SCS Community Newsletter

Dear SCS Families and Caregivers,

Last week, we shared our hope that your children are coming home with stories of joy and engagement. We sometimes hear from caregivers that this is not always the case, so we set off this week to capture specific student stories across the building to share some SCS highlights that you may not hear about.

At our Community Meeting on Monday, the Student Cabinet shared an inspiring look at how we measure success. While academic data is important, our students are leading the charge toward a more holistic view of their education. Using insights from the Engage Survey, the Cabinet identified three major themes they are working on to improve the student experience:

• Identity and Representation

• Unity in Community

• Student Agency and Joy

These aren’t just abstract goals; we see them in action every day from Pre-K through Grade 8. To support this sense of Agency, many classes spent time this week setting personal goals for the second half of the year. Some of our favorites included:

• “To be more empathetic.”

• “To read more at home and at school.”

• “To be more responsible.”

Data shows that when students feel connected, they thrive. To foster Unity, our students are finding ways to "mix things up" and build friendships across grade levels. This week, our 4th and 2nd Grade "Big and Little" partners reconnected over books and games, reminding us all of the power of mentorship. On Thursday, 8th Grade WEB leaders joined their 5th grade “Webbies” for lunch and recess.

Beyond the classroom, that spirit of excellence is everywhere. We have students working tirelessly for this weekend’s State Lego Robotics competition, while our athletes continue to show grit and teamwork on the basketball court.

We aren't just teaching students; we are supporting future citizens. By focusing on Identity, Connection, Proficiency, and Direction, we are ensuring that every student at SCS is seen, heard, and prepared for a bright future.

In Partnership,

Jen, Brett and Antonia

The SCS Administrative Team

1/16 - 5th/6th Grade Dance (7:00 - 9:00pm, SCS)

1/19 - NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1/20 - CVSD School Board meeting, CVU (6:00 - 8:00)

1/22 - 5th/6th Concert Band, Symphonic Band & Chorus Concert (5:15 pm, Gym)

1/22 - 7th/8th Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble & Stage Band Concert (7:00 pm, Gym)

1/23 - 7th/8th Grade Dance (7:00 - 9:00 pm, SCS)

1/29 - 1st grade Walking Field Trip to Shelburne Library

1/30 - Last day to register for Shelburne Shines: A Winter Talent Show

1/30 - Movie Night at SCS for 3rd & 4th Graders (5:00 - 7:00 pm, SCS Band Room) * flier below

1/31 - Shelburne Rec Winter Carnival (1:00 - 3:00pm, SCS Cafeteria & Gym)

2/4 - SCS Readathon Begins through March 4th

2/4 - Readathon Free Book Swap (6:00 - 7:30pm, Green Common Space)

2/4 - 1st Grade Field Trip to the Flynn Theater

2/5 - 4th grade NAEP testing (more information to come)

2/5 - 5-8th grade Field Trip to UVM Women's Basketball Game

2/6 - 8th grade NAEP testing (more information to come)

2/6-7 - Grade 6-8 Musical performance(s) at CVU Auditorium (see info below)

CVSD 2025-2026 Calendar

Reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 19 so the late bus will only be running Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week.

To sign up for the late bus for January 20-22, please sign up by 9:00 am Tuesday, 1/20 if you would like your student(s) to ride the late bus.

THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO SIGN UP FOR THE LATE BUS.

If your student is signed up for the late bus, we expect they will be on the bus. Please notify the front office if there is an unexpected change in plans.

If you are not receiving text messages, please follow these steps in the order they are listed:

1. Opt In: Text “Y” or “Yes” to our district’s short code (67587) to enable text messages. If you have previously un-subscribed, messages will again be enabled.

2. Check your phone’s Blocked List. You may have blocked messages from CVSD on your phone and can unblock these messages through your phone’s settings. If you are unfamiliar with how to unblock contacts in your phone, do an internet search that includes the words “unblock contacts” and your phone type (i.e. iPhone, Android, etc.). Look for and unblock the number: 67587.

3. If the above steps have not worked, please contact Katie Schut: kschut@cvdvt.org, 383-1119 for further assistance.

Movie: The One and Only Ivan Trailer

Date: Friday, January 30th

Time: Doors open at 5 PM. Pick up at 7 PM.

Location: Band Room at SCS. Please drop off at the Band Door on School Street.

RSVP Deadline: Wednesday, January 28th. RSVP Here

Bring: Blanket / sleeping bag and wear something cozy!

Entrance Fee: $5 (this is a donation that will benefit the 3rd and 4th Grade teams. No child will be turned away!)

Food: Each student will receive fresh popcorn. More food and drinks can be purchased at the concession stand.

Follow young Christian as he navigates school, friendships, and his wild imagination - Discover the stories that would become The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and The King's New Clothes!

Friday, February 6 - 7:00 pm

Saturday, February 7 - 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Performances at CVU Auditorium

Purchase Tickets Here

Adults: $10, Children/Seniors: $8

The 5-8 Student Cabinet is a leadership group with a representative from each of the 15 homerooms in the middle level that meets monthly with Mr. Cluff. We're planning a Career Day this March to respond to some of the data in our student Engage survey that indicated kids want to know more about the different career paths available to them. We would love to invite some community members to come in to help kids understand their careers. The jobs we are looking for are: culinary workers/servers/chefs, healthcare professionals, and artists/writers. Please complete this survey if you are interested, and feel free to share it with anyone in your networks who might fit the bill. Thank you!

Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 school year will begin February 2. CVSD is asking families to register their rising Kindergarteners by February 28, in an effort to get more accurate enrollment numbers for our schools. These enrollment numbers help us to plan our staffing and scheduling needs for the upcoming school year.

Students must turn 5 years old ON or BEFORE September 1, 2026, to be eligible for Kindergarten, per CVSD policy.

Parents of PK4 students receiving Act 166 funding or currently enrolled in the CVSD PreK program will automatically receive an email in the coming weeks with registration instructions.

Please contact Katie Schut: kschut@cvsdvt.org, 383-1119 with any questions.

We are so excited to welcome the class of 2039 to SCS!

The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for a random prekindergarten lottery drawing for the 2026-27 school year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of our school-based classrooms which runs 4 partial days per week. Our school-based prekindergarten classrooms are 5 STARs, licensed early education programs that provide play-based, developmentally appropriate environments for all children in an inclusive setting. Our curriculum is based on the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS).

Our programs follow the CVSD school calendar. Children who will be age 3 or older by September 1, 2026, who are not eligible for kindergarten, and live in the communities of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston are eligible to enter the lottery. Families who are selected for the lottery and choose to enroll their child in a CVSD program access their Act 166 publicly funded prekindergarten funds for the school-based program.

All applications must be received by February 5, 2026, and are located on the CVSD Early Education website under PreK Enrollment. Paper applications are available upon request.

For additional information, questions about our program, or any concerns about your child’s development, please visit our website or contact Director of Early Education, Erin Gagne at egagne@cvsdvt.org. Our Early Education team is also available for developmental screenings in the areas of communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development, and cognition. More information about an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports is also available on the website.

We’re thrilled to announce the first annual Shelburne Shines: A Winter Talent Show, now taking place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Charlotte Central School’s upgraded stage! While the venue has changed, this remains a Shelburne Community School–only, school-wide fundraiser — and we thank CCS for graciously hosting our group!

SCS students in grades K–8 (and staff!) are invited to perform any talent they love — singing, dancing, playing an instrument, telling jokes, performing magic, gymnastics, martial arts, poetry, skits, theater, or something entirely their own. All talents are welcome!

Registration is extended through January 30 (or until we reach our 50-act cap).

Video uploads of your act are encouraged but no longer required at sign-up.

Details + registration: shelburnepto.org/talentshow

Audience tickets on sale soon!

Please join us for a winter walk at Shelburne Pond on Saturday, January 17th from 10:00 - 11:00. All are welcome - be sure to dress for the weather as we explore the beautiful trails together!

Meet at Shelburne Pond parking area at 10:00.

Sponsored by Shelburne Forward Bike & Pedestrian Task Force.

2026 Green Up Day is May 2. Green Up Vermont’s mission is to promote the stewardship of our state’s natural landscape and waterways, and the livability of our communities by involving people in Green Up Day while raising public awareness about the health, economic, and visual benefits of a litter-free environment year-round. Find more information here: greenupvermont.org

There are a variety of contests, including a poster contest, as part of Green Up Day. Please visit their website for more information.

Discover Engineering is a day of hands-on learning and exploration for youth in 5th-12th grades to learn about engineering, build skills, and network with college students, professors, and professionals in the field. Organized by UVM’s College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) and UVM Extension 4-H, the day includes an Engineering Scavenger Hunt (interactive exhibits showcasing various types of engineering and career pathways), and an afternoon of learning through hands-on workshops. Lunch provided. Sponsored by the Lola and George Aiken Fund.

Highly recommended by UVM Engineering Alum parents and SCS Robotics Caregivers!

LEARN MORE! - https://www.uvm.edu/cems/aiken-discover-engineering

PCAVT has been around for nearly 50 years and offers a variety of resources for Vermont families. These are all virtual opportunities coming up in the next few weeks that feel especially timely given the amount of time many of our students spend online.

Are you interested in having some fun learning alongside our students as a guest teacher (aka sub)? If so, please reach out to CVSDHR@cvsdvt.org or Louise Michaels.

Click here for more information on becoming a sub!

Shelburne Community School Administrative Team

Jen Roth, PreK-4 Principal

Brett Cluff, 5-8 Principal

Antonia Trono, Director of Special Services