THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - September 12, 2025
CCS Community,
This week brought a wave of new energy and possibility at Charlotte Central School as we deepen our year-long focus on Identity, Connection, Proficiency, and Direction.
Here are four big moves that happened this week with the support of our incredible faculty and staff:
⭐After-School SPARK: K–8 Clubs to Ignite Curiosity & Connections
We are thrilled to launch SPARK, a series of after-school clubs for all K–8 students designed to help kids discover new interests, build skills, forge new relationships with adults, and make new friends.
Running in multiple sessions across the year, SPARK brings students together across grades and with adults they might not otherwise meet. Clubs will feature sewing, dance, languages, leadership activities, and knitting—each a chance to spark curiosity and new connections.
Please review and complete the SPARK Session 1 interest form, which is open until Sept 21, to explore the first round of offerings and sign up.
⭐Middle School C3 Block: Clubs, Community & Connections
Every Wednesday through June, all middle school students now participate in C3 block—Clubs, Community & Connections. Options rotate every 6–8 weeks, giving students repeated opportunities to explore interests, develop skills, and build friendships across grades. C3 launched this week, and there are some fun photos below!
⭐Morning Movement for K–4
Also new this week, Morning Movement invites every K–4 student to start the day with active choice. From 7:45 to 8:08 AM, children can walk laps with friends and track their progress or join simple body-weight exercises in the center of the gym. Led by Mr. Kent and our Behavior Team, Morning Movement helps students who want—or need—an energetic start move their bodies to settle their minds before morning meeting.
⭐Faculty & Staff Clubs: Collaborative Working Groups
Our faculty and staff are also forming their own clubs through Collaborative Working Groups during Wednesday professional learning. Educators have committed to areas they care deeply about—building emotional resilience, learning American Sign Language, deepening social studies curriculum, researching project-based learning, refining technology skills, and more. These groups strengthen our professional community and directly benefit students.
All of these initiatives—SPARK for all K-8 learners, C3 for 5-8 students, Morning Movement for K-4 students, and Collaborative Working Groups for faculty & staff—reflect our commitment to engagement for every learner and educator. Together, they create rich opportunities for curiosity, creativity, and meaningful relationships, strengthening CCS as a vibrant, connected community.
With gratitude,
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
Charlotte Central School Leadership Team
Middle School Launched C3 on Wednesday
Clubs, Community, and Connections
here are just a some of them...
Making Comics Club
Chess Club
Pease Mountain Hiking & Nature Club
Yearbook Club
Creative Flow Club
Crafty Gifts Club
Did you know? CCS is a Lab School for UVM's Elementary Education Program
CCS is now in its second year as a UVM Lab School for Elementary Education majors. This semester, ten UVM interns will be at CCS every Thursday, bringing fresh energy, ideas, and learning to our classrooms.
We are excited to welcome this group into our school community and to share a group photo as they begin their time with us. Go, Cats, Go!
Counselor Connection with Betsy Lloyd
My hope is to connect with families each week through the newsletter to provide information and resources to support kids and families. As always, please reach out if you need anything, have questions, or if I can help in any way.
Opportunities for Caregivers/upcoming events:
Champlain Center is starting a FREE Child-Parent Relationship Therapy group!
What: CPRT (Child-Parent Relationship Therapy) Group
Who: Parents/caregivers of children aged 3-11
When: Fridays 12-2 PM, 9/26-12/12
Where: Offered virtually
Cost: Free (grant-funded)
Led by: Katie Wessels, LICSW and Carolynn Nagao Marcotte, LICSW from
Champlain Center for Play Therapy and Family Counseling
Please see the full details and how to register by clicking on the link below!
Champlain Center Child-Parent Relationship Therapy group registration.
Resources, Food for thought (and maybe some conversation starters)
Experience Camps for grieving kids - Experience Camps is an award-winning national nonprofit that transforms the lives of grieving children through summer camp programs and innovative, year-round initiatives. Through compassion, connection, and play, we allow grieving children to embody a life full of hope and possibility. By amplifying their voices, we are creating a more grief-sensitive culture.
To learn more check out the link below!
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday, September 17th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Wednesday, September 17th - Field Trip - Grade 1, Yates Apple Orchard, 9:10 -11:20
Wednesday, September 17th - PTO Mtg, CCS Library, 5:30 - 6:30
Saturday, September 20th - CVU Community Spirit Day, 10:00 - 4:00
Wednesday, September 24th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Friday, September 26th - Dance!! Grades 6-8, MPR, 7:00 - 9:00
Tuesday, September 30th - Open House, 5:00 - 6:00 & CCS PTO Potluck - Outside on the Playground, 6:00 - 7:00
Wednesday, October 1st - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Thursday, October 2nd - NO SCHOOL, Yom Kippur
School Library News
Welcome
With students back, the books are happy! The first few days of school gave students opportunities to visit our library space and borrow books that give them joy. Visit the Parent Portal on the library website to learn more about the program!
Schedule
K-4 classes visit the library at least once a week for their library time. Middle schoolers visit the library as needed and in collaboration with their classroom teachers.
Music News
Welcome back to Band!! I am excited for another wonderful year in music!
Any band student in grades 6 - 8 who returned their instrument over the summer, please follow one of the links below to rent an instrument for the 2025 - 26 school year by Monday, Sept. 8 to ensure your child is ready to participate in rehearsals and lessons.
The instruments will be delivered to CCS and distributed at their first lesson/rehearsal.
Feel free to contact me with any questions at asmith@cvsdvt.org
Thank you!
Andy Smith
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is open for band students in grades 6-8 and will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:00AM starting on September 16. If your child is interested, please email Chris Gribnau at cgribnau@cvsdvt.org and plan to attend our first rehearsal.
Support Our PE Program with Gently Used Equipment Donations
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I hope this message finds you well! My name is Matt Kent, and I serve as the K–4 Physical Education and Wellness Teacher here at Charlotte Central School. While I work primarily with our youngest learners, I’m reaching out to our entire K–8 community, since the donations we collect will benefit students across all grade levels.
We’re hoping to expand the movement opportunities we can provide for students, and one way you can help is by donating gently used equipment or sneakers that your family may no longer need. Some of the items we’re especially looking for include:
- Scooters (flat ride-on boards with handles)
- Balance toys (balance boards, stepping stones, river rocks)
- Wiggle boards or wobble cushions
- Pogo sticks or hop balls
- Small gymnastic equipment (tumbling mats, balance beams)
- Obstacle course components (tunnels, hoops, agility items)
- Helmets (if donating ride-on gear)
- Velcro catch sets
- Lightly used sneakers (clean and in good condition, a variety of youth sizes)
👉 Drop-off plan: Donations can be placed in the labeled tote located in the front vestibule of the school. This makes it easy for families to contribute without adding to the workload of our front office staff.
All items should be in good working condition and safe for student use. These donations will support our schoolwide focus on coordination, teamwork, creativity, and a lifelong love of movement.
If you’re unsure about whether an item is appropriate, feel free to send me a quick email or photo—I’d be happy to help. Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our PE program!
With appreciation,
Matt Kent
Physical Education & Wellness Teacher
Charlotte Central School
mkent@cvsdvt.org
SAVE THE DATE FOR CVU COMMUNITY SPIRIT DAY
SAVE THE DATE FOR CVU COMMUNITY SPIRIT DAY
Saturday, September 20
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Spirit Day is one of the most energizing days of the fall – a celebration of CVU pride, packed with home games, fans, and festivities.
The Friends of CVU are working hard to make this a true community celebration for all ages. We invite alumni, aspiring young redhawks, students, and families to stop by CVU High School on Saturday, September 20th anytime between 10am and 4pm.
Athletic teams will be playing home games all day long. Food trucks will be on site vending. Student musicians will perform. Art students will offer face painting and tattoos.
CCS Connecting Youth Seeks Youth Mentors
Across Vermont, 96% of youth with a mentor say it helps them feel like they matter. And mattering, matters! It strengthens confidence, protects against risky behaviors, and gives students the hope they need to thrive.
At CCS, we’re looking for caring adults to spend just one hour a week with a student. Interested? Reach out today to start your mentoring journey. Training, support, and flexible scheduling are provided.
Reach out to CCS Mentoring Coordinator, Jessica Phelan: jphelan@cvsdvt.org | 802-425-6682 or learn more here
Be A Substitute / Guest Teacher at CCS!
Are you interested in being a part of the CCS community and get paid? Consider being a substitute / guest teacher? Interested individuals should reach out to CVSDHR@cvsdvt.org.
Access CVU- 2025 Fall/Winter Classes are Open for Registration!
Welcome to Access CVU - Your Community Education Program!
This semester we’re proud to offer 180+ carefully curated classes taught by 76 talented instructors from across Vermont. Whether you want to start a new hobby, unleash your creativity, or simply connect with like-minded learners, Access CVU is your destination for community engagement!
Browse the Fall/Winter 2025 Catalog & sign-up online: Visit us at https://cvsdvt.ce.eleyo.com/ (or Google Access CVU). Prefer to register via email or phone? Contact us access@cvsdvt.org / 802-482-7194.
Register early! Popular classes fill fast, and low enrollment can result in course cancellations. Invite a friend, add enrichment to your calendar, and make this semester one of connection, learning, and growth!
New classes are added frequently! Sign-up for the Access CVU Newsletter HERE and follow us on social media @accesscvu.
Professional Development Courses:
- American Sign Language (ASL) for Beginners Level 1
- *BLS CPR Course
- *Heartsaver CPR and AED Training
*These courses will be open for registration at the end of September.
Interested in teaching? Complete the New Instructor Form or email us at access@cvsdvt.org.
CCS Caregiver Frequently-Used Resources
CCS Parent-Teacher Organization
Charlotte Community Resources
Hello Charlotte Community!
Villari’s Self Defense Centers is proud to be a part of the Charlotte Community School, offering weekly karate classes right here at the school. Our program gives students the chance to build confidence, focus, respect, and discipline, all while learning practical self-defense skills in a fun and encouraging environment.
Class is every Wednesday (early dismissal day): The first class will be
Wednesday, September 3rd in CCS MPR.
For years, Villari’s has helped students grow both on and off the mat. Our instructors are dedicated to creating a positive space where kids can challenge themselves, reach their goals, and feel proud of their progress.
We’re grateful to continue sharing the benefits of martial arts training with CCS families, and we look forward to seeing our students thrive each week.
To learn more about us and what we do, feel free to visit villaricenter.com or to sign up E-mail recreation@townofcharlotte.com
Darrel Duffy, 8th DAN
Chief Master Instructor
Villari's Self-Defense &
Wellness Center, LLC
Tim O'Leary, Principal; toleary@cvsdvt.org
Beth Slater, Assistant Principal & Director of Special Services; eslater@cvsdvt.org