Waitsfield Elementary

Our classrooms have "buddy classes" with whom they meet with regularly.

Here, kindergarten students enjoy a books with buddy classmates.

Principal's Message

Dear families & friends,

This week, we practiced our building evacuation procedures, so we all know exactly what to do should such a situation occur. At our weekly staff meeting, we also reviewed some of our emergency procedures, ensuring that everyone is clear in their roles and responsibilities in a wide range of potential scenarios. While supporting the flourishing of all children’s skills and knowledge is our primary purpose, ensuring a safe environment is critical to our work. It is a responsibility we take very seriously, with ongoing training and reflection to ensure our preparedness.

Here are a few things that you, as a family, can do to also help our emergency response systems work well.

Use Pick Up Patrol to update student plans, including in situations such as early dismissals due to weather or other factors. We count on this electronic tool to efficiently track where over 100 children are going after school every day. In the case of an emergency school dismissal, every single family could log into pick up patrol to update plans at the same time – whereas we only have a couple phone lines and people who could answer phone calls to the school. We appreciate that one can not always access Pick Up Patrol, but when you can do that, as opposed to calling the school, it allows us to be most efficient. If you have not yet put Pick up Patrol on your phone, you may wish to do so. Contact the school if you need assistance with this.
Know that a message will be sent to all families, using our automated messaging system, should there be information that families need to know, including any matters impacting school-wide safety. Calling the school while we might be managing an issue, only detracts from us addressing such a situation. It is our practice to inform families of any important information as soon as possible. If you are new to our school system, please make sure you sign up to receive text messages from our automated response system.

The WES Family/ Student Handbook contains a variety of important information about our school, from our attendance/ absence procedures to what you need to do to volunteer in our school. I will highlight pieces of the handbook in this weekly newsletter, but also encourage you to check out the handbook. It’s also linked on our school website.

Respectfully,

Kaiya Korb, WES Principal

p.s. Many students reported that they have not ever practiced a "fire drill" at home. While you don't need to set off the alarm, as we do, discussing what to do and where you all would meet (i.e. by the big tree in the back lawn) in case of an emergency helps everyone to be prepared and feel more confident should such a situation ever occur.

VACANCY -- Please Consider Joining the HUUSD Board

The Harwood Unified Union School District (HUUSD) Board is seeking to fill one vacant seat representing the Town of Waitsfield following the resignation of Roberta “Bobbi” Rood, effective August 27, 2026. The Board is looking for a Waitsfield resident to serve until Town Meeting Day in March 2027. If the appointee wishes to continue serving beyond that date, they would then run for election on Town Meeting Day 2027 for the remaining year of the term, which expires in March 2028. To be eligible, applicants must reside in Waitsfield.

The HUUSD Board typically meets twice per month on Wednesday evenings from 6:00–9:00 p.m. in the Harwood Union High School library. Board members are volunteers who review materials in advance of meetings and participate in thoughtful discussion and decision-making about our schools. While no prior board experience is required, an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to serving our schools and communities are essential.

Serving on the HUUSD Board is an important way to contribute to local governance and make a meaningful difference for students, families, and residents across our six-town district. Members gain valuable insight into education policy, community engagement, and the democratic process.

Interested Waitsfield residents should submit a letter of interest and résumé describing their background, experience, and reasons for wanting to serve to HUUSD Board Chair Ashley Woods at awoods@huusd.org and Superintendent Dr. Mike Leichliter at mleichliter@huusd.org by Friday, September 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Candidates will have the opportunity to speak briefly at the HUUSD Board meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, when a possible appointment will be considered. As required by law, the HUUSD Board will consult with the Waitsfield Selectboard before making the appointment.

Find more information about the district and the HUUSD Board at https://huusd.org, including answers to frequently asked questions at https://huusd.org/joining-our-school-board.

Upcoming Important Dates

Monday September 7 No School (Labor day)
Tuesday September 15. School Photos w/Ember photography
Wednesday September 16, 11:30 dismissal (Staff development)

2026-2027 School Calendar

Music class fun.

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.

Nell Plants a Tree

The newest StoryWalk®, is now available for viewing at the Moretown Recreation fields. Come by for a stroll and enjoy Nell Plants a Tree, written by Anne Wynter and illustrated by Daniel Miyare.

A young girl named Nell plants a seed, tenderly caring for it as it grows into a large

pecan tree, while she also advances in age, becoming a grandmother. The text

alternates between her experiences as a young girl, and her delight in watching her

grandchildren play in and around this special tree. Pages begin with a description of

what is happening in the present day illustration, then move back in time.