Making steps toward community at Charlotte Central School

Naomi Strada, (Condensed by Tom Scatchard)

Early last year, as Charlotte Central School was preparing to ease out of the pandemic, the school and the town revealed in a survey that they hoped a priority would be the building of community at Charlotte Central School.

Families and caregivers hoped for schoolwide experiences. They hoped students would find opportunities to experience generosity and to give to others. Families and caregivers wanted all students to feel cared about and appreciated for being themselves and there was a hope that students could have time to help others within their community.

File photo

Last week the students in fifth grade led a whole-school morning meeting. The greatness of these student-led activities is the modeling of leadership, empathy, caring and acceptance. The students shared a book called “I’m Here” by Peter H. Reynolds and talked about what “being here” means to those around us. The multi-purpose room was filled with smiles.

Another example of boosting community comes from the Community Wellness class led by Matt Kent and Amy Sayre for seventh and eighth graders. They have spent a couple of classes talking about what it means to be a part of a community — what it looks, feels and sounds like. After that, groups of up to four students began community action projects which can be school, town or statewide.

Digital Citizen Week Oct. 17-21
Students will continue learning about how to be safe consumers of technology and online resources with some special activities provided by the Champlain Valley School District digital learning leaders. The instruction will include the integration of digital tools in the delivery of curriculum to enrich teaching and learning, and strengthening the technology skills and knowledge of students.

Day of Racial Equity
On Friday, Sept. 9, a group of 24 Charlotte Central School students visited the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network’s Day of Racial Equity on the Statehouse lawn in Montpelier. The students got to hear from speakers, attend workshops, meet state-level policymakers and talk with other students committed to anti-racism from throughout the state. Diversity, equity and inclusion coach Ainaka Luna and educators Katie Fraser and Heidi Huestis coordinated an awesome day.

First LEGO League
Charlotte Central School is pleased to announce the start of an afterschool club for students from fifth-eighth grade that focuses on teamwork, robotics and coding. The mission of the Charlotte Central School First Lego League team is to foster a collaborative and diverse community of STEM-curious members that will build and compete in a mission-based robotics game using the LEGO Education SPIKE Essential platform. Tim Holcomb has offered to lead this club, and interested parents willing to help are always welcome.

Charlotte Central School Holiday Market
Calling all artisans. The Charlotte Central School Holiday Market will be back on Dec. 10. There will be two gyms filled with exhibitors, a children’s DIY craft table, as well as several on-site food options. All proceeds from the holiday market will go directly to the Charlotte Central School PTO to support a variety of student enrichment programs including STEM, theater, athletics, as well as the community Emergency Care Fund. Community support is greatly appreciated. Contact them with any questions.