Waitsfield Elementary

A few teachers took on the challenge of dressing up as an educator from a children's book. Can you identify each of our characters?

Dear families & community members,

There has been no shortage of information to take in at the national, state, and local levels in recent weeks. At all levels, one overarching theme is clear: change is upon us. While the specifics of those changes remain to be determined at the national and state levels, locally, it is increasingly clear that change will involve the consolidation of our schools. The specifics of those changes remain to be determined at the national and state level, but locally, it is increasingly clear that change will involve consolidation of our schools. While financial pressures are a strong factor in such a decision, our decreasing number of students – a trend that is true across the state and nation– is also a significant consideration. As we work to build an educationally and fiscally sustainable district structure – one where we continue to offer robust learning experiences for all students– operating fewer schools appears to be our path forward.

At last night’s school board meeting, a step was taken towards identifying the school buildings that will close at the end of this school year. Waitsfield and Fayston buildings were identified as the campuses most likely to close. The capacity to consolidate two valley elementary schools is hinged upon bringing all of our district’s 5th/6th grade students together at CBMS and all of our 7th- 12 grade students together at HUMHS. Such decisions are clearly difficult ones. Board members have been provided with a host of information about each facility, factual and anecdotal, and must use that to make a decision about what will best serve all the children across our district.

The next step in the process includes community meetings in each of the towns where a school closure is being considered. A meeting for Waitsfield has not yet been scheduled; please look for further information on that in the next weeks. Meanwhile, there is an opportunity to learn more about the process this coming Monday, November 9, at 5:30 p.m., during a roundtable discussion hosted by Waitsfield's representatives to the HUUSD board. The PTA is providing childcare, including dinner for children. See the flyer below to sign up. I encourage you to attend. Asking questions and engaging in dialogue not only helps us make sense of what is happening, but also helps inform the understanding of those making these important decisions.

You can also learn more by reviewing the information posted on the budget section of the HUUSD website and watching recent school board meetings, links can be found here. Following the community meetings, which will take place over the next month, the school board will take a final vote regarding school closures. The board will also take action on the district's future configuration through approval of a school budget, which must be authorized in January before going to voters in our communities on March 2, 2027.

This morning, I joined a group of fifth- and sixth-grade students who, at their own request, wanted to talk about last night's board action. The questions they asked were ones I imagine are going through many of your minds as well:

"What were the factors that made each person vote the way they did?"
"What happens to the afterschool program?"
"Will we still get to have our ski program?"
"Will teachers lose their jobs?"
"When will a final decision be made?"
"How will we know which school students will go to?"
"Where will all of our band instruments go?"

I was struck by the tone of the conversation. It was not one of fear or of comparing one school campus to another (despite their deep pride in their own school), but rather one of genuine curiosity and concern. They wanted to surface information, understand the decisions being made, make sure all considerations were on the table, and ultimately understand how these decisions might affect their own lives.

As we navigate the days and work ahead, I encourage all of us to follow the example of these students: Ask questions. Share your wonderings. Learn more. Consider the possibilities and raise concerns so they can be explored. Advocate for what matters to you while remaining open to other perspectives. Above all, approach this work with a focus on what is best for ALL of the children in our district, both next year and in the years beyond. Avoid the pitfall of “my school is best”, as that doesn’t serve any of us well – particularly when we know we will be joining together in some way. Consider all perspectives and information. We are, and will continue to be, one district, and the decisions we make will shape our collective future.

Additionally, let us all be thoughtful about what we say to and in front of our children. They need reassurance that the adults around them are thinking carefully about their futures, asking hard questions, and working to make the best possible decisions. They also need to know that they will be okay. Regardless of the outcomes, they will be surrounded by a community that cares deeply about them and by dedicated, committed educators who will continue to support their learning and growth.

This morning, I sat on my porch and watched the early morning sun beautifully color the autumn landscape while contemplating the changes that lie ahead. We have hard work and difficult choices before us. We have hard work and choices ahead of us. Yet we are fortunate to complete this work against a backdrop of incredible richness – natural richness, richness of community spirit and engagement and deep caring for our youth and our neighbors. May we model for our children, and one another, how to do hard things with empathy, thoughtful questioning and engagement, grounding in facts and hope for the future.

Respectfully, Kaiya

One of my favorite things in children’s literature is the thoughtful remake of a classic tale. Kindergarten has been digging into various versions of the old staples to compare and contrast the elements of storytelling. We recently read Paul Galdone’s “Henny Penny,” Rebecca & Ed Emberley’s “Chicken Little,” and Mark Teague’s “The Sky is Falling.” While the outcome varied and the cast of characters slightly changed, the sky indeed never did fall! Next up is a close look at “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” to see what happens to the cold hearted troll.

Our first through fourth graders are at work reading our way through this year’s Red Clover Books. Red Clover is a kids' choice award across the great state of Vermont to celebrate children’s literature and the joy of reading. During the year students will read the ten nominated books during library class and ultimately get to vote for their favorite title in the spring. The list always includes some humorous stories, imaginative tales, and realistic fiction, as well as engaging nonfiction. First and second graders have been keeping a writing log about each Red Clover book we read. The journal incorporates a written piece as well as a drawing. I love to see what part of a book stands out to each student; sometimes it’s a silly part, but it can also be a tender moment that quietly grabs their attention. Third and fourth graders are journaling about the books through a designing app called Book Creator in a way to hone their writing and tech skills as well as unleash some amazing creativity. So far we have read a book about the close connection between birds and dinosaurs and a history of the color orange. Lena, the avian star of “Lena the Dinosaur” seems to be an early favorite amongst our readers.

Fifth and sixth graders have been exploring the various genres that make up our library collection. They are currently designing posters, using Canva, to highlight the elements that make a genre unique as well as showcase titles that are available to borrow. Working in pairs, they are also challenged to make their recommendations represent a diverse array of characters and content to help broaden our perspectives. Their next task will be to compile a selection of titles to put together a genre basket on the tops of our bookcases.

In addition, the Mad River Valley Interfaith Council will once again offer Joys of the Season coupon booklets for local shopping. If your family needs this holiday support and would like a coupon booklet, please let Liz know by 11/13/26. You will only receive the booklets if you let us know. As always, your information is kept confidential.

Wishing you all a happy holiday!

Love your Waitsfield School Community!

When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9AM-4PM

• Volunteer Shop > 7-8 AM

• Ticketed Early Shop > 8-9 AM

• General Public > 9AM - 4PM

What: New and Used Gear: Alpine, Nordic, Skate, Backcountry, aznd hard/soft goods

More Info: http://www.waitsfieldpta.org/ski-and-skate-sale.html

Consignment Registration is Open!

Consignors are required to pre-register items online to receive item tags; no unregistered or untagged merchandise will be accepted onsite. You can register online to consign at https://sale.waitsfieldpta.org/register.

• Consignment registration deadline: Monday, Nov. 9th at 11pm

• Consignment tag pick up: Wednesday, Nov. 11th -Friday, Nov. 13th at WES

• Pre-registered consignment drop off: Friday, Nov. 13th from 4pm to 7pm at WES

Volunteer for the Earliest Shopping Access!

Volunteers get first dibs! We need support from all families to make this a success! This is the school’s only fundraiser for the year, and all proceeds support educational and enrichment programs for students, including our Winter Ski & Ride Program, ECO, and field trips.

• Wednesday, November 4th & Thursday, November 5th, 2:40 - 6:00 Family Conferences
• Wednesday November 11, 11:30 dismissal (Staff development in afternoon)
• Saturday November 14 SKI & SKATE SALE Volunteer shop 7 a.m Early shop 8 a.m. Sale 9 - 4

2026-2027 School Calendar

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.

⚽⚽⚽It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to plan for spring soccer! MRVSA is holding tryouts for its spring 2027 travel teams on Saturday November 7th at 11am. Our travel teams will compete in the Vermont Soccer Association (VSL) Spring League. This is MRVSA’s only spring program for U10 through U16 players. Information on our U6 and U8 program will come out in the early Spring.

Any player interested in spring soccer must register for and attend the tryout. Team spots are limited, and not every player who tries out will be placed on a team. Register here.

About the season
The spring league is a local, affordable way for qualified players to have a more competitive experience and compete in the VSL. Each team will be placed in the division that best fits its skill level. Teams practice twice a week and play one or more matches weekly, with home games here and away games around the state. The season typically runs from the first weekend in May through the second weekend in June. Teams may also enter Vermont tournaments after the season for an additional fee. Additional information is available here.

The VSL sets all schedules and will release them in April. Games are typically on Sundays.

Age groups
Following US Soccer, the VSL now groups players by school year (August 1 – July 31) instead of birth year. Players may try out for an older age group but not a younger one (e.g. a 2nd grader ready for a more competitive experience can try out for U10).

· U10: born Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2018

· U12: born Aug 1, 2014 – July 31, 2016

· U14: born Aug 1, 2012 – July 31, 2014

· U16: born Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2012

Timeline

· Tryout registration is open now: link

· Tryouts: Saturday, November 7, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., at Mad River Park in Waitsfield. Please register in advance!

· Team invitations sent by Sunday, November 22

· Accept your invitation and complete registration by Sunday, December 6

· Uniform store opens in December

Scholarships are available. Contact registrar@madrivervalleysoccer.org for details.

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