The School Bell
Williston Schools / December 8, 2023
Need to know right now...
Please label Winter Clothes & Gear - PreK Lottery Open - WCS 5-8 Concerts 12/13 - NEW DATE: WCS Drama Kickoff 12/14 - Explorers Team Food Drive - continue reading for details and more...
Good to know...
A message from WCS Principal Jacqueline Parks - Full calendar of Upcoming School Events - Williston Families as Partners Coffee with the Principals (NEW FORMAT) - Library and Rec Program Info - and more...
Info Links in every issue...
- School and District Calendars
- Bus Information
- Families as Partners & Four Winds
- CVSD District and School Board Links
Our School Day
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**
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Jacqueline Parks, Williston Central School Principal
As we move into the month of December, it feels good to be getting back to more normalcy in the school year. We put so many traditions on hold during Covid and now are in the process of folding them back into our community.
The WCS school Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) committee is in the process of planning a Cinema Day before the December vacation. Cinema Day is an opportunity for students to watch a movie with peers within the school. Multiple PG movies will be offered throughout the building for this event. We also invite our 5th-8th grade community to pair this with a “comfy clothes” day. While a tradition like this may seem small, it is an event that many look forward to.
Also, I am so pleased to announce that our school theater experience is returning this year. Students in grades 6-8 are invited to learn about and try-out for The Adams Family. We have not had a school-wide production since before COVID and this should be a wonderful experience. Please look for more information about this soon.
Another tradition being revisited and revitalized is an opportunity for our 7th/8th students to attend a Friday “Change of Scenery Lunch.” Approximately 30 students can access a pass to attend lunch in the Community Room with a smaller group of students. During the lunch block, students play a game, while enjoying the quieter environment.
Bringing these old traditions back and incorporating new ones are really helping things feel back at a level of normalcy that is good for everyone. I hope that you and your family have time to experience and build on your own traditions during this time of year.
Upcoming Events
12/12 - CVSD Budget Development Meeting, 6:00pm CVU Rm 160 (and virtual)
12/12 - Intergen Book Groups
12/13 - WCS 5-8 concerts, details below
12/13 - Virtual Town Hall, 6:30-7:30 pm
12/14 - Families as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am @WCS Community Room
12/14 - Drama Kickoff Meeting, 6:00pm - 8:00pm @WCS Auditorium (NEW DATE)
12/18 - Coffee with the Principals, 8:30am @WCS Community Room
12/19 - Horizon Crafting Company Sale
12/25 - 1/1 - No School / Early Winter Break
01/09 - Intergen Book Groups
01/10 - 4 Winds Training, 8:15am @WCS Community Room
01/11 - Families as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am @WCS Community Room
01/15 - No School / Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Reminder: Please label student gear and clothing
Thank you for helping us to return items to the correct owner by putting your student's name in winter jackets, boots, gloves, etc.
Bus Reminder: Students May Not Ride Another Bus
Students are not allowed to ride on buses other than their regular route(s). They may ride to different locations - such as Dance, GMTC, daycare, etc - as part of their weekly routine. Random occasional changes such as riding to a friend's house for a visit are not permitted. This ensures all students are safe and accounted for.
PE: Sneakers Needed
We are looking to replenish our sneaker supply that we loan to students on a daily basis. We are looking for lightly used sneakers in a size 13, 1,2,3,4,5. Half sizes are also most welcome. We are all set on smaller and larger sizes. If you have any to donate please bring them to the PE department at either school.
With thanks and appreciation,
WCS and ABS PE Department
December Virtual Town Hall December 13th
Mark your calendars for December's Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, December 13 from 6:30-7:30. We'll share updates about the budget development process and our strategic plan and engage in conversations with those attending. This is a great way to connect with Superintendent Sanchez and other district leaders! The Zoom information is posted on the CVSD website calendar.
PreKindergarten Lottery is now open for 2024-2025!
The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for a random prekindergarten lottery drawing for the 2024-25 school year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of our school-based classrooms which run 10 hours per week. Our school-based prekindergarten 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).
Our programs follow the CVSD school calendar. Children who will be age 3 or older by September 1, 2024, who are not eligible for kindergarten, and live in the communities of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston are eligible to enter the lottery. Families who are selected for the lottery and choose to enroll their child in a CVSD program access their Act 166 publicly funded prekindergarten funds for the school-based program.
All applications must be received by February 5, 2024, and are located on the CVSD Early Education website under 2024-2025 Preschool Lottery . Paper applications are available upon request.
For additional information, questions about our program, or any concerns about your child’s development, please visit our website or contact Director of Early Education, Erin Gagne at egagne@cvsdvt.org. Our Early Education team is also available for developmental screenings in the areas of communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development, and cognition. More information about an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports is also available on the website.
Lunch Menu
All About ABS...
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.
Horizon Crafting Company
Horizon House is dusting off a tradition that began years ago! As a part of our economics unit, we will be selling our school-made crafts.
The proceeds will go to the Williston Food Shelf.
When: Tuesday, December 19th
What: duct tape wallets, bird feeders, ABS magnets, monster bookmarks, and more
Important details:
All items are $1
1 item per person
Monetary donations welcomed
Items left over will be sold on Wednesday, December 20th in the morning
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
Please be sure to write student's names in their clothing and gear!
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...
RESCHEDULED - NEW DATE - WCS Drama Kickoff Night!
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 WCS Drama production…
The Addams Family!
Kickoff information night for students and families will be:
Thursday, December 14th 2023
6:00-8:00
WCS Auditorium
We will cover all the essential information you need to know about the show, the team, and our audition process.
This kickoff is for only students in grades 6-8 interested in being in the cast.
Our presentation will be recorded for those unable to attend.
The Audition website will go live on December 15, 2023.
For further information, please email Carol Spradling cspradling@cvsdvt.org (director)
Performing Arts T-Shirts for 4th-Grade Chorus
- All 4th-grade musicians will wear "Williston Central School Performing Arts" t-shirts for our winter and spring performances! We are placing an order now so the 4th-grade chorus members will receive their shirts in time for their winter concert on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024.
- Please complete this ORDER FORM to order a t-shirt for your 4th-grade chorus member by December 15th.
- The beginner band students will also be ordering the same shirts but at a later date for their spring performance. If your child is in both the band and the chorus, they only need to order this one now. (No need for another shirt since all grade 4-8 WCS performing groups wear the same shirts.)
- If your child already has one of these performing arts t-shirts from an older sibling, friend, neighbor, etc., they may use that one instead of ordering one.
- Please email Mrs. T-H with questions. dtrasciatti@cvsdvt.org
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
Coffee with the Pirincipals
Families As Partners is striving to support our schools, build community, increase
communication, make positive connections, and provide understanding between the school and families.
Having monthly ‘Coffee with the Principal’ meetings gives caregivers the opportunity to sit down with the Williston School Leadership Team and learn more about what goes on in the schools directly from the source. The format of these principal meetings is evolving. Future meetings will have a 30 minute presentation on a predetermined topic and 30 minutes for Q&A.
We want to hear from You!
What would you like to talk about? What topics are important to you? What questions do you have? Please complete THIS SURVEY to share your topic ideas!
You can also email willistonfap@cvsdvt.org or gmarino@cvsdvt.org
Come join us for our next Coffee with the Principals
Tuesday, December 18th, 8:30 - 9:30am in the WCS Community Room
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.
Note: In certain icy conditions, Bus M will not be able to travel on Lincoln or Chaloux and parents/caretakers and students will need to meet the bus on Breezy Valley Ln. You will be notified directly when this change occurs.
Williston & CVSD Services and Resources
Williston Schools Food Service
Williston Schools Safety Team
DEI Town Halls - New Format!
Join the CVSD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team as we celebrate diversity and connect with the diverse cultures of our community. At these in-person events we will learn the history of the various communities in Vermont. There will be shared cultural experiences, including art, food, and conversations about educational experiences. At each gathering various groups, community members and stakeholders will present about their lives, work, and contributions to our state.
January 19th, 6-8pm - Shelburne Community School
Nepali Community in Vermont
March 15th, 6-8pm - Williston Central School
Somali Community in Vermont
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.
Gingerbread House Decorating*
Saturday, December 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Register and indicate your preferred time to stop by the library with family and friends to decorate a gingerbread house! Thank you to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this program.
French Storytime
Saturday, December 9, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Join us to listen to 30 min of French Storytime read by native French speaker Romain Feuillette!
Pokémon Club
Monday, December 11, 4-5 p.m. Show off your favorite cards, play some themed games, and make some Pokémon crafts!
Teen Movie Night
Monday, December 11, 5-7:15 p.m. PG. Ages 12+. Consider this your invitation by owl to explore a magic school in Scotland! Further movie nights will be hosted through December and January to enjoy the full series.
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
After School STEAM Fun Activity
Wednesday, December 13, 2-3 p.m. Stop by for a fun science experiment 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.
LEGO Time
Thursday, December 14, 3-4 p.m. Make something exciting with the Library’s LEGO collection!
Kids in the Kitchen*
Thursday, December 14, 4-5 p.m. Register to receive the link and learn to cook German pancakes with sauteed fruit with dietician, Joanne Heidkamp, from the comfort of your own kitchen! Register to receive link and grocery list.
Teens D&D
Thursday, December 14, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our Dungeons & Dragons campaign!
Littles Dungeons & Dragons*
Saturday, December 16, 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!
Vermont Reads
Between now and January 31, share a favorite family recipe and a 3-5 sentence story that includes the preparation and sharing of that food, or the importance of that food to your family and/or culture. The best story wins a set of cookie cutters and cookie decorations. Submit stories to bonnie@damlvt.org. Submissions will be included in a community cookbook to be shared in the library.
The challenge is inspired by this year's Vermont Read, Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo. Beginning December 1, you can 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!
Holiday Decorating Contest
Have you decorated your house, condo, apartment or business for the holiday season? Do you want to show it off? If Yes, be sure to register in the Williston Holiday Decorating Contest. Show your holiday spirit and join this friendly competition while infusing some cheer in the community!
Whether you do it to win a fun prize, for the bragging rights, or you just enjoy sharing your festive decorations, we want YOU to participate!
To Register Click Here- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30200
Registration Deadline: Sunday, December 17, 2023. Registration is free! Register Below. Must be registered to be judged. The Contest is for Williston Residents and Businesses Only!
Judging:
Judging will take place by the community from December 22-29, 5:30-7:00pm each night (be sure your decorations are on). The Williston Community will judge both the Residential Homes and Businesses
Winners Announced January 4 Winners will be: Two (2) Residential Home Winners- a 1st and 2nd Place. One (1) Business Winner
Prizes:
Household Category - Lawn Sign, Gift Basket, and Gift Cards from Williston Businesses
Business Category - Lawn Sign and $1,000 Advertising Package from Williston Observer
Guidelines:
Amateurs only! Professionally decorated homes and businesses may not enter.
Outdoor Decorations must be visible from the street and accessible to the public to view.
You agree to have the address of your outdoor display shared so the community can view it.
The address for registered displays will be made available online.
You agree to keep up your outdoor decorations until December 29 for public viewing and voting.
You agree to allow the Town of Williston to take photos or videos of your display and publicize them on the Town's or Recreation Websites, Facebook Page, Williston Observer, or other promotional material.
If declared a winner in the contest you agree to allow the Town of Williston to include your family’s last name and photo of your display on all marketing platforms related to the Holiday Decorating Contest.
Last year winners are NOT eligible to win again this year. However, they can register to be on the viewing list.
Pictures:
Send a picture of your Outside Decorations, before Dec. 21, to be placed on the Recreation website for all to view.
This will be very helpful to those who can't get out and see the decorations but can view them online.
Send pictures by email to recreation@willistonvt.org
2022 Winners:
The winning address of last year's contest are listed below.
Be sure to visit them to see the sign they won- hopefully, they will put it out for all to see.
Last year's winners are not eligible to win this year.
Residential:
Traditional/Refined- 643 Metcalf Dr
Fun/Festive- 55 Southfield Dr
Multi-Family- 88 Holland Lane
Sponsors:
Williston Observer
Healthy Living Market
Adam's Farm Market
Vermont Meat & Seafood
Williston Coffee Shop
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