Wildcat Buzz
February 9, 2024
Top Buzz -
1. Walk or Roll to School Day - Tuesday 2/13
2. Kindergarten Registration is now Open for students who will be 5 before Sept 1, 2024
3. Stay informed about the proposed 24-25 CVSD Budget
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
02/12 - Jason Chin Author Visit
02/12 - NAEP 8th Grade Testing
02/13 - Walk or Roll to School / Kaleidoscope & Mosaic to Flynn Theatre
02/13 - NAEP 4th Grade Testing / Intergen Book Groups
02/13 - Conversation with the Principals, 6:30-7:30pm @WCS Community Room
02/14 - Four Winds Training @WCS Community Room / Horizon to Catamount
02/26 - February Break Begins - NO SCHOOL 2/26 - 3/1
03/11 - Lucky U starts (Save the Date)
03/14 - Williston Family as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am @WCS Community Room
03/23 - Big Basket Raffle (Save the Date!)A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Jackie Parks, Williston Central School Principal
Families are often mystified by the use of our term “Direction Center” within the WCS building. The Direction Center is a central hub on the ground floor that houses our school counselors, Howard Center Clinician, SAP Counselor and Planning Room Directors. Dee Goulette is the Administrative Assistant for the Direction Center and welcomes people as they enter the space. This hub of student support resources is invaluable to our students and families.
School Counselors:
Our school counselors teach specific guidance classes to students in grades 3-8, work with small groups on specific social emotional learning skills (SEL) and support individual students on a short-term and sometimes longer-term basis. Each school counselor has specific teams that they work with. Your student’s school counselor is the best person to contact for help with peer relationships, school stressors and information related to family/community resources.
Chris Ford: School Counselor for Mosaic House (3-4), Clover House (5-6) and Summit House (7-8)
Danielle Morin: School Counselor for Kaleidoscope House (3-4), Sterling House (5-6) and Harbor House (7-8)
Kim Odachowski: School Counselor for Equinox House (3-4) and Swift House (5-8)
Planning Room Directors:
Our Planning Room Directors work with student behavior in both a proactive and response manner, while attending to the SEL needs. They meet with students to hear various perspectives on situations and contact parents/guardians with information if a major behavior infraction occurs. Bus reports are also processed through the directors. The Planning Room Directors confer with the building principal in situations that involve higher level behavior infractions.
Nadine Paffett-Lugassey: Planning Room Director for grades 3rd-5th.
Sam Callison: Planning Room Director for grades 6th-8th.
Howard Center Clinician:
Our clinician from the Howard Center has an assigned caseload of students and families that they support based on a specific referral process. Our clinician provides in-school support to students in regards to a variety of needs, as well as a home-school-community connection. For more information about these services, please talk with your student’s school counselor.\
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor:
The SAP counselor focuses on drug and alcohol prevention, facilitates a variety of student leadership groups, as well as providing general SEL support to all students. She is available to all students on both a drop-in and scheduled basis.
Lynn Camara: SAP Counselor
Special Announcements & Notices
Make sure you see ALL of the Wildcat Buzz - scroll all the way to the end...
click on the link at the end to see everything in this week's issue
2024-2025 Budget Update
The CVSD School Board approved the proposed 2024-2025 budget to present to voters on Town Meeting Day ballots at the January 23, 2024 school board meeting. The proposed budget is now a warned article on the ballot.
However, the Vermont legislature is currently considering changes to Act 127, the new education funding law. Their review may require us to modify our proposed school district budget and possibly when we vote on the upcoming school year’s ballot articles.
We wanted to let all of our community members know that we are aware of this and will do our best to keep you informed as we learn more. We will reschedule community presentations about the proposed budget and will update associated materials when we have clarity.
The CVSD Annual report is now available on the district's website. https://www.cvsdvt.org/Page/1
If you'd like to request a hard copy, please contact Ashley Daniels at 802-985-1914.
Greetings ParentIN family,
We are well into 2024. And we see you, and all you’re doing to ensure your young person’s wellbeing. We see the focus you bring to caregiving every day while juggling work and all the goodies in between. Reminding you that ParentIN is your constant sidekick throughout these years. Providing you with support groups, resources, and a listening ear when you need a break.
And guess what? We've got some amazing programming this month!
In collaboration with the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, Detective Krystal Wrinn will facilitate a FREE and engaging virtual workshop on digital safety for youth and your whole family. Here’s what to expect:
Reinforce online safety: Learn practical tips to empower yourself and your child about cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.
Build a positive online culture: Foster respect and kindness in your family's digital interactions.
Create a safer online world: Make the internet a more positive space for everyone.
EVENT Details: February 15th @7:00p
Register HERE to be sent a meeting invitation and link.
Your participation is highly valued, and we look forward to working together to promote a digitally safe school and community. Thanks!
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor
CCS and HCS Community Schools
CVSD ParentIN Coordinator
Lunch Menu
From the Health Office
HEAD LICE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT LETTER
Dear Williston Families,
We are still seeing cases of head lice in Williston Schools. Head lice require direct head to head contact to be transmitted. Often slumber parties, some sports or other out of school activities where kids are in close contact for extended periods of time seem to be a common route for transmission. Please talk to your child about the importance of not sharing hats, brushes, helmets or other items that come in direct contact with their head. We also recommend talking with the parents of your child’s friends to see if they have been dealing with head lice. We often find that when parents disclose that information to others, cases are identified and resolved in a much quicker time period. Weekly checks at home are a great way to detect head lice early and to keep them from spreading. If you suspect or find head lice on your child, please contact your school nurse for assistance and advice. We can check heads at individual request if you feel that you are unsure of what you are looking for.
Here are some guidelines to follow:
Head Lice Facts
Anyone can get head lice no matter how clean they are.
Head lice do not carry disease. Secondary skin infections can occur from excessive scratching.
They cannot jump or fly and are spread by head to head contact.
Lice live for 1-2 days on pillows, furniture, stuffed animals, or clothes.
Head lice do not infest pets and pets do not spread head lice.
Do not share combs, brushes, towels, hats, barrettes, sports uniforms, or pillows.
Avoid head to head contact with anyone suspected of having head lice.
Keep long hair up or pulled back/ braided.
Excessive scratching of the head, especially at the back of the head just above the neck.
Nits on the hair. These are usually pearly-gray in color and are attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. Nits are distinguished from dandruff because they stick to the hair shaft instead of flaking off when brushed.
Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed. Lice are active at night so your child may have trouble sleeping.
click to continue reading...
The Buzz at ABS
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) News at ABS
This past Wednesday (February 7th) many classrooms celebrated global play day and world read aloud day!
Read this article if you are interested in how play can help at home!
Questions about SEL at ABS? Reach out to Nicole at npfende@cvsdvt.org
Kindergarten Registration is now open!
Will your student turn 5 before September 1, 2024? If yes, Fall 2024 Kindergarten registration is now open. Please visit our information page for details.
The WCS Wildcat What's Up
WCS School Wide Spirit Week - Coming the week of 2/19
Daily fun theme days which are being voted on by students and will be announced next week.
“Coins for the Community” competition.
Get ready to dig into those couch cushions, car seats, and penny jars!
This will be a fun contest for classrooms and Advisories who will be competing to benefit a local non-profit of their choice.
More details and rules to follow.
Start gathering those coins!
CVSD Summer Band Camp - 08/12 thru 8/16
● Open to band instrumentalists entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade in the CVSD school district.
● Features a large camp band, collaborative small groups, and coaching from high school/college musician counselors.
● Daily non-musical electives & activities
● Informal concert at the end of camp
● Limited capacity of 60 participants
● 10:1 camper:counselor ratio
See the Wildcat What's Up for Full Details
CVSD Summer Band Camp is a private organization and is not operated, managed or affiliated with the Champlain Valley School District.
Williston Families as Partners
Big Basket Raffle
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Coffee with the Principals
& 30 minutes for your questions
WFAP Volunteer Crew
Annual Fund
Four Winds Nature Institute
This Year's Theme: The Earth
Blanket of Air (Jan.)
Nature of Sound (Feb.)
Water Cycle (March)
Wind & Clouds (April)
Get Your Bearings (May)
Nature's News
Contact Four Winds
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer please contact: wsdfourwinds@cvsdvt.org.
Transportation - Food Service - Safety Team
Williston Schools Food Service
Williston Schools Safety Team
Click here for meeting highlights and updates throughout the school year
CVSD: School Board - DEI - Superintendent
Community Connections
Hello from the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Youth Department! Find out more about programs at http://www.damlvt.org or by calling 878-4918.
*YOUTH PROGRAMMING*
Children in 5th grade and up may use the library unattended, while those in grade 4 or under must be supervised by a person over 16 years of age. For information on the Unattended Children Policy, see above or visit www.damlvt.org. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stop by or call 878-4918 to chat with a youth librarian about expectations and the library's after-school experience.
French Storytime
Saturday, February 10, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Drop in for stories read aloud in French!
Littles Dungeons & Dragons*
Saturday, February 10, 1-2 p.m. A mini session of Dungeons & Dragons for children ages 6-8. No prior experience required. Adults should plan to stay to help their campaigner(s). Please register each individual child that plans to participate!
Pokémon Club
Monday, February 12, 4-5 p.m. Join us in themed activities and enthusiastic chats!
Craft Circle
Monday, February 12, 5-6 p.m. All ages are welcome to bring their own crafts to this new, monthly craft circle! Work on your project in the company of other crafters.
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
After School STEAM Fun Activity
Wednesday, February 14, 2-3 p.m. Explore different STEAM subjects with fun experiments at the library.
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.
Read to a Dog*
Thursday, February 15, 3-4 p.m. Sign up for a 10-minute session with Rocko the Therapy Dog!
Stuffie Sleepover
Friday, February 16, 5-6 p.m. Drop your stuffie off at the front desk and sign them up for a sleepover! Pick them up Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and see pictures of the fun they had.
Sled Dogs
Saturday, February 17, 10-11 a.m. Learn about how sled dogs are trained, and then meet them and see how they get geared up! Get a chance to meet the dogs and get pictures after learning about them. Please dress in layers as this may be both indoors and outdoors depending on the weather!
Vermont Reads
This year's Vermont Read title is Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo. Pick up or check out a copy of this book in the library. Events related to this book will noted on our website and calendar!
Camp Registration- On February 8th, the registration for all summer camps has opened. A summer camp guide has been mailed to homes, containing information on day camps, enrichment camps, and registration. Additionally, detailed information about all camps is available on the Recreation website. The Camp Grid, which is a helpful tool for planning your child's summer, is now available- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/forms/6000_form.campgrid_24.2.pdf
Youth Lacrosse- The registration for all Youth Lacrosse programs, ranging from KinderRec through 8th grade, has opened. Programs for each grade level have an early-bird discount deadline. Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport that combines the power of football and hockey with the endurance of soccer and basketball. The KinderRec program is co-ed and is a child/parent program for ages 5 and 6. The first through eighth-grade programs offer separate boys and girls teams. These programs require volunteer coaches.
Spring/Summer Guide- will be mailed to homes the week of February 12th. Registration for programs from March through August opens on February 15th at 8:00 AM. Please keep the guide as it will have information on upcoming Spring/Summer programs.
Ice Rink- Is Open. The entrance to the rink, located by the warming hut, will be open when the rink is safe to use. It will be closed off by a fence when the rink is unsafe or when ice is being made. The opening and closing of the rink will be posted on Facebook and the home page of the Rec. website. Please respect the rink by being careful of the liner, boards, and brackets, so they can be reused each year. Also, please stay off the rink when it is closed so that the ice can be formed that is safe to use. Respect the rink users and share in the use. No one group has priority or allocated time. All are welcome!
One-Click Information
Allen Brook School
Start Time @ 7:50am;
Dismissal for PreK & K at 2:25pm - grades 1 & 2 @2:30pm
Wednesday Early Dismissal @ 1:25 & 1:30
Williston Central School
Start Time @8:00am;
Dismissal grades 3 & 4 @2:35pm - grades 5-8 @2:45pm
Wednesday Early Dismissal @ 1:35 & 1:45
Resources for Families
- 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.