Waitsfield Elementary

Yesterday was "school picture day", where Ember Photography captured the shining faces of our students. The event caused staff to recall our own school pictures. Can you pick out current staff from their childhood pictures below? Check out the full display in our school lobby for more photos to i.d.!

Dear friends and families,

Recently, I asked students to name some things that felt different at WES this year. They mentioned the bench that moved and the new badminton net on the playground. While those are fun and visible changes, there have also been some larger shifts behind the scenes as a result of district-wide budget reductions. I’m pleased that students aren’t noticing immediate negative impacts; our staff are working hard to keep everything running smoothly.

Here are a few of the key changes this year:

• School Nurse: Clayton Wetzel is now at WES half-time; he also works at Moretown School.

• Librarian: Eric Mongeon is now half-time at WES and also serves Warren School.

• Art: Ashley Torrez now teaches at all four valley elementary schools. Students now have art class once per week (previously twice per week for half of the year).

• Student Support Specialist: This position was eliminated. It had focused on supporting positive student behaviors.

• PreK: There is no preschool program at WES this year. Waitsfield resident families may choose from neighboring public or private PreK programs.

Planning for Our Youngest Students

WES and HUUSD remain committed to early childhood education. All of our schools are seeing fewer PreK-aged students this year, likely due to the lower birth rates following the early COVID-19 years.

We want to plan well for future classes. If you know of a Waitsfield child under age 3, please let us know—or encourage their family to contact us—so we can connect early and plan for their needs.

Looking Ahead: Budget Conversations

The staffing changes at WES are part of nearly 50 job reductions across HUUSD over the past two years, made to meet financial caps set by the governor and the HUUSD School Board.

As we move into this year’s budget season, we continue to face significant challenges, including rising healthcare and materials costs, as well as reductions in federal funding. The Waitsfield PTA has generously helped fill in some gaps, such as supporting the ECO (Educating Children Outdoors) program. However, ECO will need a sustainable funding source to continue long-term. If you’d like to contribute to this specific cause, please contact the PTA!

Thank You for Your Partnership

I share this information so you understand what’s happening behind the scenes. With fewer staff, we are all pitching in and wearing multiple hats each day.

Thank you for your understanding, your questions, and your continued engagement. While things may look the same on the surface, impactful changes are happening inside our school. I remain deeply grateful for your partnership—our schools are truly one of the strongest pillars of this community.

Respectfully, Kaiya

Everybody Wins Vermont is thrilled to be returning to Waitsfield Elementary for another school year of meaningful mentoring and reading relationships. Mentors are matched up a with a student to read and play games together during lunch/recess once a week for an hour.

If your child is interested in participating in the program, they should fill out the self-nomination form that was distributed in class. Once completed, the form should be returned to Susan Laskaris.

If you have an hour a week to volunteer with the program, you can fill out a mentoring application by going to: https://everybodywinsvermont.org/become-a-mentor/

For more information about the program, please contact Marci Lutsky, the Everybody Wins Site Coordinator for Waitsfield Elementary at: waitsfield@everybodywinsvermont.org

Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

After School at Joslin Library

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30-4:30 pm, when school is in session*

Join us After School at Joslin for a variety arts and crafts, legos, games, and more! Please note that this program is for ages 8+, but younger children are welcome to attend with a caregiver. No registration required.

*Note: After School at Joslin Library will take a hiatus 10/6 and 10/9

Join Inklings Children's Books in celebrating their second anniversary!!
Starting at 10am, Inklings is hosting an all-day celebration filled with drinks, cupcakes, storytime, craft making and more!
We can't wait to see you. FREE and open to all!

Join Inklings Sunday, October 5th at 11am as they welcome author Melissa Perley for a reading of her book, THE VIOLIN FAMILY PLAYS NEW MUSIC.
This delightful book is an important reminder to readers of the power of music to bring people together, following a friendship that harmonizes instruments from different families.
Melissa Perley - an award-winning children's book author, professional cellist, and sheep farmer in Vermont - will play her cello, accompanied by clarinet player Tom Frink! This will be a truly special event.

Following the reading, there will be a very special craft!

Authors Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence will be making a special stop at Inklings as part of their Very Asian Book Trip!
Join us on October 6th at 6pm for a chance to talk with them about their brand new books.
Pre-Order your copies of THE GATE, THE GIRL, AND THE DRAGON and LAST CHANCE ACADEMY now.
***Space is limited. Please RSVP at inklingschildrensbooks@gmail for a chance to be part of this incredible evening!!

Once Upon a Story returns this November 8th in the Mad River Valley!
Vermont Literacy Network is thrilled to partner once again with Inklings Children’s Books to bring back their beloved immersive fairy tale event at the Big Picture Theater in Waitsfield.
Watch your child’s face light up as they meet characters like Goldilocks, the Three Little Pigs, and Little Red Riding Hood! Led by community favorite organizations, kids can dive into interactive, hands-on activities inspired by timeless fairy tales.
Grab your tickets early and save 20%! LINK
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 10:00-2:00PM | Big Picture Theater, Waitsfield

Wed. Sept. 24th: All School Hike @ MRG

Tues. Sept. 30th: Open House 5:30-6:30

Fri. Oct. 10th: NO SCHOOL. Teacher In-Service

Mon. Oct. 13th: NO SCHOOL. Indigenous People's Day

Wed. Oct. 29th: School Photo Make-Up Day

Sat. Nov. 15th: Ski & Skate Sale at WES

2025-2026 School Calendar

Website: https://www.waitsfieldschool.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waitsfieldschool/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=waitsfield%20elementary%20school

Phone: 802-496-3643

Location: 3951 Main Street, Waitsfield, VT