The Thursday OwL
The Alcott ptg weekly email
September 18, 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
President’s Message
First of all, a huge thank you to our PTG volunteers (led by the indefatigable Rory Burns) who had all of our kids looking camera ready for picture day yesterday. School events like this don't happen without PTG volunteers, and I feel fortunate that so many are willing to step up time and time again. Thank you!!!
I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at Back to School Night this evening. As always, the PTG will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about the various volunteer opportunities and events we have planned for the fall. If you're interested in volunteering at school and haven't filled out a CORI form in the past, Ms. Krakow and Ms. Moon will be collecting forms and checking IDs at Back to School Night. You must have a valid CORI to volunteer in any capacity within the school, so don't miss this opportunity to check this off your to do list.
As always, please reach out with any questions or suggestions. My inbox (ptgalcott@gmail.com) is always open! - PTG President Abby Flanagan
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Back to School Night - Tonight!
Back to School Night offers parents and guardians the chance to meet their child's teacher, learn about the upcoming school year, hear from PTG Room parents, and connect with other Alcott families. The schedule for the evening is organized by grade level and is listed below. Please note this event is for parents and guardians only.
5:30-6:00 - 2nd and 3rd Grade
6:00-6:30 - K and 1st Grade
6:30-7:00 - Special Education and Specialists (in cafe)
7:00-7:30 - 4th and 5th Grade
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PTG Open Positions - Join Us!
The PTG is still in need of volunteers for several roles, including some for events that happen quite soon. If you have the time, we’d love your help! Open roles include Events Committee Chair, Fall Fest Planner, Multicultural Night Planner, and 5th Grade Events Committee Chair. Attached is a document with more information about each role. Reach out to PTG President Abby Flanagan with questions or interest!
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Help with the PTG Website
If you are familiar with the Squarespace website platform and looking for a way to join the PTG in a small way - this role could be for you! We're looking for someone to help us keep the Alcott PTG website up to date each week. Minimal time is required and it's a nice way to learn more about the PTG if you're interested. Reach out to kelseysnicholson@gmail.com if you would like to learn more!
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Composting Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed to help students with composting in the cafeteria! Two daily slots are available, one for grades K-2 and one for grades 3-5. Little hands and big trays could use some adult help with sorting the food, recycling, and trash into the appropriate bins.
Thank you for helping us make this districtwide program a success at Alcott! Sign up here for as many slots as you’d like: this program runs throughout the year, so you are welcome to volunteer regularly!
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Second Grade Community Events
Second grade families are invited to two upcoming events! Join us!
Carlisle Castle Playground Playdate: Sunday 10/5, 2pm-4pm! Siblings are more than welcome!
Adults-Only Get Together at Revolution Hall in Lexington: Thursday 10/16, 6pm-8pm. A casual get-together for adults to catch up. You can purchase your own food/beverages there!
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METCO Family Friends Fall Picnic
Come enjoy a lovely autumn Saturday out at the annual METCO Family Friends Fall Picnic on September 20 from 1-3pm at Hunt Almont Park. Please RSVP HERE, we hope you’ll join us! If you would like to contribute a potluck item, please sign up HERE.
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 matches up Concord resident students with Boston resident students. 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 yourself!
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Volunteers Still Needed in the Library!
Pop into the library once a week to help Mrs. O'Rourke check in and shelve books from 8:50-9:15am. If you are interested and can commit to a weekly slot, please email korourke@concordps.org and let Mrs. O'Rourke know what day you are available. Thanks for your support!
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Calendar and Important Dates
Every Wednesday is a Half Day
September 18 - Back to School Night
September 20 - METCO Family Friends Fall Picnic
September 24 - METCO Parent Meeting (virtual at 6pm)
October 5 - 2nd Grade Carlisle Castle Playground Playdate
October 9 - Bike/Walk to School Day
October 13 - No School (Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day)
October 16 - 2nd Grade Adults-Only Get Together
In the Community
Celebrate Oktoberfest - Fun, Food, and Festivities for All Ages
Come celebrate Oktoberfest at Clark Farm Market on October 4, 11:00 - 3:00! Hosted by the Concord Carlisle Foundation, kids can dive into a world of colorful arts and crafts while grown-ups compete in epic foodie showdowns — from a pretzel-eating contest to a stein-hoisting competition. With live music and games, there will be something for everyone. Come hungry and thirsty - there will be a full German menu and cash bar. Bring your family, your friends, and your love for fall—it’s the perfect way to spend a crisp October afternoon together. PROST! Rain date: October 5. Tickets can be purchased here.
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Field Hockey Roots and Goals Clinic
Patriot Field Hockey's Roots and Goals Clinic is designed for players of all levels in grades 2-8. Join Patriots Varsity Coach Jacqui Turner and varsity players for a fun day of skills, games and competition.
Monday, October 13th at Concord-Carlisle HS from 9am - 1pm.
Players should bring a stick, mouthguard and shin guards. Goggles are optional. Players should also bring plenty of water and a snack.
No experience needed! Sign up link
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2025 Boys CC Youth Lacrosse Fall Ball Registration is Open Now: Grades K-8
What: Skill development, scrimmages and fun
When: Sunday mornings between 9-11 AM starting September 19th AND our 3rd annual Pumpkin Shootout on October 29th - Wednesday evening under the lights @ CCHS on Memorial Field
Where: Concord Carlisle High School → See grade specific times and locations on our website HERE
How: Registration is $125. Register @ www.ccyouthlacrosse.com (you need to register on desktop. Mobile does not work)
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Concord Carlisle Youth Basketball Tryouts
Registration is now open for the Concord Carlisle Youth Basketball ‘25-’26 Season. Tryouts will take place from 10/6-10/9. Information regarding tryout locations, dates, and times for Boys and Girls grades 4-8 are listed on our site.
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Cheerleader for a Day!
Join the CCHS Varsity Cheerleaders for Cheerleader for a Day—an exciting event open to all students entering grades K–6. Participants will learn cheers, chants, and basic stunts with the team starting at 5:30 PM, then show off their spirit by cheering on the sidelines during the Varsity Football Game until after the first quarter! Find more details here and here.
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Concord 4th Grade Girl Scout Troop!
Girl Scout Troop 64170 for 4th Grade Alcott Girls is welcoming new members! Join us for many fun activities this fall including a camping trip, STEM projects, leadership development, and more. Meetings are once or twice a month on Sunday late afternoons. Please reach out to Troop Leaders Melissa Schoenfeld and Jessica Cloutier-Plasse at meliss923@gmail.com or 617-699-2004 to learn more!
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Sun Day Celebration
Join us for Sun Day, a celebration of Solar Power and Concord's transition to clean affordable energy! Sunday, September 21 from 2-4pm; First Parish Church Lawn, 20 Lexington Road, Concord. Help create a community quilt mural, play innovative games about climate concepts, learn about money saving clean energy opportunities, learn about global and local progress towards clean energy, and join in with a fun sing along! Learn more and design your own SUN art at www.sunday.earth!
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Kicks for Cancer is on September 27th!
Please save the date for this year’s Kicks for Cancer event at Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS) on September 27! Kicks brings the community together to raise funds to advance research at Dana Farber focused on the early detection of ovarian cancer. Information about the event’s history and fundraising impact are attached here. Details about the event, the schedule and how to purchase Kicks lawn signs or gear are available at www.kicksforcancer.org.
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The Mighty Moose 5K Walk/Run
5K Run/Walk held in memory of Jenna Swaim, a loving mother and wife who lost her courageous four-year battle to ovarian cancer on July 3, 2018. She was 43 years old. The name of the event is inspired by Jenna’s Alaskan roots, love for fun, and strength! All funds raised will support research led by Dr. Kevin Elias to develop an early detection test for ovarian cancer - when it is most treatable.
When: Sunday September 28th @ 8:30 AM.
Kids race just before @ 7:45 AM
Where: Concord Carlisle High School
How: Race Packet Pickup Saturday September 27th between 9 AM - 2:30 PM @ CCHS
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SEPAC Coffee & Playdate
Please join us September 19th at 9am (Rideout Park; 61 Laws Brook Road) for a casual conversation. Get to know other parents and caregivers with students who also have learning differences. SEPAC board members will also be available to answer questions and chat. You can find more information on our website and on social media about other events. Then, on Saturday, Sept. 20th, join us again at Rideout Playground for an informal meetup to have fun and make new connections! (K and 1st: 10-11am; 2nd and 3rd: 11am-12pm; 4th and 5th: 12-1pm; Middle School: 1-2pm; Rain date: Sat. Sept. 27th)
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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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Alcott PTG, 93 Laurel St, Concord, MA 01742, USA