During my time as a student at CVU, I have heard many people bemoan that they aren’t interested in their classes or they don’t understand why we are taking the time to do something. While it is true that I agree with that feeling sometimes, some people take it too far, saying that there is nothing about the school that they like.
I don’t think that is possible at CVU.
At CVU, we have programs and opportunities that allow us to customize what our high school experience is like. We have access to a variety of classes, tech programs and extracurricular activities. Not to mention all the clubs that teachers and students put together and run. Not all schools have this flexibility, and more students should take advantage of it.
It takes a lot of work to allow this.
There are teachers, staff and administrators working behind the scenes to make curriculums, arrange clubs and find out what students want. Without them CVU wouldn’t be the unique school that it is.
So, to incoming freshmen, sophomores and juniors, take advantage of anything that interests you because there will be someone who shares your interest. You don’t need to enjoy everything but don’t let that stop you from finding things you do like.
To graduating seniors, I hope you have been able to find something you are passionate about during your time at CVU and that you enjoy trying new things wherever you go next.
To the teachers, staff and administrators who make this possible, thank you. You put in so much effort that doesn’t always get the appreciation that it should. We are beyond lucky to have you working to make our experiences the best they can be.
by Nina Clavandetscher, Grade 3
The e-bus disaster
It was such a stressful experience when I found out about the electric buses.
It was around 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 11. Apparently some people who lived near Allen Brook School heard the fire from their houses.
Four buses burned that night. One of them caught on fire and set the two next to them on fire., then one more caught on fire. Finally the firefighters came and put them out. When I woke up the next morning it was 7 a.m. and past the time when the bus picks me up. My mom told me about the disaster. School for Williston Central School was canceled for one day after. But it was canceled ABS for two days after. It took around two weeks to put them in the junk yard. They never used the other two electric buses again.
Julian St. Peter Grade 4
Piece of joy
Life is like a piece of joy riding the sunset away. You never know what piece of joy you’ll get, or how long that piece of joy lasts. Sometimes, it’s short like a sunset but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful. Today my piece of joy is writing this poem.
Porter Smith Grade 4
Ethan Ship, Grade 6
SECOND GRADE THOUGHTS …
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER GOTTEN?
My parents told me to pick up my toys after I played with them.
Sophia Ferris
When I was 4 my Dad said that I had to learn to ride a bike. He said “just put the pedals in the middle, then sit on the seat and push on the pedals.” It worked!
Chip Devitt
The best advice is always using an upper case letter to start someone’s name. It helps me because I am used to lower case letters.
— Kennedy Williams
My mom told me to pick up after myself, and it helped to keep my room clean.
— Thira Chafe
I WISH THERE WAS A LAW THAT SAID:
Everyone could only say “six-seven” one time a day.
— Tyler Coburn
All people get to be treated fairly.
— Evelyn Linter
There is no speed limit.
— Levi Conant
LIFE IS LIKE:
Something that is so big. Max Purcell
A fireball.
— Levi Conant
Great and sometimes overwhelming.
— Rafi McGowan
IF I HAD A SUPERPOWER, IT WOULD BE:
Invisibility, so I can hide. — Rida Islam
Shape-shifting, because I could shape-shift into anything.
— Hollis Whritenour
To be able to breathe underwater.
— Rafi McGowan
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AND WHY?
I am most excited about going to Spain. I am going to the Barcelona Stadium. I might see a picture of Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Ronaldinho Gaúcho. Their food is going to be delicious. Yummy!
— Finn Scott
I am excited for summer to go to my backyard with my brother. We will use this water thing, that you get this board and then you slide on it. There are three lanes.
— Zola Chavez
WHAT FAMOUS PERSON WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO MEET AND WHY?
I would like to meet Noah Kahan because I love his songs.
— Dean Mitchell
I would like to meet Lionel Messi because he is one of the best soccer players in the world.
— Louie DeVries
I would like to meet Adam and Justin from the YouTube channel Lanky Box. I would like to get an autograph from them and to be in one of their videos.
— Gabe Morgan
WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
My family inspires me because they know a lot of stuff. My teachers inspire me because they get to teach stuff.
— Maddy Gilbert
My teacher inspires me because she teaches me.
Mia Wisowaty
Peter the Zeeter
Filippa Escorpizo and Oli Agoos, Grade 4
This is Peter, he is a Zeeter. A Zeeter is a very colorful otter mixed with a zebra. Zeeters eat lots of stuff, such as: grass, fish, plants and a lot more!
Zeeters usually live on land but they are awesome swimmers too. They don’t like being around humans, because they are an endangered species. There are only 52 left in the world!
Peter is really curious, but his parents don’t want him to be. Since Peter is very curious he tries going up to humans, but his parents grab him back.
That is all we know about Peter the Zeeter.
Filippa Escorpizo and Oli Agoos Grade 4
your neighbors,
to keeping you informed on what’s going on in Williston.
FOCUS ON THE PEOPLE WHO MATTER
The best advice I ever received was to focus on the people that matter and not let the loud people tell you who to be. My mom told me this because, once upon a time I didn’t know who I should be.
In your life, no matter who you are, you will always have someone telling you to be different or not be you. You should always stay true to you and focus on the people who are letting you be you.
It doesn’t matter if you want to be with people because they’re cool or popular, you should always find friends and people you can trust. These are people who won’t try and be better than you or try to make you be someone you’re not.
I was lucky to find people
THE BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED …
who let me be me. I will always hope that everyone can find someone they can be themselves with. Finding people to be myself with will always be the best advice I have ever received.
Hadley Albertson
Grade 8
EVERYTHING’S GOING TO BE ALRIGHT
The best advice I ever received was from my sister (Allison Biunno) and my coaches (Trevor Gould and James Northington). They told me that, in the end everything was going to be alright, that I didn’t need to stress too much about it. I was going to be ok.
This made me realize that maybe parts of my day might be challenging, but at the end of the day, I have people to talk to and support me. They told me
that there might be some bumps in the road, but that’s OK and it happens to everyone. It made me realize that I was not the only person who did not have a perfect life with no bumps in the road. Without bumps in the road, I would not be who I am today. All the challenges that everyone goes through make them who they are.
This also made me realize that our lives are like roads. There might be some speed bumps that slow us down, but we are not stopped completely. Without these, we would be going too fast and would not be in control until we get into a car crash. So all those bumps in the road are just shaping it so we can live a longer, better life and have time to take it all in.
You might not be happy all the time, but sometime soon you will be cruising along the road again. This made me feel a lot
better and notice that I will get over whatever is happening and move on, and drive away from that bump in the road.
Maddie Biunno Grade 8
WATERFALLS AND ROCKS
The best advice that I’ve ever received is “A waterfall wouldn’t sound so melodious if it didn’t have rocks in its way.”
This has moved me so much because middle school has highs and lows, and during those lows you need something to move you, and this is what it did to me.
Every time I was upset I would remind myself that it was happening for a reason, that every tough time I went through was just shaping me as a person. This all just drove me to be a better person and keep pushing through even when times got tough, and this is why this was
the best advice I’ve ever received. Richard Rosenfeld Grade 8
DO WHAT IS RIGHT NO MATTER WHAT
The best advice I have ever gotten was from my mom. She always tells me to do what is right, no matter what. It only takes one person to make a change, and you just have to be brave. If you only do things because everyone else is, nothing will ever change. My mom always tells me to be the person that does something different, that tries to make a change, even if my actions don’t end up changing anything. What matters most is that you tried, and that is something to be extremely proud of.
Dani D’Agostino Grade 8
CHILDREN’S CLOTHES
WOMEN’S CLOTHES
MATERNITY CLOTHES BABY GEAR TOYS AND BOOKS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The place where drama stirs Where life blurs
You change In exchange You biggen Dig in To your new life
Josie Morse Grade 6
BACK
Your back!
3 months of tears, Your back!
It feels like it’s been years! Your back!
Is this just my imagination? Is this a fake creation?
Or is this a hallucination?
But that sweet, sweet, feeling is there... I think you’re back, Even if you’re not here.
Emma Riani Grade 6
THE TOMATO
There was a little tomato. He thought his name was Mateo. He started to think... What if I’m pink? But realized he was just a tomato.
By Hazel Ellsworth Grade 3
ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT
Expanded
Spacious 1- and 2-Bedroom Apartments
Hair Salon
Community Rooms
Vibrant Social Atmosphere
POETRY PAGE
YOU & ME
How do people like me When I can’t like myself? If I let my emotions be free, It would be good for no one’s health. Because you don’t give enough Credit, kid, they love you just for you. All of your flaws are just little fluffs, As long as you are true.
Even if your right, I have no way to know for sure. This is just my battle that only I can fight, And all the others are just so pure.
I’m telling you, You are so much better than that. I see you through and through, You aren’t just another little brat. You are just trying to make me better, But I just never can. I think they just say let’s get her, And I hate that you’re acting like my biggest fan.
Well, I hate you feeling blue, You would not be better “new”. All I really know is that I love you, And that is always true.
Caro Adams Grade 6
I AM A THIRD GRADER
I wonder what I can do. I hear my friends. I see my paper. I want to go outside. I am a third grader.
NO MATTER WHAT
Life is like a school
Sometimes it can be boring
Sometimes it can be fun
But deep down in your heart it’s something you never wanna forget
And it’s a memory that will always be there with you
Even if people go their own ways
You always have them at the back of your mind
Even if it has been years No matter what.
Kimberly Cepena Grade 4
FOGGY DEW
On freezy mornings with breezy air
In meadows dew drops everywhere, So glossy with their crystal glow
But they can’t stay they got to go.
Sun comes up they evaporate
Cuz, water dose on sunny days, Speaking of its time for fog So gray and smoky not what you want
When driving down a foggy road It’s hard to see with whooshing smoke, You can hear a dripping noise And the breezy wind so wet and moist.
Alexiah Many Grade 5
SPRING IN VERMONT
And now you can simply see, after coming on that trip with me, That spring in Vermont is the best, So put on your boots, and a vest, And come outside, read a book, Jump in a puddle, sneak a look At blooming flowers, But most of all, be sure to appreciate spring Until all the flowers are tall, and summer turns into fall.
Amara S. Gilmour Graziano
Grade 4
FLUTTER
When you walk by my heart starts to flutter. When you walk by, I skip a breath. When you walk by I want to talk to you right away, But then I shutter away. When you walk by I probably blush, I mean what can I say... You’re my crush. There, I said it. You are my crush. Flutter.
Emma Riani Grade 6
LIFE IS LIKE A BOOK
I pretend to know it all. I feel cool.
I touch my water bottle. I worry about failing. I am a third grader.
I understand math.
I say ‘hi, how are you?’ I dream about being a tenth grader.
I try my best.
I hope I will get good grades. I am a third grader.
By Scarlett Guyette Grade 3
Here in Vermont, each season is different, and brings something new, so put on your rain jacket, I’m about to show you!
In Vermont, summer is hot, winter is cold, And fall has colorful trees that are bold, But spring is the best, with tulips, and daffodils, and the greenest of leaves, And finally, FINALLY, no coats — just short sleeves!
With butterflies, and robins, ducks, and fawns, Lots and lots of thawing ponds, With frogs, and toads, and loads of fish! Also new activities, Like spring skiing, and softball and baseball, soccer, and more, And these are only some of the reasons it’s spring we adore!
Every day is a sentence, every month is a page, and every year is a chapter. Sometimes books have bad sentences or pages Just like life… But also books have good times and funny moments that make you realize that’s a great book and I’m a great person! Just like a book you are awesome so keep being you!
Diana Lefebvre
Grade 4
STOP
Don’t you wish the world would slow down? Sometimes, it feels like we all drown. The worlds at crisis, Big, And small, And all it needs to do is stop. Stop. Stop. Stop.
The war of tears inside our minds, The war between all our kinds. Everything needs to slow down, And stop.
Emma Riani
Grade 6
How the climate is intensifying weather events
BY GRACE TAYLOR Grade 8
Climate is defined as the longterm average temperature in a certain region on Earth. In the past 50 years that we have observed our average temperatures, the 10 highest global-average temperatures have all happened in the past 10 years.
This is a very abrupt and shocking statistic. Something is happening to our Earth. Our world is warming rapidly and it is completely because of humans. Humans are burning fossil fuels to power our homes, cars and cities. But the fossil fuels release greenhouse gas emissions that are heating Earth’s atmosphere, surface and oceans very quickly.
But global warming has a bigger impact than just warming the climate. Climate change is intensifying weather events making them dangerous and more extreme, including wildfires, heatwaves and hurricanes.
Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. A wildfire is an unplanned and uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly and can be started naturally from lightning, or can be started by human causes.
Wildfires have been increasingly getting worse as a result of the rapidly changing climate. The World Economic Forum says: “as the region grows hotter and drier, wildfires are growing in size, ferocity and speed.” This means that as the climate rapidly gets warmer and the earth gets drier, wildfires are able to grow in size.
In addition, according to Earth Justice, “in summer 2023, smoke wafting down from nearly 900 wildfires affected as many as 70 million people.”
Research shows that droughts in the U.S. have become more severe and long lasting because of climate change. The drier the earth gets, the more fuel the wildfires have. As a result, millions of people lose their homes and are affected by the air quality. There have been multiple air quality alerts because of the hazardous air pollution from wildfires.
Many people don’t realize that heatwaves are an extreme weather event, but they are intensifying rapidly. A heatwave is a period of abnormally hot weather, and these temperatures are much hotter than the average. The World Economic Forum says: ”each fraction of a degree warmer is having a bigger impact than the last, and this lengthens heatwaves and increases their frequency.” This shows that even just
a degree warmer can make a huge impact on the length of heatwaves.
According to National Geographic “heatwaves are rising in frequency, due to fossil fuel emissions.” Every day, fossil fuel emissions are released into the atmosphere. These emissions are having a big impact on the length that heatwaves go for. And the heatwaves themselves are causing other weather events. “A warmer atmosphere affects the water cycle because warmer air can hold more water vapor,” says National Geographic. This can lead to more precipitation, and results in more flooding and landslides, since the water from the atmosphere can cause rocks to move. Research shows that extreme heat is one of the deadliest climates, and it claims over 489,000 deaths each year,” according to National Geographic.
The longer the heatwave is, the more people are affected. Earth Justice explains that “extreme heat has also increased the demand for air conditioning, which is fueling carbon pollution.” This is not helping us burn less fossil fuels. Ultimately, if it wasn’t so hot outside, there would be less of a demand and there wouldn’t be as much carbon pollution.
Throughout the world, hurricanes are also being affected by the changing climate. A hurricane is a tropical storm that has very strong wind and rain. Earth Justice explains: “hurricanes are growing more powerful as global temperatures rise. Hurricanes get their energy from warm water, and as the climate increases in temperature, so does the water.”
Hurricanes are becoming more intense because the warm water gives them fuel.
The number of hurricanes that have occurred over recent years has not been linked to climate change, but the intensity is,” according to Earth Justice. The intensity of hurricanes has become noticeably worse.
As hurricanes become more intense, millions are being affected.
Because of climate change,
wildfires, heatwaves and hurricanes are becoming more powerful and are intensifying. But there are efforts being made to limit pollution to help decrease the rapidly warming climate.
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular. Many states have committed to electric vehicles as well. For example, California has committed to electrifying locomotives and public buses.
If more states agree to take these steps, it would have huge benefits. Organizations are also stopping the buildout of methane gas and getting funding to have electric school buses and mail trucks.
If we don’t go through with these things, the climate will increasingly get warmer and weather events will get more extreme. Only with everyone’s efforts can we start to move to decreasing climate change.
Blake Beaudry, Grade 8
Serving our community since 1985
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Burlington
One thing I’ve noticed getting increasingly popular this school year is the use of technology. Technology is definitely fun to use, but overusing it can make problems. In this article, I will be discussing how bad overusing technology really is.
You may think the people who make your devices and the apps you use are trying to benefit you and what you want — but if you think that, you’re wrong.
Sean Parker, the very first president of Facebook, once said that when Facebook was first getting going, people would come up to him and say that they’re not on social media and they value real-life interactions, moments, presence and intimacy. His response was: “We’ll get you
eventually.”
IN OUR OPINION
Social media and technology truly isn’t good for you. The U.S. Surgeon General thought that social media was so bad for young people’s brains, that he thought the apps should come with warning labels on them, just like the ones you see on cigarettes. The percentage of American teen girls who say they felt lonely was just under 30% in 1997. But by 2021, the numbers showed close to 50%.
For boys, the percentage was a little bit lower than 20% in 1997, and then zoomed up to 30% in 2021.
Now, a quick recap of some things that happened between 1997 and 2021 were the invention of iPhones, the starting of
many hugely popular social media apps, and Google becoming much more popular.
Did you know that a lot of people born in Gen-Z (between 1997 and 2012) wish that social media was never invented?
That’s right! A lot of people from Gen-Z wish that they had learned how to do something real, instead of focusing on social media all the time (please note that this does not apply to every person in Gen-Z, just some people in Gen-Z).
Your device often sucks you in, and you think you only spent a little time on it, but you actually spent way more than that.
Fun fact: If you spend two hours of your time on screens a day, you are spending one full month
Let’s let our library grow
of your time on screens a year. Many times I’ve thought I’ve only spent two hours on my devices in one day, when I’ve actually spent three to four hours. In conclusion, I believe that devices can be a great tool. They’re awesome for doing schoolwork, listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks, using an online calculator, and even doing a bit of social media and gaming. However, they are not good to over-use. I think that every person should try to spend two hours maximum time on apps used for fun, such as social media and gaming apps.
I know some of us don’t want our library to get expanded, but there are so many advantages of having a bigger library.
The library is a safe place for kids who want to read and relax after a long day at school, and they can do research to improve their grades. Plus, the library has so many activities to help kids find new hobbies and make friends.
The library is a great place for families who are on a tight budget and can’t afford books. They can read the books there, instead
of having to spend money. If we had a bigger library there would be more books, which means more learning opportunities for kids, tweens, teenagers, and even adults.
The library is peaceful and can help calm you down after an awful argument or a bad headache. The books can help take your mind off your problems, and take you to new worlds. Also, librarians are kind, helpful, and overall nice.
If you are worried about the project costing too much money,
just think of all the money you can save on books by going to the library, and if the library was expanded there would be even more books.
The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is conveniently located near the school so kids can wait for their parents after activities and sports practices. If the library is expanded, they would have even more places to hang out and wait for their parents, so it would be less crowded.
The library is a place for kids to go if they have that one book
that they really want to read but they can’t find it anywhere else. If the library was expanded it would provide even more opportunities for kids to find stories that they love. People would have more chances to do things that they love. After all, libraries don’t just have books. They have activities. A bigger library would mean more chances for people to make connections. If the library got expanded it would be nothing but good news!
Collins Barbot Grade 6
Evelyn Shearer Grade 4
I wish there was a law that said no burnouts. Everyday in the evening I am eating dinner peacefully with my family and all the sudden I hear VRMMMMMMMM. Some stupid car burning out on Route 2A.
It makes me so mad and agitated that these people have the nerve to make such a loud noise with their cars.
Even just driving on Williston Road people do it. Sometimes when I am at school I hear it too. Everytime I am so mad. I understand that people like this, but go farther away from where everybody is. Like in rural Vermont. Or go to a car show where people gather to hear this.
Ethan Ship Grade 6
When social activities feel overwhelming, being happy and connected can seem impossible. Guidance and support from the Stern Center can help your child gain confidence, learn to connect, and build friendships.
Choose one-to-one or a small group. Openings available now and for summer.
Zephyr Fortier Grade 5
If I had a superpower, it would be…
Just imagine going through the air as a bald eagle. Climbing up a tree as a leopard. Or swimming as a fish.
The super power I would most enjoy is to change into any animal that I want.
The first animal would be a big cat. I mostly want to be a leopard because it has strong muscles. I would drag animals the same as my whole body weight.
The second animal that I would like to be is an eagle because I could fly anywhere I want. The next animal is an octopus. I would be an octopus so I can camouflage. For example, I would camouflage into the color of the surroundings around me like a chameleon, to protect me from predators.
These are the reasons why I want the superpower of changing into an animal.
Clark W. Dickinson Grade 4
If I had any superpower in the world I would like to have the power to have some of the things I draw come to life. The reason I would want this superpower is because I could create a machine that filters all polluted air into clean air.
It would do the same thing in the ocean but it would filter trash and unclean water.
I would also make an animal that heals the wounds of other injured animals to make animals that suffer in the cold winter not die.
The last thing I would make would be a machine that protects
people, making it so that if someone is in danger they could protect themself.
In conclusion, If I could have any superpower I would choose the power to have some of the things I draw come to life.
Ewan Capitaine Grade 5
If I could have any superpower then I would definitely pick one of the most underrated ones: pyrokinesis. The ability to control fire would be so fun. You could cook so many marshmallows.
But it could also be very helpful to the homeless community. I could give them all fire to stay warm or cook food.
There are different types of fire too, such as Balefire, which usually refers to a large, open-air fire, such as a bonfire. There is also a long burning fire called eternal flames that I could use as light.
There are many other ways to use that power, but those are the ones that I would like the most.
Teddy Patten Grade 6
If I had a superpower it would be the ability to have unlimited food. I would want this power so I can stop world hunger.
It’s important to stop world hunger because people are starving and dying in the world and that needs to stop.
And that’s why I would want my superpower to be unlimited food.
Tennison Mcclellan Grade 3
Maddox Antonioli, Grade 6
FOUR SEASONS IN THE GREENS
Imagine waking up to a beautiful view, no matter where you are. You feel the sap from the trees travel into your nose, or the cold wind blowing in your face. Winter, Summer, Spring, or Fall — it’s all beautiful.
In fall the maple trees are ready. You go harvest the sap and make maple syrup. It tastes delicious and sweet just like you expected. But now it’s winter. Look at the mountains full of snow. It’s time to go skiing, snowboarding or even sledding. Or you could just stay inside.
But now it’s hot. Time to go swimming. Let’s go to the lake and get some fresh air. Maybe ice cream while we’re at it. Maple flavor does sound good!
Breanna Aguillon
Grade 5
SEE YOU UP HERE
Oh hi, I did not see you there. I was too busy looking at the beautiful sunrise.
GREEN MOUNTAIN AMBASSADORS
Do you know anything about Vermont? You don’t! Well, let me show you around.
First, I will show you the views, for example, Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield. So now you want to move to Vermont?
You don’t!
I know, I’ll take you to Lake Champlain. It’s a beautiful lake. There you can go fishing, swimming, or you can go in a boat. Have I convinced you yet?
No?
Well, you’ll want to move to Vermont after I show you this sunset. It is so beautiful. So do you want to move now?
You do! Well, see you up here.
Elizabeth Higgins Grade 2
IT’S AWESOME HERE
Chirp chirp chirp! Do you hear the peaceful birds? You can hear them every morning if you moved to Vermont.
You can tap maple trees and eat maple syrup. Yum yum! You
can go to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You can go swimming and sailing in Vermont’s many lakes. You can go kayaking and canoeing in lakes too. You can go to fairs and win prizes and eat cotton candy.
Swish swish swish! It’s fun in the snow! Those sounds are the sounds of skis! Did you know? You can go skiing in Vermont. Some places to go are Bolton Valley and Cochran ski area.
There are tons of animals to see and hear in Vermont. For example, you can see snakes, frogs, bunnies, coyotes, birds, squirrels and foxes.
There is good ice cream too! For example, Ben & Jerry’s.
In the fall the leaves turn from bright green to scarlet red and yellow. Our falls are beautiful. You can go hiking and mountain biking.
Lucy Allard Grade 2
YUMMY MAPLE
Vermont is a beautiful state because it has a lot of trees. The most important tree is the maple tree. It gives us sap to make maple syrup. The maple syrup tastes so good!
Abby Mangler Grade 2
SKIING AND SWEETS
If you like skiing you should move to Vermont. In Vermont there are so many places to go sledding and skiing. For example you can go to Bolton Valley and Cochran ski area.
You can look for seashells at lakes or beaches too! You can garden and watch beautiful flowers and delicious veggies grow. You can slash in puddles after it rains and take friends with you. Splish splash! Move to Vermont! Be of Vermont! There are opportunities some places do not have. It’s awesome here!
JOIN US!
Ruby McCoy Grade 2
You would like Vermont. There are ski resorts where you can go skiing in the winter. When it is fall or summer you can go on hikes. There are kind people. We are lucky for having a lot of color in the fall. For example orange, red, yellow and pinkish leaves on the ground and on the trees.
There are ponds and beautiful lakes that you can sail on or you can go on a boat and go fishing. The fish that you can catch are bass, trout and sunfish.
The weather is mostly good. We don’t get a lot of tornadoes. In the summer it is really nice but it’s really dry. In the spring you can go in your backyard or in your front yard and make maple syrup. So come and join us in Vermont!
Luna Hale Grade 2
Another reason is you can go to places to see maple syrup treats. For example, you can eat maple ice cream and maple lollipops and maple donuts. Yummy! Also, our community is so nice. In Vermont there are so many kind people.
6
ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEAS
SURF’S UP
If I opened a business, I would open a surf/smoothie shop on the beach, and the name of it would be Surf’s Up.
I would sell tropical smoothies, coconut drinks, fruit bowls and bacon (if you come early in the morning.)
And then for the “surf side” of it, I would let people rent surf boards and paddle boards. I would also sell life jackets, hoodies, t-shirts and scuba gear.
How would I promote it? I would have my friends run around the beach with signs that say Surfs Up is having a sale!
Nora Piotrowski Grade 4
EMMA’S CAT HOTEL
If I opened my own business it would be a cat hotel where cat owners can bring their cats if they are going on vacation. It would
be called Emma’s Cat Hotel.
I would advertise my cat hotel by putting up posters. It would have a mascot named Bob.
Finally, what I would do with the cats is I would play with them and make sure they have comfortable cages.
Emma Wilson Grade 3
DENTAL HYGIENIST
If I could run a business, I would be a dental hygienist because I can use my mom to learn how. I would get to clean people’s teeth and make them happy by cleaning them.
I would advertise by grabbing a sign and painting it. It would say “go this way to get your teeth shiny and clean.”
Amelia Goddard Grade 3
Josie Morse, Grade
Miss Emily by Sophia Ferris, Grade 2
Miss Kathy by Kennedy Williams, Grade 2
Miss Laurie by Louie DeVries, Grade 2
Miss Mac by Mia Wisowaty, Grade 2
Miss Molly by Maddy Gilbert, Grade 2
Mr. Fred by Dean Mitchell, Grade 2
Mr. Roth by Levi Conant, Grade 2
Ms. St. Amour by Zola Chavez, Grade 2
Mrs. Bartley by Max Purcell, Grade 2
Will Cinadr Grade 4
What makes a good friend?
Good friends play together. And they are kind.
They listen well. Friends help you. They share stuff. They take turns. Say a lot of questions. They are very fun.
They care about you. They like you. They know you!
Lilly Dionne Grade 3
A good friend cares for you. Friends take turns when playing together. They like you a lot. They know when you’re feeling sad.
Logan Poulin Grade 3
I wish adults knew...
Sometimes I wish adults knew that they were also once kids. I know they say that “I know what it’s like to be a child” but if they did, why would they act like this. They act the way their parents used to act to them and they used to not like it.
Sometimes big people don’t understand that they are doing something that, when they were small, they did not like their parents doing to them. This is something that makes parents, later in life, extremely distant. And maybe an adult reading this will understand that they do
exactly this.
Ewan Capitaine Grade 5
As a 10 year old fourth grader, do you know what I don’t like? What I don’t like is when parents walk around with their phones glued to them.
Whenever we ask for help or to play, we get ignored and then we get yelled at the second time. And after they help us, they go back onto their phone just to keep watching stuff on them.
It’s really annoying!
Taylor E. Traub Grade 4
A chance to change
Imagine you could go back to the beginning of the school year and tell yourself something that would make you have a strong, powerful school year. Would you do it? I would.
If I could tell myself something, it would be not to worry about not having any friends in my class. I would tell myself that I will meet a wonderful third grader, and that she is a little shy but it doesn’t matter because so am I.
Make friends, build up trust … you’ll need it at some point in your life. Show your goofy self. Don’t let yourself be quiet all the time. Don’t bury your emotions because that can change you. You’re not alone nor lonely. Pressure only builds if you let it.
Then I would tell myself to not worry about my grades as much.
Math is a little hard, but you will get through it.
It’s crazy how divine life is but it’s also so short, so enjoy the little things. You’re allowed to be stressed and you’re allowed to cry, don’t be afraid to say you’re hurt.
Embrace the moments when you’re not scared to go back to your favorite sport and push through your fear. Keep trying to get horseback riding lessons. If you truly love something you don’t stop.
So now that you have read all of this, would you tell yourself something to improve your year? And if you would, would it have improved your year a lot or a little?
For me it would have changed my year a lot.
Eliza B. Andrews Grade 4
Williston is the best!
Living in Williston as a fifth grader is basically like having a giant backyard that never ends.
During the school week, I’m at Williston Central School, which is awesome because the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library and the huge community playground are right next door. I’m usually outside on the bike path or hanging out at the Community Park, where there’s a skatepark, a basketball court and a skating rink in the winter. In the summer, you can find me with my friends at the baseball field. This is why, if you’re thinking about moving, you should come to Williston.
Jaxon Sutton Grade 5
The best part about living in Williston is going to Williston schools. First, you get to learn. Second, you get to write.
We can make Williston a better place by picking up trash, and not littering for any reason.
Kira Kapetanovic Grade 1
The best part about living in Williston is going to Allen Brook School because today we went to the Tree Island. It is the best!
We can make Williston a better place by picking up trash, making nests for birds to live in and working together to make Williston a better place!
Oliver Heck Grade 1
The best part about living in Williston is to have a good brother and a good play place.
Vivian Pham Grade 1
The best part about living in Williston is Tree Island because the shed is warm and toasty. I love the stick house. I love the play kitchen. I love the tire swing. I love the whole Tree Island!
We can make Williston a better place by not littering because it is not good for the earth.
Emily McGrath
Grade 1
The Stick Men by Perth Scott, Grade 3
Big news for me and Mr. Bailey
This sixth grade year for me has been a blast! New and old friendships … Incredible teachers!!
But Mr. Bailey has really always been there for, not just me, but the students, and probably the teachers too.
As I’m getting older, I realize that Mr. Bailey will not be my teacher in the 7th and 8th grade. That fact has been sitting in the back of my head for this whole school year. It was as if next year would be impossible and last forever without a VERY trusted, welcoming, and, dare I say, HILARIOUS teacher!
But recently my whole class and I found out that Mr. Bailey will be joining a 7/8 house called Willow next year.
When I first heard about this I knew immediately that I just had to be in Willow house.
I will not talk about how much I deserve to be in Willow house but how Mr. Bailey deserves to be in Willow.
Mr. Bailey is a hard worker and when someone needs him he will literally leave and grab another teacher so that he can go and give support to whoever needs him.
Mr. Bailey is respectful, and he will give you a good laugh.
Change is hard, especially leaving a teacher that you have worked with for 10 years. But, Mr. Bailey, I wish you not to think about this as a horrible challenge, but as a rollercoaster that you haven’t ridden yet.
Emmerson Andrews Grade 6
This is me!
I love being colorful and drawing in my sketchbook! This is a self portrait and something I’m passionate about.
I adore my sketchbook because it is my safe place where I can express myself. When I am drawing, I am at peace and I love putting my feelings on paper.
In this piece I drew myself and my sketchbook with my favorite characters around. My sketchbook is absolutely filled with these characters!
Thi Thach Grade 8
My self portrait by Abby Gelles, Grade 6
In my garden Ski trail catastrophe
By Evie Shearer, Grade 4
By Evie Shearer, Grade 4
“Stick together and don’t get lost, you two,” my dad said from the main trail 10 feet away.It was the weekend, and my brother and I were about to ski down a favorite woods trail at Bolton Ski Resort.My dad was going to stay on the main trail, so he wanted us to be extra safe.
“Ok!” my brother and I said in response. We started heading down the trail but instantly something caught my eye. There were footprints on the trail, and the funny thing was, they seemed to be leading back up the trail. It seemed like someone had to hike back up the trail for some reason.
The trail itself was weird too, it looked like no one had gone down it in a while so the snow wasn’t packed down and I kept sinking into it. I wanted to get off but there was no visible way I could get off the trail at the moment. I kept nervously skiing down the trail, hoping nothing bad happened.
In a few more minutes I stopped at what looked like a dead end. At that point I was pretty worried. I looked to the side and saw that some sort of creek filled with snow divided the main trail and the one I was on. Trying to cut across that on skis would be just as hard as getting past a brick wall.
I started panicking, my breathing got faster and I started to feel hot and sweaty from worry. A thousand thoughts raced through my head, like, I’m stuck! I’m going to die here! I’ll never get out of here!
All these thoughts rushing through my head at once made it impossible to think. My dad who had been watching us from the main trail saw that I was stopped and asked, “Is there a way out of there? Are you stuck?”
Hearing my dad’s voice brought me back to reality, and I was able to take a few deep breaths to calm myself. I took a few moments to smell the pine trees and listen to the soothing sounds of nature, relaxing myself. I finished draining all the yelling thoughts out of my head, then I was able to calmly say, “No, I don’t think so, but I can just hike back up the trail.”
I turned to my brother who was a couple feet up the trail still and yelled, “Spencer, stop! There’s no way to continue so we have to hike back up the trail!”
He stopped and turned around to hike back up, I followed. I tried taking a few steps with my skis but, in the deep snow, it was as hard as walking in molasses. I saw that my brother had taken off his skis and I did the same.
With my skis in my hands I took the first step and FWOOMP. The snow was almost up to my waist. Uh oh, I thought. I hadn’t expected the snow to be this deep. Maybe if I spread out I won’t sink in as much, I thought.
So then I got down on hands and knees and it seemed to work. I wasn’t sinking in as much. Though, crawling like that
made it hard to carry my skis. And even though I was spread out, my hands still sunk in every once in a while. My brother saw me struggling and said, “Use your skis as snow shoes on your hands.”
“Good idea!” I said in response. I did what he told me and held my skis in both my hands. It really did help, and now I didn’t have to carry my skis, plus my hands didn’t sink into the snow anymore.
It was still hard work climbing up the hill though, and I could feel myself dripping with sweat. I could smell it too. My muscles were aching. Finally, after what felt like a million hours, my brother and I reached the top, sweaty and tired. I spied my dad just outside the trail and skied over to him.
“That was weird!” I said, trying to be high spirited. “But the hard thing was at first I started panicking, but then I realized that that wasn’t helping the situation. So I then took a few deep breaths and realized the solution was simple. After I did that, going back up the trail was a piece of cake! Kind of.”
“Well I’m glad you were able to notice you were panicking and then calm yourself down,” said my dad. Then he said, “Now let’s go get some hot coco!”
My brother and I cheered in response. I could already taste the warm, sweet, brown liquid in my mouth.
Rowan Ashley Grade 6
By Amelia Crosby, Grade 3
I am free
Freedom is the flag at dawn, woven from sacrifice, steady hope, and stories shared over grandma’s peach tea. It’s a promise passed from one rough hand to another, the kind you feel in a handshake at the local diner.
It’s being able to say what I think, to hold on to my faith, and what I believe, to show my kids what really matters: God, country, grit, and maybe a little resistance, too.
Freedom is the farm at the edge of town, the small business built from nothing, the dignity of work and reward, my future unpromised, but mine to earn.
It’s less government in my pocket, more trust in what I can build. The right to bear arms, to defend my home, my family, to stand for the Constitution, word by word.
Freedom is respect for tradition, the wisdom of those who came before, its boundaries, not
just open fields, laws that hold us together, not apart.
It’s the choice to kneel and pray, to rise and pledge, to question, but not to cancel, to disagree, but still belong.
In America, freedom means holding tight to what makes us strong: faith, family, country, and remembering what it took to get here.
Freedom is the porch light burning at sunset, a promise that I can come and go, that what’s mine is earned, and safe.
It’s the right to question, to debate, without fear of being silenced, to gather with friends and family for barbecue and laughter, to teach my future children the value of work, of faith, of standing up and standing strong.
Freedom is the handshake at the county fair, the anthem before the game, the sense that we’re all in this together, even
The big fire
There has been a lot of big news this year, but do you want to know the biggest news this year?
when we disagree.
It’s knowing the Constitution was written for days like these, when the world feels upside down, and everyone disagrees with each other. Holding to its word is both a shield and an anchor.
Freedom is the open road, the small town, the pride in flying the flag, the belief that opportunity is born from effort, not entitlement.
It’s the courage to defend what matters, to honor our history, to protect our future, to build, to conserve, to hope.
In America, freedom means responsibility, to speak up, to work hard, to care for family and neighbor, to remember that liberty thrives when we stand for what we believe, together and unafraid.
On March 11 at 10:35 p.m. at Allen Brook School, four buses caught on fire! They burst in flames. My house is right next to the school. That night I smelled something odd. I told my mom and dad. Then my dad saw big flames from the school parking lot!
That night I wondered how the buses caught on fire. The next day we didn’t have school because they were investigating the buses.
He told my mom and me. Then my dog (Riley) started barking. She hated it.
Scarlett DuPont Grade 6
Emery Hutchins Grade 3
By Kira Kapetanovic, Grade 1
By Simon Cardenas, Grade 1
By Collins Barbot, Grade 6
Playing for the Cup
This year’s FIFA World Cup is extra special because it’s taking place in North America! Between June 11 and July 19, 11 U.S. cities, along with three cities in Mexico and two in Canada, will host soccer teams from all over the world as they compete for the championship title.
U.S. host cities are:
Miami
Mexican host cities are Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey. Canadian hosts are Toronto and Vancouver.
What is FIFA?
FIFA (FEE-fah) is a French acronym for the International Federation of Association Football. (In the U.S., we call this game soccer.) It is the organization in charge of the World Cup and other international soccer tournaments.
Getting organized
FIFA organizes members into six confederations, or groups. Each confederation hosts a tournament to determine which teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The countries hosting the matches qualify automatically. This will be the first tournament with 48 teams, an expansion from 32.
The World Cup has two stages, or parts:
Try ’n’ Find
Next Week: Father’s Day
Mini Fact: Argentina is the defending World Cup champion, having won its third title in 2022.
group play and knockout play. In group play, each team plays the other three teams in its assigned group. If a team wins, it receives three points; a draw, or a tie, is awarded one point. The two teams with the most points in each group advance to the knockout stage, where a loss means elimination.
2026 FIFA World Cup Groups
Group
Group B
Canada
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Qatar Switzerland
Group E
Germany Curaçao
Group
Group H
Spain
Cape Verde
Saudi
Uruguay
Group K
Portugal DR
Uzbekistan
Colombia
Group C Brazil Morocco Haiti Scotland
Group F Netherlands Japan
Meet the Mascots
With three host countries, FIFA World Cup has introduced three mascots: Maple the moose from Canada, Zayu the jaguar from Mexico, and Clutch the bald eagle from the United States.
Maple is a goalkeeper and loves music and art. Zayu is a striker who loves Mexican culture, including dance and food. Clutch, a midfielder, loves adventure and is a leader on his team.
BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, is home to soccer and rugby teams. It can hold more than 54,000 people.
Group I France
Norway
Group L
England
Croatia
Ghana
Panama
Shell
Words that remind us of the FIFA World Cup are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Island
Korner
Folino’s
Sonesta
M&T
than 87,000
World Cup 2026 Kids’ Handbook” by Alex Rice
Mini Jokes
Frank: Why can’t Cinderella play soccer?
Hannaford
Richmond
Fiona: Because she always runs away from the ball!
Mac’s
Martone’s Deli
Richmond
Frances: How do soccer players stay cool during a game?
Fred: They stand near the fans!
Founded by Betty Debnam
photo by Tasnim News Agency
photo by ProtoplasmaKid
photo by DXR
Maple, Zayu and Clutch
Estadio Azteca in Mexico City can accommodate more
spectators.
This will be the first tournament with 48 teams, an expansion from 32.
The World Cup has two stages, or parts:
Try ’n’ Find
Words that remind us of the FIFA World Cup are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Fiona: Because she always runs away from the ball!
Frances: How do soccer players stay cool during a game?
Fred: They stand near the fans!
Eco Note
A creature with a brain no larger than a sesame seed has surprised scientists by demonstrating something akin to a sense of rhythm, according to an Australian study. Bumblebees learned to recognize repeating patterns of flashes and vibrations, and could still identify the same rhythms even when the signals were faster, slower or switched from vibrations they could feel to flashes they could see. This kind of abstract pattern recognition had previously been associated with animals such as parrots, songbirds and primates.
For later:
Look in your local newspaper for coverage of the FIFA World Cup and for TV schedules to watch the games.
Community appreciation
The best thing about living in Williston is the people. Williston is such a tightly knit community, you feel very connected with lots of people.
In my neighborhood, I know most people and everyone is so friendly to each other! I remember about three years ago around Christmas time, my neighbor invited me and my sister over to make gingerbread cookies and listen to Christmas music. It
was so sweet, and I think she invited us over again the next year!
It’s just things like that that make you really appreciate the people who live around you. I really don’t think I have had many rude interactions with anyone in the community.
If everyone could live in a great community like Williston, it would be a blessing.
Country vibes
If I could meet a famous person I would want to meet is Hudson Westbrook because he’s my favorite country music artist. His music makes me happy anytime I’m feeling down or want to listen to country.
He’s not the only country artist I like. I also like Noah Kahan, Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan. I love his music so so so much. Me and one of my friends listen to him together. My favorite song of his would have to be “Painted You Pretty.”
By Josie Morse, Grade 6
Cliff Albrecht Grade 8
CJ Johnson Grade 8
By Harrison Howe, Grade 7
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1912, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to pass a minimum wage law.
• In 1917, the first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded.
• In 1942, the Battle of Midway began as the Japanese navy launched a raid on Midway Island.
• In 1989, Chinese government troops and tanks crushed a massive demonstration of pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.
• In 1998, Terry Nichols was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
TODAY’S FACT:
• The Treasury Department estimates that union members earn about 20% higher wages than their nonunion counterparts.
FOUND ON PAGE 22
Town of Williston Public Works Department
Join our Public Works team!
We’re seeking a motivated individual to help maintain and repair the Town’s water distribution and sewer collection systems. Water system experience is preferred.
Competitive pay, excellent benefits, and training opportunities.
For the complete job description and application, visit town.williston.vt.us.
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA
Tuesday, June 09, 2026 – 7:00 P.m.
Town Hall Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room (7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Webinar ID 813 6162 7981 on www. zoom.us/join
DP 24-01.1 P&P Septic Services, Inc c/o Jacob Wechsler seeks to amend final plans for DP 24-01 by adding a 15,996 squarefoot building with 18 parking stalls at 581 Shunpike Road in the GZDW.
DP 26-02.1 Blair Knowles and Matt Parisi request pre-application of a 3-unit development at 7997 Williston Road in the
VZD. The existing structure will remain 1 dwelling unit and a commercial office. 2 new dwellings constructed in the rear of the lot. Continued from March 24, 2026 and continued to June 9, 2026.
Project details and site plans are available on the website, town.williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org
GARAGE SALE
GARAGE SALE — 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 6 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 7. Churchview Drive, Williston.
NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE—Multi Family. Sat., June 6, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. rain or shine.Chatham Woods-Williston: Michael Lane off No. Williston Rd.
FOR SALE
APPLIANCE SALE—Kenmore fridge, GE dishwasher, Kenmore gas dryer, GE Stove, Kohler & Campbell piano, large desk. Pick up by buyer required. Contact cymln2@yahoo.com.
LAWN EQUIPMENT SALE — Craftsman 42” garden tractors, wagon attachment, sweeper attachment, spreader attachment. Pick up by buyer required. Contact cymln2@yahoo.com.
FOR RENT
EFFICIENCY FOR RENT— in Williston. $600 a month plus deposit. Call Rick 802-878-4169.
(802) 338-1655
EOE
Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.
week-long bait drop is a
So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.
According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
display lead dors from creemees.
A recipe for friendship
Have you ever felt like maybe some people don’t have friends? Maybe you could be their friend, and help them feel welcome. Here are some tips.
Number one is ask them to play and what their name is. Play a game where you tell 10 facts about yourself, then they can tell 10 facts about them. Maybe they can revoice what you told them.
Try to open the door to their heart so they can see who they really are. Before you go opening theirs, open yours. Then you will have the carriage for anything, including opening their hearts.
Number two, be kind. Be as kind as you can so they know you’re awesome. Don’t be mean because it will make them feel unwelcome. Being kind is the most important thing to be when you’re a friend. No one wants to be friends with mean people. Only be kind and make them feel welcome.
Use this recipe to go out there and make a new friend. Learn more about yourself by opening your heart and see who you really you are. You can do anything anytime, and anywhere
