THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - April 3, 2026
CCS Community,
There are so many great things happening at CCS—here’s a quick snapshot:
This morning, our 2nd graders hosted an incredible All-School Meeting to a packed house, including grade-2 caregivers. They led us in a greeting, shared a story, and had 400 people playing Rock-Paper-Scissors together. Their confidence, preparation, and pride were on full display—thank you, Grade 2!
Last week, I shared that we’ve been in the process of hiring our next Assistant Principal and Director of Special Services. Today, I’m excited to welcome Lauren Goracy to CCS, beginning in July. I’m confident she will be a strong addition to our community. You’ll find the full announcement below that was shared with staff on Wednesday.
Our SPARK After-School Clubs have been a huge success this year, engaging K–8 students in a wide range of opportunities. Our final session will launch after April break—look for details and signups in an email from us early next week.
Some of our 3rd graders have been working on a “Hometown Heroes” project—interviewing, researching, and creating posters about people in our Charlotte community who make a difference. It’s powerful work that reminds us that heroes are all around us. Take a look below and see who you might add.
Next weekend, we’re excited to present our middle school musical, The SpongeBob Musical, in partnership with Very Merry Theatre. Performances are Friday, April 10 at 6:30 PM and Saturday, April 11 at 4 PM (with an additional school matinee on April 9). Donations are accepted at the door in any amount—come join us! Alongside the show, our K–8 art teacher, Erika Norris, has organized a student art exhibit inspired by the musical—be sure to check it out.
Also coming up: the CCS PTO Variety Show on Thursday, May 7th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM. If you missed it last year, it was an incredible night. More details about auditions and performance dates are below.
We’ve also begun planning for our 8th-grade graduation events. It’s hard to believe this group will soon leave CCS, and we’re committed to making these final experiences—trip, graduation, and celebrations—meaningful and memorable.
Even on the long and complex days, I’m grateful to be part of this community and to work alongside such dedicated staff and families to create these opportunities for our students.
Sincerely,
Tim O’Leary
Principal, Charlotte Central School
New CCS AP & Director of Special Services
Dear CCS Community,
I’m excited to share that Lauren Goracy will be the next CCS Assistant Principal & Director of Special Services, effective July 1, 2026.
Lauren is the current Director of Special Services for the Williston Schools, supporting both Allen Brook School (PreK–2) and Williston Central School (3–8). The hiring committee was impressed by her strong focus on student outcomes, her intentional support of faculty, staff, and teams, her ability to balance systems thinking with relationship-building, and her experience as an administrator within CVSD—bringing both deep knowledge and a strong understanding of our district.
Lauren brings a clear commitment to inclusive practices and a belief in a shared vision where all students are supported and thrive. She approaches leadership with a focus on collaboration and strong relationships, ensuring that general and special education work together as one system in service of students.
Our search process was guided by a thoughtful committee that included representatives from our special education team, classroom teachers, our school counselor, CVSD’s Director of Student Services, and me. I’m grateful for the time, care, and perspective this group brought to the process.
Please join me in welcoming Lauren to CCS. I’m excited for the ways she will contribute to our community and support our ongoing work with students, staff, and families. As with all hires, this appointment will become official pending CVSD School Board approval, most likely at its April meeting.
Sincerely,
Tim O'Leary, CCS Principal
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.
Resources, Food for Thought (and maybe some conversation starters)
Summer Camp Scholarships Available!
I am excited to share that two scholarships are available for Charlotte Rec Summer Camps! Our goal is simple: we want every child to have the chance to enjoy a fun, active, and memorable summer.
If your family could benefit from this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to reach out. All inquiries and requests will be kept completely confidential.
Summer camp is a wonderful way for kids to make friends, build confidence, and create lasting memories. We’d love to help make that possible for more families in our community.
Interested or have questions? Please contact me directly.
Resources, Food for thought (and maybe some conversation starters)
Chittenden County Food Resources - list of free food resources throughout Chittenden county, with information about hours, location, accessibility and eligibility requirements.
Calm and Connected Podcast - This is a great resource on all topics related to children and families. Whatever the age of your child, there are topics to support you - ways for kids and teens to practice coping skills, self regulation and ways to connect, make friends and work on social skills. It will help guide you through all the stages of child development. There are also many resources and tools to dive into as well! Calm and Connected
Get in touch with me!
(802)425-6604
Hometown Heroes
Over the past few weeks, some of our 3rd graders have been busy interviewing, researching, and writing about members of our Charlotte community who make a positive impact every day 💬📚
Each student chose someone who matters to them—someone who helps shape their story and strengthens our community ❤️
Take a moment to check out their amazing posters and learn more about these everyday heroes 👀✨ See all the closeups right here!
Thank you, Ms. CC for guiding this work. And remember… heroes are all around us. Who would you add to the list? 💭🌟
Mark Your Calendar
Friday, April 3rd - Family Fun Night at CVU, 6:00pm - see below for more details
Wednesday, April 8th - Early Release
Wednesday, April 8th - Community Field Project Information Session, CVU Library, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Thursday, April 9th - 3rd Annual CVU Empty Bowls Dinner & Silent Auction, CVU, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Friday, April 10th - SpongeBob The Musical, CCS MPR, 6:30pm - by donation
Friday, April 10th - CVU Spring One Acts, CVU, 7:00pm - see below for more details
Friday, April 10th - Responisble Growth Hinesburg, Carpenter-Carse Library, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, April 11th - SpongeBob The Musical, CCS MPR, 4:00pm - by donation
Saturday, April 11th - CVU Spring One Acts, CVU, 7:00pm- see below for more details
Sunday, April 12th - CVU Spring One Acts, CVU, 1:00pm- see below for more details
Tuesday, April 14th - 3rd Grade Writing Celebration, Classrooms, 7:45am-8:10am
Tuesday, April 14th - 8th Grade Science Fair, CCS Gym, 2:50pm-4:00pm
Wednesday, April 15th - 8th Grade Science Fair, CCS Gym, 7:20am- 7:50am
Wednesday, April 15th - Early Release
Monday, April 20th through Friday, April 24th - No School - Spring Break
Wednesday, April 29th - Early Release
Thursday, May 7th - CCS Variety Show, MPR, 6:30-8:00 - see below for audition/rehearsal schedule
Tuesday, June 9th - CCS Band to perform National Anthem at Centennial Field - 6:00pm
July 6-10, 2026 - Save the Date! - Student Summer Learning (more information below)
CCS Newscast
CCS 4th Grade Art at the State House
All CCS 4th graders took part in a powerful statewide recognition of our country’s 250th anniversary flag—blending history, art, and student voice.🗽✨
Through the theme “Following in Their Footsteps,” students explored Vermont changemakers and their lasting impact. They discovered that a revolution isn’t just a single moment—it’s an ongoing commitment to progress.🔄💡
Students dove into primary sources about:
📜 Alexander Twilight
📜 Clarina Howard Nichols
📜 Lucy Terry Prince
📜 Wilson Bentley
From there, each student created artwork showing how these changemakers’ pasts connect to their present—and shape their future. 🎨⌛➡🚀
All pieces were submitted, and we’re thrilled that eight CCS students had their artwork selected for display at the Vermont State House.🏛👏
Those students, alongside many caregivers and 4th grade teacher Katie Fraser, attended a special closing ceremony to celebrate their work—a moment of pride, reflection, and inspiration for what comes next.💛
School Library News
April is School Library Month! This year's theme is "Find Your Joy". Librarians find joy in our students every day. They are the most important part of our library. One of my favorite things is helping a reader find just the right book at just the right time. What brings you library joy?
Family Fun Night at CVU - April 3rd, 6:00pm
Event Details:
What: A screening of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, plus food and games!
When: April 3rd, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Where: The CVU Library and Cafeteria.
Cost: Free of Charge (Snacks will be at an extra cost)
CCCS & Very Merry Theatre proudly present The SpongeBob Musical
🎭Charlotte Central School & Very Merry Theatre proudly present The SpongeBob Musical🎭
📆Friday, April 10 at 6:30 PM
📆Saturday, April 11 at 4 PM
🎫Tickets: By donations in any amount at the door.
A SpongeBob Musical Themed Art Show
🎨🌊 Our halls are bursting with imagination and color—come celebrate the incredible artwork of our K–8 students! 🖌️🐠
🗓️ Friday, April 10
🗓️ Saturday, April 11
Stop by during the middle school performances of The SpongeBob Musical 🎭🍍 to take it all in—art, creativity, and a whole lot of CCS pride 💙
We can’t wait to share it with you! 🐢✨
8th Grade Science Fair
CCS Variety Show - Thursday, May 7th, 6:30pm
Some key dates for the upcoming CCS Variety Show sponsored by the CCS PTO:
Auditions:
Dates: T & TH, 4/14 & 4/16
Time: 2:45 PM - 4:25
Place: Music Room/ MPR
Practice:
Dates: T & TH, 4/28 & 4/30
Time: 2:45 PM - 4:25
Place: MPR/ Music Room
Dress Rehearsal
Date: Tues, 5/5
Time: 2:45 PM - 4:25
Place: MPR/ Music Room
Performance
Date: Thursday, 5/7
Time: 6:30- 8:00
Place: MPR/ Music Room
CCS Band To Perform National Anthem At Centennial Field - June 9th
When: June 9, 2026 (6:00 - 6:35 pm)
Where: Centennial Field, Burlington, VT
Attire: Please wear a solid color top (red, white or black to represent CCS), solid colored bottoms and comfy shoes.
Student performers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the game.
We will meet behind the fence by the Lake Monsters clubhouse (on the first base line) at 6:00 pm for warm-ups and a run through. The performance will take place just prior to first pitch (approximately 6:30 pm). Students will receive a complimentary ticket to the game (parents will have to purchase a ticket).
If you are interested in having your child play in the band please email Andy Smith at asmith@cvsdvt.org. We will sign up your student and email you the details as the date gets closer.
Thank you!
3rd Annual CVU Empty Bowls Dinner & Silent Auction
📆Thursday, April 9
🕕6:00-8:00 PM
📍CVU High School
This annual event brings community members together for a simple meal with a powerful purpose. Each ticket includes a handmade ceramic bowl (thanks to our team of CVU pottery students and community members, along with a dinner of homemade soups, artisan bread, and ice-cream.
🎫Tickets are limited to 250 this year and will sell out! Advance purchase is required—tickets will not be available at the door.
CVU Spring One Acts
Tickets for the CVU Spring One Acts – Romeo and Juliet and The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) go on sale March 28th. Shows are Friday & Saturday, April 10th & 11th at 7pm and Sunday, April 12th at 1pm.
Come support your local teens in this drama and comedy duo. You’re sure to be entertained! Get tickets in advance at https://www.ticketsource.com/cvutheater. General admission is $10; Students, Children & Faculty/Staff $7.
Charlotte Library - Check Out Our Upcoming Programming
Student Summer Learning - Save the Date! July 6-10, 2026
CVSD is excited to host the Summer Academic Growth Experience (SAGE) for students rising into grades 2-6 who benefit from additional support in math and literacy. Held at Williston Central School from 8:00 am to 11:30 am, this program offers engaging, high-quality instruction focused on building joy and motivation in math or literacy. More information about who is eligible for the program and how to sign up is coming soon!
CVSD Intra-District K-8 School Choice
Children entering grades preK-8 who live in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston may exercise school choice. Our goal is to both allow options for families and also make balanced class sizes to provide a positive learning environment for all of our children.
Processes for intra-district choice of school will be guided by the needs of students, space availability, and existing resources. Given this, we will work to meet as many families’ needs as possible. Guidelines and Application
Community Field Project & Turf Information Sessions
Next week, two information sessions will be hosted related to the proposed field at CVU. While neither event is sponsored by CVSD, this potential project impacts and involves our community. These events are open to all who are excited, concerned, or just curious.
Community Field Project – April 8, CVU Library, 6-7 p.m.
Responsible Growth Hinesburg – April 10, Carpenter-Carse Library, 7-8:30 p.m.
2026 Summer Camp Information
It's that time of year again where we begin to share with you summer camp information that we are asked to pass along to our community caregivers. CCS does not endorse the following camps, this is shared with our community as informational only.
- CVU Lacrosse Summer Camps - August 3rd-6th, 9am-1pm
- Junior Redhawks Running Camp - kids finishing grades 4-8
- Livery Horse Farm - horse / pony day camp for ages 1st grade and up
- Sentinal Farms Youth Camps
- Vermont Youth Dancers - various dates and ages
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.
CCS Caregiver Frequently-Used Resources
CCS Parent-Teacher Organization
Charlotte Community Resources
Tim O'Leary, Principal; toleary@cvsdvt.org
Beth Slater, Assistant Principal & Director of Special Services; eslater@cvsdvt.org