December 15, 2013

Thank You...

*Polar Express Elves~  Our Swift elves were perfectly elfish and incredibly welcoming to the young folks arriving at the "North Pole" on the Polar Express last night.  Thank you so much for your ongoing support with this.

*Bottle Drive Volunteers~  The bottle drive last Saturday made $806 (bottles + cash). A total of 12,848 bottles were collected.  Wow!

Happening this Week...

*Holiday Concerts~ Swift students will either perform at or attend the 7th and 8th grade band and chorus concert on Wednesday morning.  There is also a 5th and 6th grade concert in the afternoon that many students will perform in.

*Poetry Slam~ We will wrap up our poetry unit with a "Poetry Slam" Friday morning.  Students will read their poetry with expression and feeling in front of judges and their peers.  This is meant to be a fun, low-pressure, interactive event with the audience weighing in as well.

*Cinema Day~ As part of a school-wide celebration for meeting the "Smart-cell" goal, all WCS students will take part in Cinema Day Friday afternoon.  They will be getting tickets this week for the movies based on their top choices.

After Vacation...

*New Literature Groups~ The next round of literature books will be non-fiction in many genres.  The sign-up form will be sent home this week.

*Independent Projects~ When students return to school in January after vacation they will begin their own independent research projects during our science and social studies block. Fifth, sixth and seventh graders will choose a topic related to one of their social studies or science units from the fall while eighth-graders will continue work on their eighth grade challenge projects.  After selecting a topic students will write focus questions, find resources, create an outline and take notes on notecards. They will then write a detailed research report and create a visual product to present at our open house in February. This is a great time for students  to start brainstorming possible topics for January.



Swift House Dance- February 7th 

Swift House will host the WCS school dance on February 7th.  We are looking for parents to chaperone the dance.  This duty involves keeping an eye on students in the lobby and the gym, or selling concessions.  We also are asking for all families to send in items for the concessions if possible.  We are asking for the following:

• Hunt/Donnelly two 2-liter bottles of juice, soda, etc. 
• Skapof/Laberge- Individually wrapped snack items  

If you are coming to chaperone you can bring the concessions with you. Otherwise, please send them into Swift house on Friday, February 7th so we can get the concessions set up ahead of time. Please sign up to chaperone the dance here. Thank you so much for this support. The dances are excellent fundraisers for our field trip funds.

December 6th, 2013

Portfolios
Students worked hard to finish their portfolios and bring them home yesterday afternoon.  In the portfolios you will find the two major sections: Nexus reports and evidences of their goals.  For more detail on each section please refer to our "Portfolio Revealed" document.  Students should sit down to show your their reports and explain how their evidences support their goals.  We will also complete this process with students, parents and core teachers during the portfolio conferences.  If you have not yet signed up for a conference, please use the links here to do so.  Thank you!

Polar Express!

Thank you so much to the 70 plus folks who have signed up to be part of the Polar Express in Burlington next Saturday. Our job description and other important details are posted below:

POLAR EXPRESS VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SHEET

Saturday, December 14, 2013

3:30-8:00 pm

ROLE: Elves

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Your job is to welcome the passengers on the train, especially the children, to the North Pole. The group of elves will form a large V configuration, reaching from the first train car to the last car and stretching as it narrows to the entrance of the station. We encourage you to hoot, holler, shout, clap, make noise and show wild enthusiasm when the train arrives! As the families and children walk by you, kneel down and whisper Merry Christmas and be sure and use the names of the smallest children (each child will be wearing a name tag).

Sample script:

"Merry Christmas Julia, you have been so very good!"

"Welcome to the North Pole, Will!"

"Thanks for coming Sam, we hope you love the story"

After the story reading, elves form a path leading to the stairs and continue to greet children and wish them a Merry Christmas. Be on the lookout for children who run ahead of their parents and ask them to "wait for Mom and Dad". It gets very congested as families travel up the stairs so you may have to lift children up and ask them to show you where Mom and Dad are. Go up one or two steps so you and the child can be seen by frantic parents.

PLEASE WEAR: Dark Pants; white shirts, black gloves if you have them. Dress warmly with extra layers for comfort indoors and outdoors.

WE WILL PROVIDE: Red shirts (for you to keep) please wear your shirt from previous year's if you have them; Santa Hats, if you have one of your own, please bring it (or borrow ours and please return); black gloves are available in limited numbers (please return) or please bring your own.

LOCATION: Outside and inside 1st floor of Union Station (North Pole)

QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE EVENT: If you have questions about the schedule or need information on our cancellation policy prior to the event, please email them to Rachel@vtchildrenstrust.org . If you need to cancel your volunteer commitment, tickets purchased as a volunteer need to be returned. If we can resell your tickets we will provide a full refund.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS

PARKING:  All volunteers are welcome to park for free in the Main Street Landing parking lot, at the intersection of Lake and College Streets. From College St., turn left on Lake Street, then an immediate right at the booth.

CHECK IN: Union Station - Main Street level.

REFRESHMENTS: Light snacks and water will be provided for volunteers.

DOWN TIMES: Please note that there will be down times for all volunteers, which is the best time to get a snack or drink. Down times vary depending on your role but will occur in between shows and while passengers are on the train. At those times, we may need your help with some tasks (i.e., picking up carpet square seats, sweeping snow from entrance, etc.). We very much appreciate your flexibility and willingness to help.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VOLUNTEERING YOUR TIME! AND HAVE FUN!

Charity Challenge
The Social Studies Committee will be conducting a Charity Challenge next week (week of 12/9). We need four student volunteers to assist with managing a table and collecting money between 12:30 and 1:10 on Wednesday 12/11. Details about the challenge and responsibilities can be found here.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Science Update

Swift students have new studying chemical reactions, looking for evidences of such reactions.  Fifth and sixth-graders changed the rates of reaction while seventh and eighth-graders measured conservation of mass during these reactions.  Students in the photos below were testing the amount of product relative to the amount of reactants in chemical reactions.

Independent projects

When students return to school in January after vacation they will begin their own independent research projects during our science and social studies block. Fifth, sixth and seventh graders will choose a topic related to one of their social studies or science units from the fall whike eighth-graders will continue work on their eighth grade challenge projects.  After selecting a topic students will write focus questions, find resources, create an outline and take notes on notecards. They will then write a detailed research report and create a visual product to present at our open house in February. This is a great time for students  to start brainstorming possible topics for January. 

Swift House Dance- February 7th 

Swift House will host the WCS school dance on February 7th.  We are looking for parents to chaperone the dance.  This duty involves keeping an eye on students in the lobby and the gym, or selling concessions.  We also are asking for all families to send in items for the concessions if possible.  We are asking for the following:

• Hunt/Donnelly two 2-liter bottles of juice, soda, etc.

• Skapof/Laberge- Individually wrapped snack items

If you are coming to chaperone you can bring the concessions with you.  Otherwise, please send them into Swift house on Friday, February 7th so we can get the concessions set up ahead of time.  Please sign up to chaperone the dance here.  Thank you so much for this support.  The dances are excellent fundraisers for our field trip funds.

Great Book Flyer
The Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne publishes a great flyer with reading recommendations for young people.  Check out it out here for excellent book ideas for your family.

November 16, 2013

New York City Parent Meeting

For all parents whose children are attending our June trip to New York City...

Please join us for a NYC meeting on Tuesday, November 19th at 6:30 in the Swift House kiva. If you have not turned in your deposit, please let this email serve as a reminder to bring that deposit in with you or talk to Kevin or I regarding other payment arrangements. We will be discussing decisions that affect the planning and cost of the meeting, so your participation is important.

8th Grade Challenge Update

Students are moving steadily forward on their Eighth Grade Challenge Projects.  This week their focus questions were due, which asks them to think about the big ideas they really want to understand after studying their topic.  To see a complete list of due dates please visit our 8th Grade Challenge website and click on the 8th Grade Challenge handbook.  The due dates are at the end of the handbook.

Highlights so far include Jordan M contacting Madison Square Garden to arrange an interview while their in June!  These outreach skills are as important as the content that the students learn during this process!

Student Sharing

Sharing one's reasoning and thought process is an important element in the math classes in Williston.  Below is an example of a 5th grader sharing his thinking about multiplication.

Kam shares his multiplication model

Westward Expansion and Hunt Dollars!

The 5th and 6th grade students are studying  Westward Expansion. We are covering topics such as the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark expedition, and the War of 1812. During this unit, the students will also be partaking in our "Westward Expansion Game." Students work in small groups to buy and sell states that their groups own using our very own "Hunt Dollars," which can be earned or lost based on teamwork, behavior and work completion. Many groups have been taking advantage of their Hunt Dollars and have already begun expanding their territory!
 

New Literature Groups

Students should sign up for the new literature groups this weekend.  The link can be found here. This month's literature class will include historical fiction connected to learning happening in the students' social studies classes. The 5/6 time period under study is Westward Expansion. The 7/8 time periods under study are the Cold War, Korean War, Civil Rights Movement, and Vietnam War. The new unit will begin on Monday, November 18th and will take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until December 20th.

More Student Work...

Another example of work created on the iPads.  The 5th and 6th graders needed to define gas, liquid, solid, density and matter in a short presentation.  Adam Z. created the video below using an app called Telegami.

November 8, 2013

Book Fair

Nov. 11th-15th We Need Volunteers! The Scholastic Book Fair is an important fundraiser for the Williston School District. The fair raises almost $4,000 dollars for the schools. This year's fair will run November 11th -15th. Please consider covering a shift at the fair. The sign-up is here.

Mr. Hunt and Ms. Laberge's core will visit the book fair on Tuesday.  Ms. Donnelly and Ms. Skapof will attend as a class on Thursday.  Send in money with your child if they wish to purchase a book.

This Week in Social Studies

Students recently completed a unit on geography, learning about latitude and longitude and creating maps of their own neighborhoods.  7th and 8th graders have now begun learning about the Cold War while 5th and 6th have started following the journey of Lewis and Clark.

Colby, Bennett and Andrew with their neighborhood maps

Adam and his map

States of Matter

Swift students used the iPads to create multimedia presentations to review the states of matter and the transitions between them.  7th and 8th will exam these transitions through phase change diagrams while 5th and 6th look at out states of matter relates to the water cycle and the weather.

                          States of Matter video by Annabelle, Francis and Bryant

States of Matter Powtoon by Matthew and Dom

Red Ribbon Week- Letter From Sarah Klionsky

Dear Families,

We had a fun Red Ribbon Week at WCS! We had amazing participation in our five theme days, each promoting the message of being substance free. A rainbow of ribbon bracelets were handed out, and the week ended with ice cream sandwiches for all.

“What can I do to help keep the conversation going?” 
Be absolutely clear with your child/ren that you don’t want them using drugs or drinking alcohol. Don’t leave room for interpretation. And talk to them often about the dangers of drug and alcohol use - more than once or twice a year. (For more tips in parenting kids to be substance free, go to the SAP page on the WCS website – or go to www.drugfree.org)

Contract for Life 
Here is one way to start the conversation at home. Please read and sign the “Contract for Life” together with your child and have them bring it in by Monday, 18th, with their name and house clearly marked, to be entered into a raffle. All contracts will be returned to you after Prizes in the raffle are donations from local business. Thanks so much and good luck on the raffle!

Sarah Klionsky, WCS SAP Counselor
Vermont Kids Against Tobacco (VKAT) Advisor

November 1st, 2013

Digital Citizenship~ Peer Leadership

We are proud to introduce an inaugural group of Digital Citizenship peer leaders in Swift House.  "Digital Citizenship" refers to our on-line behaviors, whether they are socially or academically focused. These peer leaders are teaching Digital Citizenship lessons to core classes using curriculum from Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization whose mission states:

We exist because our nation's children spend more time with media and digital activities than they do with their families or in school, which profoundly impacts their social, emotional, and physical development . As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, we provide trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume. ~Common Sense Media

The scope and sequence (click here to view) includes lessons about our digital lives, on-line scams, bullying, copyright laws and more.  There are many great tips for parents on this website as well, such as this article: Rules of the Road in the Digital Age.   This is a great resource for us all in this ever-changing digital world!

Williston Wins

If you have not already done so, please make your contribution to Williston Wins.  Your tax-deductible donation goes directly to funding our field trips.  We no longer ask for cash for each field trip and instead take the money from this fund.  Field trips funded by Williston Wins include: Grand Isle Campout, the Flynn, and our Sand Bar State Park.  Donate to Williston Wins here.

 

 Picture Retakes

Picture retakes are available Monday morning at 9:05 am.  If you child needs their picture taken or retakes please send them in with the correct forms and have them check in with their core teacher Monday morning.  Thank you!

 

Scholastic Book Fair 

The Book Fair comes to WCS next week.  Ms. Laberge's and Mr. Hunt's cores will head there as a class on Tuesday, November 12th.  Ms. Donnelly's and Ms. Skapof's cores will go on Thursday, Nov. 14th.  Please send money in with your child that day if they wish to purchase a book.

Homework Slips/Greensheets

Greensheets serve as our regular contact between home and school.  Please ask to see your son or daughter's Greensheet every Friday.  If there are homework slips attached, they indicate that an assignment was late during the week.  If the homework slip is signed, this indicates that the work has been completed.  The expectation for unfinished homework slips and circles on Greensheets is that students complete the work over the weekend, bring their Greensheet back to school Monday, turn in the missing work and obtain signatures for those assignments that they missed.   In short, Greensheets and Homework Slips are filed away until all missing work is accounted for.

Of course, in a perfect world all work would be done on time.  However, we all make mistakes or fall behind from time to time.  If a student is still struggling to complete missing work after these reminders, then a plan between student, core teacher and parents is in order.  It is this home/school connection that helps students establish successful routines.  Thank you for all of the work you do in supporting your children at home!

Vermont and Math Achievement on a Global Scale

Julie Longchamp shared this chart which our math achievement globally using the NEAP and TIMSS.  There are four countries, then Massachusetts and Vermont.  We often hear how poorly we are doing.  This presents a very different picture.  Again, it is only one measure, but it is nice to paint a measure that shows our kids in a positive light.  This was in Education Week this week.

October 26th, 2013

FAP Craft Fair 

The FAP is sponsoring the Craft Fair this Saturday at WCS. They are looking for adult volunteers to help with set up and other tasks. Here is a link to the sign-up sheet. There are slots available for Friday night, 11/1, for set up and two hour shifts throughout the day on Sat. 11/2.

Save Your Returnable Bottles 

Please start saving any redeemable bottles for the Swift House bottle drive on December 7th. All proceeds will go to the NYC field trip.

Portfolios

Believe it or not, there are four weeks left in the first trimester of the school.  I suppose the first signs of snow tell us that time has passed!  The end of the trimester means portfolio time here in Swift House.   Facilitators and student mentors will be working with new students to set up their first portfolios which will include two major sections.  The first section has Nexus or Jupitergrades reports from each class: Literature, Math, Social Studies, Science, Word Study, Related Arts and World Language.  The second section is dedicated to students' personal plan goals.  Students assemble evidence of their work on their unique goals.

In order to assemble 101 portfolios in the next month we ask that students have their portfolios at school with dividers and plastic sheet protectors before next Friday, November 1st.  We have extra supplies at school if needed.  Finished portfolios will go home December 6th and parent/teacher conferences will begin shortly after that.

Nexus

For trimester reports we use a unique evaluation program created by former Swift House teacher, Rick McCraw.  This program- called Nexus- allows students to self-evaluate on the standards for each class with both scores and a comment.  Facilitators then score students and add their own comment. We have yet to find a program commercially available that allows for such student input.  It is amazing to see how self-aware students become when consistently self-evaluating themselves.  The ability to do so helps us all improve our own work and performance.  You can identify Nexus reports in the portfolio by the Swift House logo on top.  We owe Mr. McCraw a huge thank you for his continuous technical support with this program!

Science Update

Fifth and sixth graders have explored the topic of density and matter through hands-on experiences such as detecting matter that they can not see and comparing the masses of a variety of liquids with the same volume.  Essential vocabulary includes: matter, density, mass, volume, grams, and liters. They also worked on the skill of measuring mass and volume accurately.  They will be taking a quiz on these concepts Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on their groups.

Seventh and eighth graders have explored the elements, the building blocks of our entire universe.  They have also learned how to build molecules from atoms and write the corresponding chemical formula.  Currently they are researching the elements within one object, such as the human body with is actually 61% oxygen by mass!  Essential vocabulary includes: element, atom, molecule, mass, volume, and density.  They will be presenting their projects and taking a quiz on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on their groups.

Measuring the mass of 50 mL of Liquid "A"

Observing the "thickness" of Liquid "C"

A group works to create layers from six liquids with different masses

New York City Trip

If your child is interested in attending the Swift Field Trip in June to New York City, a deposit of $200 needs to be submitted by Friday, November 1st. The deposit is for each student and chaperone that would like to participate. For example, if you and your child are both going on the trip a $400 deposit is due. Bus seating and lodging is limited. A deposit received by the deadline will secure a spot for both. We will try to accommodate late deposits based on availability but there is no guarantee. We need to submit our deposit money for the bus and lodging soon, so please be timely and send in your money if you have not already done so. Also, each student needs to hand in 3 forms: permission slip, extended medical form and an eligibility form.  Lisa Barland e-mailed these forms home this week if you needed copies.

Red Ribbon Week: October 28th- November 1, 2013 

Dear 5th-8th Grade Students and Families,

Red Ribbon Week is a national event designed to help kids make healthy choices. The red ribbon is a symbol of living substance free. “A Healthy Me is Drug Free.”

 Here are three ways to get involved next week at WCS:

1. Red Ribbon Theme Days:

• Monday, Oct. 28th: SLEEP OUT DRUGS – Wear PJ’s 
• Tuesday, Oct. 29th: SHADE OUT DRUGS – Wear Sunglasses 
• Wednesday, Oct 30th: STAY IN THE GAME - Wear our school colors, blue + gold, or sports gear
• Thursday, Oct 31th: BE FREE FROM DRUGS– Wear Red, White + Blue 
• Friday, November 1st: RED RIBBON DAY – Wear Red or a Red BANDANA! 

Everyone that dresses up will get a ribbon that day during recess. At the end of the week, there will be prizes for anyone who has all five ribbons.

2. Fit Facts – Everyday, at recess, there will be a “fit fact” question with raffled prizes from local businesses. Look on the school SAP webpage for facts to review at home for a better chance to win!

3.Contract for Life – Parents and kids, read this over, talk about your expectations to be substance free and safe and sign it together! Have your child bring in the signed form with their name and house clearly marked. All contracts will be to be entered into a raffle for a prize from a local business and will be returned to you after Red Ribbon Week.

Thanks so much for your participation in Red Ribbon Week and for your help in getting the word out –You are too S.M.A.R.T. to start!

Signed, Your WCS Vermont Kids Against Tobacco (VKAT)

FAPAC October Meeting Highlights 

To: Swift Parents
From: Sarah Forbes & Gabrielle Young, Swift FAPAC Representatives

The FAP Advisory Council held it's second monthly meeting of the year on October 10th. As you know, FAP is our parent-teacher organization. The FAP meetings are open to all. We will send highlights of the meeting each month but if you are interested in reviewing the complete minutes, you can read them HERE. The following are just a few highlights from our meeting.

Administration Report: Walter Nardelli, District Principal, talked with the group about NECAP testing going on right now throughout the school. The Williston results on the science NECAPS are especially strong this year. Williston is one of only five schools in the state making progress on the socio-economic achievement gap. Mr. Nardelli also talked extensively about the SPARK program which is serving as both intervention and enrichment after school. SPARK runs in five week cycles with small groups and lots of teacher attention and offers exciting and interesting programs geared to kids interests.

Williston Annual Fund: Thanks to all those families that have already sent in their donation. As you know, this fund pays for your children's field trips and other education enrichment, saving you from writing a check each time. We are still well below the participation we need to meet our budget and support school activities. Please take a moment and send in your donation or donate on line HERE.

Upcoming FAP Events Check the School Bell regularly for more info and dates; the FAP website also has a full listing of events.

• Learning Expo and Potluck--Thursday, 10/24/13-- parents were invited to enjoy a potluck dinner and the opportunity to browse among 25+ informational booths about different school programs. Thank you to any parents who were able to attend.
• Craft Fair at WCS-- Saturday, 11/2/13-- start your holiday shopping and support the school; volunteers needed and welcome. If you can help, please click HERE
• Circus Smirkus-- After School Camp and Performance -- 11/4-11/8/13
• Scholastic Book Fair -- 11/11-11/15/13 
• Speaker Series: Look for information in the School Bell about a mindfulness speaker series we are supporting on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 3:15-4:15 pm at WCS. Join teachers and parents as we learn to calm our busy minds and re-focus on what's most important. 
• Media Exposure: Also keep your eyes open for an upcoming presentation on Media Exposure- raise your awareness about your child's exposure to media, how to help them manage screen time and even some 1:1 help with setting limitations on specific devices.

October 19, 2013

Social Studies Update

In Social Studies students have been studying geography, specifically exploring thematic maps and their purpose.  We have looked at political, physical, climate, population, vegetation, and economic maps. We have focused on latitude and longitude, cardinal directions and finding absolute and relative location. Students will be moving into their final project for geography which will be to map their own neighborhood, including a key detailing physical, vegetation, population, etc., along with cardinal directions, and latitude and longitude. Next for SS will be the Cold War for 7/8 and Westward Expansion for the 5/6.

 

Swift House 8th Grade Challenge

Eighth graders met with Ms. Laberge recently for an overview of the 8th Grade Challenge Project.  The 8th Grade Challenge is a year-long project based on an 8th grader's interests.  Topics of the past have ranged greatly, from theater technology to the history of the piano to forensics.  What sets this apart from our Independent Projects (done twice a year, in January and June) is that 8th graders work with a mentor who has expertise in the field and also complete community service related to their topics. Finally, they complete their experience with a twenty minute presentations to a panel of community members and their peers. 

We build in time to work on these projects in both January and June.  Students going to NYC will use a location in the city as one of their project resources as well.  The first due date is November 1st.  Click here to see the complete Eighth Grade Challenge Handbook, complete with the "Kick-Off" form, a rubric, and due dates.  To see the starting list of this year's topics please visit our Eighth Grade Challenge web page.  If you have any connections to topics listed, please let us know!

Alexis presents her 8th Grade Challenge project on the Salvation Army last spring

Katie presents her 8th Grade Challenge Project on Stage Direction last spring

Movie Trailers

Students who read Guts, by Gary Paulsen, created a final project using iMovie on the school iPads. Their objective was to create a movie trailer that would generate interest in the book and identify key themes.  Please check out a few examples here.  Be sure the sound is turned on for the full dramatic effect!

October 4, 2013

Wow- Fun Night

Thank you so much to everyone who donated time, trinkets and treats for Friday's Fun Night.  It was a great success, raising $2,110 directly for our New York City Trip!  Thank you to Liz Neeld in particular for heading this all up.

Reminder: Polar Express- December 14th 

Calling all elves! Parents and students, please join us for a Swift House tradition from 3:30-8:00 on December 14th. Each year we volunteer as elves to greet the trains as they arrive at the North Pole as part of Burlington's Polar Express fundraiser. This amazing event benefits the Vermont Children's Trust Fund. We contribute by bringing at least 40 elves (parents and students) each year to make the event festive. To sign up please click here to add your name and t-shirt size. Remember, adults make great elves, too. Watching the faces of the little folks on the train when they see us elves at the North Pole makes it all worth it!

Elves greeting the train

Elves with retired Swift House teacher, GaryHoward, aka Santa

Science Update

Swift students have just wrapped up a unit studying Earth science, in particular the rock cycle and plate tectonics.  They focused on the connection between plate boundaries, earthquakes and volcanoes by creating a map combining these layers.  Fifth and sixth graders also created models of the earth's structures to help us understand why the earth's plates are actually moving.  After NECAP testing we will launch into properties of matter.  Fifth and sixth graders will learn about the concept of density as a defining characteristic, while seventh and eighth graders will practice calculating density as a means for identifying matter.

Isaac and Brandon's Google Map after they added plate boundaries, earthquakes and volcanoes

NYC Behavioral Contract

Please click here to view the Field Trip Eligibility Form that was shared with students today in Kiva. This document overviews the behavioral expectations that are held school wide, with specific criteria outlined with regards to our NYC field trip. Please don't hesitate to contact Kevin or myself with any questions regarding this document. If your student is planning on attending the field trip in June please go over the form with him/her, sign and return to school.

WCS Yearbook Club

Please share this information with your son or daughter if you think they may be interested. Information and sign-ups for the WCS Yearbook Club will be held Wednesday, October 16th at 3:00.

Reminder: NECAP Testing This Week

A final reminder that we will be in full time testing mode Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week.  To see the exact schedule or to sign-up to bring snack click here.  Thank you so much for helping kids be rested and well fed this week!

September 27, 2013

NECAP Testing- Snacks and Sleep

This year's NECAP testing will take place between Tuesday, October 8th to Friday, October 11th.  During these days we emphasize the importance of sleep and a great breakfast.  Students should also plan on bringing an engaging book to read in case they finish any portion of the test early.  There will be two tests each day which will encompass most academic time.  Students will have reduced homework assignments during this time. 

We are looking for parent volunteers to bring in healthy snacks on our NECAP testing days.  Apples and cheddar cheese, crackers and cheese, banana bread, muffins, bagels and cream cheese, veggies and dips; any snack of the sort provides students with a special break before the testing begins and does wonders for our morale. Please click here for the exact testing schedule and to sign-up by grade level to bring in a snack.  Thank you!

Fun Night

Fun Night, scheduled for Friday, October 4th is being sponsored by Swift. Fun Night coincides with the first middle school dance and is open to all K-5th graders to attend. It is a fabulous fundraiser in support of our end of the year field trip to NYC. We still need more parent volunteers to make this evening a success! Please click here to sign up to volunteer. If you happen to have any small "trinkets" that could serve as prizes during Fun Night please send them in to school and ask your student to give them to Mr. Hunt or Ms. Donnelly. Last spring we ran out of goodies at our prize table!!

5th Grade World Language

World Language classes for 5th graders begin this Monday at 11:50 and continue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the rest of the year. Students are enrolled based on the forms completed at the end of 4th grade.  Please contact your son or daughter's core teacher if you have questions about enrollment.

Polar Express- December 14th

Calling all elves!  Parents and students, please join us for a Swift House tradition from 3:30-8:00 on December 14th.  Each year we volunteer as elves to greet the trains as they arrive at the North Pole as part of Burlington's Polar Express fundraiser.  This amazing event benefits the Vermont Children's Trust Fund.  We contribute by bringing at least 40 elves (parents and students) each year to make the event festive.   To sign up please click here to add your name and t-shirt size.  Remember, adults make great elves, too.  Watching the faces of the little folks on the train when they see us elves at the North Pole makes it all worth it! 

Parent Retreat

Thank you so much to all parents who were able to make attend our Parent Retreat. We started with great potluck dinner and then equipped all participants with school iPads for the evening. All joined in on a presentation on Nearpod, an interactive presentation app, which allows participants to give direct input. Major topics included technology, communication, curriculum and parent involvement. Notes from the presentation and discussion can be found here. If you would like to add any ideas to our brainstorms please e-mail your son or daughter’s core teacher.

FAPAC September Meeting Highlights Information 

To: Swift Parents
From: Sarah Forbes and Gabrielle Young, FAPAC Representatives

The FAP Advisory Council held its first monthly meeting of this school year on September12th. FAP is Williston's equivalent of a parent-teacher organization. We meet each month, our meetings our open to all, and you will receive an email like this every month with highlights of the meeting and a link to the FAP website for the full minutes. Check the full minutes in a PDF format by clicking HERE. Below are a few meeting highlights:

Administration Report -- Walter Nardelli, District Principal, speaks at every FAPAC meeting. Topics he covered this month were: placement change requests, the large number of 5th graders this year, Algebra/8th grade math changes, Spark Academy options, and the WCS IPad purchase. Check the full minutes for his remarks!

Williston Annual Fund -- This replaces Williston Wins and to date over $7000 in donations has come in. Thank you! Remember that this fund pays for your children's school field trips, among other educational items. So please send in your donation today or you can do it online. Click here for information.

FAP Events -- Dates have been set for many FAP Community Events; check the School Bell over the coming weeks for more information on these. Those coming up in the next 60 days are listed below and all events are on the calendar on the FAP section of the school website:

• Learning Expo and Potluck Dinner -- the new date for this event is Thursday, October 24th (revised from Minutes). This is a first ever FAP community event where we expect to have booths set up with information on many school programs and opportunities for your children along with a few presentations. 
• Craft Fair at Williston Central School -- Saturday, November 2nd 
• Circus Smirkus After School Camp and Performance -- November 4-8th 
• Scholastic Book Fair -- November 11-15th 

Calendar 2.0 Forums -- Changes are being proposed to the School Calendar in several Vermont counties. The changes would be put in place as early as the 2014-2015 school year. Community Forums are being held on this topic. The forums in our area, all scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm, are: October 2nd at Essex High School, October 9th at Burlington High School, and October 10th at CVU High School. You should try to attend one of these forums to learn more about this.

Please contact Sarah at sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net or Gabrielle at scotian0495@yahoo.com if you have feedback or questions on FAP. Thanks.

September 20, 2013

Parent Retreat

Parent Retreat- 6:00 pm, Thursday, September 26 Calling all Swift House parents. Please join us for a potluck dinner and discussion of Swift House now and in the future at 6:00 pm on Thursday, September 26th. As the world changes we need to continually look at our system and make changes that result in our students building those skills necessary for their future. Topics to discuss include, but are not limited to: home/school communications, technology and 21st century learners, impact of the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. The Bohmanns have graciously offered to host the event this year at 596 Southridge Drive, Williston. This is a great opportunity to meet or catch up with other parents while thinking about the future of learning and education in Swift House and beyond. Click here to RSVP. Please also post what dish you will bring and any questions you may wish to discuss.

Swift Virtual Book Club 

Ms. Longchamp, one of the original Swift Teachers who retired in June, is running a Virtual Book Group. The first book is going to be Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. This book is a free download to your tablet, cell phone, computer, etc. or you can purchase this at your favorite bookstore. It is also downloadable as an audiobook free of charge at http://librivox.org/author/189. If interested in joining, students should email Ms. Longchamp at jlongchamp@cssu.org. She has set up the blog and will email students the link. This is not open to the public.

New York City Field Trip

On Thursday in kiva students viewed a short presentation over viewing our June 2014 trip to NYC. The trip is scheduled for June 3-June 6th. If your student is interested in attending they will be bringing the permission slip home with them this week. In looking forward, we would like to form a planning committee made up of interested parents. Specifically, the planning committee would help to organize fundraising efforts, and help coordinate details of the trip. Fundraisers already scheduled include:

• WCS Fun Night (10/4) 
• Bottle Drive (12/7) 
• Marko the Magician (January) 
• Theater Festival (April) 
• Hanging Baskets (May) 

If your student is interested, but forgot their permission slip at home you can find it here.

The Odyssey at the Flynn

Ms. Donnelly and Mr. Glass have organized an enrichment reading group for the Odyssey this fall.  Students signed up on a first-come first-serve bases and are currently reading excerpts and summaries of the Odyssey during lunch and recess.  They will then attend a trip to the Flynn in October to see the Odyssey performed.  Thank you so much to the facilitators and the engaged students for taking advantage of the many opportunities the Flynn has to offer.  All Swift House students will attend a trip to the Flynn in March to see the Golden Dragon Acrobats!

Lunch Time Literature Group

Fun Night

Fun Night, scheduled for Friday, October 4th is being sponsored by Swift. Fun Night coincides with the first middle school dance and is open to all K-5th graders to attend. It is a fabulous fundraiser in support of our end of the year field trip to NYC. We need parent volunteers to make this evening a success! Please click here to sign up to volunteer. If you happen to have any small "trinkets" that could serve as prizes during Fun Night please send them in to school and ask your student to give them to Mr. Hunt or Ms. Donnelly. Last spring we ran out of goodies at our prize table!!

Curriculum Night

Thank you to those able to join us for Curriculum Night last week.  We made introductions, reviewed the Swift House mission statement, schedules, our curriculum calendar and special events throughout the year.  We also answered questions about homework and greensheets. To see the presentation slides please click here and feel free to contact your child's core teacher with further questions.

September 16, 2013

Photo Day

School photo day is this Wednesday, September 18th.  Be sure to send your child in with an order form if you wish to purchase photos.

Campout Photos

You can view our campout photos here.  The password remains the same: flyforever.

Curriculum Night- 6:30 pm, Tuesday, September 17th

The WCS Curriculum night is Tuesday, September 17th, starting at 6:30 pm.  Parents will join facilitators in Swift House from 6:30-7:30 and then head to the auditorium for presentations from other members of the WCS faculty.  In Swift we will share information about our curriculum for the year, field trips, work completion plans and more.  We hope you are able to join us.  If not, we will share our slide show for those of you who cannot attend.

Parent Retreat- 6:00 pm, Thursday, September 26

Calling all Swift House parents.  Please join us for a potluck dinner and discussion of Swift House now and in the future at 6:00 pm on Thursday, September 26th. As the world changes we need to continually look at our system and make changes that result in our students building those skills necessary for their future. Topics to discuss include, but are not limited to: home/school communications, technology and 21st century learners, impact of the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.

The Bohmanns have graciously offered to host the event this year at 596 Southridge Drive, Williston.  This is a great opportunity to meet or catch up with other parents while thinking about the future of learning and education in Swift House and beyond.  Click here to RSVP.  Please also post what dish you will bring and any questions you may wish to discuss.

Peace One Day Celebration

 

On Wednesday, September 4th all students in Swift attended an assembly to celebrate Peace One Day. Students watched a documentary about Peace One Day, the mission, and the founder, Jeremy Gilley. Jeremy Gilley is from the UK and has worked diligently since 1999 to spread his message of peace throughout the world. Finally, after years of hard work and perseverance, Peace One Day was passed in a resolution posed to the United Nations. On September 21 the world will celebrate Peace One Day, a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. After the documentary students were asked to brainstorm questions they might have for Mr. Gilley. Each upper house selected between 4 and 6 representatives who were given the opportunity to Skype with Mr. Gilley on Friday, September 6. The following students from Swift were selected. Please find their names and questions they posed to Mr. Gilley below.

Logan Chalmers: Jeremy, when you set out to make your day happen, how did you keep your motivation after you were told by some people you could not do it?

Molly Duncan: Have you set a larger goal for after you have achieved peace one day?

 Jimmy Jiang: Hello Jeremy, I was wondering as you were in Afghanistan what was it like meeting the suffering children? Did they teach you anything?

Prince Yodishembo: Why do you think peace is possible when it's never happened in history?

Hannah Bohmann: When you traveled to the different countries, was there one that really stood out for you? That you really wanted to help?

 Eliza Fehrs: Do you believe that a powerful government official has more influence over people than a celebrity?

September 5th, 2013

The Campout~ Thank You, Parents!

Thank you parents for all of your support towards an excellent campout.  Between helping kids pack, purchasing bacon, and volunteering to be chaperones, students were well supported for this year's campout.  We truly met our goal of building a team community.

The Trust Wave

Candlelights

Egg Toss Victory

Team Mascot?

Team Photo

There are many more photos on our Swift Photo site (password "flyforever") linked to the right here.  There are many high-quality items left over from the campout in our kiva, including sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and sneakers.  Please inventory what came home this week with your son or daughter to make sure nothing is missing.

Swift Student Wins First Prize at Stellafane Telescope Convention!

Williston Central School student John Colt won a First Place Award in the Junior Division at Stellafane, an annual convention for amateur telescope makers in Springfield, Vermont. Colt designed, built, and programed a microprocessor-controlled solar telescope, which projects a magnified image of the sun for safe viewing. It is patterned after the McMath-Pierce Solar telescope on Kitt Peak in Arizona, which Colt visited last summer with his family.

Stellafane is run by the Springfield Telescope Makers (STM), and is the oldest event of its kind in the world. It is attended by people from as far away as Australia. For more information on this world class event right here in Vermont, see stellafane.org.

John Colt with judges

Adams Harvest Festival Wagon Ride Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to collect money and drive tractor around a field at the Adams Harvest Festival, September 14th and 15th. No experience necessary. Driving lessons given on site. All funds raised go to the Swift NYC trip. To sign up please use this link.

School Picture Day

WCS Picture Day is Wednesday, September 18th.  Students received their purchasing forms this week and should be bringing them home on Friday.  They should return these forms on or before picture day if you would like to purchase photos.   We recommend sending the forms in early!

August 29, 2013

Welcome and Welcome Back!

We have had a wonderful and busy first week of school with your children.  We started math classes on day one, have signed up for our first literature groups (starting after the campout), participated in team-building activities and planned for the campout.

This blog will updated regularly (weekly is the goal!) and will provide a snapshot of life in Swift House and important information for families about upcoming events, both within and outside of the school day.  Notice that each entry is archived so if you ever need to reference old information you can click on previous entries.  If you ever have information that you want to have reach all Swift families, please e-mail Amy Skapof.

Campout Planning- Grand Isle, September 3rd and 4th

Speaking of campout planning, we have had a lot to do in three fast-paced days.  Students have their campout groups, lead by 8th graders with numerous 7th grade assistants.  On Thursday afternoon we sent home a packet with the following information:

*Names of chaperones assigned to site (please check any times you may be signed up for)
*Items students have signed up to bring in for the group (tents, food, etc)
*A list of personal items to bring
*Permission slip, including medical information
*Directions to Grand Isle State Park

Please keep the general information and send the permission slip form into us right away (Friday!).

Field Trip Funding

How is the campout funded?  We will not be asking for checks for each field trip this year, but instead we ask all families to contribute to the Williston Schools Annual Fund.  Please read the information below to learn more:

Williston Schools Annual Fund: When we invest in our children, all of Williston Wins!

The Williston Families as Partners (FAP) is dedicated to ensuring that the children of Williston receive the best education possible.  Strong schools and strong families combine to create a vibrant Williston community and help our children reach their full potential.

For a suggested donation amount of: $30 per student in grades EEE-4 and $45 per student in grades 5-8, your contribution to the Williston Schools Annual Fund will ensure the continuation of important FAP programs that directly support and enhance the education of all of our children to include:

• equitable funding of field trips that extend the learning beyond the classroom; 
• educational grants for classrooms to provide enhanced developmental opportunities for all students; 
• student services in the form of clothing, equipment and scholarships to camps for those most in need; 
• speakers and workshops for parents; 
• an intergenerational reading program; 
•  teacher appreciation events and more;

Donation Options

1. The easiest route—an online donation: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/willistonfap?code=AugAppeal

                or

2. Return your check made payable to “Williston Families as Partners” to one of your House Teaching Assistants with the donation card found by clicking HERE.

Adams Harvest Festival Wagon Ride Volunteers- Swift NYC Fundraiser- Sept 14 and 15

Volunteers are needed to collect money and drive tractor around a field.  No experience necessary.  Driving lessons given on site.  All funds raised go to the Swift NYC trip.  To sign up please use this link.

June 12, 2013

Open House

Just a reminder that our Open House begins tonight at 6:30 in the Al Myers Theater.  We will begin with an introduction to the eighth grade challenge topics and move to Swift House to see all the independent projects.   Thanks in advance for discussing learning with students and filling out their feedback forms.  This is an essential part of the process and student learning is validated by your interest!

Sandbar Tomorrow

Please send in the permission slips via email or "kidmail" by tomorrow to avoid a morning phone call.  We will be celebrating our 8th graders and enjoying a BBQ.  Students do not need to bring lunch unless they have a dietary consideration.

Hiring Update

Swift Teachers have started the interview process for Ms. Longchamp's permission.  We will update you as to our replacement as soon as it has been finalized. 

Summer Reading

Students are allowed to check out up to five books for summer reading.  If your child does not have easy access to the library over the summer, please encourage them to do this.  With such a long summer, it is important for students to keep up with their skills in order to limit summer regression of skills.

Thank you!!

A big thank you for all our parents who have supported our team throughout the year for field trips and special events.  We would like to extend a special thanks to Liz Neeld, who does so much for our team.  Next year will be her last year in Swift and we would like to encourage people to learn from her next year in order to carry on the work she does.  We probably will need a few people to do the work of one Liz Neeld!

Upper House Awards Ceremony

Yesterday, we had the upper house awards ceremony and many Swift students were recognized.  I am sure this list will be in The Observer and perhaps School Bell.  If you see these students, congratulate them for their achievements.

Pictures:  Below are some pictures of the last few weeks.

We will upload others to our picture site accessible from our Swift Webpage.  If you have others to add, send them to Amy Skapof at askapof@cssu.org.

Students watching their wind turbines pump water (red fluid)

Testing student wind turbines during our engineering project last week

Aaron demonstrating Jazz technique with his drum set.

Students working in small groups reading about Jazz through the ages.

Katie presenting to eighth grade challenge project to community volunteers.

May 24, 2013

Ms. Longchamp's Retirement and New Position

This afternoon, I sent a note to all of you about my retirement and new position as Director of Professional Programs at Vermont NEA.  Please announce this to your children this weekend and we will announce it on Tuesday during Kiva.  Knowing every student has different reactions to change, we felt this was the best approach.  It will be a very emotional month for me, but please be assured that Swift is my family and I will not be a stranger.  It is important in my new position to be very well-versed in what is going on in classrooms, and the professional needs of teachers.  It is important for me to keep my contact with Williston because this school is a leader in education, from the classroom level work to the manner in which the school operates.  I was so fortunate to have my own children in this school (and Swift House) and now I am in Minnesota today preparing for Johanna's college graduation!

The school will be posting the position and the Swift teachers will be involved in the hiring.  We are more than confident that the new Swift Facilitator will be as passionate about middle school students and empowering learners as the rest of us.

Again, I cannot even begin to tell you how much I am going to miss this job, but as Gary Howard, one of the original Swift Teacher always told students, it is important to "Leave the Comfort Zone!"  This is really hard.... but I know I will be learning as a result and continuing to impact education on a different stage.

~Julie Longchamp

Julie with Bernie Caron, Al Meyers and Gary Howard in the first days of planning Swift House..

We will miss you, Julie!

Congratulations...

• Eva Rocheleau- Winner of the YWP Farm Project (see her photo and writing piece here)

• Young Playwright Participants: Ella Workman, Zachary Varrichione, Julia Cronan

• Julia Cronan for receiving and Honorable Mention for her Young Playwrights play!

• Band and Chorus Members on a fabulous concert!

• Eva Rocheleau again- For teaching and directing two pieces for the entire 7th and 8th grade chorus!  Wow!

• Matthew Murakami- For having his opinion piece published in the Observer 

End of the Year Dates

It's that time of the year when the schedule is simply busy.  Here are our important events:

June 11th @ 9:30: 8th Grade Challenge Presentations to Community Panels
June 12th:  Swift 8th Grade Celebration Picnic (more information coming)
June 12th 6:30 PM:  END OF YEAR OPEN HOUSE - Students will be presenting their end-of-year projects and 8th grade challenge projects
June 13th: Eighth Grade Graduation
June 18th:  Last day for K-7 students (half day)

Community Panel Members Needed

Swift House is holding their annual panel presentations of 8th grade challenge projects on Tuesday, June 11.  We are in need of 16 community volunteers, parents, grandparents, mentors, or family friends can volunteer.  The presentations will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until 12:00 PM,  with a luncheon following from 12:00-1:00. The volunteers will listen to approximately 5 student presentations, 20 minutes each. During this time the panel members give feedback to the 8th graders. If you or someone you know, are interested in joining us on June 11, please email Lisa Barland as soon as possible.

8th Grade Graduation and Dance- Help Needed from 7th Grade Families

Dear Parents,

We are in need of snack and drink donations for the 8th Grade Graduation Dance. Donations can be dropped off at the WCS front office on June 13th. Please follow the steps below to sign up.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathleen Eustace (kathleeneustace@comcast.net) or Heather Thompson (htthompsonvt@comcast.net). Thanks very much for your help in making this special event a success!

Please sign up for 8th Grade Graduation Dance:

1. Click this link to go to our invitation page: http://vols.pt/oVzGri

2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)

3. Click the "Go Standard" button

4. Sign up: Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders.

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Kathleen Eustace at kathleeneustace@comcast.net and I can sign you up manually.

CVU Theater Announcement- From the CVU Drama Director

This is Candy Padula, the Director of the Co-Curricular Theatre Program at CVUHS.  Last week at a Theatre Meeting at CVU I announced that we will be doing SPAMALOT as our 2013 Fall Musical.   Several 8th graders from the sending schools attended the meeting.  But I’m sending you some information that I’d like to have you pass along to 8th graders who may not have been able to attend the meeting.  I appreciate your help in getting the word out.

THE 2013 CVUHS FALL MUSICAL will be the Hilarious Monty Python musical SPAMALOT! 

SPAMALOT will be performed during the last weekend in October.  Auditions will be held on Aug. 15th & 16th.  8th graders who are interested in becoming involved should contact the CVU Co-Curricular Theatre Program Director - Candy Padula to get additional information at yourtheatrenews@gmail.com.

For students who will not be available in August there will be a one & only early audition date offered on Monday, June 17th from 3:00-5:30 at CVU. Contact Director, Candy Padula for early audition information ASAP.

You can also visit the CVU Theatre website for additional details at https://sites.google.com/a/cvuhs.org/cvu-theater/home/spamalot.  There will also be roles available for people who do not sing or dance.  Please visit the CVU web site for more details.

Williston Runs is One Week Away

Click here for the flyer for this 5 k race on June 1st, raising funds for the FAP!

FAPAC May Meeting Highlights Information

To:  Swift House Parents

From:  Liz Neeld, FAPAC Representative

The FAP Advisory Council held its final monthly meeting of this school year on May 9th.  Check the full minutes and our approved 2013-2014 FAPAC budget in a PDF format by clicking HERE.  Below are a few meeting highlights:

• School Budget Approved on May 7th

• Last Day of School Changed to June 18th, which will be a half-day

• Placement Letters should be mailed by early June.  Parent information nights for transitioning students are scheduled as follows:  4th to 5th grade parents on May 22nd from 6:30 to 8 pm in the WCS Auditorium; and 2nd to 3rd grade parents on June 4th at 6:30 pm in the WCS Auditorium.

• 1 to 1 Initiative--there is an interesting video recently shown at a Rotary Club meeting about 1 to 1 programs.  Please check it out on the school website's school information area under 1 to 1 information or at this link HERE.

• On June 1st, the Williston Runs for Education  will take place (a Fun Run for kids as well as a timed 5K).  Flyers have been in the School Bell, sent home in folders or via email.  Register on-line by going to www.willistonruns.org.   For more event information, contact Sue Scheer at sue@willistonruns.org.  Volunteers are also needed to run this event so if you can help, please go to this LINK.

• There is a Williston Day at the Lake Monsters being planned for July 7th!  Ticket information has been sent home either in folders or by email; has been in the School Bell; and is available at upcoming school events.  Tickets can be turned in for other dates if you are unavailable on July 7th.  Time is running out.  Sales end on May 24th.

• We would like to celebrate our Swift teachers and staff with a luncheon in the next few weeks.  If you would like to help organize that please let me know.

Please contact me at lneeld711@gmail.com if you have feedback or questions on FAP.  Thanks.

Our Superintendent, Elaine Pinckney, Superintendent of the Year!

Yesterday at the Annual Vermont Superintendent's Association meeting, our superintendent and Williston resident, Elaine Pinckney, was awarded the Superintendent of the Year.  If you would like to send a congratulatory note, her email is epinckney@cssu.org.  Her youngest son, Michael, was a Swiftie, many moons ago! 

Pictures from the Week

7th and 8th Grade Chorus

7th and 8th Grade Band Getting Ready

Varietones