The Thursday Owl - March 7, 2024

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PTG Board Slate for 2024/2025: Roles are filling fast for the 2024/2025 PTG slate! If you are interested in getting more involved, or have great planning and event skills, or want to learn more about how the PTG supports the Alcott community, sign up! Please contact Liz Gibbs at gibbs.eliz@gmail.com for more information. Also - keep an eye out for an email from your room parent with details on the specific roles that are available for next school year. 

5th Grade Dues & Donations Appeal:  Please contribute to the 5th grade by submitting dues and a donation for the class activities by tomorrow, March 8, 2024. This year, we ask for $40.00 dues contribution and sincerely thank you for your generosity.  5th grade dues — The Alcott Owl (alcottptg.org). On the dues link, you will see that there is an opportunity to donate additional funds for specific activities. Traditionally, these are special events to mark your student’s last year at Alcott Elementary that are not fully covered by other resources.  Please reach out to Rene Kashmiri directly if 5th grade dues cause a financial burden for your family. Thank you!

Multicultural Night - SAVE THE DATE - March 8, 2024 5:30-7:30pm: With the success of Alcott’s first ever Multicultural event last year, the school is inviting all families to come and join the multicultural night this year again!! We have Ireland, Spain, India, Italy, Pakistan, Ukraine, Netherlands, Iran, France, South Africa and Germany that have already signed up! Would you still like to host a table…then join the bandwagon and showcase your heritage...sign up here: https://forms.gle/aSsrDcS1tq5G8JsC8

Support Alcott Elementary: Join Our Fundraiser with WECO Hospitality! We're thrilled to announce our upcoming fundraiser in partnership with WECO Hospitality, scheduled from March 1st to March 15th. WECO Hospitality offers an array of chef-prepared meals delivered straight to your door, including dinners, appetizers, desserts, and kids' meals. By participating in this fundraiser, you not only treat yourself to delightful cuisine but also contribute to the advancement of our school.

During the fundraising period, WECO will generously donate 10% of every dinner bill to support Alcott Elementary. Your involvement will play a pivotal role in enhancing our school community. To take part, simply visit wecohospitality.com, choose your meals, and use the promo code "AlcottFundraiser" during checkout.

Alcott Instagram - Follow Alcott on Instagram

Alcott Twitter - Follow Alcott on Twitter (X)

Calendar and important dates

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

Mar 8 - Multicultural Night

Mar 15 - Coffee with the Principal and Favorite Activity/Sport/Hobby Apparel Day

Mar 25 - Mar 29 - Book Fair

Mar 26 and 28 - Grade 3 ELA MCAS

Mar 28 - Math Night

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

IN THE COMMUNITY

Concord Green Home Tours Community Event: Concord sustainability groups are hosting two house tours to share how local homes use a variety of climate friendly, energy efficient technologies to power the homes.  Homeowners will be on hand to share stories about induction cooking, electric heat pumps, electric car charging, geothermal and solar power generation. Heating/Cooling coaches from Concord Light Plant will also be on site.  Register here to visit two homes of your choice on either Saturday March 9th or March 23rd.

Please join SEPAC for a presentation by Dr. Karin Hodges: Opting for Growth by Embracing Stress and Emotions - March 21st 6-8pm Willard Elementary School Auditorium, 185 Powder Mill Rd-Concord. More information is available here.

Now Introducing Concord Recreation's morning half-day summer programs! From LEGO building to chess challenges and an introduction to 3D printing, there's a variety of options to explore. Check out our offerings and register today through this link: Concord Recreation Department: Summer Specialty Programs (myrec.com)

Concord Carlisle Youth Hockey 2024-2025 Travel Registration Open: Registration is now open for the CCYH 2024-2025 Travel Season. Evaluations will take place this Spring for the 2024-2025 season and are required for placement on a team. Evaluations will take place at Valley Sports on the following dates/times:

  • Mites (2016 and 2017) will be on Thursday 3/14 and Thursday 3/21 from 5:40-6:40pm

  • Squirts (2014 and 2015) will be on Thursday 3/14 and Thursday 3/21 from 6:50-7:50pm

  • Peewees (2012 and 2013) will be on Thursday 3/14 and Thursday 3/21 from 8:00-9:00pm 

  • Bantams (2010 and 2011) will be on Tuesday 3/12 and Tuesday 3/19 from 8:40-9:40pm

Please visit https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/420654 to register your child for the 2024-2025 season. Registration is required prior to participating in evaluations. Please contact Mark Daniel, CCYH Registrar (ccyh.registrar@gmail.com), with any questions.

IMSCC Music Lessons: Meet our newest faculty members! Noah Stone, piano and Alex Brander, drums and percussion join the team of 32 dedicated and expert instructors at IMSCC. Spring lessons are underway and new students are welcome to begin lessons at any time - to inquire about starting lessons click here. We have lessons for all band and orchestra instruments, plus voice, piano, guitar, bass guitar and ukulele. Summer lesson registration opens April 22. Visit the website in April for more information and to register. Summer ensembles and classes: some ensembles are online now, others coming soon!

Peter and the Wolf:  A Kid-Friendly Story Ballet, March 23-24 in Maynard: Looking for an easy way to give your children exposure to performing arts without them having to sit still for hours? The Commonwealth Ballet Company presents a one-act dance performance of "Peter and the Wolf" on March 23-24 at the Maynard High School auditorium. Set to Prokofiev’s iconic score with kid-friendly narration, this 40-minute story ballet is sure to delight and entertain audience members of all ages. After an intermission, the company will also present several pieces of classical and contemporary dance repertoire. More info and tickets at https://www.commonwealthballet.org/peter-the-wolfcontinuum.

Craft Classes for kids 6 - 12 years old: In Monkey Club, first and second graders embark on fun-filled adventures in crafting, exploring various materials, colors, and techniques to bring their imaginative ideas to life. In Imagineers! third through fifth graders will embark on exciting journeys of discovery as they construct fantastical creatures and design futuristic inventions.

Monkey Club (5 weeks), Fridays 4 - 5 pm, March 15 - April 12

Imagineers! (5 weeks), Thursdays 4 - 5pm, March 14 - April 11

BLAST Babysitting Safety & CPR: Fri. 3/8, 3:30-6:30 at CCHS. The BLAST! (Babysitter Lessons and Safety Training) program provides training in First Aid, in household safety, and some fundamentals of childcare. In addition, this course helps prepare children to interview for a babysitting job, select safe and suitable games and activities, prevent accidents, and begin babysitting safely and competently. We will cover choking prevention and relief and how to call 911. Participants will also be certified in CPR/AED upon successful demonstration of practical skills. This program is for students in grades 6-8. Offered through CCACE; for more information and to register go here: https://ccace.asapconnected.com/#CourseID=130900.

Concord Conservatory’s Music & Invention Concert and Lecture—Explore how music and invention interact and influence each other at Music & Invention, presented by Concord Conservatory of Music on Friday, March 8th at 7:30 pm featuring composer, inventor, and educator Tod Machover of the MIT Media Lab and artists: pianist Yoko Hagino, violinist Charlie Lovell-Jones, cellist Ariana Falk. From bow-and-string to new interactive interfaces and from AI to singalong, join us for an unusual evening of sounds and ideas that will spark imaginations, open minds, and bring delight. Whether you are interested in classical, experimental, or electronic music, you’ll find something to enjoy. Purchase tickets at ConcordConservatory.org.

Concord Library Offerings:

  • Talk Yoga at Fowler, Fri. 3/15, 1-1:45 PM, ages 3-5: Talk Yoga classes incorporate movement, mindfulness, games, and music to boost language, articulation, and sensory awareness. Benefitting children of all abilities, these classes help students connect their minds and body and gain acceptance, confidence, and self-awareness. Register on the library event calendar.

  • Literacy and Littles at Fowler, Sat. 3/16, 10:30 AM—12:00 PM: Join Concord Family Network, the Concord Children's Center, and library staff to celebrate and support early literacy! We'll start with storytime, and then invite children to make nature journals. Caregivers will have time to hear from our panel of teachers and librarians about ways to support their children on their reading journey. Drop ins are welcome, but register on the library event calendar if you would like to receive updates.

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 - February 29, 2024

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

March Open PTG Meeting: The PTG would like to invite our entire Alcott School community to join our March Open PTG Meeting.  During the first 30 minutes of this zoom only meeting we are inviting the three candidates running for the Concord School Committee to come and speak to our group and answer some questions. The second half of the meeting will cover general PTG matters, discussing lots of great things so please see the agenda here and hope you can join us next week, March 6th at 7 pm via zoom.  

Melissa Karczewski 

5th Grade Dues & Donations Appeal:  Please contribute to the 5th grade by submitting dues and a donation for the class activities by March 8, 2024. This year, we ask for $40.00 dues contribution and sincerely thank you for your generosity.  5th grade dues — The Alcott Owl (alcottptg.org). On the dues link, you will see that there is an opportunity to donate additional funds for specific activities. Traditionally, these are special events to mark your student’s last year at Alcott Elementary that are not fully covered by other resources.  Please reach out to Rene Kashmiri directly if 5th grade dues cause a financial burden for your family. Thank you!

Multicultural Night - SAVE THE DATE- March 8, 2024 5:30-7:30pm: With the success of Alcott’s first ever Multicultural event last year, the school is inviting all families to come and join the multicultural night this year again!! We have Ireland, Spain, Italy, Pakistan, Ukraine that have already signed up! Join the bandwagon and showcase your heritage....sign up here: https://forms.gle/aSsrDcS1tq5G8JsC8

Support Alcott Elementary: Join Our Fundraiser with WECO Hospitality! We're thrilled to announce our upcoming fundraiser in partnership with WECO Hospitality, scheduled from March 1st to March 15th. WECO Hospitality offers an array of chef-prepared meals delivered straight to your door, including dinners, appetizers, desserts, and kids' meals. By participating in this fundraiser, you not only treat yourself to delightful cuisine but also contribute to the advancement of our school.

During the fundraising period, WECO will generously donate 10% of every dinner bill to support Alcott Elementary. Your involvement will play a pivotal role in enhancing our school community. To take part, simply visit wecohospitality.com, choose your meals, and use the promo code "AlcottFundraiser" during checkout.

Alcott Before School Sports - Winter Session #2: Hello Alcott Community - Our Winter Session #2 (Session #4 of the year) started this week. Click the flyer to view dates and other information. Registration is live and can be accessed through this link. It's under the "register here" tab and then "general recreation programs-Alcott Before School Sports." Thanks, Tim Gaudreau, Alcott PE Teacher

Alcott Instagram - Follow Alcott on Instagram

Alcott Twitter - Follow Alcott on Twitter (X)

Calendar and important dates

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

Mar 6- PTG Open Meeting

Mar 8- Multicultural Night

Mar 15- Coffee with the Principal

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

IN THE COMMUNITY

Registration is open through March 4th for CCYS Intown Soccer: Intown soccer is open to players in grades PreK – 4.  PreK players need to turn 5 by September 1, 2024.  More info can be found at: http://www.ccysoccer.org.  CLICK HERE to register.

Concord Carlisle Youth Hockey 2024-2025 Travel Registration Open: Registration is now open for the CCYH 2024-2025 Travel Season. Evaluations will take place this Spring for the 2024-2025 season and are required for placement on a team. Evaluations will take place at Valley Sports on the following dates/times:

  • Mites (2016 and 2017) will be on Thursday 3/14 and Thursday 3/21 from 5:40-6:40pm

  • Squirts (2014 and 2015) will be on Thursday 3/14 and Thursday 3/21 from 6:50-7:50pm

  • Peewees (2012 and 2013) will be on Thursday 3/14 and Thursday 3/21 from 8:00-9:00pm 

  • Bantams (2010 and 2011) will be on Tuesday 3/12 and Tuesday 3/19 from 8:40-9:40pm

Please visit https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/420654 to register your child for the 2024-2025 season. Registration is required prior to participating in evaluations. Please contact Mark Daniel, CCYH Registrar (ccyh.registrar@gmail.com), with any questions.

Final Hours to Bid at the Concord AMP Auction to Support the Music Programs: The Concord AMP, a parent-led volunteer organization that raises money to support the music performing programs in our public schools (Grades 4-8), has launched its annual online auction. This year’s auction features Heart Orthodontics with a complete orthodontic treatment (value $7000). Other items up for auction include: a night at the Colonial Inn; dinner at 80 Thoreau; tickets to the BSO, Concord Orchestra, and Radius Ensemble; a lodge stay in Waterville Valley; Boston Bruins tickets; a Beede Center membership; museum tickets; lawn mowing service; homemade baked treats; and so much more! 

Details: Auction ends on Leap Day February 29th, so take the leap and bid, bid, bid! 

Helping Children Build Skills to Manage Stress and Worried: Wed. 3/6, 7-8:30 pm ONLINE.. Join Dr. Rachel Kramer for a conversation about helping children learn adaptive and effective strategies for managing stress. Dr. Kramer will discuss building blocks for maintaining physical and mental health, reducing stress, and improving mood. She will present family-oriented coping skills, physiological approaches to managing stress and worries, and cognitive behavioral strategies. The presentation will provide actionable tactics for building a coping toolbox and will offer many practical tips and tools. There will be ample time for Q&A at the end of the presentation. Register at https://ccace.asapconnected.com/#CourseID=293412; fee is $25.

BLAST Babysitting Safety & CPR: Fri. 3/8, 3:30-6:30 at CCHS. The BLAST! (Babysitter Lessons and Safety Training) program provides training in First Aid, in household safety, and some fundamentals of childcare. In addition, this course helps prepare children to interview for a babysitting job, select safe and suitable games and activities, prevent accidents, and begin babysitting safely and competently. We will cover choking prevention and relief and how to call 911. Participants will also be certified in CPR/AED upon successful demonstration of practical skills. This program is for students in grades 6-8. Offered through CCACE; for more information and to register go here: https://ccace.asapconnected.com/#CourseID=130900.

Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair- Looking for summer camps and activities for the kids?  Come to the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fairs in Acton! Sunday, March 3rd  1:30-4:30 PM Team Works Acton.Gather information on local and overnight camps, summer programs, summer entertainment, and year-round activities such as dance, steam, sports, etc. Presented by Macaroni Kid Acton Concord Bedford Lexington, the Fair will feature day camps, overnight camps, specialty camps, local entertainment, and year-round activities such as dance, steam, sports and more. Meet with program representatives, Enter giveaways, Gather information about costs, schedules and activities, Enjoy crafts, games and activities, FREE admission! See our article for the latest list of participating programs.

Concord Conservatory’s Music & Invention Concert and Lecture—Explore how music and invention interact and influence each other at Music & Invention, presented by Concord Conservatory of Music on Friday, March 8th at 7:30 pm featuring composer, inventor, and educator Tod Machover of the MIT Media Lab and artists: pianist Yoko Hagino, violinist Charlie Lovell-Jones, cellist Ariana Falk. From bow-and-string to new interactive interfaces and from AI to singalong, join us for an unusual evening of sounds and ideas that will spark imaginations, open minds, and bring delight. Whether you are interested in classical, experimental, or electronic music, you’ll find something to enjoy. Purchase tickets at ConcordConservatory.org.

How To Have Brave Conversations that Build Empathetic Kids | Free, live Zoom webinar, Wednesday, March 6, 7-8pm | Discovery Museum Speaker Series event with Valora Washington, Ph.D., CEO & President, The CAYL Institute and former Vice President, W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Dr. Washington joins us to discuss helping adults have the brave conversations that develop kids' sense of empathy over judgment, and respect the complexity of the world we live in. She will help us understand why keeping children "in a bubble" is not a reasonable option in today's world. You can also find it on our website here: https://www.discoveryacton.org/events-programs/parenting-time-insecurity. Event is free, advanced registration is required.

Concord Library Offerings:

  • Read to a Dog (Emma), Mon. 3/4, 4:30-5:30 PM: Are you looking to improve your reading? Join Emma, a Bernese Mountain Dog, on 3/11, 4/8, 5/13, and 6/10 for a 10-15 minute reading session. No advance registration required, but sign up when you arrive at the library. For more information see the library event calendar.

  • MCBA Book Club (grades 4-6), Wed. 3/6 2-3 PM: Do you love to read? Would you like to meet new friends and discuss interesting books? The Massachusetts Children's Book Award (MCBA) 2023-24 list showcases an amazing selection of books chosen by students. We will meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 2 pm and discuss new titles from the list. An array of snacks will be provided. For more information and to register, see the library event calendar.

  • Talk Yoga at Fowler, Fri. 3/15, 1-1:45 PM, ages 3-5: Talk Yoga classes incorporate movement, mindfulness, games, and music to boost language, articulation, and sensory awareness. Benefitting children of all abilities, these classes help students connect their minds and body and gain acceptance, confidence, and self-awareness. Register on the library event calendar.

  • Literacy and Littles at Fowler, Sat. 3/16,10:30 AM—12:00 PM: Join Concord Family Network, the Concord Children's Center, and library staff to celebrate and support early literacy! We'll start with storytime, and then invite children to make nature journals. Caregivers will have time to hear from our panel of teachers and librarians about ways to support their children on their reading journey. Drop ins are welcome, but register on the library event calendar if you would like to receive updates.

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 - February 15, 2024

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Everything’s coming up roses! A big thank you to the Alcott Community for giving our teachers and staff a beautiful Monday morning surprise ahead of Valentine’s Day! Once again this year, almost 1100 roses were delivered after lots of hard work trimming, watering, and sorting by our Staff Appreciation and Rose teams, alongside a great crew of volunteers. Many thanks to everyone who helped make the event a success!

Multicultural Night SAVE THE DATE: March 8, 2024: With the success of Alcott’s first ever Multicultural event last year, the school is inviting all families to come and join the multicultural night this year again!! Showcase your culture through food, trinkets from your country, a performance....sign up here.

Alcott Before School Sports - Winter Session #2: Hello Alcott Community - Our Winter Session #2 (Session #4 of the year) will be starting right after February break. Click the flyer to view dates and other information. Registration is live and can be accessed through this link. It's under the "register here" tab and then "general recreation programs-Alcott Before School Sports." Thanks, Tim Gaudreau, Alcott PE Teacher


Alcott Instagram - Follow Alcott on Instagram

Alcott Twitter - Follow Alcott on Twitter (X)


Calendar and important dates

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


Feb 15 - Progress Reports Available in Aspen

Feb 16 - Comfy Cozy Day

Feb 19-23 - February Recess

Feb 26 - Classes Resume

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


IN THE COMMUNITY

Concord Conservatory’s Music & Invention Concert and Lecture—Explore how music and invention interact and influence each other at Music & Invention, presented by Concord Conservatory of Music on Friday, March 8th at 7:30 pm featuring composer, inventor, and educator Tod Machover of the MIT Media Lab and artists: pianist Yoko Hagino, violinist Charlie Lovell-Jones, cellist Ariana Falk. From bow-and-string to new interactive interfaces and from AI to singalong, join us for an unusual evening of sounds and ideas that will spark imaginations, open minds, and bring delight. Whether you are interested in classical, experimental, or electronic music, you’ll find something to enjoy. Purchase tickets at ConcordConservatory.org.

How To Have Brave Conversations that Build Empathetic Kids | Free, live Zoom webinar, Wednesday, March 6, 7-8pm | Discovery Museum Speaker Series event with Valora Washington, Ph.D., CEO & President, The CAYL Institute and former Vice President, W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Dr. Washington joins us to discuss helping adults have the brave conversations that develop kids' sense of empathy over judgment, and respect the complexity of the world we live in. She will help us understand why keeping children "in a bubble" is not a reasonable option in today's world. You can also find it on our website here: https://www.discoveryacton.org/events-programs/parenting-time-insecurity. Event is free, advanced registration is required.

Bid at Concord AMP Auction to Support the Music Programs - Now through Feb 29- The Concord Association of Music Parents (Concord AMP) has launched its annual online auction at www.concordamp.org/auction. Concord AMP is a parent-led volunteer organization that raises money to support the music performing programs in the Concord Public Schools (Grades 4-8).  This year’s auction includes homemade treats, exclusive gifts, and sought-after services.  We are especially thrilled that Heart Orthodontics, located on Main Street in West Concord, has donated a complete orthodontic treatment (value $7000).  Other amazing donated items include: a night at the Colonial Inn; dinner at 80 Thoreau;  tickets to the BSO, Concord Orchestra, and Radius Ensemble; a stay at the Black Bear Lodge in Waterville Valley, NH; Boston Bruins tickets; Beede Center family membership; Concord Museum and Discovery Museum tickets; one Lawn Mow service; homemade baked treats; and so much more!  Please bid and support our student musicians!  The auction runs through Leap Day – February 29, so take the leap and bid, bid, bid!

How to Talk to Your Kids About Race and Racism: Join COAR to watch a brief video from EmbraceRace and discuss ways to talk to your young children about race. Offered at the Concord Fowler Library, Fri, Feb 16th, 10:30-11:30am. 

Walk away with tips and strategies for engaging kids of varying ages and readiness in conversations about differences. Activities will be provided for children during the event. All caregivers are welcome, no matter if you're new to conversations about race or looking for ways to continue your learning. Registration is appreciated; walk-ins welcome. Co-sponsored by Communities Organizing Against Racism (COAR) and Concord Family Network (CFN).

Discovery Museum Speaker Series Event: Parenting in a Time of Insecurity | FREE Live Zoom webinar | Thursday, February 15, 7:00-8:00 pm

The health and well-being of families, classrooms, and communities today is increasingly affected by the insecurity, intolerance, and injustice we see in the world around us. Gene Beresin and Khadijah Booth Watkins from Mass General Hospital's Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds will help us understand the link between local and global events, social and cultural norms, and the confusion and uncertainty we and the children in our lives feel—and they will offer advice on how parents can care for themselves first, in order to successfully navigate the conversations that help children feel agency, safety, and security in uncertain times.

Registration for this event and the entire 2024 series is open now at http://bit.ly/DMSpeakerSeries. All events are free with advanced registration, which is required.

Concord Public Library Fowler Branch Offerings

  • Read to a Dog (Samantha), Thur. 2/15, 4:30-5:30 PM

Are you looking to improve your reading? Join Samantha, a young golden retriever, on the 3rd Thursday of the month for a 10-15 minute reading session. When you arrive, sign up and choose a book to read, and we will do our best to accommodate all interested participants!  No advance registration required, but sign up when you arrive at the library. For more information see the library event calendar.

  • Talk Yoga at Fowler, Fri. 2/16, 1-1:45 PM, ages 3-5

Talk Yoga classes incorporate movement, mindfulness, games, and music to boost language, articulation, and sensory awareness. Benefitting children of all abilities, these classes help students connect their minds and body and gain acceptance, confidence, and self-awareness. Register on the library event calendar for this event.

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!