Musical director needed for sixth-eighth grade musical

Recently the Charlotte Central School administration learned that the theater company the school had partnered with in the past, and which had committed to producing this year’s show, has had to step back and will no longer be able to take on this year’s production.

Principal Tim O’Leary has been working to find new options, and he’s found a promising lead for a director and choreographer, who could work with the students starting in mid-April, with performances tentatively planned for June 6 and 7.

Charlotte Central School is reaching out to the community for a music director to complete the team. If Charlotters know someone who might be interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them or contact the school directly. Principal O’Leary is confident that the Charlotte community can navigate this challenge.

Plastic recycling challenge
The school wants to thank everyone who has participated in the plastic recycling challenge. A special shoutout goes to Tim Neilson from Conant Metal and Light in Burlington for his generous plastic drop-offs, as well as to all the other community members who have contributed.

The student council members have shown incredible dedication by collecting, weighing and preparing the plastic for delivery each week. Additionally, thanks goes to the school’s sustainability committee members for their efforts in delivering the plastic.

So far, the school has collected an impressive 737 pounds of plastic. With the challenge running until Wednesday, May 15, Charlotte Central School is working toward the goal of 1,000 pounds to earn a composite bench through the NexTrex Plastic Challenge.

Pre-kindergarten lottery open
The district’s early education program is accepting applications for a random prekindergarten lottery drawing for the 2025-26 school year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of the school-based classrooms. The classes run four partial days a week. These school-based pre-K classrooms are licensed early education programs providing play-based, developmentally appropriate environments for all children in an inclusive setting.

The programs follow the Champlain Valley School District calendar. Children who will be age 3 or older by Sept. 1, 2025, are not eligible for kindergarten and live in the communities of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George or Williston are eligible to enter the lottery.

Families who are selected for the lottery and choose to enroll their child in a Champlain Valley School District program may access their Act 166-funded pre-K funds for the program.

All application forms must be received by Feb. 7 and are located on the CVSD Early Education website. Paper applications are available upon request. For additional information, questions about the program or concerns about a child’s development, visit the website or contact director of early education Erin Gagne. The early education team is also available for developmental screenings in the areas of communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development and cognition.

Connecting Youth marks 25 years
January marks National Mentoring Month, and the Champlain Valley School District is celebrating 25 years of Connecting Youth’s mentoring program. The program, founded in 2000, has paired thousands of mentors with local students, providing support during pivotal moments in their lives.

This year, Connecting Youth Mentoring serves 184 fifth-twelfth graders across the district.

“These interactions help students regulate emotions, feel safe and seen, practice effective communication, make good choices and benefit from the guidance of well-trained, compassionate mentors,” says Tony Moulton, the district’s director of wellness & prevention.

Studies consistently show that youth with mentors are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education and become active, engaged citizens in their communities.

As Champlain Valley School District celebrates this milestone year for Connecting Youth, community members are invited to join in recognizing the value of mentorship by contacting Kate Rooney or 802-425-6682.