THE SCHOOL BELL

Williston Schools /May 12, 2021

A Message from the Administration

Spectacular summer!

by Director of Student Support Services Sarah Crum

When a place like Vermont is the place you call home, you learn quickly how to appreciate fleeting moments. I think there is a saying here, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute!”. We know to run outside as soon as the sun comes out. We know to hold those starter plants indoors a little longer and not plant them in the ground when the snow melts the first time around. We know how to dress in layers so you can be prepared for lots of variations. In Vermont, we love to grow things and we know our growing season is short. We adapt and we have become skilled at packing a lot into our fleeting summer season.

As a response to what we know are the needs for students and families as a result of Covid-19, the Agency of Education has asked schools to think about three main areas moving forward: social emotional wellness, engagement, and academic achievement. We are engaged in a process now for determining our next steps to meet students and families where they are and provide an educational experience that supports development in those three areas. Part of that programming will include opportunities for students this summer to reconnect with peers, engage in fun and educational activities, build their social emotional and regulation skills, and practice routines and academics in a school setting.

We realize that for many of you, summer is already filled with activities that support these very same skills and may include travel or connecting with family and friends. For others, you may still be looking for opportunities for your children. We are in the process of developing a couple of opportunities and we are partnering with several other local organizations to try to provide a myriad of options for families.

Here are a few details about some of the different programs you may be hearing about:

Academic camp: 8am-12pm, Monday through Thursday, 7/12-8/5

This camp is for students who are referred through the school and you will receive an invite to fill out a registration if your child is referred
There will be a large focus on building classroom community, following routines, and some literacy and math instruction
Students will be from Williston schools & Hinesburg Community School

SEL camp: 8am-12pm, Monday through Thursday, 7/12-8/5

This camp is for students who receive significant behavioral and social emotional supports during the school year and are referred by their school
There will be a large focus on social emotional wellness, peer interactions, and self-regulation
Students will be from across the CVSD district (Williston, Hinesburg, Charlotte, Shelburne, St George)

CVU Workshops: If you have a rising 9th grader, CVU is offering several workshop opportunities
Community Summer Opportunities: a variety of options available, please scroll down to the bottom of the School Bell to locate opportunities listed under Dorothy Alling Memorial Library (DAML) Programs, Williston Parks & Recreations Offerings, and Community Events. We will keep updating these sections as new opportunities arise.

If you receive an invitation to our academic SEL camps, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher or special educator for information regarding the referral. We have expanded these programs for this summer so students who may not have previously been offered summer programming, may receive an invite this year. If you aren’t interested, you can just let us know.

Whatever your plans are this summer, we hope that you find it is full of engagement and connection, and that you are able to take advantage of fleeting sunshine, warm weather, and the growing season we call summer in Vermont!

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Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at CVU May 18 12-15 year-olds welcome!

We are very excited to share this news! If you are the parent/guardian of a student between the ages of 12-15, here's an upcoming opportunity for them to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

What: Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine clinic at CVU, open to the public by appointment through the Vermont Department of Health
Where: Champlain Valley Union High School, Hinesburg, VT
When: Tuesday, May 18th from 8 am-8 pm (second dose clinic will be June 8th at CVU, scheduled after receiving the first dose)
Who: Open to all, including students ages 12-15 years old
How: Parents/Guardians will need to create an account on the Department of Health website if they haven't already. Once they have an account, they will need to add their child as a "dependent" and register them for an appointment.

Parents may accompany their child but they will not have to (by registering them as a dependent, they have given "consent").

*Registration may not be available yet, but it will be sometime soon! Please be patient and keep checking.

Additional information can be found on the CVSD Story, our blog.

Returning Student Devices to School

As the end of the school year approaches, we want to alert families that ALL K-8 school-provided devices - Chromebooks or iPads and their respective charging cords - need to be returned to school by June 10th. Most of these devices, which pre-COVID were always in the buildings, have been going back and forth between school and home, and in some cases, remaining at home, for more than a year. Our industrious IT staff needs to access each and every device to check on the status and condition and provide any needed repairs. Please return all devices, along with the charging cord, to your child’s classroom teacher(s) by June 10th.

If your child attends the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) please return their device and charging cord to their brick and mortar school on June 16 or 17. This was detailed in a recent letter to VLA families.

If your child will be participating in a summer school-based program that requires a Chromebook, one will be provided to them at that time. Other possible device needs for the summer will be determined soon and a check-out system will be in place. Watch for future communications!

Thank you for your help and understanding.

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"Let's Talk."

Please join us for our next virtual ParentIN event:

"Let's Talk." Having Good Conversations with Kids

Wednesday, May 19th from 7:30-8:30pm

Talking to children of all ages can have its challenges, particularly when it’s about difficult or sensitive subjects. In this presentation, child psychiatrist and author Dr. David Rettew will share general concepts and specific suggestions to help have meaningful and connected conversations with children and adolescents. He'll include everyday subjects such as, moving beyond, “How was school?” to more sensitive dialogue regarding sex, substance abuse, racism and others.

This is a virtual event. Everyone who registers will be emailed a link to attend the live online event on May 19th from 7:30-8:30pm. If you are unable to attend at that time, register anyway! We'll follow up to all who registered after the event with a recording you can watch on your own time.

REGISTER HERE

If you are a parent or caregiver with youth in the Burlington or Champlain Valley School Districts and want tips, resources, and connections to help you parent INspired, INformed and INvolved find us on social media through:
parentinburlington.org
parentincvsd.org

ABS Facility Study - We are seeking your input

The school district has undertaken a comprehensive facility study of the Allen Brook School with the help of architectural firm, Truex Cullens (TXC). The result of this study will be to develop a plan for the Allen Brook school facility that helps to assure a safe, healthy, and engaging learning environment for years to come. Part of the study involves collecting input from all stakeholder groups, including families.

I am pleased to announce that TXC will be hosting a virtual visioning workshop for Williston families on Thursday, May 13, 6:00 - 8:00pm. Attendees will learn about the Whole Child framework through which TXC approaches their work and will have multiple opportunities to give input on three important themes: adult and child wellness, student learning, and engagement. This input will help us create guiding principles that will inform the priorities for any resulting proposals.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84171160993?pwd=NXZXSzk1bHlKKytWRWFCK1p0bHhxUT09
Meeting ID: 841 7116 0993
Passcode: 917506

We hope to see many of you there.

WCS Make-Up SBAC Session Information

WCS will be holding SBAC make-up for students that miss a testing session on Wednesdays in May. This will ensure that students don’t miss additional class time while taking the SBAC. Transportation will be provided to and from school on the SBAC make-up days. The exact transportation times will be determined once the specific SBAC make-up needs are identified, but generally pick-up will be around 8:30 am with the drop-off being approximately 11:30 am. If a student needs to make-up two sessions, then they would remain at school for the second session and be dropped off at approximately 2:15 pm.

Wednesday, May 19th: SBAC Make-Ups for Sterling and Swift House

9:15-11:15 Session One

12:00-2:00 Session Two

Wednesday, May 26th: SBAC make-ups for Equinox, Kaleidoscope, Voyager, Harbor & Summit House

9:15-11:15 Session One

12:00-2:00 Session Two

Wednesday, June 2nd: SBAC make-ups for Mosaic, Summit and anyone else that has not completed it.

9:15-11:15 Session One

12:00-2:00 Session Two

2021-2022 School Year Calendar Approved

Click here for the newly approved school calendar for the upcoming school year.

Looking for a fun, part-time summer job with preschool students?

The CVSD early education program is looking for a summer paraprofessional at the Allen Brook School in Williston for our summer school. The program runs on Wednesday and Thursday mornings for 4 weeks, July 14- August 5. Hours are 7:30-11:30.

We are looking for a dynamic person, 18 years or older, to support our youngest students in a play-based classroom program that provides new students an opportunity to learn about the school and returning students the opportunity to maintain the flow of coming to school. The group will be spending time outside daily as well as in the classroom.

If you are interested, contact Shelley Henson, Director of Early Education at shenson@cvsdvt.org.

Link for Box Tops

Link for Boxtops 50 bonus points.

Habitat for Humanity Basket Raffle

Hi, my name is Maeve Serinese and I’m an 8th Grade student in Swift House.

For my 8th Grade Challenge, I chose to study sustainable alternatives to everyday objects. I learned about eco-friendly products that can make a difference in your daily routine and reduce waste.

For my Community Connection, I'm holding a basket raffle full of sustainable products in order to raise awareness about eco-friendly alternatives while raising money for Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity. I will draw the winner after I give my final 8th Grade Project presentation in Swift House sometime in mid-June.

To learn more or buy a raffle ticket, please follow the link http://serinese.com/basket/

Again, all proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity.

Supports for mental/emotional health

ParentIN Resource

Amy Sayre is a SAP counselor and ParentIN coordinator for CVSD. She is available online on Wednesday evenings from 7-8 pm to help support parents.

If you have a child who is experiencing anxiety, depression or other social and emotional challenges, Amy will be on hand to offer her support and guidance and be armed with useful resources in the community if you need/want them.

You can pop in for a quick question or to chat through a situation. Amy would love to try to help! Here is the link to join: meet.google.com/qvq-nwzz-hfm

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION

From our Williston Schools Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coaches, Cara Clopton and Ryan Batche:

In the Williston Schools we believe that the work for racial equity and justice needs to be ongoing and continuous and cannot be limited to individual lessons or actions during a particular time of the school year. We offer these resources for families and caregivers to support the engagement in conversations about racial equity in your homes.

TED Talks to Build Awareness:

Colorblind or Color BRAVE?

Let's stop talking about diversity and start working towards equity

New Travel Guidelines

Intra-District K-8 School Choice

Children entering grades K-8 who live in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston may exercise school choice. Our goal is to both allow options for families and also make balanced class sizes to provide a positive learning environment for all of our children. Processes for intra-district choice of school will be guided by the needs of students, space availability, and existing resources. Given this, we will work to meet as many families’ needs as possible. Guidelines and Application

Food Benefit Program for Families

Every enrolled student who qualifies for free/reduced meals is also entitled to an additional $60 - $100 per child per month - retroactive to September.

Many families who did not qualify for free and reduced meals last year may qualify this year due to a change in family circumstances. Because meals are free for everyone, you may not have completed the application. In order to get this additional benefit, you will need to apply now.

Families who were qualified last year are automatically enrolled. You do not need to do anything but are being asked to check the 'head of household" name and address so the electronic-benefit-card gets delivered to the right person/house.
Please see this letter for additional information. If you need assistance applying, look for the contact information in the letter or contact your school.

PARKING LOT SAFE DRIVING REMINDER

We are reminding all parents and caregivers who drop off or pick up students to be extra mindful about your driving in the school parking lots. We are asking that all drivers please drive with extreme caution, courtesy, and at slow speeds. We have noticed some dangerous situations pop up as a result of distracted driving or elevated driving speeds. We thank you for your help in keeping all students, staff, and drivers safe.

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Four Winds

Hello April Adventurers!

We have a new and exciting lesson for you about plants and animals who use their Daunting Defenses to survive in the wild! Check it out HERE!

There is also a Bonus Spring Scavenger Hunt for you to print it out. See how many items you can find by you!

As the weather continues to get warmer, check out all the Four Winds lessons (if you haven't already)! They are full of fun facts, photos, hands-on activities, games, read alouds, science show episodes, and even the videos of the beloved PUPPET SHOW! Pick and choose the activities that are right for you! There is so much to see in nature around you!

Unit 1: Spiders

Unit 2: Tremendous Trees.

Unit 3: Predators and Prey

Unit 4: Skulls and Teeth

Unit 5: Birds of a Feather

Unit 6: Calling All Owls

Unit 7: Daunting Defenses

Bonus: Spring Scavenger Hunt

The theme for the year is Structure and Function.

Stay tuned for our last Four Winds lesson of the 2020-2021 year featuring Bees in May!

Feel free to email, visit our website, or share your findings and photos on our Padlet.

Be curious!

Deb & Amanda, Your Four Winds Williston Coordinators

Family Resources

Return to School Following Illness Guidance

What Families can Expect when a Student is Sick

COVID-19 Parental Resources Kit

test positive and have symptoms

test positive but do not have symptoms
close contacts with someone who has tested positive

Virtual Learning Academy Website

click here to access the VLA site

Hybrid Learning Website

Hybrid Learning Schedules, Tech Support info and more

ABS - Reminder for Safe Drop Off & Pick Up

We are sending this out again, as we have been getting parent feedback indicating that this routine can at times be a safety concern. Please be sure to do your part during our arrival/dismissal procedures so we can ensure a safe environment.

● Please drop off and pick up your child at their team’s designated location ensuring that you leave space for the other team locations.

● Parents must remain in vehicles for drop-off

● Please arrive between 7:50 and 8:10

● Please drive attentively, slowly, and safely, following directions of school staff

● For safety, all students must exit the passenger side of the vehicle

● Temperature taking will happen once your child enters the school

● Your child must have their mask on when entering the school

Please refer to this map for the correct location to drop off/pick up your student:

Arrival /Dismissal Map / Diagram

ABS Arrival and Dismissal Time

Students being driven to ABS in the mornings can arrive between 7:50 to 8:10 am (all grades). Walkers are welcome as early as 7:40, when the buses are arriving. Click here for full document.

WCS Arrival & Dismissal Revised for Mon. April 5th

Please note the changes

School Meals

Please visit the Food Service website for the remote learning days order form and more information.

We are excited to be able to serve your children hot food at school once again as well as continue to offer grab and go and delivery of meals for those students who are learning remotely. CVSD will be able to continue to offer free meals for all children 18 years of age and younger as we start school.

If your student has special dietary requirements please let us know. We will be happy to make reasonable accommodations (prepare a vegetarian version, substitute gluten free grain, bread or crust, soy milk or offer an alternate meal) to make sure they can have something nutritious and delicious to eat.

May Menu