The Thursday Owl, September 30, 2021

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome Back, METCO Family Friends! - Saturday, Oct. 16th:  Time to celebrate the beautiful fall and have a chance to reconnect and get to know each other better. We are meeting in Boston for a Field Day/Bring Your Own Lunch picnic style.

METCO Family Friends Field Day/Picnic
Hosted by METCO Family Friends*
Location:  Franklin Park ~Tiffany Moore Tot Lot (@ 146 Seaver St., Boston MA 02121)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 
Rain Date: Oct. 17 
Time: 1- 4 PM
What: Running, Playing, Laughing, Balls, Music, Bikes, Scooters, Bring your own lunch/picnic style.

Let us know you are coming here. Sign up to volunteer for set up or clean up here or contact Savaughn Dickerson at sdickerson@concordps.org.  

*Who are METCO Family Friends?  Boston and Concord families? K-12 families in Boston, Concord, and Carlisle have the opportunity to work together to build family friends relationships, where the spirit is one of cooperating and sharing rather than of guest and host. By volunteering to be a METCO Family Friend, the Concord-Carlisle family helps to communicate information regarding school programs and schedules and is a familiar contact at school meetings and social events during the transition to a new community for a Boston family. Boston families not only provide the Concord-Carlisle family with a new link to the city, but also offer a diverse set of cultural and life experiences to share.

Interested in being part of this growing program?  Stop by the Field Day and meet currently participating families.  For more information about the Family Friends program, contact:

Alcott: Kenlyne Exume kenlyne@gmail.com or Kristen Ferguson kristen.hagerty@gmail.com
CMS: Tanika Williams Tanikaw261@gmail.com
CCHS: Heidi Harris hharrislemmel@concordcarlisle.org

We know this is a busy time of year and everyone has sports and weekend activities. Please remember that time spent developing relationships in our community is important. We are looking forward to seeing everyone!  Please SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 16th at Franklin Park!

The METCO Family Friends team

News from the Alcott Student Garden: Come Join Us in the Garden - Sunday Oct. 3rd! Join us at the Alcott Student Garden this Sunday, October 3rd for a meet and greet and a little weeding! No gardening expertise needed, feel free to drop by anytime between 9 and 11am. We're looking to meet new parents and volunteers and to spiff up the garden for the kids this fall!


Alcott's Bike-Walk-and-Roll-to-School Day - Wednesday, Oct. 6th: Join us and have your kids bike, walk, or roll their way to school on October 6th! Prizes are available for all who participate!
Bike, Walk, and Roll to School Day is a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) event sponsored by the Concord Police Department and Concord Public Schools. Participating families can meet at the Keyes Rd parking lot at 8:20am to join the police-escorted "bike train" to Alcott as well as reverse the route after the 3:25pm dismissal. Additional officers will be posted to support student crossings of Lowell Rd. at the Reformatory Branch Trail, and at Lexington Rd. by Heywood St. It is by far the most fun way to get to school!


Room Parents Still Needed! Thank you to the many community members who have volunteered as Room Parents this year! We are still looking for volunteers to fill spots in just a few classrooms! To sign up for any listed open spots and find more details, please click here.

**Room Parents still needed in the following grades/classrooms:
K: Chatlosh (1 needed)
1st: Woodman (1 needed)
2nd: Sexauer (1 needed)
4th: Woodward (2 needed)
5th: Luby (1 needed)


Alcott at Concord Recreation's Trunk or Treat 2021 - Sunday, Oct. 31st: Concord Recreation will be hosting a Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 31st from 2:00 - 3:30pm at the Beede Center parking lot. They are looking for volunteers from the Alcott community to host a car. Please reach out to Michelle Hage, our School Community Chair, at mhage224@gmail.com if you are interested in hosting a car.


Pooled Testing at Alcott continues: We have had a great start to asymptomatic pooled testing at Alcott. If you still have not yet signed your student up to participate in asymptomatic pooled testing this year, we hope that you will consider doing so. You can access the consent form via this link. Pooled testing is an incredibly important way to keep our students safe, particularly at the elementary level where COVID vaccines are not yet available. Please see Principal Krakow's informative letter, which addresses possible concerns and explains this year's testing changes, HERE. And if you have any further questions about the pooled testing process, please do not hesitate to reach out to Principal Krakow or Nurse Amante.

The Thursday Owl, September 23, 2021

Thank you to our Alcott team and the Alcott community for a great 21-22 Back To School Night!
Many thanks to the Alcott team members and community members who made last evening's 21-22 Back To School Night such a wonderful success! The virtual event featured an informative webinar led (twice!) by Principal Krakow and Assistant Principal Olson, who welcomed the Alcott community to the new school year. They also introduced our amazing group of new and veteran Specialists including Mr. Gaudreau (Physical Education), Mrs. Gordon (Art), Mr. Toland (Music), Sra. Price (1-5 Spanish), Sra. Krauss (K Spanish), Mrs. O'Rourke (Library/Media) and Ms. Carr (ELA Curriculum). The night continued with all Alcott K-5 classroom teachers hosting their students' families in Zoom sessions that provided academic descriptions and outlooks for the upcoming school year. We appreciate everyone's time, energy and commitment to supporting our Alcott students, families, faculty and staff during this brand-new school year!

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

SAVE THE DATE--METCO Family Friends Field Day and Picnic:  Please save the following information in your calendar for a wonderful day of community-building, activities and fun!  More details to follow in the coming weeks.
When:  Saturday, October 16, 2021, 1 - 5 pm
Where:  Franklin Park, Boston
Who:  Concord and Boston families

Now Accepting PTG Dues:  All parents and guardians of Alcott students are members of the Alcott PTG!  This year we have kept our dues at $40 and invite our members to contribute this amount (or more!) via our website HERE.  Please keep in mind that the PTG will spend approximately $125 per student this year on specific student needs, programs, community events, classroom supplies and the ever-popular Alcott Directory.  Thank you for making this support possible with your membership contribution!

Room Parents Still Needed:  Are you interested in helping out your student's classroom?  Come volunteer as a room parent!  We are still looking for volunteers to fill spots in several classrooms. To sign up for any listed open spots and find more details, please click here.

**Room Parents still needed in the following grades/classrooms:
K:  Chatlosh (2 needed)
1st:  Woodman (1 needed)
2nd:  Handley (1 needed), Martin (2 needed), Sexauer (1 needed)
3rd:  Knowles (1 needed), O'Hara (2 needed)
4th:  Besserer (1 needed), McMahon/Chan (1 needed), Woodward (2 needed)
5th:  Anderson (2 needed), Gregor (1 needed), Luby (1 needed), Wilson (1 needed)

Pooled Testing: Asymptomatic pooled testing began yesterday at Alcott. If you still have not yet signed your student up to participate in asymptomatic pooled testing this year, we hope that you will consider doing so. You can access the consent form via this link. Pooled testing is an incredibly important way to keep our students safe, particularly at the elementary level where COVID vaccines are not yet available. Please see Principal Krakow's informative letter, which addresses possible concerns and explains this year's testing changes, HERE. And if you have any further questions about the pooled testing process, please do not hesitate to reach out to Principal Krakow or Nurse Amante.


Alcott Chess Club: The Alcott Chess Club is back onsite like before in the Alcott Faculty Lounge, 8 a.m. Thursday mornings, for ten weeks starting TODAY September 23. The Chess Club also offers online sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays at 5 p.m. Click here for the informational flyer (with registration form), or simply email alcottchess@hotmail.com and you'll be emailed a flyer. For all questions, email Ken Belt at alcottchess@hotmail.com, text or call him at 617-332-4483.

***Every Wednesday is now a half-day***

Oct 11: Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day
Oct 16: METCO Family Friends Field Day and Picnic (Franklin Park)
Nov 4*: K-5 Parent-Teacher Conferences (no school)
Nov 10: PTG Open Meeting, 7pm (via Zoom)
Nov 11: Veterans Day (no school)
Nov 24: Half-Day (12:30 pm dismissal)
Nov 25 - 26: Thanksgiving Recess (no school)

*This date was erroneously reported in last week's Owl--PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THIS CORRECTED DATE

CPS/CCRSD 21-22 School Calendar can be found here

IN THE COMMUNITY

Concord Middle School Building Project Community Forum to be held TODAY, Sept. 23: The Middle School Building Committee invites you to our next Community Forum, to be held TODAY, Thursday, September 23 at 12:00pm via Zoom. We hope you will join us to hear the latest updates on the Schematic Design phase, as well as to share your feedback before plans are finalized for estimating. Forum details can be found here and Zoom information follows:
https://concordps.zoom.us/j/96703616065?pwd=N3pVbHA2c29nd2pORnB2WUI4bU9CZz09
Passcode: 110013

Kicks for Cancer – THIS SATURDAY, September 25:  After a virtual 2020 event, the 15th annual Kicks for Cancer returns to Concord-Carlisle High School this Saturday, September 25, to bring local men’s and women’s soccer teams together to compete, to build community and awareness with fans, and to raise funds to advance ovarian cancer prevention.

Kicks for Cancer is the cornerstone of an incredible community-building weekend held every September—with more than 20 towns participating in men’s and women’s soccer games this year. Merchandise, opportunity drawing tickets, food and more will be available.  Tickets can be purchased at the gate, and the game schedule is available here.
 

Concord Association of Music Parents:  Order Now--Band, Chorus and Orchestra Wear!  Show your music spirit and get your Band, Chorus and Orchestra merchandise online today. The store opens on Oct. 1 and closes Oct. 19. Orders will arrive 3-4 weeks after the store closes. Questions? Email Elisabeth Winterkorn at ebwinterk@gmail.com.

October Youth Basketball Clinics at CCHS: CCHS Varsity basketball coaches Amy Davagian and David Cohen and their players are offering 4-week basketball clinics for all players Grades 1 through 8 on Saturday October, 2, 16, 23, and 30 at the CCHS main gym. Clinics are for players of all abilities.

Girls Clinics - Sponsored by CCHS Girls Basketball, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Fee is $120 (donated directly to CCHS Girls Basketball) payable by Paypal or Venmo (@Colleen-Henschke).  Your electronic payment is your registration for the girls clinic - please be sure to note your player's name and grade on electronic payments.  If you would like to pay by check, please email CCHSgirlsbasketball100@gmail.com to register.

Boys Clinics - Sponsored by Patriot Hoops Clinics, 10:30 to 12:00 p.m.  Register at patriothoopclinics.com website.  Cost is $120, payable via Venmo (@PatriotBasketball) or credit card.

Concord Free Public Library News:
Fall and Winter Nature Connection programs: CFPL is teaming up with The Nature Connection for monthly programs! We invite children to a nature themed storytime where they can meet an animal and explore nature hands-on. Programs will take place in-person at the Main Library. On 9/28 at 4 pm, we will have a program for all ages focusing on climate change. In October, we will offer a storytime for pre-K children on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30am. We will also offer a program for elementary students on the second Wednesday of each month at 2pm.

Virtual Children's Author Talk: CFPL is excited to host a virtual author talk with children’s author Lucia Van Bebber on Wednesday, October 6 at 2pm on Zoom. Learn more about how she writes stories for children in the hope of inspiring them to learn more about wildlife and wildlife conservation. Lucia’s goal is to help educate young minds in order to save animals that are now on the endangered species list and are on the verge of extinction.


Discovery Museum Acton's "Picture Yourself: A Virtual Celebration of Women in STEAM": Join Discovery Museum as we celebrate the women behind the Museum’s newest exhibit, Picture Yourself: Women in STEAM—portraits of six local female scientists, painted by three local female artists. Listen in as the scientists and artists talk about their work, research, and interests, and be inspired as you learn why they find science and art cool and exciting. They’ll answer your questions as they share what it’s like to be a scientist and artist. Your registration confirmation will include a short survey to provide your questions for the artists and scientists in advance—including whether you or your child would like to ask a question live during the event. This free, live, virtual event is for children, ages 7+ years, and their caregivers to enjoy together. Wednesday, September 29, 6:00pm to 7:30pm EDT via Zoom webinar. The event is free; registration is required. For more information, visit www.discoveryacton.org.

The Thursday Owl, September 16, 2021

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Back to School Night, Wednesday, September 22, 2021: Alcott's virtual Back to School Night will take place next Wednesday, September 22nd, via Zoom. Principal Krakow will host two brief welcome webinars, one at 5:15pm and one at 6:15pm. Classroom sessions will be held via Zoom according to the following schedule:

5:30 pm - Kindergarten

5:50 pm - Grade 1

6:10 pm - Grade 2

6:30 pm - Grade 3

6:50 pm - Grade 4

7:10 pm - Grade 5

A link to Principal Krakow's webinar will be distributed the week of Back to School Night. Classroom teachers will share their links with students' families directly, also closer to the date of the event. We hope that you will attend this informative virtual session!


'21-'22 Room Parents needed: Are you interested in helping out your student's classroom this year? Each Alcott classroom is looking for two volunteers to assist classroom teachers by serving as Room Parents during the school year. Details and signups can be found here.


Pooled Testing: If you have not yet signed your student up to participate in asymptomatic pooled testing this year, we hope that you will consider doing so. You can access the consent form via this link. Pooled testing is an incredibly important way to keep our students safe, particularly at the elementary level where COVID vaccines are not yet available. If you have any questions about the pooled testing process, please do not hesitate to reach out to Principal Krakow or Nurse Amante.


Alcott Chess Club: The Alcott Chess Club is back at school, just like you! Yes! We're back onsite like before in the Faculty Lounge, 8 a.m. Thursday mornings, for ten weeks starting September 23. The Chess Club also offers online sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays at 5 p.m. Click here for the informational flyer (with registration form), or simply email alcottchess@hotmail.com and you'll be emailed a flyer pronto. For all questions, email Ken Belt at alcottchess@hotmail.com, text or call him at 617-332-4483. Now, it's your move, mate! We're ready to play.

***Every Wednesday is now a half-day***

Sep 22: Back to School Night (virtual), 5:30-7:30pm
Oct 11: Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day - no school
Nov 5: K-5 Parent/Teacher Conferences - no school
Nov 11: Veterans Day - no school

CPS/CCRSD 21-22 School Calendar can be found here

IN THE COMMUNITY

Concord/Carlisle Girl Scouts: Thinking about joining Girl Scouts? Concord & Carlisle girls in Kindergarten through 3rd grade are invited to learn about Girl Scouts and get WILD on the (outdoor) dance floor at our Animal Dance Party on Saturday, Sept. 25! Siblings are welcome! Please register so we have enough craft supplies. Details and registration link at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/concordcarlisle-girl-scouts-animal-dance-party-registration-168870749959


Saturday, September 18 Car Wash Fundraiser for CCHS Women’s Soccer: Come support the players by getting your car washed at Crosby’s parking lot on Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm. All donations go to supporting the CCHS Women’s Soccer Freshmen, JV and Varsity teams. For more information, click here or visit www.cchswomenssoccer.com. Thank you!

Concord Recreation Fall Programming is underway:  Concord Recreation is happy to be back in full-swing with fall programming! Check out our website for more details: www.concordrec.com.

November Professional Day Care  Looking for child care for the November 4th Professional Day? The November Professional Day Program is from 8:00am to 6:00pm at Hunt Recreation Center. Registration open to general public. First come, first served basis. This program has NO AFFILIATION with Concord Recreation’s Before or Afterschool Program. Please inform Concord Recreation of any medical issues or allergies. Field Trip to be announced.

Esports League  NEW to Concord - Esports leagues and events for ages 8-18! You can safely play your favorite games in a competitive league, or one off major event. Play Madden 21, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros, or Rocket League.

Outdoor Movie Night  Join Concord Recreation on Friday, September 24th at 7pm for an outdoor, family friendly movie to be shown on the basketball courts at the Hunt Recreation Center (90 Stow Street Concord, MA).  Bring your chairs, blankets and snacks. Registration recommended.

We’re hiring: Before and After School Staff  Concord Recreation provides After School, Before School and Early Release Day care for our  Alcott, Thoreau and Willard families. This year, we are fully enrolled at all sites with waitlists. We are actively seeking people to work in our programs. Contact Anita Stevanazzi-Hill for more information at ahill@concordma.gov.


Tennis Backboard at Emerson:  Would you be interested in having a new, full-sized tennis backboard at the Emerson courts?  There is a local effort to raise funds to install a backboard, in conjunction with the town of Concord.  If you are interested in supporting this effort, please see the details on the website at https://gofund.me/73edde41.


Concord Association of Music Parents meeting, September 29 at 8:00 pm via Zoom:  The Concord Association of Music Parents (Concord AMP) is a parent group that supports the music ensemble programs (band, orchestra and chorus) in the Concord elementary and middle schools, through advocacy for music education, fundraising and community engagement.  We are a group for all parents and guardians of students in these programs, and we’d love to meet you!  Please join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, September 29 at 8:00 pm, via Zoom or phone; a link can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11CWVoWnRU2E6h9MHT6w33U3vhJPKbNW2E9Z6JfjVVEc/edit?usp=sharing