Wildcat Buzz
November 22, 2024
NO SCHOOL 11/25 - 11/29 for THANKSGIVING BREAK
Top Buzz
1. NO SCHOOL week of November 25 - 29, 2024
2. Williston Rec Ski & Ride Registration Open
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 - Walk/Roll to School - Intergen Reading Group
12/10 - WCS 5-8 Chorus Concert
12/11 - WCS 5-8 Band Concert
12/12 - WFAP Monthly Meeting
12/23 - Early Winter Break begins
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Greg Marino, Williston Schools Lead Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
On the cusp of this November break I would like to use this space to extend my sincere gratitude for the invaluable role each of you plays as parents and caregivers in supporting our amazing school community. This time of year offers the opportunity to celebrate the diverse ways we gather, give thanks, and care for one another. Whatever your traditions may be I hope the coming break from school brings some peace and laughter for you and your family.
I also want to share my deep gratitude for our incredible faculty and staff. Their compassion, expertise, and commitment to meeting the needs of every student is inspiring. Getting to come to work every day and experience deep and sincere collaboration for the benefit of all learners is truly a privilege that I am most grateful for. Enjoy this break, and as always, do not hesitate to reach out for any reason.
Lunch Menu
Special Announcements & Notices
Volunteers Needed for Northern Vermont Lego Robotics Competition
On December 14, Shelburne Community School will be hosting the First Lego (Robotics) League Northern Vermont Qualifier. All of CVSD’s K-8 schools have teams and many will be participating. So will teams from across Northern VT.
To operate the event, we are seeking 40+ volunteers including judges, resetters, scorekeepers and more. Not all roles require a technical background. If you are interested in volunteering please complete the initial sign-up form here FIRST.
After completing the initial form, please register for specific roles HERE.
The second form is a little more complex and requires multiple steps. Please contact Sarah Samuelson, volunteer coordinator, with any questions or concerns. Thanks for considering volunteering!
Community Health Needs Assessment
The University of Vermont Medical Center is currently conducting its annual Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) of Chittenden and Grand Isle counties. Results will be used to better understand and respond to the top community health needs in these counties. Those who live in these Chittenden or Grand Isle counties and are 16 years of age or older are encouraged to complete this survey, which takes less than 10 minutes.
Thank you all for supporting Williston Schools through the Hannaford Helps Schools program. We received a $1000 bonus from Hannaford for being one of the TOP participating schools in 2024!
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
The Buzz at ABS
We have some Winners!
At Allen Brook School we ran a T-Shirt Design Contest where students had an opportunity to design a picture of what ABS means to them. The results were incredible and made the decision extremely hard.
The two final winners are:
Emma Gale, first grader from Ms. Crowley's Room and
Nina Clavadetscher, second grader from Ms. Ashford’s class.
We are putting together a shirt/sweatshirt order that will take place when we return from November Break!
Congratulations Emma and Nina, as well as all of the students who submitted their amazing art!
Reach out with any questions to Nicole Pfende npfende@cvsdvt.org
Please Note: Stormwater Construction Near ABS to begin soon
A Stormwater Improvement project is set to begin adjacent to Allen Brook School at the start of December. All work areas will be fenced in and will not impact school operations. There may be very limited additional traffic at the start of the school driveway - and should not happen at regular pickup and drop off times. The bike path should remain open and accessible.
Lost & Found is Overflowing
The ABS Lost and Found will be donated Friday, December 6th. Please stop in after break to claim any items your students have left at school. Thank you
ABS Farm Garden
November/December Recipes: Misir Wat (Ethiopian Lentils) and Pho (Vietnamese Soup)
* If you have any allergy / dietary concerns for the recipe, please contact your classroom teacher.
The WCS Wildcat What's Up
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
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.
Please note our changed hours in observance of Thanksgiving: The library will close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, and remain closed through Friday, November 29. Normal hours will resume on Saturday, November 30.
*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 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. Please register each individual child that plans to participate!
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Bella for stories, songs, and rhymes. Geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.
Saturday Music
Saturday, November 30, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing and dance with Linda Bassick!
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 22. 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.
Ski Strap- a strap must be used on all equipment that will be transported in the trailer. You can purchase a strap on the Recreation website at- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/products/default.aspx
You do NOT need to purchase a strap if borrowing equipment for the program. Ski equipment will come with a strap.
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
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.