The Thursday Owl - April 28, 2022

ALCOTT PARENT SOCIAL - THIS SATURDAY APRIL 30TH!

The Alcott Parent Social is just TWO days away!  A night out with old friends, new friends, a taco truck and some awesome AUCTION ITEMS to bid on. The social will be outside, but hopefully the firepits will keep us warm!  Please park on Elm Street or nearby Main Street or Thoreau Street.  Buy your TICKETS now!

And for those of you who can't attend on Saturday, please browse the AUCTION ITEMS anyway, and feel free to send the link to family or friends who would like to support Alcott!

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY voting this week: Mrs. O'Rourke as Principal and Ms. Krakow leading classes in the Library for a Day? Who could imagine that?! Let's kick off a fun week and let the kids vote on which Specials teacher should be Principal for a Day. The winning Specialist and Ms. Krakow will switch places at some point before the end of the year. Send your kids in with some spare change this week to vote for the students' choice for Principal for a Day!

SAVE THE DATE--METCO SPRING FIELD DAY: Please save the following information in your calendar for a wonderful day of outdoor activities, socializing and fun! Click HERE to register. Click HERE to volunteer.
When: Saturday, May 14th, 1 - 3 PM
Where: Franklin Park, Boston
Who: Concord and Boston families

2021-2022 Alcott Yearbook ON SALE NOW THROUGH MAY 8TH: It's time to order your Alcott all-school yearbook! The yearbook price is $33 if ordered by Sunday, May 1. The price will be $39 if ordered between Monday, May 2 and Sunday, May 8. Order online at coffeepond.com. The password is hellobronson (all lower case, no space). Don't miss out--order today!

PTG Open Meeting - Wednesday, May 11, 2022: We hope to see you at our last PTG Open Meeting of the school year, on Wednesday, May 11 at 7:00 pm via Zoom. We will discuss year-end topics and forward-looking initiatives for the entire Alcott community. Thank you to everyone for another incredible school year!

Topic: Alcott PTG May 2022 Open Meeting
Time: May 11, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84510395381?pwd=cUlYQTJrOWhuQStld1ZuYjM4dVZhZz09
Meeting ID: 845 1039 5381
Passcode: 549759

ALCOTT CHESS: The Alcott Chess Tournament starts up this week. Did you enroll your children? If so, they will have a wonderful time, but if not, don't worry! There is still time. The first chess game doesn't start until next Thursday. Notify Ken Belt at alcottchess@hotmail.com or call 617-332-4483 to let him know pronto. We are excited to have your children participate. See HERE for the details.

ALCOTT ANNUAL APPEAL CONTINUES:

The PTG spends up to $135 per student each year to provide valuable enhancements to their school experience. The Alcott PTG budget supports:
Our Community, Children's Programming | Classroom &Teacher Stipends | METCO Events and much more! See HERE for more information.

Any gift is appreciated. DONATE $100 or more and get an Alcott Canvas Tote.

STUDENT GARDEN: Spring is here! We're looking for Student Garden Volunteers to help with maintenance and fundraising so our little garden can flourish. Please fill out the form if you would like to join us!

ALCOTT WEAR: Make sure to get your gear before the school year ends!





Check out the Alcott spirit wear store under the Support tab of the Alcott PTG website or click HERE to find the latest and greatest Alcott wear. Alcott PTG receives 10% back on all items purchased throughout the school year so consider purchasing an item today!

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

Apr 30: Parent Social
May 2 - 6: National Teacher Appreciation Week
May 30: Memorial Day (no school)

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

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

CONCORD CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC is accepting fall registrations —One-On-One Music Instruction for all ages and abilities. Submit a Student Interest Form at ConcordConservatory.org or call (978) 369-0010. Financial assistance available.

Scottish fiddler and experimentalist Jenna Moynihan 7:00 pm concert and 5:00 pm masterclass on Saturday, May 7th. Purchase tickets online at concordconservatory.org or at the door: $45 for the masterclass and concert tickets, $20 for the concert only, or $25 for the masterclass only (both events are free for students 18 and under).

CRAFTING MINDS literacy talk: Please join the Concord SEPAC for a literacy presentation with Sarah Gannon from Crafting Minds via zoom. The session will include information on how the brain learns to read, screening guidelines, early reading assessments, and the essential components of reading instruction followed by Q&A. Tuesday, May 3 from 7:00-8:30pm. Zoom link: https://tinyurl.com/2p8fzmtf

CONCORD ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: Tellers and ballot counters needed, Sunday, May 1, 2022, 1 pm, Concord-Carlisle High School. If you are interested in being either a teller or ballot counter for the Concord Annual Town Meeting, or would like more information to help you decide, please respond toTMVolunteers@porchwithhouse.com.

CONCORD EDUCATION FUND's Spring Barn Party - Bluegrass and BBQ in the Barn! Saturday, May 14th, 7 - 10 pm at the Discovery Barn at Nashoba Brooks School. Please join the Concord Education Fund in supporting our teachers, administrators and schools as we celebrate their hard work to provide innovative programs for our children! We are Parents Supporting Teachers Inspiring Students. Tickets are $50 each - get your tickets HERE.

NEW SUMMER CAMP FOR K-8: KidzToPros sports/STEAM/Arts camps will be held at Nashoba Brooks School this summer. Kids from Kindergarten through Grade 8 are welcome and there are discounts for multi-week registrations. Click HERE for more information.

THOREAU ROAD RACE: Mark your calendars for May 15th and join us for the revival of the Thoreau Road Race after a 2-year deep dark hiatus. We will have an open 5k (9 am) and a kid’s race (10 am), with all proceeds benefiting Thoreau Elementary School. For additional information and to sign up for this outstanding event, please visit our website HERE.

CONCORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY will celebrate Korean Family Month with events all May. Click HERE for more information.

CONCORD RECREATION:

Concord Recreation is Hiring!
Skyhawks Ultimate Sports  Age-appropriate games that teach teamwork, fair play, tons of energy and even more fun! Join us for the Ultimate Sports program where kids will play dodgeball, kickball, capture the flag and more!
Summer Specialty Camps  Looking for different half day, themed, camps through Concord Rec? Check out our summer specialty camps – plenty of space available!
Youth Disc Golf  Learn the world of Disc Golf with instructor Roseanne Ham!  This program will introduce the sport of Disc Golf by teaching the rules to play on a course, skills of the game (forehand, backhand, and putting throws), scoring, and game play!
Kite Fest – May 7th from 12:00pm-3:00pm  Come and watch a professional kite flyer and learn about kites! Get an ice cream at the ice cream truck and bring a picnic lunch.
Community Yard Sale – May 14th 8:00am-2:00pm Ready to clean some stuff out but don't have enough for your own yard sale?  Come join us at our community yard sale.

IMSCC music lessons:  Summer enrollment is open!  New and returning students can start the summer enrollment process by filling out a lesson inquiry form. Spring lessons are underway and new students are welcome to join any time.
 

Please visit this space for updates on sports, music and theater registration dates, seminars, and more events throughout town.

PTG online volunteer information and sign-up: Please visit our website to discover all the ways both working and non-working parents and guardians are needed to support our wonderful staff, students, and families. Have something to offer that you don’t see listed there? There’s a place for you to submit that info as well! We hope to hear from you!

The Thursday Owl - April 14, 2022

THE PTG NEEDS YOU!
The Alcott PTG, through our network of incredible volunteers, works to support our school community and students with enrichment programs, community events, teacher appreciation and the family fund.  The PTG is most productive with many hands; we are reaching out for broad support this year to fill the our open positions as some of our 5th grade parents move on.  Experience in any of these areas is great, but not required!

2022/2023 Open Positions:

-Communications Chair
-Owl Editor
-Social Media Coordinator
-School Directory Editor
-Alcott Family Network Social Team

-Fall Movie Night Coordinator
-Multicultural Night Coordinators
-Parent Social Coordinator
-5th Grade Events Team
-Fundraising Committee - various roles

*Grab a friend and share the responsibilities.
For detailed information about these roles, please click HERE.  Email our VP Krissy Tyson at krissytyson@icloud.com if you are interested in any of these positions with “PTG volunteer" as the subject line.

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

MARK YOUR APRIL CALENDARS and CALL YOUR SITTERS!!

ALCOTT PARENT SOCIAL ON 4/30!

The PTG spends up to $135 per student each year to provide valuable enhancements to their school experience. The Alcott PTG budget supports:
Our Community, Children's Programming | Classroom &Teacher Stipends | METCO Events  and much more!

Any gift is appreciated. DONATE $100 or more and get an Alcott Canvas Tote.

ALCOTT CHESS CLUB: As Alcott inches closer to the end of the school year, it's getting to be that time when the Alcott Chess Club hosts its annual chess tournament. Don't miss out on all the fun. It's for everyone! We invite all Alcott students to come and participate. It's jolly good, too, mate. The more that play, the more fun it becomes. We look forward to a great tournament. Click HERE for detailed flyer. Direct questions to Ken Belt at alcottchess@hotmail.com.

STUDENT GARDEN: Spring is here! We're looking for Student Garden Volunteers to help with maintenance and fundraising so our little garden can flourish. Please fill out the form if you would like to join us!

ALCOTT WEAR: Show off your Alcott spirit this spring!






Check out the Alcott spirit wear store under the Support tab of the Alcott PTG website or click HERE to find the latest and greatest Alcott wear. Alcott PTG receives 10% back on all items purchased throughout the school year so consider purchasing an item today!

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

Apr 18-22: April Recess (no school)
Apr 30: Parent Social
May 30: Memorial Day (no school)

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

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Concord Cooler Climate Festival Art Display This exhibit is open to kids of all ages and all levels of art experience, with the main goal being to encourage them to learn a bit about climate change and have fun exploring art in nature. Submissions can be made of any medium but preferably 8x11 size, and can be submitted to a drop-off box in the Concord Main Library throughout the month of April right up until the day of the festival (April 30th). To learn more about the Cooler Climate Festival in general, you can learn more here.

Adult ELL Classes - Concord Carlisle Adult and Community Education We are excited to announce that CCACE will be offering English Language Learner (ELL) classes for adults beginning this summer! Our pilot class will run for 6 Tuesday and Thursday evenings, July 12th - August 18th from 7-8:30 pm at CCHS. The tuition for this program is $245 and includes all materials. Scholarships are available. For more information and to start an application, students can visit www.concordcarlisleace.org/adult-ell/.

Concord SEPAC April regular meeting TODAY
Time: April 14, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87632040339?pwd=cVI5V2Q4VStpbDNmMW1TUDRldmVxdz09
Meeting ID: 876 3204 0339
Passcode: 125026

CC Youth Wrestling is back! We are pleased to announce that we are running a Youth Wrestling Clinic this Spring. Practices this Spring will be from 5:00-6:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting March 22 through May 19. We have updated the website with scheduling and registration information; click HERE. *If newcomers are unsure or would feel more comfortable sitting-in on a practice or two before signing up, all are more than welcome to do so. One will NOT fall behind by starting late.

My Friend Abe: A Holocaust Survivor's Story On April 27th from 7 pm—8 pm at Willard Elementary School (185 Powder Mill Rd, Concord, MA 01742), Mr. Steve Goldberg, a Holocaust Historian will visit Concord to present his life’s work, My Friend Abe: A Holocaust Survivor's Story. We are very fortunate that Mr. Goldberg will be presenting Abe’s story of survival to our school community, as we observe Jewish Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) on April 27th—28th.

Concord for Ukraine:

A group of Concord citizens has come together to raise money and provide medical equipment to those on the frontlines in Ukraine through a Boston-based organization called Ukraine Forward. It's simple: Citizens purchase medical supplies through a carefully cultivated and monitored Amazon WishList or donate directly at Ukraine Forward.  The supplies are collected at Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church in Jamaica Plain where packages are boxed and shipped via Air Poland for distribution by Ukrainian volunteer university students in Kyiv. Already this organization has supplied nearly $400,000 in needed medical supplies directly to Ukrainian soldiers and citizen fighters. This war is devastating and senseless. We hope you will join us in this effort.To help spread the word, please share this with your friends and sign up to host a lawn sign HERE.

Ghost Riders Mountain Biking:

CONCORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY:
The Concord Library-Fowler Branch is partnering with ArtScape at the Bradford Mill to showcase community talent and local places! All media and artists are welcome; start painting, photographing, drawing now! Submit your work 5/13-5/15. $10 hanging fee per artist waived for students. Please email artscapeshow@gmail.com with any questions.

NEW! Hungry to Help Wednesday, April 27, 3 - 4pm, Concord Public Library, Main Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, Children's Area
Introducing a new, monthly program for elementary children brought to you in partnership by CFPL and Open Table. This hands-on program will use different stories and activities each month to help educate children, and facilitate discussion, on food insecurity. The kids will decorate a bag and fill it with food provided by Open Table in support of the Open Table Kids' Bags program. They will learn about Open Table and the positive impact their help makes to children and others in their community. We know that Kids are Hungry to Help! Food Donations - (Optional) Have your child bring a food donation. Shopping with your child is another great way to involve them. Open Table Needed DonationsIn-Need - If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please leave a message at 978-369-2275 or email info@opentable.org

Read to Daniel the Cat!—Did you know that reading to animals boosts reading skills and emotional and social skills for children? The CFPL invites children to read to Daniel the Cat (also known as “Dan the Man”) in the Children’s Garden on the third Wednesday of each month between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. The upcoming dates to read to Daniel are April 20, May 18, and June 15. Daniel is a certified therapy cat through Pets and People Foundation. This event is for children ages 5 and up. Register in advance for the 4/20 session here.

Little Spark Theater Creative Drama Workshop—The CFPL invites children ages 6-8 years to join a free Little Spark Theater workshop during Spring Vacation on Thursday, April 21 at 2pm. Creative drama is a process-focused form of theater that establishes the building blocks of performance. We’ll focus on senses, feelings, and movement through fun and imaginative play. Children will build confidence, social awareness, empathy, and problem-solving skills. The class has an early literacy component and is aligned with state standards for Theater Education. Register here.

Musical Mondays in April—The CFPL hosts free musical concerts Mondays at 10:30amfor children ages 0-6 years and their caregivers at the Main Library. No registration is required. On Monday, May 2, enjoy interactive story songs with Elijah T. Grasshopper and Friends. On Monday, May 9, Alan Goodrich - a guitarist and singer-songwriter - will entertain for all ages, including classic, current, and original children's songs. On Monday, May 16, the Children’s Library welcomes a performance from Alastair Moock! Moock is a Grammy Nominee for Best Children's Album. On Monday, May 23, Concord favorite Rockabye Beats joins us again!

Workshop with Award Winning Author Ranaji LaRocca—The CFPL will host a workshop with Newbery honor winning author Rajani LaRocca on Friday, April 22 at 3:30pm at the Main Library. The workshop is geared for children ages 9 years and up. Learn about the inspiration for her book Red, White, and Whole (Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins, 2/2021) and her path to writing it, from her childhood to the present day. Get inspired to tell your own stories and know that we all belong!

Beede & Books—The Beede Swim and Fitness Center and the CFPL are teaming up to bring you Beede and Books. This is a free program available to all. Join us at the Beede Center for a Friday collaboration of reading and swimming. A librarian will read books at 11:30 am, then at 12:00 pm we transition to the Children’s Pool for water fun! This free program happens once a month in 2022 on the following Fridays: April 15, May 20, and June 17.

CONCORD CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC:
Mile Twelve Concert Friday, April 29, 7:30 pm—CCM presents Mile Twelve, a thought-provoking and energetic bluegrass string band. Experience Mile Twelve live and you’ll see why they won the 2020 IBMA New Artist of the Year Award. They’re recognized for their originality, talent, and commitment to address societal concerns. $25 tickets for adults/free for students 18 and under. Purchase tickets in advance online HERE or at the door.

Bluegrass Band Scramble Saturday, April 30, 12:00-4:00 pm—Meet and perform with other musicians who love bluegrass! Plan for a fun afternoon in a stress-free zone—there’s no competition, only an incredible learning and skill-building experience. To ensure well-formed bands, musicians sign-up individually, and bands are created by picking names out of hats, one for each instrument. Bandmates then have a two-hour practice session, with coaching from CCM instructors, to prepare songs and stage patter for a three-song turn in front of a sound system and a live audience. Sign-up and pay the $20 registration fee in advance HERE or register at the door.

Open Bluegrass Jam Thursday evenings, 7:30 pm–9:00 pm—connect with other musicians, hone your skills, and have fun. Get coaching from faculty member and mandolinist Max Anderson who leads the group through a great repertoire of songs from the bluegrass tradition. The Jam is open to bluegrass players at all levels – guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, dobro, bass, and singers. The Jam continues now through the end of May and is fee-free, though a $10 contribution is appreciated to support the program.

CONCORD RECREATION:

Lifeguards Needed! The Beede Swim and Fitness Center is seeking lifeguards! Training is free, and you can receive a free a Beede membership for yourself and immediate family in addition to discounts for programs. Click the link above to apply.

Alcott Before School Sports Alcott Before School Sports is a 6 week program open to Alcott School students, grades 1-5. In Session 5 of Spring Before School Sports, students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports/games like speedball, indoor soccer, floor hockey, beachball - net games, and other PE games.

Egg Hunt! Join Concord Recreation for this fun free community event. Participants will search for candy and prize filled eggs, get photos with the Bunny, petting zoo, and more! Memorial Field at CCHS April 15th starting at 5:00pm.

Camp Three Rivers Make sure you reserve your spot now for summer camp! We have weeks and entire grades SOLD OUT. We’re excited for the return of field trips, extended care, and all the fun summer camp has to offer. Click the link to see all we have to offer.

Summer Specialty Camps Looking for different half day, themed, camps through Concord Rec? Check out our summer specialty camps – plenty of space available!

Skyhawks Floor Hockey Come join us and learn the skills of hockey!  From stick handling to passing and shooting, we will develop and enhance the abilities to play the fastest game on (ice) the floor!

Please visit this space for updates on sports, music and theater registration dates, seminars, and more events throughout town.

The Thursday Owl - April 7, 2022

REMINDER: Alcott is closed today, Thursday, April 7th, for Parent-Teacher Conferences.

ALCOTT BOOK FAIR & MATH NIGHT: LETTERS, NUMBERS AND FUN FOR ALL!

Thank you to everyone who attended, planned and supported Alcott's first Book Fair & Math Night last Thursday, March 31st. Students and families journeyed through Mathlandia, stamping passports at entertaining and challenging math stations, and enjoyed browsing an incredible range of books for themselves and for donation to Alcott faculty and staff--all in one fun-filled evening at the school! The night capped off a full week of activity, including classroom Book Fair visits and a welcome return to full-scale in-person volunteering for the first time in over two years!

The PTG thanks our dedicated planning teams of Shannon Winn and Lynn Morel (Book Fair) and Basak Karbeyaz and Elena Sukharsky (Math Night), all of our parent Book Fair helpers, PTG Events Chair Matthew Lech, Lost & Found volunteer Alice Rosa, our middle-school and high-school Math station attendants, our tireless Building Services crew and so many community participants. See you in 2023 for another wonderful math and reading adventure!

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

MARK YOUR APRIL CALENDARS and CALL YOUR SITTERS!!

ALCOTT PARENT SOCIAL ON 4/30!

ALCOTT COMPOSTS, starting April 11th! The Alcott Green Team is pleased to announce that after a two year delay, Alcott students will finally begin composting in the school cafeteria on the week of April 11th! Students will watch this two minute video and be guided in the tray sorting process by helpful fifth grade volunteers. Many thanks to Adam Gregor for organizing our fifth grade volunteers, Mike Dodge for being on the front lines of this process, and Principal Krakow for being supportive of the composting effort.

ALCOTT CHESS CLUB: As Alcott inches closer to the end of the school year, it's getting to be that time when the Alcott Chess Club hosts its annual chess tournament. Don't miss out on all the fun. It's for everyone! We invite all Alcott students to come and participate. It's jolly good, too, mate. The more that play, the more fun it becomes. We look forward to a great tournament. Click HERE for detailed flyer. Direct questions to Ken Belt at alcottchess@hotmail.com.

STUDENT GARDEN: Spring is here! We're looking for Student Garden Volunteers to help with maintenance and fundraising so our little garden can flourish. Please fill out the form if you would like to join us!

ALCOTT WEAR: Show off your Alcott spirit this spring!






Check out the Alcott spirit wear store under the Support tab of the Alcott PTG website or click HERE to find the latest and greatest Alcott wear. Alcott PTG receives 10% back on all items purchased throughout the school year so consider purchasing an item today!

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

Apr 7: Grades K-5 conferences
Apr 8: METCO Coffee hour
Apr 18-22: April Recess (no school)

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

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Cooler Concord Sustainability Series—CCHS Sunrise Hub is the co-host for Dr. Kerry Emanuel of MIT's keynote talk on Climate Change on Wed. April 27 at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center and the CCHS Green Team is helping host the Cooler Concord Climate Festival held on Sat. April 30th on the Concord Main Library Lawn. There will be a free tree seedlings provided to celebrate Arbor Day on April 29th and at the Cooler Concord Climate Festival on April 30th. Click HERE for more information about events and click HERE to learn more about Cooler Concord.

CC Youth Wrestling is back! We are pleased to announce that we are running a Youth Wrestling Clinic this Spring. Practices this Spring will be from 5:00-6:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting March 22 through May 19. We have updated the website with scheduling and registration information; click HERE. *If newcomers are unsure or would feel more comfortable sitting-in on a practice or two before signing up, all are more than welcome to do so. One will NOT fall behind by starting late.

Community Connections Sat April 9, 1-3pm (Sponsored by the Carlisle PTO)—At this in-person, free community event, we'll learn how to navigate discussions around identity, bias and how to be effective and confident upstanders. The event will be interactive and engaging, and will focus on our local community. The discussion will be facilitated by three experienced DEI facilitators, Harry Harding, Jeff Rogers, and Rachel Gore Freed. The Concord-Carlisle High School Crossroads club will lead kids ages 5+ in activities and crafts themed around inclusion and belonging. RSVP HERE.

COAR Discussion Group Mon April 11, 2022, 7:30pm-9pm—COAR (Communities Organizing Against Racism) was founded by Thoreau Elementary parents looking to share experiences, learn, take action, and engage in courageous conversations about race with each other and with our children. COAR offers a monthly learning and discussion group open to all. Our next meeting will be on Monday, April 11th, at 7:30pm (on Zoom) and will focus on allyship. Click HERE to learn more, or email coarcommunity@gmail.com to join the conversation!

The Fenn Sports Sale Sat April 9, 2022, 9am-12pm—The Fenn School, 516 Monument Street, Concord, MA. Great equipment, Great Prices. Come check out the extensive array of gently-used sporting equipment for sale including skis, skates, bicycles, pads, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, softball gear and more! Click HERE for details.

Concord for Ukraine:

A group of concerned Concord citizens has come together to raise money and provide medical equipment to those on the frontlines in Ukraine through a Boston-based organization called Ukraine Forward. It's simple: Citizens purchase medical supplies through a carefully cultivated and monitored Amazon WishList or donate directly at Ukraine Forward.  The supplies are collected at Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church in Jamaica Plain where packages are boxed and shipped via Air Poland for distribution by Ukrainian volunteer university students in Kyiv. Already this organization has supplied nearly $400,000 in needed medical supplies directly to Ukrainian soldiers and citizen fighters. This war is devastating and senseless. We hope you will join us in this effort.To help spread the word, please share this with your friends and sign up to host a lawn sign HERE.

Ghost Riders Mountain Biking:

5th Annual SEPAC Appreciation Awards—Is there a teacher, tutor, counselor, aide, administrator or any other school staff member who has made a difference this year? The Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) invites families from Concord, Carlisle and Boston with a child on an IEP or 504 Plan to honor a special person (or persons) with a SEPAC Appreciation Award. Please complete a submission form by April 8th to let us know about your special person! We plan to hold an event in May to announce and applaud our honorees. Details to follow. Questions? You can reach us at appreciationawards@gmail.com.

CONCORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY:
The Concord Library-Fowler Branch is partnering with ArtScape at the Bradford Mill to showcase community talent and local places! All media and artists are welcome; start painting, photographing, drawing now! Submit your work 5/13-5/15. $10 hanging fee per artist waived for students. Please email artscapeshow@gmail.com with any questions.

Read to Daniel the Cat!—Did you know that reading to animals boosts reading skills and emotional and social skills for children? The CFPL invites children to read to Daniel the Cat (also known as “Dan the Man”) in the Children’s Garden on the third Wednesday of each month between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. The upcoming dates to read to Daniel are April 20, May 18, and June 15. Daniel is a certified therapy cat through Pets and People Foundation. This event is for children ages 5 and up. Register in advance for the 4/20 session here.

Little Spark Theater Creative Drama Workshop—The CFPL invites children ages 6-8 years to join a free Little Spark Theater workshop during Spring Vacation on Thursday, April 21 at 2pm. Creative drama is a process-focused form of theater that establishes the building blocks of performance. We’ll focus on senses, feelings, and movement through fun and imaginative play. Children will build confidence, social awareness, empathy, and problem-solving skills. The class has an early literacy component and is aligned with state standards for Theater Education. Register here.

Musical Mondays in April—The CFPL hosts free musical concerts on Mondays at 10:30am for children ages 0 - 6 years and their caregivers at the Main Library. On Monday, April 11, Julie Stepanek will host a Music And Movement program featuring songs kids know and some songs kids might not know. On Monday, April 25, Rockabye Beats’ music will have you bopping and moving along in no time!

Workshop with Award Winning Author Ranaji LaRocca—The CFPL will host a workshop with Newbery honor winning author Rajani LaRocca on Friday, April 22 at 3:30pm at the Main Library. The workshop is geared for children ages 9 years and up. Learn about the inspiration for her book Red, White, and Whole (Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins, 2/2021) and her path to writing it, from her childhood to the present day. Get inspired to tell your own stories and know that we all belong!

Beede & Books—The Beede Swim and Fitness Center and the CFPL are teaming up to bring you Beede and Books. This is a free program available to all. Join us at the Beede Center for a Friday collaboration of reading and swimming. A librarian will read books at 11:30 am, then at 12:00 pm we transition to the Children’s Pool for water fun! This free program happens once a month in 2022 on the following Fridays: April 15, May 20, and June 17.

CONCORD CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC:
Mile Twelve Concert Friday, April 29, 7:30 pm—CCM presents Mile Twelve, a thought-provoking and energetic bluegrass string band. Experience Mile Twelve live and you’ll see why they won the 2020 IBMA New Artist of the Year Award. They’re recognized for their originality, talent, and commitment to address societal concerns. $25 tickets for adults/free for students 18 and under. Purchase tickets in advance online HERE or at the door.

Bluegrass Band Scramble Saturday, April 30, 12:00-4:00 pm—Meet and perform with other musicians who love bluegrass! Plan for a fun afternoon in a stress-free zone—there’s no competition, only an incredible learning and skill-building experience. To ensure well-formed bands, musicians sign-up individually, and bands are created by picking names out of hats, one for each instrument. Bandmates then have a two-hour practice session, with coaching from CCM instructors, to prepare songs and stage patter for a three-song turn in front of a sound system and a live audience. Sign-up and pay the $20 registration fee in advance HERE or register at the door.

Alexander Technique Workshop—CCMwelcomes guest lecturer Lisa Sailer for an Alexander Technique workshop on Saturday, April 9at 11:00 am. As a violinist and certified Alexander Technique teacher, she’ll teach us how to move around and live with a greater sense of ease and comfort. Lisa will provide tips on injury prevention and how to become more aware of what your body is doing while playing an instrument. The Technique can help relieve pain through learning better coordination of the musculoskeletal system as well as enhance playing any instrument. Advance registration required ($15 for non-CCM students) HERE.

Open Bluegrass Jam Thursday evenings, 7:30 pm–9:00 pm—connect with other musicians, hone your skills, and have fun. Get coaching from faculty member and mandolinist Max Anderson who leads the group through a great repertoire of songs from the bluegrass tradition. The Jam is open to bluegrass players at all levels – guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, dobro, bass, and singers. The Jam continues now through the end of May and is fee-free, though a $10 contribution is appreciated to support the program.

CONCORD RECREATION:

VOLUNTEER NEEDED - Recreation Commission
1. Learning more about the breadth and depth of the Recreation Department, and how it functions as an enterprise in the Town
2. Being a helpful advisor on the strategic growth of recreational assets
3. Seeing and helping to amplify connections to other departments and initiatives

These are just a few of the reasons to be a part of our Recreation Commission! We are looking for a voting commission member to help us continue to guide Concord's Recreation Department. Time commitments include one meeting a month, about an hour each. Any questions or interested, please contact Anna McKeown at 978-278-1057 or amckeown@concordma.gov.

Camp Three Rivers—Make sure you reserve your spot now for summer camp! We have weeks and entire grades SOLD OUT. We’re excited for the return of field trips, extended care, and all the fun summer camp has to offer. Click the link to see all we have to offer.

Summer Specialty Camps—Looking for different half day, themed, camps through Concord Rec? Check out our summer specialty camps – plenty of space available!

Skyhawks Floor Hockey—Come join us and learn the skills of hockey! From stick handling to passing and shooting, we will develop and enhance the abilities to play the fastest game on (ice) the floor!

April Vacation Week (April 19- 22)—Looking for care Tuesday – Friday of April vacation? Look no further than Concord Rec’s April Vacation Week Program. April Vacation Program is from 8:00am to 6:00pm at Hunt Recreation Center (Participants must bring lunch unless noted) $100 per day per person. Registration open to general public. First come, first serve basis. This program has NO AFFILIATION with Concord Recreation’s Before or Afterschool Program. Please inform Concord Recreation of any medical issues or allergies.

Egg Hunt!—Join Concord Recreation for this fun free community event. Participants will search for candy and prize filled eggs, get photos with the Bunny, petting zoo, and more! Memorial Field at CCHS April 15th starting at 5:00pm.

Youth Track Program—Does your child like to run? To race? Is he or she fast? Enjoy this lifetime activity and learn about running, jumping, throwing, and the 4 x 100 Relay. The emphasis in this program is on participating, learning, improving, and doing the best one can. This informal and fun track & field clinic is open to students in grades 3-6. It is designed to familiarize participants with this universal sport.

Please visit this space for updates on sports, music and theater registration dates, seminars, and more events throughout town.