Wildcat Buzz
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February 2, 2024
Top Buzz -
1. February 6th: 4th Grade Chorus Concert @ 6:30pm / Grade 3-4 Art Show 5-6:15pm
2. Kindergarten Registration is now Open
3. Stay informed about the proposed 24-25 CVSD Budget
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
02/06 - 4th Grade Chorus Concert, 6:30pm @ WCS Auditorium
02/08 - Williston Family as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am @WCS Community Room
02/12 - Jason Chin Author Visit
02/12 - NAEP 8th Grade Testing
02/13 - Walk or Roll to School / Kaleidoscope & Mosaic to Flynn Theatre
02/13 - NAEP 4th Grade Testing
02/13 - Conversation with the Principals, 6:30-7:30pm @WCS Community Room
02/14 - Four Winds Training @WCS Community Room / Horizon to Catamount
03/11 - Lucky U starts (Save the Date)
03/14 - Williston Family as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am @WCS Community Room
03/23 - Big Basket Raffle (Save the Date!)A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Gregory Marino, Williston Schools Lead Principal
Is it just me, or have we not seen the sun for a while? I confess that I've been peeking at the weather APP on my cell phone more frequently these days thano see if there may be one of those full-sun icons in the 10-day outlook. My App tells me that we may catch some glimpses of that elusive bright yellow orb over the weekend, if we’re lucky. I will not hold my breath. It’s a good reminder for me though how the cold, damp, and gray days can impact our mood and disposition. It’s just as true for our students as it is for us adults, and a good thing to be mindful about as we navigate our interactions and observe behaviors that might be a little out of character for some.
On the brighter side of things, we are so lucky in our role as educators to see a different kind of sunshine each and every day in our classrooms and hallways at our two amazing schools. I can’t tell you how transformative just an incidental hallway interaction can be - a student passing with a bounce in their step, looking you in the eye and giving a, “Hey Mr. Marino, How are you doing today?” It fills the proverbial bucket for sure. I believe that these micro interactions, sometimes even wordless, that happen around the school all day are so very powerful. The coming together of all those countless microinteractions is what creates the feeling and climate of our school buildings.
This is also a time of year when we begin to witness the exciting growth that many of our students are experiencing as a result of carefully planned targeted instruction and intervention, and effective collaborative teaming in support of students and families. Parents and caregivers are such an important part of those effective collaborative teams and we are so appreciative of your partnership and support. If you have any questions about your child’s experience at school, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your questions help to inform our system about what other parents may be wondering or hoping as well. “When in doubt, please reach out.” Your child’s teacher is usually the best place to start.
WINTER WALK / ROLL TO SCHOOL
I don’t want to miss the opportunity to advertise the winter walk to school that is scheduled to happen on Tuesday, February 13. You will see a flier about the event below in this issue. This event, supported by the Williston Safe Routes to School Committee, provides such a wonderful way to start the day. We hope to see many students and caregivers come out for this next walk. Please check out the flier for details and note the additional meet-up locations offered.
Special Announcements & Notices
Update: Summer School 2024
As you may have heard at a recent board meeting, CVSD has made the decision to no longer provide the Tier II regular-education Summer School program in each of the CVSD schools. In recent years, this has been a 2-4 week program that has focused on rising 1st through 5th graders. This decision came after careful consideration about the substantial investments in personnel, planning, and funds, weighed against measurable outcomes of the program. This consideration illustrated that the outcomes were not commensurate with the investments made. We wanted to make families aware of this as we realize that planning for summer activities begins early.
STUDENTS ON IEPs with ESY: Summer school services will continue to be provided to students who have Extended School Year Services (ESY) as part of their IEPs. This includes the CVSD SEL program called RISE that typically operates out of the WCS Trek space
We also expect that some summer programming will be provided for targeted students through federal grant funds. There will be more details about what these opportunities will look like in the weeks to follow.
Make sure you see ALL of the Wildcat Buzz - scroll all the way to the end...
click on the link at the end to see everything in this week's issue
Get informed About The Proposed 2024-2025 Budget!
It's almost Town Meeting Day and we hope that voters will get informed. See a summary of the proposed budget and bond, view a video excerpt from the recent Board meeting where the proposed budget was discussed, explore our Annual Report, and learn more. Consider attending an upcoming presentation about the proposed budget. It's all found on the Budget page of the district's website. https://www.cvsdvt.org/budget
Greetings ParentIN family,
We are well into 2024. And we see you, and all you’re doing to ensure your young person’s wellbeing. We see the focus you bring to caregiving every day while juggling work and all the goodies in between. Reminding you that ParentIN is your constant sidekick throughout these years. Providing you with support groups, resources, and a listening ear when you need a break.
And guess what? We've got some amazing programming this month!
In collaboration with the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, Detective Krystal Wrinn will facilitate a FREE and engaging virtual workshop on digital safety for youth and your whole family. Here’s what to expect:
Reinforce online safety: Learn practical tips to empower yourself and your child about cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.
Build a positive online culture: Foster respect and kindness in your family's digital interactions.
Create a safer online world: Make the internet a more positive space for everyone.
EVENT Details: February 15th @7:00p
Register HERE to be sent a meeting invitation and link.
Your participation is highly valued, and we look forward to working together to promote digitally safe school community. Thanks!
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor
CCS and HCS Community Schools
CVSD ParentIN Coordinator
Connecting Youth Mentoring Advocacy
Connecting Youth’s Mentor Coordinators Alison Duback and Kate Rooney recently returned from attending the National Mentoring Summit - a gathering of the nation's brightest minds in mentoring. Annually hosted in Washington, DC by MENTOR, the Summit is packed with learning opportunities, peer-collaboration, and inspiration, all focused on one shared goal: expanding and sustaining the youth mentoring movement.
Additionally, Alison Duback participated in the Summit’s Capitol HIll Day where advocates spent the day meeting with legislators and their staff about the critical value of surrounding young people with supportive relationships. “We met with legislative assistants from [Senator} Welch & [Representative] Balint's offices to talk about mentoring. Our last meeting of the day was with Bernie who actually attended the meeting. He asked us about our programs and then asked if we need more mentors. We all said "Yes!", so he is having his communications person put an article in The Bernie Buzz about mentoring.”
We’ll keep our eyes peeled for Bernie’s mentor endorsement. What an impact!
To learn more about Connecting Youth’s Mentor Program, check out our website here
Lunch Menu
From the Health Office
The Buzz at ABS
Kindergarten Registration is now open!
Will your student turn 5 before September 1, 2024? If yes, Fall 2024 Kindergarten registration is now open. Please visit our information page for details.
The WCS Wildcat What's Up
4th Grade Chorus Concert - 2/6/24
- We will perform during the school day for a student audience.
- The evening concert will be at 6:30 pm in the WCS auditorium. Musicians should arrive by 6:10.
- Musicians will wear their blue performing arts shirts with black bottoms.
Grade 3 & 4 Art Show!
- Come see wonderful works by WCS 3rd and 4th grade students!
- Community Room at WCS
- 5-6:15 pm on 2/6 (prior to the 4th grade chorus concert)
- Info: abowker@cvsdvtorg or sbeeken@cvsdvt.org
Williston Families as Partners
Big Basket Raffle
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Coffee with the Principals
& 30 minutes for your questions
WFAP Volunteer Crew
Annual Fund
Four Winds Nature Institute
This Year's Theme: The Earth
Blanket of Air (Jan.)
Nature of Sound (Feb.)
Water Cycle (March)
Wind & Clouds (April)
Get Your Bearings (May)
Nature's News
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 - Superintendent
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.
Infinity Cube Craft
Friday, February 2, 5-5:45 p.m. Make your very own infinity cube fidget toy using tape and wooden blocks!
Saturday Storytime
Saturday, February 3, 10:30-11 a.m. Start your weekend off with Cindy’s Saturday Storytime!
Kids’ Yoga
Monday, February 5, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Stop by and experience toddler/preschool yoga with a GROW instructor.
Meet an Astronomer (Vermont Reads)
Monday, February 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register for a link or come to the library and teleconference with astronomer Sethanne Howard. Sethanne Howard specializes in black holes and galaxies and her hobby is the history of women in science and technology! Bring your questions and get ready to learn.
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
Baby Time
Wednesday, February 7, 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy gentle bonding activities with your baby.
After School Board Games & LEGO Time
Wednesday, February 7, 2-3 p.m. Play games with friends or enjoy time building with our LEGO collection.
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.
LEGO Time
Thursday, February 8, 3-4 p.m. Have fun with our LEGO collection!
Kids in the Kitchen*
Thursday, February 8, 4-5 p.m. Register online and join registered dietician, Joanne Heidkamp, to learn how to make Lunar New Year inspired fortune cookies from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Teens D&D
Friday, February 9, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our campaign!
Vermont Reads
This year's Vermont Read title is Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo. 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!
Summer Camps- Registration Opens February 8 for Williston residents. The Summer Camp Guide will be mailed to homes the week of February 5. Guide will have Day Camps and Enrichment Camps listed, as well as registration information. Detailed info on all camps will be listed on the Recreation website starting February 7. The Camp Grid, a great tool for planning out your child’s summer, will be available on the Recreation website- Feb. 7.
Youth Lacrosse- Registration Opens February 3. Early-Bird Discount Deadlines are set for each program. Lacrosse is a fast paced sport that combines the power of football and hockey and the endurance of soccer and basketball. The KinderRec program is coed and is a child/parent program for ages 5 & 6. The 1st-8th grade programs offer separate boys and girls teams. Volunteer Coaches are needed in these programs.
Ice Rink- The Rink is OPEN. Entrance to the rink, by the warming hut, will be open when the rink is safe to use, and closed off by fence when rink is unsafe or making ice. Opening and Closing of rink will be posted on Facebook and on the home page of the Rec. website. Respect- Please respect the rink, be careful of liner, boards, and brackets, so they can be reused each year. Also, stay off the rink when closed so ice can be formed that is safe to use. Respect the users of the rink and share in the use. No one group has priority or allocated time. All are welcome!
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 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.