THE NEWSLETTER
November 8, 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE CCS ADMINISTRATION
Dear CCS Caregivers and the Charlotte Community,
At CCS, we prioritize activities that promote acceptance and a strong sense of belonging, with students at the center of our efforts. Traditions play an essential role in fostering this sense of community among students and educators, creating continuity and stability within our school environment.
This week, during our whole-school morning meeting, we welcomed our kindergarteners into the CCS K-8 community with a special Carnation Ceremony. Our youngest students brought home their carnation to have as a keepsake. Eighth graders presented each kindergartener with a carnation, symbolizing their bond and a promise of support for the coming year. As role models, learning partners, and mentors, these 8th graders will work with the younger students throughout the year, creating lasting memories and learning to be caring citizens in a broader community.
We shared a livestream link for caregivers to join the ceremony virtually, allowing students to gather with familiar faces in our multipurpose room. You can use the same like we shared in an email Thursday to view a recording of the event anytime over the next week. The livestream and recording are shared via an “unlisted link,” so only those with access to the link can view it. Feel free to share it with family and friends, but please refrain from posting it publicly (e.g., Front Porch Forum, Facebook, etc.).
Today, our sixth-grade students had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Charlotte Senior Center, where they interviewed elders from our community. Their goal was to gain insight into others’ perspectives on the unique joys of growing up and living in Vermont, reflect on what it was like to be an adolescent in an earlier time, and, most importantly, to build meaningful intergenerational connections between CCS youth and the seniors they met.
Another cherished CCS tradition is our annual food drive for the Charlotte Food Shelf. This collaboration provides our neighbors with what they need to enjoy Thanksgiving meals. Students in grades K-4 focus on gathering items for Thanksgiving boxes, while students in grades 5-8 contribute food to help support families through the winter holiday season. If you and your family would benefit from additional food over the Thanksgiving break, please reach out to the Charlotte Food Shelf.
We hope you all have a restful weekend!
The CCS Administration
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Friday, November 8th - CCS School Dance!, MPR, 7:00 - 9:00
Wednesday, November 13th - Early Release
Wednesday, November 13th - STEM Night, MPR, 5:00 - 6:30
Wednesday, November 20th - Early Release
Wednesday, November 20th - CCS PTO Mtg, CCS Library, 6:00 - 7:00
Friday, November 22nd - LOST AND FOUND WILL BE DONATED
Monday, November 25th through Friday, November 29th - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, December 4th - Early Release
Saturday, December 7th - PTO Holiday Market, MPR & Gym, 10:00 - 2:00
Wednesday, December 11th - Early Release
Wednesday, December 18th - Early Release
Monday, December 23rd through January 1st - NO SCHOOL - Early Winter Break
VETERANS DAY
Veterans Day is a day to remember all of the men and women who have served our country, to their families, and those who support them. Happy Veterans Day and thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.
RECESS SUPPORT - 10:45 - 1:00
Do you love to throw a football, referee a “world-cup soccer game” or enjoy a giggle listening to the creative stories of our youngest learners? How do you feel about the need for all children to have daily opportunities to run, play, and enjoy all sorts of Vermont weather? Can you support peers through a play-based conflict, focusing on compromising and perspective-taking? We have a fabulous team of 3-4 staff who supervise all CCS students through a rotation of recess from 10:45-1:00. Having extra folks to support this outdoor priority is needed to buffer staff absenteeism, to positively impact the youth on the playground, and to help cover the various activities that kids enjoy across our campus. All volunteers would need to go through the fingerprint process as CVSD volunteers. “Volunteering at CCS Website Link"
THE CCS PTO IS EXCITED TO SHARE DETAILS OF THE 2024 HOLIDAY MARKET
The PTO is excited to share details for the 2024 CCS Holiday Market and we need your help!
We are looking for artisans, crafters and local vendors to join us at the CCS Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7 from 10am-2pm. Our vendor application can be found here: https://forms.gle/f3fggnsLdkUAZZvj8 Do you have a favorite crafter or vendor from a local craft fair or farmers market? Email your suggestion to ccsholidaymarket@gmail.com
NEW this year - we're adding a student section for our talented artisans that have a craft they would like to feature. We have a limited amount of complimentary student spots available, first come first serve. Please register via the link with the description of craft for PTO Board approval.
We will be also hosting our silent auction, in conjunction with the Holiday Market, and welcome donations from local businesses. Please contact us via the email above if you are interested in donating an item to the silent auction.
The Holiday Market will have two gyms filled with exhibitors, a children's DIY craft area as well as several on site food options. All exhibitor registration fees from the holiday market will go directly to the CCS PTO to support a variety of student enrichment programs, including but not limited to STEM, theater, athletics, as well as our community Angel Fund. Your support is greatly appreciated!
CVU INVITES 8TH GRADE STUDENTS TO FOOTLOOSE
Who: Inviting all 8th grade students from Champlain Valley Union district plus one guardian each.
What: The Final Dress Rehearsal of FOOTLOOSE The Musical at CVU
When: Thursday, November 14th 5 - 7:30pm
Why: It's free, it's fun, and features talented CVU students bringing to life the story of high school students from Oklahoma, who fought for freedom of expression in a community where conservative powers (in an attempt to protect their children) enacted rules to control school books, curfews events, and even town politics.
Where: Show up to CVU, the western entrance between 4:45 - 5pm that evening for general seating to the show!
No need to RSVP. But if you have questions, contact: cvutheatredirector@cvsdvt.org
BOLTON VALLEY SKI & RIDE PROGRAM
- 2025 Dates: 2/12, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 make up date.
- Register at Charlotterec.com
- For grades K-8th
- Volunteers needed to chaperone!
- Equipment and monetary donations welcome
- Scholarships available, please reach out to recreation@charlotterec.com
- Participants can get equipment 1 of 3 ways: from CCS stash (Free); Full season from BV ($89); or for program dates only from BV ($80).
- When registering, please add all items to your cart that apply to your participant.
For questions or more information, please contact:
Zac Farnham-Haskell
Recreation Director
Town of Charlotte
(802) 989-2929
CVSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (SEPAC)
Last spring, the CVSD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) was formally launched. CVSD’s SEPAC is currently made up of a dedicated group of parents and administrators and is open to all. Please see the mission statement below, which explains the purpose of this parent-led group. For more information or to join, please contact Erin Bingham at bingham.erin@gmail.com
CVSD SEPAC Mission
The mission of the Champlain Valley Union School District Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to facilitate authentic and effective communication, understanding, and mutual respect that is meaningfully inclusive of all students, caregivers, educators, administrators, school board members, and the community at large to guide the school district in providing access to and delivery of high-quality equitable services and instruction for students who qualify for additional support.
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 INFORMATION FORM FOR FREE AND REDUCED MEALS
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.
HELPFUL CCS LINKS
HELPFUL COMMUNITY LINKS
ABOUT US
Jen Roth, Lead Principal
Tim O'Leary, Assistant Principal
Beth Slater, Director of Special Services
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.