The School Bell
Williston Schools / October 13, 2023
In this issue...
A message from Principal Angela Filion - Community Budget Forum - CVU Seeking Mentors - Girls Scouts Sign Up Party - Williston 2050 Roudtable details - 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
by Angela Filion, Allen Brook School Principal
Happy October everyone! We have started to settle into our routines and already have so much to celebrate here at ABS! In the last month we have held hopes and dreams conferences with families, welcomed our students to their classroom communities, had a wonderful turn out for open house, have been working on a new outdoor learning structure with help from the community, and even got to broadcast the weather live right here at Allen Brook School! These celebrations and connections are a vital part of what makes our schools successful and our partnerships between school and home strong.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that while we have so much in our school and community to celebrate, that there are things going on in this world that don’t feel at all celebratory in nature. It is important to acknowledge that we have people in our lives and in our community that might be impacted by the current events that are happening. This is a great time to remind ourselves to take pause and recognize that it is our responsibility at school and in our community to care for our students, staff, and each other; especially during times of tragedy and despair. These are challenging times we face as a society, and leaning into compassion and empathy can only help pave the way for peace and justice against violent and hateful acts.
That said, when students hear and see things that are happening right before their eyes, we are obligated to meet them where they are and help guide them when they are trying to make sense of these tragic events. Allowing kids to process, ask questions, and be informed in a developmental way is the best thing we can do when facing these difficult realities with our youth. If you are in need of some guidance to help navigate these difficult conversations, I have included a few suggested resources below that we have gathered. Remember, as a community we all have different lived experiences. Having awareness and acknowledging these differences is a great way for us to unite and come together in peace when faced with tragedy and things that seem out of our control. I hope you find some peace and joy in these beautiful fall days here in Vermont!
With Peace,
Angela
How to talk about the Israel-Hamas war: Resources for Educators (EdWeek)
How do I talk to my kids about violence in the news? (CommonSense Media)
Building students' background knowledge about the region:
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
10/24 - Preschool to Whitcomb Land of Pumpkins
10/26 - Clover 5th Grade to Green Mtn Audubon Center
10/27 - Beginner Band Instrument Assembly, 9:45-10:45am
10/30 - Picture Retake Day
11/04 - Craft Fair @WCS
11/08 - 4 Winds Training, 8:15am - 10:30am @WCS Community Room
11/08 - Mentoring Cookout Night
11/09 - Families as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am @WCS Community Room
11/10 - 7th & 8th Grade Dance, 6:30 - 8:00pm
11/20 - 11/24 - No School / Thanksgiving Break
Connecting Youth Seeks Mentors
CVSD’s Connecting Youth (CY) seeks new community members to join our team of mentors for 5th - 12th grade students. This is a meaningful volunteer opportunity to be engaged with your community and truly make a difference in the life of one great kid! Mentors and mentee pairs meet weekly for about an hour. *We work with mentors' personal/professional schedules* School year commitment Mentor training and continual support provided by CVSD mentor coordinators. Middle school mentors have access to dedicated spaces for cooking, crafting, playing games and developing a friendship. High school mentors work alongside students to grow their skills and resilience, guide in goal-setting, and even explore possible career paths through new interests and experiences. If you consider yourself fun, caring and trustworthy, your consistent presence can enhance a young person’s self-confidence, improve their academic performance, prevent substance use, and help them discover new passions. All while enriching your own life. LEARN MORE by contacting a CVSD Mentor Coordinator today
Let me know if you have any questions. We appreciate your support. Thanks!
Lunch Menu
All About ABS...
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 Up at WCS...
Appeal for Supplies for the WCS Needlework Club!
The 5th-8th WCS Needlework Club meets weekly on Fridays where students knit, crochet, chat and have fun together in a relaxing and supportive environment.
This year we have so many new students who have joined and it is wonderful! However, we are in great need of some of the following supplies:
Crochet hooks -- We need a lot! (a 7th grade top crocheter tells me that a good size to have plenty of is 5.5)
Circular needles -- sizes 7, 8 and 9 seem like good average sizes
Plastic sewing needles with large eyes (to sew up seams of knitted or crocheted projects)
If you have any of these items at home you would like to donate, or if you would like to purchase them for the club, we would be so grateful! You can contact either Susan Simpson (ssimpson@cvsdvt.org) or Kim Odachowski (kodachowski@cvsdvt.org), send supplies in with your student, or drop off at the front office. Many thanks in advance!
Four Winds Nature Institute
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
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.
Teens D&D
Friday, October 13, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our Dungeons & Dragons campaign as we continue our descent down a deep and dark labyrinth…
French Storytime
Saturday, October 14, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Drop by for French storytime, read aloud by a native French speaker!
Pokémon Club
Monday, October 16, 4-5 p.m. Show off your favorite cards, play some themed games, and make some Pokémon crafts!
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Sarah for stories, songs, and rhymes.
Sun Tracker
Tuesday, October 17, 3-4 p.m. Weather permitting, meet on the Town Green to learn how to safely observe the sun. Track it using a sunspotter to see how fast the Earth is moving!
Baby Time
Wednesday, October 18, 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy interacting and bonding through these gentle baby activities (twice monthly).
After School Movie
Wednesday, October 18, 2-4 p.m. Rated PG. What happens to an adventurous sheep in a big city?
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.
Read to a Dog (Lola)*
Thursday, October 19, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Call to register for a 10-minute time slot to read to (or hang out with) Lola the Therapy Dog!
Kids Paint a Pumpkin*
Friday, October 20, 3-4 p.m. Suggested ages 5-11. Paint a mini-pumpkin or gourd at the library! Limited to Williston and St. George residents. Registration required.
Teens Paint a Pumpkin*
Friday, October 20, 3-4 p.m. Ages 12+. Paint a mini-pumpkin or gourd at the library! Limited to Williston and St. George residents. Registration required.
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
3rd-4th Basketball
There are separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered if numbers allow. 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
5th-6th Basketball
There will be separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered if numbers allow. The leagues meet twice a week for 1 hour each time- 1 practice and 1 game. Separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered if numbers allow. 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
7th-8th Basketball
There is a league for boys’ if the numbers allow. The team meets twice a week for 1 hour each time- 1 practice and 1 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
Note: The 3rd-8th leagues are part of the CVRA League, which plays other Rec. Depts. in the area. Games will be played in Williston and other towns. Schedule to be determined.
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 October. 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
Ninja Teens Intro
Age 9-15. 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 October. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30098
Safe Sitter Courses
Grades 6-8. Safe Sitter® prepares teens to be safe when they’re home alone, watching siblings or babysitting. The course offers four main content areas: Safety Skills, Childcare Skills, First Aid & Rescue Skills, and Life & Business Skills. Instructor: Rec Staff. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29842
Learn to Ski/Ride
Information and Registration for the Learn to Ski/Ride Program will be available on the Rec. website November 2. Be sure to register before the early bird discount to save- December 18. There will also be two fitting dates for equipment. You must register your family for a fitting time. Info is on the registration page.
Dangerous Girls Class
Age 14+. This is a Women-only cardio- kickboxing class that combines strength and conditioning with practical combat skills. Learn trips and throws, bounce to Beyoncé, hit hard, laugh a lot. Program starting Oct. 11. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30092
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
Williston 2050 Community Roundtable Events
What should Williston be like in 2050? What should the Town’s priorities be to achieve that vision? We
invite all community members – residents, workers, property or business owners, and visitors – to join
us for a meal and share ideas for the new Town Plan. Your presence is eagerly awaited – we’re
interested in your experiences, values, and hopes for Williston!
Doors open at 1:30/5:30pm with food, mingling, and interactive exhibits. The pace picks up at 2/6pm
with a lively presentation. You’ll team up with fellow community members in small groups guided by
Town planners to explore the five Town Plan themes: homes & people, economy & jobs, transportation & mobility, energy & environment, and facilities, parks, & programs. Teams will examine challenges,
spot opportunities, and strategize priorities, then report ideas back to the larger group. The event
concludes around 3:30/7:30pm, but you can continue conversations and explore the exhibition until
8pm.
Your input will be incorporated into the goals and policies of the new Town Plan (first draft coming
Spring 2024) and archived in the Williston 2050 Engagement Insights Report.
Learn more and reserve your seat now: https://www.williston2050.com/events
Event FAQ
* Do I need to register on Eventbrite? We recommend it. It's free, guarantees your seat at the
table, and helps us order enough food. Day-of registration and walk-ins are welcome, but some
venues have a capacity limit. If you register but can no longer attend, please cancel through
Eventbrite or contact us (802-878-6704).
* Are the events family friendly? Yes! While childcare will not be provided at the events, parents
& guardians are welcome to bring their children. Teenagers are welcome as event participants
when accompanied by an adult. Childcare assistance is available if you prefer to leave the kiddos
at home.
* Are there other ways to provide input? Yes! Stay tuned for an online survey.
* How do I request transportation and childcare assistance? When you register on Eventbrite,
answer "yes" to custom questions. We'll reach out to you to coordinate the details. Or contact
our office at (802) 878-6704 or planning@willistonvt.org.
* What happens with our input? Your input will be incorporated into the goals and policies of the
new Town Plan (first draft coming Spring 2024) and archived in the Williston 2050 Engagement
Insights Report.
The UVM Extension 4-H Teen & Leadership Program
Bookmark the Upcoming 4-H Events page as more opportunities get added all the time!
Youth Environmental Summit: YES is an annual conference for middle and high school students to learn about environmental issues and get involved in local communities. The mission of YES is to inspire, encourage, and prepare youth for a life of environmental responsibility, service and leadership by increasing awareness and knowledge of environmental issues and fostering leadership skills. At YES participants engage in hands-on workshops, action-inspiring discussions, networking with environmental professionals and like-minded peers, and much, much more! Learn more here. Open to grades 6-12; this program is FREE but all participants must register by October 16. YES will be held on October 27 at the Barre Civic Center.
We are also looking for youth in grades 8-12 to serve as YES Ambassadors. Learn more here and apply by September 21!
Teens Reaching Youth (TRY) for the Environment: TRY stands for Teens Reaching Youth and is an environmental leadership opportunity for students in grades 7-12. It is an environmental education program taught by teens and designed to increase environmental literacy and responsibility in younger youth. TRY for the Environment connects young people to real-world environmental problems by allowing them to be key change agents contributing to real-world solutions. Learn more here. Applications are due no later than November 7.
VTeen Leadership Weekend: November 17-19, 2023. VTeen Leadership Weekend is a fun-filled weekend developing important skills and traits that will help you stretch and improve your leadership, communication, problem solving, teamwork and other transferable skills to take back and use in your club work, school and community. Learn more here. Open to all youth in grades 7-12; limited to 50 youth.
Vermont Science Olympiad - Teams Wanted: UVM will be hosting the Vermont Science Olympiad on Saturday, April 6, 2024, and we are looking for teams to join us for this exciting day of science competition! We encourage all high schools to form a team (or two, or three!) to participate. Students and teachers alike say it was one of the most inspirational and memorable experiences of their educational life.
Talk to your school about starting a team! We will be hosting a new coaches meeting in September. Date to be posted soon. Contact Lauren.Traister@uvm.edu if interested. Learn more about the Vermont Science Olympiad at: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/youth/vermont-science-olympiad
Discover Engineering: A FREE full day event with workshops at UVM to promote the field of engineering and help youth understand different pathways they can take to pursue a future as an engineer. More information coming soon. Save the Date! Saturday, February 17, 2024.
THRIVE Workshops: 4-H has been helping youth thrive for over 100 years! Through experiential learning activities we deliver high quality programs framed in a positive youth development context. Let us work with your middle and high school students to intentionally focus on the development of critical life skills / transferable skills. Contact Lauren.Traister@uvm.edu for more information and to schedule your workshop.
Information in 1-Click
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