Wildcat Buzz
April 3, 2026
Top Buzz
1. WCS Drama Presents: Matilda Jr, April 9-11 @Al Myers Theatre
2. This Saturday - ABS Community Garden Clean-Up
3. Williston Families as Partners monthly meeting on Thursday, April 9th
Mark Your Calendar
04/03 - Fun Night at CVU, The Princess & The Frog
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 - WCS 3rd & 4th Grade Art Show- Beyond the Margin, 5:30-6:15pm
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
04/17 - Martial Arts Residency Final Performance, 6-7pm @ABS Gym
04/20 - 04/24 - SPRING BREAK / NO SCHOOL
05/19 - WCS Middle School Chorus Concert
05/20 - WCS Middle School Band Concerts
05/25 - Memorial Day / NO SCHOOL
06/03 - Beginner Band Concert
Cafeteria Menu
visit the CVSD food service page on our website for additional information and resources
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
Dear Williston Caregivers,
It’s with bittersweetness that I share this week of Lauren Goracy’s plans to move on from Williston Schools. Lauren, our Director of Special Services, has played an integral role building connections and supporting students, families, faculty and staff at both ABS and WCS for the past four years. As she told faculty and staff on Wednesday, she has accepted the position of Assistant Principal and Director of Special Services at Charlotte Central School, beginning in July.
Lauren captured the impact of her time in Williston best in an email to her colleagues:
This was an incredibly difficult decision. While I am very sad to be leaving, I am also excited for this next step, which feels like a meaningful shift for me both personally and professionally, and an opportunity to work in a smaller school community. Williston has been such a meaningful part of my professional and personal journey, and it’s hard to put into words how much I will miss this community.
I want to personally thank Lauren for her colleagueship and her dedicated service to the students of Williston. We are of course committed to finding the right person to fill the role whose leadership experience and values align with Williston’s guiding principles and culture. As the process to identify our next Director of Special Services moves forward we will be sure to keep you informed.
Thank you,
Greg Marino
Williston Schools Lead Principal
Announcements, Updates & Information
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 Coordinator3rd 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.
Community Field Project & Turf Information Sessions
Next week, two information sessions will be hosted related to the proposed field at CVU. While neither event is sponsored by CVSD, this potential project impacts and involves our community. These events are open to all who are excited, concerned, or just curious.
Community Field Project
📆 April 8 📍CVU Library ⏰6-7pm
Responsible Growth Hinesburg
📆 April 10 📍Carpenter-Carse Library ⏰7:00 - 8:30pm
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.
ABS Martial Arts Residency for K-2 / April 13-17th
Each child in our K-2 classes will learn basic martial arts practices with Master Leonard Yordan during their 40 minute PE times for a full week culminating in a Friday evening performance in our gym for caregivers to enjoy at 6:00 p.m.
This week long residency centers on fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments while strengthening our ABS community engagement and belonging.
Martial arts focuses on transferable life skills emphasizing courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit. Please feel free to dive into his Master Yordan’s website: https://www.ybba.com/
Belonging, community, and non-aggressive fun are at the heart of this artist in residence week. Master Yordan has worked with 24 schools in Chittenden County over his 30 years of private teaching.
*Children are encouraged (although not required) to wear a white t-shirt to the final performance on Friday, April 17th from 6-7 p.m. in our school gym.
We are looking forward to a wonderful week of learning and empowerment. The final performance includes your child's class performance as well as several of Master Yordan's black belt students who support children and also showcase their martial arts skills. Thank you to Williston Families as Partners for generously providing funding for this learning opportunity!
WCS Performing Arts
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
*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 Movie
Wednesday, April 8, 2-3:30 p.m. Join us for an after school movie!
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 Cat (Trooper)*
Monday, April 6, 3:15-4:20 p.m.Trooper is ready to meet you. Call to register for a 10 minute time slot to read to Trooper, or to just to hang out with a friendly therapy cat!
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
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.
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