The Thursday Owl - October 15, 2026

From the Co-Presidents

After a great start to the year with lots of fun events for the kids, we’d like parents to save the date for two upcoming events. First, we hope you can join us tomorrow, Friday, October 16th for our first Walk & Talk (details below). Second, we hope all Alcott parents/guardians are able to join us in person (or virtually) to welcome Dr. Rachel Kramer to our first all parent meeting of the year on October 28. Dr. Kramer is a local child psychologist, parent coach, and all-around expert on child development. Bring your parenting problems and childhood conundrums and leave with some great advice! 

Thanks!

Abby and Sarah, PTG Co-Presidents 

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News & Announcements

Meadow Farms: Free Shipping Tomorrow

The Meadow Farms Sale is LIVE through Thursday, October 22, and tomorrow (10/16) shipping will be free! Buy items with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting Alcott. Purchase anything from candles to wrapping paper, food and kitchen items, to flower bulbs! Get an early start on your holiday shopping and support your child's school community. If you haven’t already, create your child’s Seller Page to share with family and friends.

Alcott Walk & Talk: Tomorrow 9-10am

Join fellow Alcott parents and caregivers tomorrow for our first monthly community walk. Meet at the front entrance after drop-off, enjoy complimentary coffee or tea from the Alcott PTG, and take a leisurely stroll around town. It’s a relaxed chance to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, and strengthen the community that makes Alcott special. All caregivers are welcome. No RSVP needed—just come along.

Multicultural Day Postponed

We are working on confirming a new date and will share the updated details with everyone as soon as they are finalized. Thank you all for your patience, support, and enthusiasm. We can't wait to celebrate the amazing cultures that make our community so special! Stay tuned for the new date. See you all soon!

Alcott School Turkey Trot

The annual Alcott School Turkey Trot will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 9:45–11:45am at Emerson Track! Students take pledges over the next few weeks from family and friends based on how many laps they complete in 15 minutes. ALL donations will go directly to Open Table and the Concord Recreation Department Scholarship Fund. Pledges are due December 4th. A PayPal link will be posted after the event. To volunteer, email tgaudreau@concordps.org by October 23rd. Please see HERE for additional details.

Alcott PTG Community Chats

Introducing Alcott PTG Community Chats—a simple way for families in each grade to connect, ask questions, and get to know one another. Each grade has its own WhatsApp group, run by PTG volunteers. Joining is completely optional, and you’re welcome to join more than one group if you have children in different grades:

Questions? Email alcottptgcommunity@gmail.com.

5th Grade Committee Looking for Volunteers

Do you have a 5th grader and interested in making their last year at Alcott epic? Then join the 5th grade committee! This group is tasked with planning and rolling out class bonding field trips and events, 5th grade fundraising and graduation ceremony activities in partnership with the 5th grade teachers. Please contact Liz Gibbs (gibbs.eliz@gmail.com) or Erika Santoro (erikasantoro@gmail.com) to learn more.

Alcott Annual Appeal

Each year, the Alcott PTG asks families and friends to support the programs and experiences that make our school special. The PTG invests approximately $150 per student annually in enrichment, classroom supplies, community events, and assistance for families in need. Please Give a Hoot and donate online today, or mail a check to Alcott payable to Alcott PTG, with Annual Appeal in the memo to support students.

3rd Grade Fall Meetup

When: Friday, 10/23 at 4pm
Where: Emerson Playground, Concord
What to bring: A picnic dinner if you'd like — we'll also have some kid-friendly snacks on hand. Feel free to bring a craft, Pokémon cards, or another quiet activity if your kid isn't in the mood for the playground.

Hope to see you there!

Composting Volunteers Needed

Sign up here for October.

Calendar & Important Dates

Every Wednesday is a half day

  • October 16 - Alcott Walk & Talk

  • October 16 - Meadow Farms Free Shipping Day

  • October 22 - Meadow Farms Sale Final Day

  • October 23 - 3rd Grade Fall Meetup

  • October 28 - Turkey Trot

  • October 28 - All Community Meeting: Raising Resilient Kids

  • November 6 - K-5 Conferences - No School

  • November 11 - Veterans Day - No School

  • November 26-29 - Thanksgiving Recess

In the Community

Concord Carlisle Youth Hockey: In-Town Registration Open for 2026-2027

  • Hot Shot Hockey: For kids 8-15 years old who are looking for a fun, learning-focused, no-pressure hockey experience. Includes 12+ weeks of games and practices starting on November 8th.

  • Learn-to-Play: Considered our "Hockey 101" program; geared for kids born between 1/1/18 and 12/31/21. 

  • Learn-to-Skate: For kids 3+ years; teaches skating fundamentals.

Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play begin November 7/8 at the Middlesex School rink. Visit www.ccyh.org for more details and to register.

Kicks for Cancer is Finally Coming

Please save the date for the rescheduled 20th Kicks for Cancer event at Concord-Carlisle High School on October 24! CC girls vs. LS @3:30pm, CC boys vs. LS @6:00pm. Still need a Kicks hoodie or sweats or other Kicks merchandise? Pop-up sale on October 18 @ the Mighty Moose, with any remaining merchandise available at the event on October 24. Want to volunteer or need more details? Visit www.kicksforcancer.org.

Concord Recreation Basketball

This is a recreational program designed to help participants learn and develop the fundamentals of basketball in a fun, supportive environment. For the older divisions, the first four weeks will focus on clinics covering fundamental skills, followed by a combination of scrimmages, skills, and drills throughout the remainder of the season. The program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and having fun. Participants of all skill levels are welcome. Register Now!

Great Pumpkin Smash

Join us on Sunday, November 8 from 10-2pm for a smashing good time at the sixth annual Great Pumpkin Smash at Codman Community Farms! This family-friendly event is all about having fun while also making a positive impact on our planet. Find more info here.

Kids Need Kids Naturally

At Kids Naturally, children explore, collaborate, and grow through hands-on outdoor experiences. We offer two wonderful Thursday programs:

  • Open Air Thursdays (4–6pm, ages 4–10): Full of outdoor collaboration, discovery and fun!

  • Natural Thursdays (9:30–11:30 AM, ages 3–5): Nurturing natural curiosity through exploration and play. Join our Try-It Day on October 22 for Natural Thursdays! Space is limited. Register today at Kids-Naturally.com.

Growing up Well: From Pressure to Purpose— Community Panel Discussion

ThinkGive, Turning Life On, Danny’s Place, and CCACE invite parents, teens, and educators to our next event in the Growing up Well community education series. Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6:00-7:30 PM Concord-Carlisle High School, Learning Commons (2nd Floor, library)

Register Today and Learn More.

Trunk or Treat

Please join us for our annual Trunk or Treat Sunday, 10/25, 2-3pm. Beede Center Parking Lot @498 Walden St. Candy Provided! Details HERE.

Shrek the Musical

“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” Come see Concord Youth Theatre’s Mainstage production of this heartwarming and hilarious musical, November 6-8th and 13th-15th. Buy your tickets today at concordyouththeatre.org.

Free Adult Yoga Class

Free Adult Yoga Class at PK Dance Center, October 20. Visit PK Dance Center on Tuesday, 10/20 at 9:30 AM for a free adult yoga class with Katherine McKie. Enjoy gentle movement and mindful breathing in a welcoming class for all experience levels. Take time for yourself and learn about PK Dance Center’s upcoming adult yoga classes. Sign up here!

Support Year-Round Sports & Recreation at MCI-Concord

Concord is developing the master plan and zoning for the former MCI-Concord property, and there’s an opportunity to preserve space for a privately operated, year-round indoor sports and recreation facility. With field, court, and indoor space so limited in town, this could be a great resource for local families. If you support the idea, please take a minute to send an email and share it with others who may want to weigh in.

4th Annual LexGiving 5K Run/Walk

Concord-Carlisle Wrestling is excited to partner with Lexington High School Wrestling for the 4th Annual LexGiving 5K Run/Walk on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26th at 8:45 AM. The event brings together hundreds of local families, athletes, and community members while raising money to support student-athletes. More information can be found HERE.

CCF Community Closet Coat Drive

The Concord Carlisle Foundation's Community Closet is hosting a Winter Coat Drive for local families in need through tomorrow. Please donate your gently used winter coats, snow pants, boots and gloves - infants through adults! Drop off Box at Alcott in the Main Office hallway. Please contact closet@concordcarlislefoundation.org with any questions. 

Navigating Tech at Home and School: Tips for Families Making Intentional Tech Choices

Tonight, October 15 | 7 PM - 9 PM | West Concord Union Church (North Hall, downstairs community room), 1317 Main Street, Concord. Join the Intentional Tech Coalition for an evening of tips on parental controls, school advocacy, family tech conversations, and smartphone alternatives. Whether you’re just beginning to consider these or are well on your way, come learn alongside a community of caregivers navigating the same questions. Free Community Event. No Registration Required.

Milldam Harvest Fest & Open House (10/17)

Annual Harvest Fest and Open House hosted by Milldam Nursery School. Music by Mister Vic, pumpkin auction, fall treats & autumn-inspired crafts and STEM activity. Come tour our school at this family friendly event. Free admission. Saturday, October 17th, 10:30 AM - 12PM at the outdoor courtyard behind First Parish at 20 Lexington Rd in Concord. Rain date: October 24.

SEPAC Events

Coffee: Thursday, October 15th from 6-8pm at Starbucks, 768 Elm St. Concord. Our monthly coffees are a great, informal opportunity to meet and connect with others in the special education community (including SEPAC board members).

Parents as Partners: Wednesday, October 21st from 5-6pm on Zoom. Join Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter, Director of Student Services Angel Charles, and their team to learn about special education services in the district and how parents can partner most effectively with their child’s team from the first IEP meeting and beyond! This presentation will be recorded and the recording posted on the SEPAC website.

SEPAC Virtual Monthly Board Meeting: Monday, October 26th from 6:30-7:30pm on Zoom. The SEPAC Board meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Our meetings are open to all! Meeting agendas will be provided on our website and Facebook page at least one week prior.

SEPAC Office Hours

Held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11-12:30 in the Main Library in the cafe area.