ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alcott Elementary School - The lost and found is sorted and cleaned biweekly. Please label all items with a first initial and last name including: clothing (hoodies, jackets), water bottles, lunchboxes, gloves, snow gear (snow pants, boots, hats, scarves). Please encourage students to check the lost and found located outside of the cafeteria. All labeled items will be returned to the students classroom. All items without a label will be held for 30 days then donated. Stop by the lost and found outside at pickup on Tuesday, November 1st or Thursday, November 3rd.
Alcott Twitter - Follow Alcott on its new Twitter account!
Alcott Fundraiser Fall Fundraiser from Meadowbrook Farms - Check out the brochures from Meadowbrook Farms that your son or daughter brought home from school. Please consider purchasing or sharing with a friend/family member so that they might make a purchase which gives back to our Alcott community. Fun housewares, wrapping paper and yummy treats for the upcoming holiday season. The entire sale is run online through October 28th, which makes for easy sharing, purchasing and receiving in time for the Holidays. The Group ID is 1193213 and the end date is 10/28.
***Every Wednesday is now a half-day***
November 10: Pre-k -5 Conferences
November 11: Veteran’s Day, No School
November 23: Half Day
November 24-25: Thanksgiving Recess
CPS/CCRSD 22-23 School Calendar can be found here
IN THE COMMUNITY
Comic Workshop - The Concord Free Public Library will host a comics workshop at the Main Library presented by Comics4Culture on Wednesday, November 9 at 4pm for children ages 7 and up. Learn how to bring your own story to life! This workshop will empower children to share their own stories, art, identities, and cultures through comics as well as provide a space for them to discuss issues they face within their own communities through the medium of comics. More generally, participants will learn about graphic novels and comics and how to draw their own comics. No registration required.
Author Sheetal Sheth Visits Fowler Library - Saturday October 29, 10:15—11:00 AM: Join us at Fowler Branch Library, 1322 Main Street, Concord, MA for a Concord Festival of Authors event, offered by Barefoot Books, an independent children’s book publisher based in West Concord. Author Sheetal Sheth will read her new book, Making Happy, followed by a chance to ask her your questions! Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signings. Ages 4-12, but all are welcome!
Sheetal Sheth is an acclaimed actress/producer, author, and activist. She has starred in over 20 feature films and many TV shows and has earned a loyal, international following. She began her career at a time when few South Asians were making their living as actors but has become a favorite in the independent film world, having won five best actress awards on the festival circuit. Despite being told she'd have to change her name to work, her successful career has trail-blazed paths for other women of color across media. She has delivered talks and keynotes at festivals and charity galas and has had op-eds published on CNN, The Daily Beast, and Thrive Global. She is one of the founders of the non profit, 1001 Diverse Books and is an ambassador for the global literacy non profit, Room to Read. She served in AmeriCorps and is currently on the board of SAYA and the advisory board of Equality Now. She is the author of the popular and award winning Anjali children's book series, the first and only in this age group featuring an Indian American girl hero. For more information and to register, click here.
A few weeks ago, the Concord Free Public Library shared a press release for Introductory Language Classes for Kids. Please note that the date for the Italian class for elementary-school aged children has changed from December 3rd, 10:30 - 11:15am to December 10th, 10:30 - 11:15am. Everything else remains the same.
Please join SEPAC members and other parents/guardians for a casual coffee and conversation meet up. November 2nd 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
Concord Conservatory Presents Turkish Music Lecture, Nov. 4th at 7:00 pm—Join us when we explore traditional Turkish classical world music from Berklee Professor of World Music Bengisu Gokce. Guaranteed to captivate the audience, she will guide us through Turkish culture, music, and an assortment of Turkish instruments that create the unique and beautiful sounds of its country. Turkish-born and raised, Bengisu is a multi-genre violinist and singer, known for combining the music of her Turkish roots with Eastern-European and Middle Eastern traditions. Purchase tickets at ConcordConservatory.org or at the door ($10 and FREE for kids18 and under). Concord Conservatory of Music is located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church.
Helping Our Children Develop a Sense of Security in This World of Upheaval - Wednesday, November 16, 7-9 pm, CCHS - Upheaval, war and fear are not events new to this world. What is new is the access our children have to the details and emotions surrounding these events. Not only do they see images and hear about situations in more graphic detail than we wish, they also sense our own unease and anxiety about what is happening around us. As a result, we are confronted with the need to protect our children’s sense of safety in ever-more effective ways. In this discussion, we will examine ways to provide that sense of security. We will cover interaction styles and words that work to promote calm in our children, and words that, although well-intended, can have the opposite effect. We will also discuss how we, as caretakers, manage our own fears about what is happening. Please bring questions and concerns. You will leave with specific tools to help you and your children. Fee: $15; scholarships are available. Register at concordcarlisleace.org or by calling 978-318-1432.
Message from Concord Education Fund: We at the Concord Education Fund (CEF) believe our teachers, staff and administrators are at the CORE of our students’ educational experience, patiently and creatively planting the SEEDS for future academic and emotional success. Join us this fall as we express our deep gratitude for the ways our schools have continued to innovate for and support our students. Join us virtually this fall as we are seeking to raise funds for our schools through community participation in the Apple Challenge. A $100 donation registers your family or small team for this virtual 5 mile Hike|Bike|Roll|Stroll, and includes a yard sign for display and event-weekend swag (including one CEF winter hat!). If you’re not able to participate in the Hike|Bike|Roll|Stroll you can still join in the fun by proudly displaying a yard sign for only $50! In addition, we are so very excited to celebrate our 30th Anniversary with you at our Fall Ball. We will be returning to Nashawtuc Country Club for a special night of celebration in support of our amazing schools! Buy one ticket for $100, or - better yet - become a BFF of CEF for $300. This special package includes a family registration for the Apple Challenge and two open bar tickets to the Fall Ball.
Concord Free Public Library
Nutcracker Reading and Performances (recommended for ages 4-10) - The Concord Free Public Library will host a reading of the classic tale The Nutcracker on Tuesday, November 15 at 4:00pm in the Goodwin Forum at the Main Library. Several ballet dancers from the Commonwealth Ballet Company will help bring the story to life in their elegant and colorful costumes as the story is read aloud. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to see and meet their favorite characters from the beloved holiday tale. The dancers will be available to pose for photos after the reading. This program is recommended for children ages 4-10. Registration is not required.
Ice Cream Tree Decoration (recommended for ages 3-13) - In conjunction with the Concord Museum Family Trees project, the Concord Free Public Library is making our very own ice cream cone tree based on the book The Nice Dream Truck by Beth Ferry! Children ages 3-13 are invited to make their very own ice cream cone to be displayed on the tree at the Concord Museum. Adult assistance is encouraged for little ones. Visit the Main Library November 16, 17, or 18 from 3:30-5pm to participate; no registration required. The Family Trees exhibit is organized by the Guild of Volunteers at the Concord Museum.
Please note the StoryWalk features a picture book and is intended for all ages. Here is a brief summary: "The Concord Free Public Library invites everyone to visit our Fall StoryWalk on Main Street, leading to the new Children’s Library entrance. The StoryWalk features Under My Hijab, written by Hena Khan and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel. The story is told in cheerful rhyming text and charming illustrations through the eyes of a young Muslim-American girl who observes the women in her life wearing their hijab in a unique way. The book invites readers to understand and appreciate the hijab and to celebrate the Muslim women and girls who choose to wear it."
Please note the Chapter One Book Club is intended for first and second graders. Here is a brief summary: "The Concord Free Public Library invites 1st and 2nd graders and their caregivers to join us at the Chapter One Book Club. The Chapter One Book Club is a place where both young bookworms and reluctant readers can get a welcoming beginning to their first book club. We will choose a new chapter book each month to read. Come for a friendly discussion, a fun activity, and snacks for a cozy start to your book club adventure! Our first meeting is Monday, October 24 at 6:30pm. Registration is required. A book will be reserved for you after you register."
Food Drive for Open Table - Sunday, October 23. Concord & Acton students (including Alcott alumni!) are collecting much needed donations for Open Table this weekend at CCHS. On Sunday, October 23, please bring items to: CCHS Memorial Field - 9-10am and /or CCHS Upper Turf Fields - 11am-2pm. Click here for most needed food donations.
Alcott Before School Sports - Fall 2 Registration is Open! This is a 6 week program open to Alcott School students, grades 1-5. In Session 2 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!
Sewing Workshops - During the Concord Scholars sewing workshops, participants will learn to trace and cut patterns, measure fabric, hand stitch and (depending on the project) to sew using machines.
American Sign Language Classes – Online Gr. 5-8 - Interested in learning Sign Language? At Concord Scholars, our mission is to provide intensive foreign language instruction to school-aged children and young adults in a creative, fun and interactive setting. Let your children be part of a community, where they may expand their world through language learning. Led by highly qualified, experienced and creative teachers, our foreign language classes focus on developing communicative skills while enhancing a cultural understanding of these languages.
Ski and Snowboarding Grades 2-5, 6-8 - Does your child love to ski or snowboard? Our grades 2-5 children will travel to Nashoba Valley Ski Area for 6 weeks on Wednesdays beginning 1/4/23. Our middle school group will travel to Wachusett mountain for 6 weeks on Wednesdays also beginning 1/4/23. Transportation is required to get to Hunt Recreation Center (grades 2-5), while busses will pick students up from the middle school. Registration opens 10/12/22 for Elementary Aged students, registration opens 10/19/22 for middle school students. This program sells out FAST – mark your calendars!
Festival String Orchestra before school program is for students who have been studying basic skills since September and can play Twinkle Twinkle (#43 in the book) by January. The program is suitable for 4th year beginner students or second year + players (5th) graders. Join to further develop your ensemble playing skills on your string instrument. It's fun to make music all together! The final product will be sound recorded and emailed to the parents.
Concord Recreation Youth Basketball League Registration opens October 5, 2022 for all interested!
Age-appropriate levels for everyone! Concord Rec basketball league will resume in January 2023! This 12 week season will consist of 6 games and 6 practice/scrimmage weeks mixed in for continuous growth and development.
Sleepy Hollow 5k and Fun Run! Join Concord Recreation and the Beede Swim and Fitness Center (rain or shine) at this year's Sleepy Hollow 5K & Fun Run on Saturday October 29th! 5K runners will start out front of Beede and enjoy a course that takes them through out Concord. Please note that the 5K course is not closed to cars and that intersections will be managed by Concord Police or support staff. Fun Run participants will side-walk loop around CCHS on a 1/2 mile course. Pre-Registration ends on Wednesday October 26, 2022 at 12:00pm. Walk-Up Registration on Saturday, October 29 runs 8:30am-9:15am.
Trunk or Treat Join the Beede Swim and Fitness Center for our 6th annual Trunk-or-treat on Sunday, October 30th from 2:00-3:30pm. This free event welcomes participants to decorate their vehicle/tailgate and pass out candy to kids walking with family from car to car. Trick or treating allows kids to have all the fun of trick or treating in a safe, controlled environment. Please register here only if you would like to decorate your vehicle and pass out candy. You Do NOT need to register to come trick or treat.
Hiring Lifeguards and WSI! Looking for a unique job opportunity? The Beede Center is seeking lifeguards for various shifts 5:30am-9:00pm. Join a lifeguard class for FREE if you’re interested in becoming certified. Call 978-287-1000 for more info.
Concord Carlisle Youth Hockey- Learn to Skate and Mosquitos Registration Open The CCYH Mosquito program is considered our "Hockey 101" program and is geared for Girls and Boys who were born between 1/1/2014 and 12/31/2017. Learn-to-Skate is for children 3yrs and up – both programs begin early November at the Middlesex School rink. Please visit www.ccyh.org for more details and to register your child.
Please visit this space for updates on sports, music and theater registration dates, seminars, and more events throughout town.
PTG online volunteer information and sign-up: Please visit our website to 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!