THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - September 26, 2025
Tuesday, September 30th from 5 - 6 PM.
CCS PTO Potluck from 6 - 7 PM
Dear CCS Community,
Today we held our first Evacuation Drill (fire drill) of the school year. For some students—especially our kindergarteners—this was their very first drill at CCS. We think the entire learning community did an exceptional job today, working together and moving swiftly outside.
To help everyone feel prepared, we reviewed the procedures with staff during Wednesday’s professional learning meeting. We also often emphasize ways in the classroom to support students before, during, and after the drill. Practicing together is an important part of keeping our community safe. With around 400 people in the building each day, regularly creating, maintaining, and evolving our safety routines is essential. We know these experiences can bring up a range of feelings, and that’s okay, too.
If you’d like to learn more about our district’s overall approach to school safety, you can visit the CVSD safety overview. And if you ever have questions or would like to talk in more detail, we’d be glad to meet and answer every one of them.
On another note, we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, September 30 from 5–6 PM for our Open House. Please review last week's newsletter for a little bit more on what to expect.
Thank you for trusting us with your children—we never take that trust for granted.
Warmly,
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
Charlotte Central School Leadership Team
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
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Vermont is offering a free 6-session educational program for families and caregivers with a child experiencing mental health challenges
From Basics - NAMI Vermont:
NAMI Basics is a six-week course designed to empower parents and caregivers of youths aged 22 and under with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to navigate the challenges of supporting a young person with a mental health condition. In order to maximize accessibility to this program, we are offering it virtually via Zoom.
Our Basics Fall 2025 Class is now open for registration! If you’re a family member or caregiver supporting a youth aged 22 and under, who is experiencing mental health symptoms, consider enrolling in NAMI Vermont’s FREE, 6-week Basics class! Each session will be led by trained volunteers who have firsthand experience caring for youth with mental health challenges. Their personal insights allow them to guide discussions with empathy and equip families with essential tools, knowledge, and support.
Here are the details about our upcoming class:
Every Tuesday, 6:30-9:00 pm
Start date: Sept. 30
Virtual, via Zoom
Connect with others in similar situations, gain valuable insights, and learn effective support strategies. Register today!
For more information, visit Basics - NAMI Vermont.
It looks like they will be offering other sessions after this one. Virtual mental health class offered for parents/caregivers of youth | Community News | benningtonbanner.com
I hope this is a helpful resource!
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 below!
ChampCtrPlay 5x6 - 8-21-25 v6 - final[95].pdf
Resources, Food for thought (and maybe some conversation starters)
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!
The Keys: A guide to digital safety - An interactive program for teens developed by Snapchat in collaboration with leading safety experts
Helping your child Navigate changing friendships - This is a great printable to help your child navigate the natural ebb and flow of relationships as they grow
Get in touch with me!
(802)425-6604
CCS Newscast
Mark Your Calendar
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 (Gym is rain location)
Wednesday, October 1st - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Thursday, October 2nd - NO SCHOOL, Yom Kippur
Wednesday, October 8th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Wednesday, October 15th - Field Trip, Grade 3 (Hatch/Poirier) to Shelburne Farms, 9:00 - 1:20
Wednesday, October 15th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Wednesday, October 15th - PTO Meeting, CCS Library, 5:30 - 6:30
Friday, October 17th - Field Trip, Grade 4 (Fraser/Grey) to Maritime Museum, 8:30 - 2:00
Wednesday, October 22nd - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Thursday, October 23rd - NO SCHOOL, Diwali
Friday, October 24th - NO SCHOOL, Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, October 29th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Interested in FIRST Lego League?
The 2025 FIRST LEGO League season is almost here!
FIRST LEGO League is a global robotics program for students in grades 4–8. It introduces kids to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, real-world problem-solving using LEGO bricks.
Our season kicks off on September 30th. We’ll practice 1–2 times per week through January, leading up to the Vermont State Finals. Most practices will be held on Tuesdays and some Thursdays from 2:45–4:15 PM. A detailed schedule, including competition dates, will be shared soon.
If your student is interested, please fill out this form to join our information list. We’ll send you updates with finalized dates in the coming weeks. FLL Interest Form
School Library News
Celebrate All Stories!
This month, our library is featuring stories written by, illustrated by, and about members of the Hispanic community. Visit our Library Guide to see a sampling of the books available!
Starting on Thursday, September 25th, after dismissal till 4
What is MathCounts?
It is a national middle school mathematics competition that builds problem-solving skills and fosters achievement through four levels of fun, in-person "bee" style contests.
Who should join MathCounts?
Anyone who likes math in 6th-8th grade
Anyone who might not like math yet but wants to like it more
Anyone who wants to be part of a community
Anyone who wants to check it out!
How does MathCounts at CCS work?
A chance to do collaborative problem solving with problems that are a little bit different to what you usually see in math class
We will have weekly practice at CCS, Starting on Thursday, September 25th, after dismissal till 4, in Ms. Miller’s Room ( on the left hand side of the Omega hallway past the bathrooms)
We will bring a group to the district and regional competition (and could qualify for the state and national competition!)
We hope to see you there!
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
Spirit Gear Store Opens September 30th
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!
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.
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