THE NEWSLETTER
February 2, 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE CCS ADMINISTRATION
Dear CCS Families, Caregivers and Charlotte Community,
We had a wonderful week of learning and celebrating here at CCS. Below are some of those celebrations and things that bring us joy.
Celebrations of the week:
Third grade facilitated a school-wide morning meeting filled with joy and movement on this Groundhogs Day. We watch Punxsutawney Phil as he didn’t see his shadow predicting an early spring. Third graders also led the school on a dance inspired by Ice Age: Continental Drift where we all took turns doing the “Sid” and the “Manny”.
A group of 5th and 6th graders in the Taylor Swift Fan Club project block group also surprised the school with a Taylor Swift themed flash mob dance to conclude our morning meeting. So much creativity, fun, and laughter filled the MPR to kick off our Friday and wrap up this week.
A new round of student teachers joined our school. They will be working in some first- sixth grade classrooms two days a week until May.
Kindergarten
Beginning in kindergarten, CCS has magical energy. Just being around these five and six year olds brings out unbridled joy. They walk in a “line” down the halls to their PE, art and music classes. All along the way I can hear reminders to keep their eyes forward because most of them are busy smiling and waving at everyone that passes and into the classrooms where they see familiar faces. Sometimes they stop me to show a newly wiggly tooth or to tell me what kind of pizza they want for lunch. On special days when they get to bring a stuffed animal, the toys are lined up on the windowsills to “watch” the kids while they are playing.
Today was “Yes Day” in kindergarten. Just imagine the types of experiences our students were asking for.
Our 24-25 Kindergarten Registration is now OPEN. Please see below on how to register your child(ren) if you are a resident of Charlotte and your child turns 5 by September 1, 2024.
Partnerships in School Safety
The safety procedures Charlotte Central School follows align with guidance from the VT Agency of Education (AOE), Vermont School Safety Center and the CVSD policies. Our practices are framed to educate and support staff and students with steps that are developmentally appropriate and emotionally safe. Our protocols are designed to be efficient, rigorous and that utilize trained school professionals in mental health and behavior. CCS collaborates with the team of educators and community members on our School Safety Team. We have first responders who are prepared for a full scope of emergencies to help us plan and train. Our meetings are a chance for us to evolve our collective understanding of emergency response so there is coordination and cohesion between school officials and first responders, if the need were to arise.
Vermont School Safety Center and CVSD School Safety Site
Have a wonderful weekend,
Jen Roth, CCS Principal
2024-2025 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
If you reside in Charlotte and your child will be 5 years old by September 1, 2024, she/he is eligible to attend Kindergarten at Charlotte Central School.
Registration Window:
Thursday, February 1st, 2024
Through
Friday, February 23rd, 2024
- Has your child attended one of the CVSD’s school-based preschool programs?
- Has your child registered at any point in the past for publicly funded Act 166 Universal PreKindergarten through CVSD?
If you answered "Yes" to either one of these questions, please contact Naomi Strada (nstrada@cvsdvt.org or 802-425-6600), CCS registrar for steps to enroll your child in kindergarten.
If you answered "No" to the above questions, please use this link and go to Step 1 on the CVSD registration webpage to start your child's registration process.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Wed, Feb 7th - Early Release, 1:45pm
- Tue, Feb 13th - Jason Chin Author Visit
- Wed, Feb 14th - Early Release, 1:45pm
- Wed, Feb 14th - Bolton Valley Ski & Ride
- Thu, Feb 15th - PTO sponsored Community Connections Series, watch for more information.
- Fri, Feb 16th - PTO sponsored Staff Luncheon, 11:00 - 1:00
- Mon, Feb 19th - 3/4 Spelling Bee, Location TBD, 11:30 - 12:15
- Tue, Feb 20th - 4th Grade NAEP Assessment (details were sent to all 4th grade families)
- Wed, Feb 21st - 3-8 Spelling Bee, MPR, 8:30 - 9:30
- Wed, Feb 21st - Early Release, 1:45pm
- Wed, Feb 21st - Bolton Valley Ski & Ride
- Mon, Feb 26th through Fri, Mar 1st - NO SCHOOL
- Fri, Mar 15 - DEI Town Hall, Williston Central School, 6-8pm, Somali Community in Vermont
INFORMATION FROM THE CCS HEALTH OFFICE
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to let you know that there have been several cases of strep throat recently diagnosed at CCS. Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and the tonsils. The throat gets irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat. Your student may also have a fever, headache, and/or belly pain. Less common symptoms are a red skin rash, vomiting, not feeling hungry, and body aches.
Although some people are quick to think that any painful sore throat is strep, sore throats can also be caused by a viral infection and not strep bacteria. A sore throat caused by a virus can be as painful as strep throat. If your student has cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny or stuffy nose, they probably do not have strep throat.
If you are concerned, I encourage you to follow up with your family physician or pediatrician for more information. If your student has strep throat, they should not return to school until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. You can find additional information at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Strep+Throat+Infection
Please feel free to contact the Health Office if you have any questions or concerns.
Lauren Calkins, BSN RN
School Nurse
Charlotte Central School
802-425-6644
COME JOIN OUR CCS TEAM
One full time position available at Charlotte Central School offering 35 hours per week during the school year. Starting Salary $18.83 / hour and up depending on experience and full benefits included.
We are looking for highly focused and creative individuals with excellent work ethic, teamwork and customer service skills. Detailed Job description available upon request or at interview.
Highlights for the Job:
- Join a great team! Work in a safe, structured environment where your efforts will be appreciated.
- Competitive pay and GREAT benefits! Insurance, retirement, vacation and personal days.
- $250 uniform reimbursement
- School year schedule.
- Training provided, no experience needed.
Food Service Substitutes are also needed at all schools in our district. If you are interested in working part time at any of our schools in Williston, Hinesburg, Charlotte or Shelburne, please apply as well.
CVSD is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please apply online to www.schoolspring.com or in person with a letter of interest and application or resume attention to Scott Wagner. swagner@cvsdvt.org
GET INFORMED ABOUT THE PROPOSED 2024-2025 BUDGET!
It's almost Town Meeting Day and we hope that voters will get informed. See a summary of the proposed budget and bond, view a video excerpt from the recent Board meeting where the proposed budget was discussed, explore our Annual Report, and learn more. Consider attending an upcoming presentation about the proposed budget. It's all found on the Budget page of the district's website. https://www.cvsdvt.org/budget
AUTHOR JASON CHIN TO VISIT CVSD SCHOOLS
Science teachers across the district have been looking for ways to integrate science into reading and writing classes while also creating a shared experience for our PreK-8 students. In early February, our school will be welcoming Jason Chin to share his experiences and insights into writing and illustrating children’s books. Jason Chin, a local author and illustrator, is a diverse author and a Caldecott Medal winner who has written and illustrated a series of children’s books, including many on non-fiction science topics.
Throughout January and early February, individual classrooms will be preparing for his visit by exploring Chin’s books in a variety of ways. We are so excited for this opportunity to welcome him into our school!
SPELLING CLUB
Does your child enjoy exploring the spelling and meaning of words?
Spelling Club times will be during the student’s lunch periods on Mondays and Fridays.
week 1 Jan 22, Jan 26 (M,F) 11-1
week 2 Jan 29, Feb 2 (M,F) 11-1
week 3 Feb 5, Feb 9 (M,F) 11-1
week 4 Feb 12, Feb 16 (M,F) 11-1
Mon, Feb 19th - 3/4 Spelling Bee, Location TBD, 11:30 - 12:15
Wed, Feb 21st - 3-8 Spelling Bee, MPR, 8:30 - 9:30
Grade Level Words to Practice:
WordClub is a free app you can download on a home personal device that can quiz you on words.
CVSD CONNECTING YOUTH
CONNECTING YOUTH MENTORING ADVOCACY
Connecting Youth’s Mentor Coordinators Alison Duback and Kate Rooney recently returned from attending the National Mentoring Summit - a gathering of the nation's brightest minds in mentoring. Annually hosted in Washington, DC by MENTOR, the Summit is packed with learning opportunities, peer-collaboration, and inspiration, all focused on one shared goal: expanding and sustaining the youth mentoring movement.
Additionally, Alison Duback participated in the Summit’s Capitol HIll Day where advocates spent the day meeting with legislators and their staff about the critical value of surrounding young people with supportive relationships. “We met with legislative assistants from [Senator} Welch & [Representative] Balint's offices to talk about mentoring. Our last meeting of the day was with Bernie who actually attended the meeting. He asked us about our programs and then asked if we need more mentors. We all said "Yes!", so he is having his communications person put an article in The Bernie Buzz about mentoring.”
We’ll keep our eyes peeled for Bernie’s mentor endorsement. What an impact!
To learn more about Connecting Youth’s Mentor Program, check out our website here
DIGITAL SAFETY WORKSHOP
Greetings ParentIN Family,
We are well into 2024. And we see you, and all you’re doing to ensure your young person’s wellbeing. We see the focus you bring to caregiving every day while juggling work and all the goodies in between. Reminding you that ParentIN is your constant sidekick throughout these years. Providing you with support groups, resources, and a listening ear when you need a break.
And guess what? We've got some amazing programming this month!
In collaboration with the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, Detective Krystal Wrinn will facilitate a FREE and engaging virtual workshop on digital safety for youth and your whole family.
Here’s what to expect:
Reinforce online safety: Learn practical tips to empower yourself and your child about cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.
Build a positive online culture: Foster respect and kindness in your family's digital interactions.
Create a safer online world: Make the internet a more positive space for everyone.
EVENT Details: February 15th @7:00p
Register HERE to be sent a meeting invitation and link.
Your participation is highly valued, and we look forward to working together to promote digitally safe school community. Thanks!
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor
CCS and HCS Community Schools
CVSD ParentIN Coordinator
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.
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.