THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - November 21, 2025
Dear CCS Families,
As we enter a time of year when many of us begin making plans to gather with friends and loved ones, we want to ensure that our school community feels supported during this season of giving.
Thanks to the generosity of the CCS PTO, our broader community, and local organizations, we are once again able to offer gift cards to families who may benefit from a little extra support this year. Our hope is to help all CCS students experience the joy and magic of the season.
We also recognize that at various points throughout the year, families may need help with groceries. We want to make sure that we are supporting our community with these needs as well.
If you are interested in receiving support for your child(ren) and family, please complete this form as soon as possible. We hope to have all requests submitted by Friday, December 12, so that we can ensure all needs are met.
If you would like to donate gift cards to support CCS families, please reach out to School Counselor Betsy Lloyd for more information.
All requests will remain confidential and will be seen only by Betsy. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact her at (802) 425-6604 or blloyd@cvsdvt.org.
Warmly,
Tim O'Leary, Beth Slater, & Betsy Lloyd
Circus Artist-in-Residence Will Visit CCS on December 22nd and 23rd
With support from the PTO and the Vermont Arts Council, CCS will host Troy Wunderlee on Monday and Tuesday, December 22nd and 23rd, as a Circus Artist-in-Residence. Students will rotate through circus-arts training during the first day and a half, and we’ll close out the day before December vacation with a school-wide circus performance.
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)
Why rest is important - for your brain and body - Great article on the neuroscience behind why rest actually fuels growth
***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
Mark Your Calendar
Friday, November 21st - HCS presents: Disney's The Little Mermaid, 7:00pm - see flyer below
Saturday, November 22nd - HCS presents: Disney's The Little Mermaid, 2:00pm - see flyer below
Saturday, November 22nd - HCS presents: Disney's The Little Mermaid, 7:00pm - see flyer below
Monday, November 24th through Friday, November 28th - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Friday, December 5th - Part2 Parents Night Out (Part2 Families Only), Cafeteria, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Wednesday, December 10th - CCS PTO Mtg, CCS Library, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Saturday, December 13th - CCS PTO Holiday Market, Gym & MPR, 10:00 - 2:00pm
Tuesday, December 16th - CVSD School Board Mtg, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Wednesday, December 17th - Winter Concert, MPR, 6:30pm - open to the public
Monday, December 22nd & Tuesday, December 23rd - Wunderle's Big Top Adventures - see above
Wednesday, December 23rd through Friday, January 2nd - Early Winter Break - No School
Buddy Classrooms Connect for a Whole-School Positive Behavior Celebration
School Library News
This week, we're highlighting the Book Tasting Experience! Trying new books is kind of like trying new foods. A book tasting gives students a fun way to engage with a lot of books in a little time. They practice sampling, or "tasting" books by reading the book's description or the first few sentences, skimming the pages to notice text features like pictures or other graphics, and noticing the format of the text. Sometimes we are surprised by what we might like if we just give it a try. 4th graders found some new nonfiction titles to take home for the upcoming break!
CCS Music Information
The CCS music department is proud to present the Winter Concert which will take place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 6:30 in the multi-purpose room at CCS.
It will feature the 5-8 chorus, the fifth grade band, the sixth grade band, the 7 - 8 band and the jazz band. The concert is free and open to the public.
Students are asked to arrive at 6:15 and the dress code is dressy casual. No blue jeans, tee shirts or hoodies please. We look forward to seeing you at the show!
Free Community Event at Charlotte Central School!
Dive into the history and geology of the Lake Champlain Basin through artist talks and music! Join Vermont singer-songwriters Stephanie Wilson and KeruBo at Charlotte Central School (Multipurpose Room) on Sunday, November 30, from 2–4 PM for UnderWater, UnderGround — a free entertainment-education event organized by Clemmons Family Farm.
Learn about the prehistoric Beluga whale discovered in Charlotte, the Underground Railroad, and Freedom Seekers. The event includes artist stories, music, and a Q&A with Jim Brangan of the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
This interactive, family-friendly program is designed for all ages—especially families with children in grades K–8. Please enter on the East side of the CCS building, near the flagpole.
CCS HOLIDAY MARKET - DECEMBER 13th
Calling all student artisans & crafters! The CCS Holiday Market is looking for talented student artisans with a craft they would like to feature. We have a limited amount of complimentary student spots available. Please register via the link below by 11/30 with a description of your craft for PTO Board approval. https://forms.gle/oTX7V3BQ8iw5j3wC7
All exhibitor registration fees, bake sale and silent auction funds raised by the CCS PTO directly support a variety of student enrichment programs, including but not limited to STEM, theater, athletics and our community Angel Fund. Your support is greatly appreciated!
What's Mentoring All About
Hinesburg Community School Presents: Disney's The Little Mermaid
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