THE SCHOOL BELL

by John Terko, Principal, Allen Brook School

Winter just won’t let go. I don’t know about you but I am ready for some spring like temperatures and for the grass to start greening up.

This Saturday is the 15th annual Big Basket Raffle. I have been a part of this event for 14 years and it’s a lot of fun. This has become a big fundraiser for our FAP. Parents do a fantastic job organizing the baskets, getting donations and putting it all together. Come and have fun and support our FAP.

There were no candidates for the CVU school board position. The law says that the Williston Schools' Board of Directors must appoint a person to that position. This is a great opportunity for a Williston resident to step forward and show an interest. If you have thought about serving your community in some way, I would suggest that you take a look at this position and let Kevin Mara know that you would be interested.

The School Board, Administration and teachers would like to thank the community for supporting next year's school budget. We worked hard to keep the cost down and still maintain a quality education.

Kindergarten registration is coming the week of April 6-9. Please go to our web site and register if you haven’t done so already. Students entering Kindergarten must be 5 on or before September 1. You may call June Simmons at 871-6200 to register a time for the screening. Please be sure to bring medical records, as the nurse will be checking for up to date immunizations that are required for entering Kindergarten.

I’ll end here with thoughts of daffodils, green grass and baseball. Hang in there, as the warmer weather is sure to arrive. Think spring!

Congratulations to all of the winners of the Lucky U Activity Raffle. With more than 4000 tickets sold and over 50 events to choose from, students were very excited about this event! Student winners will be notified throughout this week by either the classroom teacher or the activity creator. The interest in this event reminds me how Lucky we are that our students are part of such an incredible district - with so many teachers and staff who consistently go above and beyond, and that our students want to spend time with! Faculty and Staff from both schools volunteered their time, resources and creativity to make this event possible. A very special Thank You to the following:

Ali Schwartz, Caitlin Christie, Caitlin Bianchi, Candy Wakefield, Carolyn Tatlock

Chris Sedic-Lawton, Cindy Cole, Colleen O'Brien, Cris Milks, Danielle Trasciatti-Holmberg, David Bolger, Deb Taylor, Denise Wentz, Donna Powers, Erin Crowley

Heather Wood, Jackie Parks, Jamie Saylor, Jen Canfield, Jessie Stein, Jodi Russell

Joe Carr, John Terko, Julie Rogers, Justine Benoit, Karin Ward, Karla Kennedy

Kate McLaughlin, Kathy Schaw, Kim Rodliff, Laura Dyer, Leah Joly, Liz Neeld

Lorene Spagnuolo, Lyn Porter, Maria McCormack, MC Baker, Melissa Akey, Melita Sedic-Lawton, Michael Willis, Nadine Paffett-Lugassy, Pat Bannerman, Patti Tursi

Rebecca Ashford, Sally Dattilio, Sam Beatson, Sara Beeken, Sarah Schoolcraft, Shannon Dugger, Shari Carr, Sharon Davison, Susan Stewart, Tad Dippel, Tara Weegar, Victoria Francis, Walter Nardelli

In the February 11, 2015 School Bell, there was an article about the upcoming SBAC assessment. The SBAC replaces the NECAP tests that had been administered in the fall to students in grades 3-8. The SBAC testing window begins on March 17 and lasts for 3 months. Each WCS team or parts of teams have been assigned a testing window of their own within that time frame. Check with your child's teacher for more specifics.

All students and adults have been asked to turn off personal devices during the school day for these 3 months or disconnect from our WSDPublic wifi. That way those that are testing can do so with a fully-functioning wifi network.

We wanted to let parents know about this change. If your child chooses not to turn off their phone and he/she disconnects from our wifi instead, it may result in the phone accessing your cell phone carrier's 3G, 4G, or LTE networks. This may impact the use of data.

Thank you for your support as we move forward with the new assessment. If you have any questions about the SBAC assessment, please get in touch with your child’s teacher.

What percentage…..According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), what percentage of 8th graders “ever seriously thought about suicide”?

a. 28% b. 15% c. 9% d. 4%

For the answer to this and many other questions on drinking, drugs use and self-harming behaviors, come to the annual WCS Dialogue Night. Dialogue Night brings together middle school parents, community members and students to dialogue about important issues that teens face. Parents and their children will be seated at different tables in order to enrich these conversations about adolescent issues.

Vermont Kids Against Tobacco (VKAT) students will share their assessment of the YRBS data for our school through an interactive game at each table. Student leaders from VKAT in conjunction with students from LEAD and A World of Difference (AWOD) will then be facilitating a dialogue at each table. Your input is needed to help create a community action plan for addressing areas of concern.

6PM Pizza – (No charge –RSVP needed by 3/30)

6:15-6:30PM Student overview –YRBS areas of strength and areas of concern interactive game by table

6:30-7:30PM Adult/Student Dialogue

7:30-7:45PM Conclusion – Door Prizes

For the pizza portion of the evening, please RSVP to Sarah Klionsky, SAP Counselor, sklionsky@cssu.org or leave a message at 879-6001 extension 6079

Click here for a flyer for this event.

Currently in VT a "UMatter" campaign is being launched to remind everyone of the message that every young person has a place in the Big Picture. Each one of them is needed, has a role to play and the potential to make a difference in the world around them. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 15-23 in Vermont. Schools play a crucial role in identifying and getting help for students who are in distress. UMatter also contains the message that you matter because you can help. You are a vital link to services, information and support. The site www.umatterucanhelp.com is a terrific resource with detailed information. There is also a site for VT youth that has information about responding to suicidal behavior and tips for better mental health, that site is www.umatterucangethelp.com.

Myths about Suicide
People who talk about suicide do not actually kill themselves.
False. Most people who die by suicide talk with at least one other person about their suicidal feelings or plans before they finally decide to act on them. It is important to take these communications seriously even if the person says she or he did not really mean it.

Suicide happens without warning signs.
False. Most people give clues that they are thinking about taking their own lives. These can include: making direct statements about dying, losing interest in things they once cared about, giving away prized possessions, feeling miserable and unhappy, showing changes in attitudes or behaviors like not taking care of themselves, quitting teams or being tired all the time. http://www.youmatter.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/get-help/warning-signs/

Click here to continue reading

WSD's annual Jump Rope for Heart will take place at Allen Brook School the morning of Friday, March 27 from 8:45-11:15 am.

Jump Rope for Heart is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Participating WCS students will be bused to ABS in the morning and brought back to WCS after the event is over.

Children in grades 1-8 can participate in the event. Fundraising envelopes must be turned in by March 24. Look in the pledge envelopes for information about on-line fundraising opportunities. Classroom teachers with concerns about a student’s status for participation in the Jump Rope for Heart may hold the student from participating.

Each year the State Treasure's office and the VT Bankers Association have a poster contest to celebrate April as financial literacy month. The poster is judged on expressing the theme, artwork, content, and creativity. The theme of this year’s contest was, “To Build a Money Plan, I will . . .” The State Treasurer will recognize the student poster contest winners at an April 9th ceremony. Students placing first in each division win a $100 cash prize and their school a $100 cash prize.

When I spoke with the contact from the treasurer's office, she told me that WCS artists have really outdone themselves. She stated that WCS artists showed perseverance and grit. She said that it was obvious that our students read directions, understood the theme, and pushed themselves.

3 honorable mention students:

Varsha Karthikeyen Swift 7th grader
Grace Koutras (Voyager 6th grader)
Abby Niquette (Equinox 4th grader)

Elementary School division:
3rd place - Karina Bushweller - Equinox 4th grader
2nd place - Griffin Cote - Swift 5th grader

Middle School division:
FIRST PLACE- Maggie Warren - Harbor 7th grader

Click here for the FAP home page and meeting minutes.

The Big Basket Raffle and Silent Auction Fundraiser is finally here!!! It’s this Saturday, March 28th at Williston Central School in the Cafeteria. Doors open at 6:00 pm. and the evening lasts until about 9:00 pm.

We have over 50 themed baskets being raffled containing hundreds of items brought in by families and donated by nearly 90 area businesses. Click HERE to go to the FAP website where you can see SNEAK PEEKS at both the Themed Baskets and the Silent Auction items.

We still need help with this important school event. Please check out the SIGN UP LINK. Maybe you can bring a dessert or something, or help sell raffle tickets or stay a little longer to help clean up.

We hope to see you on Saturday and thanks so much for sending in all the wonderful classroom donations!!! And don’t forget to bring non-perishable items to the Basket Raffle for the Williston Community Food Shelf; those who do will receive some free raffle tickets!!!

Remember: Fun Night taking place as well so those with K-4 students should sign up their children!!!

A great way to have a few hours to yourself!

What: An evening of supervised fun for kids sponsored by Full House

Where: Drop-off/Pick-up at the Bell Tower Entrance at WCS

Who: Children grades K - 4th

When: Saturday, March 28th, 6:00pm-9:00pm

Activities Include: 2 Bounce Castles, Music, Face Painting, Bowling, Basketball, Movie, Crafts, Bean Bag Toss, Hot Dogs, Snacks galore and more!

Prices:

● Pre-Registration Discount through March 25th: $8/child, $15/family

● At the door: $10/child, $20/ family

● Snacks are $.50 each, Drinks $.50 - $1.00, Hot dogs are $1.00

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PRE-REGISTRATION FORM- WCS FUN NIGHT!

Child(ren) Name(s) and Age(s): ______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian: ___________________________________Phone ________________________

Emergency Contact:_________________________________ Phone ________________________

Total Enclosed (Checks to WSD):________________________________

Drop off forms and payment in envelope labeled “Fun Night” at ABS or WCS main office by end of school on Wednesday March 25th for pre-registration discount.

OPEN TO ALL ABS STUDENTS

Tuesdays After School

Dates: March 24 - April 17 (4 weeks)

Days: Tuesdays after school

Time: 2:35 - 4:00

Cost: $50

click here for the complete flyer

click here for the registration form

A FIVE WEEK COURSE IN WOODWORKING at WILLISTON CENTRAL SCHOOL

Do you like to build things? Want to make something out of wood? Come try your hand at woodworking! This class will teach students the basics of building projects out of wood with hand tools. There are no power tools in this class. Students first learn how to make a toolbox and then move on to create a variety of other great projects. No experience is necessary.

Open to all WCS students – 3rd-6th grade

THURSDAYS after school; 3:00 – 4:30

Five Classes: April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28

Grades: 3rd – 6th grade

Cost: $120

Sign up: www.Part2Kids.com Contact: Lorien Leyden lleyden@cssu.org

Click here for poster for Sawmill Studio

Click here for registration form

Attention parents of 4th & 5th graders:

After School Garden Club is beginning soon!

Spring Session Tuesdays May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and June 2nd

3pm-4:30 (after school bus available)

cost $50

Instructed by Andrew Wolf & Laura Gigliotti

to sign up please email Laura at lgigliotti@cssu.org

My name is Olivia Werner. For my 8th Grade Challenge I am working with a non-profit organization called Unbound Grace, located in Starksboro. Unbound Grace supports all youth. It is a working farm that is based on horseback riding. It gives kids an outlet that they can look forward to and gain self confidence and discipline from. To raise money for Unbound Grace I am hosting a Kid's Night Out on Friday April 10th from 6-8:30 at Green Mountain Gymnastics in Williston located on Avenue D. The cost is $12 per person. Ages 7 and up are welcome. Parents are allowed to stay and learn more about Unbound Grace and supporting our youth.

5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run

Saturday May 16, 2015, Williston Central School

Register on-line at www.willistonruns.org or pick-up your registration form at the Williston Central or Allen Brook School Front Offices.

Dust off your running shoes and start training! Run, Walk or Ride- Do it on your own or with some friends! You can even sign up and compete as a 3-Person Team!

However you choose to participate, you contribute to supporting educational opportunities for all our kids. See you there!

Visit our website www.willistonruns.org

For more information please contact Sue Scheer at sue@willistonruns.org

Pre-Registration for Fall 2015 has begun for Williston and St. George children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2015. Registration, which is scheduled for April 6-9. Click here to access the form to enter your information. Directions to select an appointment time will be provided after pre-registering. More information is on the school website.

Champ Camp for Kids with Asthma

For the second year, YMCA Camp Chingachgook and the American Lung Association of the Northeast are partnering to help children with asthma attend summer camp on Lake George! http://camp.cdymca.org/champ-camp-for-kids-with-asthma/

Northern New England Poison Center

World TB Day was March 24th
TB may seem a remote disease yet we treat several people every year here in Vermont for this illness that has been around since biblical times. And this recent outbreak at Charlotte Central School is the second school in Vermont to respond to an outbreak recently. CDC and WHO are working on possible vaccines, more sophisticated and timely testing and treatments. There is currently a limited number of antibiotics that can treat TB, and resistance is becoming a major issue.

For more information about TB, please click on the link below

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/tb/events/WorldTBDay/default.htm

IMPETIGO, (could this be the rash your child has)?

Impetigo, one of the most common skin infections among kids, usually produces blisters or sores on the face, neck, hands, and diaper area. The sores burst and develop honey-colored crusts. Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection and is generally caused by one of two bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes (also called group A streptococcus, which also causes strep throat). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is also becoming an important cause of impetigo.

For more information please click on link below...

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/impetigo.html#

More from the Health Office...

Jump Rope for Heart / Fri. March 27 / 8:45-11:15 am / ABS

Big Basket Raffle/Fun Night / Sat. March 28 / 6 - 8:30 pm / WCS

Intergen Meeting / Wed. April 1 / 11:35 am-1:10 PM /DAML

Dialogue Night / Wed. April 1 / 6-7:45 pm / WCS Dining Room

School Dance / Fri. April 3 /6:30-8:30 pm /WCS

Kindergarten Registration / April 6-9 / ABS

Four Winds Training / Wed. April 8 / 8:30 am- 10:30 am

Synergy Family Showcase / Thurs. April 9 / 6:30 -7:30 pm

School Musical / Fri. April 10 / 7:30 pm / WCS Auditorium

School Musical Matinee / Sat. April 11 / 2 pm / WCS Auditorium

School Musical / Sat. April 11 / 7:30 pm / WCS Auditorium
Click here for athletics

Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes

Make this spring a memorable season for your child. Encourage your child’s love of art and help develop their drawing skills with fun cartooning lessons. Your child will learn to draw cartoon faces and exaggerate facial features as they explore the humorous sides of kids and parents. They will also learn to incorporate sound effects into art, taking any masterpiece to a new level of excitement. Personifying ordinary animals, transforming them into cartoon characters and telling jokes on paper will be the focus of many of our lessons, like in our wild monkeys. Space is limited. $ 70

Grades K-2: Tuesdays at Allen Brook 2:45-3:45p

Mar. 31- May 12 (no class 4/21)

Grades 3-8: Thursdays at Williston Central 3:00-4:00p

Apr. 2- May 14 (no class 4/23)

• Rec. Dept. website- www.willistonrec.org
  
• Rec. News- Monthly Youth Newsletter- Click Here
  

Click here to access the DAML web site listing of events.
Click here for the Bell listing of DAML events scheduled for children.

Click here for the DAML newsletters.

Click here for Community Events.

This week includes:

Williston Fire Department 23rd Annual Pancake Breakfast

WILLISTON SUMMER ART CAMP 2015

Events at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library

Easter Parade and Egg Hunt

Youth Dancers

March 18, 2015

March 11, 2015

March 4, 2015

Allen Brook School and Williston Central School

Email: cpavlik@cssu.org
Website: www.wsdvt.org
Location: 195 Central School Drive, Williston
Phone: (802) 878-2762
Twitter: @wsdvt