THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - February 20, 2026
WINTER BREAK - FEBRUARY 23rd THROUGH FEBRUARY 27th
CCS Community,
If you walked through CCS this week, you may have been greeted by a surprise Dad Joke delivery team.
In a few “highly official” classroom interruptions, Tim recruited students to help share some classic groan-worthy humor. One student asked the question, another delivered the punchline, and entire classrooms debated their best guesses before the big reveal. The laughter (and dramatic eye rolls) were absolutely worth it. Leadership lesson of the week: joy matters — and a well-timed dad joke can go a long way.
That same joyful energy filled the gym yesterday for our annual student-staff basketball showdown. With student and staff announcers, a pep band, a national anthem, and a halftime competition featuring younger students, it had all the makings of a championship event. The 7/8 team came ready to play and held the lead into the final five minutes. In the end, the staff relied on age, wisdom, and some very experienced (and slightly creaky) knees to pull off a last-minute win — much to the dismay of most of the crowd!
Finally, you’ll find more information about our upcoming budget vote below. Early voting is now open and runs through Voting Day, Tuesday, March 3 at 7 PM. I encourage you to take a few minutes to review the details and make a plan to participate.
With care,
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
The CCS Leadership Team
Voting Information & Proposed FY27 CVSD Budget
On or before Tuesday, March 3, 2026 — Town Meeting Day — voters will consider one budget for all public schooling in Champlain Valley School District (CVSD). On January 20, the CVSD School Board approved a $107.9M FY27 budget to support and operate the district.
Learn more about the budget in this recent budget presentation and at www.cvsdvt.org/budget
Early and absentee voting is available now: Request a ballot at your town office or online at sos.vermont.gov/elections.
On Tuesday, March 3, the following polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Day-of voter registration is available at all polling places.
Charlotte - Charlotte Town Hall
Hinesburg - Hinesburg Town Hall
Shelburne - Shelburne Town Center, Gymnasium
Williston - Williston Armory
St. George - St. George Town Hall
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
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, February 23rd through Friday, February 27th - NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
Saturday, February 28th - Charlotte Town Meeting, CCS MPR, 8:00am
Tuesday, March 3rd - Australian Ballot, Polls Are Open at Charlotte Town Hall, 7:00am - 7:00pm
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)
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.
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
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
- 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