Recovery Plan
Learn more about CVSD's Strategic Response Plan and provide feedback at this link.
DAML Programs
Click here to access the DAML web site listing of events.
Click here for Youth Programming and upcoming events
Recreation & Parks Offerings
Community Events
More Links, More information
Williston Schools
Email: wsschoolbell@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