Wildcat Buzz
May 22, 2026
Top Buzz
1. No School on Monday, see you Tuesday 5/26!
2. Welcome to WCS - Parent/caregive Info Night on 5/26 @6:30pm
2. PLAY27: Allen Brook Community Playground- Kickoff Event @6:00-7:30pm on Wednesday
NO SCHOOL MONDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY
Mark Your Calendar
05/25 - Memorial Day / NO SCHOOL
05/26 - Welcome to WCS - Rising Third Grader Parent Info Night, 6:30pm @WCS
05/27 - World Language & ML Multicultural Celebration, 6:00 - 7:30pm @WCS
05/27 - Play27 Kickoff Celebration, 6:00 - 7:30pm @ABS, Gym & Playground
05/28 - 8th Grade trip to Ridin-Hy
05/28 - DAML Closed for staff development day (in case this is your usual afterschool plan)
05/29 - All ABS & WCS Library Books Due
06/02 - 4th Grade Chorus Concert, WCS Auditorium @ 6:30pm
06/03 - Beginner Band Concert
06/06 - 6th Annual CVSD Pride Rally - SCS, 10am-Noon
06/11 - 8th Grade Graduation
06/12 - Last Day of School for K-7 (Half Day, dismissals at 11:35 / 11:45)
Cafeteria Menu
visit the CVSD food service page on our website for additional information and resources
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Greg Marino, Williston Schools Lead Principal
Looking Forward
It is truly difficult to imagine that there are just under four weeks of school left in this school year. Though admittedly chaotic and very busy, these ending days are one of my favorite times of year. We get to witness so many celebrations and displays of student pride and growth - both as learners and as people.
Here are just a few I can call out here, with so many more happening in learning spaces across both buildings. Yes - the rumors are true, ABS students rocked the house last night with a dance, hosted by our first graders and organized by ABS school counselor, Heather Scandale. Though I was not able to attend, it’s clear from the pictures I have seen that a great time was had by all who attended. At WCS, student and adult audiences were treated to impressive concerts by our 5th through 8th grade musicians this week. It is always amazing to hear our singers and instrumentalists share the musical results of their many hours of hard work.
Just yesterday when I happened upon 3-4 teacher, Karin Ward, at the copy machine, she was celebrating the incredible gains that one of her students had achieved in reading this year, excitedly sharing the student’s latest assessment results with me. I noticed that Karin was quick to give all the credit to the student, but I know full well that there’s a community of people behind that success - with the student at the center. Parents, teachers, support staff, peers, coaches, and other individuals are all an important part of the single success story. In addition to academic gains, celebrations of growth like these are also happening with students in athletics as spring seasons are coming to a close - on our Baseball, Softball, Track and Field, and Ultimate Frisbee teams, and perhaps most importantly - in personal growth. We see students displaying growing skills and habits of empathy, kindness, compassion, respect, patience, and persistence, just to name a few.
As we walk through these remaining weeks of school together please remember that your school community is here for you and your kids. Take a moment or two in the coming week to make note of some sign of growth in your own student(s). Notice it, point it out to them - and enjoy celebrating it with them. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any concern or issue. As always, thank you for your partnership.
Announcements, Updates & Information
Event Information
Attention Parents and Caregivers of ABS 2nd Graders You are invited to attend our "Welcome to WCS / 3rd Grade Parent Info Night" Location: WCS Community Room Come and learn about what students and parents can expect in 3rd grade at WCS Optional building tours will be provided after the 60-minute information session. We hope to see you there!
Event Information
CVSD’s Annual Youth Pride Rally is back for its sixth year! The event is happening rain or shine, and students, staff, families, and community members are welcome to come and celebrate alongside us. The Pride Rally is an opportunity for our larger community to come together and celebrate our diversity, as well as support our LGBTQ+ community members in feeling seen, celebrated, and protected. Come ready to eat, jam out, and hear from queer activists, students, and educators.
WCS Performing Arts
WCS Athletics
Williston Central School Athletics are open to all students grades 6th-8th. All practices start at 2:50 and end around 4:20. Students can be picked up at the rear entrance to the school, or take the activity bus.
Visit the athletics website for everything you need to know about playing on a sports team at WCS. WCS Athletics
WCS Drama
The WCS Drama program is open to grades 6, 7, and 8 and currently includes a Fall Play and a Spring Musical.
Visit the drama webpage to learn more about upcoming productions and the WCS Drama program.
Williston Families as Partners
Start and End of Day Details
Allen Brook School
Start Time: 7:50am
Williston Central School
Start Time: 7:55am
Allen Brook School
Bus Doors Open/Arrival Time - 7:35 am
*Early Arrivals: Any students arriving between 7:25 - 7:35 must remain in the cafeteria where they will be supervised until the first bus arrives.
*Late Arrivals: Any students arriving after 7:50 must check in at the front office
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Kindergarten Dismissal begins at 2:25pm (1:25 on Wednesdays)
First & Second Grade Dismissal begins at 2:30 (1:30 on Wednesdays)
Buses depart at 2:35 pm (1:35 Wednesday)
Please carefully read the arrival and dismissal information linked below for more details
Williston Central School
Bus Doors Open/Arrival Time - 7:45 am
*Early Arrivals: If an early arrival is necessary (starting at 7:30 am) 3rd & 4th graders must wait in the lobby near the west entrance and 5th-8th graders will be in either the cafeteria or the lobby near the main entrance.
*Late Arrivals: Any students arriving after 7:55 must enter through the front entrance and check in at the office for a pass.
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Students will be dismissed at the following times
2:35 - 2:45 - Grades 3 & 4 Dismissed (1:35-1:45 on Wednesday)
2:40 - 5th thru 8th Dismissal for buses only
2:40 - 2:45 - Buses load and depart
2:45 - 2:50 - Grades 5-8 Dismissal for all students not riding the bus
Please carefully read the arrival and dismissal information linked below for more details
Bus Information
click for bus information, including routes and estimated times
CVSD Website
click for district information
School Safety
click for meeting notes and information from our Williston Safety Team
Hill Closings
In the event that weather and/or road conditions make it unsafe for our buses to travel hill roads, we will notify parents and/or caregivers of students on those routes with as much notice as possible.
When hills are closed for afternoon bus runs, if no one arrives to meet younger students, they will be brought back to school until arrangements are made for them to be picked up. Please talk with your bus drivers to let them know if you are comfortable letting your child walk home from the drop off location.
We will use the automated SchoolMessenger system to notify families on the hill roads.
Community Connections & Events
*YOUTH PROGRAMMING*
Children in 5th grade and up may use the library unattended, while those in grade 4 or under must be supervised by a person over 16 years of age. We are happy to welcome children into the library after school and will be offering programs on early-release Wednesdays.
For information on the Unattended Children Policy, visit www.damlvt.org. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stop by or call 878-4918 to chat with a youth librarian about expectations and the library's after-school experience.
Please Note - The Library will be closed on the following dates:
- Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day
- Thursday, May 28 for a Staff Development Day
Elementary D&D*
Saturday, May 23, 1-2 p.m. A mini session of Dungeons & Dragons for children ages 7-10. No prior experience required. Please register each individual child that plans to participate! Adults should expect to stay and help their campaigner.
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Have fun with stories and songs during our weekly storytime.
Baby Time
Wednesday, May 20, 10:30-11 a.m. Suggested ages 0-18 months. Enjoy gentle literacy, bonding, and socializing activities.
After School STEAM
Wednesday, May 27, 2:15 p.m.
Music and Playtime
Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Drop in for music, and stay to play.
Teen Game Night
Friday, May 29, 5:00 p.m.
Track & Field Age 6-14. Participants will learn the basics of running, jumping, throwing, and relays. There will be meets with other area Rec. Depts. This is a great program for those who love to run, jump, and throw. Practices: Monday & Wednesday evenings. Meets: During the week against other Towns. VRPA State Meet- Athletes ages 7-14 will have the opportunity to participate in a VRPA State Meet on Saturday, July 18. See age requirements below. Director: Catherine Moller. Mondays & Wednesdays, June 15-July 15, 6:00-7:30 pm, $60. Early bird deadline for Williston Residents is June 7. Save $10
** The 2 camps listed below need more registrations in order to be offered this Summer. Be sure to register your child today so the camps can happen!
Foundations of Magic Camp - Age 8-12. Discover the art of sleight-of-hand wonderment in this fun and engaging magic camp led by master Magician Billy Martin. Campers will learn the foundations of classic sleight-of-hand and beginner friendly Magic with props such as Sponge balls. This camp focuses on building confidence, coordination, and creativity while introducing participants to the performance side of Magic. NOTE:
All materials and props are provided by the instructor. Take home magic materials are included in the camp fee. Instructor: Wendy and Billy Martin
Physics Fun & Outer Space Camp - Age 7-11. Come join an exciting world of space exploration as you build and take home your very own Orbiting Solar System Kit! You will assemble your own model, learn all about our planetary neighborhood, and watch the planets move around the sun with a wind-up motor inside. Set the planets in motion with a flick of your wrist! Take part in other exciting activities involving physics, air pressure, and density. Check out our real meteorite fragment sample! Watch a cosmic rocket shoot up fifty feet into the air! Be mesmerized as you assemble and take home your own stunt plane and learn about the four major forces of flight. Campers will also witness some neat demonstrations from your instructor. Watch as an egg is magically sucked into a bottle, behold a tornado being created, and much more in this fun and exciting camp! Instructor: Minds in Motion Staff.
"Click to Get"
Additional Resources for Families
- First Call - 488-7777: phone support, crisis intervention, assessment and referrals
- In Crisis: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) (National Hopeline Network: USA)
- National Suicide Prevention Life line- 1-800-273-TALK (8255), call or chat online
- Crisis Text Line - text HOME to 741741 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
- Outright Vermont - support for LGBTQ+ community
- Vermont 211 -Vermont database of resources and services
- Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide - Website where you can find information to help yourself or a friend who may be having thoughts of suicide.
- Trevor Lifeline - 1-866- 488-7386 - provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. It offers free, 24/7, confidential counseling. TrevorText—text START to 678-678; TrevorChat—instant messaging at TheTrevorProject.org/help. It also runs TrevorSpace, an affirming social networking site for LGBTQ youth at TrevorSpace.
Allen Brook School
Start Time @ 7:50am;
Dismissal for PreK & K at 2:25pm - grades 1 & 2 @2:30pm
Wednesday Early Dismissal @ 1:25 & 1:30
Williston Central School
Start Time @7:55am;
Dismissal grades 3 & 4 @2:35pm - grades 5-8 @2:45pm
Wednesday Early Dismissal @ 1:35 & 1:45
Williston Schools Leadership Team
Greg Marino, Williston Schools Lead Principal
Jacqueline Parks, WCS Building Principal
Angela Filion, ABS Building Principal
Lauren Goracy, Director Student Services