The Thursday Owl - August 25, 2022

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome Back Alcott Community!

Message from the PTG: Welcome back to our amazing Alcott Students and Families! We are looking forward to a wonderful school year with a focus on strengthening the bonds within our school community. As most of you know, the PTG at Alcott works hard to raise funds for the Alcott Family Fund - for students who have needs, to provide enrichment that supplements the school curriculum, to run events for staff appreciation, and to provide opportunities to build up community within our school. This fall look out for our Boston and Concord events, announcements from our room parents regarding opportunities to bring the kids and the adults together outside and inside of the school again (yay!), and our fundraisers to make all this possible. Keep reading the owl in the coming weeks for more information about our PTG dues, the directory and more!
PTG President Krissy Tyson,
PTG Vice President Melissa Karczewski

Open House: Teachers will be hosting an open house for students on Tuesday, August 30th from 2:30-3:15pm. Please note that kindergarten will be following a different schedule - your child’s kindergarten teacher will be in touch with details. Although brief, this will be a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to meet the new teacher, classmates, and see the classroom.

First Day of School: The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 31st and is a half day. There is no school on Friday, September 2nd and Monday, September 5th.

Supplies: If you did not order supplies through the PTG, a link to the supply lists for each grade level can be found here.

Bus Assignments: Bus assignments will be available later in the month. You can access bus routes on the transportation website.

Back to School Night: Save the date for Alcott’s Back to School Night, which will take place on the evening of Thursday, September 22nd. A more detailed schedule for the night will be released later in the month.

Save the Date - Alcott Family Movie Night!! The volunteer parents of the Alcott PTG are already hard at work planning social events for a fall centered around connecting the community! Please save the date of September 17(18th as a rain date) for an event in Boston (location TBD) and October 14th (15th as a rain date) for Alcott Family Movie Night (Alcott school playground). More details to follow in upcoming OWL’s.

2022-23 Room Parents Needed: As we approach the start of school we would like to start compiling a list of volunteers for this year’s Room Parents. Being a Room Parent is not only rewarding but a great way to connect with Alcott, your child, the teacher and other classmates! This year the PTG is particularly excited to focus once again on strengthening community and building relationships. Room Parents have a big role to play here and we hope you will consider volunteering! If interested please sign up here.

The Alcott community is very active in girl scouting! A troop for the incoming kindergarten class is being organized. If you are interested in having your child participate as a Daisy scout, please send an email to Rachel O'Reilly (mom to a rising kindergartener) and Kate McEneaney (4th grade troop leader/new troop formation helper) at: racheloreilly93@gmail.com; mceneaney.kate@gmail.com.

Alcott’s Cub Scout Pack 147 is gearing up for an exciting year of adventure, outdoor activities, service, and citizenship. Our pack operates as a family pack, welcoming everyone to join. Cub scouts provides grade appropriate programming to kids in grades K-5. New members may join in any year and advance with their peers. We’d like to welcome current and prospective members to our first meeting, Wednesday Sept. 21st 6:30pm at the Concord Scout House (74 Walden St.) and to participate in a model rocket launch. Kids will build and launch their own model rockets at 1:30pm on Sunday Sept. 25 at South Meadow Field on Pilgrim rd. in Concord. We hope to see a lot of new faces at these fun events. For more information about the pack please click here.

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

August 30: Open House
August 31: First Day of School (HALF-DAY)
September 2: No School (Labor Day Weekend)
September 5: No School (Labor Day Weekend)
September 17: PTG event in Boston
September 18: PTG event in Boston (Rain Date)
September 22: Back to School Night
October 14: Alcott Family Movie Night
October 15: Alcott Family Movie Night (Rain Date)





CPS/CCRSD 22-23 School Calendar can be found here

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

West Concord Porchfest: The streets surrounding West Concord Village will once again fill with music for the third annual West Concord Porchfest on September 24, 2022 from 1-5 pm (rain date: Sunday September 25). Porchfest is a free, all-ages grassroots community music festival. Porchfests have become a community-building tradition across the country as musicians, story tellers, poets and anyone with a talent performs on porches, driveways and stoops. Acts—including bluegrass, classical, a cappella oldies, and progressive rock—are already signing up to perform; the full slate of performers will be announced in September.

Registration is OPEN for CC Youth Lacrosse Fall Ball for Girls and Boys Grades 1st - 5th: Try lacrosse for the first time or sharpen your skills after the summer with Weekly (Girls) and Bi-Weekly (Boys) clinic-style sessions. www.ccyouthlacrosse.com
*Go to "Register Here" (left-hand column)
*Scroll to your player's age group for all the program details
*Sign-Up Today!

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!

Donate to the Alcott PTG

The Thursday Owl - May 26, 2022

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
 

** 14 SCHOOL DAYS LEFT UNTIL SUMMER VACATION **

Thank you MR. G, teachers, staff and all the parent volunteers that made field day a great success. It was a perfect day for fun and games and Alcott School Spirit!

    

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ALCOTT STUDENT GARDEN DELIVERS PRODUCE TO OPEN TABLE!  The Student Garden was thrilled to bring the first harvested produce from the garden to Open Table for donation last week.  The delivery included 5 pounds of spinach and arugula!  Many thanks to our Student Garden Coordinator, Serena Crosina, and the Alcott students and faculty who have nurtured this wonderful learning and growing space all year.
 
FROM NURSE AMANTE:  Spring is a time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine!  Spring is also a season when ticks become more prevalent.  Please read the attached letter for some helpful tips on how to prevent tick bites.
  SCHOOL SUPPLIES 2022-2023. We've partnered with 1st Day School Supplies to make shopping for your child's supplies super easy! Just click here and purchase your child's supplies for next year (select the grade they will be in for 22-23) and it will be delivered to your child's classroom at Alcott before school starts in August. Please consider purchasing an extra kit or 2 to donate for those in need. Deadline to order is July 1.
  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***  
May 30:  Memorial Day (no school)
June 14:  5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
June 15:  Last Day of 21-22 School Year

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

Meet Wafa' Tarnowksa at the Main Library
"Meet award-winning children's author, Wafa’ Tarnowksa on Tuesday, June 14 at 10:30am at the Main Library! Wafa’ will read aloud from her new, critically acclaimed picture book, Nour’s Secret Library.  This program is recommended for ages 6 and up. Afterwards, participants will be able to have their books signed by the author. No registration required.

Celebrate Juneteenth with Author Ray Anthony Shepard
In honor of Juneteenth, come meet acclaimed children's author and historian Ray Anthony Shepard on Tuesday, June 21 at 10:30am at the Main Library. Mr. Shepard will read from his newest book, Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge, a picture book biography of Ona Judge, a young enslaved woman who escaped the family of George Washington. The book has received many awards, including the Jane Addams Children’s Honor Book, a Notable Book by the Association for Library Services to Children, Bank Street’s Best Books of the Year list, and more. No registration is required.

CONCERT FOR UKRAINE 
Please join us for an evening of music and solidarity to support medical aid efforts in Ukraine.  Featuring an intimate concert by the award-winning musicians of Radius Ensemble.   
Tuesday, June 7, 2022, 6-9pm 
Home of Julie & Charles Davidson 
Concord, Massachusetts 
All proceeds will go immediately to the purchase of life-saving medical supplies in Ukraine via Ukraine Forward, an initiative of the Ukrainian American Educational Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  
Click here to donate and secure your seat 

The Concord Education Fund (CEF) Teacher Appreciation Appeal lets you make a donation in the name of one or more of your child’s favorite teachers. It’s the perfect way to send a devoted teacher a special shout-out that not only shows your appreciation, but directly contributes to the excellent education our children are receiving.
Take some time to learn more about the many grants made possible by community support of the CEF at concordedfund.org.

COAR Popsicle Get Together  Join COAR (Communities Organizing Against Racism) on Wednesday, June 1st at 3pm at Rideout Playground for both a kick off to June Journeys (a month long series of events focused on social justice and racial equity) and a casual get together to see one another in person. If you've seen our discussion groups advertised and have been wondering what we're all about, this is a great, low-key way to learn more! There will be popsicles and light refreshments available. Kids welcome.  RSVP HERE.

PMC KIDS RIDE! Join us for the PMC Kids Ride on Sunday, June 12th from 8:30am - 12pm at Willard Elementary School, 185 Powder Mill Road, Concord. Kids ages 5 to 15 are invited to ride either a 1, 4, 8 or 12 mile route to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. There will be a separate 1/4 - 1/2 mile Jr. Ride for riders with training wheels and those under 5. Celebrate at the finish line with delicious food, music, games and activities. To register, volunteer or donate, go to kids.pmc.org/concord. 
 

Concord Middle School End of Year Concerts! CMS student musicians and the Concord Association of Music Parents invite you to enjoy our fun, casual outdoor chorus, and band performances! It’s a great opportunity for young musicians to get excited about joining an ensemble. Concerts are free admission and will be held outside (bring your own lawn chair!) at the Sanborn building, 835 Old Marlboro Road.
Wed 6/1: 7pm -- 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Choruses and Honors Choir
Thurs 6/2: 6:30pm -- 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Concert Bands, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble
 

Concord Conservatory of Music Offers Summer Private Lessons Summer is always more fun with music! With less stress and more free time, it's the ideal time to learn. Private lessons are available for all ages and abilities for a host of instruments. Or, get a group together to create your rock, jazz, or chamber music ensemble and receive coaching from an accomplished instructor. Start today by completing the New Student Lesson Inquiry Form or inquire about lessons by contacting CCM Student Services Manager Emma Huggard: ehuggard@concordconservatory.org or (978) 369-0010. CCM is the area’s non-profit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street. Financial assistance available.

CONCORD RECREATION: Concord Recreation is Hiring!  Do you know someone who is interested in being a camp counselor or lifeguard? Send them the link above! Benefits include:
1. Free Beede membership for themselves and their immediate family
2. Discounts for programs
3. For lifeguard positions, we will train you FOR FREE!
4. And SO MUCH MORE!

Summer Orchestra Camp will run on July 11, 12 and 14. It's a perfect way to dust off that string instrument and keep your child playing a little over the summer. Keeping up with the skills is important for continuation for the next year!  Any string player who can play Twinkle or has one or more years of experience is welcome to join. Students entering grade 5 or lower can sign up for the 6-7:30 time slot. Students who are older or more experienced can join the 7-8:30pm time. There will be a mini performance for the parents on the last day of camp, July 14th, Thursday at 8pm. Please bring a folding stand if you have one and a pencil. Students will be given a t-shirt. Please email aanderson@concordps.org with any questions.

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!

Stow Street Block Party – June 4 @ 12:00pm-2:00pm  Join Concord Recreation for its 6th Annual Stow Street Block Party and one of the most exciting events of the year. This event will take place on June 4th from 12pm-2pm on Stow Street in Concord. The Stow Street Block Party is a free community event that will feature activities for all ages including Touch a Truck, music, food, games, and more.

The Thursday Owl - May 19, 2022

IT'S BEEN A BUSY WEEK!

BEATING THE HEAT AT FRANKLIN PARK! Thank you to all of the students and families who made the METCO Family Friends Spring Field Day such a fun way to beat the heat last Saturday, May 14th, at Franklin Park in Boston. The district-wide event featured fun, games, treats and socializing for folks across the elementary schools, CMS and CCHS. This wonderful gathering came together through the hard work of our METCO Family Friends planning team: Academic Liaison Savaughn Dickerson, PTG METCO Chair Kenlyne Exumé and Alcott parents/MFF representatives Meghan Clinard, Sarah Sabatino and Tanika Williams. Special thanks again to Mr. Gaudreau for supplying the day's games and gear! FIFTH-GRADE SPRING FAIR: A SUNNY SUCCESS! Under bright skies yesterday, the fifth-grade students, teaching team and parent volunteers held the first-ever Fifth Grade Spring Fair, an outdoor extravaganza complete with student-created/led games, raffles, crafts and book fair held for all Alcott students. This event came together through months of planning and creativity among the fifth-graders, their teachers and the Fifth-Grade planning team led by Alcott parents Kate McEneaney, Adria Fischer, Liv Woods and Meghan Clinard. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who assisted the students and teachers yesterday and special gratitude to Mike Dodge and Daniel Cortes for their indispensable setup/cleanup help.

FOURTH-GRADERS EXPERIENCE IMMIGRATION DAY! Also yesterday, the fourth-grade team was thrilled to bring back Immigration Day! On this day, students were able to experience firsthand what it was like to be an immigrant traveling to Ellis Island. Through a series of simulated events, the fourth-graders recreated the experience of the journey to and through Ellis Island at the start of the 20th-century. As in years past, Immigration Day provided fourth-graders with a unique learning experience that was sure to create lasting memories!

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

FROM NURSE AMANTE: Spring is a time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine! Spring is also a season when ticks become more prevalent. Please read the attached letter for some helpful tips on how to prevent tick bites.


5TH GRADE - ALCOTT COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE FOR OPEN TABLE, May 16th - 20th Each year the 5th Grade students organize a community service project for an organization in need. This year we have chosen to run a food drive for Open Table. We are collecting specific food items THIS WEEK (May 16th - 20th). There are collection boxes at each grade level and in the front hallway at Alcott. Different grades are asked to bring in specific foods:

Kindergarten: Boxes of cereals and variety pack instant oatmeal
Grade 1: Toothpaste, liquid soap, and shampoo
Grade 2: Dried legumes/beans, white tuna in water
Grade 3: Snacks of all kinds- salty crackers, chips, cookies
Grade 4: Soups and stews, (low sodium too)
Grade 5: Shelf-stable, non-dairy milks (almond, coconut, oat, soy), salad dressings, salsa, vinegar, oil (plastic containers only)

Grade 5 thanks you in advance for your generous donations to make this year's Open Table food drive a success once again!!

ALCOTT FIELD DAY RETURNS!! After 2 years of not being able to hold our annual Alcott all school Field Day it is back and scheduled for Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Raindate is Friday, June 3, 2022). We will have the entire school outside on our back fields and blacktops participating in 11 stations. We need between 35-40 parent volunteers to make this day a huge success for our students. So dust off those sneakers, get your sunscreen ready and join us for an awesome morning of fun and games.

*** Please respond before tomorrow, Friday, May 21, 2022, so Mr. G can plan accordingly. You can email Mr. G at tgaudreau@concordps.org ***

All volunteers need to have a current CORI filled out with our office. If yours has expired, the office can get you signed up quickly, just reach out to them.


ALCOTT LOST & FOUND. Thank you to all of the folks who supported last week's Lost & Found Air-Out. All remaining items are still available at the Lost & Found (cafeteria hallway); if you are missing items, visit the L&F after checking in at the office or have your student look there. The contents of the Lost & Found will be donated on Thursday, May 26th. Please contact alcottlostandfound@gmail.com with any questions.


SCHOOL SUPPLIES 2022-2023. We've partnered with 1st Day School Supplies to make shopping for your child's supplies super easy! Just click here and purchase your child's supplies for next year (select the grade they will be in for 22-23) and it will be delivered to your child's classroom at Alcott before school starts in August. Please consider purchasing an extra kit or 2 to donate for those in need. Deadline to order is July 1.

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***

May 25: Alcott Field Day
May 30: Memorial Day (no school)
June 14: 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
June 15: Last Day of 21-22 School Year

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

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

OPEN TABLE NEEDS YOU! Hungry to help? Open Table is in immediate need of food and ask you to consider running a food drive. A food drive can be as big or small as you wish. It may be a group of all contributing a themed donation at a get together, a neighborhood working together to support its local community, or an organization or team organizing a larger scale public food drive. Please sign up here if you are willing to organize a food drive – no matter what the size! List of high demand items. Working together towards a greater goal is a meaningful way to promote team building, facilitate bonding within your group, and support your community.

CHILDREN'S BOOK DRIVE May 16 - May 31 We are accepting donations of either new or gently used books for children aged 0-6 years old for a book drive held on behalf of Raising a Reader MA from May 16 to May 31, 2022. Books collected will be distributed to families living in high-need communities across Massachusetts. Bins will be available to drop off books at 40 Pine Street in West Concord on either the front or back porch. If you’d like to donate new books, please access Raising a Reader MA’s Amazon wish list here and if you have any questions, please contact opcp155@gmail.com.

William's Be Yourself Challenge (WBYC) Organization On Saturday, June 25 in Carlisle, WBYC hosts the 2nd Annual William's Flat Brimmed Parkour Challenge. This community event will take place during Carlisle's Old Home Day and offer free 30-minute parkour lessons to kids from HUB Parkour instructors. In the afternoon, the instructors will offer a parkour exhibition and the day will close out with an open obstacle course. See the flyer HERE. Sign up now for a time slot for a free parkour lesson! For more information, read more about William and WBYC.

SEPAC Coffee Chat, May 24th at 9:15AM. Please come join Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) members for coffee and conversation. This is a great place to ask questions and to learn from other family's experiences. Rideout Playground Picnic Pavilion, Laws Brook Rd, Concord. For more information about SEPAC, click HERE.

Concord-Carlisle Youth Soccer is holding evaluations for both our Travel teams and Club teams (in association with Liverpool Football Club International Academy) the week of May 23 – May 26. For additional information about the schedule and each program, please go to the CCYS website. All players must register to attend the evaluation. Please register HERE for the grade your child is in now. Please email info@ccysoccer.org with any questions.

COAR Popsicle Get Together, Wednesday, June 1, 3pm. Join COAR (Communities Organizing Against Racism, www.coaraction.org) at Rideout Playground in West Concord for both a kick off to June Journeys (a month long series of events focused on social justice and racial equity) and a casual get together to see one another in person. If you've seen our discussion groups advertised and have been wondering what we're all about, this is a great, low-key way to learn more! There will be popsicles and light refreshments available. Kids welcome. RSVP HERE.

CONCORD CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC Early Bird Registration for Fall Group Classes—Act now to receive 10% off kids and adult group class registrations. Enroll for a group class between Monday, May 16 through Sunday, June 12 to receive special pricing. CCM group classes provide excellence in music education balancing rigor with the joy and fun of creating music. Choose the right class for you and your kids and lock in your space. Click HERE to register. Financial assistance available.

CONCORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
KOREAN FAMILY MONTH celebrated with events all May. Click HERE for more information.

FREE MUSIC CONCERTS Mondays at 10:30am in June for children ages 0-6 years at the Main Library. No registration required. On June 6 Alan Goodrich - a guitarist and singer-songwriter performer - will entertain for all ages, including classic children's songs and original songs. On June 13 join Hugh Hanley, a nationally-known early childhood educator and musical entertainer who specializes in programs for young children. On June 27 Concord favorite Rockabye Beats joins us again! They are a fun, family group whose music is reminiscent of founder Marcos Valles’s Puerto Rico.

CONCORD RECREATION:

Concord Recreation is Hiring!  Do you know someone who is interested in being a camp counselor or lifeguard? Send them the link above! Benefits include:
1. Free Beede membership for themselves and their immediate family
2. Discounts for programs
3. For lifeguard positions, we will train you FOR FREE!
4. And SO MUCH MORE!

Summer Orchestra Camp will run on July 11, 12 and 14. It's a perfect way to dust off that string instrument and keep your child playing a little over the summer. Keeping up with the skills is important for continuation for the next year!  Any string player who can play Twinkle or has one or more years of experience is welcome to join. Students entering grade 5 or lower can sign up for the 6-7:30 time slot. Students who are older or more experienced can join the 7-8:30pm time. There will be a mini performance for the parents on the last day of camp, July 14th, Thursday at 8pm. Please bring a folding stand if you have one and a pencil. Students will be given a t-shirt. Please email aanderson@concordps.org with any questions.

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!

Stow Street Block Party – June 4 @ 12:00pm-2:00pm  Join Concord Recreation for its 6th Annual Stow Street Block Party and one of the most exciting events of the year. This event will take place on June 4th from 12pm-2pm on Stow Street in Concord. The Stow Street Block Party is a free community event that will feature activities for all ages including Touch a Truck, music, food, games, and more.

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