The School Bell
Williston Schools / December 15, 2023
Need to know right now...
Please label Winter Clothes & Gear - Give us your input about The School Bell - Williston Families as Partners Coffee with the Principals (NEW FORMAT) 12/18 @ 8:30am - PreK Lottery Open - Head lice letter from the health office - continue reading for details and more...
Good to know...
A message from ABS Principal Angela Filion - Full calendar of Upcoming School Events - Teacher/Staff Appreciation and Wish List Letter - Congratulations to our Lego Robotics Young Engineers - Library and Rec Program Info - and more...
Info Links in every issue...
- School and District Calendars
- Bus Information
- Families as Partners & Four Winds
- CVSD District and School Board Links
Our School Day
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**
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Angela Filion, Allen Brook School Principal
Are you reading this? Great! We need your help!! Our Program Council(composed of just over 30 members representing all teams from across both schools, including Essential Arts, World Language, as well as support staff, and administration) have been working on the behavior system for Williston Schools. One of the identified priorities is to create further opportunities for family engagement. As part of our brainstorm of current practices and hopes for future activities/opportunities, the school bell came up as a place where we can make improvements. It is required that each school in CVSD send out a weekly communication to families and caretakers. That said, we are finding that the Bell has become quite lengthy and are hearing that we need to reimagine what this could look like.
We value and appreciate a space to share what is going on in our schools and to inform you of things in a timely and efficient manner. However, we know we can do better! The committee that is working on this topic has committed to researching other school newsletters to gather ideas. We would also like to hear your thoughts and ideas as well! We recognize time is precious, but if you could take a few minutes to fill out this padlet to help us generate ideas/adjustments, we would greatly appreciate it!
Be well,
Angela FIlion(on behalf of Program Council)
Upcoming Events
12/18 - Coffee with the Principals, 8:30am @WCS Community Room
12/19 - Horizon Crafting Company Sale
12/25 - 1/1 - No School / Early Winter Break
01/09 - Intergen Book Groups
01/10 - 4 Winds Training, 8:15am @WCS Community Room
01/11 - Families as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am @WCS Community Room
01/15 - No School / Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Reminder: Please label student gear and clothing
Thank you for helping us to return items to the correct owner by putting your student's name in winter jackets, boots, gloves, etc.
Bus Reminder: Students May Not Ride Another Bus
Students are not allowed to ride on buses other than their regular route(s). They may ride to different locations - such as Dance, GMTC, daycare, etc - as part of their weekly routine. Random occasional changes such as riding to a friend's house for a visit are not permitted. This ensures all students are safe and accounted for.
PE: Sneakers Needed
We are looking to replenish our sneaker supply that we loan to students on a daily basis. We are looking for lightly used sneakers in a size 13, 1,2,3,4,5. Half sizes are also most welcome. We are all set on smaller and larger sizes. If you have any to donate please bring them to the PE department at either school.
With thanks and appreciation,
WCS and ABS PE Department
A Note from the Health Office
HEAD LICE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT LETTER
Dear Williston Families,
We wanted to inform you that we were notified of multiple cases of head lice in Williston Schools. Head lice require direct head to head contact to be transmitted. Often slumber parties, some sports or other out of school activities where kids are in close contact for extended periods of time seem to be a common route for transmission. Please talk to your child about the importance of not sharing hats, brushes, helmets or other items that come in direct contact with their head. We also recommend talking with the parents of your child’s friends to see if they have been dealing with head lice. We often find that when parents disclose that information to others, cases are identified and resolved in a much quicker time period. Weekly checks at home are a great way to detect head lice early and to keep them from spreading. If you suspect or find head lice on your child, please contact your school nurse for assistance and advice. We can check heads at individual request if you feel that you are unsure of what you are looking for.
Here are some guidelines:
Ways To Prevent the Spread of Lice
Do not share combs, brushes, towels, hats, barrettes, sports uniforms, or pillows.
Avoid head to head contact with anyone suspected of having head lice.
- Keep long hair up or pulled back/ braided
Excessive scratching of the head, especially at the back of the head just above the neck.
Nits on the hair. These are usually pearly-gray in color and are attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. Nits are distinguished from dandruff because they stick to the hair shaft instead of flaking off when brushed.
Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed. Lice are active at night so your child may have trouble sleeping.
When Can Your Child Return to School?
Students found with head lice may remain in school for the remainder of the school day. The expectation is the student will be treated prior to returning to school the following day. Please have your student check in with the school nurse the day they return to school and one week after treatment.
2023 Williston Schools Teacher/Staff Appreciation and Wish Lists
Dear Williston School Community,
We would like to take a moment to acknowledge all of the hard work that our Williston teachers, educators, assistants and staff members have done to help our students learn and grow in 2023.
While it is in no way expected or required, we know some individuals like to show their appreciation and thanks during the holiday season by sending cards, drawing pictures, writing notes, making small tokens or giving gifts. If this idea interests you and you would like some helpful suggestions, please take a look at the information below.
With so many caring heroes who work diligently behind the scenes of our Williston Schools, it may be hard to have the time to meet and get to know all of them on a more personal level. This document is meant to help introduce the community to some of these amazing people who support our students.
The information has been grouped in alphabetical order by last name. If you are looking for someone in particular, you can use the ‘ctrl’ + ‘f’ keys on your keyboard to search for a specific name. Keep in mind not all Williston School members chose to complete this questionnaire and blank answers were left intentionally by the individual.
Thank you for helping us recognize, acknowledge and support these incredible educators, assistants, staff members and heroes during this time of year.
Happy Holidays,
The Williston Families As Partners Group
PreKindergarten Lottery is now open for 2024-2025!
The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for a random prekindergarten lottery drawing for the 2024-25 school year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of our school-based classrooms which run 10 hours per week. Our school-based prekindergarten classrooms are 5 STARs, licensed early education programs that provide play-based, developmentally appropriate environments for all children in an inclusive setting. Our curriculum is based on the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS).
Our programs follow the CVSD school calendar. Children who will be age 3 or older by September 1, 2024, who are not eligible for kindergarten, and live in the communities of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston are eligible to enter the lottery. Families who are selected for the lottery and choose to enroll their child in a CVSD program access their Act 166 publicly funded prekindergarten funds for the school-based program.
All applications must be received by February 5, 2024, and are located on the CVSD Early Education website under 2024-2025 Preschool Lottery . Paper applications are available upon request.
For additional information, questions about our program, or any concerns about your child’s development, please visit our website or contact Director of Early Education, Erin Gagne at egagne@cvsdvt.org. Our Early Education team is also available for developmental screenings in the areas of communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development, and cognition. More information about an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports is also available on the website.
Lunch Menu
All About ABS...
Please be sure to write student's names in their clothing and gear!
Horizon Crafting Company
Horizon House is dusting off a tradition that began years ago! As a part of our economics unit, we will be selling our school-made crafts.
The proceeds will go to the Williston Food Shelf.
When: Tuesday, December 19th
What: duct tape wallets, bird feeders, ABS magnets, monster bookmarks, and more
Important details:
All items are $1
1 item per person
Monetary donations welcomed
Items left over will be sold on Wednesday, December 20th in the morning
Help us stop the spread of germs
As cold and flu season begins, all of us at school are working hard to encourage more handwashing and healthy habits for catching sneezes and coughs. You are encouraged to have these conversations at home to help us slow the spread of germs and illness.
Learn about catching your germs from Nurse Love
Reminder Note: Allen Brook School End of Day Changes
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:
The classroom teacher
Front Office: absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org
The Team Assistant for your grade:
Kindergarten - cplouffe@cvsdvt.org
First/Second Grade - lsaladino@cvsdvt.org
What's Up at WCS...
Performing Arts T-Shirts for 4th-Grade Chorus
- All 4th-grade musicians will wear "Williston Central School Performing Arts" t-shirts for our winter and spring performances! We are placing an order now so the 4th-grade chorus members will receive their shirts in time for their winter concert on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024.
- Please complete this ORDER FORM to order a t-shirt for your 4th-grade chorus member by December 15th.
- The beginner band students will also be ordering the same shirts but at a later date for their spring performance. If your child is in both the band and the chorus, they only need to order this one now. (No need for another shirt since all grade 4-8 WCS performing groups wear the same shirts.)
- If your child already has one of these performing arts t-shirts from an older sibling, friend, neighbor, etc., they may use that one instead of ordering one.
- Please email Mrs. T-H with questions. dtrasciatti@cvsdvt.org
WCS Art Show News
Mr. Kellogg's class artwork of flower paintings was selected to be displayed in The REC Zone as the first ever art class to have work displayed as part of a partnership between the Williston Recreation Department and the WCS Art Department. You can view the class art show titled "Dark Days, Bright Flowers" when you go to the REC Zone for recreational programming, or by coming to the special showing time set up by the Rec Department in order for students and caregivers to see the work on Tuesday January 9th from 3:30-4:30pm. Congrats to all the students who have artwork up! Special Thanks to Families as Partners whose grant funded the purchase of the display board! Please send any questions to Abbie Bowker at abowker@cvsdvt.org
Congratulations to our Lego Robotics Young Engineers
Our two WCS Lego Robotics teams really had some great performances at the Vermont Regional Tournament at Shelburne Community School - with both teams qualifying for the Vermont State Championships next month.
The Wired Cats finished 4th overall out of 32 teams and were the top public school team (only being outscored by 3 much smaller teams of homeschoolers): Aidan Walker, Evan Brady, Liliana Lemieux, Micah Charlebois, Noah Westman, Patrick Brady, Shivaji Arumugam, Sofia Kvam, Sunshine Haines, Zoey Brownell, Jeremiah Leavitt
The BrainBots also really rose to the occasion - finishing 10th overall and scoring better than every CVSD team except for their WiredCats classmates. They earned the Motivation Award for their energy and enthusiasm: Austin Nicholson, Avery Peabody, Benjamin LaRose, Boeden Christiansen, Carter Downing, Christopher Tomblin, Isaiah Covey, Maxwell Hornus, Oliver Bouchard, William Wiederkehr
Both teams will now spend the next 8 weeks preparing for the Vermont State Championships that will be held at Norwich State University on Sat. January 20, 2024. It will be exciting to see if they can continue to grow their science and engineering skills! Thx for congratulating and encouraging them to continue their great work!
Allan Miller
Williston Central School Creation Studio
SPARK Enrichment After School Session 3
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 3rd session starting January 11th and ends February 8th. 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: January 11, 18, 25, February 1, and 8. 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.
Four Winds Nature Institute
This Year's Theme: The Earth
Sunlight & Shadow (Sept.)
Erosion (Oct.)
Rocks & Minerals (Nov.)
Blanket of Air (Jan.)
Nature of Sound (Feb.)
Water Cycle (March)
Wind & Clouds (April)
Get Your Bearings (May)
Nature's News
Contact Four Winds
Families as Partners
Coffee with the Pirincipals
Families As Partners is striving to support our schools, build community, increase
communication, make positive connections, and provide understanding between the school and families.
Having monthly ‘Coffee with the Principal’ meetings gives caregivers the opportunity to sit down with the Williston School Leadership Team and learn more about what goes on in the schools directly from the source. The format of these principal meetings is evolving. Future meetings will have a 30 minute presentation on a predetermined topic and 30 minutes for Q&A.
We want to hear from You!
What would you like to talk about? What topics are important to you? What questions do you have? Please complete THIS SURVEY to share your topic ideas!
You can also email willistonfap@cvsdvt.org or gmarino@cvsdvt.org
Come join us for our next Coffee with the Principals
Monday, December 18th, 8:30 - 9:30am in the WCS Community Room
IMPORTANT: Winter Bus Update - Hill Roads
When this happens you will receive a notifications from the school as early as possible in the morning. Information on where families will need to meet the bus is located HERE.
Note: In certain icy conditions, Bus M will not be able to travel on Lincoln or Chaloux and parents/caretakers and students will need to meet the bus on Breezy Valley Ln. You will be notified directly when this change occurs.
Williston & CVSD Services and Resources
DEI Town Halls - New Format!
Join the CVSD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team as we celebrate diversity and connect with the diverse cultures of our community. At these in-person events we will learn the history of the various communities in Vermont. There will be shared cultural experiences, including art, food, and conversations about educational experiences. At each gathering various groups, community members and stakeholders will present about their lives, work, and contributions to our state.
January 19th, 6-8pm - Shelburne Community School
Nepali Community in Vermont
March 15th, 6-8pm - Williston Central School
Somali Community in Vermont
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.
Littles Dungeons & Dragons*
Saturday, December 16, 1-2 p.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!
Food for Thought
Monday, December 18, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our teen advisory board for the library! We are actively seeking new teens to join! You bring the thoughts, we bring the food.
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
Baby Time
Wednesday, December 20, 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy gentle bonding and socializing activities with your baby.
After School Movie
Wednesday, December 20, 2-4 p.m. PG. Explore a magic house and family at the library!
Teen Movie Night
Wednesday, December 20, 5-7:15 p.m. PG. Ages 12+. Should you beware once the chamber is open? Further movie nights will be hosted through December and January to enjoy the full series.
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.
Vermont Reads
Between now and January 31, share a favorite family recipe and a 3-5 sentence story that includes the preparation and sharing of that food, or the importance of that food to your family and/or culture. The best story wins a set of cookie cutters and cookie decorations. Submit stories to bonnie@damlvt.org. Submissions will be included in a community cookbook to be shared in the library.
The challenge is inspired by this year's Vermont Read, Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo. Beginning December 1, you can pick up or check out a copy of this book in the library. Events related to this book will noted on our website and calendar!
Holiday Decorating Contest
Registration Deadline: Sunday, December 17. Registration is free! Must be registered to be judged. To Register Click Here- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30200
Have you decorated your house, condo, apartment or business for the holiday season? Do you want to show it off? If Yes, be sure to register in the Williston Holiday Decorating Contest. Show your holiday spirit and join this friendly competition while infusing some cheer in the community! Whether you do it to win a fun prize, for the bragging rights, or you just enjoy sharing your festive decorations, we want YOU to participate!
Learn to Ski/Ride
Early Bird Discount Deadline is this Sunday, December 17. Be sure to register now to save. Follow the link to register- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30204
KinderRec 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
Basketball Referees Wanted!
The department is looking for basketball referees in January and February for the Youth Rec. Basketball programs. Referees are needed for grades 1st-8th programs. If interested please contact the Recreation Dept at recreation@willistonvt.org.
Ninja Kids Intro- Age 4-8 or 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. Programs start in January. 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
Instructors Wanted!
Do you have a talent or skill that you would like to share with others? If so, the department is always accepting proposals for new programs and/or camps from people who have a talent to share or want to give to the community by being an instructor. Consider becoming an instructor and offering an on-going program at The R.E.C. Zone or a program with 6-8 week sessions. We are always looking for people with a talent to share. Email us and we will set up a time to meet and discuss the possibilities- recreation@willistonvt.org
Information - Click to Get!
Family Resources
Resources to keep accessible:
- 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.
Williston Schools Food Service
Williston Schools Safety Team
Allen Brook School and Williston Central School