Waitsfield Elementary

Thanks to the Waitsfield- Fayston Fire Department for visiting with us last Friday. Ask your student what they learned about batteries and fire safety.

Dear friends and families,

It was a bit wet and chilly for yesterday’s Walk & Ride to School Day, but many intrepid students—and a few family members—braved the weather to enjoy the morning air and an invigorating start to the day! Our sidewalks and location make it easy for students to get a little exercise before school. If you don’t already, consider adding a short walk or bike ride to your family’s morning routine—you’ll avoid crowded parking lots, help wake up the brain and body for learning, and get a daily reminder of the beautiful environment that surrounds us.

Yesterday, despite the steady rain, many students came to school without rain gear. We go outside every day that we can, including in drizzle, so please help your child be prepared for the weather of the day. This will be increasingly important with the variable temperatures and conditions that the next few months typically bring.

As the temperatures cool, thoughts turn increasingly to winter. “I can’t WAIT to ski down this!” one student said as we were hiking Mad River last week. The annual Ski and Skate Sale, Nov. 15 is a great way to prepare for ski & ride season: you can outfit kids (and yourself) in new gear, sell the gear that your children (or you!) have outgrown and get stoked for the season, all while supporting our school. The sale is amazing and needs a lot of volunteers to happen. We currently have only 54% of our volunteer shifts filled. There are many perks to being a volunteer: it’s a great way to connect with the community, you get to participate in a special volunteers only early shop, and are eligible for some awesome prizes! 👉 Sign up to volunteer here and please share this link with neighbors, friends and family and encourage them to join the fun too. You can register items for consignment or get more information about the sale here.

While you’re thinking about the ski season, please be sure to complete the school winter ski & ride program sign up for your children (in grades 1 - 6) here. This program also counts on family and community volunteers to work; sign up to volunteer to ski with our students on winter (Jan - March) Wednesday afternoons here.

There is NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Friday, 10/10 or Monday, 10/13. Monday is Indigenous People’s day, a state holiday in Vermont. On Friday, HUUSD teachers will be engaged in professional work. “Inservice” professional learning days provide our staff the opportunity to engage in professional learning together. On Friday, HUUSD teachers will be engaged in professional learning (“inservice”) focused on our school action plan goals, including building early reading fluency, fostering independent learning habits, and strengthening executive functioning skills.. May you all enjoy an autumnal school break; we’ll see you next Tuesday.

Respectfully, Kaiya

The HUUSD School Board has received a new facilities report outlining the condition of our school buildings, including aging systems, structural needs, and projected costs. The report emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe, well-functioning facilities that remain in compliance with building codes and continue to support the needs of students, staff, and the community.

Read more in the Times Argus article and view the full architects’ presentation.

Balancing Sports and Sleep for Healthy Students

Playing multiple sports can be a great way for elementary school students to stay active, build teamwork skills, and discover what they enjoy. Participating in different activities throughout the year helps them develop coordination, confidence, and social connections—all while keeping exercise fun. However, busy schedules can sometimes lead to late practices or early games that interfere with rest, making it important to find balance between activity and recovery.

Sleep is just as essential for growing bodies as physical activity. Elementary students need 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night to stay alert, focused, and healthy. Adequate sleep helps muscles recover, prevents injuries, and improves mood and concentration—important for both sports and school success. Families can support healthy routines by maintaining consistent bedtimes, limiting evening screen time, and ensuring children have time to wind down before bed. With the right balance of play and rest, young athletes can perform their best on the field and in the classroom.

On October 6, schools, families, and communities across the country will wear BLUE for World Day of Bullying Prevention.

Bullying and cyberbullying affect millions of young people every year. By wearing blue, we send a clear message: kindness, inclusion, and respect matter — and bullying and hate have no place in our schools or communities. Please wear blue on 10/6 to support this cause!

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.

Mad River Valley Soccer Players and Families,

MRVSA is holding tryouts for spring 2026 travel teams to be entered into the Vermont Soccer Association Spring League. This is the only soccer program that MRVSA holds in the Spring. If your player would like the opportunity to play soccer in the spring, they will need to register and participate in this tryout. Please note that this is a more competitive program compared to our Fall Rec program and there is no guarantee of team placement as we are limiting the number of teams and players. Any player interested in playing spring soccer must register for and attend one tryout. Spring teams and tryouts will be done by BIRTH YEAR. Registration is open October 1st through the 22nd HERE.

Please refer to this DOCUMENT for more information about our Spring 2026 program.

2026 Divisions by Birth Year

• U10 (2016-2017 Birth years)
• U12 (2014-2015 Birth years)
• U14 (2012-2013 Birth years)
• U16 (2010-2011 Birth years)

Timeline for Spring Tryouts:

• Registration for Tryouts will be open October 1st to October 22nd.
• Tryouts will be held on Sunday Oct 26th and Sunday Nov 2nd from 11am to 1pm, weather permitting.
• Invitations to play in the Spring League will be sent by Sunday Nov 16th
• Invitations must be accepted, and registration completed by November 23rd
• Store will be open for players to order their kits Dec 1st through January 16th

Registration process:

Please sign up your player for tryouts by October 22nd: MRVSA TRYOUT REGISTRATION

Chicks with Stix

Chicks with Stix is heading into our 8th season and would love to have GIRLS aged 6-13 join us to learn to play HOCKEY with some other girls or improve their skills. Please sign up for the fun Girls Hockey Club called “Chicks with Stix” (CWS) and come play with your friends or meet new friends.

CWS meets on Mondays between 5 -6 pm at the Stowe Arena. The first session is Monday, November 10th and continues until February 15th for a total of 10 sessions (NO sessions 11/24, 12/22, 12/29 and 1/19). We will be completing obstacle courses, learning to pass and skate with a variety of hockey drills and then playing “pink puck scrimmages”.

Only $120. Equipment and being able to skate unassisted (except for a stick) is required. Jerseys included.

Link to register:

https://forms.gle/7CYq4Ak5GNwbydCG7

Join Inklings Children's Books in celebrating their second anniversary!!
Starting at 10am, Inklings is hosting an all-day celebration filled with drinks, cupcakes, storytime, craft making and more!
We can't wait to see you. FREE and open to all!

Once Upon a Story returns this November 8th in the Mad River Valley!
Vermont Literacy Network is thrilled to partner once again with Inklings Children’s Books to bring back their beloved immersive fairy tale event at the Big Picture Theater in Waitsfield.
Watch your child’s face light up as they meet characters like Goldilocks, the Three Little Pigs, and Little Red Riding Hood! Led by community favorite organizations, kids can dive into interactive, hands-on activities inspired by timeless fairy tales.
Grab your tickets early and save 20%! LINK
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 10:00-2:00PM | Big Picture Theater, Waitsfield

Fri. Oct. 10th: NO SCHOOL. Teacher In-Service

Mon. Oct. 13th: NO SCHOOL. Indigenous People's Day

Wed. Oct. 29th: School Photo Make-Up Day

Wed. Nov. 12th: Family Conferences 2:45-7:00

Thurs. Nov. 13th: Family Conferences: 2:45-7:00

Sat. Nov. 15th: Ski & Skate Sale at WES

Nov. 24th - Nov. 28th: NO SCHOOL. Thanksgiving Break

2025-2026 School Calendar

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