The Thursday Owl - March 14, 2024

ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Alcott celebrated Multicultural Night on Friday night and it was another great year! 16 countries were represented with food and cultural tables celebrating food, art, literature, holiday traditions and more. Sincere gratitude for the time and energy put into this event by the family participants and the volunteers. We look forward to celebrating this special event again next year. If you have any feedback please let us know! Have a great week, Melissa Karczewski and Liz Gibbs.

For those that were not able to attend the Open March PTG Meeting and listen and ask questions of those running for Concord School Committee please know that another event is being organized and we will provide an updated date when that information becomes available. For now, the leadership of the other schools in our District are working to field questions for the candidates during that forum through this google form. Please feel free to submit your questions through this link. If you have any general questions about this process please feel free to email Melissa Karczewski at melissahun@gmail.com.

Alcott Nurse Colleen Asselin has written a March Newsletter. Please read it here.

Book Fair: All students will have the chance to visit the book fair during their school day with their teacher sometime between March 26-28. Be sure to send money in with your child the day of their visit! We will also need volunteers to help support the classroom visits. You can sign-up to help. As a reminder, you will need an active CORI to volunteer. Stop by the Alcott office with your photo ID if you need a CORI ASAP!

Out of this World Family Night! (Book Fair and Math Night Open House): We will hold an open house for families to come to Alcott after school to visit the book fair and participate in “Math Night from Outer Space” on Thursday, March 28th. The book fair open house for families will open at 4:00 pm at Alcott Auditorium and Math Night will run from 4:00-6:30 pm at Alcott Gym. There is no need to sign up in advance to attend either the Book Fair or Math Night on March 28.

We also will need parent volunteers to support Family Night.  You can sign up here Parent Volunteer Sign-Up to volunteer during Family Night. Training will be provided to all Book Fair and Math Night volunteers. 

Middle School and High School Alcott Alums: Do you know a middle school or high school Alcott alum who is in need of community service hours? We are looking for student volunteers to help run the math games at Math Night - we would love to welcome back Alcott alumni to help out! Student Volunteer Sign-Up

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 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

Apr 1 and 2 - Grade 4 ELA MCAS

Apr 4 - K-5 Conferences

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

IN THE COMMUNITY

As many of you are aware School Committee elections are coming up on April 9. In past town elections, turnout has typically ranged between 11%-15%. It is critically important for everybody’s voice to be heard! Please take the time to get to know the candidates and vote on April 9th. Information on early or absentee voting can be found here: https://concordma.gov/2341/AbsenteeEarly-Voting-in-Concord. Precinct information can be found here: https://concordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/33673/2021-Precinct-Map

CPS Early Literacy & Approach to Reading Instruction: March 20th, 6 pm: Please join us for a CPS presentation to the SEPAC highlighting Early Literacy in Grades K-3. Assistant Superintendent Kristen Anderson and Reading/Language Arts Specialists from each elementary school will discuss Skills, Structure, Screening, and Support in an Evidenced-Based Approach to Reading Instruction.

Topic: SEPAC: Early Literacy in Grades K-3

Time: Mar 20, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://concordps.zoom.us/j/95953283017

Barefoot Books + ThinkGive: ThinkGive is hosting a free event at Barefoot Books in West Concord (23 Bradford St. 2nd Floor, Concord, MA 01742) on Thursday April 11th from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Join us for drinks and appetizers, a raffle, browse Barefoot Books’ award-winning collection of books for ages 0-12, and hear from ThinkGive leaders and an educator about our efforts to empower youth to take actions that positively impact themselves and others; building character, confidence, and connection. Our partner educators have put together a wish list of books that they would love to be able to bring to their classrooms. 40% of all book sales will be donated to ThinkGive! If you are unable to attend, the wish list of books will be available online at www.thinkgiveproject.org between April 11 and April 21. To learn more and to RSVP click here.

Calling all household plastic!  As part of The Umbrella Art Center’s upcoming Earth Month exhibit in April-June “Tapped In: Moving Hearts and Minds through Art and Science, artist Lisa Barthelson will build an outdoor community sculpture from cast off plastic: The Plastic Wave, a symbol of the overwhelming tide of plastic threatening our world’s climate, ecosystems and health.  Plastics are made from fossil fuels and harmful chemicals and they don’t break down, instead, they break apart over time. Please drop off clean plastic for the outdoor sculpture through March 17th in the lobby of the Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord. More information can be found here.

CCYL BOYS SPRING REGISTRATION is still open for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd GRADE!!! The details:

What: Fun Friday nights focusing on skill development, scrimmages & love of the game

Where: Concord Carlisle High School (CCHS) Upper Grass Fields

When: Season runs mid April - June. Practices take place Friday nights 6-7:15pm

How: Registration is open @ www.ccyouthlacrosse.com (register HERE)

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.

Kids Naturally is delighted to present: WILD WONDERS: A Spring Sunday Series: This drop-off series will give kids the opportunity to explore the woods through discovery and creative play, inspired by stories and imagination. And, of course, we always have yummy snacks! Register for one, two or all three evenings! Register now at Kids-Naturally.com. The Mission of Kids Naturally is to inspire wonder for nature and desire for exploration through free play outside. Kids Naturally creates a safe, nurturing and fun space where children build resilience and develop creativity and independence away from passive entertainment. Learn more: Kids-Naturally.com.

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.

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.

  • Earth Month Event at Fowler, Wed, 3/27, 4 PM—5PM: Passionate about protecting both people and the Earth?   Join us to celebrate Earth Month with stories and crafts while learning about the benefits of green transportation with the Fowler Library staff, CCHS Green Team and Mothers Out Front.  Children, ages 12 and under, are welcome to attend “The Green Routes to School Storytime & Crafts” program on Wednesday, March 27 from 4-5 pm at the Fowler Library, 1322 Main Street, West Concord. Please pre-register here.

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 - 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!