Waitsfield Elementary
October 23, 2025
Dear friends and families,
October is, among other things, Bullying Prevention and Awareness month, a designation aimed at raising awareness and promoting kindness, inclusion and community. We explore these topics in various ways at Waitsfield School, from wellness class to an array of work to build and tend to community in each classroom. We also talk directly about bullying and harassment, as well as other unkind behavior that doesn't meet these definitions, but still doesn't match our school-wide expectations of who we treat one another.
We also have a district wide policy, and related procedures, regarding how we respond to hazing, harassment and bullying, or HHB. At our school and throughout our district, the safety and well-being of every child is our highest priority. As part of our continuing efforts to support student well being, I'm sharing more about our HHB policy and procedures here with the goal of building a shared understanding on what hazing, harassment and bulllying are and how to responsibly report if one believes these behaviors are occurring.
What are Hazing, Harassment and Bullying?
Harassment is when someone targets another person with words or actions based on differences such as race, religion, gender, or disability.
Hazing is when someone is pressured to do something harmful, embarrassing, or unsafe in order to join or stay in a group.
Bullying is when one or more people repeatedly hurt, threaten, or exclude another person on purpose, creating an imbalance of power.
Children are learning how to build friendships, solve problems, and treat others with respect and kindness. While disagreements and unkind moments can occur as part of the learning process, HHB goes beyond these sorts of interactions. We work to support students in working through all sorts of disagreements and challenges as part of our everyday work and behavior response process. When such challenges meet the criteria of HHB, we follow a very proscribed process to ensure student safety.
Discussing and Reporting HHB concerns
If a child shares a concern with you, listen carefully and ask clarifying questions.
Encourage immediate reporting. Students should know that if something feels unsafe or mean-spirited, they can talk to a teacher, counselor, or principal right away.
Report directly to the school. Families can contact the principal or any staff member if they suspect HHB. You can report in person, by phone, or in writing.
Share specific details. Include who was involved, what happened, when, and where it took place, and any witnesses. This helps us respond quickly and appropriately.
Our commitment
When HHB is reported, our school follows a clear process to investigate, address the situation, and support all students involved. Just as importantly, we continue teaching students skills like empathy, kindness, problem-solving, and conflict resolution—so our community grows stronger together.
By working together—students, families, and staff—we can ensure that every child feels safe, included, and respected at school.
Respectfully, Kaiya
Band & Chorus News
Welcome back! The band, instrument and chorus programs for 5/6 students at WES are underway. Most of you have already turned in your lesson and chorus sign up sheets- Thank you! We have 30 students participating in the band program this year, the largest number since I have been teaching at WES!
As you and your child progress in this new adventure of music learning, I am sure you will hear some interesting “musical” sounds and have the thought, “What is that sound, and what are they teaching my child?” Trust me, this is all part of the learning process! Through it all, remember that learning music is learning about success in life as well. Please consider the following:
Music study develops critical life skills.
We all want children to grow up happy and successful. Studying music develops perseverance, intrinsic motivation, creative problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork — all keys to a successful and happy life.
Parents are an essential component in a student’s musical success.
At the early stage of your child’s musical development, it is crucial to support your child by guiding them how and when to practice. When discussing music, set aside quitting as a potential option.
Approach music study with a long view.
Students benefit directly from a mindset that assumes studying music is a long-term thing. They can be free of the clutter of deciding if they will continue to play, and get on with the joy of exploring how they will get better at performing. As the parent, you set the tone in your family for the place of music study.
These ideas are “big picture” items, for sure. Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing more thoughts with you about music study, how to foster your child’s enjoyment and success, and how you can make a direct impact. If these or any of my emails spark thoughts or raise questions, I am ready to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact me any time!
Sincerely,
Carolyn Adams
Calling All Families with Young Children
The Harwood Unified Union School District (HUUSD) is planning for the future, and we need your help.
If you live in Duxbury, Fayston, Moretown, Waitsfield, Waterbury, or Warren and have a child under age 5 who is not yet registered at your local public school, please contact the school in your town of residence. This helps us plan ahead for next year and beyond. You can also make sure that the schools know about your child by completing this quick form, ensuring we have your contact information and have your child on our future students’ list.
💡 Even if your child won’t start school for a few years, letting us know now ensures they’re included in our planning.Please also share this message with neighbors, friends, or family who have young children in our towns. Thank you for helping us prepare for the future of our schools!
HUUSD Redistricting Survey
In January the Vermont Legislature will consider combining school districts into larger districts under Act 73 (also known as H.454). The HUUSD School Board has developed a community survey on the implications of these plans, so that we may give our input to the legislative task force--which is currently working on mapping out these new districts.
We ask you to please take a few minutes to fill out the HUUSD Redistricting Survey The survey includes a link to an info page on Act 73.
Act 73 might have huge consequences for our students' education. If you have friends or neighbors without good computer access, please encourage them to use the public computers at their town libraries.
Your input is important, so thank you in advance. The survey will be open until October 26.
How the Earth Rides the Solar Wind
Dear Families, Schools and Communities,
Presenters James Slinkman and Josh Kuckens will explore how the Earth’s magnetic field protects us from dangerous high energy particle radiation which is carried to Earth from the Sun by the “Solar Wind”. They will explore how this reaction manifests itself via the generation of beautiful visible Aurora (aka the “Northern Lights”) in the Earth’s atmosphere. The key quantum mechanisms which are involved are briefly described. Images and videos of many of the phenomena, including the recent Vermont Aurora will figure prominently in the presentation.
See you at the gallery 5031 Main St, Unit 2, next to The Tempest Book Shop
Costume-Making Workshops
Costume-Making Workshops
Tuesday 10/21, 2:30-4:30 pm
Thursday 10/23, 2:30-4:30 pm
Saturday 10/25, 11-1:30 pm (registration dependent)*
Joslin Library
Need some creative inspiration for your homemade Halloween costume, or just want to jazz up one you already have with DIY accessories? We'll have hot glue, a sewing machine, and lots of quirky costuming odds and ends on hand to make your Halloween dreams come true! Even if your costume is complete, you're welcome to come create an accessory or experiment with the materials we have!
Our Tuesday and Thursday costume-making sessions are part of our regular After Schools at Joslin (registration is not required for these sessions, but we appreciate it). *If there's enough interest, we'll have another drop-in session on Saturday, so please be sure to register to let us know you're coming! https://forms.gle/byyv5pWf8ReNMMFv7
Mad River Valley Libraries' Halloween Concert with Miss Andrea of Musical Munchkins
Mad River Valley Libraries' Halloween Concert with Miss Andrea of Musical Munchkins
Tuesday 10/28, 4 pm
Moretown Community Library (Moretown Town Hall)
Join us for this year's Halloween shindig, this year in Moretown! Miss Andrea will lead us in an hour of interactive Halloween fun with songs, stories, puppets, instruments, movement, and dance. Come in costume! Geared toward 2-6 year olds and their families (siblings welcome).
Old County Road Trick or Treating
The residents of Old County Road (Loop Road) in Waitsfield are looking forward to hosting another fun-filled evening of trick or treating this year! The road will be closed to traffic from 5:00-7:00 on Halloween night (Friday, 10/31), with parking available at Waitsfield Telecom (please do not block the garage doors), the Health Center, & Waitsfield Elementary. Candy donations would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at the Village Grocery or Waitsfield Elementary lobby. Come join us in celebrating! Trick-or-treaters are asked to exercise caution and please stick to roads and drive-ways and to not cut across lawns.
Homemade Challah Event
Homemade Challah Event at Inklings Children's Books
National Homemade Bread Day is coming up! Inklings will welcome Marci Lutsky on Sunday, November 9th at 11am, for a reading of "Bubbie & Rivka's Best-Ever Challah" - which includes a challah recipe.
Following the reading children will have the chance to try homemade challah, provided by Marci!
Dinner with Kekla Magoon
Dinner with Kekla Magoon at Inklings
Join acclaimed Vermont author, Kekla Magoon, for a reading from her New York Times bestselling book, "The Secret Library." Following the reading, Kekla will answer questions from children. She'll also share her insight into the writing process - all while enjoying delicious food!
Kekla is a recipient of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, four Coretta Scott King Honors, two Walter Award Honors, and an NAACP Image Award, in addition to being a finalist for the National Book Award!
The event is FREE.
Please RSVP at inklingschildrensbooks@gmail.com
Purchase a copy of "The Secret Library" in advance, using this link! - https://square.link/u/uorqwWlV
Wreath Making with Art Pop
Wreath Making with Art Pop at Inklings!
Join Art Pop! at Inklings on December 6th to create one-of-a-kind wreaths to kick off your holiday season!!
Children and their grown-ups will have a chance to create their own wreath with local mixed greenery and finish with the decorations of their choice. Sign up while seats are still available!
DATE: Saturday, December 6th
TIME: 11:00am - 12:00pm
COST: $30 / per child (includes materials)
LINK to EVENT: https://square.link/u/VqYYe19y
About Us
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