The school year is off to an enthusiastic start

Naomi Strada, (Condensed by Tom Scatchard)

The 2023-24 school year is only 12 days old, but many exciting activities are already happening at Charlotte Central School.

The Charlotte Central School library opened to staff and students for the first time after the summer construction. Books were out on shelves for eager readers to browse and check-out.

The sixth grade took a science walk on Pease Mountain with the support of some family volunteers. This hike was an opportunity for students to have hands-on learning about trees.

Kindergarten students were practicing “three-step directions” as they created shape art by coloring, cutting and pasting. These shapes quickly became the outlines for rockets, pumpkins, unicorns and birds. It was inspiring hearing these young learners identifying shapes they see in their world.

Eighth grade students presented their “Dream Schools” to classmates.

International Dot Day
International Dot Day is a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration based on the book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds. It’s the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark.” What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, which has gone on to inspire children and adults around the globe.

Dot Day started as a kindergarten-fourth grade theme, but spread to all of Charlotte Central School with students collecting dots of many colors from teachers around the building in acknowledgement of their creativity and confidence.

Student teachers
Charlotte Central School welcomed 13 University of Vermont student teachers who will be working in first through sixth grade classrooms. These future educators are completing a practicum course designed to provide them with opportunities to observe mentor teachers and to apply the knowledge, skill and strategies they are learning in their courses. They will be at Charlotte Central School on Tuesdays and Thursdays noon-3 p.m.

LEGO League
Charlotte Central School is looking for fourth-eighth graders to participate in the school’s FIRST LEGO League Challenge.

FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to children through fun, hands-on learning. FIRST LEGO League participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program.

Access CVU
The fall and winter catalog of classes is open for registration. This semester offers 191 diverse classes featuring 79 instructors. Access accepts professional development funds and Champlain Valley School District wellness reimbursements that meet guidelines.

Diversity, equity and inclusion town halls
There will be a new format for the CVSD diversity, equity and inclusion town halls this school year. The first town hall meeting will be virtual on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m. with information about the diversity, equity and inclusion work that is underway in the district. Click for Zoom information for this meeting.
Future diversity, equity and inclusion town halls will take place in November, January, March and May in-person.
In October, December, February and April the Champlain Valley School District virtual town halls will focus on the strategic plan, growth and belonging.