Wildcat Buzz

1. 10/22 - ABS Vision Screenings, Kindergarten and First Grade

2. 10/22 - Community Budget Forum @CVU Library, 6pm-7:15pm

3. 10/24 - Vision Screenings for Grades 3, 5 & 7

Important Upcoming Dates to Note

10/22 - ABS Vision Screenings (Grades K & 1)

10/22 - Community Budget Forum @CVU Library, 6-7:15pm

10/24 - WCS Vision Screenings (Grades 3, 5 & 7)

10/25 - 7th & 8th Grade Dance

10/28 - Multilingual Celebration

10/29 - WCS Picture Retakes, 10:30-11:30am

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

by Jackie Parks, Williston Central School Principal

While we often share with our families the proactive work that we engage in to build a positive school community, we are not always explicit about how we handle behavioral challenges when they arise. Of course, when we look at the developmental needs of our students, we know and understand that all students will have moments when feedback about their behavior is necessary. These “minor” behaviors, as we label them, are a normal part of childhood development and growth.

We also know that another smaller percentage of our students will experience additional challenges in behavior and will need additional education, reflection and support to follow the expectations of our community.

Major behaviors are defined as bullying, harassment, hazing, physical aggression, swearing directed at another person, threats, vandalism or theft. These types of behaviors would be considered illegal in our legal system for those older than 18 years of age and they have a negative impact on our community. For this reason and others, we do spend a lot of time processing with students that engage in any of these behaviors so that they both reflect and learn.

If a student engages in a major behavior they immediately are referred to our Planning Room. The Planning Room works with the student to understand what occurred leading up to the behavior. We believe that a response to major behaviors should have 3 clear components.

• Education about the behavior

• Restorative Action (Making It Right) with those impacted

• Consequence

The Educational complement of the response could be handled in many different ways and of course, the age of the student is a major factor in the response. Sometimes this looks like a conversation about the behavior and why it was harmful to others. Other times, the student may be assigned a video to watch and reflect on or an article to read and discuss. The educational component often includes some strategy building in how to prevent a similar behavior from occurring again.

The Restorative Action component of the response will focus on who was impacted by this particular behavior and how the student could work to “make it right” with those people. This involves some work around perspective taking which can be challenging for some to consider. We don’t force a student to “make it right” in any one specific way, but some of the options include: a community service gesture to those harmed, an in-person facilitated apology,taking part in a restorative circle with those impacted, a written apology etc. By engaging in a “making it right” action, the student takes accountability.

The consequence is the third component to our response to a major behavior. Whenever possible, we connect the consequence to the behavior in some manner. For example, if it occurs at recess, the consequence could be missing a specific number of recess opportunities. If it occurs on the bus, the consequence may be having time off the bus for a period of time. If something occurs in the hallway, there may be a hallway restriction for a period of time. We also use the continuum of a partial or full day in-school suspension or an out-of-school suspension if the behavior warrants more time away from the community or other student that experienced the harm. We believe that often part of the consequence is for the community to see that there was a response and that this behavior is not welcome in our community. Finally, the consequence could extend to participation in an athletic team, participation in a special event (dance, field trip etc.) and other similar type activities.

Ultimately, our goal is for our students to learn from their mistakes and build some strategies to use when they are experiencing an emotion.

Note About Upcoming 6-8 weeks:

On a separate note, I wanted to let families know that I will be out on medical leave beginning on Tuesday, October 15th for approximately 6-8 weeks following a hip replacement. While I am out on leave, you can reach out to Greg Marino (gmarino@cvsdvt.org) if you need to access an administrator. Additionally, former Hinesburg Principal, Jeff O’Hara will be supporting WCS three days per week. Thank you for your understanding. Jackie Parks, WCS Principal

Learn about our fiscal climate, engage in civil dialogue and share support for our schools at this Tuesday’s Community Budget Forum.

Join us in the CVU Library from 6-7:15 p.m., or you can participate via Zoom (find meeting information here). Faculty and staff, students, families and more are welcome.

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.

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.

Any time a student is going to be absent, or has a change to their dismissal/end of day plan,

please notify the following:

1. The classroom teacher

2. Front Office: absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org or this form

3. ABS Team Assistant Celeste Plouffe: cplouffe@cvsdvt.org

4. 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.

Picture Retake at WCS on Tuesday, October 29 from 10:30-11:30 AM.

Students MUST return their complete original package to receive a new retake picture package. For students who are taking their first picture, they only need to show up.

Families can contact Beltrami directly regarding all picture related questions.

email: bryan@beltramistudios.com

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.

Please check it out!

It includes:

1. announcements

2. important dates

3. ensemble descriptions

4. Wind Ensemble (grades 7/8) morning rehearsal schedule

5. Beginner Band information

6. Jazz/Pop Band information

7. Instrument repair and rental information

8. Link to our Instagram page

Any time a student is going to be absent, or has a change to their dismissal/end of day plan,

please notify the following:

1. The classroom teacher

2. Front Office: wcsattendance@cvsdvt.org or this form

3. Your student's Team Assistant(TA)

4. 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.

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.

• 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.