The Thursday Owl - May 16, 2024


ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Spring Fair Tickets: The Spring Fair is coming up on May 23 (rain date May 24), to be held during the school day. The Spring Fair is organized by the 5th graders to raise money and provide a fun morning out in the sunshine for the lower classes. The 5th graders will be designing games and activities, and there will be a raffle and used book sale. Tickets are on sale now on the PTG website HERE through Monday May 22 at noon and can also be purchased at the fair with cash.  

The 2024 Alcott Variety Show: Dear Alcott Families, The Alcott Variety Show will take place this year on Friday, June 7th at 6:00pm! Please read below for a couple of updates. All changes are reflected in the Google Form sign up.

Students in grades 2-5 will be able to participate in our show. If your child would like to participate, please use the link below to fill out the Google form.  

NEW DATE: Participation forms are now due Wednesday, MAY 22 at 9:00PM. If your child will perform with a group, each child in the group must have a form filled out by a parent or guardian.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of this event, performance spaces are limited in order to end the show at an appropriate time.

NEW DATE: Auditions are now being held on Wednesday, May 29 from 1:00-3:00pm

If you have any questions, you may email Kate Sexauer at ksexauer@concordps.org.

Have fun planning, we can't wait to celebrate your talent! Alcott School Variety Show Sign-Up

Spring Concord METCO Picnic: Please join us for the Spring Picnic for Concord and Boston families! We are looking forward to this annual event and hope that your students and their families can enjoy this afternoon together for food, games, all-around fun and community-building!

Where: Almont Park, 40 Almont St. Mattapan, MA

When: Sunday, June 2nd, from 1:00-3:00pm

If you can volunteer to support this event, please contact Tanika Williams (tanikaw261@gmail.com). We need volunteers to bring in sports equipment from Alcott and to organize snacks and drinks on the day of the picnic. 

Ice Cream Celebration Parent Volunteers Needed: To celebrate the end of the school year and congratulate all our students on a fantastic year the Alcott PTG is sponsoring an Ice Cream Celebration in school on Friday, June 7 after students' lunch recess period. Look out for more information from your child's teacher and respond to the survey to participate! We need parent volunteers to help distribute pre-scooped ice cream. Without volunteers this event will not happen. Thank you for checking out the signup genius and signing up for a short slot: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A45AFAC2DA46-49615483-endofyear.

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Calendar and important dates

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

May 16 - MCAS Grade 5 Math

May 17 - A Summer Day in May Spirit Day

May 20 and 21 - MCAS Grade 5 STE

May 23 - Spring Fair (during school)

May 27 - Memorial Day (no school)

May 29 - Field Day (during school)

June 2 - Spring Concord METCO Picnic

June 7 - PTG Ice Cream Celebration and Alcott School T-Shirt Day Spirit Day

June 7 - Alcott Variety Show (evening)

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

IN THE COMMUNITY

Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council Concord Race Amity Day Community Celebration

We are the flowers of one garden, the leaves of one tree, and the waves of one ocean." The Race Amity Planning Committee is thrilled to announce the 3rd Annual Race Amity Day Community Celebration at Alcott Elementary School on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. We warmly invite all faculty, staff, students, families, town employees, community partners, and organizations from Boston, Concord, and Carlisle to join us for this special event. Click here or scan the QR code on the event flyer to RSVP, volunteer to assist with the event, sign up to bring a cultural dish or other food and beverages, or host an inclusive and appropriate activity table or field games. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the planning committee: Richard Yamartino at richyama8@gmail.com, Ji Orloff at jdorloff2008@gmail.com, or Andrew K. Nyamekye at anyamekye@concordps.org.

Milldam Ducky Fair - June 1, 10-12pm: Mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Milldam Ducky Fair on Saturday, June 1 from 10am-12pm. This year's fair will be in the middle of the Emerson Track Field (between Stow and Thoreau Streets). We hope you'll join us for music, train rides, ice cream, crafts, games, pony rides, and a fun run. Free Admission and all are welcome!

OPERATION CELEBRATION! To celebrate this year's high school graduates and promote both community and school spirit, The Concord Education Fund will again be launching Operation Celebration! Celebrate a Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS) senior by purchasing an 18-inch gold foil balloon imprinted with "Congratulations CCHS Grad!" Balloons are $25 each and will be delivered to the graduate's home the day before graduation (Friday, May 31st) accompanied by a personalized note. Orders are due by 12pm on Wednesday, May 29th. To order balloons, go to: concordedfund.org. For questions, please email: info@concordedfund.org.

Concord-Carlisle Youth Soccer is holding evaluations for our Travel teams the week of May 20th and for our Club teams the week of May 28th.  For additional information about the schedule and each program, please go to the CCYS website - https://ccysoccer.org. All players must register to attend. Please register here https://secure.adminsports.net/concordcarlislemasoccer for the grade your child is in now.  The evaluations are free to attend and there is no commitment to register for the 2024/2025 season. Please note that the travel evaluations are not a “try-out”; all players who register for the travel program and meet the requirements (age, etc.) will be placed on a team. Placement on a club team is by invitation. Please email info@ccysoccer.org with any questions. 

Summer Adult English Language Learner (ELL) Classes: Our ELL program is for students who are interested in learning to communicate fluently or learn effectively in English. These are integrated skills classes that offer students the foundation to communicate in English in everyday situations. Summer classes will run in June & July. Find more information and how to register at: https://concordcarlisleace.org/adult-ell/

Placement Auditions on May 19 for Concord Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) Overture String Orchestra starting this fall—Specifically designed for intermediate violin, viola, cello, and bass students in grades 4-8, the Orchestra will improve musical abilities through a comprehensive, creative, and collaborative approach, fostering the joy of making music together. Overture String Orchestra players need not be CCM students, but are required to be in private lessons with a qualified instructor and are encouraged to participate in their school orchestra programs, if available. Sign up now for the no stress 5-minute audition, which will only be used for placement purposes. (978) 369-0010 / concordconservatory.org/programs/overture-string-orchestra/.

We need your gently used books! Please bring your gently used books to the main library in Concord for donation to the June book sale before 6/1. Many thanks for supporting your local library and the Friends of the Free Concord Public Library. If you have any questions, email friends@concordlibrary.org

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 - May 9, 2024


ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Alcott Bike/Walk to School Day is on WEDNESDAY, MAY 15th! The "Bike Train" leaves the station at Keyes Rd. parking lot at 8:30 a.m.! A "Walking School Bus" for METCO students and any other Alcott Students, friends and family who may wish to walk and roll together, will begin at 8:45 a.m. at Emerson Park. We’ll have plenty of surprises and stickers for all participants. This event is for Alcott students, parents, family and friends. As always, thank you to the Concord Police Department for their support in making this event safe and fun for all!

The Spring Fair is coming up on May 23 (rain date May 24). The Spring Fair is organized by the 5th graders to raise money and provide a fun morning out in the sunshine for the lower classes. The 5th graders will be designing games and activities, and there will be a raffle and used book sale. Tickets will be sold in advance on the PTG website this year, so please be on the lookout for more info!

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Calendar and important dates

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

May 9 - MCAS Grade 4 Math

May 14 and 16 - MCAS Grade 5 Math

May 15 - Bike/Walk to School Day

May 17 - A Summer Day in May Spirit Day

May 20 and 21 - MCAS Grade 5 STE

May 23 - Spring Fair

May 27 - Memorial Day (no school)

May 29 - Field Day

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

IN THE COMMUNITY

Milldam Ducky Fair - June 1, 10-12pm: Mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Milldam Ducky Fair on Saturday, June 1 from 10am-12pm. This year's fair will be in the middle of the Emerson Track Field (between Stow and Thoreau Streets). We hope you'll join us for music, train rides, ice cream, crafts, games, pony rides, and a fun run. Free Admission and all are welcome!

OPERATION CELEBRATION! To celebrate this year's high school graduates and promote both community and school spirit, The Concord Education Fund will again be launching Operation Celebration! Celebrate a Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS) senior by purchasing an 18-inch gold foil balloon imprinted with "Congratulations CCHS Grad!" Balloons are $25 each and will be delivered to the graduate's home the day before graduation (Friday, May 31st) accompanied by a personalized note. Orders are due by 12pm on Wednesday, May 29th. To order balloons, go to: concordedfund.org. For questions, please email: info@concordedfund.org.

Interested in joining SEPAC? SEPAC Information Session: Monday, May 13th @ 7 pm (Online)
What is a SEPAC? Every public school district in Massachusetts is required to have a Special Education Parent Advisory Council or SEPAC. Membership is free and open to all parents of children with disabilities in our Concord, Carlisle and Boston communities and other interested parties.

The mission of the Concord SEPAC is straightforward — we aim to serve as a resource to families, foster an inclusive culture in our schools & communities, and advise our districts on issues that affect the safety & education of our children.

Do you have ideas on how SEPAC can be a better resource? Help build our community? Or collaborate with our districts? We are a parent run volunteer organization and YOU can make a difference in our schools & communities.

We have our 2024 - 2025 school year elections scheduled for June 6th. With many open positions – President, Vice President, Technology Chair, and liaisons – we have roles available for any level of interest. No special education background or experience required! Questions? You can reach us at concordsepac@gmail.com or join us for a SEPAC Information Session on Monday, May 13th @ 7 pm. We hope to see you there!

Topic: SEPAC Information Session
Time: May 13, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://concordps.zoom.us/j/98554434226 Meeting ID: 985 5443 4226

Placement Auditions on May 19 for Concord Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) Overture String Orchestra starting this fall—Specifically designed for intermediate violin, viola, cello, and bass students in grades 4-8, the Orchestra will improve musical abilities through a comprehensive, creative, and collaborative approach, fostering the joy of making music together. Overture String Orchestra players need not be CCM students, but are required to be in private lessons with a qualified instructor and are encouraged to participate in their school orchestra programs, if available. Sign up now for the no stress 5-minute audition, which will only be used for placement purposes. (978) 369-0010 / concordconservatory.org/programs/overture-string-orchestra/.

We need your gently used books! Please bring your gently used books to the main library in Concord for donation to the June book sale before 6/1. Many thanks for supporting your local library and the Friends’ of the Free Concord Public Library. If you have any questions, email friends@concordlibrary.org

Understanding Digital Health & Safety: Free for parents, May 13, 7-8pm, Willard School

Technology is unavoidable, even for four-year-olds. Parenting through digital safety can be overwhelming, and keeping children safe online is critically important. Join nationally known speaker Katie Greer as she brings her knowledge and expertise on digital health and safety, presenting tools and strategies to help your kids navigate technology in a safe and productive way. You’ll come away from this talk with practical solutions to this challenging issue.

During the day, Katie will hold workshops at each of the elementary schools, working with students to help them have a healthy relationship with technology. Some of the topics she’ll cover include:

Privacy – what does it mean?

Technology tattoos – the good & the bad

Gaming online – tips & tricks

Social media rules & guidelines

Her interactive approach means she doesn’t just tell students what to do, but also listens to what students have to say. Then that evening, she will work with parents so you and your kids will be on the same page.

This will be an in-person event with time for Q&A at the end.

To register: https://ccace.asapconnected.com/#CourseID=296045

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 - May 2, 2024


ALCOTT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Teacher Appreciation Week: Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up! The PTG and Staff Appreciation Team work hard to make sure our teachers and staff feel loved all year round, but we want to make sure they feel extra special next week, Monday, May 6 to Friday, May 10. Help us kick off their week with a bright welcome to school on Monday morning. Drop by Alcott on Sunday, May 5 to decorate the sidewalk with drawings and messages for teachers and staff to see when they arrive on Monday. Chalk will be available, or bring your own favorite colors from home. Additionally, the Staff Appreciation Team will host a buffet lunch for teachers on Wednesday, and stock their kitchen with goodies at the end of the week. Your contributions help make these great things possible--thank you!

The Spring Fair: is coming up on May 23 (rain date May 24). The Spring Fair is organized by the 5th graders to raise money and provide a fun morning out in the sunshine for the lower classes.  The 5th graders will be designing games and activities, and there will be a raffle and used book sale.   Tickets will be sold in advance on the PTG website this year, so please be on the lookout for more info!

Green Art Bags: Please be on the lookout for any green Art Bags that you might have at home and send them back in with your students. We only have about 10 currently in the art classroom which makes it tricky to send home large format art. Thank you!

April Nurse’s Note: Attached here

23-24 Alcott Year Book: ON SALE NOW THROUGH WED., MAY 8TH. It's time to order your Alcott yearbook!  Your student will love this keepsake of the 23-24 school year.  The yearbook price is $35 and you may order online at coffeepond.com.  The password is hellobronson (all lower case, no space). Don't miss out--order today! If you have any questions, please reach out to alcottyearbook01742@gmail.com.

Alcott Field Day: Calling all Field Day Volunteers. No experience necessary.

When- Wednesday, May 29, 2024 9:00 am-12:00 pm 

Where-Alcott Fields

We need a “small army” of volunteers to make our Field Day a success. I will assign parents to stations. You will need a current CORI form. If you are unsure of your CORI form status you can check with our main office  Please plan to arrive at the Gym by 9:00 am to see your assignment, meet others parents you will be working with and get any questions answered. Please email me tgaudreau@concordps.org by Friday, May 24th. Thanks

Tim Gaudreau, Alcott PE teacher

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Calendar and important dates

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

May 3- MCAS Grade 3 Math

May 7 and 9- MCAS Grade 4 Math

May 14 and 16- MCAS Grade 5 Math

May 15- Bike to school day

May 20 and 21- MCAS Grade 5 STE

May 23- Spring Fair

May 27- Memorial Day (no school)

May 29- Field day

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

IN THE COMMUNITY

Concord Carlisle High School’s Girl-Up Club will be hosting a STEM Workshop for kids aged 8-10 next month! Come on down at the Concord Main Library from 2:00-3:30 on May 4th to make catapults, slime, + more! Space will be allotted on a first come first serve basis, so let us know if you’re planning to come! (sign-up link: https://concordlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/girl-up-presents-stem-up/) Feel free to contact @cmccrory24@concordcarlisleorg if you have any questions. We can’t wait to see you all there!!

We need your gently used books! Please bring your gently used books to the main library in Concord for donation to the June book sale before 6/1. Many thanks for supporting your local library and the Friends’ of the Free Concord Public Library. If you have any questions, email friends@concordlibrary.org

Understanding Digital Health & Safety: Monday, May 13th from 7-8 pm in the Willard Auditorium – offered through CCACE:. Come hear what nationally known speaker Katie Greer has to say about the digital health and safety of your elementary-age kids. You’ll get tools and strategies to help your kids navigate technology in a safe and productive way and come away with practical solutions to this challenging issue. During the school day, Katie will meet with elementary school students; that evening, she’ll work with parents so you and your kids will be on the same page. This will be an in-person event with time for Q&A at the end. Register at www.concordcarlisleace.org. This event is free and made possible in part by a grant from Concord Carlisle Community Chest. We ask for a suggested donation of $15 to cover future Parent Ed programs.

IMSCC Summer Lessons and Ensembles - enrollment is open!  Summer lessons are open to students of all ages and levels, including adults. Summer is the perfect time to let IMSCC's expert faculty help new students get started on an instrument, prepare older students for auditions, fine-tune technique, or kick back and play some lighter music just for fun. The summer session is flexible to allow for vacation and camp schedules. Lessons begin the week of June 17 and families can sign up for as many or as few of the ten weeks as fits your schedule. Submit a lesson inquiry here to begin the enrollment process. Summer ensembles: Click here to learn about this summer's ensemble offerings! Click here to learn more about IMSCC. Email Debbie Levine if you have questions - dlevine@concordcarlisle.org

Concord Public Library Offerings:

Storytime with Author Bunmi Emenanjo at Fowler Saturday May 4, 3:00—3:45 PM Join author Bunmi Emenanjo and Barefoot Books for a special storytime! Bunmi will share her debut picture book I'll See You in Ijebu, illustrated by Diana Ejaita. In it, a Catholic girl growing up in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria takes a trip to spend a week with her Muslim extended family in the countryside town of Ijebu to celebrate Eid al-Adha. Her days in Ijebu are filled with celebrations, traditions and special time connecting with family. Please register on the library event calendar.

West Concord Family Bike Fest at Bradford Mill (43 Bradford St, the back parking lot). Sunday, May 5, 1:00—3:00 PM  Celebrate National Bike Month and get ready for Safe Routes to School’s spring Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day. There will be fun for all ages and abilities, whether you are using a balance bike, just learning to pedal, want to check out an e-bike, or are interested in learning more about accessible biking options. We'll have bike safety courses and tips, bike checks, bike decorating, face painting and more! Sign up for skill-building workshops beginning at 1 pm and 2 pm for children of all skill levels. You can plan your visit around one of these workshops, but there will also be drop-in activities. Please see the library event calendar for more information and to register to receive weather-related updates. (Rain Date: Saturday, May 11, 1-3 PM)

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!