THE CCS NEWSLETTER

CCS Parents & Caregivers,

This fall, CCS educators launched a cycle of Collaborative Work Groups (CWGs)—a structure that allows teachers to learn with and from one another by diving deeply into topics that matter for students, for our school, and for their own professional growth. Each group meets regularly over several weeks to study, design, test, and reflect on practices that strengthen teaching and learning at CCS. These CWGs are part of our ongoing commitment to a thriving professional culture grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This year’s groups are exploring a wide range of focus areas that reflect both schoolwide priorities and teacher passions. Some teams are designing rich project-based learning experiences, while others are learning American Sign Language or strengthening curriculum in Math, Humanities, and World Language. A couple of staff are working toward teacher licensure through portfolio development, while others are researching strategies to cultivate emotional resilience and well-being for educators. Individual pursuits are also welcome within this structure, ensuring space for innovation, personal interests, and emerging needs.

As these groups continue their work, we look forward to seeing how their learning shapes classrooms, strengthens instruction, and deepens the experiences students have each day at CCS. We are grateful for the energy and professionalism our educators bring to this work—and proud to see a culture of collaborative learning thriving in our school.

Warmly,
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
CCS Administrative Team

This Wednesday, teachers at CCS engaged in professional development within collaborative work groups. One such group is currently deepening its understanding of project-based learning and partnerships with the guidance of educator, Katy Farber

Get in touch with me!

blloyd@cvsdvt.org

(802)425-6604

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!

blloyd@cvsdvt.org

(802)425-6604

Friday, November 14th - CVU Performing Arts presents: Into the Woods, 7:00pm - see flyer below

Saturday, November 15th- CVU Performing Arts presents: Into the Woods, 2:00pm - see flyer below

Saturday, November 15th- CVU Performing Arts presents: Into the Woods, 6:00pm - see flyer below

Sunday, November 16th - CVU Performing Arts presents: Into the Woods, 1:00pm - see flyer below

Tuesday, November 18th - CVSD Board Meeting - 6:00 - 8:00pm

Wednesday, November 19th - Early Dismissal, 1:45pm

Wednesday, November 19th - CCS PTO Meeting, CCS Library, 5:30 - 6:30on

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 - Staff Appreciation Luncheon, sponsored by the CCS PTO, 11:00 - 1:00

Friday, December 5th - Part2 Parents Night Out (Part2 Families Only), Cafe, 6:00 - 8:00pm

Just as the first snow fell, the 6th graders took a short bus ride to the Charlotte Senior Center. Having begun the school year learning about what makes Vermont so special, exploring what it means to be in a community, and emphasizing reciprocity, students went to interview community members. What began as interviews focusing on Vermont and growing up soon grew into laughter, connection, and storytelling. We are all looking forward to continuing and deepening the connections made this week!

It's Nonfiction November! Our library has a wide variety of nonfiction books to choose from, and the excitement of discovering something new is a daily occurrence. Nonfiction books spark curiosity and motivation to learn. Additionally, they are tools that allow readers to practice information literacy skills. The ability to critically evaluate information and perspectives in the pages of a book is transferable to their everyday world and their digital world. We are highlighting some of our student favorites from the past few months! The National Science Teaching Association's Outstanding Science Books has a variety of new award-winning nonfiction for all ages to discover!

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.

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!

Performances are :

Friday Nov 14th at 7pm

Saturday Nov 15th at 2pm and 7pm

Sunday 16th Nov at 1pm

At CVU Theater, 369 C V U Rd, Hinesburg, VT 05461

TICKETS are $8 for Students, $10 for Seniors and CVU Faculty and $15 for everyone else - available at https://www.ticketsource.com/cvutheater

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!

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.

More information about subbing can be found here.

• Athletics
• Bus Schedules / Routes
• Calendar: 2025-26
• CCS & CVSD Handbook
• Connecting Youth Mentoring
• CVSD School Board
• Food Service and Menu
• Health Office
• MySchoolBucks
• Volunteer at CCS

We welcome your feedback at any time. Whether it's intended for our school’s leadership team, district office, or a specific department, your message will be directed to the appropriate team members. We aim to follow up within three business days.

The CCS Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a partnership between parents, teachers, and staff, working together to create enriching experiences for our students. Visit our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages for the latest and stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get involved!

• Access Community Education Classes and Registration
• Charlotte Food Shelf
• Charlotte Public Libary

• Town of Charlotte

Tim O'Leary, Principal; toleary@cvsdvt.org

Beth Slater, Assistant Principal & Director of Special Services; eslater@cvsdvt.org

Find CCS on Instagram and Facebook, too!