THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - October 10, 2025
CCS Community
While K–4 and 5–8 Spanish Clubs have been happening for weeks, Session 1 of our larger after-school SPARK Clubs program began this week. Yesterday afternoon, five clubs were happening simultaneously — engaging students across many grade levels in Spanish Language and Culture, Jazz and Ballet Dancing, Knitting, Sewing, and MathCounts.
We both had the pleasure of spending time among these groups, where students were not only exploring something they care about, but also building new skills and relationships with peers and adults they might not otherwise connect with. That combination — choice, curiosity, and connection — is what makes SPARK truly spark.
Programs like SPARK are one way CCS is living out the CVSD pillars of engagement. Students are growing their Identity by discovering new interests; building Connection through shared experiences; developing Proficiency as they practice and create; and finding Direction as they explore what excites them most.
A special shout-out to the activities director, club leaders, and assistants who have stepped forward to run or support these after-school SPARK clubs: Nicky Elderton, Caroline Homan, Alyssa Jones, Ainaka Luna, Rachael Miller, Bernice Murray, Zach Pichette, and Mary Tierney.
We hope you enjoy these photographs from this week’s clubs, see the note below about a few remaining openings, and keep an eye out for SPARK Session #2 details next week.
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
Charlotte Central School Leadership Team
Early Release or Change in Departure Plans
Is the end of today different than usual? Is there a Club, Sports Practice, or shift in home plans? If so, please make sure to update CCS in a timely way.
If your child needs to leave school early or you need to change their usual dismissal plan, please notify the main office at the start of the school day.
Written Note: Include the following information:
Date
Full name of child
Full name of parent/guardian
Teacher’s name
Reason for the change in dismissal
Phone Call/Email: If you are calling instead of sending a note, please contact the attendance clerk before 1:30 PM (12:30 PM on Wednesdays) to ensure we can communicate the change with all impacted students and staff. CCS Attendance Clerk: Cindy LaWare - claware@cvsdvt.org; 802-425-2771.
Excerpted from the CVSD & CCS Family & Student Handbook
A Few Spots Remain for Session 1: Dance, Knitting, & Sewing
A few spots remain in our SPARK Thursday Clubs (Session 1), which began this week—knitting (grades 2-8), dance (4-8), and sewing (K-8)! If your student is interested, please contact our Activities Director, Nicky Elderton, at nelderton@cvsdvt.org
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
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)
***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!
Get in touch with me!
(802)425-6604
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday, October 8th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Wednesday, October 15th - Field Trip, Grade 3 (Hatch/Poirier) to Shelburne Farms, 9:00 - 1:20
Wednesday, October 15th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Wednesday, October 15th - PTO Meeting, CCS Library, 5:30 - 6:30
Friday, October 17th - Field Trip, Grade 4 (Fraser/Grey) to Maritime Museum, 8:30 - 2:00
Wednesday, October 22nd - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Thursday, October 23rd - NO SCHOOL, Diwali
Friday, October 24th - NO SCHOOL, Parent Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, October 28 - Community Budget Forum, 6 p.m., CVU Library
Wednesday, October 29th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Wednesday, November 5th - *NEW DATE* - Make-up / re-take picture day! Starts at 9:00 until all student and staff are complete (usually about 30-45 minutes).
Essential Arts Parent / Teacher Conference Times
Steve Flint - STEM and Digital Learning
To schedule a video or in-person conference please email sflint@cvsdvt.org.
Chris Gribnau - K-4 General Music and 5-8 Choral Music
To schedule a conference, please email cgribnau@cvsdvt.org or call (802) 425-6653. I will be available before school (beginning at 7:00AM) and after school (until 4:30PM).
Matthew Kent - K-4 PE/Wellness
To schedule an in-person, video, or phone conference, please email mkent@cvsdvt.org or call (802) 345-6696. Thank you!
Monday, October 20th 3:15 - 6:15 PM
Tuesday, October 21st 3:15 - 6:15 PM
Wednesday, October 22nd 4:15 - 5:45 PM
* Of course, if none of these times work for you, please feel free to suggest some alternatives.
Erika Norris - K-8 Art Teacher
To schedule a conference (either virtual or in person) please email enorris@cvsdvt.org. I will be available for conferences during the following dates and times:
Monday Oct. 20, 3:00-6:00
Tuesday Oct. 21, 3:00-6:00
Wednesday Oct. 22, 3:00-5:00
* If none of these times work for you, we can work to coordinate another date/time.
Amy Sayre - 5-8 Wellness
To schedule a video conference, please email asayre@cvsdvt.org
Nicky Elderton - 5th - 8th Physical Education / Health
Please email Nelderton@cvsdvt.org to schedule a video conference or phone call.
Monday, October 13th 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Tuesday, October 14th 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Wednesday, October 15th 4:00 - 5:30 PM
* Of course, if none of these times work for you, please feel free to suggest some alternatives.
Andy Smith - 5 - 8 Band and 3rd and 4th Grade Music
To schedule a video conference or in person meeting, please email asmith@cvsdvt.org or call (802) 425-6653.
We will set up a google meet or schedule a meeting between 7:15 - 7:45 am or between 3 - 5:00 pm. Thank you!
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
Spirit Gear Store Opens September 30th and Closes on October 15th
CVU Fall Craft Fair
Be SMART This School Year
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!
CCS Connecting Youth Seeks Youth Mentors
Across Vermont, 96% of youth with a mentor say it helps them feel like they matter. And mattering, matters! It strengthens confidence, protects against risky behaviors, and gives students the hope they need to thrive.
At CCS, we’re looking for caring adults to spend just one hour a week with a student. Interested? Reach out today to start your mentoring journey. Training, support, and flexible scheduling are provided.
Reach out to CCS Mentoring Coordinator, Jessica Phelan: jphelan@cvsdvt.org | 802-425-6682 or learn more here
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