THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - October 31, 2025
Community Conversations @ CCS
Come Curious. Leave Connected.
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
Please join us for our first Community Conversations @ CCS — a new monthly opportunity for caregivers to connect with one another, learn alongside the school, and build community. These short morning gatherings will typically include three parts: a chance to learn about a topic at CCS, time to talk with other caregivers about that topic (including how we might approach it at home), and a few minutes of unstructured space to mingle and connect.
Each session is designed to offer a chance to learn, to feel connected to the school and home, and to build relationships with other caregivers. At times, other CCS staff members may join depending on the topic we’re exploring.
Our first session:
Wednesday, November 5th
8:00–8:45 AM | CCS Cafeteria
Coffee, tea, and light food will be provided.
Our first session will be a relaxed, get-to-know-each-other gathering focused on why this series exists and what topics you’d love to explore in future months. I hope you’ll join us!
Warmly,
Tim O'Leary & Beth Slater
CCS Administrative Team
CVSD Handbook Update: Expectations for Respectful Language
Champlain Valley School District is committed to fostering learning environments where every student can feel safe, valued, and respected. To support this commitment, we have updated the Student and Family Handbook to clarify our expectations regarding the use of language in our schools. We encourage you to review the updated handbook language, Prohibition on Vulgar/Obscene Language, and to discuss these expectations at home. We thank you for your continued partnership in supporting a positive learning environment for all students.
Early Release or Change in Departure Plans
Is the end of today different than usual? Is there a Club, Sports Practice, or shift in home plans? If so, please make sure to update CCS in a timely way.
If your child needs to leave school early or you need to change their usual dismissal plan, please notify the main office at the start of the school day.
Written Note: Include the following information:
Date
Full name of child
Full name of parent/guardian
Teacher’s name
Reason for the change in dismissal
Phone Call/Email: If you are calling instead of sending a note, please contact the attendance clerk before 1:30 PM (12:30 PM on Wednesdays) to ensure we can communicate the change with all impacted students and staff. CCS Attendance Clerk: Cindy LaWare - claware@cvsdvt.org; 802-425-2771.
Excerpted from the CVSD & CCS Family & Student Handbook
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
FREE Parenting Groups - CLICK HERE to see all the offerings!
Parenting your ADHD KID - A FREE summit for caregivers -
Fewer meltdowns
Stronger connections
Happier kids
Click Here for Information and to Register
Resources, Food for thought (and maybe some conversation starters)
***Latest research from Common Sense Media - boys in the digital world: online culture, identity and well-being Read the report and find resources
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
I'm Lost, Please Help!
Any items left at CCS at the end of the day, Friday, November 7th will be donated.
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday, November 5th - *NEW DATE* - Make-up / re-take picture day! Starts at 9:00 until all student and staff are complete (usually about 30-45 minutes).
Wednesday, November 5th - Early Dismissal, 1:45pm
Friday, November 7th - Dance! grades 6-8 - MPR, 7:00 to 9:00
Wednesday, November 12th - Early Dismissal, 1:45pm
Wednesday, November 12th - STEM Night @ CCS, MPR, 6:00 - 7:30 - sponsored by the PTO
Tuesday, November 18th - CVSD Board Meeting - 6:00 - 8:00
Wednesday, November 19th - Early Dismissal, 1:45pm
Wednesday, November 19th - CCS PTO Meeting, CCS Library, 5:30 - 6:30
Monday, November 24th through Friday, November 28th - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
What's Mentoring All About
Joint Statement from CVSD and SEPAC
Joint Statement from Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) and CVSD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Regarding Recent Reductions to the Offices of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Civil Rights (OCR)
Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) and CVSD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Leadership Team recognize the concern and uncertainty caused by recent reductions to the federal Offices of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Civil Rights (OCR). While we are still working to understand the full implications of these reductions, we wish to share what we know now and reaffirm our shared commitment to supporting students with disabilities and their families and caregivers.
Please read the full statement here—including the short-term outlook, long-term uncertainties, our core commitments and available resources.
Williston Central School Drama proudly presents: Flora & Ulysses!
Williston Central School Drama proudly presents Flora & Ulysses!
WCS Al Myers Theater
Thursday, November 6th @ 6:30pm
Friday, November 7th @ 6:30pm
Saturday, November 8th @ 2pm
General Admission Tickets: $10
Available online or at the door
Cash only at the door. NO credit cards.
Buy Tickets HERE: https://willistoncentral.seatyourself.biz
(Please note there will be a .50 cent service charge added for each online ticket purchase)
Attention CVSD 8th Graders—especially those interested in theater!
All CVSD 8th graders (and one caregiver) are invited to see the CVU Fall Musical Production of Into the Woods for FREE during their Final Dress Rehearsal on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 5 - 7:45 p.m.
Just arrive at CVU and enter the western entrance between 4:45 - 5 p.m. (show starts at 5 p.m.). No need to RSVP. Questions contact: cvutheatredirector@cvsdvt.org
If this time doesn't work for you (or if you want to see it with your whole family), you are welcome to buy tickets to the scheduled performances. Tickets are $10 or $8 for students and CVU faculty. https://www.ticketsource.us/cvutheater
Fri, 14 Nov. at 7 p.m.
Sat, 15 Nov. at 2 p.m. and 7p.m.
Sun, 16 Nov. at 1p.m.
Be SMART This School Year
As kids head back to school, adults have homework too. The assignment? To learn about safe gun storage. Do you need to secure your firearm? Free cable gun locks are available in our school office: Stop by and pick one up!
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