CVSD leaders visit Charlotte Central School to celebrate school

In early February, Champlain Valley School District principals and Superintendent Sanchez visited Charlotte Central School to learn from each other and to celebrate the school’s focus on collaboration, differentiated instruction and engaged learners. 

Kindergarteners created crowns and crafts in honor of the 100th day of school. They imagined how they would spend $100 and couldn’t wait to show the adults all the hundreds they could find in their classroom. 

In first grade, students looked at a 100 grid and shared equations they could see in the visualization of 100. Students were using “quiet think” time and revoicing the thoughts shared by their classmates. 

Courtesy photo
Students from the Champlain Valley School District’s Connecting Youth program traveled to Montpelier to support a ban on flavored tobacco.
Courtesy photo Students from the Champlain Valley School District’s Connecting Youth program traveled to Montpelier to support a ban on flavored tobacco.

Scientist students in fifth grade were wondering about the creation of the moon and learned about how the U.S. created a space program that allowed astronauts to visit the moon. 

Wednesday, Feb. 7, was World Read Aloud day. The sixth-grade team was able to join an audience from around the country to listen to author Aaron Reynolds read “Creepy Carrots.” Charlotte Central School was the only school that won the trivia question.

The Charlotte Central School community ended the week with a staff-student basketball game. Everyone was the winner in this game. Spending time cheering for teachers and classmates always builds a strong community of belonging and care. The game brought back memories from many years ago watching staff and student competitions. 

The Charlotte Central School basketball teams are finished with the regular season and are entering the school district tournament next week. The final games of the tournament will be played on Tuesday and Thursday, next week. 

Author visits
Charlotte Central School welcomed author and illustrator Jason Chin on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Chin spoke to students about how he became a book author and illustrator: He was inspired by a visiting illustrator to his elementary school when he was a student. He also explained how he uses curiosity and research to ask questions, make connections and create the works of art that are his picture books.

Chin told amazing stories about his travels around the world. A goal of his is to illustrate the characters in his books in such a way that all readers can see themselves in the pages. Huge thanks to the Champlain Valley School District for supporting this visit, and for the many helping hands that went into making it happen for the students. 

Champlain Valley School District budget update
At its Jan. 23 meeting, the Champlain Valley School District board approved the proposed 2024-25 budget to present to voters on Town Meeting Day. The proposed budget is now a warned article on the ballot.
Last week, the board’s finance committee had a meeting to discuss the options and implications for the district and taxpayers regarding the proposed 2024-2025 budget. At the February 20th School Board meeting the full board came together to discuss the budget and work towards a decision on how to move forward.

Youth voices rise in Montpelier
Part of the goals of the Champlain Valley School District’s Connecting Youth program is creating opportunities for youth empowerment and advocacy. This past week, 25 middle-school level students gathered in Montpelier in support of S.18, Vermont’s bill to ban flavored-tobacco products. The students shared their stories on the Capitol steps, spoke to legislators caucusing on the floor and were an unmissable presence in the Statehouse all morning.