Wildcat Buzz

Wildcat Buzz

November 15, 2024

Top Buzz

1. Registration for Williston Rec Ski & Ride program is now open- details in the community section

2. NO SCHOOL week of November 25 - 29, 2024

Mark Your Calendar

Important Upcoming Dates to Note


11/25 - NO SCHOOL / THANKSGIVING BREAK 11/25 - 11/29

12/02 - WELCOME BACK!

12/08 - Williston Community Tree Lighting

12/10 - WCS Chorus Concert

12/11 - WCS Band Concert

12/12 - WFAP Monthly Meeting

12/23 - Early Winter Break begins

Be sure you see all there is to see...

Williston Rec, DAML, Community Events, Buzz at ABS, WCS Wildcat What's Up, Bus Information, WFAP & Four Winds, and more!


Don't see it all? click VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE at the end of your email

A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team

by Lauren Goracy, Director of Special Services at Williston Schools


Hello Williston Community!

As adults, we encounter incentives every day that motivate us to engage in tasks that may feel challenging. For example, we go to work to earn consistent paychecks, receive bonuses for exceptional performance, or earn promotions for a job well done. Public recognition, such as being named employee of the month, discounts on gym memberships, or even treating ourselves to a morning cup of coffee, can serve as motivators. If adults rely on these incentives, it’s no surprise that students benefit from similar encouragement.


The way we respond to a student’s behavior immediately after it occurs can influence whether that behavior is repeated. Rewards given promptly and consistently can encourage students to engage in more of the actions we want to see, helping them grow and thrive.


At Williston Schools, we utilize a variety of incentives to teach and encourage students to “be safe, kind, and responsible” or to "Take care of yourself, take care of others, and take care of this place." While older students may be motivated by our grading system, younger students—and even older ones at times—often need additional reinforcement to develop positive habits. We have Check In/Check Out Plans, Cat Paws, Buzzies, Tickets, etc. Over time, the goal is for students to build intrinsic motivation, so they take pride in their positive behaviors and academic efforts.


If you’re noticing challenging behaviors at home, consider trying some of the reward ideas suggested in the articles below. Using rewards can help your child develop new skills and build healthy habits, setting them up for success both at home and in school.

(Source: CDC on Using Rewards, Teenagers Need Rewards Too)

Lunch Menu

Special Announcements & Notices

The Buzz at ABS

ABS Farm Garden

November Recipes: Misir Wat (Ethiopian Lentils) and Pho (Vietnamese Soup)


* If you have any allergy / dietary concerns for the recipe, please contact your classroom teacher.

IMPORTANT: PARKING LOT SAFETY REMINDER

Please remember students could be entering or exiting vehicles, the parking lot, and/or sidewalks quickly and unexpectedly during arrival and dismissal. Please avoid passing vehicles in the drop off lane, and drive slowly and attentively at all times on school grounds.

The WCS Wildcat What's Up

Williston Families as Partners

Upcoming Meeting: December 12, 2024

Four Winds Nature Institute

This Year's Theme: Patterns in Nature

  • All Sorts of Insects (Sept.)

  • Leaves (Oct.)

  • Conifer Clues (Nov.)

  • Snowflakes (Jan.)

  • Track Detectives (Feb.)

  • Feathering the Nest (March)

  • Ferns and Fiddleheads (April)

  • Frogs and Toads (May)

Nature's News

Insects Nature News (Sept.)
Leaves Nature News(Oct.)
Conifers Cones Nature News (Nov.)

Contact Four Winds

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer please contact: wsdfourwinds@cvsdvt.org.


Volunteer Information Link

Transportation - Food Service - Safety Team

CVSD: School Board & DEI

CVSD School Board

CVSD Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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.


Parenting Book Club
Saturday, November 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. With hectic family schedules, it can be hard to commit to reading an entire book before a discussion. This Book Club invites you to read part (or all) of the book before joining the monthly discussions. Check out a copy of Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne, M. Ed. and drop in for the last book discussion on this title. This book is available in print or as an eBook and eAudiobook through the Library. There are also related podcasts online! (A new parenting book will be chosen to resume the Parenting Book Club in January.)


Reading Adventure
Saturday, November 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Suggested ages 6+. While parents and guardians meet for the Parenting Book Club, children can join the Youth Services Librarian in the Youth Room for a reading adventure! Each month, we will explore a different country with read alouds to learn about different cultures, myths, stories, etc. from around the world. This program is open to all families, not just those who are taking part in the Parenting Book Club! For the month of November we will explore some Native American tribes.

The Parenting Book Club and Reading Adventures are made possible by the Winnie Belle Learned Fund Grant.


Craft Circle
Monday, November 18, 5-6 p.m. All ages. Bring a project and come work on it in the company of other crafters!


Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Bella for stories, songs, and rhymes. Geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.


Baby Time
Wednesday, November 20, 10:30-11 a.m. Suggested ages 0-18 months. Enjoy gentle bonding and socializing activities with your little one!


After School Craft
Wednesday, November 20, 2-3 p.m. Have fun and relax with a craft after school.


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. On the Town Green when weather permits.


Read to a Dog (Rocko)
Thursday, November 21, 3-4 p.m. Sign up for a 10-minute session to read to (or hang out with) Rocko the therapy dog!


Food for Thought
Friday, November 22, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our teen advisory board and meet once a month to learn about volunteer opportunities, plan different programs at the library, and talk about books, games, and movies. You bring the thoughts, we bring the food!


Littles D&D
Saturday, November 23, 10:30-11:30 a.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!

Holiday Decorating Contest- Coming Soon! The Community Holiday Decorating Contest. Show your holiday spirit and join this friendly competition while infusing some cheer around the community! Whether you do it to win a prize, for the bragging rights, or enjoy sharing your festive decorations, we want YOUR household to participate! To register your home or business click on the link. It’s Free! https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30200


RecKids Basketball- Ages 5-6- Coed. This is a parent/child program designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Youngsters will be introduced to a new skill and fun activities to enhance their learning each week. 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- If numbers allow, separate boys’ and girls’ programs are offered. 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


Learn to Ski/Ride- Registration is Open for the Learn to Ski/Ride Program. Register before the Early Bird Discount date to save- December 15. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30204

Fitting Nights are here! There will be two nights offered in December. You must register for a time a time slot. Register one adult and bring all your children to the time slot. Payment needs to be made that night for the loan- $30 per child, checks or cash. To register go to the Ski/Ride program page and look for “Click to Register for a Fitting Night” under the Equipment Loan description.


Speech & Debate- Grade 5-8. This program will introduce middle school students to speech and debate through fun public speaking activities. Competitions are optional and take place during the winter season. Instructor: Kathryn Kernoff, CVU Speech/Debate Coach. The next session starts December 18. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30338


Stacking Rings Workshop- Age 14+. This popular 2-hour workshop from Vermont Jewelry School guides you through the creation of rings each of silver, brass, and copper. An engaging class for teens, adults, and families! Participants solder, size, and individualize their trio of rings before proudly wearing them at home. Instructor: Silvio Mazzarese. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30346


Vocal Percussion & Improvisation Workshop- Age 13+. Root7, Vermont’s contemporary a cappella group for 18 years, will host sight-reading sing-alongs of winter and holiday music. For beginner, intermediate, and experienced vocalists who want to learn and work in groups. December 3, 7:00-9:00p. Free! https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30303

Communication at Williston Schools

Communication with parents and caregivers is a key component in maintaining family engagement and support. Currently, every teacher/team and school communicates regularly in some way to families. Emails, blogs, newsletters, websites, and Facebook are a few of these methods. If you reach out to a person who works in the district, you can expect a response to your communication within two (2) school days (keeping in mind that weekends and the days school is not in session are not included). In the event that a response will take more time, district employees may acknowledge receipt of your email, call, or otherwise contact you with information about when they will be able to provide resolution to your request. Please remember that if you have a concern, please go to the person most directly involved first. You are also encouraged to use the CVSD Connect With Us page.

One-Click Information

Williston Schools Online Calendar
visit the Williston Schools website calendar
Newsletter Archives
FInd previous newletter issues for the current school year
Jobs at CVSD
Current jobs available in our district

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 24/7 - 365 for call or text
  • 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.
Williston Schools
Allen Brook School and Williston Central School