THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - October 17, 2025
SPARK After-School Clubs: Session 2
CCS Community,
As we wrap up the fall sports season and feel that crisp shift in the weather, we’re also approaching the final weeks of SPARK Session 1. Hot off the press, we’re excited to share the Session 2 lineup, beginning the week of November 3rd!
Returning favorites include Spanish Clubs—now offered in three age groups (K-2, 3-4, and 5-8)—along with Dance, Knitting, and Sewing. Based on feedback from Session 1, we’ve divided the K-4 Spanish Club into two separate sessions to better meet student needs.
And we’re thrilled to introduce three brand-new clubs: 🎸 Guitar Lessons, ♟️Chess, and 🐉 Dungeons & Dragons!
SPARK gives students the chance to build new skills, connect with peers and adults they might not meet during the school day, and explore their own sense of identity, direction, and proficiency through joyful, hands-on learning.
📅 Session 2 begins the week of November 3.
➡️ Sign up by the end of Sunday, October 26th. Waitlists may be created if interest exceeds available spots, but students on waitlists will receive priority for future sessions.
Read full club descriptions for specific dates, and access the SPARK Interest Form to sign up.
Questions? Reach out to Activities & Athletics Director Nicky Elderton, nelderton@cvsdvt.org.
Tim O’Leary & Beth Slater
Charlotte Central School Leadership Team
7/8 Project Leaders Group
The 7th and 8th grade Project Leaders group, which meets on Thursdays, attended a special event this week. On Wednesday, October 15th they were invited to the "Cultivating Pathways to Sustainability" launch at Shelburne Farms. The event focuses on empowering student voices to create change around the U.N. Sustainability Goals. Joined by CCS staff members Conor Emerson, Julia Beerworth, and Andrew Lounsbury, the students participated in team-building games, met peers from across the state, and ultimately selected U.N. Sustainable Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals as their focus for the year.
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
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 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).
Friday, November 7th - Dance! grades 6-8 - MPR, 7:00 to 9:00
Tuesday, November 18th - CVSD Board Meeting - 6:00 - 8:00
Wednesday, November 19th - CCS PTO Meeting, CCS Library, 5:30 - 6:30
Monday, November 24th through Friday, November 28th - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
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!
Singing Opportunity (5-8 Chorus): Shelburne Halloween Parade 10/26/25
CVU chorus is inviting chorus members from our district middle schools to join with them to either walk in the Shelburne Halloween Parade (meeting at the Shelburne Plaza parking lot at 1:30) and/or to join in an informal sing-a-long after the parade (in front of the Shelburne town offices) immediately after. Students in chorus classes have learned music in class to participate. If your child is interested in walking the parade route, or performing after - simply meet us at the proper location and time to join in.
If there are any questions - please email Chris Gribnau at cgribnau@cvsdvt.org
School Library News
K-4 library classes have begun The Global Readaloud! This is an opportunity for CCS students to take part in one of the world's largest reading communities. This year, students as close as Shelburne, and as far away as China are reading and discussing the same books. Our global readaloud author & illustrator this year is Oge Mora. Follow these links to learn more!
CVSD Community Budget Forum
Tuesday, October 28
6:00-7:15 p.m.
CVU High School Library
Join the discussion about our schools in the current fiscal climate and the approach we will take to developing next year's budget. Parents & caregivers, faculty & staff, students and community members are invited. A virtual option will be available!
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
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!
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