THE CCS NEWSLETTER
Charlotte Central School - May 16, 2025
Looking Ahead at CCS: What’s Changing and What’s Next?
Dear CCS Families,
Since stepping into our roles in January, one of our key responsibilities has been to navigate a series of staffing reductions—work we’ve approached with care, collaboration, and a steady focus on our core values: taking care of ourselves, each other, and this place.
These changes have required us to restructure thoughtfully, looking not only at what must shift but also at where we want to go. While some reductions result in fewer personnel, they’ve also prompted meaningful conversations about how we prioritize student experience, support one another, and grow stronger as a school.
Amid these challenges, there are real reasons for optimism. We remain deeply committed to a holistic view of student growth—not just academic proficiency, but also identity, connection, and direction.
Here are a few things we are looking forward to in the coming year:
Thanks to a Rowland Foundation Fellowship, 8th-grade teacher Julia Beerworth will step into a Teacher on Special Assignment role to lead the expansion of Project-Based Learning (PBL) across grades 5–8 and support integration from grades 3–8. Read the full press release.
Alongside this, we’re reintroducing weekly Project Block into the full middle school schedule, giving students dedicated time each week to explore their interests through voice and choice—an important part of meeting the unique developmental needs of adolescents.
Meanwhile, our Stage Revitalization Campaign is more than halfway to its $50,000 goal. This effort will benefit students in every grade—K through 8—by transforming the stage in our multipurpose room into a more dynamic, accessible, and inspiring space for performances, celebrations, and creative expression. Learn more and see how to give.
Staffing Updates and Evolving Roles
We also want to be transparent about the staffing changes, reductions, and program shifts taking place. While some changes result from retirements or leaves, others reflect difficult choices made at both the district and school levels.
Here are the personnel shifts as we look toward the next school year:
Connecting Youth (CY) Mentorship: Kate Rooney is retiring at the end of this year, and we are so grateful for the care she has brought to the Mentoring Program at CCS. Jessica Phelan, who previously served as the district’s CY Communications Coordinator, will step into the Mentor Coordinator role at CCS to carry on this important work.
Behavioral Support: David Leng will join Tim Holcomb as a second Behavior Systems Coordinator. The new dual-coordinator model reflects our continued investment in responsive and relational systems to support student well-being. Matt Krickus, who stepped into the Planning Room role this December, will be moving into a Behavioral Interventionist position at SCS.
World Language: After 35 years, Sarah Pierson is retiring. We will deeply miss her steady presence, thoughtfulness, institutional knowledge, and rare dual certification in French and Spanish. As part of a district-wide reassignment, Owen Duff will join CCS as our full-time World Language teacher. He is certified in French and will also serve as a core teacher on the 7th/8th grade Omega Team. As a result, all 7th and 8th graders will study French next year. We’re glad to share that Spanish instruction will continue in some form next year, at least for students who have been studying it in previous years. We are currently working with Central Office to determine how much Spanish we can offer and will share more details in the coming weeks.
7/8th Grade Humanities: As Julia Beerworth takes on her fellowship, this shift results in the Omega Team (grades 7/8) operating with one Humanities teacher next year instead of the two they have had. This represents the 1.0 FTE reduction in a 5-8 classroom teacher for next year. Matt Lutz will continue as a Humanities Teacher on the Omega team and work alongside other core teachers in Math, Science, and World Language.
Music: Andy Smith, who has been full-time at CCS as an Instrumental Music Teacher, will be shared with Hinesburg next year as CCS realized a 0.5 FTE reduction in music educators in next year’s budget. 5-8 students will all have the opportunity to participate in chorus, band, or both. However, participating in music as a 5th-8th grader will be an elective. The K-4 music program should be unchanged.
Grade 4: Tasha Grey will join CCS while Dana Hanf remains on parental leave. As part of the reduction in overall K–4 classroom staffing, our current third-grade cohort, currently composed of three learning groups, will move into two classes for fourth grade. Each class is projected to include 24 students, which is the same as our rising 6th grade and falls near the cap but within district guidelines. This shift into a larger classroom comes at a more developmentally appropriate time than early elementary and will be supported thoughtfully. As a result of this reduction in staff in K-4, Jane Redden will not be returning to CCS next year; she is planning to take a one-year leave of absence from CVSD to explore other opportunities next year. We’re grateful for her deep care, kindness, and work with students and families at CCS and wish her well in her new role.
Academic Intervention: Due to a 1.0 FTE reduction in paraspecialist intervention staffing at CCS, the 5–8 Literacy Interventionist role currently held by Laurie Maichel will not continue next year. We’ll miss the calm and meaningful connections Laurie made with our middle-level students. While we will still have a 5–8 math paraspecialist interventionist, Elisa Miller will not be returning to that role due to district-wide reassignments tied to budget reductions. Elisa has been an important adult in the lives of our Omega Team students; we will all deeply miss her in this role. Our K–4 interventionists, Nan Boffa and Elizabeth Kehr, will remain in their current positions. Looking ahead, Deb KillKelley will shift her role to focus entirely on coordinating and delivering intervention services, with particular attention to supporting 5–8 literacy. She’ll collaborate closely with the paraspecialist team and classroom teachers to ensure effective student support.
Special Education: Due to a reduction of one full-time special educator position at CCS, Betsy Martin will transition to a role at Hinesburg Community School. Beth Slater, Assistant Principal and Director of Student Services, is working closely with district leadership to redesign our special education model for next year. We will miss Betsy's professional brilliance and amazing work with students. We are committed to ensuring that our team, though smaller, can continue to meet student needs with care, collaboration, and clarity.
Administration: As of January 1, CCS shifted from a 2.5 FTE administrative structure (which included a full-time principal, a full-time assistant principal, and a half-time Director of Student Services) to a 2.0 FTE model. Under this structure, Tim O’Leary continues to serve as full-time principal, and Beth Slater serves in a dual role: 0.5 Assistant Principal and 0.5 Director of Student Services.
This process of restructuring has not been easy—but we’ve worked with staff on a number of the pieces of this puzzle and approached each decision with care, honesty, and a deep belief in the strength and knowledge of our community.
We are committed to a bright future of CCS, especially when things are challenging. Thank you for your trust, your care, and your partnership as we move forward—together.
Sincerely,
Administrative Team, Charlotte Central School
CCS Fun Run and Spring Potluck - Tuesday, June 3rd
The CCS Spring Fun Run is coming up on Tuesday, June 3rd. This is one of our big school community events and fundraisers of the year! For quick reference, you will find all the same details on the PTO website!
EVENT TIMELINE
Fun Run 5:15
Potluck 5:30
Raffle 6:30
FUN RUN DETAILS
Run or Cheer! The (optional) Fun Run is intended for all ages and skill levels. And there will be many opportunities to cheer!
NEW THIS YEAR: thanks to the generous support of our corporate sponsors, each student will receive a shirt specific to their grade color. More details to follow.
Register (optional) and collect Fun Run pledges! Students may choose to register through Pledgestar and ask friends and/or family to make donations on their behalf. You do not need to register to participate in the run!
RAFFLE DETAILS
Basket raffle details went out to each class earlier this month. Please visit the PTO website for a listing of the basket themes by class.
Basket donations are OPTIONAL and DO NOT need to be expensive. If it is easier to donate money, please include it in a sealed envelope and provide it to the classroom teacher or Venmo Julia Schofield @Lippy6 (8183 last 4 digits of phone number).
We hope to see you at this fun school community event on Tuesday, June 3. If you have any questions, please reach out to Julia Schofield at jschof02@gmail.com.
5th & 6th Grade Social and Dance – Wednesday, May 21st
We’re excited to invite all 5th and 6th grade students to a free social and dance on Wednesday, May 21st from 4:30–6:30 PM at CCS. There will be a DJ and dancing in the multipurpose room, along with games set up in the gymnasium. Snacks will be provided. This is the first time we’ve offered a dance-style event for 5th graders, and we’re looking forward to a fun, community-centered evening!
Mark Your Calendar
Friday, May 16th - 6th-8th Grade Dance, 7-9 PM
Tuesday, May 20th - Field Trip, Grade 1 to Shelburne Farms,
Wednesday, May 21st - 5th & 6th Grade Social/Dance, 4:30 - 6:30
Wednesday, May 21st - Early Release
Wednesday, May 21st - Field Trip - 8th Grade to CVU, 10:30 - 12:15
Wednesday, May 21st - 25-26 Kindergarten Visiting, by appointment, 2:15 - 4:00
Wednesday, May 21st - 5/6 Grade Social, MPR & Gym, 4:30 - 6:30
Wednesday, May 21st - CY Mentoring End of Year Celebration Dinner, 6:00 - 7:30
Friday, May 23rd - Author Ann Braden Visit (grades 4-6), CCS Library, 8:20 - 9:20
Monday, May 26th - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 27th - Field Trip - Kindergarten to Audobon Society, 8:15 - 12:30
Wednesday, May 28th - Early Release
Wednesday, May 28th - 25-26 Kindergarten Visiting, by appointment, 2:15 - 4:00
Wednesday, May 28th - Spring Concert, MPR, 6:30pm (5-8 Chorus and Bands)
Friday, May 30th - Field Trip - Omega 8 to Jay Peak Water Park, 8:15 - 5:30
Sunday, June 1st - CCS Band & Chorus @ Centennial Field, 4:15 - 5:35 - see details below
Tuesday, June 3rd - CCS Fun Run & Spring Potluck, 5:15
Wednesday, June 4th - Early Release
Thursday, June 5th - Discover Jazz Festival, Church Street, 11:40 - 12:20, (Jazz Band Only)
Thursday, June 5th - Willy Wonka Jr., MPR - (performance times TBD - open to the public)
Friday, June 6th - Field Trip - Alpha 6 to Cota Field (trout release), 10:00 - 2:00
Friday, June 6th - Willy Wonka Jr., MPR - (performance times TBD - open to the public)
Saturday, June 7th - Willy Wonka Jr., MPR - (performance times TBD - open to the public)
Tuesday, June 10th - Field Trip - Omega 7 to Oakledge State Park, 9:00 - 2:00
Wednesday, June 11th - Looking Ahead! - 8:30 - 9:15
Wednesday, June 11th - Field Trip - 5/6 to Spare Time, 9:30 - 12:30
Wednesday, June 11th - Early Release
Thursday, June 12th - 8th Grade Graduation - watch for details
Friday, June 13th - Last Day of Schooll (K-7 only) 1/2 Day
BRAIN DAY AT CCS: A HANDS-ON DIVE INTO NEUROSCIENCE
Charlotte Central School’s fifth graders recently took part in the unforgettable annual “Brain Day,” where they explored the wonders of neuroscience through hands-on activities led by UVM Medical Center doctors Dr. Scott Lollis and Dr. Noah Kolb. Students held a real human brain, experimented with neurosurgical tools, and learned about reflexes and balance through engaging demonstrations. Now in its eighth year, this interactive event left students both amazed and a little grossed out—especially by the tofu-like texture of the brain!
To learn more, read fifth grader Maddie Kolb’s article in The Charlotte News
New Student Registration
If you are interested in enrolling your child(ren) at Charlotte Central School for the 2025-2026 school year, all grade level registrations are now open.
Upcoming Performances from the CCS Music Department
Wednesday, May 28, 6:30 PM - Spring Concert in the CCS MPR. 5-8 choruses and bands
Sunday, June 1, 5:00 PM - CCS Music Department at the Centennial Field playing the National Anthem at the Lake Monsters Game (open and optional for all musicians in grades 5 - 8)
Thursday, June 5, 11:40 - 12:20 - Discover Jazz Festival on Church St. in Burlington (jazz band only)
CCS Band & Chorus at Centennial Field - June 1st
CCS Band and Chorus to perform the National Anthem at Centennial Field for the Lake Monsters
When: June 1, 2024 (4:15 - 5:35 pm)
Where: Centennial Field, Burlington, VT
Attire: Please wear a solid color top (red, white or black to represent CCS), solid colored bottoms and comfy shoes.
Student performers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the game.
We will meet behind the fence by the Lake Monsters clubhouse (on the first base line) at 4:15 pm for warm-ups and a run through. The performance will take place just prior to first pitch (approximately 5:00 pm). Students will receive a complimentary ticket to the game (parents will have to purchase a ticket).
If you are interested in having your child play in the band please email Andy Smith at asmith@cvsdvt.org. If you are interested in having your child sing with the chorus please email Chris Gribnau at cgribnau@cvsdvt.org. We will sign up your student and email you the details as the date gets closer.
WHAT'S A PSA?
Part of the work Connecting Youth does across CVSD provides opportunities for youth advocacy and empowerment. Last week, 6th-9th grade students from OVX (Our Voices Exposed) and CY LEAD produced their own PSAs (public service announcements about the dangers of vaping. With professional guidance and expertise from our partners at Media Factory, students learned what makes an impactful public service ad, how to storyboard an idea, and produce, film and edit in a live studio environment.
After four hours in the studio, acting out storylines, capturing voiceovers, and working on precise editing, students walked away with polished PSAs ready for community sharing vaping prevention advocacy.
For more information about Connecting Youth and the Youth Empowerment work we do, learn more HERE
SCREENAGERS: COMMUNITY VIEWING & DISCUSSION
Did you miss our earlier viewings of Screenagers? That’s OK! On Thursday, May 22, Connecting Youth and their Student Assistant Professionals present a final screening & discussion of Screenagers: Growing Up In The Digital Age.
In a virtual showing, Screenagers will explore the challenges kids, parents, and educators face with screen time, from smartwatches in the classroom to social media pressures to unhooking from and monitoring video gaming. Authors, psychologists, and brain scientists offer actionable solutions for empowering kids and caregivers to navigate the digital world and find balance at home, school, and in their world.
Screening 7:00p
Discussion 7:55p-8:30p
After the screening, join us for a community discussion where we’ll share experiences, explore practical solutions, and connect on ways to support healthy screen use for kids and families. Don’t miss this important conversation!
Register HERE and we’ll send you an event invite and viewing information
CCS Caregiver Frequently-Used Resources
CCS Parent-Teacher Organization
CALLING ALL FEMALE FRISBEE ENTHUSIASTS!!
Sunday, May 18th from 3-4 pm, I will be hosting a girls' ultimate frisbee pickup for girls ages 8-14 on the Ayer Field at Bissonette Rec! This is open to all girls regardless of their skill level, to introduce, build community, and experience playing this amazing sport. You can sign up on the Hinesburg Recreation website at https://hinesburgvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29955.
This program will run until June 7th every Saturday from 4-5:30! This upcoming week it is on a different day because of the CVU prom.
Thank you for considering, and I look forward to seeing you there!!
Kate Sayre
CVU Girls Ultimate
Charlotte Community Resources
Charlotte Recreation Deparment Summer Camps
- 6/23-6/27: Youth Basketball Summer Camps, led by CCS PE teacher, Nicky Elderton. Camps will be broken down by ages (7-11 and 11-14), and held in the gym at CCS.
- 7/7-7/11: Athletic Performance Summer Camps, led by the staff of Fit2Excel. These camps will be broken down by grade (1st-5th grade, 6th-12th grade) and be held at the Charlotte town beach.
- 7/14-7/18: Challenger Soccer Summer Camps, led by the Challenger soccer staff from England. These camps will be held on the fields at CCS.
Additional Local Summer Camps for 2025 (Shared for informational purposes only; not an endorsement)
- 2025 CVU XC Junior Redhawks Running Camp - with CVU XC Coach David Baird
- Camp Agape - Flyer and Registration Form
- CVSD Band Camp - email Tim Buckingham at - tbuckingham@cvsdvt.org
- CVU E-Hawks - an E Sports team for competitive video games
- Sentinel Farms OPEN HOUSE April 12th / Sentinel Farms Summer Camp
- Vermont Jazz Camp - www.vtjazzcamp.com - Tony Pietricola
- VYO Summer Symphony Camp - www.vyo.org - Berta Frank
The Newsletter is published every Friday, when school is in session. It is delivered to our families via email, posted on our website, and on Front Porch Forum. A hard copy is available by contacting the school.