Reading and building connections at Charlotte Central

Naomi Strada, (Condensed by Tom Scatchard)

Kindergarten-fourth grade students are participating in the Global Read Aloud community of world-wide readers over the next six weeks during their library classes. Kindergarten-third graders are studying author Jacqueline Woodson, and fourth graders are studying the first book in the adventure-fantasy series “Future Hero.”

How to hook a student on books
The school library team of Heidi Heustis, Genevieve Trono and Carol Blanshine, and the literacy teachers Matt Lutz and Julia Beerworth, have been offering “book buffets” to students in Omega seventh-eighth grades.
Students are given time to browse groupings of books from several genres and hear descriptions of the books. Then the students each record the books they may be interested in on a bookmark. Since the start of this collaboration a year ago, there has been a 60-percent increase in book checkouts by Omega students.

Building connections within the school staff
Weekly staff meetings start with a few moments designed to bring the group together as an exercise in connecting and belonging. Staff are asked to share with each other important news, to celebrate personal successes and to express gratitude to a colleague. This tradition has created a web of relationships and a foundation of strength. Actions that may have gone unnoticed are brought to light. The support one member of the staff provided to another is celebrated. Milestones of children, grandchildren and loved ones are shared to remind everyone of the commitment to balance between school and home.

If anyone in the community cares to join in this tradition, contact someone at Charlotte Central School to share, to celebrate, to acknowledge and to connect.

Hazing, harassment and bullying roadshow for 5th-8th grades
The school is committed to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment where every student in our community is treated with respect. For the next few weeks the staff will be providing middle level students with education focusing on a collaborative understanding of bullying and harassment.

Staff proactively works with students to understand examples of the behavior, as well as strategies for responding to and reporting incidents of alleged misconduct. The goal is to empower students with knowledge and tools for becoming allies in building a strong and safe school community.

Art teacher seeking jewelry supplies
Jewelry Making Club is one of many clubs offered during the middle school project block time on Wednesdays.
Students have been working on friendship bracelets, beaded necklaces, earrings and other wearable masterpieces. Art teacher Erika Norris is looking for supplies, including but not limited to:

  • Earring pins and wires
  • Spring rings (of all sizes)
  • Clasps for bracelets and necklaces
  • Thin wire
  • Thin stretchy cord
  • Beads.
    If you have any of these materials you’re willing to part with (or others that you think would be fun for jewelry making) the school would happily accept any and all contributions.

School district community budget forum
The Champlain Valley School District welcomes input from all members of the school district as it embarks on the budget development process for the 2024-25 budget.

The first meeting will be 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Champlain Valley High School.