THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools / January 31, 2018
A Message from the Administration
Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning
by Carter Smith
Williston Schools and Champlain Valley School District understand that social, emotional and academic are all important components in educating the next generation.
On January 28, 2018 the Aspen Institute, a nonpartisan forum for values-based leadership and the exchange of ideas, released an interim report on this topic. The opening statement reads as follows:
“Today’s youth must navigate a complex, economically competitive, and globally connected world. Yet the nation’s predominant approach to K-12 education fails to fully prepare students for this future. From the schoolhouse to the state house, we have emphasized the academic skills our students need. But overwhelming evidence demands that we complement the focus on academics with the development of the social and emotional skills and competencies that are equally essential for students to thrive in school, career, and life.”
There is evidence all around us that our schools subscribe to the importance of Social Emotional Learning - Williston Central and Allen Brook School counselors are very involved in working with students individually and in groups to become better people, as well as better students. Our principals and school counselors lead evening parent workshops to connect our work at home and school to help us all raise healthy students. Many schools in the School District are learning about the impact of developmental trauma and social emotional disruption on our students’ learning and behavior.
Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is used effectively at both ABS and WCS and many of our School District schools have been recognized by the Vermont Agency of Education. Our school psychologists do much more than formally evaluate children. They help teachers and parents identify and address the behavior and emotional needs of our students. Our social workers address social and emotional needs of children and families.
Our teachers understand that the Social Emotional aspect of school is important, although some of us instructional leaders may overly emphasize getting through the curriculum and academic test scores.
Last year the Aspen Institute and the National Commission on Social, Emotional and Academic Development released a statement where 28 leading scientists reached consensus about how people learn. When was the last time you heard of 28 professionals reaching consensus? The research brief, “The Evidence Base for How We Learn,” concludes that learning cannot be separated from the social and emotional dimensions of human development. Indeed, these domains are “deeply intertwined in the brain” and are central to how people learn.
“We know from the science of learning that students need to learn how to focus their attention, manage emotions, show resilience in the face of challenges, and use feedback productively to improve their work,” says Linda Darling-Hammond, a co-chair of the Commission and president of the Learning Policy Institute. “These are all social and emotional competencies schools can teach to produce stronger academic results and support success in the world of work and in life.”
The National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development report elaborates on the following findings:
Learning is social and emotional.
Supporting students’ social and emotional development encompasses a range of instructional approaches that must be implemented intentionally.
The interconnectedness of social, emotional, and academic development must be reflected in all aspects of schooling.
Effective social and emotional development creates learning environments that support each student’s individual needs.
Educators’ social and emotional knowledge and skills are crucial to this work.
Local communities need to shape and drive the process of comprehensively supporting students.
We have much work to do. At the School District level, under the leadership of Jeff Evans, Director of Learning & Innovation, the instructional leaders are collaborating on a report to the Agency of Education called a CIP - Continuous Improvement Plan. Social Emotional Learning is an area that we are committed to continuously improve. We need everyone to pull together on this- our local communities and our schools.
This report helps confirm that successful schools, those that emphasize social and emotional learning in their work, help students become successful, regardless of their background and their individual needs.
Preteens/Teens Mental Health Presentation Postponed
The previously scheduled (Tues. Jan. 30), speaker series "Preteens/Teens Mental Health Presentation" has been postponed until further notice. As soon as we secure a new date and time we will let everyone know.
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!)
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
Flu Activity in School
We wanted to reach out to let you know that we are starting to see flu activity here at Williston Schools, consistent with what is being reported across our state and the country. While the number of confirmed influenza cases in our buildings is still relatively low, we wanted to share this important information to help keep your child and our community healthy.
In an effort to reduce the spread of illness, we ask that you keep your sick child home until they are healthy (fever-free x 24 hours without medicine), reinforce the importance of covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue, and encourage your child to wash hands often and well. At school, we are reinforcing good hand and cough hygiene and cleaning in work spaces.
Please let the Health Office know if your child is sick with flu-like illness or if he or she has been diagnosed with influenza. If you have any questions, we encourage you to call your child's pediatrician or refer to the resources we've shared below.
Be well, Maria, Carol and Sylvia
How do I know...Is it a cold or the flu?
CDC:
Kindergarten Registration
Allen Brook School is beginning preparations for the Fall Kindergarten enrollment. Children of Williston and St. George residents who will be five (5) years old by September 1 are eligible.
A pre-registration form is available for families to enter their address, contact information, and child's date of birth. Families will then receive instructions to select a day and time to bring their child in to school for registration. Registration dates are scheduled for March 26, 27, and 28.
Contact June (871-6200 / jsimmons@cvsdvt.org) or Cindy (871-6203 / cpavlik@cvsdvt.org) with questions.
8th Grade Student & Parent Night
Champlain Valley Union High School Invites 8th Grade Parents and Students of the Class of 2022 to
8th Grade Student & Parent Night
Thursday, February 8
CVU Gym, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
This evening will provide you and your son/daughter an introduction to the academic and elective programs they will experience in the 9th grade.
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.
Baskets Needed!
Were you one of the lucky winners of a basket at last year’s Big Basket Raffle fundraiser? Did you receive a gift basket filled with goodies over the Holidays? Do you have empty baskets in your home that need a new purpose? The Big Basket Raffle Planning Committee needs empty baskets to fill and decorate for the Big Basket Raffle fundraiser, which is on Saturday, April 14th. Please drop empty baskets off in either the ABS or WCS Main Office soon. Thanks so much.
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
ABS Front Office Receptionist / Guidance Secretary Opening
We are seeking an organized, flexible person with excellent interpersonal skills who will create a welcoming, friendly, and efficient environment in the front office at Allen Brook School in Williston. The receptionist answers telephone calls, monitors and responds to the bus radio, and monitors the main entry to the school. The person in this position is also responsible for managing and organizing facility usage requests. They maintain student records, complete data entry, record attendance, and assist the school counselor with student registration and placement.
Position starts late spring.
Please apply on School Spring. Questions can be directed to Cindy Pavlik at cpavlik@cvsdvt.org.
CUSTODIAN Position Open
Williston Schools has an immediate opening for a full time second shift custodian.
Seeking an individual who demonstrates attention to detail, a positive attitude, works well with children and adults, is reliable and responsible. Need to be able to work independently and as part of team. Handyman skills appreciated. Contact Lyall Smith at 871-6013, lysmith@cvsdvt.org or apply on SchoolSpring Job ID: 2885828.
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
Boxtops for Education Help Needed
Have some extra time? Looking for help with Boxtops for Education cutting and counting. Please contact Sally Dattilio sdattilio@cvsdvt.org
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
Postponed: Children's Mental Health Presentation /
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.
Thurs. Feb. 8 / 8th Gr. Student/Parent Night / 6:30 pm / CVUHS
Fri. Feb. 9 / Marko Show / 6:30-9 pm / WCS Auditorium
Tues. Feb. 13 / Ski & Ride at Cochrans / 2-5 pm
Wed. Feb. 14 / Four Winds Training / 8:30-10:30 am / ABS Cafeteria
Tues.Feb. 20 / Ski & Ride at Cochrans / 2-5 pm
Winter Break - Feb. 26 - March 2 - No School
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
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