![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/_teacherappreciation4.3be698c9.jpg)
THE NEWSLETTER
March 15, 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE CCS ADMINISTRATION
Dear CCS Families, Caregivers and Charlotte Community,
Throughout the week, I have spent a significant time listening to the caregivers and community members of CVSD. The common thread is a commitment to children. I’ve heard honest debates about the impact of the tax burden on residents. I’ve heard fear that a proposed reduction will have significant impacts on the programming for our youth. I’ve heard first hand from families who are “surprised” by the layers of responsibility educators and public schools have in caring for and teaching learners. Public education is complex. People have differing needs and expectations of schools. Channels for sharing ideas are muddy and at times void of curiosity and compassion to understand the multifaceted role schools play.
How can we unite those differing values to nurture, to educate and to prepare the caretakers of our future? Take time to listen to those outside of your close circle. If you don’t have students in the school, reach out to a neighbor who does. Consider volunteering and feel the impact you can have on the wellbeing of this community. When we’ve invited community members to volunteer, I’ve heard there is a misconception that you will be filling in for a position that is not funded. In reality, our volunteers:
- provide one-on-one connections with a student.
- spend time reading with small groups.
- help lend a hand in the cafeteria or on the playground sometimes to cover someone who is sick or at a training but more importantly, to make sure every student is seen during these busy times.
- take home projects so an educator of 348 students is not taking their evenings and weekends to be prepped.
- bake cookies with a student to share the sweetness of their work.
It is with the deepest of gratitude, I thank those of you in the community who have reached out to share your passion, your time and your commitment to these inspiring youth.
I applaud the exceptional educators of CCS who show up each day, staying focused on creating a safe and accepting learning space for all children. Conferences are about partnership. It is a great time to celebrate the growth of our students and set goals for the remaining weeks of the school year. Thank you for your participation in these meetings and if you have not scheduled one, reach out directly to your child’s teacher.
Have a peaceful weekend!
Jen Roth jroth@cvsdvt.org
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT SANCHEZ ABOUT THE BUDGET
Please see this video from Superintendent Sanchez for the latest information about CVSD's budget. We will provide additional, detailed information soon on the budget page of the district's website and through other methods as well.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
- Fri, Mar 15 - DEI Town Hall, Williston Central School, 6-8pm, Somali Community in Vermont
- Wed, Mar 20th - Early Release, 1:45pm
- Wed, Mar 20th - Bolton Valley Ski & Ride
- Thu, Mar 21st - ParentIN & Connecting Youth Presents Digital Dynamics, 7:00 pm - see below for more information and registration
- Fri, Mar 22nd - NO SCHOOL - Parent / Teacher Conferences
- Fri, Mar 22nd - MAKE UP DATE - Bolton Valley Ski & Ride, 10:10 - 4:00
- Mon, Mar 25th - Field Trip, Grade 2 to Flynn Theater, 9:10am - 12:00pm
- Mon, Mar 25th - Field Trip, Grade 4 to Flynn Theater, 9:10 - 12:00pm (make up date from 3/11)
- Wed, Mar 27th - Early Release, 1:45pm
- Wed, Mar 27th - Bolton Valley Ski & Ride
- Thu, Mar 28th - VT State Spelling Bee, Middlebury College, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
- Fri, Mar 29th - Dance! Grades 6/7/8, MPR, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
- Wed, Apr 3rd - Family Math Night, MPR, 6:00 - 7:30 (see flyer below for details)
- Mon, Apr 8th - NO SCHOOL - Solar Eclipse (see below for details)
- Wed, Apr 10th - NO SCHOOL - Eid al Fitr
ESSENTAL ARTS PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE AVAILABILITY
Nicky Elderton - 5th - 8th Physical Education / Health
Please email Nelderton@cvsdvt.org to schedule a video conference or phone call.
Monday, March 18th 3:15 - 5:30 PM
Tuesday, March 19th 3:15 - 5:30 PM
Wednesday, March 20th 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
* Of course, if none of these times work for you, please feel free to suggest some alternatives.
Steve Flint - STEM and Digital Learning
To schedule a video or in-person conference please email sflint@cvsdvt.org.
Monday, March 18th 3:15 - 5:30 PM
Tuesday, March 19th 3:15 - 5:30 PM
Wednesday, March 20th 4:15 - 5:30 PM
Thursday, March 21st 3:15 - 5:30 PM
* If those times do not work for you then please let me know and we can find another time to meet.
Chris Gribnau - K-4 General Music and 5-8 Choral Music
To schedule a conference, please email cgribnau@cvsdvt.org or call (802) 425-6653. I will be available before school (beginning at 7:00AM) and after school (until 4:30PM).
Matthew Kent - K-4 PE/Wellness and 7 PE
To schedule an in-person, video, or phone conference, please email mkent@cvsdvt.org or call (802) 345-6696. Thank you!
Monday, March 18th 3:15 - 5:30 PM
Tuesday, March 19th 3:15 - 5:30 PM
Wednesday, March 20th 4:15 - 5:30 PM
Thursday, March 21st 3:15 - 4:45 PM
* Of course, if none of these times work for you, please feel free to suggest some alternatives.
Erika Norris - K-8 Art Teacher
To schedule a conference (either virtual or in person) please email enorris@cvsdvt.org. I will be available for conferences during the following dates and times:
Monday, March 18th 3:15 - 5:30 PM
Tuesday, March 19th 3:15 - 5:30 PM
Wednesday, March 20th 4:15 - 5:30 PM
Thursday, March 21st 3:15 - 5:30 PM
* If none of these times work for you, we can work to coordinate another date/time. Thank you!
Amy Sayre - 5-8 Wellness
To schedule a video conference, please email asayre@cvsdvt.org
Monday, March 18th 3:15 - 5:30 PM
Tuesday, March 19th 3:15 - 5:30 PM
Thursday, March 21st 3:15 - 5:30 PM
* If those times do not work for you then please let me know and we can find another time to meet.
Andy Smith - 5 - 8 Band and 3rd and 4th Grade Music
To schedule a video conference or in person meeting, please email asmith@cvsdvt.org or call (802) 425-6653. We will set up a google meet or schedule a meeting between 7:15 - 7:45 am or between 3 - 5:00 pm. Thank you!
UPDATED COVID ISOLATION / RETURN TO SCHOOL GUIDANCE
Effective immediately, the Champlain Valley School District will adjust our isolation guidance post-COVID infection for staff and students to align with both the CDC and Vermont Department of Health recommendations.
When people get sick with any respiratory virus (including COVID, RSV and/or influenza), the updated guidance from the CDC recommends that they stay home and away from others. For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness (please contact your primary care for guidance on treatment options). The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.
Given this information, CVSD is no longer asking students and staff who have tested positive for COVID to isolate at home through day 5. Put simply, if you are sick, please stay home and return when you are feeling better.
As part of the guidance, CDC and the Vermont Department of Health provides active recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies:
- Staying up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
- Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
APRIL 8TH ECLIPSE UPDATE - NO SCHOOL
Given the unpredictable nature of the eclipse’s impact on our region, Champlain Valley superintendents have chosen to prioritize the safety and well-being of students and staff and mutually agreed to close schools on April 8, 2024.
For more information on Vermont’s planning for the total solar eclipse, please visit vermont.gov/eclipse.
CCS SPRING SPORTS APPAREL STORE IS NOW OPEN!
CCS Athletics is excited to announce the opening of a spring sports apparel store! You can gear up your young athletes with a selection of Volleyball, Baseball, Track & Field, and Ultimate Frisbee apparel. All gear is through the local Charlotte company, JV Embroidery. Show your support and CCS Sports pride! The store is open through April 8th. Please see the following link to access the store.
WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY - THURSDAY, MARCH 21ST!
DIGITAL DYNAMICS WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
Digital Dynamics: Exploring Social Relationships in the Age of Screens
A FREE and virtual event facilitated by Annie Maheux, Ph.D
Parents and Caregivers -
Are you curious how social relationships have changed in the age of digital technology and screens?
Wondering how to help your child navigate friendships and connections while balancing their mental health?
Please join ParentIN for an engaging talk with UNC Chapel Hill’s Assistant Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Annie Maheux, Ph.D. Annie has a deep body of research that speaks to the impacts of technology use on mental health among young people with a focus on mental health, gender, and sexuality.
Here’s what else you can expect:
- Research insights on the complex ways technology can affect our well-being
- Strategies for promoting healthy tech use and digital wellness for both families and teens
- Practical approaches you'll use to strike a balance between devices and mental health
EVENT Details: March 21 @7:00p
REGISTER HERE and we’ll send you a meeting invite and Google meet link.
**NOTE** This workshop may be recorded for future community learning and sharing. You are welcome to join anonymously and/or turn off your video during the workshop.
CCS registration is limited to 15 participants, so register now. For more information, reach out to CCS GOTR Coach, Kevin Fleming, at kev5354@yahoo.com
FAMILY MATH NIGHT
CVSD DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI) TEAM
INTRA-DISTRICT K-8 SCHOOL CHOICE - DEADLINE APRIL 1
Children entering grades K-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
2024 SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION
CVU Girls LAX Summer Camp - registration is now open! Date: June 18-20, Tues-Thur, 12:30-3:30pm. Who: Players entering grades 5-9. Where: CVU's A Field How much: $125. This is a fundraiser for the girls lax program. CVU coaches as well as current and graduated CVU Lacrosse players will be leading the camp. Questions: tpierson@cvsdvt.org
Horse & Theater Camp - Sentinel Farms, Starksboro. Mon - Thu, 9:00 - 3:00 - weeks of June 24th, July 8th and July 29th. Ages 6-17.
Smugglers' Notch Vermonter Camp Program - Vermonter Summer Programs, ages 7-15.
HELPFUL CCS LINKS
HELPFUL COMMUNITY LINKS
ABOUT US
Jen Roth, Lead Principal
Amanda Riggleman, 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.