Wildcat Buzz
October 9, 2026
This Week's Top Buzz
1. Play27 Fun Run this Saturday!
2. Book Fair week @WCS
3. No School on Friday, 10/23
Mark Your Calendar
10/10 - Play27 Fun Run, 9 - 10:30am
10/12 - Fall Book Fair Week @WCS
10/13 - Walk or Roll to School Day
10/14 - Family Night at the Book Fair, 5pm @WCS Community Room
10/23 - No School, Conference Day
10/24 - Intergenerational Book Club @DAML, details below
10/27 - Community Budget Forum, 6-7pm @CVU
11/07 - Williston Craft Show
11/10 - No School, Diwali
11/12 - Soundscapes, Opening Night
11/12 - WFAP Monthly Meeting, 8:30-10:30 am @WCS Community Room
11/23 - 11/27 - No School, November Break
A Message from the Principals
by Ayrin Thibault, WCS Assistant Principal
Student work fills our hallways with vibrant color and meaningful content, inviting us to pause and reflect on the learning taking place throughout our school. One bulletin board features a colorful brain titled “Growth Mindset” and poses the question, “How do you use a growth mindset?” This question echoes throughout our building, encouraging students and adults alike to challenge ourselves, stay curious, and remain open and flexible in our thinking.
In Liz Parker’s classroom, a student-created poster titled “Growth Mindset” highlights language we can use when something feels difficult. A fixed mindset might lead us to say, “I can’t do it,” while a growth mindset encourages us to shift those words to “I can’t do it yet.” That small change creates space to give ourselves grace, get curious, explore possibilities, and take the first step toward something challenging. The same idea applies to how we think about mistakes. Believing that “Mistakes mean I’m just not good at something” may discourage us from trying, while shifting that thought to “I can learn from my mistakes” encourages us to reflect, persevere, and try again. Mistakes are not simply something to avoid; they are an important part of learning and growing.
A growth mindset extends well beyond academics. It also shapes how we communicate and interact with one another. Sometimes, we say or do something without realizing its impact, even when causing harm was never our intention. Learning to pause, reflect, acknowledge a mistake, and consider another perspective helps us strengthen our communication skills and build stronger relationships.
While visiting Marybeth Morrissey’s classroom, I noticed a poster perfectly positioned where students wash their hands titled “What to Do When Something or Someone Is Bugging You!” It offers simple strategies for navigating difficult moments. It suggests phrases such as “I’m upset because…” and “I feel angry when you…” It also reminds us that sometimes the best response is to take a moment to regulate ourselves, talk things through when we are calm, or write down how we feel.
These skills matter far beyond the classroom. Learning to pause, listen, communicate our needs, reflect on our actions, and repair relationships are lifelong skills that we continue to develop. As educators, caregivers, and community members, we have opportunities every day to model these skills for students and reinforce their importance in our interactions with one another.
As I travel upstairs to the seventh and eighth grade wing, I see colorful “Advice From…” posters that students created using Canva in science class with Colleen O’Brien. These student-created pieces offer another example of growth mindset and perspective-taking. They demonstrate how the learning environment around us can encourage curiosity, reflection, and help us see the world through different perspectives.
Advice from a Rock
by Rowan Ashley
Don’t wear down
Every one of us is different
Have layers
Travel the rock cycle
We’re always changing. It’s inevitable
Be a building block
Hard things don;t last forever
Roll with it
Advice from the Ocean
By Audrey Swindell
Be your own big, beautiful self.
Give meaning to others.
Go with the flow.
Be open with your emotions but not everything needs to be shared.
It’s ok to be salty.
Help others be successful.
Cafeteria Menu
visit the CVSD food service page on our website for additional information and resources
This Week's PUP Quick Tip!
When should I use PickUp Patrol?
We ask parents and caregivers to use PUP to inform the school of:
📆 Absences
⏰ Late arrivals
⏰ Early dismissals & leaving for appointments
🚗 Changes to what your student will do at the end of the day
Note: Once your default plan is set, you only need to enter end of day plans when it is a change from the usual plan for that day of the week. If a change will be ongoing or recurring each week, please update the default plan accordingly.
Important Information & Updates
Fall 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 5th-8th grade Band or Chorus/Choir member that does not have a shirt.
Any 5th-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, October 16, 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.
Health Office Updates
We are already starting to see "Flu-like" Illnesses in our schools. Please encourage your child to cover their coughs and wash their hands often.
Start & End Times at Williston Schools
Allen Brook School
Bus Doors Open - 7:35 am
Start of School Day - 7:50 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.
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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 - 7:45 am
Start of School Day - 7:55 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.
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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
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 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 Music Programs
Williston Music Team
Kim Thompson Band Program Page
Emy Berger General Music 3-8, Choir 5-8
Danielle Trasciatti-Holmberg General Music PK-2, 4th Grade Chorus
Visit the Williston Music site for information about Band, Chorus, Concerts and more!
Williston Families as Partners
Bus Information
Williston Schools Food Service
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 @7:55am;
Dismissal grades 3 & 4 @2:35pm - grades 5-8 @2:45pm
Wednesday Early Dismissal @ 1:35 & 1:45