Wildcat Buzz
ABS PBiS Celebration - February 4th
Hi Families and Caregivers!
We lit up the lights of Allen Brook School by Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Each Other, and Taking Care of This Place—what an amazing accomplishment! To celebrate everyone’s hard work, we will have a PBIS celebration of Wear a Hat/Crown/Headband Day on Wednesday, February 4th.
Students and staff are encouraged to wear something on their head that feels comfortable and fun for them. All items should be school-appropriate and something students can keep on their head throughout the day. We are so proud of our ABS community!
Questions? Please reach out to Nicole Pfende, SEL Coach and PBIS Coordinator at npfende@cvsdvt.org
Digital Well-Being: Three Nights of Caregiver Conversation
Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age
CCS Library, Feb 4th @5:30 - 7:00pm
Panel Discussion: Digital Well-Being & Youth Development
CCS Library, Feb 10th @5:30-6:30pm
Tools, Monitoring, and Partnership: A Practical Conversation
CCS Library, Feb 18th @5:30-6:30pm
How Many Miles???
Walkers and Rollers who joined the adult-led routes in September through January have already walked a combined 212.88 miles!
... That's far enough to get to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY!
Where will we get by May?
The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for a random prekindergarten lottery drawing for the 2026-27 school year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of our school-based classrooms which runs 4 partial days per week.
Our programs follow the CVSD school calendar. Children who will be age 3 or older by September 1, 2026, 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.
All applications must be received by February 5, 2026, and are located on the CVSD Early Education website under PreK Enrollment. Paper applications are available upon request.
All students who will be 5 years old before September 1, 2026, and live in Williston or St George are eligible for Kindergarten at Allen Brook School for Fall 2026.
If you have a current PreK student at ABS or an Act166 program watch your email for specific registration details and instructions.
CVSD Intra-District K-8 School Choice:
Children entering grades preK-8 who live in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston may exercise school choice. Our goal is to both allow options for families and also make balanced class sizes to provide a positive learning environment for all of our children. Processes for intra-district choice of school will be guided by the needs of students, space availability, and existing resources. Given this, we will work to meet as many families’ needs as possible. Guidelines and Application
Williston Little League registration is now open!
Serving boys and girls ages 4–12, Williston Little League offers baseball and softball programs for players of all skill levels. Families are encouraged to visit our website to learn more and register their child for the upcoming season.
WLL Website: https://tshq.bluesombrero.com/wllbaseball
Attn: 6th through 8th Grade Fiber Arts Enthusiasts
Join the new WCS Fiber Arts Club!!
When: The WCS Fiber Arts Club will be an after-school Tuesday event, beginning Tuesday,
February 17, from 2:45 to 4:20. Students can take the late bus home or arrange for caregiver pick-up.
Where: The Club Room, in Oak House
Why: This after-school club will give you plenty of time to explore many forms of the fiber arts. Depending on group interest, this could include needlework (knitting, crocheting, beadwork), weaving, macrame, felting, batik, sashiko stitching, and more.
Who: Anyone in grades 6-8 who has a strong interest and desire to learn about different forms of fiber arts.
How: Pick up a permission slip in the Direction Center or Front Office, take it home and get it signed by a parent or guardian. Be sure to indicate on the slip whether you are taking the late bus home, getting picked up, or walking/riding home! Bring the signed slip with you on the 17th and give it to Ms. Simpson and Ms. Harris.
Questions?: Stop by and see Ms. Simpson in Room 1433, across from Oak House.
We’re excited to get things going, and hope you are, too!!
Nordic Ski Program & Clinic - every Monday and Thursday
Led and mentored by members of the CVU Nordic Ski Team and Mrs. Durant, students will ski alongside experienced athletes who will encourage, coach, and inspire them every step of the way. Beyond learning the basics, this program is about building community, fostering a love for outdoor exercise, and creating a strong feeder pathway to the CVU Nordic Ski Team.
Equipment is helpful but not necessary. WCS has some equipment to use. Sign-ups are on the school athletics page. Priority for grades 6-8. See or email Mrs. Durant with any questions adurant@cvsdvt.org.
Join the NEW American Sign Language club for grades 5 to 8!
We will meet on Mondays after school, 3-4:20 pm, in the upstairs Kiva room. The late bus is available for transportation home. Sign up permission slips are in the Direction Center.
Contact SAP Counselor Steven Berbeco sberbeco@cvsdvt.org with any questions. First meeting is January 26!
Save the Date: Celebrate the Arts - Tuesday, March 24
Join students from across the Champlain Valley School District for an evening of entertainment and celebration, showcasing performing and visual arts from the district’s six schools. This annual tradition returns to CVU on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, transforming the high school halls and theater into a vibrant gallery of learning, innovation and inspiration.
The 14th-annual Celebrate the Arts Night brings together art, music, theater, media, arts, foods, business, design and technology in a one-night-only exhibition of student creativity.
ABS Safety Reminder:
- Parking is not permitted behind the building or in the back driveway of the school.
- Your patience is appreciated as we ask all vehicles to use the lot during dismissal. Please walk with your child to and from the building - students will not be dismissed to cross the parking lot without an adult.
Williston Central School Athletics are open to all students grades 6th-8th. All practices start at 2:50 and end around 4:20. Students can be picked up at the rear entrance to the school, or take the activity bus.
Visit the athletics website for everything you need to know about playing on a sports team at WCS. WCS Athletics
The WCS Drama program is open to grades 6, 7, and 8 and currently includes a Fall Play and a Spring Musical.
Visit the drama webpage to learn more about upcoming productions and the WCS Drama program.
Allen Brook School
Bus Doors Open/Arrival Time - 7:35 am
*Early Arrivals: Any students arriving between 7:25 - 7:35 must remain in the cafeteria where they will be supervised until the first bus arrives.
*Late Arrivals: Any students arriving after 7:50 must check in at the front office
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Kindergarten Dismissal begins at 2:25pm (1:25 on Wednesdays)
First & Second Grade Dismissal begins at 2:30
Buses depart at 2:35 pm
Please carefully read the arrival and dismissal information linked below for more details
Williston Central School
Bus Doors Open/Arrival Time - 7:45 am
*Early Arrivals: If an early arrival is necessary (starting at 7:30 am) 3rd & 4th graders must wait in the lobby near the west entrance and 5th-8th graders will be in either the cafeteria or the lobby near the main entrance.
*Late Arrivals: Any students arriving after 7:55 must enter through the front entrance and check in at the office for a pass.
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Students will be dismissed at the following times
2:35 - 2:45 - Grades 3 & 4 Dismissed (1:35-1:45 on Wednesday)
2:40 - 5th thru 8th Dismissal for buses only
2:40 - 2:45 - Buses load and depart
2:45 - 2:50 - Grades 5-8 Dismissal for all students not riding the bus
Please carefully read the arrival and dismissal information linked below for more details
Bus Information
click for bus information, including routes and estimated times
CVSD Website
click for district information
School Safety
click for meeting notes and information from our Williston Safety Team
Hill Closings
In the event that weather and/or road conditions make it unsafe for our buses to travel hill roads, we will notify parents and/or caregivers of students on those routes with as much notice as possible.
When hills are closed for afternoon bus runs, if no one arrives to meet younger students, they will be brought back to school until arrangements are made for them to be picked up. Please talk with your bus drivers to let them know if you are comfortable letting your child walk home from the drop off location.
We will use the automated SchoolMessenger system to notify families on the hill roads.
*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. We are happy to welcome children into the library after school and will be offering programs on early-release Wednesdays.
For information on the Unattended Children Policy, 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.
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Have fun with stories and songs during our weekly storytime. On the Town Green when weather permits.
After School: Board Games & Puzzles
February 4th, 2:00 p.m. Have fun with games or work on a puzzle together.
Baby Time
February 4th, 10:30-11 a.m. Bab ies and caretakers have fun with rhymes, activites and more!
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. Held in the community room in accordance with the cold weather.
All Ages. There’s SNOW reason to be bored this January! From January 1 – January 31, anytime the snow flies, get outside and show off your snow-building skills. Build a snowperson, a snow creature, a snow animal, or any snowy creation in a local park or in your own yard! The more creative, the better! How to Enter: Take a picture of your creation and Email your photo to: recreation@willistonvt.org. All entries will be posted on Williston Recreation Facebook page (Facebook), and the picture with the most likes wins a prize! Thank you to the Prize Sponsor: Turner toys
Resident registration opens on Monday, January 12. Non-Resident registration opens on Monday, January 26. The Camp Guide & Grid is now available on the Recreation website- www.willistonrec.org. There are hard copies of the Camp Guide at the Recreation Dept, the R.E.C. Zone, the Town Hall, and the Library. Camp Guide Camp Grid
Spring/Summer Program Guide
The Guide is at the printers and will be mailed to Williston homes on Thursday, February 5. Registration for programs opens on Monday February 9 at 8:00 am. Look for a lot of new after-school programs, youth and tyke programs, and the old favorites like lacrosse and track & field. There are even new programs for adults and seniors, so spread the word and register early to get into the programs you want for yourself and your family.
FEBRUARY SPECIAL EVENT: Bingo Night
All Ages. Friday, February 20, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane. Join us for a fun-filled evening of Family Bingo! This free event is open to all ages. Bring the whole family for a night of laughter, friendly competition, and community fun. Play a few rounds of bingo and see if you’re lucky enough to win a prize! Note: This event is free to attend, and pre-registration is not required; just come and enjoy the fun! Thank you to the Presenting Sponsor: Associates in Orthodontics
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 @7:55am;
Dismissal grades 3 & 4 @2:35pm - grades 5-8 @2:45pm
Wednesday Early Dismissal @ 1:35 & 1:45
Williston Schools Leadership Team
Greg Marino, Williston Schools Lead Principal
Jacqueline Parks, WCS Building Principal
Angela Filion, ABS Building Principal
Lauren Goracy, Director Student Services