New school year begins at Charlotte Central School
The administrative team at Charlotte Central Schoool (Jen Roth principal, Tim O’Leary assistant principal and Beth Slater director of student services) reported that on Aug. 26 the school was excited and ready to welcome students to the first day of the school year. Faculty and staff had been energized the previous week: organizing classrooms, preparing the grounds, readying the cafeteria and more.
The primary intentions of the first week of school were to make connections with the students and to develop routines across all the school settings. Connections are being made through social-emotional learning activities, conversations, team-building and opportunities for exploration and collaboration.
Teachers and students are developing routines and expectations for learning, play times and transitions. Students are beginning to make sense of what they will do as readers, writers, mathematicians and, most importantly, what they will do as members of this community to take care of themselves, each other and our school.
The staff has taken every opportunity to soak up the many aspects of the collaborative environment that makes Charlotte Central School such a magical, special place where all students and staff flourish. The administration is inspired by the work that is taking place to guide all students to become engaged, creative, mindful, curious learners and members of the school community.
School safety in broader community
The safety procedures Charlotte Central School follow align with guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education, Vermont statutes and Champlain Valley School District guidelines. The September fire drill and run-hide-fight practice are framed to educate and support staff and students with steps that are developmentally appropriate and emotionally safe.
The school relies on a team of educators and community members on the School Safety Team. The school collaborates with emergency responders who are knowledgeable of a full scope of emergencies to help Charlotte Central School plan and train. The internal safety meetings are a chance for staff to align a collective understanding of the emergency response so there is coordination and cohesion between school officials and first responders, if the need were to arise.
If you are a member of the Charlotte community who works in law enforcement, is an EMT, firefighter or other first responder who is interested in joining the team, please reach out to Roth and get on the communication list.
Charlotte Central School music
The Charlotte Central School fifth-eighth grade music handbook says, “By selecting band and/or chorus, you have become a member of a musical family and have joined the tradition of musical excellence at Charlotte Central School. You will find yourself challenged on many levels — intellectually, emotionally, physically and musically — as you strive to recreate works of art.
“Students who are entering the performing groups at Charlotte Central School for the first time should be aware that being a member of the band or chorus is different from being in any other class. Many of the students who become involved in the band and choral program remain for their entire school careers, primarily because it is like being part of an extended family. There is a special bond that is created among people who make music together.”
Green Mountain Aviation Field Days
There is a great STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) event coming up in the next few weeks.
The Vermont Aviators Association is happy to announce their first Green Mountain Aviation Field Days will take place Sept. 14-15. It is expected to be the largest aviation event in Vermont in over 30 years. The theme will focus on the “Past, Present and Future of Aviation’’ with a heavy emphasis on education and STEM, highlighting some of the wonderful opportunities available to kids and adults in Vermont.
Currently there are 47 aircraft confirmed for the static displays, a 20,000-square-foot hangar to house the exhibits, flight simulators, radio-controlled races, airport and local vehicles for “touch-a-truck” displays, 11 food trucks and five bands. Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 613 will host a Young Eagles Event in conjunction with the field days, providing free discovery flights to 7- to 17-year-olds, providing them an opportunity to experience the thrill of flight in a small aircraft.
More info and tickets on the Green Mountain Aviation Field Days website. Children 12 and under are free.