Students share conversations and lessons learned from books

The school assembly for the week of April 4 was led by second graders and was focused on themes of gratitude, community and seeing the good in everyday moments.

Using the picture book “Last Stop on Market Street” as inspiration, students reminded the school community that even when one wishes for more, there is so much beauty in what one already has. CJ, the story’s main character, learns from his wise grandmother to notice the special things around him and appreciate the people in his community.

The assembly also previewed an exciting event that happened last week. On Tuesday, April 15, students gathered in cross-grade groups to read books that connect with the Charlotte Central School mission — taking care of ourselves, others and this place. Each group explored stories that spark important conversations about empathy, kindness and community:

• Kindergarten — “Still a Family”
• 1st & 7th grades — “Each Kindness”
• 2nd & 5th grades — “Maddie’s Fridge”
• 3rd & 8th grades — “Our Little Kitchen”
• 4th & 6th grades — “Those Shoes”

At the assembly students also had fun connecting with classmates using creative greetings like pinky shakes, elbow bumps and high fives, along with questions like “What’s your favorite book?” or “How many kids are in your family?”

Empty Bowls fundraiser

Champlain Valley Union High School held an evening of food, discussions and community action at the Empty Bowls fundraiser on April 10. Empty Bowls is a global grassroots movement that rallies communities around combating food insecurity. Community members were invited to participate in a soup dinner to raise money for a local food shelf. 

Senior Teryn Hytten started the fundraiser Empty Bowls at CVU last year in collaboration with ACCESS CVU. This year’s recipient will be the Hinesburg Food Shelf. 

It was an evening of great soup, art and discussion around combating food insecurity in our community. Included with the dinner was a handmade bowl, live music, Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream and a silent auction.

Important music dates 

Wednesday, May 14, 7 p.m., Champlain Valley School District Jazz Festival in the CVU auditorium

Wednesday, May 28, 6:30 p.m., Spring Concert in the Charlotte Central School multi-purpose room with fifth-eighth grade choruses and bands

Sunday, June 1, 5 p.m., the band and chorus will play and sing the National Anthem at Centennial Field at the Lake Monsters game before the first pitch.

Thursday, June 5, 11:40 a.m.-12:20 p.m., jazz band performs at Discover Jazz Festival on Church Street in Burlington.

School district pre-K now enrolling 

The Champlain Valley School District early education program is accepting applications for vacancies for the 2025-26 school year. 

The part-time prekindergarten programs will run half-days on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The program features a licensed program, a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum and nurturing, inclusive environments with bussing available within town boundaries.

Children who will be age 3 years or older by Sept. 1 and live in Charlotte, Hinesburg, Saint George, Shelburne or Williston are eligible to apply.