Wildcat Buzz

1. WCS & ABS Family Night at the Book Fair! Wednesday, Nov 12 @5-7pm

2. Walk or Roll to School - Tuesday 11/11

3. WFAP Monthly Meeting - location change: Upstairs Kiva at WCS - 11/13, 8:30-10:30am or Virtual

11/07 - Flora & Ulysses, 6:30pm - Ticket Link

11/07 - Due date for beginner band signups and instrument contracts

11/08 - Flora & Ulysses, 2:00pm

11/11 - Walk or Roll to School Day

11/11 - 11/14 - Fall Book Fair with Phoenix Books @WCS, WFAP Phoenix Bookfair Site

11/12 - Phoenix Book Fair Family Night @WCS, 5-7pm

11/13 - WFAP Monthly Meeting, @WCS 8:30-10:30am

11/13 - CVSD 8th Graders invited to Into the Woods final dress rehersal @CVU

11/14 - 7th & 8th Grade Dance hosted by Cedar House, 6:30 - 8:30pm @WCS

11/24 - 11/28 - Thanksgiving Break, NO SCHOOL

12/16 - 5-8 Chorus Concert, 6:30 - 7:30pm

12/17 - 5-6 Band Concert, 5:30-6:30pm, 7-8 Band Concert, 7-8pm

by Angela Filion, Allen Brook School Principal

November Focus: Gratitude, Empathy & Healthy Habits

Dear ABS Families and Caregivers,

As we move from Kindtober into a season of gratitude, our school community continues to find ways to take care of ourselves, each other, and this place. November is a time to pause, appreciate, and build habits that keep our minds and bodies ready for learning and kindness.

💬 A Note About Smartwatches & Personal Devices

We’ve noticed an increase in students wearing smartwatches and fitness trackers during the school day. While these gadgets can be fun and useful at home, they’ve begun to create distractions here at school. To support focus, relationships, and meaningful classroom engagement, we ask that students leave smartwatches and personal devices at home. If a device is brought to school, teachers will hold it safely until the end of the day, when it can be returned before dismissal. Thank you for partnering with us to keep learning time distraction-free and connected.

☕ A Quick Word on Caffeinated Drinks

Our school handbook encourages healthy choices throughout the day-and that includes beverages. To promote wellness and keep everyone feeling their best, we are asking that students not bring drinks containing high levels of caffeine (more than 50 mg per serving) or those labeled “not recommended for children.” While the FDA hasn’t set an official limit for children, pediatric experts recommend no caffeine for kids under 12 and no more than 100 mg per day for older students. Let’s keep hydration healthy with water, milk, or 100 % juice!

🚌 Bus Behavior & Safety Reminders

We’ve also noticed an uptick in bus behavior concerns over the past few weeks. Riding the bus is an important part of the school day, and we want it to feel safe, calm, and respectful for everyone-from our youngest riders to our drivers who do such important work each day. To support that goal, on Monday afternoon we will board buses a few minutes early to review expectations together with drivers and students. We’ll remind everyone that bus time is still school time-and our expectations carry over to buses.

Here’s a reminder of our Bus Expectations, as shown on our posters:

• Take care of yourself by staying seated, using quiet voices, and keeping your belongings to yourself.

• Take care of others by using kind words and helping create a calm ride for everyone.

• Take care of this place by keeping the bus clean and treating the driver and seats with respect.

Please help us by talking with your child at home about how they can contribute to a positive bus environment. We’re grateful for your partnership in reinforcing that the bus ride is a shared space-and part of our larger goal of helping kids practice responsibility and empathy everywhere they go.

💛 November’s Assembly Focus: Gratitude

Last month’s theme of Kindtober brought so much joy to our halls. This month, we’ll be shining a light on gratitude-how noticing and naming what we’re thankful for can strengthen empathy and connection. We will kick this theme off in our monthly assembly on Friday. We have two service-learning projects ahead, where students will raise funds and give back to local causes. It’s a beautiful way for our youngest learners to see how small acts of giving can make a big difference. Speaking of students doing act of kindness, please see this note from one of our students at CVU who is working with her peers on community engagement and connection:

“My name is Olivia Cieri, I am a junior at CVU High School, and I am reaching out on behalf of BTP(Better Tomorrow Projects) which is a nonprofit created and run by high school students across Vermont. Our goal is to inspire change through fundraising and hosting events for Vermonters. We want to become more connected with our community. In an attempt to do so, we are hosting a movie night on November 15th at Vergennes Union High School from 6:00 to 8:00. There will be raffles, snacks, and the movie being streamed will be Fantastic Mr. Fox! There will be an entrance fee of $5.00 for students and $10.00 for adults. The profits of our event will be donated to a cause of choice(not yet determined). I am reaching out to you in hopes that you would advertise this to your students and parents You can find more information on our website: https://bettertomorrowprojects.com/ “

🌟 Ways to Build Gratitude & Empathy at Home

Here are a few family-friendly ideas to keep the spirit of kindness/empathy growing:

Daily Gratitude Share: At dinner or bedtime, each person names one thing they’re thankful for and one person they appreciate.

Kindness Coupons: Have your child make small “acts of service” coupons (e.g., “I’ll feed the pet,” “I’ll help fold laundry,” “I’ll make someone smile”).

Letter of Thanks: Encourage your child to write a short note or drawing to someone who has made their day better.

Empathy Moments: Ask, “How do you think that person felt?” after reading a story, watching a show, or noticing a real-life situation.

Give Together: Choose a simple way to give back as a family—donating gently used items, baking for a neighbor, or supporting our school’s service projects.

Together, we’re helping our students build strong hearts and healthy habits. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and for modeling the same gratitude and care that fill our classrooms each day.

visit the CVSD food service page on our website for additional information and resources

We are excited to offer your child an opportunity to participate in Spark Enrichment, an after-school applied learning program for students in grades 5-8. Sessions will run for 5 weeks from 2:50 p.m - 4:20 p.m. with our 2nd session starting November 13 and ending December 18.

Read more about SPARK session 2 by clicking here

List of Workshop Descriptions

Registration Form

Dear Faculty & Staff, Parents & Caregivers,

Generosity is one thing that defines our community—we take care of ourselves, each other, and this place.

This mantra feels particularly important right now, with some of our neighbors quietly facing acute food insecurity. This challenge has been amplified recently by gaps in benefit coverage and financial processing delays, and these struggles are impacting our students directly. In times like these, our community’s collaboration and support for one another become vital.

With uncertainty around the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), we wish to share these resources that provide information on 3SquaresVT benefits (including in 18 different languages) and short-term nutritional assistance for vulnerable refugee populations, plus a list of our local food shelves.

If you and your family need support due to food insecurity, please reach out to your school administrator, and a member of your school’s counseling team will be in touch.

If you are able to help support those in need, your contribution will directly translate into peace of mind and full bellies for our students, strengthening the foundation of our entire community.

Here are the resources in our towns:

Charlotte - https://www.charlottevtfoodshelf.org/

Hinesburg - https://www.hinesburgresource.org/food-shelf.html

Shelburne - https://www.shelburnefoodshelf.org/give

St. George - https://www.hinesburgresource.org/food-shelf.html

Williston - https://www.willistonfoodshelf.com/

Vermont Food Bank - https://www.vtfoodbank.org/

Thank you for helping our community take care of each other,

Champlain Valley School District

Click Here or Download the file below for additional details about benefits, community meals, food supports in Chittenden County, and additonal food resources

Each year, members of our community—including local businesses, faith-based organizations, and various community partners—reach out to support our students and families during the November and December school breaks. These donations allow us to provide assistance while honoring each family’s independence and unique needs. Please fill out this Form to let us know what kind of support you are requesting. FORM CLOSES ON 11/12/25.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the following:

ABS School Services Clinician- Cally Ruess cruess@cvsdvt.org

WCS School Services Clinician- Emily Chadwick echadwick@cvsdvt.org

Dear Families,

We wanted to inform you that we have recently seen several cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) reported at ABS. While this condition is generally mild, we want to ensure all families are aware of the signs, symptoms, and ways to prevent its spread.

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? HFMD is a common viral illness, especially among young children, caused by coxsackievirus. It is usually mild and self-limiting but can be uncomfortable.

Common symptoms include:

● Fever

● Sores or blisters in the mouth, often making eating and drinking painful

● Rash with red spots and sometimes blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks

● Irritability, loss of appetite, and sore throat

How is HFMD spread? HFMD spreads through direct contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., saliva, nasal mucus), fluid from the blisters, or stool of an infected person. It is most contagious during the first week of illness but can still spread after symptoms have resolved.

What can you do?

● Keep your child home if they show symptoms of HFMD, especially fever or sores, until the fever is gone and the sores have healed.

● Practice good hygiene – frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating.

● Disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, and shared equipment.

● Monitor your child’s symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact nurse Love at slove@cvsdvt.org

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping to keep our school community healthy.

Sincerely,

Sylvia Love, BSN, RN

ABS School nurse

Especially those interested in theater - be it acting, lights, sound, set design, running crew, etc.!

All CVSD 8th graders (and 1 caregiver) are invited to see the CVU Fall Musical Production of Into the Woods for FREE during their final Dress Rehearsal on Thursday, Nov 13th from 5 - 7:45pm!

Just arrive at CVU and enter the western entrance between 4:45 - 5pm. Show starts at 5:00pm
No need to RSVP. Questions contact: cvutheatredirector@cvsdvt.org

If this time doesn't work for you (or if you want to see it with your whole family) you are welcome to buy tickets to the scheduled performances.
Fri 14th Nov at 7pm
Sat 15th Nov at 2pm and 7pm
Sun 16th Nov at 1pm

Tickets: $10, $8 for Students and CVU Faculty
Available NOW at: https://www.ticketsource.us/cvutheater

CVU Theater 369 C V U Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461

The beginner band program is available to all interested students in grades 4 and up. All beginners will attend a weekly small group lesson during their school day and will perform later in the school year. Students may choose: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion.

Important Dates:

Friday, 11/7 - due date for signing up AND for completing instrument rental contracts.

Monday, 11/17 - Ellis Music Co. delivers instruments and supplies to Kim Thompson

week of 11/17 - Lessons start (Schedule will be shared with students Instruments and materials delivered by Ellis Music Co. will be given to students at their first lesson.)

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.

Williston Rec & Parks Continued...

Swim Lessons- Splash

Age 6 mos-2.5 yrs. The Recreation Dept. and The Edge on Morse Drive in Essex are teaming up to offer Tot-Preschool group swim lessons. The lessons introduce swimming techniques and increase safety skills around the water. Group lessons run year-round in the indoor pool at the Edge.

Learn to Ski/Ride

Grades K-8th. Registration is now open for the program. Early-Bird Discount- Sunday, December 21. Registration Deadline- Sunday, December 28. Be sure to register now and don’t miss out on the Equipment Rental nights in late November and early December. There will only be two and your child needs to be registered.

• 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.