Charlotte Community School works on families’ hopes

Naomi Strada, (Condensed by Tom Scatchard)

A year ago, the families of Charlotte students were asked to reflect upon their hopes for their community school and upon the experiences which should be prioritized for the kids.

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From the survey responses, the administration developed some goals to work on for school year 2022-23. Some of these goals and their implementations are:

  • Opportunities for students in older grades to connect with younger students
  • Monthly school-wide morning meetings with each grade taking a turn to host
  • Some Omega seventh and eighth graders reading with youngsters weekly, some reading a book to tables in the cafeteria
  • Seventh and eighth graders creating projects to be generous and compassionate with others
  • Supporting food-drives in November and December
  • Develop bonds between primary and middle school students
  • Enrichment opportunities so kids can pursue their passions and stay connected to peers.
  • Expanded co-curricular activities opportunities in soccer, cross country, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, volleyball, baseball and track and field
  • A spring theater production directed by Alex Hudson meeting with students.

Mentors
For anyone interested in a way to engage in our community, the opportunity exists to mentor a youth in the school. There is a growing list of students who wish to spend an hour a week in a one-to-one relationship with a caring adult.

Spelling club
Third through eighth grade students have been invited to join the Charlotte Central School spelling club. The club will meet at lunch or recess on Mondays and Fridays until the school spelling bee on Friday, Feb. 24. Winners will be able to compete in the Vermont Spelling Bee in March.

Penguin Plunge
On Feb, 4, several staff members are participating in the Penguin Plunge. The annual event raises funds for the Special Olympics by collecting pledges for taking a dip in Lake Champlain. Help reach the fundraising goal by donating.

Preschool lottery
The Champlain Valley School District’s early education program is accepting applications for a preschool lottery for the 2023-24 school year for the opportunity to enroll in one of the school-based classrooms which run 10 hours per week. Students from Charlotte who are drawn will attend classes at the Hinesburg Community School.

Children who will be age 3 or older by Sept. 1, who have not enrolled in kindergarten from Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George or Williston are eligible.

Applications are available from director of early education Erin Gagne.