Charlotte Central School variety show deemed ‘magical’

Over 150 students took the stage in a wide variety of performances before an enthusiastic crowd of parents, relatives and other students for the Charlotte Central School variety show on Thursday evening, March 27.

The show included musicians, jugglers, singers, comedians, story tellers and poets.

Principal Tim O’Leary said, “Last night’s variety show was nothing short of magical. Our students took the stage with courage, showcasing their diverse talents and strengthening the very fabric of our community.”

After the success of the variety show, the PTO has announced the launch of a capital campaign to enhance the school theater space. The goal is to raise funds for much-needed upgrades, including new stage curtains, a state-of-the-art sound system and improved lighting. Those who would like to contribute to the theater improvement project may write a check to CCS PTO or contact the school to find other ways to donate. Every contribution, large or small, will help bring this dream to life. 

Rowland Fellowship

As mentioned in the Feb. 20 issue of this newspaper, Charlotte Central School teacher Julia Beerworth has been awarded a 2025 Rowland Fellowship. Beerworth is an eighth-grade humanities teacher and student council advisor. This prestigious fellowship supports Vermont educators in implementing initiatives to enhance school culture and climate.

Beerworth will step into a teacher-on-special-assignment role for the 2025-26 academic year, working beyond her regular classroom duties. She will work across the middle school and upper elementary school to advance project-based learning opportunities to empower students as active learners.

Her initial focus will be on reimagining personal interest projects for seventh and eighth graders, ensuring they provide meaningful, real-world learning experiences. At the same time, she will guide conversations around developmentally appropriate projects in fifth and sixth grade, helping younger students build ownership of their learning.

She will also play a key role in implementing project blocks across grades 5-8, ensuring students have dedicated time for hands-on, interest-driven exploration. Beyond stand-alone projects, Beerworth will collaborate with interested teachers in third-eighth grades to integrate project-based learning into everyday classroom instruction, helping educators rethink what learning can look like in traditionally structured classrooms.

“This fellowship is an incredible opportunity to co-design learning experiences alongside students and teachers that foster curiosity, independence and purpose,” said Beerworth. “We know students thrive when they engage in meaningful, real-world work, and I’m excited to help shape an environment where that kind of learning is embedded throughout our school.”

“Julia’s passion for student engagement and innovative learning makes her the perfect leader for this initiative,” said O’Leary.

Beerworth is the first Rowland Fellow from Charlotte Central School, and she worked closely with O’Leary, a 2020 Rowland Fellow, to develop this initiative.