Wildcat Buzz
March 27, 2026
Top Buzz
1. Friday 3/27: 6th-8th Grade Dance, 6:30-8:30pm in the Front Gym
2. Big Basket Raffle - Saturday, March 28th, doors open at 5:45pm
3. Opening night is just around the corner... Matilda, Jr
Mark Your Calendar
03/27 - 6th-8th Grade Dance, 6:30--8:30pm
03/28 - Big Basket Raffle, sponsored by WFAP - Adult only event, Doors open at 5:45pm
04/01 - CVSD Intra-District School Choice applications due
04/04 - ABS Spring Garden Kickoff @10am
04/08 - Community Field Project Information Session, CVU Library @6pm
04/09 - 3rd Annual CVU Empty Bowls Dinner & Silent Auction, 6-8pm
04/09 - Opening Night: WCS Spring Musial, Matilda Jr. @6:30pm
04/10 - WCS Spring Musical, Matilda Jr. @6:30pm
04/11 - WCS Spring Musical, Matilda Jr. @2:00pm
04/14 - Walk or Roll to School Day
04/20 - 04/24 - Spring Break, No School
Cafeteria Menu
visit the CVSD food service page on our website for additional information and resources
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Angela Filion, Allen Brook School Principal
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support…it truly makes a difference in the day-to-day life of our school. We’re happy to share an update regarding the bus situation from a few weeks ago. If all goes according to plan, the four buses involved in the fire incident will be removed from the campus on Tuesday March 31st and Wednesday April 1st in the afternoon. We will have all students, faculty, and staff leave directly at dismissal, as they would prefer there is nobody on site during the removal. Part 2 students will be transported to WCS for programming on these two days. Additional details and communication will be shared directly with those families. Please reach out to Part 2 directly with any questions.
With this work complete, we anticipate returning to our normal arrival and dismissal procedures by the following week. YAY! A huge thank you to all of our faculty and staff who stepped up to ensure safety as well as all of you for your continued patience and understanding with such a unique and difficult situation.
Another positive highlight I would like to share is a parent workshop opportunity for families through the Positive Solutions for Families workshop series. This 5-week series focuses on supporting young children with: building relationships, managing big emotions, following directions, communicating effectively, and replacing challenging behaviors. The sessions are designed to be supportive, practical, and collaborative and include childcare and snacks. Families who participate even receive social-emotional tools and books to use at home. We’re grateful to Victoria Francis, our Early Education Childhood Outreach Educator and Julia Wayne, an Early Education Special Educator for creating spaces where families can learn, connect, and grow together right here at Allen Brook School!
A big thank you to our WFAP for the energy and creativity they bring to our school community! They have been supporting our Annual Fund in fun and engaging ways, including: Lucky U! (March 9–13) A staff/student experience raffle where students can sign up for special activities with grown-ups which is always a big hit and full of joy! This weekend we have the Big Basket Raffle (March 28, 6:00–8:00 PM at WCS Cafeteria & Gym). This is a community event featuring baskets donated by families and local businesses and always a lot of fun! These fundraisers help support a variety of things for our schools, including all of our field trips across the two schools. Thank you again for your partnership, flexibility, and the care you show for our school community every day.
Think Spring everyone!
Announcements, Updates & Information
Gone Guys: A CVSD Community Screening & Discussion
Thursday, April 2 @7:00p, Connecting Youth Mentoring and the CVU Men’s Mental Health Club invites all community members to a screening and discussion of Gone Guys, a Vermont documentary exploring the growing disengagement of boys and young men from school, work, and community. The film invites community members to consider how belonging, purpose, mentorship, and healthy connections shape the outcomes of boys and young men today.
The event includes a facilitated discussion focused on identity, connection and engaging in local support systems and resources. Check out the trailer here and we hope you will join us for this important event.
3rd Annual CVU Empty Bowls Dinner & Silent Auction
📆 Thursday, April 9 / ⏰6:00-8:00 PM / 📍CVU High School
This annual event brings community members together for a simple meal with a powerful purpose. Each ticket includes a handmade ceramic bowl (thanks to our team of CVU pottery students and community members), along with a dinner of homemade soups, artisan bread, and ice-cream.
🎫Tickets are limited to 250 this year and will sell out! Advance purchase is required—tickets will not be available at the door.
A Little Help for the Allen Brook Gardens 🌱
Hello Williston Community,
I’m reaching out with a small request for help from anyone who enjoys getting their hands a little dirty or would like to share food and drink!
Meet @ the southside of Allen Brook School - next to where the buses park.
@ Saturday April 4th; 10AM
(Weather delay @ Saturday April 11th; 10AM)
Over the past two years, we’ve been working with volunteers to jump-start the Allen Brook gardens in the spring. We need your help! We have six metal raised garden beds that need to be assembled and filled, and the garden could use a good round of weeding before we overseed with white clover and mulch.
With a few volunteers, this should go very quickly to improve a space that directly benefits the students. I’ve got the tools covered—two heavy-duty wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, and hand tools—so all we really need is a bit of human power!
In case you were not already aware, back in 2024, I was able to secure a Vermont Agriculture Building Grant. The funds were invested to install a fenced 40×40 berry garden and even add a freeze dryer to the cafeteria to preserve our harvests to enjoy throughout the school year! This garden space is a great way to get kids connected to the land and to enjoy their efforts during the school year!
Please come out to support your community by kicking off the gardening season at Allen Brook School!
-Jackie Ward, Allen Brook Garden Coordinator
PLAY27 Playground Capital Campaign
We have officially launched the PLAY27 Capital Campaign to build a new playground at Allen Brook. Built in 1995, the Allen Brook playground is aging and unable to remain consistently open. Key to keeping Williston’s quality of life high is having vibrant, inclusive spaces where community and imagination thrive—spaces that are built responsibly. Neither costly, one-off repairs to reopen the Allen Brook playground nor keeping it closed indefinitely is a viable long-term solution.
The PLAY27 campaign is a one-time effort to build a long-lasting, more inclusive Allen Brook playground, modeled after the successful WCS playground project. WFAP is handling initial planning and fundraising in close partnership with ABS staff, district staff, and the town of Williston. Help us create a place of belonging that strengthens our community for decades to come. Reach out to play27committee@gmail.com to get involved or make a donation!
Celebrate the Arts was an incredible celebration of community and student creativity!
Tuesday night’s 14th-annual Celebrate the Arts and Community Night was a vibrant, energetic display of voice, learning and collaboration. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make the event a success, to all who attended, and to every single student who shared their inspiring talent. Thanks also go to the community partners who joined and to the local restaurants who generously donated food to feed our community. You can view a gallery of photos from the celebration here.
Event Information
The Community Field Project invites you to an information session to learn more about the proposed field at CVU.
The event is open to all and is structured to provide details and research for those who are excited, concerned, or just curious.
Join the Williston Schools team
WCS Performing Arts
Spring 2026 Performing Arts Shirt Order
It’s time for WCS musicians to order their WCS Performing Arts shirts! All students in Band or Chorus/Choir will wear this shirt on concert days, to field trips and other organized events.
Who should order a shirt?
Any new Band or Chorus/Choir member that does not have a shirt.
Any 4th-8th grade Band or Chorus/Choir members that have lost or outgrown their shirt from last year.
How do I order a shirt?
Order your shirt here. Shirts need to be ordered and paid for by Friday, April 10, 2026. The cost is $13 and financial support may be requested on the order form.
What if I already have a shirt?
✅ I found my shirt, tried it on and know it will still fit on concert day.
If you can check that box, you do not need to order a new shirt.
Can I order a shirt if I am not in Band or Chorus?
Yes! If you wish to support our musicians, you may order a shirt.
WCS Athletics
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
WCS Drama
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.
Williston Families as Partners
Start and End of Day Details
Allen Brook School
Start Time: 7:50am
Williston Central School
Start Time: 7:55am
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.
Community Connections & Events
EASTER PARADE AND EGG HUNT
The Williston Rotary club will hold its 25th annual Bill Mikell Easter Parade and Egg Hunt at Williston Central School on Saturday, April 4, 2026 for children 12 years old and younger. The parade begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. so please arrive early for parking! The event will take place regardless of the weather so children should dress appropriately.
Easter baskets with prizes will be awarded to children who find specially marked Rotary Easter eggs. Other prizes will be awarded to children wearing full Easter costumes. Children are encouraged to bring their own Easter baskets but we will have extras. Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss this fun event. For more information contact Andy Mikell @ 343.2704 or AndrewDMikell@gmail.com
*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.
Baby Time
Wednesday, April 1, 10:30-11 a.m. Suggested ages 0-18 months. Enjoy gentle bonding, socializing, and literacy activities with your little one!
After School Puzzles & Games
Wednesday, April 1, 2-3 p.m. Join us for board games and jigsaw puzzling after school.
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.
Read to a Dog (Rocko)*
Thursday, April 2, 3-4 p.m. Sign up for a ten-minute session to read to (or hang out with) Rocko the Therapy Dog!
Saturday Storytime
Saturday, April 4, 10:30-11 a.m. Start your weekend off with Cindy’s Storytime!
Kites in the Park All Ages. Friday, April 17, 6:00 pm at Village Community Park. Celebrate National Kite Month with us at the park! We’ll provide a kite for each family to decorate and personalize (while supplies last), then take them to the sky to fly high in the spring breeze. Bring your creativity, your family, and your sense of fun; this is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and welcome spring! Note: This event is free to attend, and pre-registration is not required. Presenting Sponsor- Associates in Orthodontics.
Women's Empowerment Self-Defense Workshop Age 14+. This beginner workshop utilizes both large and small group instruction. By adhering to a 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio. The Safety Team’s trauma-informed trainings focus on boundary setting, affirmative consent, and relevant sexual assault information, as well as the mental and physical skills of Empowerment Self-Defense. Thursday, April 16, 5:30-8:00 pm, $67/$77
Horseback Riding- 3rd-8th. The Livery Horse Farm, Hinesburg, is offering an Intro to Horseback Riding for beginners through advanced riders. The focus is on English riding. The horses provide a variety of skill levels for children to learn safely. Lessons are held in a safe, fenced-in, large sand ring. Children learn about horses, to ride, groom, and work in the barn. This is a hands-on program learning all aspects of working with horses. Instructor: Kim Johansen, Owner. Thursdays, April 2-30, 3:00-5:00 pm, $200/$210
Learn to Swim Programs- Preschool and level 1 & 2 are offered for ages 2.5 and older. March programs start Wednesday the 4th.
Preschool(age 2.5-5) - Level 1(age 5+) - Level 2(age 5+)
Teddy Bear Picnic Age 2-6. Bring your favorite stuffed animal and join us for a cozy picnic in the park! We’ll start by reading Teddy Bear Picnic together, then each child will receive their very own unstuffed teddy bear to create. Participants will: Stuff their bear to bring it to life and name their bear and complete a special birth certificate. Don’t forget to bring a lunch so we can enjoy our very own picnic alongside our new furry friends! A fun, hands-on, and huggable experience for children and their teddy bears. Note: This is a parent-child program. Rec. Staff. Wednesday, April 22, 11:00 am-1:00 pm, $20/$30
Young Entrepreneurs 6th-8th. Learn and apply the skills entrepreneurs use to make millions of dollars! Turn everyday thoughts into exciting business ventures that win customers. Master planning and strategy like treasure hunters mapping out their journey. Discover money management secrets to fuel your business dreams. Dive into marketing to showcase your awesome products or services. Learn to create lifelong fans through excellent customer service and present your ideas with the confidence of a true business superstar! Note: Participants will need to bring their own laptop or tablet, ear buds, and need access to an email account. Instructor: Minds in Motion Staff. Mondays, April 27-June 1, 2:50-4:15 pm, $145/$155
Tennis K-2nd & 3rd-5th. Smaller courts, shorter racquets, and balls that bounce lower. Now, it’s easier for kids to play and develop a love for the sport! Taught by certified tennis professionals who are trained to teach proper stroke techniques to kids of all ages. Players will learn basic stroke techniques for groundstrokes, volleys, and serves. A game-based approach is used for teaching, so the hour is fun and active without standing in lines. Instructors: The Edge Tennis Staff. Wednesdays, April 29-June 3, K-2- 3:00-4:00 pm, 3-5- 1:50-2:50 pm, $90/$100.
Battle Bots 6th-8th. In this hands-on program, participants start with RC cars and use the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to build and customize their own battle bots. They’ll put their creations to the test through exciting challenges, obstacle courses, and friendly robot battles. Each day also includes a demo and discussion covering topics like energy, circuits, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and other concepts that connect directly to building and improving their battle bots. Students will learn STEM principles in a fun, interactive environment while testing their problem-solving and design skills. Instructor: STEAMworks for Kids Staff. Thursdays, April 30-May 28, 2:50-4:15 pm, $120/$130
Youth Lacrosse Programs
RecKids Lacrosse (Ages 4-5)- Fridays, May 1-29
Rookies Lacrosse - Grades K-2nd Saturdays, May 2- June 6
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Summer Camps - Updated Camp Grid available on the website
Full Camps:
Enrichment Camps- Woodworking & Technology-S1, Kids Kitchen-S2, Baking Fun, Adv Baking, Tennis-S2 & S3, Fun w/Food, Artist Studio, Comics & Manga, RECO Robotics, Character & Cartoon Cuisine, Horse Camp-S1 & S3, Minecraft Mania, Safe Sitters, Culinary Adv, Slimescapades, Hogwarts Express, Archery, All About Clay, Rocketry, Nature Art, LEGO Building-Age 6-8,
O.U.R. Camps- 4 Day Adv, Summit Scramble, Park Around, Beach Bonanza, Aqua Adv, Discover VTR.E.C. Camp- Full Days-S8, Mornings-S4, S5 & S6, Afternoons-S1 & S7
"Click to Get"
Additional 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
- Vermont 211 -Vermont database of resources and services
- 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
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