From the Co-Presidents
Just a quick note to say that we are both looking forward to seeing you at the All-Parent Meeting next week, Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30pm in the cafeteria. This is a chance for us to gather as a community, connect as parents, and learn from Dr. Rachel Kramer, a leading expert in her field. We hope you can join us!
Thanks!
Abby and Sarah, PTG Co-Presidents
News & Announcements
Last Call for Meadow Farms
Today is the last day for the Meadow Farms sale! As a reminder, Meadow Farms is offering items from its catalogue, with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting Alcott as part of our fundraising efforts. It's a win-win! Browse the online storefront: Meadows Farm Store.
If you placed an order on 10/16 and did not get free shipping, please email Alli Flynn (alcottptgfundraising@gmail.com).
5th Grade Food Collection for Open Table
From now until October 30th, Grade 5 is hosting a school-wide collection of food to make Kids Bags for the Open Table Food Pantry. Open Table distributes 250 Kids Bags a week. Each grade is being asked to donate different items as listed on this flyer. Students can bring donations to school and drop them off in the bins outside their classrooms. Many thanks for your support!
Help Restock the Staff Lounge
Alcott's faculty & staff were thrilled to come back to a full kitchen at the start of school and expressed their immense gratitude, so we would like to replenish the supply of snacks and drinks ahead of a busy week of parent/teacher conferences! Please use this link to sign up for a donation so we can restock on 11/2 and continue to show our appreciation.
School Portraits & Picture Retake Day
Portrait packages have shipped and will come home with your children. Digital prints were emailed last week by Coffee Pond. Class photos will ship with retake packages. Please contact Coffee Pond directly with any questions about your order (e.g., order forms, late orders, missing orders & refunds, etc.). Customer Care: Lifeguards@coffeepond.com and 508-907-6633 ext. 0. Mailing Address: Coffee Pond Photography: 111 Speen Street, Suite 401, Framingham, MA 01701.
Retake Day is Wednesday November 18th. Please return the undamaged prints to the photographer at Retake Day. Find further instructions here. Volunteer for retake day here.
Alcott School Turkey Trot: Next Wednesday
The annual Alcott School Turkey Trot will be on October 28 from 9:45–11:45am at Emerson Track! Students take pledges 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 tomorrow. See HERE for more info.
Alcott PTG Community Chats
Still interested in joining Alcott PTG Community Chats? Links below!
Questions? Email alcottptgcommunity@gmail.com.
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: Tomorrow, 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!
Volunteer to Help with Composting
Sign up here for October, here for November, and here for December.
Calendar & Important Dates
Every Wednesday is a half day
October 22 - Meadow Farms Sale Final Day
October 23 - 3rd Grade Fall Meetup
October 28 - Turkey Trot
October 28 - All-Parent Meeting: Raising Resilient Kids
October 30 - Last Day of 5th Grade Open Table Food Collection
November 6 - K-5 Conferences - No School
November 11 - Veterans Day - No School
November 13 - Crazy Sock Day
November 18 - Picture Retake Day
November 26-29 - Thanksgiving Recess
In the Community
Girls Scouts Daisy Troop
There is a new Girl Scouts Daisy Troop starting for Alcott & Thoreau Kindergarteners, Troop #81242. The troop is just beginning to come together, and troop meetings haven't started yet. It will likely meet every other weekend at the Concord Scout House. The Girl Scouts Online Registration Instructions are helpful for navigating the registration process. The cost is $90 for the year, and financial assistance is available.
Early Learning Collaborative: Toddler Playgroup & Caregiver Education at Concord Children’s Center
Have a toddler? Join us for a welcoming program led by expert toddler educators Amy Gonzalez and Jordan Zirkel. Sessions combine engaging play with conversations about developmental milestones, toddler behaviors, and social-emotional development. Share experiences, ask questions, and gain practical strategies for navigating tantrums, routines, independence, and developmental leaps—all while connecting with other caregivers in the same stage of life. Register HERE today.
Bandemonium!, A Musical Event for Families
The Concord Band and music director, Jim O'Dell, are proud to present our fourth annual Bandemonium!, a musical event geared toward kids in grades K-3 and their families. Enjoy a variety of popular works, including movie soundtracks, Disney classics, and pop songs! Attendees are invited to join in through interactive movement games, sing-alongs, and instrument play. Saturday, Nov 7th from 1:00-2:15 at 51 Walden St. in Concord. Tickets available here.
DEI Community Survey Results
Town Manager Kerry Lafleur will share the results of Concord’s Quadrennial DEI Community Survey on Thursday, October 29, from 5–6:30pm at Harvey Wheeler Community Center auditorium (1276 Main St). Find more info and a zoom link here.
Trek or Treat Halloween Bike Ride
When: Tuesday, October 27 from 4-5pm
Start: Behind 40 Beharrell Street, Concord
Finish: East Acton Village Green, 129 Concord Road, Acton
Distance: Approximately 2 miles
Bring: Your bike and Halloween spirit! Bike share bicycles available.
More info here.
Your Child's Brain in a Screen-Saturated World: An Evening with Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath
Tuesday, 11/17 (Concord Middle School Auditorium) · 7–9 PM · Free Raising kids in a fast-changing, tech-driven world can feel overwhelming. Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist and Harvard educator who has worked with more than 1,000 schools, offers clear, practical answers for families of kids in K–12. You'll leave knowing: what builds kids' attention, memory, and real understanding, and what gets in the way; how to tell healthy challenge from harmful stress; concrete things you can do at home, and ask about at school, including around technology.
If you've ever wondered what screens are doing to your child's learning, this evening is for you. Register at turninglifeon.org/jch.
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. 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 (9:30–11:30am, ages 3–5): Nurturing natural curiosity through exploration and play. Join our Try-It Day today 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.
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.
SEPAC Events
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.
Office Hours: Held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11-12:30 in the Main Library in the cafe area.