CVSD Update
Dear CVSD Families and Caregivers,
I hope that this note and newsletter find you in good spirits, as the school year really seems to be flying by. Next week is the February break, and the following includes Town Meeting Day. This month’s newsletter is full of information about upcoming events and especially items about the proposed budget.
As you’ll see below, this year’s proposed budget development, communication, and advocacy processes are very different than in the past year. To learn more about next year’s proposed budget, please see the section below or visit our Budget page on our website. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at the virtual Budget Town Hall meeting night on Wednesday, February 21. I hope that we were able to answer nearly everyone’s questions. If you were unable to make it to the Town Hall, please take some time to view the video recording of it below. Send questions or provide feedback either via email or Let’s Talk.
I want to take some time to acknowledge and celebrate that February is Black History Month. Each year since 1926, Black History Month has taken on a theme. Its founder, Carter J. Woodson, felt that “intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.” The 2024 theme is African Americans and the Arts spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. For more information, please visit the Black History Month Digital Toolkit from the National Museum of African American History and Culture and PBS’s curated collection of content.
Again, I would like to remind everyone that next week is February break. I hope that you are able to enjoy time with family and friends. Please remember to vote on or before March 5.
Thanks,
Rene
At the February 20, 2024, school board meeting, the board voted to adopt the finance committee’s recommendation to move forward with the originally warned budget that they spent more than six months reviewing and evaluating.
We've updated the Budget page of the district's website to reflect this decision and to provide information to help voters learn more about the proposed 2024-2025 budget. Please see the items below on that page, along with additional resources.
- At the meeting, CVSD Board vice chair and finance committee chair Meghan Metzler read this statement to begin the discussion.
- After the meeting, Superintendent Sanchez shared this letter.
- Here are some budget highlights in a Frequently Asked Questions format to help our community understand important elements of the proposed budget.
- On Wednesday, February 21, the district's administration and school board hosted a virtual Budget Town Hall. These slides were shared at that event
- Here is the recording from the Budget Town Hall, seen below.
Congratulations to the CVU Robotics Teams!
Both teams fared VERY well at the recent championship competition. Learn more in the CVSD Story, our blog.
Author Jason Chin Visits CVSD Schools
Jason Chin visited all of our PreK-8 schools last week. Get a sense of what he shared in our blog, the CVSD Story.
CVSD Schools Take the Plunge
When combined, all CVSD schools that competed in the Penguin Plunge this year raised over $41,000 for Special Olympics Vermont. Read all about it and see more photos on our blog, the CVSD Story.
DEI Town Halls - New Format!
Join the CVSD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team as we celebrate diversity and connect with the diverse cultures of our community. At these in-person events, we will learn the history of the various communities in Vermont. There will be shared cultural experiences, including art, food, and conversations about educational experiences. At each gathering various groups, community members, and stakeholders will present about their lives, work, and contributions to our state.
The next DEI event takes place on March 15 from 6-8 pm at Williston Central School where we'll be learning about the Somali community in Vermont. This event takes place during Ramadan. Come experience a traditional break-the-fast meal.
Considering the traffic and safety concerns associated with the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse in Vermont, the Champlain Valley Superintendents Association, in consultation with local authorities and representatives from NASA, are moving forward with an early dismissal for students on that day. This proactive measure would prioritize the safety of our students, ensuring that they are not caught in the potential traffic congestion and safety hazards that could arise due to the eclipse's significant public interest.
The path of the eclipse moves directly across Burlington and Saint Albans. Although it is hard to imagine, it is anticipated that more than 250,000 people will travel to this area alone to view the eclipse. This does not account for those of us already living here. It is anticipated that eclipse goers will begin to line up along major traffic corridors and side roads beginning mid-day. The eclipse is scheduled to end in totality at 3:30 and partially at 4:30 creating traffic congestion that could potentially last until 6:30 p.m.
Students will be dismissed early to provide ample time for them to arrive home safely. There will be no after-school or evening events. Please check your school newsletters after the upcoming vacation week for dismissal times.
Youth Voices Rise Against Tobacco
Part of CVSD Connecting Youth's work includes creating opportunities for youth empowerment and advocacy. Last week, students from WCS and HCS joined over 160 youth from across the state in Montpelier in support of S.18 - Vermont's bill to ban flavored tobacco products. Our students bravely shared their stories on the capitol steps, spoke to legislators caucusing on the floor, and generally had an unmissable presence in the State House all morning.
These advocates didn't just stand up, they spoke up, inspiring all with their passion and conviction. Connecting Youth is proud to amplify their voices, and we encourage you to join them in advocating for a healthier future!
For more information about Connecting Youth and the Youth Empowerment work we do, learn more HERE
Recording of Digital Safety Workshop
Thank you to those who were able to join our recent workshop on Digital Safety and led by Detectives Krystal Wrinn and Tom Chenette from the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations. If you weren’t able to join us, we’ve recorded the workshop HERE where you’ll learn:
Reinforced online safety tips to empower you and your child about cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.
How to maintain a positive online culture fostering respect and kindness in your all digital interactions.
How to create a safer online world, making the internet a more positive space for everyone.
If you have questions about the workshop content or want to follow up for Detective Wrinn and Chenette, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Reminding you that ParentIN is your constant sidekick throughout these years. Providing you with support groups, resources, and a listening ear when you need a break.
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor
CCS and HCS Community Schools
CVSD ParentIN Coordinator
Greetings from ACCESS CVU, your local CVSD Community Ed Program!
ACCESS CVU is pleased to announce the Winter/Spring 2024 Catalog is open for registration! With over 150 classes and 75 instructors there is something of interest for everyone and all ages. This semester runs through June 7th. New classes and instructors are added monthly!
Sign-up for the ACCESS CVU Newsletter HERE for the most current class information and announcements.
Follow us on Instagram @ACCESSCVU for weekly updates and highlights.
Visit www.cvsdvt.ce.eleyo.com, or Google ACCESS CVU, to view classes and register online.
Looking to teach a course at ACCESS CVU? Complete the NEW INSTRUCTOR FORM.
Contact Laura and Jen at access@cvsdvt.org / 802-482-7194 with questions!
Thank you for supporting the ACCESS CVU program, connecting the community through enrichment, and for keeping community education thriving at CVSD.
PowerSchool Annual Updates
Please provide the most current contact information for us in Powerschool. That way you won't miss a snow day communication or an emergency notification. The Annual Update Forms MUST be completed each year. Forms may be completed on-line or using the PowerSchool Mobile App.
Returning students and anyone who registered their student for this school year before August 1 must fill out the forms.
Access these directions to use the PowerSchool Mobile App
Please contact your school if you need assistance in any way.
Free and Reduced Meal Information - Please Read!
We request that all families fill out the Free and Reduced Meal application each year as well. Students need healthy meals to learn. The Champlain Valley School District offers healthy meals every school day. In School Year 2023-2024, all students will receive free breakfast and lunch at school. Even though there is no charge for breakfast and lunch, we ask that you to fill out this application for free and reduced-price school meals.
This document provides many of the reasons why it is important to fill out the forms even though meals are free to students this year. Please go to the Free and Reduced Meals page on our website to learn more and to access the online and printable forms.
If you did not receive your eligibility letter for Free & Reduced meals and you would like a copy of it, please contact Stephanie Hurlburt at SHurlburt@cvsdvt.org or 802.985.1925.
The state has made COVID tests available to municipalities, libraries, and food shelves to be distributed for free to the public.
As always, if you are sick, please stay at home. When you feel better, you can return to school. Refer to the Health Services page of our website for the answers to frequently asked questions.
Sign Up to Receive SMS/Text Messages!
Please enroll to receive text messages from the district and/or our schools. If you haven't done this yet or if you are new to CVSD, follow the easy steps on this flyer. We don't overuse this method of communication, but it is helpful for reminders and quick announcements. Don't miss out!
If you've already opted in, there's no need to do it again.
Let's Talk!
Let’s Talk! makes it easy for you to engage with school and district leaders on the topics that matter most. Your inquiry is automatically routed to the person or team best suited to respond, ensuring you receive timely and accurate responses every time.
Send us a text from a mobile device! Use these numbers to reach out via text: (Note: these numbers do not accept phone calls)
District inquiries: 802-278-9468
Allen Brook School: 802-278-0526
CVU: 802-278-9510
Charlotte Central School: 802-278-6935
Hinesburg Community School: 802-278-0453
Shelburne Community School: 802-278-9659
Williston Central School: 802-278-6671
Please use this platform to share your questions, feedback, suggestions, and compliments.
Look for the Let's Talk tab or page on our district's website.
We are hiring for a variety of positions for the 2023-2024 school year. Join our team!