THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - February 13, 2026
CCS Community,
Town Meeting Day Is March 3 — Early Voting Now Open
Early and absentee voting has begun ahead of Town Meeting Day on Tuesday, March 3.
This year, voters will consider the proposed FY27 Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) budget. The proposal carries forward the current level of services and programming for students, with a 2.7% increase in per-pupil spending — less than half the statewide average. Due to the complexities of Vermont’s education funding system, the projected tax impact is higher than the spending increase itself, though state legislative action is forecasted to cut projected tax rate increases in half.
Learn more and find FAQs at: www.cvsdvt.org/budget
Virtual Community Budget Forum: Monday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. Zoom information at the link above.
Request an absentee ballot through your town office or at The Vermont Secretary of State’s website.
Thank you for staying informed and for making a plan to vote on or before March 3.
With care,
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
Charlotte Central School Leadership Team
What Does Kindness Mean To Our Youngest Learners?
In kindergarten, it’s caring, including others, using kind words, helping friends feel safe, sharing, playing together, and love. Meanwhile, on the 100th Day of School, our second graders were busy counting the many ways they love CCS — from friendships and favorite subjects to recess laughs and classroom traditions. Big ideas from little voices, reminding us that 100 days in, we are 100 days smarter, kinder, and stronger together.
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
CVU STUDENT/CAREGIVER NIGHT - February 12th 6:30pm - 8th grade students and their families are encouraged to attend this informational evening to learn more about the transition to high school! 8th Grade Family Night Flyer.jpg
You Are Not Alone - Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health With Wisdom from Experts and Real Families. A GPS online parenting series. Tuesday, February 10 at noon and 7 pm. Click HERE for more information and zoom link.
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.
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
CCS Newscast
This week we went into the "field" and interviewed people to see who they thought would win the super bowl.
Mark Your Calendar
Sunday, February 15th - Charlotte Fire and Rescue Open House, 3:00 - 6:00pm - see flyer below
Sunday, February 15th - Rec Dept Winter Sports Pop Up Event, 2:00 - 7:00pm - see flyer below
Wednesday, February 18th - Early Release
Wednesday, February 18th - Digital Well-Being & Youth Development / Tools, Monitoring, and Partnership: A Practical Conversation, CCS Library, 5:30 - 7:15
Monday, February 23rd through Friday, February 27th - NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
Wednesday, March 2nd- Early Release
Friday, March 6th - Trimester 2 Ends
Wednesday, March 11th - Grade 4 NAEP Assessment
Wednesday, March 11th - Early Release
Thursday, March 12th - Grade 8 NAEP Assessment
Friday, March 13th - 5-8 report cards e-mailed home
Tuesday, March 17th - CVSD Board Mtg, 6:00pm
Wednesday, March 18th - PTO Mtg, CCS Library, 5:30pm
Wednesday, March 18th - Early Release
Thursday, March 19th - NO SCHOOL, Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 20th - NO SCHOOL, Eid, al Fitr
Tuesday, March 24th - Save the Date: Celebrate the Arts at CVU - New Time! 5:30 - 8:30pm
Wednesday, March 25th - Early Release
Friday, March 27th - DANCE! Grade 6-8, MPR, 7:00 - 9:00pm
July 6-10, 2026 - Save the Date! - Student Summer Learning (more information below)
🐝✨ CCS Spelling Bee 2026 ✨🐝
On the 10th, we hosted our annual CCS Spelling Bee — a cherished CCS tradition — graciously emceed by Charlotte resident and State Representative Chea Evans.
Congratulations to Matilda McCracken and May Bonoma, who are advancing to the state tournament!
We are so proud of all of the brave students who studied hard, committed themselves to learning, and stepped up to compete in front of their peers. That kind of courage, perseverance, and school spirit is what CCS is all about.
School Library News
Middle grade readers have had some surprises show up on the library shelves recently! Think blind bags, but instead of toys, each bag contains a book. The outside of the bags include the author, the genre, and the first sentence of the book inside the bag. The rules are simple. 1. No Peeking! 2. Be willing to take a chance and try something new.
Here are some of our favorite first sentences. Which one would you try?
"Warning: do not read beyond this page." The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
"Once there was a boy who had two immortal creatures living on his shoulders." - Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz
"First things first: a riddle." - The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin
"It was a very fine day, until something tried to eat him." Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
This week's newscast features an interview with kindergarten and a couple of guest commercial makers.
Ramadan Meals
For those who celebrate Ramadan, school meals are available for take home. To request meals from February 17 through March 19, students or caregivers should email CCS Site Manager Sherry Beatty (sbeatty@cvsdvt.org) in the morning, and meals will be available for pickup in the afternoon.
Student Summer Learning - Save the Date! July 6-10, 2026
CVSD is excited to host the Summer Academic Growth Experience (SAGE) for students rising into grades 2-6 who benefit from additional support in math and literacy. Held at Williston Central School from 8:00 am to 11:30 am, this program offers engaging, high-quality instruction focused on building joy and motivation in math or literacy. More information about who is eligible for the program and how to sign up is coming soon!
26 - 27 CCS Kindergarten Registration Is Now Open
Middle School Families: Order your 2026 CCS Yearbook!
The CCS Yearbook is now available for order. The CCS yearbook is primarily for middle school students, grades 5-8, as only these students are featured in the yearbook. The cost of the yearbook is $30. If purchasing a yearbook for your student is a financial hardship for your family, please reach out confidentially to our school counselor, Betsy Lloyd at blloyd@cvsdvt.org so we can make sure your middle schooler can receive a yearbook.
The deadline has been extended. Please order your yearbook by February 20, 2026.
For yearbook related questions, please reach out to our yearbook advisor, Elisa Miller, at emiller@cvsdvt.org.
Learn More: Proposed FY27 CVSD Budget & Voting Information
On January 20, the CVSD School Board approved a $107.9M FY27 budget to support and operate the district. Voters will consider this budget on Town Meeting Day—Tuesday, March 3, 2026. You can also vote or absentee beginning Wednesday, Feb. 11, by requesting a ballot online at sos.vermont.gov/elections.
The proposed $107.9M budget carries forward the current year's level of services and programming into the 2026-27 school year, recognizing that further cuts to programs would affect the core mission of the district.
Learn more about the budget at www.cvsdvt.org/budget and at the upcoming informational meeting:
Virtual Community Budget Meeting
Monday, February 16 at 7 p.m.
Join via Zoom, Meeting ID: 287 287 5018, Passcode: cvsd11
Parental Notification Requirement Under Act 139
In July 2024, the Vermont State Legislature passed Act 139, a new law aimed at strengthening reading instruction for young learners. Officially titled “An Act Relating to Supporting Vermont’s Young Readers Through Evidence-Based Reading Instruction,” this law is designed to improve reading outcomes for students in kindergarten through third grade.
We are pleased to share that CVSD’s current curriculum already aligns with the law’s emphasis on evidence-based, systematic reading instruction. Thanks to our dedicated educators and strong literacy practices, 87% of CVSD third graders were reading at or above grade level at the end of the 2025 school year.
One key component of Act 139 is a new requirement to notify caregivers if their child is significantly below grade level in reading. CVSD has already begun this process, ensuring that families are informed and supported. Please know that we are committed to providing every child with the instruction and resources they need to develop strong reading skills. If your child qualifies for additional reading support, you will receive communication from us with more details. In addition, we have resources for families to support literacy on our website at cvsdvt.org/Academics/Caregiver Literacy Resources.
If you have any questions about this law or our reading instruction practices, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your partnership in supporting our young readers.
CVSD Intra-District K-8 School Choice
Children entering grades preK-8 who live in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston may exercise school choice. Our goal is to both allow options for families and also make balanced class sizes to provide a positive learning environment for all of our children.
Processes for intra-district choice of school will be guided by the needs of students, space availability, and existing resources. Given this, we will work to meet as many families’ needs as possible. Guidelines and Application
Girls on the Run Vermont
Volunteer to be a Girls on the Run (GOTR) coach for CCS this spring! Girls’ voices matter, though they may not realize it … YET. As a GOTR coach this season, you have the chance to help girls find the confidence to speak up and boldly share their amazing ideas. You’ll empower them to listen deeply and guide them in helping others find their voices, too. With your support, girls on your team can realize just how powerful they are. Being a GOTR coach isn't just impactful—it's life-changing. Not only do GOTR coaches empower the girls on their team, they also reported the experience strengthened their connection to the community and enhanced their personal and professional skills. Be a part of something truly meaningful!
Not a runner? Haven’t coached before? No problem! Girls on the Run VT (GOTRVT) provides training, easy to follow lesson plans, supplies and support for a transformational season. Our season begins the week of March 16, 2026 and ends with a celebratory 5K on Saturday, May 30th. Over the 10 week season our team will meet twice weekly for 90 minute sessions to connect, move, learn and have FUN!
Visit gotrvt.org/coach to learn more or sign up to volunteer. Families can fill out a participant interest form to get connected. Questions? Contact GOTRVT at stephanie@girlsontherunvermont.org, or 802-871-5664.
Save the Date: Celebrate the Arts, Tuesday, March 24 - New Time! 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Join students from across the Champlain Valley School District for an evening of entertainment and celebration, showcasing performing and visual arts from the district’s six schools. This annual tradition returns to CVU on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, transforming the high school halls and theater into a vibrant gallery of learning, innovation and inspiration.
The 14th-annual Celebrate the Arts Night brings together art, music, theater, media, arts, foods, business, design and technology in a one-night-only exhibition of student creativity.
Bolton Valley Ski & Ride Dates - 2/11, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18 (3/25 Make-up Date)
Registration Fees:
$129 Program fee (for those 6+ or those without a BV season's pass)
$49 Program fee (for those under 6 or who have a BV season's pass)
No Charge/FREE to borrow equipment from CCS on a first come/first serve basis
BV rental equip. Optional: please see Charlotte Recreation website for details
$75 lessons - Levels 1 or 2, ski or snowboard
Chaperones:
Chaperones are needed to maintain a 1-to-10 ratio to students. Chaperones ski free or at a sharply reduced rate and are expected to help and have fun. Some chaperones are needed to ride the bus. More info for “1st timers” at the meeting!
Transportation:
Bus/Transportation leaves CCS after school and returns by 7:40pm. Students MUST (unless
prearranged) return the same way they arrived. If changes occur for the ride home, the parent or child MUST notify the bus coordinator or driver of the car in which your child arrived.
Equipment Donations:
As always, we are on the lookout for newer skis, boards, boots, and helmets. If you would like to
donate, please drop off at Charlotte Town Hall to the Rec Department (Gary Rogers), or contact
Michael Krasnow (mkrasnow1@gmail.com), who will be doing the fittings.
Registration:
Registration is now being done through the Charlotte Recreation website. Please head to
https://charlottevt.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx to register.
Financial Aid/Scholarships - Financial Aid is available for any student who would otherwise be unable to participate. Contact Gary Rogers at information below.
Need More information: email recreation@townofcharlotte.com or call/text: (802) 989-2929
2026 Summer Camp Information
It's that time of year again where we begin to share with you summer camp information that we are asked to pass along to our community caregivers. CCS does not endorse the following camps, this is shared with our community as informational only.
Junior Redhawks Running Camp with CVU XC Head Coach Dave Baird - kids finishing grades 4-8 in
Vermont Youth Dancers - various dates and ages - Summer Dance Programs
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