March 7th

Social Studies Update

In 5/6 Social Studies we have been learning about the "Jacksonian" time period. We've learned about how the Republican and Democratic parties were formed and we conducted a mock campaign to simulate the use of mudslinging and campaign elements that came into play in the election of 1824. The students worked in campaign teams and created some great slogans, commercials, flyers, and campaign buttons for their candidates. Bobby Spencer won the election!

Bobby's Campaign Speech

Joe with campaign sign

Bray with Grant's campaign sign

Hugo taking video for Nick's campaign

Bennet hanging campaign posters

In Social Studies the 7/8 graders are working on Civil and Human Rights. We started this unit looking at 8 different civil rights scenarios called issue cards. Students collaborated in groups, did some background research and then created a technological presentation to support their views on the posed issue. Each student was encouraged to form their personal opinion of the group issue card. There was some lively discussion and debate!  We are looking at Jim Crow right now, the events and important people associated with the era. Students are researching three activists of that time and taking notes, then creating a summary. We are following a somewhat chronological journey through the evolution of civil rights, all the while focusing on human and civil rights issues in current events, thereby making connections between past and present. 

The FAP Big Basket Raffle

The FAP Big Basket Raffle Collections for the 14th Annual Big Basket Raffle and Silent Auction are underway! This is one of FAP’s biggest fundraisers of the year, with proceeds funding FAP programs that support all WCS and ABS students, families and staff. Items donated by our Williston School District families will be made into beautiful themed baskets that will be raffled off at the BIG BASKET RAFFLE on Saturday, April 12, 2014. We ask each family to donate one (or more) item(s) that relate to your class theme:

Ms. Donnelly- BACKYARD BBQ 

 Donation suggestions: Grilling tools, tablecloth, hotdog griller, salt and pepper shakers, BBQ fork, grilling cookbook, marinades, timer, basting brush, grilling basket, mesquite chips, apron, thermometer, portable grill, charcoal, cooler. Gift cards to Dick’s, Wal-Mart, Hannaford’s or Shaw’s, or Shelburne Meat Market.

 Mr. Hunt- TEACHERS TOOL BOX 

 Donation suggestions: school supplies, binders, desk calendar, graph paper, Ticonderoga pencils, markers, erasers, protractor, calculator, planner, post its, colored pencils, glue sticks, sticky notes, index cards, book covers, gift card to Staples, Wal-Mart

 Ms. Laberge- ROAD TRIP 

 Donation suggestions: travel mugs, first aid kit, car safety kit, National Parks guide, travel games, VT/US atlas, car organizer, neck pillow, national chain restaurant gift certificates, car wash coupons, duffle bag, car trash holder, universal phone/ipod car charger, towelettes

 Ms. Skapof- GIFT CARDS GALORE 

 Donation suggestions: Gift cards to any place in Chittenden County or credit card gift cards


We are also seeking donations from local businesses for gift basket items, gift certificates, and silent auction prizes. If you have a connection with a local business you think would be interested in supporting this school fundraiser, please contact Lisa Wong 878-1150 or lisakenwong@myfairpoint.net

NYC UPDATE

Our NYC field trip plans are coming together. We are wrapping up fundraising with the hanging basket raffle in May and concessions at the play. Looking forward, we are looking for parent volunteers. We are looking for one parent to help organize the hanging basket fundraiser in May (this includes keeping track of vouchers and emailing), two to three parents to organize our snack bins for NYC, and one to two parents to organize our pizza dinner (set up/ordering in advance) for our NYC trip.

Your son or daughter's topic for their NYC project is due tomorrow. Starting next week, they will be starting the process of selecting locations where they would like to go while we are in the city. We are looking to have an informational meeting in mid-April, more details to follow. Thanks! Debbie and Kevin

Dialogue Night

Theater Update

All students have officially made their commitment to either Macbeth or the Twisted Fairy Tales for the theater unit.  Students have taken on roles as actors, directors, stage managers, costume managers, and technical directors.  Students have also been designated to run the lights and sound booth for the show. Students who did not audition for a speaking part will take part in a related literature unit starting next week.  All the rest will start rehearsals next week, on Monday.  We look forward to entertaining you in April.