THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools / January 17, 2018
A Message from the Administration
The Power of Partners, FAP Annual Fund
by Greg Marino
Families as Partners. The first time I heard the phrase I must admit having a bit of an odd reaction to the name. I thought to myself, “Why isn’t the “parent group” at Williston called the PTA or PTO, like it is in almost every other school in the country?” Why does Williston need to be different? But after this initial reaction, It became quickly apparent that there could not be a better name for this important group. As many of you likely know, P.T.A. is an abbreviation for Parent Teacher Association. Founded in 1897, the national PTA has done much to advance the education of students across the country with its mission to “...better the lives of every child in education, health, and safety.” Here is a link to the national website. It is worth a look.
There is much in a name though. I can’t help but think that if the national PTA had a chance to go back and rebrand they would would much prefer the Williston version. What I personally love about the FAP moniker is that the name essentially embodies the mission. A genuine partnership between Families and the school. From the perspective of an educator, who would not want to come to work for a school with an organization called Families as Partners. The same is certainly true for families moving to the area who may be shopping for the very best schools for their children. But if it were just a nice name, without caring and dedicated people and actions behind it, we all know the power of “the brand” is lost. The Williston FAP is so much more than a perfect name, it is truly a collaborative and effective partnership that supports all students. A group whose volunteers work tirelessly to support and enrich the educational experience for all 1000+ students PreK - 8. No one could argue with the premise that when there are effective partnerships between teachers, staff, school leaders, students and families, we are substantially elevating the potential for raising happy, healthy, students who are prepared for a happy, healthy, and productive life. Schools can’t do it alone. Families can’t do it alone. The williston FAP embodies those partnerships.
I could not possibly list here all of the many programs, supplies, pieces of equipment, special field trips, guest artists, performers, and guest educators that the FAP has helped make possible for the students of Williston. Of course, this support takes money. I am grateful that the Williston FAP has committed to providing its support to Williston Students, PreK - 8, in an equitable way. I am also very grateful, as Lead Principal as well as a Williston parent, that the FAP is not asking Williston students and families to participate in a multitude of fund-raising activities to provide the funds necessary for the amazing support they provide. The FAP is very intentional about not asking students and families to engage in the selling of products from catalogs, wrapping paper, frozen cookie dough, the list is endless. Not only are these activities an imposition on families’ time, it is often not an equitable approach to raising funds. These activities can also often be ecologically irresponsible.
So instead, the FAP asks families to do their part and chip in to the FAP Annual Fund. The annual fund is an effective low-impact model of raising funds where the responsibility is shared across families. These funds are then equitably distributed to enhance education for all Williston students. Unfortunately, at recent FAP meetings, it has been made known that contributions to the annual fund are lagging behind this year. I wanted to use the Bell article this week to celebrate and express gratitude for all the programming that is made possible as a result of the FAP annual fund. Effective partnerships require that both parties commit to their responsibilities and place trust in the other. Effective teams require all to chip in for the good of the team and its collective goals. With this in mind, I hope you will consider making a contribution to the Annual fund today. Your contribution, regardless of amount, makes a real and tangible difference to the opportunities available to Williston students.
“Dining for a Cause” at Agave
Thursday, January 18, Open to Close
Agave Restaurant, new to Maple Tree Place is generously donating 10% of their total sales on Thursday, January 18th to the Swift House New York City field trip. Please stop in and support our students while having a delicious meal with family and friends. Thank you!!
CVSD Board Meetings
Upcoming meetings:
Tuesday, January 23, 6-7 pm / WCS Dining Room
CVSD Annual Meeting, Feb 22, CVU, Rm 160
CVSD Budget Information Meeting, March 5, 4 pm, CVU Rm 160
Save the Date: FAP Speaker Series: Children's Mental Health
January 30th, 2018 6:00 PM at WCS Dining Room
Presenter: Kristen Vogel, MS, LCMHC, LADC
WCS 3rd/4th Grade Chorus Upcoming Performances
The 3rd/4th grade chorus concerts will be on
Wednesday, February 7th 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 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 Mrs. T-H with any questions or concerns. dtrasciatti@cvsdvt.org
Activity Night at WCS! Same night as School Dance!
Drop your 1st-4th grade children off for a fun evening of Olympic-themed activities at WCS and/or your 5th-8th grade children can enjoy themselves at the school dance! Hosted by Voyager House
When: Friday, Feb. 2nd
Where: Activity Night is in Cafeteria & Old Gym at WCS (Dance is in New Gym)
When: 6:30-8:30pm
What: Olympic-themed games, crafts, digital entertainment, and more!
Entry: $8 in advance, $10 at the door / $15 family in advance, $20 family at the door
Food: Concessions will be available for an extra charge
Drop off and Pick up site: Cafeteria Entrance for Activity Night (Front Door for Dance)
(Drop off between 6:30-6:45pm and pick up promptly at 8:30pm in same location!)
School- Based Early Ed Program Lottery
The CVSD School-based Early Education Programs are now accepting applications for a random peer lottery drawing for the 2018-19 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 follow the CVSD school calendar.
Peers who will be age 3 or older by September 1, 2018, but not yet 5 years old, are eligible to enter the lottery for our programs.
All applications must be received by February 9, 2018. Students will be selected via a lottery.
Penguin Plunge Team
WCS Wildcats Penguin Plunge Team welcomes you….on Saturday, February 3, 2018 WCS Wildcats will take the plunge into icy Lake Champlain. We welcome all parents, students and staff to join us in taking the chilly dip.
In 2017, Cool Schools raised a record $185,189 to support Unified Champion Schools around the state to promote whole school engagement activities, youth leadership, and Unified sports. Last year we crushed our fundraising goal, and this year set a new goal of $20,000. Please consider joining our team or making a donation to our fundraising page. Money raised directly supports our team and WCS Unified Sports.
To learn more or join our team, https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/team/146871
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. 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. Scholarships are available. Please, contact your child’s school health office to inquire about scholarship.
Please return the completed form to the Health Office at WCS or ABS
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.
WCS Yearbooks
Tuesday Early Dismissal
Dismissal at ABS is 1:35 pm.
Dismissal at WCS 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.
Four Winds Nature News
School Lunch Menus
Monthly Fitness Fun
More Links, More information
Upcoming Events
Mon. Jan. 22 / National Geo Bee Finals / 11:30 am -12:30 pm / WCS Dining Rm.
Tues. Jan. 23 / Ski & Ride at Cochrans / 2-5 pm
Tues. Jan. 23 / CVSD Budget Board Mtg. / 6 pm / Williston Central School Dining Rm.
Tues. Jan. 30 / Ski & Ride at Cochrans / 2-5 pm
Tues. Jan. 30 / Children's Mental Health Presentation / 6:30 pm / WCS Auditorium
Fri. Feb. 2 / School Dance, gr. 5-8 / 6:30-8:30 pm / WCS
Fri. Feb. 2 / Activity Night / 6:30-8:30 / WCS
Tues.Feb. 6 / Ski & Ride at Cochrans / 2-5 pm
Wed. Feb. 7 / Intergen Reading Program / 12-1:30 pm / DAML Library
Wed. Feb. 7 / Gr. 3-4 Chorus Concert / 6:30 pm / WCS Auditorium
Thurs. Feb. 8 / FAPAC Mtg. / 8:15-10 am / WCS Dining Rm.
Fri. Feb. 9 / Marko Show / 6:30-9 pm / WCS Auditorium
Click here for athleticsUpcoming Events on the School Web Calendar
DAML Programs
Click here for the Bell listing of DAML events scheduled for children.
Recreation & Parks Offerings
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