THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - September 19, 2025
CCS Community,
You’re invited to our upcoming CCS Open House—a relaxed evening for families to explore classrooms and connect with teachers. It is on Tuesday, September 30th from 5 - 6 PM.
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Move at your own pace: Visit classrooms in any order and get a feel for the daily learning environment.
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Classroom snapshots: Each room will have a simple one-page handout with broad strokes about curriculum, key themes, and/or ways to stay in touch.
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Conversations welcome: Teachers are happy to answer quick questions. If you’d like a deeper conversation, please schedule a follow-up time.
This format is designed to help families get an authentic sense of student learning while keeping the evening informal and welcoming. Following the CCS Open House, the CCS PTO will host a potluck in the back of the school from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Please take a look at the recent PTO email for more information on this important social gathering.
We look forward to seeing you soon to celebrate our vibrant K-8 community together!
With gratitude,
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
Charlotte Central School Leadership Team
SPARK After-School Club Sign-Ups Close Sunday 9/21
We are thrilled to launch SPARK, a series of after-school clubs for all K–8 students designed to help kids discover new interests, build skills, forge new relationships with adults, and make new friends.
Running in multiple sessions across the year, SPARK brings students together across grades and with adults they might not otherwise meet. Clubs will feature sewing, dance, languages, leadership activities, and knitting—each a chance to spark curiosity and new connections.
👉 Please review and complete the SPARK Session 1 interest form, which is open until Sept 21, to explore the first round of offerings and sign up.
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
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Vermont is offering a free 6-session educational program for families and caregivers with a child experiencing mental health challenges
From Basics - NAMI Vermont:
NAMI Basics is a six-week course designed to empower parents and caregivers of youths aged 22 and under with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to navigate the challenges of supporting a young person with a mental health condition. In order to maximize accessibility to this program, we are offering it virtually via Zoom.
Our Basics Fall 2025 Class is now open for registration! If you’re a family member or caregiver supporting a youth aged 22 and under, who is experiencing mental health symptoms, consider enrolling in NAMI Vermont’s FREE, 6-week Basics class! Each session will be led by trained volunteers who have firsthand experience caring for youth with mental health challenges. Their personal insights allow them to guide discussions with empathy and equip families with essential tools, knowledge, and support.
Here are the details about our upcoming class:
Every Tuesday, 6:30-9:00 pm
Start date: Sept. 30
Virtual, via Zoom
Connect with others in similar situations, gain valuable insights, and learn effective support strategies. Register today!
For more information, visit Basics - NAMI Vermont.
It looks like they will be offering other sessions after this one. Virtual mental health class offered for parents/caregivers of youth | Community News | benningtonbanner.com
I hope this is a helpful resource!
Champlain Center is starting a FREE Child-Parent Relationship Therapy group!
What: CPRT (Child-Parent Relationship Therapy) Group
Who: Parents/caregivers of children aged 3-11
When: Fridays 12-2 PM, 9/26-12/12
Where: Offered virtually
Cost: Free (grant-funded)
Led by: Katie Wessels, LICSW and Carolynn Nagao Marcotte, LICSW from
Champlain Center for Play Therapy and Family Counseling
Please see the full details and how to register by clicking below!
ChampCtrPlay 5x6 - 8-21-25 v6 - final[95].pdf
Resources, Food for thought (and maybe some conversation starters)
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!
The Keys: A guide to digital safety - An interactive program for teens developed by Snapchat in collaboration with leading safety experts
Helping your child Navigate changing friendships - This is a great printable to help your child navigate the natural ebb and flow of relationships as they grow
Get in touch with me!
(802)425-6604
CCS Newscast
Mark Your Calendar
Saturday, September 20th - CVU Community Spirit Day, 10:00 - 4:00
Wednesday, September 24th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Friday, September 26th - Dance!! Grades 6-8, MPR, 7:00 - 9:00
Tuesday, September 30th - Open House, 5:00 - 6:00 & CCS PTO Potluck - Outside on the Playground, 6:00 - 7:00 (Gym is rain location)
Wednesday, October 1st - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Thursday, October 2nd - NO SCHOOL, Yom Kippur
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
Wednesday, October 29th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Interested in FIRST Lego League?
The 2025 FIRST LEGO League season is almost here!
FIRST LEGO League is a global robotics program for students in grades 4–8. It introduces kids to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, real-world problem-solving using LEGO bricks.
Our season kicks off on September 30th. We’ll practice 1–2 times per week through January, leading up to the Vermont State Finals. Most practices will be held on Tuesdays and some Thursdays from 2:45–4:15 PM. A detailed schedule, including competition dates, will be shared soon.
If your student is interested, please fill out this form to join our information list. We’ll send you updates with finalized dates in the coming weeks. FLL Interest Form
School Library News
You’re never too old for a picture book! Most students at CCS have heard Mrs. Huestis say this over and over. Whether you are a kindergartener learning about how to use your new school library or you are a middle schooler finding the perfect picture book to turn into a reader's theater script, the possibilities are endless.
Parents and caregivers at home can also have fun with picture books! One of our favorite authors to share is Mac Barnett, our country's newest National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. "The picture book is a sophisticated, vibrant, and beautiful art form. I believe wholeheartedly in the boundless possibilities of children's books - and the brilliance of the kids who read them." Mac writes amazing interactive picture books that students love to share again and again. Ask your reader to bring some home from the library!
Starting on Thursday, September 25th, after dismissal till 4
What is MathCounts?
It is a national middle school mathematics competition that builds problem-solving skills and fosters achievement through four levels of fun, in-person "bee" style contests.
Who should join MathCounts?
Anyone who likes math in 6th-8th grade
Anyone who might not like math yet but wants to like it more
Anyone who wants to be part of a community
Anyone who wants to check it out!
How does MathCounts at CCS work?
A chance to do collaborative problem solving with problems that are a little bit different to what you usually see in math class
We will have weekly practice at CCS, Starting on Thursday, September 25th, after dismissal till 4, in Ms. Miller’s Room ( on the left hand side of the Omega hallway past the bathrooms)
We will bring a group to the district and regional competition (and could qualify for the state and national competition!)
We hope to see you there!
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
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!
SAVE THE DATE FOR CVU COMMUNITY SPIRIT DAY
SAVE THE DATE FOR CVU COMMUNITY SPIRIT DAY
Saturday, September 20
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Spirit Day is one of the most energizing days of the fall – a celebration of CVU pride, packed with home games, fans, and festivities.
The Friends of CVU are working hard to make this a true community celebration for all ages. We invite alumni, aspiring young redhawks, students, and families to stop by CVU High School on Saturday, September 20th anytime between 10am and 4pm.
Athletic teams will be playing home games all day long. Food trucks will be on site vending. Student musicians will perform. Art students will offer face painting and tattoos.
HOOPHAWKS
Calling all 5th-8th grade girls and boys basketball players who want to
grow their game and meet teammates from around the district!
CVU's Hoop Hawks basketball program emphasizes player development, integrity and teamwork. Teams compete in a Sunday league (November-February), which is a competitive Vermont basketball league, organized by high school districts. CVU teams consist of players from Williston,
Charlotte, Shelburne, St. George, and Hinesburg.
Tryouts for the 2025-2026 season are coming up soon.
Learn more and register by going to: cvuhoophawks.org
7th/8th grade GIRLS:
■ Wednesday Oct 1st @ Williston Central School | 7:15p-8:45p
■ Saturday Oct 4th @ CVU | 4p-5:30p
7th/8th grade BOYS:
■ Wednesday Sep 24th @ Charlotte Central School | 5:30p-7p
■ Sunday Sep 28th @ CVU | 12p-1:30p
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5th/6th grade GIRLS:
■ Wednesday Oct 1st @ Williston Central School | 6p-7p
■ Saturday Oct 4th @ CVU | 2p-3:30p
5th/6th grade BOYS:
■ Tuesday Sep 23rd @ Charlotte Central School | 5:30p-7p
■ Sunday Sep 28th @ CVU | 10a-11:30a
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.
Access CVU- 2025 Fall/Winter Classes are Open for Registration!
Welcome to Access CVU - Your Community Education Program!
This semester we’re proud to offer 180+ carefully curated classes taught by 76 talented instructors from across Vermont. Whether you want to start a new hobby, unleash your creativity, or simply connect with like-minded learners, Access CVU is your destination for community engagement!
Browse the Fall/Winter 2025 Catalog & sign-up online: Visit us at https://cvsdvt.ce.eleyo.com/ (or Google Access CVU). Prefer to register via email or phone? Contact us access@cvsdvt.org / 802-482-7194.
Register early! Popular classes fill fast, and low enrollment can result in course cancellations. Invite a friend, add enrichment to your calendar, and make this semester one of connection, learning, and growth!
New classes are added frequently! Sign-up for the Access CVU Newsletter HERE and follow us on social media @accesscvu.
Professional Development Courses:
- American Sign Language (ASL) for Beginners Level 1
- *BLS CPR Course
- *Heartsaver CPR and AED Training
*These courses will be open for registration at the end of September.
Interested in teaching? Complete the New Instructor Form or email us at access@cvsdvt.org.
CCS Caregiver Frequently-Used Resources
CCS Parent-Teacher Organization
Charlotte Community Resources
Hello Charlotte Community!
Villari’s Self Defense Centers is proud to be a part of the Charlotte Community School, offering weekly karate classes right here at the school. Our program gives students the chance to build confidence, focus, respect, and discipline, all while learning practical self-defense skills in a fun and encouraging environment.
Class is every Wednesday (early dismissal day): The first class will be
Wednesday, September 3rd in CCS MPR.
For years, Villari’s has helped students grow both on and off the mat. Our instructors are dedicated to creating a positive space where kids can challenge themselves, reach their goals, and feel proud of their progress.
We’re grateful to continue sharing the benefits of martial arts training with CCS families, and we look forward to seeing our students thrive each week.
To learn more about us and what we do, feel free to visit villaricenter.com or to sign up E-mail recreation@townofcharlotte.com
Darrel Duffy, 8th DAN
Chief Master Instructor
Villari's Self-Defense &
Wellness Center, LLC
Tim O'Leary, Principal; toleary@cvsdvt.org
Beth Slater, Assistant Principal & Director of Special Services; eslater@cvsdvt.org