THE NEWSLETTER
December 15, 2023
MESSAGE FROM THE CCS ADMINISTRATION
Dear CCS Families, Caregivers and Charlotte Community,
Generosity. It comes in so many forms and is sometimes overlooked. Many of the experiences I reflected on this week felt like precious gifts, gathered together for the betterment of our community.
- The PTO-sponsored craft fair last weekend brought together members of our community- neighbors, students, caregivers, artisans with passions, stories and desires all centered around our CCS. I heard stories that wove together people; a camp from decades ago, families returning to Charlotte after living away, an artist who spent time capturing the beauty of Charlotte, a creator who designed art as a mindful and therapeutic endeavor. My shopping list grew because the students of CCS shared artisans’ stories with me, convincing me of the excellence of what was there.
- Erika Norris, an art educator who captured and displayed creations from all of her students to celebrate their personal journey of exploration and discovery. Art that turned recyclables into “what-ifs” (see THIS WEEK’S CCS PHOTOS inside the newsletter). Creations that were formed from joy, messes and endless possibilities. Walking through the halls of CCS felt like visiting a museum, where students giggled with pride to show others their masterpieces.
- Andy Smith and Chris Gribnau took a diverse scope of students, provided guidance and encouragement, and showed them what it felt like to persevere. Wednesday, our MPR came alive with tunes you could sing (or hum) along with. Kids who may not typically feel “musical” were part of something bigger and their commitment was met with awe and applause. Who knew Taylor Swift’s medley of tunes played by a middle school band could hook students in kindergarten and above into the possibilities of their music-playing dreams.
- All of the caregivers who sent in items for our food baskets may not know the profound modeling you did for students. I overheard a cluster of kids reviewing what had come in for their box and planning what they could each go home to look for in their own pantry. They knew that the abundance of one home could become the essentials for another.
- Staff members came together for lunch today enjoying the PTO sponsored pizza donation from Folinos. This special treat brought people together from around the building to be social, share personal stories and to feel reconnected during this busy time of year.
With gratitude for your continued support of CCS,
Jen Roth, CCS Principal
STRESS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON
This time of year can be challenging for all of us. If you are feeling overwhelmed there are a lot of great things you can do to bring yourself to the present and connect with your loved ones in a way that feels supportive and meaningful. Have you ever felt frantic, like there is too much to do and not enough time? It is ok to take a pause. Practice some mindful breathing, take a walk or use any tool that helps you to bring yourself back to a calm, rational place. We can help our kids by modeling what it means to take care of ourselves!
If things feel out of hand or you need support to get through a tough moment there are people to help. You can call First Call for Chittenden County at 488-7777 and they will provide you support to get through the tough moments. FREE SUPPORT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS, 24/7- Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via the medium people already use and trust: text.
1. Text "VT" to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
2. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds quickly.
3. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.
For more information please visit http://vtcrisistextline.org/.
I hope your holidays are filled with love and joy and if you are struggling don't struggle alone. Reach out for help and support.
RECESS - DRESS FOR THE WINTER WEATHER
Please help your children be prepared and dress appropriately to be outside for recess!
Hats, gloves/mittens, jackets, and pants are all highly recommended. Don't forget to label your items - we don't want them to end up in the Lost and Found. Students will be outside as long as the "real feel" is above zero degrees and it is not raining.
If you need help getting any warm winter gear, please contact CCS School Counselor, Betsy Lloyd - blloyd@cvsdvt.org.
SPEAKING OF DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER - THE LOST AND FOUND IS OVERFLOWING!
Please have your chid(ren) look for their lost items in our overflowing Lost and Found. All items not claimed by end of day FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22ND will be donated to local non-profit clothing stores.
We hate to give away your family's items, so please have your child(ren) check the lost and found often.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
- Tue, Dec 19th - CVSD Board Budget Mtg, CVU Rm 160 or online, 6:00pm (Topic: Operations & Maintenance) (Zoom information available at https://www.cvsdvt.org/budget)
- Wed, Dec 20th - Early Release Day (1:45pm)
- Mon, Dec 25th through Fri, Dec 29th - Early Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
- Mon, Jan 1st - New Year's Day - NO SCHOOL
- Thu, Jan 4th - Bolton Valley Ski & Ride Parent Mtg for 1st Time Participants, CCS Library, 7:00pm
- Tue, Jan 9th - CVSD Board Budget Mtg, CVU Rm 160 or online, 6:00pm (Topic: Summary & Tax Implications) (Zoom information available at https://www.cvsdvt.org/budget)
- Mon, Jan 15th - Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday - NO SCHOOL
- Tue, Jan 23rd - CVSD Board Budget Mtg, CVU Rm 160 or online, 6:00pm (Topic: Final Approval & Warnings) (Zoom information available at https://www.cvsdvt.org/budget)
2024 BOLTON VALLEY / CCS SKI & RIDE PROGRAM
We’re Back to 5 Trips, and ready!
** Important Parent Meeting for 1st time Program participants
Thursday, Jan. 4th, 7:00 p.m. in the CCS Library **
(Electronic registration form link for all below - PLEASE read all information before registering)
Five week program, on Wednesdays - after school on Feb.14th, 21st, March 6th, 13th,+ 20th. (make-up date this season is Mar. 27th). Open to students in grades K - 8… Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders must be accompanied by a chaperone, or shared chaperone.
- Cost is $149, **includes bus or car transport. Lessons are mandatory for new skiers and boarders (+$65), optional for others at $75 (available only up to “level 3” – lift ready and linking turns). Students signed up for lessons must commit to taking them for the entire program. **Students who hold a Bolton Season Pass or are 5 and under, the Program cost is $55. ** All checks made out to “Charlotte Recreation” + handed in to CCS office, (not Town Hall).
- Chaperones are needed to maintain a 1-to-10 ratio to students. Chaperones ski free or at sharply reduced rates and are expected to help and have fun. Some Chaperones are needed to ride the bus. Please help if you can. More information at the meeting! Buses leave CCS after school and return to CCS by 7:40 pm. Students MUST, (unless pre- arranged), return the same way they arrived. If changes occur for the ride home, the Parent or Child MUST notify the bus coordinator or the driver of the car in which your child arrived.
- Program/School Equipment is available at no charge on a “first come/first serve” basis. We make every effort to outfit everyone who needs equipment. Helmets are now required to reduce potential head injury and keep heads warm. We have helmets for loan. (If preferred, BV offers whole discounted season packages for asp participants for $109 (you can keep until April). We can use more equipment… please donate if you can, (especially shaped skis & helmets).
- Registration acceptance is on a first come/ first serve basis due to space availability.
- Payment (check) + electronic registrations are due by Friday, January 12th, (PLEASE identify student in check memo) but you can begin registration now. A late fee after Jan. 19th.
Registration form (please follow prompts + submit) : https://forms.gle/cWGGr8uS8j3uKHoo8
Please Note: Bolton Valley will not accept any registrations from us after Friday, Jan.22nd!
Questions? Michael Krasnow, 802-425-3997 or email at: mkrasnow1@gmail.com
*** Financial Aid / Scholarships, (need-based), are available for any student, call Michael Krasnow, or CCS Guidance Counselor Betsy Lloyd, 802-425-6641 for information. ***
CCS ART ROOM IS SEEKING YARN DONATIONS
Several grade levels will be working on weaving projects and I am looking for yarn donations to support these creations. Any color, any style will work, but if you have any questions please reach out: enorris@cvsdvt.org. Thanks!
2024-2025 PRE-KINDERGARTEN LOTTERY IS NOW OPEN
The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for a random prekindergarten lottery drawing for the 2024-25 school year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of our school-based classrooms which run 10 hours 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, 2024, 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. (Note: Charlotte pre-k students will attend a program at another CVSD site.)
All applications must be received by February 5, 2024, and are located on the CVSD Early Education website under 2024-2025 Preschool Lottery . 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.
LOOKING FOR THE NEXT PUBLISHER AT THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
As you may know, The Charlotte News is looking for its next publisher.
After 65 years in business, The Charlotte News is in a strong position with a committed board, a hard-working, talented staff and dedicated volunteers. Our financial position is stable. We have improved the paper and website. We learned much from our recent reader survey. And our strategic plan provides the framework for future growth.
Our next publisher will have interesting and exciting opportunities to grow the newspaper and website and to make The Charlotte News even more central to community life.
Contact Julia Russell julia05russell@gmail.com, if you’re interested in this position, or if there’s anyone among your friends, neighbors and colleagues who you feel may be a good candidate.
John Quinney
Publisher and Board Chair
The Charlotte News
CHARLOTTE LIBRARY
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.