THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - March 6, 2026
CCS Community,
What a great community we have—and it’s on display often within the walls of CCS. This morning was one of those moments.
Our third graders hosted a powerful all-school meeting with our entire K–8 student body, faculty and staff, and caregivers of third graders in attendance.
The focus of the gathering was the third graders’ recent work on persuasion and the many ways they want to help change the world. Their ideas were thoughtful and wide-ranging: stopping animal abuse, encouraging people to stop smoking, having more recess at school, advocating for equal rights for women, reducing pollution, helping people experiencing homelessness, reducing screen time, and picking up trash in our communities.
The assembly began with a warm welcome and a partner activity. Students chose an animal image from the screen that represented how they were feeling today and shared their choice—and why—with someone sitting next to them.
The third graders also shared a video from Kid President, “How to Change the World,” which reminds us that everyone—including kids—has the power to make a difference.
Nearly every third grader spoke, each stepping up to the microphone in front of the entire school. It was inspiring to see their courage, voice, and commitment to making the world better.
They wrapped up their portion of the assembly by inviting the whole audience—around 400 people—to play a game called “Animal Master.” Players choose one of three poses—Bear, Rabbit, or Raccoon—and on the count of three everyone strikes their pose. If you match the Animal Master’s pose, you sit down. The game continues until only a few players remain standing. It was a joyful and energetic way to bring the whole room together.
Before closing, 7–8 Humanities teacher Matt Lutz shared a celebration from Team Omega. Earlier this year, students participated in a two-month statewide stock market game, and one CCS team finished first in the state. Congratulations to Caden, Felix, Khalil, and Emerson on this impressive accomplishment!
It was a wonderful way to begin the day and end the week.
Take care this weekend.
With kindness,
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
Charlotte Central School Leadership Team
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
Spirit Week: March 23rd through March 27th
The CCS 7/8 Student council is proud to present a fabulous week of spirit for all of CCS!
Monday - CCS Day! Wear Red or anything related to CCS
Tuesday- Students dress like a teacher / Teachers dress like students
Wednesday- Tacky Tourist Day
Thursday- Mismatch Day
Friday- Comfy Day
Mark Your Calendar
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
Wednesday, April 1st - 2026 - 2027 CCS grades 1-8 registration opens. Watch for more details.
Wednesday, April 1st- Early Release
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.
Lost and Found
Please have your child(ren) check the lost and found. We hate to give away families items.
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!
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.
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.
- CVU Lacrosse Summer Camps - August 3rd-6th, 9am-1pm
- Junior Redhawks Running Camp - kids finishing grades 4-8
- Sentinal Farms Youth Camps
- Vermont Youth Dancers - various dates and ages
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