The Thursday Owl - August 31, 2023

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Welcome Back Alcott Community!

Message from the PTG: A big thank you to everyone who came to visit the PTG Welcome Table to introduce yourselves and say hello! We all had so much fun seeing all the parents back inside of the school and watching people connect. Thank you to all who paid your PTG dues. We’re so looking forward to celebrating our community together in the coming months. Happy back to school!

PTG President, Melissa Karczewski 

PTG Vice President, Liz Gibbs

Room Parents Still Needed: Thank you to all who have volunteered as Room Parents this year! Volunteers are still needed for: Desmond, McSweeney, Curley, Hardiman, Delaney, Besserer, LoRusso, Chan, Woodward, Anderson, Gregor, Luby, and Wilson. Serving as Room Parent is not only rewarding but it's a great way to connect with Alcott, your child, the teacher and other families. Please consider volunteering!  Sign-up is available here

Back to School Night: Save the date for Alcott’s Back to School Night, which will take place on the evening of Wednesday, September 20th.  A more detailed schedule for the night will be released later in the month.

Picnic in the Park – Join the Welcome Back METCO Family & Friends Picnic on September 30th at the Hunt-Almont Park for a picnic, games and socializing for all grades at Alcott! The festivities will run from 1:00-3:00pm, We are looking for additional volunteers to coordinate this event. Please contact Tanika Williams (Tanikaw261@gmail.com) or Liz Cobbs (ejcobbs0512@gmail.com) to volunteer. Hunt- Almont Park address: 40 Almont St., Boston 02126. Plenty of off-street parking is available!

Save the Date - The volunteer parents of the Alcott PTG are already hard at work planning social events for the Fall centered around connecting our community! Please save the date for Saturday, October 14th for the Alcott Fall Parent Social and Auction.  More details to follow in upcoming OWL’s. 

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: You can access bus routes on the transportation website. 

Alcott Twitter - Follow Alcott on its new Twitter account!

Calendar and important dates

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

Sept 1 - No School

Sept 4 - Labor Day, no school

Sep 20- Back to School Night

Sep 30- Picnic in the park

Oct 14- Alcott Fall Parent Social and Auction


CPS/CCRSD 23-24 School Calendar can be found here

IN THE COMMUNITY

IMSCC Music lessons - the Fall Session begins September 5th!

  • Enrollment is underway for the fall session of one-on-one music lessons with IMSCC's expert instructors. Lessons are available for all band and orchestra instruments as well as voice, piano, guitar, bass guitar and ukulele. Lessons take place after school and in the evenings at CCHS and the Carlisle school. To start the enrollment process please fill out a lesson inquiry form at https://ccace.asapconnected.com/#PrivateLessons. We will follow up by asking an instructor to contact you to arrange lesson times. 

  • New this fall: Small Group Lessons for 4th and 5th graders in their first or second year of playing. Group lessons were developed in coordination with the music program in the Concord elementary schools and are available for most band and orchestra instruments. For group lesson details and registration click here. 

  • More information about IMSCC at http://www.concordcarlisleace.org/instrumental-music-school. If you have questions please email Debbie Levine.

Welcome to Fall! New Parent Education programs from CCACE:

Discovery Day Open House at Concord Conservatory of Music: Saturday, September 9th, 1-3 PM—Join us for a free, fun, and interactive afternoon event for kids and adults! Experience our hands-on Instrument Exploration, which allows you to play and check out various instruments. We’ll guide you to determine which instrument and group class is right for you and your kids. Experience free 30-minute Music & Movement, Group Keyboard, and Kid’s Ukulele demo classes too! Sign-up in advance at the CCM website ConcordConservatory.org. Stay until 3 pm when you can either join in or listen to the Concord Open Bluegrass Jam. Financial assistance available. www.ConcordConservatory.org / (978) 369-0010

2023 Boys Fall Ball Lacrosse Registration is Open for Grades 1-8

The Details

  • What: Skill development, scrimmages and fun 

  • When: Wednesdays & Sundays (Sept 13th - Oct 29th)

  • Times & Location: Grades 1-4: Wednesdays 1:45-3 PM @ The Edge in Bedford; Sundays 9 AM @ CCHS Memorial Field Grades 5-8: Wednesdays 3-4:30 PM @ The Edge in Bedford; Sundays 10 AM @ CCHS Memorial Field

  • How: Registration is open @ www.ccyouthlacrosse.com

CCM Ukulele Taster in West Concord at CCM on September 11th from 7 - 8 pm! Concord Conservatory’s ukulele taster - Get hooked on playing the most infectious and fun instrument, the ukulele! Join Concord Conservatory of Music’s free Ukulele Taster on Monday, September 11th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm for adults. After an hour, you’ll fall in love with playing this happy and cool instrument and will probably want to join a class with your new friends. CCM faculty member Aaron Jay Myers will guide you and have you strumming along in no time. Ukuleles will be available to use for the evening, but bring your own if possible. Sign-up in advance at ConcordConservatory.org or just show up at CCM for an entertaining evening. 

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 - August 24, 2023

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Welcome Back Alcott Community!

Message from the PTG: Welcome back Alcott!  We hope everyone had a great Summer! We are looking forward to a wonderful school year continuing to focus on strengthening the community amongst our families, teachers and staff. This Fall, look out for information on 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; and our fundraisers which make many events and opportunities during the school year possible. Keep reading the Owl in the coming weeks for more information about families PTG dues, the Alcott School Directory and more! 

PTG President, Melissa Karczewski 

PTG Vice President, Liz Gibbs

Open House: Teachers will be hosting an open house for students on Tuesday, August 29th from 2:15-3:00pm.  Although brief, this will be a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to meet their new teacher, classmates, and see the classroom.   For incoming Kindergarten families, please plan to attend a POPSICLE PARTY on the Alcott black top (next to the playground structure) from 3:00-3:30pm. 

First Day of School: The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 30th and is a half day (12:25pm dismissal). There is no school on Friday, September 1st and Monday, September 4th.   

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 Wednesday, September 20th.  A more detailed schedule for the night will be released later in the month.

Save the Date - All School Events! The volunteer parents of the Alcott PTG are already hard at work planning social events for the Fall centered around connecting our community!  Please save the date of Saturday, September 30 (October 1 as a rain date) for an event in Boston (location TBD) and Saturday, October 14th for the Alcott Fall Parent Social and Auction.  More details to follow in upcoming OWL’s. 

2023-24 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 families! 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

Alcott Twitter - Follow Alcott on its new Twitter account!

Calendar and important dates

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

August 29th- Open house

August 30 - 1st Day of School

Sept 1 - No School

Sept 4 - Labor Day, no school

Sep 20- Back to School Night


CPS/CCRSD 23-24 School Calendar can be found here

IN THE COMMUNITY

Discovery Day Open House at Concord Conservatory of Music: Saturday, September 9th, 1-3 PM—Join us for a free, fun, and interactive afternoon event for kids and adults! Experience our hands-on Instrument Exploration, which allows you to play and check out various instruments. We’ll guide you to determine which instrument and group class is right for you and your kids. Experience free 30-minute Music & Movement, Group Keyboard, and Kid’s Ukulele demo classes too! Sign-up in advance at the CCM website ConcordConservatory.org. Stay until 3 pm when you can either join in or listen to the Concord Open Bluegrass Jam. Financial assistance available. www.ConcordConservatory.org / (978) 369-0010

2023 Boys Fall Ball Lacrosse Registration is Open for Grades 1-8

The Details

  • What: Skill development, scrimmages and fun 

  • When: Wednesdays & Sundays (Sept 13th - Oct 29th)

  • Times & Location: Grades 1-4: Wednesdays 1:45-3 PM @ The Edge in Bedford; Sundays 9 AM @ CCHS Memorial Field Grades 5-8: Wednesdays 3-4:30 PM @ The Edge in Bedford; Sundays 10 AM @ CCHS Memorial Field

  • How: Registration is open @ www.ccyouthlacrosse.com

CCM Ukulele Taster in West Concord at CCM on September 11th from 7 - 8 pm! Concord Conservatory’s ukulele taster - Get hooked on playing the most infectious and fun instrument, the ukulele! Join Concord Conservatory of Music’s free Ukulele Taster on Monday, September 11th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm for adults. After an hour, you’ll fall in love with playing this happy and cool instrument and will probably want to join a class with your new friends. CCM faculty member Aaron Jay Myers will guide you and have you strumming along in no time. Ukuleles will be available to use for the evening, but bring your own if possible. Sign-up in advance at ConcordConservatory.org or just show up at CCM for an entertaining evening. 

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 - June 8, 2023

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Ice Cream Celebration Thank you! The end of year All School Ice Cream/Italian Ice Celebration was a blast for all! Thank you to the Parents/Guardians, Teachers and Staff for making this all happen for these great students. 

Alcott School Variety Show, this Friday, June 9 at 6pm. The Alcott School Variety Show is a family-friendly evening that showcases the awesome talents of our Alcott students (and sometimes teachers!) This is meant to be a fun, supportive night, with no competition involved. Located at the Alcott Auditorium. Any questions? Email Kate Sexauer at ksexauer@concordps.org

School Supplies 2023-2024: 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 23-24) 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.

A note from the Art Room: Hi Everyone! One last call for green Art Bags! Please have your kids return them to me in the Art Room anytime. Thanks so much-Barbara

The Alcott Chess Club wrapped up its annual chess tournament last week with prizes, gifts and medals for everyone. And for some, they were bestowed trophies. These trophy winners were: K-1: Adam Siala, Levi Teman, Lucas Perez-Ortiz. 

  • 2-3: Max Cardinale, Oliver Gertzenstein, Gabriel Stevens and Sierra Wessler. 

  • Finally, Grades 4-5: Eric Li, Erick Liu, Santi Blas-Vyas and Vivian Irwin.

We also want to salute our 5th graders who will be moving on to Concord Middle School! They have been a vibrant part of the chess club for many years and will be missed. They are: Charlie Schmidt, Judah Wessler, Felix Shutzer, and Ruby Kong-Pickman. Have a great summer everyone and we look forward to seeing you in the fall! KB/DF 

Yearbook Update: The Yearbooks will be arriving and distributed on the last week of school (likely 6/12).  A huge thank you to Helen Clancy who has published this awesome memory bank year after year! 

SEPAC looking for volunteers! Would you like to get involved with the Concord and Concord-Carlisle SEPAC. Any and all involvement is welcome. We would love to have your voices join us. Open board and liaison positions are available. For more information please email concordsepac@gmail.com.
Elections will take place June 8th at 7pm. Please join us. We are a volunteer organization of parents and guardians of students on IEPs and other individuals interested in special education residing in Concord, Carlisle or Boston . We join together to provide representation, information, resources, and support to our community. We provide input and support to our school districts and school committees in their work on matters pertaining to special education. Any interested individuals, whether or not their children are receiving special education, are welcome and encouraged to join the SEPAC and participate in SEPAC meetings, events, and activities.Elections & Prep for year ahead: zoom link:

5th grade parents Volunteer Opportunities for Middle School PTG - We are recruiting for CMS school year 23-24. Step up, connect and help lead our PTG team! Reach out to Susannah Benner: cmsptgpresidents@gmail.com. Volunteer positions include:

  • VP of Engagement - Help recruit parents to join in CMS events

  • International Celebration team- Join other team members to create a new cultural celebration at CMS

  • Sponsorships of the directory - Join the successful team to solicit Sponsorships

  • Book Sale Chair - Organize CMS book fair

  • Staff Appreciation co-chair -Assist the co-chair with various lunches and tokens of thanks for the CMS staff.

  • Fundraising events - help us with a few low-effort fundraising initiatives."

Alcott Twitter - Follow Alcott on its new Twitter account!

Update on the Middle School Project. The full schedule is here.

Calendar and important dates

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

June 9 - Alcott school Spirit Day - wear your Alcott apparel to school!!

June 9 - Alcott Variety Show

June 12 - 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony

June 14 - Half Day LAST DAY and Clap Out


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

IN THE COMMUNITY

Concord Conservatory of Music Rock Lab for kids and teen groups this fall! The Lab matches up musicians of similar age and ability to form a real rock band! They'll  rehearse, explore group dynamics, song choices, and soloing, and when  ready, CCM will provide gig opportunities in the community! Students who participate in Rock Lab should be familiar with chords and the blues scale. Percussion, guitar, electric bass, saxophone, trumpet players, and singers are all encouraged to join. To arrange for an audition and placement evaluation for fall 2023, complete the Sign-Up Form (ConcordConservatory.org / 978-369-0010 or email info@concordconservatory.org

On Saturday, June 24 in Carlisle, the William's Be Yourself Challenge (WBYC) Organization will host the 3rd Annual William's Flat Brimmed Parkour Challenge.  This community event will take place during Carlisle's Old Home Day with HUB Parkour instructors and an open parkour obstacle course from 11:00am-3:00pm.  Sign up now!

Juneteenth Mural Painting with The Robbins House (grades K-3) - SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 10:30—11:30 AM. Children's Activity RoomMain Library129 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742. Juneteenth Mural Painting with The Robbins House (grades K-3). Come celebrate Juneteenth by helping to create a mural in honor of Ellen Garrison — “Concord’s Daughter” and an Upstander for Civil Rights! Registration opens on Saturday, May 27 for kids in K-3rd grade. Robbins HouseThis program will be presented by The Robbins House and hosted by Concord Free Public Library. Registration for this event opens Saturday, May 27 at 9:00 AM.

Picnic in the Park, Concord, MA – July 4th Celebration – Emerson Field - Please come and join us for the annual Picnic in the Park, held on the 4th of July, from 11:00 AM till 4:30 PM at Emerson Field! This is a family fun event, which has been held since 1975. It features plenty of music, games, food, and entertainment for all ages. This year Southern Rail and the Concord Band will be performing. Bring your own picnic basket and just relax on the grass, listen to music, or enjoy some of the food from several local non-profit organizations. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday with family and friends in a relaxing community social event. A children’s bicycle parade, which is one of the highlights of the picnic, assembles at 11:15 AM in front of the Amory. Many children in colorful costumes file into the park on bicycles, tricycles, strollers, and baby carriages, decorated in the colors of the day: Red, White and Blue! The parade route follows the entire length of the tree-lined alley, all to the delight of the crowd.

PMC KIDS RIDE! Join us for the PMC Kids Ride on Sunday, June 11th 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. Help us make a difference in the fight against cancer!

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