THE CCS NEWSLETTER
October 9, 2026
CCS Community,
Seven weeks into the school year, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible faculty and staff at CCS. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I think this is the best school in the best district in the state. And I get to see the reasons why every day.
Just think about what's happened in seven weeks. Our K–4 teachers have been building classroom communities, helping students develop routines, discover themselves as readers, writers, and mathematicians, and learn how to take care of one another. Morning Movement and Morning Music are underway. Our 5th–8th graders are exploring new interests and connections through C3. We've had circus arts, student newscasts, young artists creating all kinds of things, rehearsals for The House at Pooh Corner, after-school clubs, and countless practices and competitions. None of these things happen without adults who are willing to put in the work, often well beyond what's expected of them.
And then there's everything that doesn't make the newsletter. A paraeducator helping a student through a tough day. A teacher trying something new because the first approach didn't work. A counselor helping kids navigate friendships, sometimes the same friendships again and again and again. Custodians, office staff, and so many others doing the little things that make a school work and help kids feel like they belong.
I hope our faculty and staff know how much I appreciate what they do. It's not easy work, and it's certainly not always glamorous. But it's pretty remarkable to be part of a school where so many adults care so deeply about kids. Thank you.
All the best,
Tim & Lauren
Tim O’Leary, Principal; toleary@cvsdvt.org
Lauren Goracy, Assistant Principal & Director of Special Services; lgoracy@cvsdvt.org
Fire Safety Day at CCS!
🔥🚒Fire Safety Day at CCS! Tuesday, all of our Kindergarten through 4th-grade students spent time learning important fire safety skills with our local Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue team.
A big thank you to our community partners for making the day engaging, memorable, and fun for our students! 🧯🧑🏻🚒
C3: Seeking Caregiver Volunteers!
Last year, CCS launched C3 (Clubs, Community, & Connect) to give students in grades 5–8 opportunities to explore interests, build relationships across grades, and connect with adults in new ways. Every Wednesday morning from 8:10 - 9:00, middle-school students participate in small, club-like experiences facilitated by CCS faculty and staff. Now we're exploring brininging 1-2 caregivers into the mix for each sesssion!
We're seeking caregivers interested in leading or co-leading a C3 club during our second session, November 4–January 13. This is a chance to share your interests and expertise while expanding opportunities for our students.
Interested volunteers should:
Be available every Wednesday during that session, 8:10–9:00 AM, to work with up to 12 students in grades 5–8.
Have experience and feel comfortable engaging middle school students and planning a weekly 50-minute activity.
Have completed, or be willing to promptly complete, CVSD's unsupervised volunteer approval process.
Clubs may be led independently or in partnership with a CCS staff member.
Interested? Email Tim O'Leary at toleary@cvsdvt.org by October 16 with a brief, informal proposal describing your club idea and relevant experience. We'd love to tap into the talents of our community!
PickUp Patrol: A Few Important Reminders 🚌
Please use PickUp Patrol for ALL absences, late arrivals, early pickups, late bus reservations, and dismissal changes. Once submitted, there's no need to call or email the school.
For any dismissal change, start by selecting "Plan Change." Then:
Changing buses? Select the NEW bus color and include the friend's name or drop-off address in the notes.
Switching from pickup to a bus? Select the correct bus color and include the drop-off address.
Taking the late bus? Select LATE BUS and include the drop-off address. The late bus should not be a default plan.
Remember: PickUp Patrol is not used for morning bus transportation. Your child's usual morning bus will stop if they are waiting at their stop.
Need help? Call the CCS Front Office at 802-425-2771.
Thank you for helping us keep attendance and dismissal information accurate and safe!
Every Wednesday School Is in Session — Early Dismissal, 1:45
Wed., Oct. 14 — CCS PTO Back-to-School Potluck, CCS Playground, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Tues., Oct. 20 — CVSD School Board Meeting, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Fri., Oct. 23 — No School: K-12 Conferences
Wed., Nov 4 - *Newly Scheduled* - Makeup / Retake Picture Day, 8:00 - 9:30 AM
Tue., Nov 10 - No School: Diwali
Wed., Nov 11 - PTO Meeting, CCS Cafeteria, 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Thurs., Nov 12 - K-4 Musical: The House at Pooh Corner, 6 - 7 PM
Tue., Nov 17 - CVSD School Board Meeting, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Mon., Nov 23 through Fri., Nov 27 - No School: Thanksgiving Break
Essential Arts Conference Times
If the times listed below do not work for you, please email the specific teacher
you would like to meet to suggest / set-up an alternative time.
Nicky Elderton - 5th - 8th Physical Education / Health
Please email nelderton@cvsdvt.org to schedule a video conference or phone call.
Tuesday, October 13th 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Wednesday, October 14th 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Thursday, October 15th 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Steve Flint - STEM and Digital Learning
To schedule a video or in-person conference please email sflint@cvsdvt.org.
Monday, October 19th 3:15 - 6:15 PM
Tuesday, October 20th 3:15 - 6:15 PM
Wednesday, October 21st 4:15 - 5:45 PM
Chris Gribnau - 5-8 Instrumental Music
To schedule a video or in-person conference, please email cgribnau@cvsdvt.org
Monday, October 19 3:15-5:15 PM
Wednesday, October 21 4:15-5:45 PM
Jahida Jorganes - K-4 General Music, 5-8 Chorus
To schedule a video or in-person conference, please email jjorganes@cvsdvt.org
Monday, October 19th 3:15-6:15 PM
Tuesday, October 20th 3:15-6:15 PM
Wednesday, October 21th 4:15-6:15 PM
Matthew Kent - K-4 PE/Wellness
To schedule an in-person, video, or phone conference, please email mkent@cvsdvt.org or call (802) 345-6696.
Monday, October 19th 3:15 - 6:15 PM
Tuesday, October 20th 3:15 - 6:15 PM
Wednesday, October 21st 4:15 - 5:45 PM
Erika Norris - K-8 Art Teacher
To schedule a conference (either virtual or in person) please email enorris@cvsdvt.org.
Monday, October 19th 3:15 - 6:15 PM
Tuesday, October 20th 3:15 - 6:15 PM
Wednesday, October 21st 4:15 - 5:45 PM
Amy Sayre - 5-8 Wellness
To schedule a video conference or phone call, please email asayre@cvsdvt.org
Tuesday, October 13th 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Wednesday, October 14th 3:30 - 6:30 PM
School Library News
It's time for The Global Readaloud! K-2 library classes will be participating this year by sharing books written or illustrated by Dan Santat. Dan's books have won critical acclaim, including the Caldecott Medal. His stories "celebrate courage, unlikely friendship, and moments that connect us all." - Pernille Ripp
Where in the world are other students sharing and talking about Dan's books? As close as Williston and as far away as Malaysia. It's like being a part of the world's biggest book club!
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.
UPCOMING FREE WEBINAR - Mattering: The tension between a “never enough” mentality, Purpose, and Student Wellbeing. This is with Dr. Lisa Damour, a psychologist with extensive expertise on kids and teens.
Click here for more information and to register
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.
Good Inside - A great resource for caregivers, for all things related to raising kids. Dr. Becky Kennedy provides amazing resources and tools across many platforms - podcasts, books, social media, an app, plus many more!
4 Scripts for Changing Screen Time Rules - a great resource if you are looking for ways to do this!
What Actually Helps Young People's Mental Health? - building coping skills, not just avoiding stress, is key to fostering long term resilience
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!
Get in touch with me!
(802)425-6604
Join the PTO on Wednesday, October 14, from 5:00–6:30 PM for the Back-to-School Potluck! Come enjoy some food, catch up with familiar faces, and meet new friends. Looking for more information?
Bring what you can, whether it’s a homemade dish or something store-bought! We’re looking for snacks, entrées, desserts, paper goods, and a few volunteers to help with setup, cleanup, and the Spirit Gear table. Drinks are BYO.
Everyone is welcome, even if you can’t bring anything this time. We’d love to see you!
🌟 Help Us Bring Girls on the Run to CCS! 🌟
Hey CCS families and friends! Girls on the Run Vermont (GOTRVT) is exploring interest in bringing its empowering, confidence- and life skills-building program to CCS after school in Spring 2027—and we want to hear from you!
Girls on the Run is open to girls in grades 3–5 and combines fun physical activity with lessons that build confidence, friendships, healthy habits, and important life skills.
● 10-week season | Begins the week of March 15
● Twice-weekly practices | 90 minutes each
● Celebratory 5K | Saturday, June 5
Interested in having your child participate? Please complete the GOTRVT Participant Interest Form to let us know!
Learn more about GOTRVT programs at gotrvt.org/programs or contact Stephanie at stephanie@girlsontherunvermont.org.
Special Education Parent Advisory Council
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE SMS/TEXT MESSAGES
Please enroll to receive text messages from the district and/or our school. If you haven't done this yet or if you are new to CVSD, follow the easy steps on this flyer. We don't overuse this method of communication, but it is helpful for reminders and quick announcements. Don't miss out!
Ways to Get Involved at CCS
CCS has several opportunities for caregivers and community members to be part of our school community.
- Volunteer at CCS: Please complete the required volunteer forms and return them to Cindy LaWare at any time. Questions? Contact Cindy at 425-2771 or claware@cvsdvt.org.
- Mentor a student: If you are interested in mentoring a student in grades 5–8, please contact Jessica Phelan at jphelan@cvsdvt.org.
- Substitute at CCS: We are always looking for positive, energetic individuals to substitute teach in grades K–8. Please contact Naomi Strada at 425-6600 to learn more. You can also find additional information about substituting on the CVSD website.
October Menu
CCS Caregiver Frequently-Used Resources
CCS Parent-Teacher Organization
Charlotte Community Resources
Tim O'Leary, Principal
Lauren Goracy, Assistant Principal & Director of Special Services
The Newsletter is published every Friday, when school is in session. It is delivered to our families via email, posted on our website, and on Front Porch Forum. A hard copy is available by contacting the school.