Wildcat Buzz
March 22, 2024
Top Buzz
1. 21st Annual Big Basket Raffle- Rescheduled to March 30th 6:00-8:00 p.m. @ WCS Cafeteria
2. CVSD Budget Virtual Town Hall 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
5. NO School April 8 - Solar Eclipse
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
03/23 - Basket Raffle POSTPONED due to weather
03/29 - Eclipse Guest Presentations-WCS Upper Houses
03/30 - Big Basket Raffle/Fun Night, @WCS 6pm-8pm NEW DATE
04/03 - 4 Winds Training
04/06 - Clover Yard Sale Day
04/08 - No School - Solar Eclipse
04/10 - No School - Eid al Fitr
04/10 - CVSD Virtual Town Hall 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
04/11 - Families as Partners Meeting 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
04/15 - CVSD Budget Informational Meeting 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
04/16 - CVSD Board Meeting 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
04/22 - 04/26 Spring Break - No School
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
By Angela Filion, Allen Brook Principal
Happy Spring everyone! This is often the time of year where we start to see more sunny days, people out enjoying the weather, and the smells and signs of spring give us a refreshing perspective. I find myself holding on to these signs closely, as we move through the remainder of the year with many challenges and changes coming our way. As we make efforts to make budget reductions that least impact students, we have also been diving into our current structure with our building council to determine a path forward at Allen Brook School.
Last spring I shared with you that we had a dedicated group of professionals come together each week for a few hours to do some reflection and brainstorming about what hopes and dreams we have for our future work together here at ABS. We had come to realize as we moved our way out of the pandemic and back to some sense of "normalcy" that we need to take a deeper look at the systems that we currently have in place and if they are still serving our students' needs or not.
In spending the last few years looking at our current team structures and model as well as possible new ways to organize our system, we have come to a decision on how to best move forward. The council had many discussions amongst their colleagues, reviewed surveys from both families, faculty/staff, researched other school models/best practices within and out of CVSD. Building council proposed two structures for consideration and submitted all of the surveys and notes to the leadership team (administration) for review. The leadership team had a lot of thoughtful discussion and decided that we will move forward with a straight grade model. This means that there will be five first grade classrooms and five 2nd grade classrooms next year. Kindergarten will remain in its straight grade structure (not multi-age), as it has been for many years at ABS. Next week you will receive more details about placement as well as get a parent input form to share your thoughts as we transition students for the next school year.
As we move toward implementing this change, the council will work to determine what the needs and logistics are to make this as smooth of a transition as possible. I also want to acknowledge that this is going to be a significant change for us at ABS that will be easier for some and more challenging for others. We need to honor and acknowledge that everyone goes about change in different ways. We are confident this change will ultimately bring about positive and supportive outcomes for students and adults alike. We must also acknowledge that we are part of a complex and dynamic system that is always changing. The last five years is certainly proof of this reality. Given this truth, we will need to continue to be reflective and responsive in our approaches as this dynamic system evolves. I will leave you with this quote, “Change is the end result of all true learning.” – Leo F. Buscaglia
Special Announcements & Notices
Get Informed about the Proposed Budget!
CVSD Budget Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 pm.
Join CVSD administration and board members to learn more about the proposed budget and get your questions answered. Zoom information is on the left side of the district's website and on the budget page of the district's website.
Check out this newsletter to learn about the proposed budget, how it's changed since the previous budget, and how it might impact taxpayers.
Reach out to the CVSD School Board using cvsdschoolboard@cvsdvt.org or Let's Talk.
CVSD School Calendars Approved by the School Board
2023-24 Calendar Last Student/ Faculty Day (contingent upon no additional closed days)
Last day of school Friday 6/14 (1/2 day) (no 8th graders)
Solar Eclipse: IMPORTANT UPDATE About School on April 8, 2024
Information shared on behalf of Superintendent Sanchez and other local district superintendents
As Northern Vermont prepares for a rare total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, school districts in the Champlain Valley are taking proactive measures. Initially planning for an early dismissal on that day, superintendents have continued monitoring regional developments. Considering the unique circumstances and in collaboration with local public safety officials, district officials have collectively decided to close schools for the full day.
As the day of the eclipse approaches, more businesses in the area have announced special viewing events, and state agencies are preparing for an anticipated influx of 150K visitors. Recognizing the potential challenges associated with the sudden surge in travelers, Vermont Emergency Management advised municipalities in their recent newsletter to prepare for possible stress on their emergency services and, in some cases, extreme traffic issues.
Given the unpredictable nature of the eclipse’s impact on our region, Champlain Valley superintendents have chosen to prioritize the safety and well-being of students and staff and mutually agreed to close schools on April 8, 2024.
For more information on Vermont’s planning for the total solar eclipse, please visit vermont.gov/eclipse.
INTRA-DISTRICT K-8 SCHOOL CHOICE - Deadline April 1
Children entering grades K-8 who live in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston may exercise school choice. Our goal is to both allow options for families and also make balanced class sizes to provide a positive learning environment for all of our children. Processes for intra-district choice of school will be guided by the needs of students, space availability, and existing resources. Given this, we will work to meet as many families’ needs as possible. Guidelines and Application
Be sure you don't miss out... keep scrolling all the way to the end!
There's a lot to know - sometimes it doesn't all fit - click the link for the full message at the end of the email
FUN NIGHT at WCS during the Big Basket Raffle!
Drop off your children (grades K - 4) at the Swift House Fun Night. Your student will enjoy an evening of adult supervised fun which supports the Swift House end of the year field trip to Boston, Massachusetts.
What's Happening: Games, activities, crafts, a movie, food and a PRIZE TABLE!!
Where: Drop-off / Pick Up through the FRONT entrance of WCS.
Who: Students grades K - 4.
When: Saturday, March 30, 2024 ~ 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
Click here to print out a registration form. Forms should be returned to the front office of ABS or WCS. Families who pre-register receive a discount! Please reach out to Caleb Sampson, Swift TA (csampson@cvsdvt.org) with any questions!
Saturday, Mar 30, 2024, 06:00 PM
Hosted by Swift House
Lunch Menu
The Buzz at ABS
The WCS Wildcat What's Up
Indoor Garage Sale!
Clover House of Williston Central School is bringing back its Annual Indoor Garage Sale- Saturday, April 6th from 8:00am - 2:00pm. It is a giant indoor yard sale - high quality household goods, clothing, accessories, sports equipment, toys, art, electronics and more!
Taking place in the WCS Cafeteria, ALL ARE WELCOME! Please enter in the After School Hours entrance, back of the west entrance parking lot. All proceeds go directly to Clover House Overnight Field Trip.
WE NEED YOUR HELP - If you have any quality, sell-able items to donate to this sale we’d be most appreciative!! We are looking for furniture, household items, athletic equipment, working electronics, artwork, toys, rugs or anything that could be a treasure to someone new! Items can be dropped off Friday, April 5th from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the After School Hours entrance, or at the WCS front office any time before then.
Contact Ted Milks at Tmilks@cvsdvt.org with questions.
Williston Families as Partners
The Williston Families As Partners Group is still looking for volunteers to help out with the Big Basket Raffle. They especially need food donations and helpers to work the event. It will be held Saturday, March 30th. (NOTE - THIS IS A DATE CHANGE) Come join the fun! Sign up link here!
WFAP Volunteer Crew
Williston Schools 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)
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.
Food for Thought
Monday, March 25, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our teen advisory group! You bring the thoughts, we bring the food.
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
After School Craft
Wednesday, March 27, 2-3 p.m. Use watercolor and black pens to create designs.
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, March 28, 3-4 p.m. Use the Library’s LEGO collection to make something exciting!
Saturday Music
Saturday, March 30, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing and dance with Linda this Saturday!
Vermont Reads
This year's Vermont Read title is Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo. Check out a copy of this book in the library. Events related to this book will noted on our website and calendar!
March 22
Summer Camps- Registration is Now Open for Williston residents. Non-residents start Feb. 15. A Summer Camp Guide was mailed to homes. Detailed info on all the camps is now available on the Recreation website. Be sure to check the website for dates, times, fees, and added camps before registering, it is always changing. Be sure to use the Camp Grid, a great tool for planning out your child’s summer- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/forms/6000_campgrid.2024.4.pdf
Spring/Summer Program Guide- The guide has been mailed to Williston Homes. Be sure to register for programs early to secure a spot. There will be new and old programs for Active Agers- 50+, Adults, Pre-school, Youth/Teens, After-school, Family, and Community Programs. We hope that you can find something for everyone in your family. Guide- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/forms/6039_williston_springsummerguide.pdf
Line Dancing
Age 6+. Learn the hottest moves, groove to great music, and make unforgettable memories. The program consists of the first hour of instruction/review of a line dance, and the second hour is open dance time. The instruction is at a beginner level, but all experience levels are welcome. Instructors: Country’s Best VT
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30330
Cake Decorating
Age 12+. Learn the basics of filling, stacking, crumb-coating, and decorating cakes! Each person or co-registered pair will leave with a cake they have assembled and decorated themselves with versatile and effective buttercream techniques, and a foundation for cake decorating that will leave them inspired by the endless possibilities. Instructor: Jamie Deutsch
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30326
Vocal Percussion and Improvisation Workshop with Root7
Ages 13+. Root7, Vermont's contemporary A Cappella group for 17 years, will host a free workshop introducing participants to vocal percussion, vocal improvisation, and creating collaborative songs. For beginner and intermediate vocalists. Instructors: Root7
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30303
Boater Safety
Age 12+. Boating safety education is required for any motorboat operator, 12 years or older, born after January 1, 1974. The Boat Vermont, 8 hour classroom course will enable you to get the certification you need. Instructor: Jon Fick
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29866
Ninja Intro Programs
Age 4-8, 7-11 & 9-15. Come in and try a four-week introduction to Kids Martial Arts. The Kids Ninja classes help girls and boys realize their full potential in an environment that is playful, supportive, and fun. Separate days are offered for each session. Sign up for the one that works for your child. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff
Age 4-8 https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30097
Age 7-11 https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30206
Age 9-15 https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30098
Ninja Science Camp
Age 8-13. This camp combines martial arts, tumbling, and parkour that your kids love, with environmental science education!
We'll be doing lots of technique-oriented Karate, playing martial arts games, breaking boards, and delving deeper into meditation and the moral and ethical precepts of the martial arts. April Camp- April 22-26, 9a-3p. Instructors: ONTA Studio Staff
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30219
Dangerous Girls
Age 12+. Dangerous Girls is a practical self-defense class designed for teens and young women. With a combination of kickboxing and grappling you’ll learn real fighting while bouncing to sweet tunes and laughing with your new friends. It’s fun, it’s social, and before you know if you’ll be able to kick butt. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30092
Mixed Martial Arts Intro
Age 13+. Mixed Martial Arts- For Fun & Fitness. The program mixes training techniques from boxing, kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu to create a fun, non-competitive environment where your child will get a great workout and learn practical self-defense skills! Instructor: ONTA Studio
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30115
KinderRec Lacrosse
Age 5-6. Coed, Child/Parent. The program teaches the fundamentals of the game using a fun and energetic curriculum that has been tailored to this age group. All sessions are held in a fun and positive environment, where players are encouraged to learn and play with a parent and each other. Instructors: Rec Staff
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30268
Youth Lacrosse
Grades 1-2. Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport that combines the power of football and hockey and the endurance of soccer and basketball. The programs offer separate boys and girls teams. Volunteer Coaches are needed.
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29862
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Knitting
Grades 3-8. The program offers the basics for first timers, as well as provides early and intermediate knitters with specific how-to and help with projects. All materials are provided. Instructor: Christine Heavner, Owner of Knitting Circle. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29959
Youth Tennis
Grades K-2 & 3-5. Now, it’s easier for kids to play and develop a love for the sport! Taught by certified tennis professionals who are trained to instruct kids of all ages. Players learn basic stroke techniques. Instructors: The Edge Tennis Staff. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29967
Horseback Riding Intro
Age 8-14. The Livery Horse Farm, Hinesburg is offering Introductory riding programs. The focus is on English riding. Horses provide a variety of skill levels for children to learn. Programs are offered after school or on Saturdays. Instructor: Kim Johansen, Owner. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29937
Williston Little League registration is still open! This is a great opportunity for kids of all ages to learn the game of softball or baseball all while having fun and forming new friendships.
During registration, please consider the coaching, Hit-a-thon and other volunteer options available to help make this season the best yet!
We thank you for you continued support of our Little League players, coaches and volunteers. Your partnership and participation help create an amazing program that builds a foundation of confidence and sportsmanship and a strong sense of community.
Vermont Youth Dancers presents The Impossible, A Telling Cinderella's Story at Mount Mansfield Union High School on April 13 at 1:30 & 6:30 pm, and on April 14 at 1:30 pm. VVY brings this classic tale to life with current music in a full length stage production. Do not miss our signature blend of exciting hip hop and inspiring lyrical choreography, imaginative sets and beautiful costumes. Tickets on sale now! vermontyouthdancers.org
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.