Almost LEGO League time at Charlotte Central School

The 2025 FIRST LEGO League season is almost here. FIRST LEGO League is a global robotics program for students in fourth-eighth grades. It introduces kids to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, real-world problem solving using LEGO bricks.

The season kicks off on Sept. 30. Practice will be one to two times per week through January, leading up to the Vermont state finals. Most practices will be held on Tuesdays and some Thursdays from 2:45-4:15 p.m. A detailed schedule, including competition dates, will be shared soon.

School library news

You’re never too old for a picture book. Most students at CCS have heard Mrs. Huestis say this over and over. Whether you are a kindergartener learning about how to use your new school library or you are a middle schooler finding the perfect picture book to turn into a reader’s theater script, the possibilities are endless.

Parents and caregivers at home can also have fun with picture books. A favorite author shared at the school is Mac Barnett, the country’s newest National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Mac says, “The picture book is a sophisticated, vibrant and beautiful art form. I believe wholeheartedly in the boundless possibilities of children’s books – and the brilliance of the kids who read them.” Mac writes amazing interactive picture books that students love to share again and again. 

This month, the Charlotte Central School library is featuring stories written by, illustrated by and about members of the Hispanic community. 

MathCounts

MathCounts is a national middle school mathematics competition that builds problem-solving skills and fosters achievement through four levels of fun, in-person “bee” (as in spelling bee) style contests. MathCounts is open to:

• anyone who likes sixth through eighth grade math
• anyone who might not like math yet but wants to like it more
• anyone who wants to be part of a community
• anyone who wants to check it out.

MathCounts offers students a chance to do collaborative problem solving with problems that are a little bit different than what they usually see in math class. There will be weekly practice, starting on Thursday, Sept. 25, after dismissal until 4 p.m. in Rachael Miller’s room. Charlotte Central School will bring a group to the district and regional competition, which could qualify for the state and national competition.

Alexander publishes book

Tyler Alexander, a social studies teacher at Champlain Valley Union High School and an eighth-generation Vermonter, just published a book. “If I Can Get Home This Fall” is the story of Dan Mason, a Civil War soldier from Glover, whose letters Alexander uncovered years ago while researching his own ancestor from the same town in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.

Alexander shares how his father inspired his early interest in Vermont and Civil War history and encouraged him to go into teaching; how Dan Mason’s story shows up in Alexander’s teaching; and how the values and themes Alexander uncovered from Vermont’s history hold true to this day, including in his own life.