THE VIKING

Dear CVSD Community,

It is with profound sadness that I share the news that Shelley Henson, a former CVSD Director of Early Education and current Early Childhood Special Educator, passed away in her sleep last night. Shelley, a beloved member of our CVSD family for years, including as an educator, parent, and Hinesburg community member, has been known for her bright energy, deep love of nature, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of children.

We recognize that this news is shocking and upsetting and may raise emotions and questions for students, whether they knew Shelley or not. Counselors and support staff will be available for students, as necessary, in the coming days. We have included some information at the bottom of this email that may be useful to you in helping your child at home. You can also request support for your child by contacting your child’s school office directly and requesting to speak with an administrator or counselor.

We are deeply saddened by Shelley’s passing and will make every effort to help you and your student as needed. As we navigate the loss of an educator and friend, we will keep Shelley’s family and all of our Champlain Valley School District community in our thoughts.

Sincerely,

Adam Bunting
CVSD Superintendent

Grief: Helping Handout for School & Home
Ten Ways to Help Grieving Children

Monday, January 20: MLK Jr Day - NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, January 22: Early Release Day (1:40) and Bolton Ski & Ride Program

Thursday, January 23: Cochrans Ski & Ride Program

Wednesday, January 29: Early Release Day (1:40) and Bolton Ski & Ride Program

Thursday, January 30: Cochrans Ski & Ride Program

Wednesday, February 5: Early Release Day (1:40)

Thursday, February 6: Cochrans Ski & Ride Program

Wednesday, February 12: Early Release Day (1:40)

Thursday, February 13: Cochrans Ski & Ride Program

Wednesday, February 19: Early Release Day (1:40)

Monday, February 24 - Friday, February 28: Break - NO SCHOOL

Monday, March 3 - Tuesday, March 4: K-8 In Service/Conferences: NO SCHOOL

The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for a random prekindergarten lottery drawing for the 2025-26 school year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of our school-based classrooms which runs 4 partial days per week. Our school-based prekindergarten classrooms are 5 STARs, licensed early education programs that provide play-based, developmentally appropriate environments for all children in an inclusive setting. Our curriculum is based on the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS).

Our programs follow the CVSD school calendar. Children who will be age 3 or older by September 1, 2025, who are not eligible for kindergarten, and live in the communities of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston are eligible to enter the lottery. Families who are selected for the lottery and choose to enroll their child in a CVSD program access their Act 166 publicly funded prekindergarten funds for the school-based program.

All applications must be received by February 7, 2025, and are located on the CVSD Early Education website under PreK Enrollment. Paper applications are available upon request.

For additional information, questions about our program, or any concerns about your child’s development, please visit our website or contact Director of Early Education, Erin Gagne at egagne@cvsdvt.org. Our Early Education team is also available for developmental screenings in the areas of communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development, and cognition. More information about an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports is also available on the website.

The Champlain Valley School District's Celebrate the Arts Night returned this week on Thursday, January 9, marking a revival of the district's annual artistic showcase. Visitors were treated to an evening of performances and presentations highlighting the musical, theatrical, artistic, business, and technological learning of CVSD students from across the District and all grade levels.

January marks National Mentoring Month, and CVSD is celebrating 25 years of Connecting Youth’s mentoring program. The program, founded in 2000, has paired thousands of mentors with local students, providing support during pivotal moments in their lives.

This year, CY Mentoring serves 184 5th-12th graders across Champlain Valley School District. According to Mentor National, one in three young people will grow up without a trusted mentor to turn to for support outside of their immediate family; CY Mentoring exists to foster meaningful relationships and help close that gap.

“These interactions help students regulate emotions, feel safe and seen, practice effective communication, make good choices and benefit from the guidance of well-trained, compassionate mentors," says Tony Moulton, CVSD Director of Wellness & Prevention.

Studies consistently show that youth with mentors are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education, and become active, engaged citizens in their communities. These relationships have proven to be invaluable, offering stability, confidence, and opportunities to young people who often face barriers to success.

As we celebrate this milestone year for Connecting Youth, we invite community members to join in recognizing the profound value of mentorship. If you’re interested in contributing to your community now and in the future, our Mentor Coordinators are skilled at the matching process, training and scheduling a time that works around your personal time.

For more information about mentoring opportunities contact a CVSD Mentor Coordinator:

Hinesburg Community School, Livy Bulger, lbulger@cvsdvt.org / 802-482-6248

Champlain Valley Union, Alison Duback, aduback@cvsdvt.org / 802-482-8921

GREAT NEWS!!! We've surpassed the 1/4 mark. We have 278 lbs of 1,000lbs goal! Thank you so much - please keep contributing to help us reach our goal

The Winter/Spring 2025 Catalog is now open for registration, and classes are starting soon!

Taking an ACCESS CVU class, at CVU High School, is a great way to connect with like-minded community members while you explore new passions, discover new hobbies, and enjoy a judgmental free, fun-filled evening! This semester starts with 160 classes for all interests and ages. Check them out on our website HERE or view the online catalog, by category, HERE. Don't stop there, sign-up for our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram @accesscvu.

New classes added monthly!

Register early to reserve your spot as popular classes fill quickly. Invite your friends, family, neighbors, and cohorts to join us! Also, if you have a testimonial or recent photo from an ACCESS CVU class, please help us by sharing it on Front Porch Forum and social media.

Posters with class listings, by month, are available to download from our website's home page. Print and post in your favorite grocer, coffee shop, or bulletin board! Thank you for supporting community education!

Connect, Learn, and Grow at ACCESS CVU!

Laura and Jen

5th and 6th grade French students researched about French speaking countries and shared their learning with their classmates.

Access CVU Classes & Registration

Audubon Vacation and Day Camps

Carpenter Carse Library

Green Mountain Academy - Ski and Snowboard

Highland Dance Vermont

Hinesburg Food Shelf

Hinesburg Recreation Department

Mad River Path Summer Adventure Camps

Vermont Literacy Network Programs for Children

Wednesdays Woodland Adventures With Wonder Roots

Suzan Locke, HCS Co-Principal, Grades K-4

482-6299, slocke@cvsdvt.org

Tim Trevithick, HCS Co-Principal, Grades 5-8

482-6298, ttrevithick@cvsdvt.org

Alicia Kurth, HCS Special Education Administrator

482-6285, akurth@cvsdvt.org

Email: hcsinformation@cvsdvt.org
Website: https://secure.smore.com/n/d7ar9
Location: Hinesburg Community School, 10888, Route 116, Hinesburg, Vermont, USA
Phone: 802-482-2106
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hinesburg-Community-School-125786304154731/

The Viking Newsletter is published weekly, when school is in session. It is available on our web site and is also delivered via email. If needed, a hard copy can be provided for your child to bring home. The Viking includes upcoming events, after school opportunities, notes of interest for parents and the community and updates from our school administration.