End-of-year events proliferate as summer break nears

On the morning of Friday, June 6, the cherished school’s Carnation Ceremony tradition was held in the multipurpose room. Kindergarten students presented carnations to each eighth grader — a symbol of connection across the school’s 355 students. Many thanks to the teachers who helped bring this moment to life.

Looking Ahead Day — Wednesday, June 11

Each year in the final week of school, the kindergarten-sixth grade students take part in Looking Ahead Day, when they visit their core homeroom classrooms for the next school year. It’s a whole-school event that helps ease transitions and build excitement for what’s next.

Current seventh graders already know their eighth-grade teachers, but on Wednesday they’ll get to meet Owen Duff, the new world language teacher, who will be joining the Omega team following Sarah Pierson’s retirement. They’ll also welcome the current sixth graders to the team.

Meanwhile, eighth graders will gather to celebrate, distribute and sign yearbooks, share breakfast treats and enjoy one of their final moments together as Charlotte Central School students.

Fun Run success

Thanks to the Charlotte Central School Parent Teacher Organization, parent volunteers and fifth-grade teacher Dave Baird for organizing a phenomenal Fun Run. Hundreds of runners took part, and the night overflowed with the joy of potluck dinners, community celebration, fundraising, and of course, the famous basket raffles. Among many highlights: a first grader who logged at least 5 miles (that’s 10 laps), and a third grader who matched that feat.

Sixth-grade guest artist

Dominique Vassie is a biologist and artist from the United Kingdom working in Japan. Recently a small group of Conor Emerson’s sixth grade students have been obsessed with her books, replicating and learning from her style or using her books as inspiration for their own short stories. 

Since Emerson is friends with Vassie, he mentioned the students’ interest and this led to an online link with the artist. She was kind enough to chat with the students about being a professional artist, her techniques and any animal questions they had.

Emerson said it was an incredibly sweet way to spend recess for a small group of dedicated artists, having a chance to meet someone they look up to.

‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ wows crowd

On Wednesday morning, June 4, the eighth-grade cast performed “Willy Wonka Jr.” for the school. It was a sweet treat to watch, and Thursday night’s first public performance was even sweeter. With each step on stage, students brought more confidence, joy and magic to their roles. 

Jazz band hits Church Street

On Thursday, June 5, the Charlotte Central School jazz band took to the stage on Church Street as part of the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. They brought energy and a big sound to the heart of downtown. It was a proud moment to see middle school musicians representing Charlotte Central School.

Sixth-grade trout release

On Friday, June 6, the sixth graders completed a months-long journey by releasing the baby brook trout they’ve been carefully raising since winter. As part of the Trout in the Classroom program, students nurtured the trout from eggs to fingerlings while learning about ecosystems, water quality and the responsibilities of environmental stewardship. Releasing them into a local stream today was a meaningful culmination of hands-on science.

A home run performance

A group of Charlotte Central School students had the honor of singing the national anthem at the Vermont Lake Monsters’ home opener at Centennial Field. With poise, pride and beautiful harmony, they kicked off the season in front of a packed crowd.