The School Bell
Williston Schools / November 17, 2023
NO SCHOOL November 20 - 24 / Thanksgiving Break
In this issue...
A message from Lauren Goracy, Director of Special Services - Winter Bus Update - ABS Lost & Found is full! - CVU Craft Fair - CVSD Budget Development Meetings - Upcoming Community Events - and more...
In every issue...
- 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
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
Hello Williston Community!
My original plan for this School Bell was to share with you the second lever of Act 173, but I felt it would be better to keep this message light the day before Thanksgiving break. This is a time of year when we can hit the “pause button” to reflect and express gratitude. Gratitude means appreciating and acknowledging the good things in life whether they are big or small. It involves recognizing and being thankful for the kindness shown by others and the experiences that bring joy and growth. Gratitude goes beyond simply saying "thank you"; it encompasses a deep sense of thankfulness that can cultivate a positive outlook, improve well-being, and foster connections with others.
Students at Williston Schools practiced gratitude this week as part of our school-wide PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System). At WCS, students identified something or someone they were thankful for and wrote it on a gratitude leaf to showcase in the front lobby display case. At ABS, students celebrated World Kindness day on Monday and throughout the week by writing down an act of kindness they experienced on a strip of paper. These strips of paper were then stapled together to make a kindness paperchain. The challenge was to see how long they could make it! In both schools, these thoughts and acts of gratitude were gathered together and represent our collective gratitude.
Gratitude is important to express because it helps you feel happier, kinder, and more positive about the world around you. It’s like a superpower that makes your heart feel warm and your day brighter. I challenge you to practice this superpower this week and going forward. This article explores ways to promote gratitude in the classroom, but it is also directly applicable to our everyday lives. Also, in this link, the CDC explains how Gratitude works and provides examples and resources for you to explore.
If you would like to express your gratitude to any faculty and staff at Williston Schools, please use the “Let’s Talk” link here. When we give or receive gratitude, it is a reciprocal feeling that helps us all feel good and makes our community stronger.
I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the Williston Community for all you do to enrich the lives of our students, staff, families/caregivers, and community members. I have experienced firsthand both big and small acts of kindness in our schools and the greater community and it warms my heart to see this everyday.
Please enjoy the holiday week with family and friends.
With Gratitude, Lauren Goracy Director of Special Services
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
11/20 - 11/24 - No School / Thanksgiving Break
12/12 - Intergen Book Groups
12/13 - Virtual Town Hall, 6:30-7:30 pm
12/14 - Families as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am @WCS Community Room
12/18 - Coffee with the Principals, 8:30am @WCS Community Room
12/25 - 1/1 - No School / Early Winter Break
Our School Days
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**
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.
December Virtual Town Hall
Mark your calendars for December's Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, December 13 from 6:30-7:30. We'll share updates about the budget development process and engage in conversations with those attending. This is a great way to connect with our Superintendent and other district leaders! The Zoom information is posted on the CVSD website calendar.
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.
Health Office Updates
November 17th, 2023
Dear Families,
We are starting to see Influenza-like-Illness (IFI) activity in our schools and continue to see confirmed cases of strep throat and COVID in our buildings. We wanted to share this important information to help keep your child and our community healthy. In an effort to reduce the spread of illness, we ask that you keep your sick child home until they are healthy (fever-free x 24 hours without medicine and their respiratory symptoms significantly improved), reinforce the importance of covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue, and encourage your child to wash hands often and well.
If your child tests positive for Strep, they may return to school after 24 hrs on antibiotics and fever-free and feeling better.
Please let the Health Office know if your child is sick with flu-like illness or if they have been diagnosed with Flu or strep throat. If you suspect that your child has strep throat, it's crucial to consult with your child’s pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Be well,
Maria, Carol and Sylvia
Treating the Flu | Vermont Department of Health
November's DEI Event
On November 10th, the DEI team organized the first in-person Diversity Event at CVU. The event focused on celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month as well as discussing Migrant Justice in Vermont. We have two more events planned for this school year that will celebrate the Nepali and Somali communities in Vermont.
We began the event with a Land Acknowledgment, followed by a presentation about the differences between the terms Latin, Latinx, Hispanic, Afrolatinx, and Afro Latin Americans. Paula Higa, Assistant Professor of Dance at UVM, spoke about her experience as an immigrant and her journey from Brazil to the United States. Paula also shared her latest work, The Migrant Body, which is a film that has been nominated for the 2023 Pitch to Screen Film Festival.
Additionally, Julia Docet, from the Open Door Clinic, talked about her contribution to the book The Most Costly Journey. This book is a collection of stories about latinx migrant dairy farm workers in Vermont and their challenges working and living in this state. Also, Ainaka Luna, DEI coach, talked about traditional Cumbia music from Colombia and the importance of this dance in the culture and history of liberation. Hispanic inspired snacks were provided by local afrolatin owner Claudia Amparo from Parkside in Hinesburg, which included elotes and stuffed plantains.
The next Diversity Event will be held on January 19th, from 6-8 p.m. at Shelburne Community School and will highlight the Nepali community in Vermont and on March 15th, from 6-8 p.m. we will celebrate the Somali community at Williston Central School.
Lunch Menu
All About ABS...
Lost something? It may have been found!
Please stop in to the front lobby when you have a chance to check out the lost and found. Any items still here the Wednesday after Thanksgiving Break will be donated.
Explorers Food Drive
The Explorers team is participating in a Fall Food Drive for the Williston Food Shelf. Please help by bringing your food donation to the box in the ABS lobby.
Here are some suggestions for donations: kid friendly breakfast cereal, pasta, canned pasta sauce, canned vegetables and fruits, cans of soup, canned tomatoes, canned protein, tuna, peanut butter, jelly, canned beans, coffee and tea, snacks, juice, macaroni and cheese, and pasta side dishes.
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
Winter is Coming!
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 be sure to write student's names in their clothing and gear!
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...
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
Arrival & Dismissal
Williston & CVSD Services and Resources
Bus Information
Thank you for your continued patience and support as our students and drivers learn the routes and routines at the beginning of the school year.
Williston Schools Food Service
Williston Schools Safety Team
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
School Year Calendars
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.
French Storytime
Saturday, November 18, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Join us to listen to 30 min of French Storytime read by native French speaker Romain Feuillette!
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
Saturday Music
Saturday, November 25, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing and dance with Linda Bassick the last Saturday of the month!
Kids’ Sewing Workshop
Monday, November 27, 3-4 p.m. Join us for a sewing workshop geared towards beginners and young enthusiasts! Thank you to the Rotary Club for sponsoring the purchase of the materials for this workshop.
Write-In (Kid-Friendly)
Tuesday, November 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Calling all writers to the library! Challenge yourself to write for an hour while enjoying a nice hot cup of tea, whether you write with pen and paper or a keyboard. Writers of all ages welcome.
After School Craft
Wednesday, November 29, 2-3 p.m. Stop by after school to decorate a picture frame or trinket box.
Preschool Music & Preschool Playtime
Thursday, November 30, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing and dance with Linda Bassick! Followed by preschool playtime from 11-11:30 a.m.
Teens D&D
Thursday, November 30, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our Dungeons & Dragons campaign!
Saturday Storytime
Saturday, December 2, 10-10:30 a.m. Start your weekend off with Cindy at our monthly Saturday Storytime! First Saturday of the month, indoors.
Littles Dungeons & Dragons*
Saturday, December 2, 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!
3rd-8th Basketball- Early Bird Discount deadline is this Sunday, November 19. There are separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered, if numbers allow, in 3rd-6th. There is a Boy’s 7th-8th league. Leagues provide the opportunity for youngsters to play and improve their skills. Teams meet twice a week with a weekday practice and 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
Learn to Ski/Ride
Registration is Open for the Learn to Ski/Ride Program. Register before the Early Bird Discount date to save- December 17. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30204
Fitting Nights are here! There will be two offered in December- Thursday 7th and Tuesday 12th. You must register for a time a time slot. Register one adult and bring all 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 Here under the Fitting description.
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
Snowmobile Safety Course- 12+. This in-person course will provide the opportunity to earn the certification necessary to legally operate on Vermont’s Statewide Snowmobile Trails System. VT State Law requires that all VT snowmobile operators born after July 1, 1983, must take and pass a state approved snowmobile safety course before operating on Vermont Trails. Registration Deadline: Nov. 27. Dec. 2, 9:00a-3:00 p.m. *Lunch Provided. $10.00 per person. The program will be held in Shelburne Town Municipal Center. Instructor: Richard Spitzer. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29925
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.
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.
Allen Brook School and Williston Central School