THE NEWSLETTER
March 14, 2025
Dear CCS Community,
Hearts that Choose Kindness: Moments from Our School Community
One month ago, I reflected on our shared responsibility to create a safe, kind, and inclusive school community. In that message, I wrote:
"Our greater purpose is to build a school community that cares for one another, draws strength from its diversity, and creates an inclusive space for all—one where differences do not divide us but instead enrich our shared experience."
Recently, someone quoted that sentence back to me, and it stuck with me again—but for a different reason. When I heard it, I realized just how often I get to see this vision in action every single day. The small but powerful moments of kindness, sincerity, and inclusion happen all around us, woven into the fabric of our school life. But our families and broader community don’t always get to witness these moments firsthand.
So, I recently asked our staff to share examples of the countless ways our students show kindness, sincerity, and care for one another. Their responses are a glimpse into what makes our school such a special place.
❤️ In Kindergarten, after reading Maddie’s Fridge by Lois Brandt—a story about friendship, poverty, and hunger—a student asked, “How can you help somebody if you don’t know that they need help?” Their empathy and curiosity led to a class discussion about how we can be aware and present for those who may need us. Sometimes, asking the right question is already half the solution.
❤️ A first-grade student helped a friend who was stuck on an activity by giving them a clue rather than the answer. This small act of kindness allowed their peer to experience the pride of solving the problem independently.
❤️ Another first-grader showed kindness by telling a good friend they didn’t like the unkind words they were using toward a teacher. Their honesty helped the friend reflect and work harder to show kindness in their words.
❤️ A second-grade student noticed a peer who was alone during ease-in time and invited them to color together, fostering an inclusive and caring classroom environment.
❤️ In another second-grade moment, a student showed kindness by offering a classmate an open seat at morning circle, ensuring everyone felt welcome.
❤️ A third-grade student said, “I know kindness counts because everyone feels good when they see it.” A simple yet profound truth.
❤️ A fourth-grade student checked in on a friend who was having a tough day, showing kindness and sincerity in making sure they felt supported.
❤️ A fourth-grade student took the time to tell our custodians, “If it wasn’t for the custodians keeping the school so clean, students wouldn’t be able to be here. I appreciate them so much.”
❤️ When a fifth-grade student’s locker organizer collapsed and their belongings scattered, another student immediately stopped what they were doing and helped pick everything up—before being asked. Frustration turned into a smile in that small but meaningful moment.
❤️ A sixth-grade student has been taking time each day to check in with a classmate who struggles socially. They make sure their peer is included in group work, games, and conversations, helping them feel seen and valued.
❤️ A seventh-grade student showed incredible kindness by offering to walk alongside a classmate who was feeling stuck, even though they were headed to different destinations. This small but thoughtful gesture made a big difference, helping the student feel supported and reassured.
❤️ An eighth-grade student showed incredible kindness and concern for a peer’s well-being when they took the time to speak with the school counselor and an administrator last week. Their actions were a powerful example of caring and advocating on behalf of another.
These are just a few examples of the kindness, sincerity, and empathy we see in our students every day. They remind us that building a strong, inclusive community isn’t just about what we say—it’s about what we do, the small choices we make, and the way we show up for one another.
Thank you for being part of this community and for raising children who bring their hearts to school each day.
Warmly,
Tim O’Leary, CCS Principal
PRINCIPAL AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL SEARCH
CVSD is beginning the formal search process for the 1.0 CCS Principal and the 0.5 CCS Assistant Principal positions. This is the standard practice for CVSD to ensure transparency and voice in the Principal hiring processes. Below is a Google Form where we would like your feedback on desired qualities in a school leader and ask whether you have interest in participating in the interview process. Please complete this no later than Monday March 17th.
The school year calendar for 2025-26 is available now. The first day of school for students will be Wednesday, August 27.Find the full 2025-26 Champlain Valley School District K-12 calendar.
6TH - 8TH GRADE FAMILIES
CCS does not have a softball team, but if your daughter plays softball and wants to be on a team, Shelburne Community School can host any girl who wants to play. Please email Nicky Elderton nelderton@cvsdvt.org if you are interested.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Tuesday, March 11th - Drama Cast Family Info Night - Band Room, 6:00 - 7:00
Wednesday, March 12th - Early Release
Wednesday, March 12th - Bolton Valley Ski & Ride, 2:00 - 7:45
Wednesday, March 19th - Early Release
Wednesday, March 19th - Bolton Valley Ski & Ride, 2:00 - 7:45
Wednesday, March 19th - PTO Meeting - CCS Library, 6:00 - 7:00
Friday, March 21st - Grade 3 Poetry Readings, Classrooms, 7:45 - 8:45
Friday, March 21st - Drama Auditions - Music Rm, 8:00 - Noon (Watch for more details)
Monday, March 24th - State Spelling Bee - St. Michael's College
Wednesday, March 26th - Early Release
Thursday, March 27th - PTO Variety Show, MPR, 6:30 - 8:00
Monday, March 31st - NO SCHOOL
VERMONT COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (VTCAP)
Once again this year, the Vermont Agency of Education is implementing the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program (VTCAP). This computer-based, adaptive assessment measures student progress on our state standards in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, and science.
Schools in CVSD will administer these assessments over the next month, finishing before April vacation.
ELA and Mathematics: Students in grades 3 through 9 across the state will participate in these assessments.
Science: Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 will take the science assessment.
After testing is complete, Individual Student Reports will be mailed home—likely in fall 2025. These reports will provide insights into student learning in relation to Vermont’s academic standards. However, it's important to remember that these assessments offer a broad overview of student progress and are most meaningful when considered alongside other information gathered by teachers and the school.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher for more information.
INTRA-DISTRICT K-8 SCHOOL CHOICE
Children entering grades preK-8 who live in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston may exercise school choice. Our goal is to both allow options for families and also make balanced class sizes to provide a positive learning environment for all of our children. Processes for intra-district choice of school will be guided by the needs of students, space availability, and existing resources. Given this, we will work to meet as many families’ needs as possible. Guidelines and Application
SCREENAGERS: A COMMUNITY SCREENING & DISCUSSION
If you missed us in February, join us on March 20th as Connecting Youth and their Student Assistant Professionals present a second 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
CVSD YOUTH VOICES RISE AGAINST TOBACCO
Part of CVSD Connecting Youth’s work includes youth empowerment. ICYMI, last month student members of Our Voices Exposed (OVX) took to Montpelier representing CVSD at the annual Vermont Youth State House Rally - a statewide event dedicated to raising awareness about the harms of tobacco and nicotine use among young people.
Beyond the rally, some students decided to take their voice one step further: to the press. Check out what WCS eighth-grader, Parker Carney’s wrote about his learning from the State House Rally. We are incredibly proud of Parker’s leadership, bravery and dedication, to speak truth to power. Events like this remind us that young people are not just the future—they are the now.
You can Learn more here about Connecting Youth’s Student Assistance Program and the impact of youth-led advocacy in our district.
CCS VARIETY SHOW - HOSTED BY THE CCS PTO!
Thursday March 27, 2025
6:30-8:00 pm
Charlotte Central School
Multi-Purpose Room
Get ready for the event of the year – the CCS Variety Show is BACK and bigger than ever! Whether you're a singer, dancer, comedian, or have a hidden talent, we want YOU to take the stage!
We're also looking for a master of ceremonies, an awesome backstage crew, and enthusiastic adult volunteers to help make this event unforgettable! Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action – it's going to be an epic celebration of talent, creativity, and community!
For all the details—registration, volunteer sign-up, audition dates, practice sessions, and more— visit charlottecentral.wixsite.com/ccspto/event-details/variety-show.
CHARLOTTE RECREATION SPRING AND SUMMER OFFERINGS
SPRING OFFERINGS
Youth Sports
Youth Lacrosse Signups Now Live!
Baby Sitter Training
4/23/25 Safe Sitter Training at Charlotte Library
SUMMER CAMP OFFERINGS
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.
2025 SUMMER CAMPS
The following is a list of summer camps that we are providing as a convenience to Charlotte families. This list is provided for informational purposes only.
2025 CVU XC Junior Redhawks Running Camp - with CVU XC Coach David Baird
We welcome your feedback at any time. Please select your topic below and send your thoughts our way. If you don't see your topic listed, choose "General Questions." All feedback will be routed to the appropriate district team members, who will follow up with you within 3 business days. CVSD is committed to connecting with students, families, staff, and community members to provide exceptional and equitable experiences.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME FORM
Even though free and reduced meal applications are no longer required for free meals, the Vermont Agency of Education asks that all families complete the Household Information Form. Thank you.
RAMADAN MEALS
For those who celebrate Ramadan, school meals are available for take home. To request meals from now through March 28, students or caregivers should email CCS Food Service Site Manager Sherry Beatty (sbeatty@cvsdvt.org) in the morning, and meals will be available for pickup in the afternoon.
HELPFUL CCS LINKS
HELPFUL COMMUNITY LINKS
ABOUT US
Tim O'Leary, Principal
Beth Slater, Assistant Principal & Special Services Director
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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.