Waitsfield Elementary

Ski and skate sale deputized set up and security staff.

Dear friends & families,

It feels apropos that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, as there is a great deal for which I am giving thanks.

I am thankful for the empathy and care our students show one another every day. In the last day alone, I watched a kindergarten student take the hand of a classmate who was struggling to get off the bus and walk her into the building. I saw a 4th grader—busy building a snow jump he was thrilled to try—notice a peer without a sled and offer up his own, saying, “I’m sure there’s another around I can share with.” And I saw a 2nd grade student, realizing a classmate was having a hard day, offer to switch places in the lunch line and then work to cheer him up as they waited.

These moments don’t mean we always agree or always get along, but they show a shared commitment to empathy and caring for one another. This generosity of spirit is a key element in our school community and I see that ethos reflected across the Mad River Valley. I feel incredibly fortunate to live and work here.

I am also thankful for the tremendous success of the Ski & Skate Sale, which—thanks to a sea of volunteers—transforms our school into a huge outdoor gear store for a weekend… and then back into a school by Monday. Thank you to everyone who contributed. I want to especially recognize Ali Wertgen, Becca Newhall, Marc Seaver, Eileen Turner, Susie Goodman, Kelly Schavone, Stephanie Hartnett, Eben Goodman, Elissa Meier, Lynn Noble, Sarah Lusso, Luke Foley, and Sophie Tretiak for leading key aspects of the sale (in some cases, many aspects!). In addition to the many hours worked this weekend, they dedicated significant time over the past two months to ensure everything ran smoothly. Thank you.

There is NO SCHOOL next week (11/24 - 11/28). May you enjoy time with family and find many reasons to give thanks.

Respectfully, Kaiya

Our school district has not had any confirmed cases of pertussis at this time, however, we have been informed by the Vermont Department of Health that there are an increasing number of cases in Washington County, most in unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children.

About Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that spreads easily from person-to-person
through the air in respiratory droplets when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms:

Early in the illness, whooping cough appears like a common cold.
Runny or stuffy nose
May have a Low-grade fever
Mild cough.

After one to two weeks, people may develop worsening symptoms.

Make a high-pitched “whoop” when they inhale
Vomiting or gagging during or after coughing

Prevention:

Vaccinations are the best protection.
Children entering kindergarten should receive a DTaP booster.
Children should receive a booster of TdaP during 6th or 7th grade.
Adults should receive a booster every 10 years.
Pregnant persons should receive a booster during each pregnancy.

Now is a good time to make sure you and your family are up to date with whooping cough vaccination (DTap or Tdap -- Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis). Contact your primary care provider if you are unsure about your vaccination status.

HealthVermont.gov/VaccineInfo | @healthvermont

Clayton S. Wetzel III, BSN, RN, NCSN

School Nurse

WES has an updated logo and gear available for purchase! Check it all out here. Products include tees, sweatshirts, sweatpants and hats for youth and adults.

The online store is open through 12/8/25. Order now to receive items before the winter break!

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.

THE LIBRARIANS DOCUMENTARY COMING TO THE BIG PICTURE

Celebrate Our Freedom to Read with special screening and Q&A event

The award-winning Sundance 2025 premiere from Academy® Award nominated and Peabody Award winning Director/Producer Kim A Snyder THE LIBRARIANS is coming to The Big Picture Theater on Thursday, November 20 at 7:00 PM.

As an unprecedented wave of book banning is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy. A New York Times Critic's Pick, Snyder's award-winning documentary is "gripping... as well-crafted as it is profoundly alarming.”

Official Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykll4MWltsQ

This special event screening will feature a Q&A discussion with Producer Janique L Robillard, a Waitsfield native whose most recent credits include Producing the Academy® Award nominated short documentary Death By Numbers with Snyder and their producing partner Maria Cuomo Cole.

Panel moderated by Marie Schmukal, Director of the Warren Public Library, will feature: Janique L Robillard - Producer, The Librarians; Peter Langella - Librarian at Champlain Valley Union High School and past president of the Vermont School Library Association; and Randall Smathers - Director, Rutland Free Library and Chair of the Vermont Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee.

Tickets for November 20 on sale here: https://www.bigpicturetheater.info/event-details/the-librarians-special-screening

More Information: https://thelibrariansfilm.com/

Doors 6:30pm

Screening 7:00-8:30pm

Q&A 8:30-9pm