Wildcat Buzz
October 11, 2024
Top Buzz
1. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Closed 10/14
2. Walk or Roll to School - Tuesday, 10/15 (Click here for info)
3. Be "Bear Aware" in Williston
Mark Your Calendar
Important Upcoming Dates to Note
10/15 - Walk or Roll to School Day
10/17 - Williston Families as Partners Monthly Meeting - WCS Community Room @ 8:30am
10/25 - 7th & 8th Grade Dance
10/28 - Multilingual Celebration
11/01 - Diwali / NO SCHOOL
11/02 - Williston Craft Show
11/12 - Intergen Book Group
11/14 - WFAP Monthly Meeting
11/25 - NO SCHOOL / THANKSGIVING BREAK
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Angela FIlion, Allen Brook School Principal
Happy Fall from ABS! We have been very busy settling into the start of the year with much to celebrate and be proud of! It was so great to welcome our families last week for our annual open house. It was so wonderful to see the excitement and enthusiasm the children had when bringing their families around the school to visit and share all the wonderful things that makes us ABS!
We filled the beehive!!! Students get “buzzies” when following our school commitments of being safe, kind, and responsible. Each classroom has a buzzy jar that gets filled. When they fill up the classroom jar they have an in classroom celebration (PJ day, extra recess, stuffy day etc). Then the students bring the buzzies to our school wide beehive and when that is filled up we celebrate as a whole school. Our first celebration was a school wide dance party and we stopped, dropped, and danced around the school…so fun!
I wanted to share with you some work we have done with our DEI(Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) coach and a small committee of people who are dedicated to promoting an inclusive learning environment for all. For those of you who are new to Williston Schools and CVSD, we have a board adopted policy and definition that supports this very important work that you are welcome to learn more about by clicking here: Board Definition of Equity (adopted June 2018) Board Equity Policy (adopted December 2020).
The DEI committee worked to identify common reads across PrK-2 that every classroom teacher will incorporate into their read aloud and discussions throughout the year. We have also been brainstorming ways for extending activities to our essential arts classrooms as well. Here is the list of the books that have been selected. We are proud of our work with culturally responsive and inclusive practices and aim to continue this very important work.
Lunch Menu
Special Announcements & Notices
Dorothy Alilng Memorial Library Closed - October 14th
DAML will be closed Monday, October 14th. Please be sure your WCS student has an alternative plan if they usually go to the library after school.
Recent Bear Sighting:
Earlier this week a staff member was out for a walk on the rec path in the direction of Coyote Run. While returning to the school they spotted a black bear, which crossed over the rec path and headed into the trees adjacent to the school property. No cubs were spotted.
All faculty and staff were reminded to be aware of their surroundings at all times.
As black bear sightings have become increasingly more common around Williston, we send this message as a reminder to be "bear aware" when outside in the area.
Important Reminder for Afterschool Program Closures/Changes
If your child's daycare or other after-school activity is cancelled, please be sure to notify the school so that we may ensure your student(s) are safe and in the right place. Thank you!
ABS: 802-871-6200 or absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org
WCS: 80-871-6100 or wcsattendance@cvsdvt.org
Bus Reminder:
Students may not ride buses other than their usual routes. A standing schedule for childcare, after-school activities, etc. can be set up with the front office of your school.
We do not allow students to ride buses for playdates, etc as one-time or rare event. It is important that we know who is on the buses regularly for both safety and behavior reasons. This also allows our drivers to get to know and build relationships with their students. Thank you for your cooperation.
Did you miss the text?
Our schools use School Messenger for communication with families and caregivers. That includes emails, such as this newsletter, as well as emergency updates. In addition to emails, we may also use phone messages and texting to keep everyone informed. In order to receive texts, you must opt-in. If you have not received texts this year and would like to, see the flyer below or details.
Update from the Williston School Health Office
Upcoming Vision Screenings
WCS VISION SCREENING - Thursday OCTOBER 24th
ABS VISION SCREENING - Tuesday OCTOBER 22nd
The Health Offices at WCS and ABS will start testing students' vision and hearing. Vermont schools are required by the state to test students' vision and hearing in Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th grades.
Chittenden County Lions Club will be coming to our schools on Tuesday October 22nd (ABS) and Thursday October 24th (WCS) to perform vision screening.
The vision photoscreening will only happen on indicated dates. It is a one-day event and we strongly encourage your child not to be absent from school on that day. There will be no make-ups.
Vermont Lions KidSight program uses a photoscreening digital device called a SPOT to objectively check for vision problems. The photoscreener is like a large camera. It takes a picture of your child’s eyes. With that and the measurements obtained from the images, SPOT can detect a number of potential eye conditions.
If we find a problem, we will send you a referral letter. If your child’s SPOT results form states “Complete Eye Exam Recommended” at the top right of the page, it is a referral and we recommend that your child visit an eye care professional.
On the SPOT referral, you will see a section on the right side of the page called “Potential Condition”. This includes
information about the potential eye condition(s) detected by the SPOT device.
If you do not hear from us, your child passed the screenings.
If you have any concerns, please contact the Health Office.
Thank you so much!
The Buzz at ABS
Attention ABS: End of Day/Attendance Notifications
Any time a student is going to be absent, or has a change to their dismissal/end of day plan,
please notify the following:
The classroom teacher
Front Office: absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org or this form
ABS Team Assistant Celeste Plouffe: cplouffe@cvsdvt.org
School Nurse (if due to illness): slove@cvsdvt.org
Reminder: If there is any change to your student's typical end of day plan, please be sure to contact the school 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.
The WCS Wildcat What's Up
24-25 Performing Arts Shirt Order
It’s time for WCS musicians to order their WCS Performing Arts shirts! All students in Band and/or Chorus will wear this shirt on concert days, to field trips and other organized events.
Who should order a shirt?
4th Grade Chorus members
5th-8th grade Band and/or Chorus students that are new to the program.
Returning 5th-8th grade Band and/or Chorus members that have lost or outgrown their shirt from last year.
How do I order a shirt?
Order your shirt here. Shirts need to be ordered and paid for by Friday, October 25, 2024. The cost is $13 and financial support is available.
What if I already have a shirt?
__ I found my shirt, tried it on and know it will still fit on concert day.
- If you can check that off, you do not need to order a new shirt.
Can I order a shirt if I am not in Band or Chorus?
Yes! If you wish to support our musicians, you may order a shirt.
Did you know there is a WCS Band Page?
It includes:
announcements
important dates
ensemble descriptions
Wind Ensemble (grades 7/8) morning rehearsal schedule
Beginner Band information
Jazz/Pop Band information
Instrument repair and rental information
Link to our Instagram page
Attention WCS: End of Day/Attendance Notifications
Any time a student is going to be absent, or has a change to their dismissal/end of day plan,
please notify the following:
The classroom teacher
Front Office: wcsattendance@cvsdvt.org or this form
Your student's Team Assistant(TA)
School Nurse (if due to illness): wcshealthoffice@cvsdvt.org
Reminder: If there is any change to your student's typical end of day plan, please be sure to contact the school 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.
Williston Families as Partners
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)
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.
Please note the Library will be closed on Monday, October 14th, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
VINS: Owls & Their Calls
Friday, October 11, 1-2 p.m. All ages. Meet live owls from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science and learn about the owls that live near us! On the Town Green if weather permits.
French Storytime
Saturday, October 12, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Enjoy stories read aloud in French by a native-French speaker!
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Bella for stories, songs, and rhymes. Geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. On the Town Green when weather permits.
Baby Time
Wednesday, October 16, 10:30-11 a.m. Suggested ages 0-18 months. Bring your little one in for gentle bonding and socializing activities!
After School Craft
Wednesday, October 16, 2-3 p.m. Have fun after school with origami – easy or challenging, there are plenty of options!
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, October 17, 3-4 p.m. Sign up for a 10-minute session to read to (or hang out with) Rocko the therapy dog!
Teens Dungeons & Dragons
Friday, October 18, 4:30-6 p.m. Ages 12+. All experience levels welcome – have fun with D&D campaigns at the Library! Now split into 2 groups that meet at the same time. If you would like to be put on a wait list for a third group, please email me to let me know! For help creating a character, please stop by at an earlier date.
Trunk or Treat- The Williston/Richmond Rotary Club and Williston Federated Church announce the 4th Annual “Trunk or Treat” Event to be held on Sunday, October 27, from 2:30-4:00 pm: rain or shine. NEW LOCATION- The event will be held in the parking lot of Village Community Park (250 Library Lane). Bring the kids or the grandkids for a safe and fun “trick or treat” experience! We're looking forward to seeing lots of fun costumes and smiles! Face Painting by "Pipsqueak the Clown" sponsored by Associates in Orthodontics.
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. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30338
Ninja Kids Intro- Age 4-8 & 7-11. The play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. 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
Ninja Teens Intro- Age 9-15. The play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30098
Dangerous Girls- Age 12+. A practical self-defense class designed for teens and young women, with a combination of kickboxing and grappling. 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
RecKids 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 a 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 are 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
Basketball Referees Needed- Referees are needed for the Basketball Programs grades 1st-8th. Games are Saturdays in January and February. Opportunities are Paid or Volunteer. Contact the Recreation Dept- recreation@willistonvt.org
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
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.