THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - September 5, 2025
CCS Community,
The joy and engagement in today’s first all-school meeting were incredible. Our 5th graders, supported by their teachers, led the gathering with the help of Kevin—a game show host and CVU graduate! Students joined together in two large groups in the MPR, working as teams to solve clues, guess words, and celebrate each other’s efforts. A huge thank-you to our fifth graders, the 5th grade team, and our entire CCS community for creating such a joyful start to the year.
Our 5th Grade Hosts
One Hour Can Make a Difference: Will You Mentor a Middle School Student at CCS?
Middle schoolers benefit from many kinds of relationships. In addition to the support of families and teachers, a mentor offers something different: a consistent hour each week during school to step out of the regular routine and connect with a caring adult not connected to family or classes. We are in need of more mentors this fall, and we are asking each of you to consider whether you—or someone you know—could help.
Through our Connecting Youth Mentoring Program, community members are paired with CCS students for this weekly time together. The commitment is simple—one hour a week—yet mentors and students alike describe the experience as meaningful and often transformative.
No special expertise is needed. We’ll provide training and support; you bring curiosity, consistency, and care. If you’ve ever wondered how you might give back in a way that directly strengthens both a young person and our school community, this is one real and lasting way.
To learn more or to get involved, please reach out to our CCS Mentoring Coordinator, Jessica Phelan (jphelan@cvsdvt.org | 802-425-6682) or visit this link.
With gratitude,
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
Charlotte Central School Leadership Team
Spanish Clubs Begin Next Week at CCS
We’re excited to launch three after-school Spanish Language and Culture Clubs for students in all grades! Each club meets from 2:50–4:20 PM with a late bus available, and runs in six-session commitments to build community and continuity. Enrollment requests are due by the end of Sunday, 9/7. Additional sessions of Spanish Clubs will be offered in the future.
Due to high interest from our younger learners, Mondays and Tuesdays are now focused on K–4 students, which is a revision from last week’s announcement.
➡️ Read the full description, dates, and registration details here.
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:
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 on the link below!
Champlain Center Child-Parent Relationship Therapy group registration.
Resources, Food for thought (and maybe some conversation starters)
Experience Camps for grieving kids - Experience Camps is an award-winning national nonprofit that transforms the lives of grieving children through summer camp programs and innovative, year-round initiatives. Through compassion, connection, and play, we allow grieving children to embody a life full of hope and possibility. By amplifying their voices, we are creating a more grief-sensitive culture.
To learn more check out the link below!
Picture Day at CCS on 9/10!
While picture orders are not required, we encourage students to get their picture taken as all students will receive a class picture free of charge.
For your convenience, we are providing caregivers with the CCS Picture Day Schedule.
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday September 10th - Picture Day! See your child's flyer for more details.
Wednesday, September 10th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Friday, September 12th - Field Trip - Grade 2, Shelburne Farms, 9:10 - 1:30
Wednesday, September 17th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Wednesday, September 17th - Field Trip - Grade 1, Yates Apple Orchard, 9:10 -11:20
Wednesday, September 17th - PTO Mtg, CCS Library, 5:30 - 6:30
Wednesday, September 24th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
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
Wednesday, October 1st - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Thursday, October 2nd - NO SCHOOL, Yom Kippur
School Library News
Welcome
With students back, the books are happy! The first few days of school gave students opportunities to visit our library space and borrow books that give them joy. Visit the Parent Portal on the library website to learn more about the program!
Schedule
K-4 classes visit the library at least once a week for their library time. Middle schoolers visit the library as needed and in collaboration with their classroom teachers.
Music News
Welcome back to Band!! I am excited for another wonderful year in music!
Any band student in grades 6 - 8 who returned their instrument over the summer, please follow one of the links below to rent an instrument for the 2025 - 26 school year by Monday, Sept. 8 to ensure your child is ready to participate in rehearsals and lessons.
The instruments will be delivered to CCS and distributed at their first lesson/rehearsal.
Feel free to contact me with any questions at asmith@cvsdvt.org
Thank you!
Andy Smith
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is open for band students in grades 6-8 and will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:00AM starting on September 16. If your child is interested, please email Chris Gribnau at cgribnau@cvsdvt.org and plan to attend our first rehearsal.
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
CCS Connecting Youth Seeks New Mentors
Have you considered mentoring a young person? Connecting Youth CVSD invites you to join our team of compassionate, community-focused mentors supporting our youth at CCS. This is a meaningful volunteer opportunity to be engaged with your community and truly make a difference in the life of one great kid!
Why Mentorship Matters:
- Build deeper connections in your community
- Help a young person discover their potential
- Share new experiences and grow together
Mentoring Made Easy:
- Just one hour a week during the school year
- We accommodate your personal and work schedule
- Full training and continued support provided
If you consider yourself fun, caring and trustworthy, your consistent presence can enhance a young person’s self-confidence, improve their academic performance, prevent substance use, and help them discover new passions. All while enriching your own life.
Learn more at https://bit.ly/46aoRtd or contact CCS Mentoring Coordinator, Jessica Phelan jphelan@cvsdvt.org 802-425-6682
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.
Access CVU- 2025 Fall/Winter Classes are Open for Registration!
Welcome to Access CVU - Your Community Education Program!
This semester we’re proud to offer 180+ carefully curated classes taught by 76 talented instructors from across Vermont. Whether you want to start a new hobby, unleash your creativity, or simply connect with like-minded learners, Access CVU is your destination for community engagement!
Browse the Fall/Winter 2025 Catalog & sign-up online: Visit us at https://cvsdvt.ce.eleyo.com/ (or Google Access CVU). Prefer to register via email or phone? Contact us access@cvsdvt.org / 802-482-7194.
Register early! Popular classes fill fast, and low enrollment can result in course cancellations. Invite a friend, add enrichment to your calendar, and make this semester one of connection, learning, and growth!
New classes are added frequently! Sign-up for the Access CVU Newsletter HERE and follow us on social media @accesscvu.
Professional Development Courses:
- American Sign Language (ASL) for Beginners Level 1
- *BLS CPR Course
- *Heartsaver CPR and AED Training
*These courses will be open for registration at the end of September.
Interested in teaching? Complete the New Instructor Form or email us at access@cvsdvt.org.
CCS Caregiver Frequently-Used Resources
CCS Parent-Teacher Organization
Charlotte Community Resources
Hello Charlotte Community!
Villari’s Self Defense Centers is proud to be a part of the Charlotte Community School, offering weekly karate classes right here at the school. Our program gives students the chance to build confidence, focus, respect, and discipline, all while learning practical self-defense skills in a fun and encouraging environment.
Class is every Wednesday (early dismissal day): The first class will be
Wednesday, September 3rd in CCS MPR.
For years, Villari’s has helped students grow both on and off the mat. Our instructors are dedicated to creating a positive space where kids can challenge themselves, reach their goals, and feel proud of their progress.
We’re grateful to continue sharing the benefits of martial arts training with CCS families, and we look forward to seeing our students thrive each week.
To learn more about us and what we do, feel free to visit villaricenter.com or to sign up E-mail recreation@townofcharlotte.com
Darrel Duffy, 8th DAN
Chief Master Instructor
Villari's Self-Defense &
Wellness Center, LLC
Tim O'Leary, Principal; toleary@cvsdvt.org
Beth Slater, Assistant Principal & Director of Special Services; eslater@cvsdvt.org