Wildcat Buzz
October 31, 2025
Top Buzz
1. Craft Show- Saturday @WCS, 9am-4pm
2. Flora & Ulysses, opening night Thursday
3. SPARK Session 2 registration open for grades 5-8
Mark Your Calendar
11/01 - Williston Craft Show, @WCS 9am-4pm
11/06 - Flora & Ulysses, 6:30pm - Opening Night Tickets On Sale
11/07 - Flora & Ulysses, 6:30pm
11/07 - Due date for beginner band signups and instrument contracts
11/08 - Flora & Ulysses, 2:00pm
11/11 - Walk or Roll to School Day
11/11 - 11/14 - Fall Book Fair with Phoenix Books @WCS, WFAP Phoenix Bookfair Site
11/12 - Phoenix Book Fair Family Night @WCCS, 5-7pm
11/13 - WFAP Monthly Meeting, @WCS 8:30-10:30am
11/13 - CVSD 8th Graders invited to Into the Woods final dress rehersal @CVU
11/14 - 7th & 8th Grade Dance hosted by Cedar House, 6:30 - 8:30pm @WCS
11/24 - 11/28 - Thanksgiving Break, NO SCHOOL
12/16 - 5-8 Chorus Concert, 6:30 - 7:30pm
12/17 - 5-6 Band Concert, 5:30-6:30pm, 7-8 Band Concert, 7-8pm
Cafeteria Menu
visit the CVSD food service page on our website for additional information and resources
Announcements, Updates & Information
Volunteers Still Welcome
SPARK Enrichment After School Session 2 - Sign Up Today!
We are excited to offer your child an opportunity to participate in Spark Enrichment, an after-school applied learning program for students in grades 5-8. Sessions will run for 5 weeks from 2:50 p.m - 4:20 p.m. with our 2nd session starting November 13 and ending December 18.
Read more about SPARK session 2 by clicking here
Joint Statement from Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) and CVSD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Regarding Recent Reductions to the Offices of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Civil Rights (OCR)
Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) and CVSD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Leadership Team recognize the concern and uncertainty caused by recent reductions to the federal Offices of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Civil Rights (OCR). While we are still working to understand the full implications of these reductions, we wish to share what we know now and reaffirm our shared commitment to supporting students with disabilities and their families and caregivers.
Please read the full statement here—including the short-term outlook, long-term uncertainties, our core commitments and available resources.
Did these end up at home? In the dryer? In pockets?
Please help us at WCS to take care of this place by returning any paws that may have traveled home with students.
Thank you!
School Break Support available for families:
Each year, members of our community—including local businesses, faith-based organizations, and various community partners—reach out to support our students and families during the November and December school breaks. These donations allow us to provide assistance while honoring each family’s independence and unique needs. Please fill out this Form to let us know what kind of support you are requesting. FORM CLOSES ON 11/12/25.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the following:
ABS School Services Clinician- Cally Ruess cruess@cvsdvt.org
WCS School Services Clinician- Emily Chadwick echadwick@cvsdvt.org
Attention CVSD 8th Graders!
Especially those interested in theater - be it acting, lights, sound, set design, running crew, etc.!
All CVSD 8th graders (and 1 caregiver) are invited to see the CVU Fall Musical Production of Into the Woods for FREE during their final Dress Rehearsal on Thursday, Nov 13th from 5 - 7:45pm!
Just arrive at CVU and enter the western entrance between 4:45 - 5pm. Show starts at 5:00pm
No need to RSVP. Questions contact: cvutheatredirector@cvsdvt.org
If this time doesn't work for you (or if you want to see it with your whole family) you are welcome to buy tickets to the scheduled performances.
Fri 14th Nov at 7pm
Sat 15th Nov at 2pm and 7pm
Sun 16th Nov at 1pm
Tickets: $10, $8 for Students and CVU Faculty
Available NOW at: https://www.ticketsource.us/cvutheater
CVU Theater 369 C V U Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461
WCS Performing Arts
Wilcat Cub Band starts in November
The beginner band program is available to all interested students in grades 4 and up. All beginners will attend a weekly small group lesson during their school day and will perform later in the school year. Students may choose: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion.
Important Dates:
Friday, 11/7 - due date for signing up AND for completing instrument rental contracts.
Monday, 11/17 - Ellis Music Co. delivers instruments and supplies to Kim Thompson
week of 11/17 - Lessons start (Schedule will be shared with students Instruments and materials delivered by Ellis Music Co. will be given to students at their first lesson.)
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
Bus Doors Open - 7:35 am
Start of School Day - 7:50 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.
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Kindergarten Dismissal begins at 2:25pm (1:25 on Wednesdays)
First & Second Grade Dismissal begins at 2:30
Buses depart at 2:35 pm
Please carefully read the arrival and dismissal information linked below for more details
Williston Central School
Bus Doors Open - 7:45 am
Start of School Day - 8:00 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.
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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
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 again 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.
Saturday Storytime
Saturday, November 1, 10:30-11 a.m. Start your weekend off with Cindy’s Storytime!
Craft Circle
Monday, November 3, 5-6 p.m. All ages. Bring a project and work on it in the company of other crafters!
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Have fun with stories and songs during our weekly storytime. On the Town Green when weather permits.
Baby Time
Wednesday, November 5, 10:30-11 a.m. Suggested ages 0-18 months. Enjoy gentle bonding, socializing, and literacy activities with your little one!
After School Activity: Games & Puzzles
Wednesday, November 5, 2-3 p.m. Have fun with board games or puzzles after school!
Preschool Music & Preschool Playtime
Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing and dance with Linda Bassick! Followed by preschool playtime from 11-11:30 a.m. Outdoors when weather permits.
Read to a Dog (Rocko)*
Thursday, November 6, 3-4 p.m. Call to sign-up for a 10-minute session to read to (or hang out with) Rocko the Therapy Dog!
Williston Recreation & Parks-
Master Plan Open House
What: An event for you to share your thoughts, opinions, and ideas about the future of Williston’s Community Parks and Recreation Programs.
When: Thursday, November 6th, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Where: R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Ln, Williston, VT
Bonus: Childcare and children’s activities will be provided onsite, plus complimentary snacks and beverages!
What will the Recreation & Parks Master Plan project do?
Assess the quality and condition of Williston’s Community Parks, facilities/amenities, and programs and events
Identify priorities and opportunities to enhance parks and outdoor recreation experiences in Williston
Age 6 mos-2.5 yrs. The Recreation Dept. and The Edge on Morse Drive in Essex are teaming up to offer Tot-Preschool group swim lessons. The lessons introduce swimming techniques and increase safety skills around the water. Group lessons run year-round in the indoor pool at the Edge.
Referees Wanted! Basketball Referees are needed for the Rec. Youth Basketball programs this January and February. Games are Saturday mornings in Williston. Refereeing cab be a paid position or a volunteering opportunity for community service.
Ages 4-5- Coed. This is a parent/child program designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Each week youngsters will be introduced to new skills and fun activities that will enhance their learning. The program meets on Fridays in Jan & Feb. Instructors: Rec. Staff.
Grades K-2nd. There are separate boys’ and girls’ programs. The program meets on Sat in Jan & Feb. The hour session consists of practice and scrimmage. Parent volunteers are needed- sign up to coach when registering your child.
Grades 3rd-6th. There are separate boys’ and girls’ leagues for 3rd-4th & 5th-6th. Early-bird Deadline is this Sun, Nov 16- register now to save! Teams meet twice a week with a weekday practice and a Sat game. Parent volunteers are needed- sign up to coach when registering your child.
Williston Red & Parks Continued...
Grades K-8th. Registration is now open for the program. Early-Bird Discount- Sunday, December 21. Registration Deadline- Sunday, December 28. Be sure to register now and don’t miss out on the Equipment Rental nights in late November and early December. There will only be two and your child needs to be registered.
Ninja Intro Programs
Come try a four-week introduction to Kids Martial Arts for ages 4-15. Separate programs for ages 48, 7-11 & 9-15. The programs help girls and boys realize their full potential in an environment that is playful, supportive, and fun. The play-based curriculum of tumbling, parkour, and Karate increases kids' strength and self-confidence, and the moving meditation series helps kids manage their emotions as well as develop and understand the connection between their mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff.
Ages 4-8- Ages 7-11- Ages 9-15-
Age 12+. This Women-only cardio-kickboxing class combines strength and conditioning with practical combat skills. Learn trips and throws, bounce to Beyoncé, hit hard, laugh a lot. Instructor: ONTA Studio 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 @8:00am;
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