THE NEWSLETTER

Dear CCS Community,

Recent national political actions have sparked a range of reactions—raising deep concerns for many while being applauded by others, including some in our own communities. This complexity is challenging, and it underscores why our commitment to creating an inclusive space for all, as well as fostering civic capacity and responsible citizenship, is more important than ever. In moments like these, we return to our core values as a school and a community, reaffirming our shared responsibility to ensure that every student—no matter their identity, background, or family structure—feels safe, valued, and supported.

On January 24th, Superintendent Adam Bunting wrote to the entire CVSD community, recognizing that many in our schools, including LGBTQIA+ students, New Americans, and immigrant families, are feeling particularly vulnerable right now. He made it clear that it is both our ethical and legal duty to educate all students while honoring their stories and identities. He also emphasized that CVSD schools will continue to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and able to learn and thrive.

Soon after, Vermont Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders addressed all superintendents across the state, reaffirming Vermont’s unwavering commitment to upholding both state and federal laws protecting students. She also reminded school leaders that many of the recent federal executive actions do not override constitutional rights or established legal protections for students—and that efforts to enforce those executive actions will face significant legal challenges. The Agency of Education has made it clear that Vermont schools will continue to be places of belonging, inclusion, and safety for all students.

At CCS, our responsibility extends beyond ensuring that no student is harmed or made to feel like they do not belong. 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.

This work is not separate from the values we hold every day; it is at the heart of them. At CCS, we teach and live by a simple but powerful commitment:

✅ Take care of yourself.
✅ Take care of each other.
✅ Take care of this place.

These are not separate ideas.

To truly care for yourself, we must care for each other. To care for each other, we must build a place that welcomes, protects, and nurtures all. And to care for this place, we must recognize that it is only as strong as the community within it.

This is not always easy work—it is ongoing, deliberate, and at times, difficult. But in this effort to understand and live all three of those core values simultaneously, we move closer to the kind of school, and the kind of world we want to live in: one that is more just, more inclusive, and more deeply human.

Thank you for being our partners in this effort and for helping to make CCS a place where every child belongs.

With gratitude,
Tim O’Leary, Principal, Charlotte Central School

Beth Slater, Assistant Principal & Director of Student Services

We are excited to announce that Julia Beerworth, Grade 8 Humanities Teacher at CCS, has been named a 2025 Rowland Foundation Fellow. During the 2025-2026 school year, Julia will focus on increasing opportunities for project-based and experiential learning at CCS, with a particular emphasis on middle-level students. However, we are eager to see how this initiative will also positively impact the larger K-8 school community.

The fellowship funds will allow CCS to retain a middle-level teacher for the year, a position that would have been financially unfeasible otherwise, enabling Julia to focus on this important work instead of her usual class schedule. This opportunity will provide valuable growth for both Julia and the school, with long-lasting benefits for our students.

Spirit Week at CCS! Next week, 2/17 - 2/21, the entire school is invited to join in and be a part of Spirit Week. Each day has a special theme, and a way you can celebrate the amazing CCS community!

Monday 2/17/25 - "Kick off a week of friendship and community" - Class/Team Color Day. Each team/class will decide on a color. And if you’re not sure wear RED for CCS!

Tuesday 2/18/25 - "Celebrate that we are all unique and different" - Inside out or mismatch day - Wear something inside out, or mismatch socks, or mismatch stripes and dots.

Wednesday 2/19/25 - "Celebrate Having Fun Together"- Fun Hat/Fun Hair Day - Do something fun on your head!

Thursday 2/20/25 - "Celebrate Teamwork" - Wear something to represent your favorite team, sport, or hobby/interest!

Friday 2/21/25 - "Wrap up the week in comfort" - Comfy Day - Wear something comfy and cozy!

Charlotte Central School Kindergarten Registration for 2025-2026 is now OPEN. Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) is asking families to register their incoming Kindergarten students earlier this year in an effort to get more accurate enrollment numbers for our schools.

If your child is already a part of CVSD schools (Act166 Partner Preschool program), please contact Naomi Strada, CCS Registrar. Naomi is looking forward to hearing from you! You can contact Naomi at (802) 425-6600 or nstrada@cvsdvt.org. She will be happy to help with questions and ensure that your child is on the CCS 25-26 kindergarten list.

If you have an incoming Kindergarten student (that is NOT part of CVSD Act166 Partner Preschool Program), that will be five before the CVSD September 1st deadline, please complete the online forms by Friday, February 21, 2025. These enrollment numbers help us to plan our staffing needs for the upcoming school year and help us to coordinate our site visits for placement in the Spring.

We really appreciate your help by registering your child early this year and we’re looking forward to meeting you. This is such an exciting time for you and your child and we are happy to share this experience with you!

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.

The CCS Student Council will be sharing their monthly newspaper, CCS Press, for the community's enjoyment. Check back here monthly for their new editions.

Monday, February 3rd through Friday, February 21st - 25-26 Kindergarten Registration Open

Saturday, February 15th - CVSD @ UVM Women's Basketball, see below for details

Tuesday, February 18th - CCS Spelling Bee, MPR, 8:45

Tuesday, February 18th - 8th Grade Science Fair, MPR, 2:00 - 4:00

Wednesday, February 19th - PTO Mtg, CCS Library, 5:30 pm with a CVSD Budget presentation and discussion from 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Wednesday, February 19th - Field Trip, Grade 3 to Flynn Theater, 9:00 - 12:00

Wednesday, February 19th - Early Rlease

Monday, February 24th through Februrary 29th - NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

Monday, March 3rd - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - Parent/Guardian Conferences

Tuesday, March 4th -NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - Faculty Inservice

Wednesday, March 5th - Early Release

Wednesday, March 5th - Bolton Valley Ski & Ride, 2:00 - 7:45

CVSD students, families, caregivers, staff and faculty are invited for a night of hoops at UVM on Saturday, February 15. At 4 p.m., UVM Women's Basketball faces off in a rematch against the Maine Black Bears at the Patrick Gym. Anyone from CVSD can purchase a ticket for just $4. Scan the QR code below for tickets or directly visit UVM's Group Ticketing website.

The Lost and Found will be donated on Friday, February 21st. Please stop by or have your children stop by the front lobby to look for their lost items. We hate to give away people's items!

Ready to learn about the CVSD budget, its impacts on our schools and on residents’ taxes? Visit www.cvsdvt.org/budget or attend an informational meeting, including this coming Wednesday, February 19, at Hinesburg Community School at 6 p.m.

EARLY VOTING has begun for the FY26 CVSD School Budget. Ballots will not automatically be mailed, but you can request one from your town office by phone, email or in person. Or you can submit your request online at https://mvp.vermont/gov.

IN-PERSON VOTING will occur on Tuesday, March 4 (Town Meeting Day), from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at polling places in each town. Find your polling place at www.cvsdvt.org/budget.

February 19th, Connecting Youth and their Student Assistant Professionals present Screenagers: Growing Up In The Digital Age. In a virtual screening with your community, Screenager 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 post-screening 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

Part of CVSD Connecting Youth’s work includes youth empowerment —and this week, our students proved just how impactful their voices can be. Student members of Our Voices Exposed (OVX) represented 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.

Joining over 170 peers from across Vermont, CVSD students marched with confidence from Montpelier’s Unitarian Church to the State House, where they took the stage—literally and figuratively. On the steps of the State House, they delivered authentic stories about how big tobacco targets young people, shared their perspectives on prevention efforts, and advocated for policies that would help build a healthier future.

Beyond the rally, some students had the opportunity to engage in personal conversations with local legislators, including Representatives Erin Brady, Angela Arsenault, and Phil Pouech. These moments provided an invaluable experience in advocacy and civic engagement, reinforcing the idea that their voices matter and they can drive real change.

These students didn't just stand up; they spoke up. True activism in action!

“It was an inspiring day,” says Lynn Camara, Williston Central School’s Connecting Youth Student Assistance Program Counselor. “Our students made a meaningful impact.”

We are incredibly proud of their leadership, dedication, and willingness to make their voices heard. Events like this remind us that young people are not just the future—they are the now.

Learn more here about Connecting Youth’s Student Assistance Program and the impact of youth-led advocacy in our district.

Please accompany this submission with pictures from 2025 State House Rally

Don't forget to join us Wednesday 2/19 in the CCS Library from 6-7 to learn more about the schools and the budget! It's the last of three public opportunities in Charlotte to meet with School Board member Meghan Metzler. It's our chance to hear all about the school budget and ask questions. The new principal Tim O'Leary will be attending as well! All are welcome (from the entire Charlotte community)!

The CCS Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a partnership between parents, teachers, and staff, working together to create enriching experiences for our students. Visit our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages for the latest and stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get involved!

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.

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.

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.

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Tim O'Leary, Principal

Beth Slater, Assistant Principal & Special Services Director

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