The Thursday OwL
The Alcott ptg weekly email
August 21, 2025
The PTG provides information and support to the Alcott community and raises funds to help make our school the best it can be.
News and Announcements
From PTG President Abby Flanagan
On behalf of the PTG, I'm excited to be welcoming all of our Alcott families back for what is already shaping up to be a very exciting year. I know that Back to School can feel a little overwhelming, even for the most seasoned parents, so please feel free to be in touch with any questions. Below you'll find information about activities leading up to the first official day of school on Wednesday, August 27, as well as some exciting volunteer opportunities, including how to sign up to be a room parent. Next week's Owl will have more information about our fall events, volunteer opportunities, and other PTG programs.
I do want to highlight a change we've made in how we support our Alcott Family Fund. The Alcott Family Fund provides material support for those members of our community who are in need. This might look like a new backpack filled with supplies for the first day of school or a new pair of snow boots so a kindergartener can join their friends in the snow piles on the first snowy day of winter. At the PTG we used to help support this fund by collecting annual dues for membership. This year we have eliminated dues and instead will be hosting a Back to School supply drive. Please see the announcement further on in this newsletter for more information. I know how generous this community is and I'm grateful for your support for the Alcott Family Fund.
I'm thrilled to be serving as PTG president this year, with a wonderful group of board members and volunteers by my side. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with questions and suggestions, and I'll see you all at back to school! With thanks, Abby Flanagan
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New Families Playground Meet Up
Are you new to Alcott? Do you have an excited (or maybe nervous) kindergartener? Join the PTG and other new families for a playground meet up this Sunday, August 24th at 9:30am on the Alcott Playground. PTG members will be on hand to answer questions over coffee and munchkins while the kids have the chance to meet some new friends and explore the playground.
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All School Open House
After you meet the teacher, see the classroom, and snap the pic, swing by one of the PTG info tables in the front courtyard to learn all about the PTG. Members of the board will be on hand to answer questions about our various programs and volunteer opportunities. and we'll have a great selection of our Alcott Spirit Wear for sale.
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Back to School Drive
Please support our Alcott community by contributing to the PTG Back to School drive. You can purchase items from the PTG Amazon Wish List here. There will also be a collection bin at the PTG table at the Open House on Tuesday, August 26th from 2-2:45PM. Items on the wish list include: boys and girls sweatpants, basic t-shirts, socks and underpants (in sizes 5-6, 7-8, and 10-12 for all items). All donations must be new and unused. If you would prefer to make a financial contribution, please donate here. All gestures of support are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Gibbs at gibbs.eliz@gmail.com.
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Directory Sponsorship
Happy End of Summer! Before the hustle and bustle of school starts, we wanted to alert you to a wonderful opportunity to support our Alcott community. Once again, Alcott, Willard, Thoreau, CMS & CCHS are working together to coordinate directory sponsorship for Concord's public schools. Offer your financial support of our schools' PTGs and PA while promoting your business in a full or half-page space within the directories best targeted to your clientele. Your contribution last year made a huge difference in our community, and we would be extremely grateful for your continued support.
The deadline to secure a sponsorship page in any of the school directories is August 25th. You can select all 5 schools, or just one! Please see the link for more details as to pricing and a link to donate directly! Directory Sponsorship
Thank you in advance for your support of Concord's public schools. Allison Flynn & Rebecca Redington, Alcott’s Co-Fundraising Chairs
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Community Coffee Mornings
This year, the Alcott PTG will host Community Coffee Mornings where new or returning Alcott parents and guardians are encouraged to get together to meet new people, ask questions about the school or youth activities, or just take a deep breath with other Alcott parents. Please bring your own morning beverage and join some members of the PTG Board at the picnic tables by the play yard on the following dates: August 28th (9-10am) and September 12 (9-10am). We hope to see you there!
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Volunteer as a Room Parent!
Sign up here to be a Room Parent! Volunteering as a Room Parent is a great, low-lift way to support your child's teacher, get to know the PTG better, and build connections with other parents. Thanks for supporting our school!
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METCO Family Friends
Are you interested in forming new friendships and creating a special family partnership? Do you want to help build a stronger Alcott community? METCO Family Friends (MFF) might be for you! MFF aims to match up Concord resident students with Boston resident students of the same grade or classroom who share interests or who begin to develop friendships on the playground. MFF families share a lot of fun together during the school year in after school activities and playdates; we'd love for you to be part of it. If you are interested in being a buddy family, or learning more about the program, please click this form today and tell us more about you. Thank you for your interest in METCO Family Friends!
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Volunteer for the Library!
Mrs. O'Rourke is looking for library volunteers to check in and shelve books Monday - Friday from 8:50-9:15. She is looking for people who are able to commit to a weekly spot for the year. If you are interested, please email korourke@concordps.org and let Mrs. O'Rourke know what day(s) you are available. Thanks for your support!
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Save the Date: Alcott Picture Day
Alcott Picture Day is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17. The online order portal is open, and students will also receive paper ordering forms closer to Picture Day. Orders can be placed online or via paper order form with cash/checks. An ordering guide is attached here.
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Join the PTG!
Want to make a difference at Alcott? Curious about how the PTG programs and events come together? Join a committee on the PTG! The time commitment is manageable and the rewards are great. Email ptgalcott@gmail.com for more information.
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Calendar and Important Dates
Every Wednesday is a Half Day
August 24 - New Families Playground Meet Up (9:30am)
August 26 - All School Open House (2:00-2:45pm)
August 27 - First Day of School (Wednesday - half day)
August 28 - Community Coffee Morning (9-10:00am)
August 29 through September 1 - No School
September 2 - Return to School
September 12 - Community Coffee Morning (9-10:00am)
September 17 - Alcott Picture Day
September 18 - Back to School Evening
In the Community
Milldam Nursery School - Open Spots this Fall
This cooperative, play-based preschool in Concord Center is still accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year in their 3/4 and 4/5 age programs. Discover their engaging, interactive classrooms for ages 2 through 5 full of opportunities to learn through play in a dynamic, developmentally appropriate environment. Apply now or reach out to membership@milldamnurseryschool.org to learn more.
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CCACE Fall Classes
CCACE has NEW fall classes for kids (and adults)! Get crucial life skills with BLAST! Babysitting Safety & CPR; expand music skills with private lessons as well as our Small Group Music Lessons; make unique crafts. And for anyone looking to improve their English language skills, we have ELL classes two nights a week! Check out our full listing at www.concordcarlisleace.org or call our office at 978-318-1432.
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IMSCC Music Lessons - Registration for the Fall Session is OPEN!
We welcome new students of all ages to register for one-on-one music lessons with the Instrumental Music School of Carlisle and Concord's expert instructors. A 16-week session begins in September. Lessons are available for all band and orchestra instruments, voice, piano, guitar, bass, and ukulele. After school lessons are offered at CCHS and the Carlisle School. Small group lessons are available for 4th and 5th graders. New Students, please fill out an inquiry form here. Small Group Lessons information is available here. Want to learn more about IMSCC? Visit this link. If you have any questions, please reach out to IMSCC Program Coordinator, Laryssa Doohovskoy, at ldoohovskoy@concordcarlisle.org.
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CCYL Girls Lacrosse — Fall Ball 2025 is HERE!
Ready to sharpen your skills, meet new teammates, and have a blast this fall? Registration is now OPEN, and the first 100 players to sign up score an exclusive CC Lacrosse hoodie!
What’s Fall Ball?
One fun-filled practice each week led by the pro staff from Rev Lacrosse, with help from our awesome parent volunteers.
Fast-paced drills, mini-games, and plenty of scrimmage time with friends at your grade level.
A low-pressure, high-energy way to grow your game before the spring season!
Dates & Times: Sept 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, 19, 26 (no session 10/12)
Grades 1-2 from 2-3pm. Grades 3-4 from 3-4pm. Grades 5-7 from 4-5pm.
Where: CCHS Upper Grass Fields
What to Bring: stick, goggles, mouthguard, pinnie, cleats/sneakers, water bottle, hoodie/sweats
Registration: Early Bird (through 9/2) - $125; Regular (after 9/2) - $150
Sign up now → [REGISTER HERE]
Need general info on the Girls Program? Visit the “Girls Program” tab on the CCYL homepage. Can’t wait to see you on the field!
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Join the Alcott PTG
Discover all the ways both working and non-working parents and guardians are needed to support our wonderful staff, students, and families. Have something to offer that you don’t see listed there? There’s a place for you to submit that info as well! We hope to hear from you! Please reach out to ptgalcott@gmail.com if you are interested.
Alcott PTG, 93 Laurel St, Concord, MA 01742, USA
