ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The School In Full Swing
School Picture Day Due to the weather and Covid staff shortages at Coffeepond, Picture Day is now scheduled for Monday, October 24.
Wanted: Picture Day Volunteers!! Please join us in making this big day run smoothly! We are looking for help on Monday, October 24 starting at 8:45am. An added bonus- you get to see your kids take their annual photos!! You must have a current CORI to volunteer, Please sign up here.
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 or biweekly 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 and if you can do weekly or biweekly. Thanks for your support!
2022-23 Room Parents still Needed: Room Parents Needed: Thank you to all who have volunteered to be Room Parents this year! We still need several volunteers in the following classrooms: Chatlosh, Besserer, LoRusso, Chan, and Anderson. Being a Room Parent is not only rewarding but a great way to connect with Alcott, your child, the teacher and other classmates! Please consider volunteering and sign up here.
The Alcott Chess Club is back and we're looking forward to seeing you! We have some surprises that you won't want to miss. The club starts up Thursday, September 15. Watch for the flyers! Whoa, here comes a low-flying flyer right here. For questions, email Ken Belt at alcottchess@hotmail.com. Play chess! Hope to see you soon.
Alcott’s Cub Scout Pack 147 is gearing up for an exciting year of adventure, outdoor activities, service, and citizenship. Our pack operates as a family pack, welcoming everyone to join. We’d like to welcome current and prospective members to two exciting upcoming events.
Our first meeting, Wednesday Sept. 21st 6:30pm at the Concord Scout House (74 Walden St.) for some fun and games.
A model rocket launch at 2 pm on Sunday Sept. 25 at South Meadow Field on Pilgrim Rd. in Concord. Kids will build and launch their own model rockets
Cub Scouts provides grade appropriate programming to kids in grades K-5. New members may join in any grade and advance with their peers. We hope to see a lot of new faces at these fun events. For more information about Pack 147 please click here.
PREVIOUS NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Back to School Night: Save the date for Alcott’s Back to School Night, which will take place on the evening of Thursday, September 22nd. A more detailed schedule for the night will be released later in the month.
Save the Date - Alcott Family Movie Night!! The volunteer parents of the Alcott PTG are already hard at work planning social events for a fall centered around connecting the community! Please save the date October 14th (15th as a rain date) for Alcott Family Movie Night (Alcott school playground). More details to follow in upcoming OWL’s.
METCO Family & Friends Back to School Picnic on September 17th from 1:00 - 3:00 (rain date 18th) at Franklin Park~Tiffany Moore Tot Lot, 146 Seaver Street in Boston all our welcome to a potluck style picnic.
RSVP HERE and Sign Up for Food here.
***Every Wednesday is a half-day***
September 17: PTG event in Boston
September 22: Back to School Night
October 14: Alcott Family Movie Night
October 24: School Picture day
CPS/CCRSD 22-23 School Calendar can be found here
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Please join Concord Youth Theatre for a Family Fun Day with Games, Prizes, Music, Food, and lots of family fun. Saturday, September 17th from 1-4. 53 Church Street, Concord, MA
Please join SEPAC parents/guardians for a casual coffee and conversation meet up. September 23rd at 9:15 - We will meet at Rideout playground under the covered picnic tables. 61 Laws Brook Rd, Concord. Rain or shine.
We are a volunteer organization of parents and guardians of students on IEPs and other individuals interested in special education residing in Concord, Carlisle or Boston . We join together to provide representation, information, resources, and support to our community. We provide input and support to our school districts and school committees in their work on matters pertaining to special education. Any interested individuals, whether or not their children are receiving special education, are welcome and encouraged to join the SEPAC and participate in SEPAC meetings, events, and activities. www.concordsepac.org
Thinking of Joining Girl Scouts? Girl Scouts provides opportunities for girls of all ages to learn skills and develop as leaders in STEM, the outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship. Interested in learning more? Please visit this website to find a troop. Troops are welcoming Scouts at all grade levels!
The Concord Free Public Library Summer Reading Program continues to be a big success year after year for area families, thanks to the many patrons who participated all summer long. Summer 2022 saw 770 children actively participate in the program, with age-appropriate goals and incentives for all ages connected to the iRead state-wide theme of “Read Beyond the Beaten Path.” Reading for pleasure and prizes encouraged the children to visit the libraries to select books, and attend the many fun programs, including animal visits, weekly musical events, and Summer Concerts on the Lawn. Congratulations to all who participated!
Final Concert on the Lawn Performance Featuring Pete Kilpatrick (All Ages)
Join us on the Main Library Lawn for the final 2022 Concert on the Lawn! This concert features Pete Kilpatrick, a Maine based singer/songwriter who has released nine albums and has performed with artists like Dave Matthews Band, Blues Traveler, Barenaked Ladies, Marc Cohn ("Walking in Memphis"), David Gray and many others. The concert will take place Wednesday, September 21 at 6:30pm, In case of rain, the concert will take place inside in the Goodwin Forum. Thanks to the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library for sponsoring. No registration required.
Teen Sunlight Photography Workshop (Ages 11-18)
Artist Becky Behar will return on September 24 from 1-4PM to facilitate another sunlight photography workshop for teens at the Concord Free Public Library Main Library (129 Main Street Concord, MA). Harness the power of the sun! Create your very own masterpiece! Using the cyanotype photographic process results in a beautiful, enigmatic monochrome print. Materials will be provided for each participant, including materials to make their very own folio sketchbook. Register at concordlibrary.org.
Beede and Books (Toddlers and Elementary School)
The Beede Swim and Fitness Center and the Concord Free Public Library are teaming up to bring you Beede and Books. This is a free program available to all. Join us at the Beede Center for a Friday collaboration of reading and swimming. A librarian will read books at 1:30pm, then we transition to the Children’s Pool for water fun! The first session is Monday, September 26 at 1:30pm, and this free program happens once a month, usually (but not always!) on the last Monday of each month. Visit this website to register and for more information.
Paper Mache Vegetable Workshop (Grades K - 5)
The Concord Free Public Library is partnering with The Umbrella Arts Center to offer a free paper mache workshop geared towards children in grades K - 5 and their families. We’ll make giant paper mache vegetables which we’ll hang from the Children’s Library ceiling to celebrate the fall harvest! Come to one or both of our two workshops in the Children’s Library at the Main Library (129 Main Street Concord, MA): Wednesday, Sept 28 at 3pm and Wednesday, Oct 5 at 3pm. No registration is required.
Adopt a Reading Pal General Information (Elementary School)
The Concord Free Public Library is excited to launch a new program: Adopt A Reading Pal. This program is designed to promote love of reading, care of pets, and familiarity with the resources of the library for elementary school aged children. Over the course of 6 weeks, kids will adopt, care for, and read to their special reading pals at least 5 times each week. All programs will take place in the Children’s Library at the Main Library (129 Main Street Concord, MA) - this program starts Monday, October 3 at 4:00pm.
Links to more information and registration for each week of Adopt a Reading Pal (Elementary School)
Week 1 October 3 at 4:00pm: Adoption Ceremony
Week 2 October 12 at 2:00pm: Baypath Humane Society
Week 3 October 20 at 4:00pm: Dr. Rosie Helps Animals
Week 4 October 25 at 4:00pm: Face/Body Painting and Library Walk
Week 5 November 3 at 4:00pm: Doggy Scrapbooking
Week 6 November 7 at 4:00pm: Graduation
Be a band or ensemble member at Concord Conservatory of Music - Playing in a group unlocks opportunities for advancement, skill development, and fun! CCM welcomes all musicians to join an ensemble, including students not participating in private lesson instruction at the school. All strings and piano players can join a chamber or jazz group. Want to rock it out instead? We encourage percussion, guitar, electric bass, piano, saxophone, and trumpet players, in addition to singers, to join a Rock Lab. We'll match you up with players of similar age and level who are interested in playing the same kinds of music. Get weekly coaching from professional musicians plus access to workshops and performance opportunities. ConcordConservatory.org/info@concordconservatory.org/(978) 369-0010. Financial assistance available.
Voice Instruction this Fall at Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM)—Calling all singers and want-to-be singers of every age! CCM offers one-on-one private voice instruction as well as group offerings. You and your kids can improve the tone and control of your voices. Have fun discovering a wider range of music and vocal best practices while receiving continuous feedback. You’ll learn proper breathing and posture for singing while you increase your repertoire and explore new genres. Start young singers out right by registering them for Beginner Vocals (ages 6 – 8) or the Concord Conservatory Girls Chorus (ages 9 -14). Financial assistance is available. ConcordConservatory.org
Free Trial Group Classes at Concord Conservatory of Music—Sign-up for a free kids or adult group class during the week of September 12 – 17th! CCM Group Classes for kids and adults provide excellence in music education balancing rigor with the joy and fun of creating music. Small classes give each student individual attention, yet learning in a social experience. Discover all our Early Childhood classes, Group Keyboard, Rhythmic Solfège, Beginner Vocals, and the Girls Chorus for kids as well as banjo, guitar, and ukulele classes for adults. Financial assistance available. Sign-up here or at ConcordConservatory.org. info@concordconservatory.org (978) 369-0010.
Slow Flow Yoga on the Beach Come exercise in the sunshine on the beach at White Pond with Concord Recreation before you have to pick your kids up from the ½ day of school! We will warm up with basic postures for the beginning yogis and add a few more invigorating postures for the more experienced practitioners. We will use a series of poses in sequence to create a lovely flow class. All are welcome and can ramp up or modify as needed. Please bring a towel to place under your mat to protect it from the sand. Blocks will be available. Dates: Wednesday, September 21 and/or Wednesday, October 12; Cost: $15 per person, per date. Time: 11:00A-12:00P. Location: White Pond Beach. Instructor: Cathy Mandrioli. To register, visit this link.
CCYB Announcement: Registration for the 2022-2023 Concord-Carlisle Youth Basketball season is now open for boys in grades 3 - 8 and girls in grades 4 - 8. You can find more information about this year's program on our web site at ccybasketball.org. For families who want a less intensive program, we have also posted links to the Concord Recreation basketball program registration. Tryouts for the season will take place the week of October 10. Details are available on the CCYB website. Registration closes on October 3, at which point there will be a $100 fee assessed on late registrations. As always, we ask that families register early so we can get an idea of numbers. As we did last year, the $400 program fee will be due prior to tryouts and will be refunded if your player is not offered a spot on a team; scholarships are available. We offer a fun, exciting opportunity for boys and girls to develop their basketball skills, make friends, and be active during long winter months. The teams are formed after the evaluations and begin practicing and playing in November and wrap up by early March with 1-2 weekday practice sessions and 1-2 weekend games. We do our best to accommodate as many kids as possible, which means that we are also looking for moms and dads willing to step up and coach! So check out ccybasketball.org and sign up today!
Music Lessons with IMSCC are enrolling now for the fall session!
Music lessons are available after school and evenings at CCHS and Carlisle schools. All ages and levels are welcome including adults. IMSCC's expert instructors work one on one with students to develop skills, learn repertoire, study school ensemble music, and prepare for performances. We have lessons for all band and orchestra instruments, as well as voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, electric bass, and new this fall: jazz piano, banjo, and traditional fiddling. More information, here.
To begin the enrollment process submit an inquiry. Email Debbie Levine with questions.
West Concord Porchfest: The streets surrounding West Concord Village will once again fill with music for the third annual West Concord Porchfest on September 24, 2022 from 1-5 pm (rain date: Sunday September 25). Porchfest is a free, all-ages grassroots community music festival. Porchfests have become a community-building tradition across the country as musicians, story tellers, poets and anyone with a talent performs on porches, driveways and stoops. Acts—including bluegrass, classical, a cappella oldies, and progressive rock—are already signing up to perform; the full slate of performers will be announced in September.
Registration is OPEN for CC Youth Lacrosse Fall Ball for Girls and Boys Grades 1st - 5th: Try lacrosse for the first time or sharpen your skills after the summer with Weekly (Girls) and Bi-Weekly (Boys) clinic-style sessions. www.ccyouthlacrosse.com
*Go to "Register Here" (left-hand column)
*Scroll to your player's age group for all the program details
*Sign-Up Today!
Fall Girls Basketball Clinic - Sponsored by CCHS Girls Basketball: Concord-Carlisle High School Varsity Coach Amy Davagian, her coaching staff and Varsity players are offering a 3-week clinic on September 10, September 17 and October 1. The clinic will be held at CCHS from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for girls in grades 1-8. All proceeds benefit the CCHS Girls Basketball program directly. For more details and to register online visit: https://www.cchsgirlsbasketball.org/youth-clinics-community-events
The Umbrella Arts Center
Barefoot Books: 30 Years, 30 Artists Exhibition: Join us at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA (40 Stow Street) for an interactive gallery exhibit celebrating the 30th anniversary of the global multicultural children’s publisher, Barefoot Books, with related free, family-friendly activities and live theatrical performances of The Boy Who Grew Flowers!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Saturday, September 17th, 3:00-4:00 pm
A conversation with Gregory Maguire, the best-selling author of Wicked, and Nancy Traversy, Barefoot Books CEO and Co-founder, about children’s book publishing and the Barefoot journey. Also, make a whimsical headpiece during The Boy Who Grew Flowers craft session. Free!
Saturday, September 24th, 10:00-11:30am
Attend an engaging storytelling performance with acclaimed writer and orator, Xanthe Gresham Knight. Make a whimsical headpiece during The Boy Who Grew Flowers craft session. Free!
More information can be found at www.barefootbooks.com/30.
September 22-24
Also, don’t miss the chance to purchase tickets to a LIVE theatrical performance by Manhattan-based dance and theater group, The Treehouse Shakers. They will be performing their 45-minute theatrical adaptation of The Boy Who Grew Flowers, a heartwarming story about empathy and kindness for ages 5-10, from September 22nd-24th. Get tickets here.
The Center for Parents and Teachers’ parent education programs are now part of Concord Carlisle Adult & Community Ed! FCPT closed its doors in June; their parent programs will now be offered through CCACE. Our first offerings will be Executive Function with Sarah Ward, two virtual presentations scheduled for Oct. 12 (for elementary school families) and Oct. 18 (for middle and high school families); and Helping Our Children Develop a Sense of Security in This World of Upheaval in person at CCHS on Nov. 16. More information can be found at our website: https://ccace.asapconnected.com/?org=4701#CourseGroupID=58345. We will continue to add programs during the year; please check our website and future school newsletters for details.
Election Workers needed: Tuesday November 8, 2022 is the general election. If you have always been interested in how the magic happens behind the scenes, come be part of the democratic process and be a role model for your kids. We can use help 2, 4, 6, or more hours on or before Tuesday Nov 8th. Some of our election workers tirelessly work more than 12 hours on election day! Many hands make light work. And it would be great to have a larger supply of workers. High schoolers can earn service hours, so make it a family affair. Visit the town Election Workers page, apply online, and please spread the word!
Concord Recreation Program Offerings
Alcott School Programs – Looking for before or after school activities right at Alcott? See what we’re offering below!
Alcott Before School Sports (Grades 1-5, Days vary by grade)
Alcott Before School Sports is a 6 week program starting at 8:00am - open to Alcott School students, grades 1-5. In Session 5 of Fall Before School Sports, students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports/games like speedball, indoor soccer, floor hockey, and other favorite PE games!
Lego Adventures (Grades 2-5, Tuesdays starting September 13th)
Are you a Lego master? If so, it’s time to show off your skills! Each week in Lego Adventures, there is a new challenge to build: From skyscrapers to farms, bridges to airports, space stations to main streets, and everything in between!
German Classes with Concord Scholars (Grades 2-5, Tuesdays 3:30-4:45pm starting September 13th)
Spanish Classes with Concord Scholars (Grades 3-5, Mondays 3:30-4:45pm starting September 12th)
Kids Test Kitchen (Grades 1-5, Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm starting September 22nd)
Kids’ Test Kitchen is on a mission to get young eaters cooking, tasting, and thinking about healthy ingredients! Let’s continue to redefine kid food; one lesson, and one child at a time!
SkyHawks Floor Hockey (Ages 7-10, Wednesdays starting September 14th)
Come join us and learn the skills of hockey! From stick handling to passing and shooting, we will develop and enhance the abilities to play the fastest game on (ice) the floor!
MiniHawks MiniHawks (Ages 4-6, Mondays starting September 12th)
This multi-sport program was developed to give children a positive first step into athletics. Sports are taught in a safe, structured environment filled with encouragement and fun. Through exciting games and activities, participants explore balance, hand/eye coordination and skill development at their own pace.
Outdoor Movie Night 9/16, 7:30pm – Join Concord Recreation for a FREE outdoor, family friendly movie to be shown on the basketball courts at the Hunt Recreation Center (90 Stow Street Concord, MA). Bring your chairs, blankets and snacks. Registration recommended. No glass or alcoholic beverages allowed.
Youth Basketball Clinics (Grades K-8, Saturdays starting 9/18) These age-appropriate basketball clinics are focused on the individual skill development as we build up towards competition. Each age group and ability level will develop ball handling, passing, and shooting skills through fun and enthusiastic teaching aimed at development.
Hiring Lifeguards and WSI! Looking for a unique job opportunity? The Beede Center is seeking lifeguards for various shifts 5:30am-9:00pm.
Please visit this space for updates on sports, music and theater registration dates, seminars, and more events throughout town.