Parents’ Association Williston’s Parents’ Association (PA) supports the school’s mission, programs, and activities for the benefit of all students. The PA facilitates communication and parent education, and encourages and coordinates volunteerism. In addition, the organization fosters a spirit of inclusion, partnership, and cooperation among the entire school community. Every parent and guardian of a current student is a welcomed member of the Parents’ Association. PA meetings are held during the school year, including the Saturday of both fall and spring Family Weekends. In addition, the Parents’ Association hosts a discussion series with guest speakers scheduled throughout the year.
Parents’ Association President Shannon A. Greenwood '83 P’13, ’15, ’17...(413) 522-1728 sgreenwood@williston.com Director of Parent Relations Rachel Goldberg........................................ (413) 529-3308 rgoldberg@williston.com
School Communications The school makes every effort to communicate with parents and guardians clearly and consistently throughout the academic year. Williston is a community that values the partnership between families and the school, believing it strengthens the educational experience for our students.
WillyNet, the password-protected area of the school’s website, is the primary source of information about events and activities on campus. Once logged in, parents may view and update their personal profile, as well as that of their child, and read and print grades and financial statements when they are available. In WillyNet, they may also view the most up-to-date calendars, check athletic schedules, and download important documents. Upper School grades will be posted online after each trimester, and comments from teachers will be posted after the fifth week in the first trimester. Comments from teachers will also be posted in each trimester for students whose grades are below 70. Letters from advisors are sent in November. A second letter from the advisor is sent in the third trimester for students in grades 9 to 11. Additional letters or emails may come from the Dean’s Office for notices of absences, warnings of accumulated minor offenses, and follow-up for more serious rule violations. Course selection books and sign-up notices are sent from the Academic Office prior to appropriate deadlines. Other special letters and emails will come from time to time. It is especially important that parents provide a current email address in order to receive school communications. All parents receive a weekly email, called the Weekly Update, that provides an overview of current activities and highlights topics that pertain to students’ general experiences at the school. Emails are sent Thursday afternoons during the school year.
Family Weekends and Visits There are two regularly scheduled weekend programs for parents. At Fall Family Weekend, October 26–27, all parents have an opportunity to meet faculty and school officials, visit classes, and attend special programs of interest to parents. Spring Family Weekend, April 26–27, includes a focus on college counseling for juniors.
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2012-13 Student Handbook
Parents are welcome to visit the school at other times; any appointments to meet with specific teachers or school officials should be made in advance. When visiting, parents may take their children off campus. The students must follow the usual sign-out procedures and are not permitted to miss any school obligations without permission from a school official.