THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - August 29, 2025
No School Monday, September 1st - Labor Day
A Joyful Start at CCS
CCS Community,
What a start! This first week has been full of smiles, waves, and small wins—students finding their way, classrooms settling into routines, and all of us (grown-ups, too!) learning the choreography of a new year. The energy in our halls has been joyful and steady, and we’re grateful for everyone’s partnership as we get into our groove.
Food Spotlight: Local Partnerships & Fresh Favorites
Today’s lunch was a real highlight—cheeseburgers made with beef from Philo Ridge Farm, just across the street from CCS. We’re thrilled about this new partnership that will bring all of our beef this year from right here in our community.
Alongside this exciting new step, one of our longest-standing favorites continues: the fresh fruit bar. Students love it, and it remains a vibrant daily feature of our food program.
Spotlight: Spanish at CCS
In just a couple of weeks, we’re launching three after-school Spanish & Multilingual Language and Culture Clubs for students in every grade. Clubs meet from 2:50–4:20 PM with a late bus available, and each club runs in six-session commitments to build community and continuity.
➡️ Read the full description, dates, and registration details here.
Wishing everyone a restful three-day weekend. We look forward to seeing our students back in the building on Tuesday!
With gratitude,
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
Charlotte Central School Leadership Team
Picture Day at CCS on 9/10!
Every student should have received a picture day order form.
While pictures orders are not required, we encourage students to get their picture taken as all students will receive free of charge a class picture.
For your convenience, we are providing caregivers with the CCS Picture Day Schedule.
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, September 1st - No School - Labor Day
Wednesday, September 3rd - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Wednesday September 10th - Picture Day! Watch for more details.
Wednesday, September 10th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Friday, September 12th - Field Trip - Grade 2, Shelburne Farms
Wednesday, September 17th - Early Dismissal, 1:45
Wednesday, September 17th - PTO Mtg, CCS Library, 5:30 - 6:30
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
Music News
Welcome back to Band!! I am excited for another wonderful year in music!
Any band student in grades 6 - 8 who returned their instrument over the summer, please follow one of the links below to rent an instrument for the 2025 - 26 school year by Monday, Sept. 8 to ensure your child is ready to participate in rehearsals and lessons.
The instruments will be delivered to CCS and distributed at their first lesson/rehearsal.
Feel free to contact me with any questions at asmith@cvsdvt.org
Thank you!
Andy Smith
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is open for band students in grades 6-8 and will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:00AM starting on September 16. If your child is interested, please email Chris Gribnau at cgribnau@cvsdvt.org and plan to attend our first rehearsal.
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
CCS Connecting Youth Seeks New Mentors
Have you considered mentoring a young person? Connecting Youth CVSD invites you to join our team of compassionate, community-focused mentors supporting our youth at CCS. This is a meaningful volunteer opportunity to be engaged with your community and truly make a difference in the life of one great kid!
Why Mentorship Matters:
- Build deeper connections in your community
- Help a young person discover their potential
- Share new experiences and grow together
Mentoring Made Easy:
- Just one hour a week during the school year
- We accommodate your personal and work schedule
- Full training and continued support provided
If you consider yourself fun, caring and trustworthy, your consistent presence can enhance a young person’s self-confidence, improve their academic performance, prevent substance use, and help them discover new passions. All while enriching your own life.
Learn more at https://bit.ly/46aoRtd or contact CCS Mentoring Coordinator, Jessica Phelan jphelan@cvsdvt.org 802-425-6682
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
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