The Thursday OwL
The Alcott ptg weekly email
April 2, 2026
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
Message from the PTG President
I'm thrilled to welcome two new board members to the PTG. Kendra Lisenby (mom to Kayleigh in kindergarten) and Erika Fevriere (mom to Lynox in 1st grade) have generously agreed to join the board in the newly created positions of METCO Representatives to the PTG. Kendra and Erika will be serving as liaisons between the METCO community and the PTG, ensuring strong communication, meaningful representation, and inclusive participating in PTG activities and leadership. Thank you Kendra and Erika for stepping up! - PTG President Abby Flanagan
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Cradles to Crayons Clothing Drive
Please join us in supporting local children and families in need. From March 30th to April 10th, in partnership with CCHS and Project 351, Alcott will be hosting a Cradles to Crayons clothing drive to collect new or gently used items for children facing clothing insecurity. Donations can be dropped off in collection bins outside the main office.
The last day of the drive is April 10 - Conference Day. Feel free to drop your donations on the way to your conference(s)!
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Register for Alcott’s First Annual Spelling Bee! Please Volunteer if You Can.
The mission of the Alcott Spelling Bee is to create a joyful, inclusive, and confidence-building experience that celebrates language learning and teamwork. By participating in grade-level teams of 2–4 students, children support one another, take healthy risks, and grow as spellers in a low-pressure environment. The Spelling Bee is designed to spark curiosity, foster collaboration, and nurture a love of words — ensuring that every child feels valued, encouraged, and proud of their effort. The Spelling Bee is for 3rd-5th graders and will take place on Friday, May 1 from 4:30-6:30pm. Find more info and register student teams here. Teams must register by April 10th.
We really need more parent volunteers to make this event a success. Please click here to learn more about the volunteer jobs needed and to sign up to help! If you have any questions, please reach out to Katie Carr (kcarr@concordps.org).
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5th Grade Dues
Every year, the 5th Grade Committee collects “5th grade dues” from the parents of fifth graders to support special year-end activities for the class. We ask for your dues contribution of $50 this year and sincerely thank you for your generosity. In addition to the dues mentioned, you can also contribute to 5th grade activities directly by buying “support shares” of five activities: class t-shirt & memory book, Roller Kingdom field trip, moving up ceremony & clap out, class gift to Alcott, 5th grade teacher gifts.
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Square 1 Art Fundraiser
Hello Alcott Families: Exciting news...our Square 1 art fundraiser is LIVE! Your child's custom catalog for the fundraiser will be coming home soon. But in the meantime, you can get a head start and order keepsakes and gifts featuring your child's art online NOW! Simply search for your child's art using Art Search, and enter the state, school name, and your student's name. Your student's art and code will appear, and you can begin making your selections. Order by 5/1/2026! Also, feel free to upload additional art using Art Upload! Siblings, parents, friends...everyone can get in on the fun! Thank you so much for supporting our Alcott community! Warmly, Becky Redington and Alli Flynn
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Multicultural Night Postponed!
Alcott’s Annual Multicultural Night has been postponed. It will now take place on Friday, May 15. Join us then!
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Save the Date: Bike to School!
Bike to School Day will take place the morning of Tuesday, May 12. More information will be forthcoming, but feel free to sign up as a volunteer here in the meantime.
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Walk to School + Parent Coffee
On Wednesday, April 29th, meet at the main library lawn at 8:30am for spring fun and hot chocolate! If you are interested in helping, please sign-up HERE.
Parents are encouraged to stay after the walk to school for an informal parent coffee morning at Alcott. We will gather at the picnic tables in the play yard from 9-10am.
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Alcott School Parent Social
We hope you'll join us on Saturday, May 30 for the Alcott School Parent Social! Tickets will be available for purchase in the coming weeks. There will be a silent auction at the Social, and we need your help! The auction is one of our most important fundraising events and directly supports programs and opportunities for our students. If you’d like to contribute an item, host an experience, or help coordinate a gift basket, please click here. (Or, if you'd prefer to donate anonymously you can email us directly at alcottptgfundraising@gmail.com.)
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April Composting
Volunteers needed to help the students with their cafeteria composting! Little kids and big trays sometimes need a helping hand, as well as some guidance as to what is compostable and the occasional removal of a ketchup packet or fork! Sign up HERE.
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Volunteer Opportunities
See all of our current volunteer opportunities here.
Please email alcottptgfundraising@gmail.com to volunteer to support our upcoming Parent Social Silent Auction this spring!
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Calendar and Important Dates
Every Wednesday is a Half Day
April 3 - Crazy Shoe & Slipper Spirit Day
April 6 & 9 - Grade 4 ELA MCAS
April 10 - K-5 Conferences (No School)
April 10 - Spelling Bee Registrations Due
April 20 - 24 - April Break
April 29 - Walk to School Day + Parent Coffee Morning
April 30 & May 1 - Grade 5 Math MCAS
May 1 - Square 1 Art Fundraiser Closes
May 1 - Inaugural Alcott Spelling Bee
May 4 & 5 - Grade 4 Math MCAS
May 7 & 8 - Grade 3 Math MCAS
May 6 - PTG Open Meeting
May 12 - Bike to School Day
May 14 & 15 - Grade 5 Science MCAS
May 15 - New Date for Multicultural Night
May 30 - Alcott School Parent Social
In the Community
Concord Rec Announcements
Beede Marathon Challenge: Join the Beede Swim + Fitness Center’s April Marathon Month Challenge and work your way to 26.2 miles by April 20th, all while building healthy habits. Participants who complete the challenge will be entered into a raffle, with a bonus opportunity to earn extra entries by completing the Sleep Marathon as well. The winner will receive an Owala water bottle, a Beede Center umbrella, a Concord Rec tote bag, and their choice of a free fitness punch pass, free personal training session, or free family day pass to White Pond! To participate, stop by the Beede Center front desk to begin your wellness journey.
Kite Festival: Join Concord Recreation on Saturday, May 2nd, for the annual Kite Festival at Rideout Park! From 1:00 to 3:00 PM, professional kite fliers will show off their skills, and an ice cream truck will be on site to buy a cold treat. Purchase a kite, learn to build one with a kit, or bring your own! For more info, visit www.concordrec.com.
Camp Three Rivers: Looking for the best summer ever? Concord Rec provides the ultimate day camp experience with Camp Three Rivers! For campers entering Kindergarten through 10th grade, we have something for everyone. Field trips, archery, swimming, sports, crafts; these are just some of the experiences we offer. Register today at www.concordrec.myrec.com to book your summer of adventure!
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Moms Run Concord
Moms Run Concord is a casual, supportive running group for moms in Concord, MA. We meet for local runs, fresh air, and good conversation - all paces welcome. Join us for our weekly Sunday morning run, or reach out anytime to organize an ad hoc run when you’re looking for a buddy. For details, see our Strava group or email Grace Giles at grace.emelia@gmail.com!
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Ripley Spring Staff Appreciation - Sign up to Say Thank You!
On Thursday, April 9th we’re hosting an all-PTG sponsored breakfast for the administrators and staff at Ripley. If you’d like to help us show this amazing team how much we value them, please sign up to contribute an item here. Donation and note drop-off information: Items can be dropped off at Ripley (120 Meriam Rd - Back door) between 7:30-8:30am on Thursday, April 9th. Non-perishable items can be dropped off in advance (by EOD Wednesday 4/8) to Katherine Taunton-Rigby 67 Finigan Way, Jennie Werner 51 Lang Street, or Jen Hoffman 249 Elsinore Street.
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Let’s Talk Tech: Parenting Workshop
On May 13 from 9:30-10:30am, grab some coffee and meet us at the Concord Main Library (129 Main Street) for a discussion about technology. We will answer all sorts of questions - how to set up screen time, how to introduce technology, how to sleep through the night without worrying? Well, we will try, at least, to answer that last one. This is meant to be a discussion, so please bring your questions, strategies and challenges. Please join us! This event is free, but registration is required. Due to the nature of this event, we will not be recording it. This event is sponsored by CC-ACE, ThinkGive, Turning Life On, Emerson Health, Concord Ed Fund, The Fenn School, and the PTGs at Alcott, Thoreau, Willard, CMS & Carlisle Public Schools, as well as the CCHS PA.
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School Committee Coffees
Join members of the School Committee for casual conversation.
Concord - Fowler Library - April 3rd at 1pm
Boston - Panera South Bay - May 1st at 11am
Carlisle - Kimball Farm - May 6th at 1pm
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CCYFH Spring Clinics
Concord-Carlisle Youth Field Hockey (CCYFH) is keeping the positive momentum rolling and will be offering Spring Clinics to players in Grades 3-8. Registration closes on Monday, April 6th. Register here! Focused on building and reinforcing foundational skills, our Spring Clinics are appropriate for both novice and experienced players. The Spring Clinics will be led by professional coaches and assisted by current high school players. CCYFH is also looking for parent volunteers to join the coaching ranks. Please reach out if you’re interested in helping to grow the program. A valid USA Field Hockey number is required to complete your CCYFH registration. If your player isn’t a member yet, please register here before signing up for our Spring Clinics.
2026 Spring Clinics at Memorial Field (Saturdays, 4/11 - 6/13)
Grades 3-5 (3:00pm - 4:00pm); Grades 6-8 (4:15pm - 5:30pm)
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No Illusions: Spreading Light on the Black Literacy Crisis
CFPL, Main Library, Goodwin Forum. Tuesday, April 7 from 3-5pm. When Black children experience gaps in early literacy instruction, their natural responses are often mislabeled as behavioral challenges—shifting attention away from the instructional conditions that created the struggle. In this thought-provoking presentation, Detra Watson and Dr. Karin Maria Hodges reframe the conversation, examining the systemic roots of instructional neglect and offering practical ways to prioritize strong literacy development for all students. Registration is available, walk-ins welcome.
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Celebrate a "Night Out for Neighbors" with CCF
On April 10 at The Concord Armory, join the Concord Carlisle Foundation for a party with a purpose! Night Out for Neighbors is one of the largest community events of the year— bringing together friends and neighbors to support local need. Tickets can be purchased here.
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SEPAC Hours
SEPAC Office Hours: Office hours are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11-12:30 in the Main Library in the cafe area.
Useful Links
Alcott PTG, 93 Laurel St, Concord, MA 01742, USA
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