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The School Bell
Williston Schools / November 10, 2023
In this issue...
A message from Angela Filion, Allen Brook School Principal - Health Office Videos - Winter Bus Update - Book Fair Details - ABS Lost & Found is full! - Upcoming Community Events - 7th & 8th Grade Dance - Williston 2050 Roudtable details - and more...
In every issue...
- DAMLibrary - Upcoming Events/Programs
- Williston Recreation & Parks - Upcoming Events/Programs
- School and District Calendars
- Food Service / Transportation Links
- Families as Partners & Four Winds
- CVSD District and School Board Links
- Important Family Resources
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Angela Filion, Allen Brook School Principal
Happy November! I wanted to take some time to introduce Ainaka Luna, our new DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) coach for Williston Schools. Ainaka comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm with regard to creating safe and inclusive learning in our schools. Please click here to learn more about Ainaka’s story and the work she and the DEI team is leading in our district.
Just this week Ainaka, Nicole Pfende(Social Emotional Learning Coach), and I co-planned our professional development time with all faculty/staff. We started with a brainstorm session of what students/families are represented in our classrooms and what families are not. This was a powerful conversation and provided a broad view of our community and how it is embedded, included or excluded within our teaching practices.
We then immersed ourselves in reviewing the materials available in our school library. See a small list here of some of the titles we have at ABS. We browsed our books and resources, wrote a brief review of the book, generated questions we could ask students, and thought about questions that students may ask.
We are practicing and learning and recognize that we still have a lot of work to do in developing inclusive content and materials across all of our classrooms. We will continue to work together at ABS to broaden our curriculum and resources to be sure we represent the beautiful and rich diversity of our world. We are dedicated and committed to this work and take great pride in welcoming ALL!
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
11/10 - 7th & 8th Grade Dance @WCS; Celebrating our Differences event at CVU
11/13 - 11/16 - Scholastic Book Fair @WCS Community Room
11/14 - Intergen Book Groups
11/16 - ParentIn CVSD Virtual Event, 7-8:30pm
11/17 - Equinox goes to the Flynn
11/20 - 11/24 - No School / Thanksgiving Break
12/12 - Intergen Book Groups
12/14 - Families as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am @WCS Community Room
12/25 - 1/1 - No School / Early Winter Break
Our School Days
Allen Brook School - Start Time @ 7:50am;
Dismissal for PreK & K at 2:25pm - grades 1 & 2 @2:30pm
Williston Central School - Start Time @8:00am;
Dismissal grades 3 & 4 @2:35pm - grades 5-8 @2:45pm
**REMINDER: Early Release Wednesdays are 1 Hour earlier every week**
IMPORTANT: Winter Bus Update - Hill Roads
When this happens you will receive a notifications from the school as early as possible in the morning. Information on where families will need to meet the bus is located HERE.
In certain icy conditions, Bus M will not be able to travel on Lincoln or Chaloux and students will need to meet the bus on Breezy Valley Ln. You will be notified by school messenger when this change occurs.
This is the first Book Fair of the 2023-2024 school year for the Williston Schools. It will be held at Williston Central School from 11/13-11-16. All students at WCS (3rd-8th grade) will have a chance to shop the Book Fair with their classes.
Book Fairs empower students to choose their own books and become BOLDER, PROUDER and STRONGER readers. Kids read more when they pick books that interest them! This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on books to read during the cold winter months ahead. We have lots of fun planned!
Does your kiddo attend ABS? No problem! We are holding a special 'ABS Night' on 11/14 from 5-8 pm. All families and students, especially those from ABS, are invited to join us at WCS for snacks, treats, games and prizes just for coming!
We are looking for parent volunteers to help with set-up, to help kids with their book purchases during the Book Fair, and to clean-up. Please sign-up at https://signup.com/go/OKuPZGv if you are interested in helping.
See you there!
***The Williston Families As Partners (FAP) group is committed to making Book Fairs equitable and accessible to all of our students. Having a Fall Book Fair at WCS and Spring Book Fair at ABS saves precious classroom time by eliminating the need to bus students back and forth.
Health Office Updates
Help us stop the spread of germs
As cold and flu season begins, all of us at school are working hard to encourage more handwashing and healthy habits for catching sneezes and coughs. You are encouraged to have these conversations at home to help us slow the spread of germs and illness.
Learn about catching your germs from Nurse Love
Dear Parents,
The Health Office at WCS is unfortunately seeing multiple students presenting with symptoms of “stomach bug”. Multiple students are being sent home vomiting. We want to remind parents that your student needs to be 24 hours vomiting/diarrhea free before they can return to school. If a student has vomited, they cannot return to school the following day even if they are feeling well. Please, help us prevent the spread of norovirus!
Please check out more details about norovirus spread and prevention and reach out to the nurses with any questions.
Williston Central School Nurses:
Maria Kapetanovic, MSN/Ed, BSN, RN
Carol Albertelli, BSN, RN
ph: 871-6170 fax: 871-6101
Connecting Youth & ParentIn
ParentIN CVSD Survey
Calling all parents and caregivers of grades 6-12 students! Help us enhance our resources for CVSD youth and families by taking this quick 5-minute survey. Your participation automatically enters you into a raffle for a chance to win one of 3 valuable $50 grocery store gift cards.
ParentIN CVSD values your input, and your anonymity is guaranteed. Your honest responses are vital for program improvements and new initiatives. If you have any survey-related questions, don't hesitate to contact Amy Sayre asayre@cvsdtvt.org
Don't miss this opportunity to share an informative and positive impact on your community. Thank you!
Connecting Yourth Seeks Mentors
Are you a fun, caring and trustworthy adult looking to make a true difference in a young person's life? Consider mentoring! Connecting Youth is seeking community volunteers to join our team of mentors for 5th-12th grade students across Champlain Valley School District.
Mentors and mentee pairs meet weekly for about an hour
School year commitment
Mentor training and continual support provided by CVSD mentor coordinators.
Middle school mentors have access to dedicated spaces for cooking, crafting, playing games and developing a friendship.
High school mentors work alongside students to grow their skills and resilience, exploring new interests and experiences.
Learn more here or contact a CVSD Mentor Coordinator today
Charlotte Central School, Kate Rooney, krooney@cvsdvt.org, 802-425-6682
Hinesburg Community School, Livy Bulger, lbulger@cvsdvt.org, 802-482-6248
Champlain Valley Union, Alison Duback, aduback@cvsdvt.org 802-482-8921
Lunch Menu
All About ABS...
Lost something? It may have been found!
Please stop in to the front lobby when you have a chance to check out the lost and found. Any items still here after Thanksgiving Break will be donated.
World Kindness Day - November 13, 2023
At Allen Brook School we will be celebrating World Kindness Day all week by doing and noticing kind acts. When someone, student or adult, notices someone doing something kind, that kind act will be written down on a strip of paper and added to our Kindness paper Chain. How long do you think our chain of kindness will be?
Here is a short video describing world kindness day. How will you be kind?
Questions? Reach out to Nicole Pfende, Social Emotional Learning Coach at ABS
PBIS Celebration - We filled the Hive!
ABS has earned a celebration by being Safe, Kind and Responsible.
Tuesday, November 14 will be Stop, Drop & Dance day!
Winter is Coming!
As the weather starts to change with the seasons please remember to send in boots, hats, mittens, jackets, etc. for the season. All grades will go outside for recess year round unless it is pouring rain, thunder and lightening or below zero. Teachers and staff will remind students to wear appropriate gear each day as they are getting ready for recess, and student will be expected to keep their jacket on anytime the feels like is 40 or below.
Help our student make the most of outdoor time by planning and packing for the weather!
If you need help locating outdoor gear please contact your school guidance counselor.
Please be sure to write student's names in their clothing and gear!
Explorers Food Drive
The Explorers team is participating in a Fall Food Drive for the Williston Food Shelf. Please help by bringing your food donation to the box in the ABS lobby.
Here are some suggestions for donations: kid friendly breakfast cereal, pasta, canned pasta sauce, canned vegetables and fruits, cans of soup, canned tomatoes, canned protein, tuna, peanut butter, jelly, canned beans, coffee and tea, snacks, juice, macaroni and cheese, and pasta side dishes.
Reminder Note: Allen Brook School End of Day Changes
Please remember: If there is any change to your student's typical end of day plan, please be sure to contact the front office and teacher BEFORE 1:00PM (or 12:00 pm on Wednesdays). Changes in your student(s) schedule will not be accepted after this time unless it is an emergency.
Send all emails regarding attendance and end of day changes to:
The classroom teacher
Front Office: absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org
The Team Assistant for your grade:
Kindergarten - cplouffe@cvsdvt.org
First/Second Grade - lsaladino@cvsdvt.org
What's Up at WCS...
Upcoming 7th & 8th Grade Dance
The 7th and 8th grade November school dance is coming up on November 10th, and the student dance committee is working hard to prepare this event for students to enjoy. Last week
we decided that we would have a NEON theme.
We want to take this opportunity to ask families to bring in food or drink for the dance,
specifically items that are individually wrapped or packaged. For drinks, it would be greatly
appreciated to those who could offer us small plastic water bottles.
We also are looking for parent/guardian chaperones to help out during the dance. Chaperones
should arrive by 6:15 pm for a brief chaperone meeting.
To sign up to be a chaperone and/or to bring food, please use the google form.
Please note that food can be brought in on the day of the dance and left in the front office.
7th/8th Dance Chaperone and Food Donations
7th/8th Dance Chaperone Sign-Up
Thank you!
-The Dance Committee (facilitated by Mrs. Parks)
Four Winds Nature Institute
This Year's Theme: The Earth
Sunlight & Shadow (Sept.)
Erosion (Oct.)
Rocks & Minerals (Nov.)
Blanket of Air (Jan.)
Nature of Sound (Feb.)
Water Cycle (March)
Wind & Clouds (April)
Get Your Bearings (May)
Nature's News
Contact Four Winds
Families as Partners
Arrival & Dismissal
Williston & CVSD Services and Resources
Bus Information
Thank you for your continued patience and support as our students and drivers learn the routes and routines at the beginning of the school year.
Williston Schools Food Service
Williston Schools Safety Team
School Year Calendars
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.
Pokémon Club
Monday, November 13, 4-5 p.m. Show off your favorite cards, play some themed games, and make some Pokémon crafts!
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
Write-In (Kid-Friendly)
Tuesday, November 14, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Calling all writers to the library! Challenge yourself to write for an hour while enjoying a nice hot cup of tea, whether you write with pen and paper or a keyboard. Writers of all ages welcome.
Baby Time
Wednesday, November 15, 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy interacting and bonding through these gentle baby activities (twice monthly).
After School Movie
Wednesday, November 15, 2-4 p.m. PG. Join Camp Halfblood and see what happens when one of your parent isn’t a regular person!
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 (Rocko)*
Thursday, November 16, 3-4 p.m. Call to register for a 10-minute time slot to read to (or hang out with) Rocko the Therapy Dog!
Teen Night Escape Room
Thursday, November 16, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Work as a group to see if you can escape the Werewolf Experiment in under an hour…will take place in the Community Room at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library.
INSTRUCTORS WANTED!
Do you have a talent or skill that you would like to share with others? If so, the department is always accepting proposals for new programs and/or camps from people who have a talent to share or want to give to the community by being an instructor. Consider becoming an instructor and offering an on-going program at The R.E.C. Zone or a program with 6-8 week sessions. We are always looking for people with a talent to share.
Snowmobile Safety Course- 12+. This in-person course will provide the opportunity to earn the certification necessary to legally operate on Vermont’s Statewide Snowmobile Trails System. VT State Law requires that all VT snowmobile operators born after July 1, 1983, must take and pass a state approved snowmobile safety course before operating on Vermont Trails. Registration Deadline: Nov. 27. Dec. 2, 9:00a-3:00 p.m. *Lunch Provided. $10.00 per person. The program will be held in Shelburne Town Municipal Center. Instructor: Richard Spitzer. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29925
Learn to Ski/Ride
Registration is Open for the Learn to Ski/Ride Program. Register before the Early Bird Discount date to save- December 17. Fitting Nights Coming Soon! We are waiting on two dates that we will be able to offer them. Once we have the dates an email will be sent out to those who are registered to sign up for a time slot. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30204
KinderRec Basketball- Ages 5-6- Coed. This is a parent/child program designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Each week youngsters will be introduced to a new skill and fun activities that will enhance their learning. This program meets on Saturdays in January and February. Instructors: Rec. Staff. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29932
1st-2nd Basketball- There are separate boys’ and girls’ programs offered if numbers allow. The program provides the opportunity for youngsters to learn the game, improve their skills, and enjoy playing. The program meets on Saturdays in January and February. The hour session will consist of a practice and scrimmage. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30201
3rd-4th Basketball- There are separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered if numbers allow. Leagues provide the opportunity for youngsters to play and improve their skills. Teams meet twice a week with a weekday practice and Saturday game. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30239
5th-6th Basketball- There will be separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered if numbers allow. The leagues meet twice a week for 1 hour each time- 1 practice and 1 game. Separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered if numbers allow. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30239
7th-8th Basketball- There is a league for boys’ if the numbers allow. The team meets twice a week for 1 hour each time- 1 practice and 1 game. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30239
We hope you will join us for our next teen science cafe!
When: THIS Saturday, November 11
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Topic: Why Social Science Research Matters (Learn more here)
Make sure to register ahead of time so we know how much pizza to order.
Information Click to Get!
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)
- 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.
Allen Brook School and Williston Central School