The School Bell

A message from Greg Marino, Williston Schools Lead Principal - A Note from our Nurses - Williston Craft Show Volunteer Signup - Picture Retake details - SPARK session 2 - Connecting Youth & ParentIN Updates - Williston 2050 Roudtable details - and more...

- 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

by Greg Marino, Williston Schools Lead Principal

The Power of Partners, Families as Partners Annual Fund

Families as Partners Annual Fund

Williston faculty, staff, and our leadership team places the highest of values on the genuine partnership between families and school. We are proud to work and learn in a school community with an organization that has the word “partners” in its name.

The Williston Families as Partners organization embodies a collaborative and effective partnership that supports all students. A group whose volunteers work tirelessly to support and enrich the educational experience for nearly 1000 students PreK - 8. No one could argue with the premise that when there are effective partnerships between teachers, staff, school leaders, students and families, we are substantially elevating the potential for raising happy, healthy, students who are prepared for a happy, healthy, and productive life.

I could not possibly list here all of the many programs, supplies, pieces of equipment, special field trips, guest artists, performers, and guest educators that the F.A.P. has helped make possible for the students of Williston. Of course, this support and programming takes money. I am grateful that the Williston F.A.P. has committed to providing its support to Williston Students, PreK - 8, in an equitable way. As you may know, the group is very intentional about not asking students and families to engage in the selling of products from catalogs, wrapping paper, frozen cookie dough, the list is endless. Not only are these activities an imposition on families’ time, it is often not an equitable approach to raising funds. These activities can also often be ecologically irresponsible.

Instead, the F.A.P. asks families to do their part and chip in to the F.A.P. Annual Fund. The Annual Fund is an effective low-impact model of raising funds where the responsibility is shared across families. These funds are then equitably distributed to enhance education for all Williston students. I wanted to use this Bell article to celebrate and express gratitude for all the programming that is made possible as a result of this fund. Effective partnerships require that both parties commit to their responsibilities and place trust in the other. Effective teams require all to chip in for the good of the team and its collective goals. With this in mind, I hope you will consider making a contribution to the Annual fund today. Your contribution, regardless of amount, makes a real and tangible difference to the opportunities available to Williston students.

10/30 - Picture Retake Day - WCS @8:15am, ABS @10:30am

11/02 - Clover 6th Grade to Green Mtn Audubon Center

11/04 - Craft Fair @WCS

11/08 - 4 Winds Training, 8:15am - 10:30am @WCS Community Room

11/09 - Families as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am @WCS Community Room

11/10 - 7th & 8th Grade Dance, 6:30 - 8:00pm / DEI Town Hall - Latinx Community

11/16 - ParentIn CVSD Virtual Event, 7-8:30pm

11/20 - 11/24 - No School / Thanksgiving Break

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**

For picture retakes, students MUST bring in the original photos with the envelope. If students were not here for the original day, you may use the link below to order photos.

Please Note: This link is only for families who have not ordered previously and their student is being photographed for the first time.

Williston Central School:

www.bsnap.hhimagehost.com

Event: Williston Central School Fall Pictures 2023

Passcode: WCS323 - case sensitive

Allen Brook School:

http://bsnap.hhimagehost.com/AllenBrookSchoolFallPictures2023

passcode: ABS323 - case sensitive

NATIONAL RX TAKE BACK DAY is this Saturday, October 28 from 10am-2pm.

This link has collection site locations.

This site has permanent drop-off locations that are available year-round.

CVSD’s Connecting Youth (CY) seeks new community members to join our team of mentors for 5th - 12th grade students. This is a meaningful volunteer opportunity to be engaged with your community and truly make a difference in the life of one great kid!

• Mentors and mentee pairs meet weekly for about an hour. *We work with mentors' personal/professional schedules*

• 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, guide in goal-setting, and even explore possible career paths through new interests and experiences.

If you consider yourself fun, caring and trustworthy, your consistent presence can enhance a young person’s self-confidence, improve their academic performance, prevent substance use, and help them discover new passions. All while enriching your own life.

LEARN MORE by contacting 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

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 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:

1. The classroom teacher

2. Front Office: absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org

3. The Team Assistant for your grade:

• Kindergarten - cplouffe@cvsdvt.org

• First/Second Grade - lsaladino@cvsdvt.org

CVU Theater is inviting all 6th graders in the district to their Invited Dress Rehearsal of "Newsies" on Thursday, 11/9 at 5:30pm. This is just for 6th graders and one guardian. Doors will open at 5:15pm - general seating. Running time should be about 2 hr 45 minutes with intermission.

WHO: Champlain Valley Union High School invites all 6th graders in the district and 1 accompanying guardian

WHAT: FREE Invited Dress Rehearsal of the Disney Musical "Newsies" (see attached flyer)

WHEN: Thursday, November 9th at 5:30pm (approx running time 2hr 45 minutes)

WHERE: CVU High School Theatre (369 CVU Rd, Hinesburg)

HOW: General Seating, Doors open around 5pm. Please RSVP to secure your seats using this Google Form: Newsies Invited Dress Rehearsal RSVP Form

Please RSVP to secure your seats using this Google Form: Newsies Invited Dress Rehearsal RSVP Form

We are excited to offer your child an opportunity to participate in Spark Enrichment, an after-school applied learning program for students in grades 5-8. Sessions will run for 5 weeks from 2:50 p.m - 4:20 p.m. with our 2nd session starting November 9th and ends December 14th. These small group classes will be facilitated by school faculty and staff. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that can be found on the link below. Accommodations for any food allergies will be made. Caregivers will receive an email (using the email given on the form) informing them of the assigned workshop on Monday or Tuesday of the week that workshops begin. In order to take full advantage of this learning opportunity, students will need to make a commitment to attend all five Thursdays. If your child decides to not take part in this session after having registered please contact Julie Rogers so that others may fill the spot. The after-school activity bus will provide transportation home for students in need of a ride home.

The dates of the session are: November 9, 16, 30, December 7 & 14. When registering, students will be able to rank their choices for better placement! Students will be placed on a first come first serve basis as well as ensuring that students do not repeat workshops unless there are open spots. Please use this registration form and a listing of workshop descriptions. Contact Julie Rogers (jrogers@cvsdvt.org) with any questions.

Important dates:

Thursday, 10/26- Students attend information meet and sign ups begin

Friday, 11/3- deadline for signing up for Beginner Band AND for

completing instrument rental contracts.

Monday, 11/13- Ellis Music Co. delivers instruments and supplies to Kim Thompson

Friday, 11/17- Beginner lessons start (Schedule will be shared with students. Instruments and

materials delivered by Ellis Music Co. will be given to students at their first lesson.)

At this time, the beginner band program is available to all interested students in grades 4 and up. All beginners will attend a weekly small group lesson during their school day and will perform later in the school year. Students may choose:

flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion.

*Percussion Notes:

In order to provide a quality experience to all musicians, there is a limit of 8 percussion spaces. If interest exceeds space, places in this class will be chosen by lottery. Please note that omission of a second choice will not increase your chances of acquiring a space in percussion. Thank you for your understanding.

How to sign up:

Here is the Beginner Band sign up form. It is also available on the WCS Band webpage. Please be sure to sign up by 11/3 in order to ensure your child is enrolled in a class.

How to get an instrument:

Most WCS band students rent an instrument from Ellis Music Company. WCS Music has had a successful relationship with this Vermont family owned business for over 25 years. Renting from Ellis Music Company is encouraged, but you are welcome to rent from elsewhere or purchase a reputable used instrument from a private sale. If financial support is needed to participate, please indicate this on the sign up form.

• Buyer beware: “Instruments” sold at general retail stores and websites are not recommended. They are typically made from lower quality materials, are difficult to play and repair, or not repairable at all. If it’s brand new and the price is really low, be suspicious. If it comes in an unconventional color or if it comes with gloves, be suspicious. When in doubt, please ask a music teacher.

If you plan to rent from Ellis Music Company:

1. Please sign up on time (11/3) AND complete your rental contract transactions online. Click here for pricing.

2. Percussionists can rent a snare drum kit OR purchase a book sticks and a drum pad.

3. If you cannot complete an online contract, please call or email Ellis Music Company for an alternative

method. (802-234-6400).

If you already have an instrument or plan to get one elsewhere:

1. Please allow Kim Thompson to help you determine that your instrument is in working condition.

2. Please purchase the book which will be used in class.

(wind players- Tradition of Excellence book 1, percussionists: Alfred Drum Method, Book 1)

Questions? Please contact Kim Thompson: kthompson@cvsdvt.org or 871-6033

Calling all art lovers, book readers and crafty types -- we need YOU!

Calling anyone with two hours to give back to your schools in service -- we need YOU!

Calling all energetic teens, dads and grandparents -- we need YOU!

The beloved annual Williston Craft Show returns Saturday, November 4, which is closer than you think. We need dozens of volunteers to assist the crafters and customers. Want to spend a few fun hours with a friend, walking around the craft show and helping the 100+ vendors find what they need? Want to greet customers warmly at the door and welcome folks to WCS? We can't put on a great show without YOU.

We would love to have you in our Crafter Crew at the Craft Show November 4! Please sign up for a shift(s) at this link: https://signup.com/go/GuqFSni

Thank you from Erin and Lindsay, Williston Craft Show Co-Chairs

• 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.