From the Co-Presidents
Hi Everyone,
Happy October! Thanks to amazing parent volunteers, we have lots of fun ways to come together this month: Movie Night (tomorrow!), METCO Family Friends Apple Picking (10/7), Bike/Walk/Roll to School Day (10/13), Alcott Parent Walk + Talk (10/16), and Multicultural Day (10/18). Volunteer to help out at one of the events here!
We’re also looking for a few parents to lend their voices and perspectives in two important ways:
School Advisory Council: 2 parents to help shape plans and priorities for Alcott
Vision of a Graduate: 1 parent to help shape the skills and experiences we want students to have kindergarten to 12th grade
Interested in learning more? Reach out or see below for details, including meeting dates. No specific experience is necessary, and both are great ways to learn more about our school and district — especially for families who are new to Alcott!
Hope to see you at Movie Night!
Abby + Sarah
News & Announcements
Alcott Movie Night is TOMORROW (10/2)
The movie (Toy Story 5, Goat, Monsters & Minions, or The Super Mario Galaxy Movie) is being decided by the students! Voting ends today via small change donations in buckets in the main lobby. Cash-only concessions open at 5:30 p.m., and the movie starts at 6:00 p.m. Each child must be supervised by an attending adult. Tickets cost $25 per family and are available here. Families in need of ticket assistance may contact Mike Kordosky (mkordosky@concordps.org). Volunteers are still needed; sign up here!
Meadow Farms Sale Now Live
The Meadow Farm Sale is here and LIVE through Thursday, October 22! Buy items with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting Alcott. It's a win-win! 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. Share with anyone who would enjoy!
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.
Join Alcott's School Advisory Council
Alcott’s School Advisory Council (SAC) has two parent openings. Members support the School Improvement Plan, review the budget, advise the principal, serve two-year terms, and meet six times a year at 8:00 a.m. on October 15, December 10, January 21, March 4, April 29, and May 27. Email PTG Co-Presidents at ptgalcott@gmail.com with your name and brief statement by October 2 if interested. If more than two apply, an election will be held. Learn more here.
Help Shape Concord's Vision of a Graduate
The district seeks one parent from each school for the Vision of a Graduate Design Team, defining K–12 learning goals and key student experiences. Meetings at CCHS:
Monday, October 5: 11:00 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28: 8:00–11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 9: 8:00–11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, February 2: 11:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
Wednesday, March 17: 8:00–11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, May 4: 11:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
Email the PTG Co-Presidents at ptgalcott@gmail.com to learn more or volunteer as Alcott’s representative.
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.
Coming Soon: Grade-Based WhatsApp Chats
We’re excited to launch Alcott PTG Community Chats, a simple way for families in each grade to connect, ask questions, and get to know one another. Each grade will have its own WhatsApp group, managed by PTG volunteers. Look for an email from your room parents next Monday with details and a link to join your grade’s chat. Participation is optional, and families with children in multiple grades may join more than one group, too.
Share Your Knowledge with Alcott Students
Do you have expertise or experience in frogs, trains, fossils, trees, toy-making, inventions, clean energy, deep-sea oceanography, bridge design, equal rights, or civil rights? Alcott seeks caregivers willing to enrich this year’s EL modules by sharing their knowledge with curious students. Whether your background is professional or personal, your insight can bring classroom learning to life. To volunteer or learn more, contact PTG Enrichment Committee at alcottenrichment@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you today!
Alcott's New Playground Needs YOU
Joana Fraser, parent of two current and one future Alcott students, is leading plans for a wonderful new playground at Alcott. This multiyear project is in its early stages, and she seeks enthusiastic parents for a small committee overseeing design, fundraising, construction, and completion. If you want to make a meaningful, lasting, visible impact on our school—especially if you have fundraising or grant-writing experience—please contact Joana at joana.l.riley@gmail.com to get involved. Thank you!
Alcott Walk & Talk: Friday, Oct 16, 9-10am
Join fellow Alcott parents and caregivers 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, with younger siblings in strollers. No RSVP needed—just come along. Watch for next month’s walk!
Alcott Multicultural Day – Many Cultures, One Community
Join us Sunday, October 18 from 1-3pm at Alcott for an afternoon celebrating the cultures, traditions, foods, music, and stories that make our community special! Families can share a cultural dish and its story, or submit a song representing their culture for our Music Without Borders playlist. Volunteers are also needed. Unity • Understanding • Respect. Find out more and sign up to participate and help us celebrate our diverse Alcott community!
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!
Alcott Front Flower Beds Restoration
Please sign up to plant Alcott’s front flower beds this Sunday, October 4th from 9-12pm. Bring gardening gloves and trowels if you have them!
Wednesday Library Volunteer Needed
Mrs. O’Rourke is still looking for someone to shelve books on Wednesdays from 8:50-9:15am. If you can commit to a weekly spot, please email korourke@concordps.org. Thank you!
Composting Volunteers Needed
Sign up here for October.
Calendar & Important Dates
Every Wednesday is a half day
October 2 - Movie Night
October 7 - METCO Family Friends Apple Picking
October 12 - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day - No School
October 13 - Bike, Walk, Roll to School Day
October 16 - Alcott Walk & Talk
October 18 - Multicultural Day
October 23 - 3rd Grade Fall Meetup
November 6 - K-5 Conferences - No School
November 11 - Veterans Day - No School
In the Community
Try Girl Scouts in Concord
Girl Scout Troops for all grades are welcoming new members! Join us at the Concord Public Library (129 Main St) on Wednesday October 14th from 6 to 7pm in the Goodwin Forum to learn more! As a Girl Scout, she’ll explore new adventures, build skills, and grow with friends cheering her on, gaining confidence that lasts a lifetime. RSVP and reach out to Melissa Schoenfeld at meliss923@gmail.com or 617-699-2004 with questions!
CCF Community Closet Coat Drive
Now through October 16 the Concord Carlisle Foundation's Community Closet is hosting a Winter Coat Drive for local families in need. Please donate your gently used winter coats, snow pants, boots and gloves - infants through adults! Drop off Box located at Alcott in the Main Office hallway. Please contact closet@concordcarlislefoundation.org with any questions.
Family Fun Day at Concord Youth Theatre
Looking for a fun activity for kids this weekend? Come to Family Fun Day at CYT! Saturday, October 3rd 1pm-4pm at 53 Church St in West Concord. Carnival-style games, prizes, food, bounce houses, plus a raffle with themed baskets for kids and grown ups alike, silent auction, and—new this year—a yard sale! Come support Concord Youth Theatre, a local 501(c)(3) organization. Tix online (www.concordyouththeatre.org) or on location.
Navigating Tech at Home and School: Tips for Families Making Intentional Tech Choices
Thursday, 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.
Concord Peace Crane Event on Sunday
Rescheduled to this Sunday, 10/4 from 11:30am-3:30pm at Monument Square. Please join us in celebration of International Peace Day, we are hosting an origami paper crane folding event. See our video, learn how to fold, and learn about us. Event info here.
Cheerleader for a Game
Cheer with the CCHS Cheerleaders on Friday, 10/2 at the CCHS vs. Bedford Football Game! Sign up and Pay Here!
A Grandparent's Guide to Autism: Building Strong Connections & Bright Futures
Join CCACE for this presentation designed specifically for grandparents looking to deepen their understanding of ASD. Thursday, October 1st from 10-11:30am @ Municipal Light Plant Conference Room, Concord Register here.
Patriot Hoops and Together We Rise Basketball
Together We Rise (TWR) and Patriot Hoops offer fall basketball programs at CCHS for boys and girls of all skill levels. Saturday Low Rim Clinics serve grades K–1 and 2–3 Saturdays, October 17–November 21, focusing on skills, teamwork, and fun. Monday Night Hoops serves grades 3–8 on selected Mondays, September 28–November 23, with coaching from Chris Ryan and varsity players, plus 4v4 or 5v5 games. Register or learn more at togetherwerisesports.com.
SEPAC Office Hours
Held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11-12:30 in the Main Library in the cafe area.