Carnation ceremony welcomes kindergartners to school community
At Charlotte Central School, activities that promote acceptance and a strong sense of belonging are prioritized, with students at the center of the effort. Traditions play an essential role in fostering this sense of community among students and educators, creating continuity and stability within the school environment.
During the whole-school morning meeting on Friday, Nov. 8, kindergarteners were welcomed into the school community with a special carnation ceremony. Eighth graders presented kindergarteners with a carnation, symbolizing their bond and a promise of support for the coming year. As role models, learning partners and mentors, these eighth graders will work with the younger students throughout the year, creating lasting memories and learning to be caring citizens in a broader community. Charlotte Central School’s youngest students brought home their carnation to have as a keepsake.
Also on Nov. 8, the sixth graders had the opportunity to visit the Charlotte Senior Center, where they interviewed elders from the community. The goals were to gain insight into others’ perspectives on the joys of growing up and living in Vermont, to reflect on what it was like to be an adolescent in an earlier time and to build meaningful intergenerational connections between the students and the seniors.
Another cherished school tradition is the annual food drive for the Charlotte Food Shelf. This collaboration provides Charlotte neighbors with food and other items needed to enjoy Thanksgiving meals. Kindergarteners-fourth graders focus on gathering items for Thanksgiving boxes, while students in firth-eighth graders contribute food to help support families through the winter holiday season.
Families who would benefit from additional food over the Thanksgiving break are encouraged to reach out to the Charlotte Food Shelf.
Holiday market
The PTO is looking for artisans, crafters and local vendors to join the Charlotte Central School Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The vendor application can be found here.
Anyone with a favorite crafter or vendor can email suggestions.
New this year is a student section for young artisans that have a craft to share. There are a limited number of complimentary student spots available, first come,first served. Students may register via the holiday market link with the description of the craft for PTO board approval.
There will also be a silent auction in conjunction with the Holiday Market. Donations from local businesses are welcome. Please contact the PTO via the email above if interested in donating an item to the silent auction.
The Holiday Market will have two gyms filled with exhibitors, a children’s do-it-yourself craft area, as well as several on-site food options. All exhibitor registration fees from the holiday market will go directly to the Charlotte Central School PTO to support a variety of student enrichment programs, including but not limited to STEM, theater, athletics, as well as the community Angel Fund. All support is appreciated.
Fire safety
Members from Charlotte Fire and Rescue shared the roles played by the organization in keeping the community safe. The presentation was a hit in kindergarten through fourth-grade classrooms. These workshops allowed kids to see what a firefighter looks like when fully dressed in gear and gave them time to ask questions about procedures for staying safe at home. Some of the questions that came up included:
- Where is a good meeting spot outside of the house if smoke detectors are going off?
- How to call 911 if there isn’t a house phone.
- How to escape a second-floor room if there is danger in the stairway.
Parents are encouraged to sit and talk through their children’s questions. Every home has its own unique circumstances and tools to stay safe. A reminder was given to change the batteries in smoke detectors.