The Thursday Owl - October 16, 2025

The Thursday OwL

The Alcott ptg weekly email

October 16, 2025

The PTG provides information and support to the Alcott community and raises funds to help make our school the best it can be.

News and Announcements

Message from the President and Fall Fest Reminder

If you weren't at Bike to School last week, you missed out on some serious fun! Thanks to Serena Crosina and the Green Team, we had the largest turnout ever for Alcott Bike to School with dozens of kids and adults rolling and strolling to school. And no Bike to School would be complete without a cameo from our local celebrity, Thor the CPD comfort dog! 

If you want to keep the good times rolling, join us this Sunday, October 19 from 1-3pm at Alcott for our annual Fall Fest! We will have an inflatable obstacle course, bounce house, carnival games, pumpkin painting, face painting, yummy food, and more. This event is free for the Alcott community and suitable for all ages. An event like Fall Fest takes a huge crew of volunteers to pull off so please check out the SignUp Genius HERE to see how you can help. Just an hour of your time will make a difference! Thanks, and see you Sunday! -Abby Flanagan

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Picture Day Information: Portraits, Class Photos & Retake Day

Portrait packages went home with students last week. Class photos will be shipped with Retake Day packages. Retake day is Wednesday, November 12th.

For any issues with orders, including info about order forms, late orders, missing orders, and refunds, please contact our Coffee Pond Customer Care staff directly: Lifeguards@coffeepond.com or 508-907-6633 ext. 0.

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Alcott Movie Night!

Alcott Movie Night is next Friday, October 24th! The movie will be decided by the students starting TOMORROW. Students may vote for their preferred movie (Moana 2, Elio, the new Lilo & Stitch, or Zootopia) via small change donations in buckets in the main lobby. Concessions will be available starting at 5:30, and the movie will begin at 6pm to allow for greater participation by some of our younger Alcott families! 

Kate Smith & Emily Dreitz are still looking for additional volunteers to help make Alcott Movie Night a blockbuster event! Please consider helping and sign up here! Tickets are $20 per family and can be pre-purchased here. Families in need of ticket assistance may contact Mike Kordosky (mkordosky@concordps.org). 

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Alcott’s All School Turkey Trot

Alcott’s annual Turkey Trot will be held on Wednesday, October 29. Please see Mr. Gaudreau’s note HERE for all the details!

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Alcott Variety Show

The Alcott Variety Show will showcase on November 20, 2025!

For those of you who may not know, 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. Talents can be performing an instrument, doing stand-up comedy, performing a skit, dancing, or whatever you can think of! Participation details can be found HERE.

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A Note from Nurse Asselin

Please see the October Nurse’s note HERE.

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Meadow Farms Fundraising Sale

The Meadow Farms continues through Thursday, October 23! Meadow Farms offers an opportunity to purchase items from their catalogue, with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting Alcott as part of our fundraising efforts. It's a win-win!

You can purchase anything from candles to wrapping paper, to food and kitchen items, to flower bulbs! Get an early start on your holiday shopping and support your child's school community. Feel free to share with grandparents, family friends, or anyone who would enjoy this great opportunity!

Go to the main link, Meadow Farm Fundraiser, to start shopping or make it a little more personal to share with family and friends and raise funds with her own personalized fundraising page in your child's name! Let's see who can share and raise the most!! Get started by registering here - Personal Fundraising Page.

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First Grade Events

All Class Play Date: Sunday, 10/26 from 10am-12pm (Castle Playground)

Adults-Only Social: Thursday, 11/20 at 6pm (Revolution Hall in Lexington)

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Second Grade Adult Meet-Up

Adults-Only Get Together at Revolution Hall in Lexington: Tonight, Thursday, 10/16 from 6-8pm. A casual get-together for adults to catch up. You can purchase your own food/beverages there. See you tonight!

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Volunteer Opportunities

October Composting at Lunch: Sign up here! Feel free to come often!

Calendar and Important Dates

Every Wednesday is a Half Day

• October 16 - 2nd Grade Adults-Only Get Together (6pm)

• October 19 - Variety Show Participation Form Due (by 9pm)

• October 19 - Fall Fest (1-3pm)

• October 23 - Meadow Farms Sale Ends

• October 24 - Alcott Movie Night (5:30pm snacks; 6pm movie)

• October 26 - First Grade Class Play Date (10am-12pm)

• October 29 - Turkey Trot (9:45-11:45 with grade-specific times)

• October 29 - Alcott Variety Show Auditions

• November 10 - K-5 Conferences (No School)

• November 11 - Veterans Day (No School)

• November 12 - Picture Retake Day

• November 20 - First Grade Adult Social (6pm)

• November 20 - Alcott Variety Show (6pm)

In the Community

Library Community Survey

We want to hear from you! The Concord Free Public Library is planning for the future, and your input is essential. Complete our Community Survey at cfpl.info/survey to share your thoughts about your library experiences and help shape future collections, services, and programs. All responses are strictly confidential and will be shared only in summary form as part of our strategic planning process.

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Veterans Day Boys Basketball Clinic

The CCHS Boys Basketball Veterans Day clinic (for 2nd-8th graders) is the most important fundraiser of the year for the program. All proceeds go toward the Boys' Basketball program to help pay for assistant coaches, team building activities, team dinners and the end of season banquet. The clinic will be held from 9am - 2pm on Tuesday, November 11 at Concord Carlisle High School. Find more info and register here.

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Milldam Nursery School is Now Accepting Applications!

Milldam Nursery School is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year! Visit milldamnurseryschool.org to learn more about our cooperative preschool. Please also join us for our Annual Harvest Fest and Open House. Come tour Milldam along with Music by Rockabye Beats, pumpkin auction, fall treats & autumn-inspired crafts and STEM activity. Saturday, October 18th, 10am-12pm at the outdoor courtyard behind First Parish at 20 Lexington Road in Concord. Rain date: October 25.

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CC Youth Hockey: In-Town Registration Open for 2025-26!

Registration now open for Learn-to-Skate, Learn-to-Play, and Hot Shots.

-Hot Shot Hockey is for Girls and Boys 8-15 yrs old who are looking for a fun, learning-focused, no-pressure hockey experience. Hot Shots includes 14+ weeks of games and practices starting on November 16th.

-The Learn-to-Play program is considered our "Hockey 101" program and is geared for Girls and Boys who were born between 1/1/17 and 12/31/20.

-Learn-to-Skate is for children 3yrs+ and teaches skating fundamentals.

-Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play begin the 15th/16th of November at the Middlesex School rink. 

Please visit www.ccyh.org for more details and to register your child.

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Join us to celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouts in Concord and Carlisle!

Past and present Girl Scouts, friends, and family are all welcome at the historic Concord Scout House on Saturday, October 18, from 1-3 p.m. Come for cake, music, and crafts, and celebrate a century of leadership and service. Interested in joining a troop? We encourage you to attend and learn more! RSVP and get more details here: https://evite.me/dBerZn7qWG.

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SEPAC Coffee Chat

Please join us October 22nd-Saltbox Kitchen @9am. Please join us for a casual conversation. Get to know other parents and caregivers with students who also have learning differences. SEPAC board members will also be available to answer questions and chat. You can find more information on our website and on social media about other events. http://www.concordsepac.org

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Standing SEPAC Office Hours

Office hours are an opportunity to talk in person to help answer any special education questions and get parent-to-parent support. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 11am-12:30pm at the Concord Main Library.

Alcott PTG, 93 Laurel St, Concord, MA 01742, USA

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The Thursday Owl - October 9, 2025

The Thursday OwL

The Alcott ptg weekly email

October 9, 2025

The PTG provides information and support to the Alcott community and raises funds to help make our school the best it can be.

News and Announcements

Alcott Fall Fest 

Sunday October 19 1:00-3:00pm

Join the Alcott community for an afternoon of fall fun at Alcott. Bounce houses, carnival games, face painting, concessions and even family photos with Alcott's one and only Bronson! The event is free of charge and open to the Alcott community. Bring your whole family and enjoy the fun! We need lots of volunteers to make this event happen so find a friend and sign up HERE.

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Alcott’s All School “Turkey Trot”

Alcott’s annual Turkey Trot will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Please see Mr. Gaudreau’s note HERE for all the details!

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Save the Date for Alcott Movie Night!

Join us on Friday, October 24th for a fan-favorite Alcott Movie Night! The movie will be decided by the students the week leading up to the event via small change donations in buckets in the main lobby. Concessions will be available starting at 5:30, and the movie will begin at 6pm to allow for greater participation by some of our younger Alcott families! Kate Smith & Emily Dreitz are looking for additional volunteers to help make Alcott Movie Night a blockbuster event! Please consider helping, and sign up here! Tickets for the event are $20 per family and can be pre-purchased here.

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Alcott Variety Show *NEW DATE*

This year the Alcott Variety Show will showcase on November 20, 2025! This is a change from previous years, where our show was held in the late spring. 

For those of you who may not know, 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. Talents can be performing an instrument, doing stand-up comedy, performing a skit, dancing, or whatever you can think of! Participation details can be found HERE.

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A Note from Nurse Asselin

Please see the October Nurse’s note HERE

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Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day is TODAY October 9!

Event details can be found HERE

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Meadow Farms Fundraising Sale

The Meadow Farms sale is here!  Continuing through Thursday, October 23, Meadow Farms offers an opportunity to purchase items from their catalogue, with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting Alcott as part of our fundraising efforts. It's a win-win!

You can purchase anything from candles to wrapping paper, to food and kitchen items, to flower bulbs! Get an early start on your holiday shopping and support your child's school community. Feel free to share with grandparents, family friends, or anyone who would enjoy this great opportunity!

Go to the main link, Meadow Farm Fundraiser, to start shopping or make it a little more personal to share with family and friends and raise funds with her own personalized fundraising page in your child's name! Let's see who can share and raise the most!! Get started by registering here - Personal Fundraising Page.

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First Grade Meet Ups

First Grade - All Class Meetup

Date: Oct 26th - Location: Castle Playground- Time: 10am-12 pm

First Grade - Adult Social

Date: Nov 20th- Location: Craft Food Halls Revolution Hall - Lexington, MA - Time: 6 pm

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Calling all Kindergarten Families!  Let’s Get Together!

Adults-Only Meet Up: Please join us TONIGHT, 10/9, at Revolution Hall in Lexington at 6pm. Come catch up with fellow Alcott K parents for a casual evening get together! Food and drinks will be available for purchase. 

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Second Grade Community Events

Adults-Only Get Together at Revolution Hall in Lexington: Thursday 10/16, 6pm-8pm. A casual get-together for adults to catch up. You can purchase your own food/beverages there!

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Volunteer Opportunities

October Composting at Lunch: Sign up here! Feel free to come often!

Calendar and Important Dates

Every Wednesday is a Half DayOctober 9 - Bike/Walk to School Day

• October 9 - Kindergarten Adults-Only Get Together

• October 13 - No School (Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day)

• October 16 - 2nd Grade Adults-Only Get Together

• October 19 - Deadline to complete Alcott Variety Show Participation form

• October 19 - Fall Fest

• October 24 - Alcott Movie Night

• October 29 - Turkey Trot

• October 26 - First Grade Class Meet Up

• October 29 - Alcott Variety Show Auditions

• November 20- First Grade Adult Social

• November 20- Alcott Variety Show

In the Community

Milldam Nursery School is now accepting applications!

Milldam Nursery School is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year! Visit milldamnurseryschool.org to learn more about our cooperative preschool. Please also join us for our Annual Harvest Fest and Open House. Come tour Milldam along with Music by Rockabye Beats, pumpkin auction, fall treats & autumn-inspired crafts and STEM activity. Saturday, October 18th, 10am-12pm at the outdoor courtyard behind First Parish at 20 Lexington Road in Concord. Rain date: October 25.

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Concord Carlisle Youth Hockey: In-Town Registration Open for 2025-2026

Concord Carlisle Youth Hockey: In-Town Registration Open for 2025-2026
Registration is now open for Learn-to-Skate, Learn-to-Play, and Hot Shots. 

• Hot Shot Hockey is for Girls and Boys 8-15 yrs old who are looking for a fun, learning-focused, no-pressure hockey experience. Hot Shots includes 14+ weeks of games and practices starting on November 16th.

• The Learn-to-Play program is considered our "Hockey 101" program and is geared for Girls and Boys who were born between 1/1/2017 and 12/31/2020. 

• Learn-to-Skate is for children 3yrs and up and teaches skating fundamentals.

• Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play begin the 15th/16th of November at the Middlesex School rink. 

Please visit www.ccyh.org for more details and to register your child

—

Join us to celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouts in Concord and Carlisle!

Past and present Girl Scouts, friends, and family are all welcome at the historic Concord Scout House on Saturday, October 18, from 1-3 p.m. Come for cake, music, and crafts, and celebrate a century of leadership and service. Interested in joining a troop? We encourage you to attend and learn more! RSVP and get more details here: https://evite.me/dBerZn7qWG 

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Community Closet Coat Drive

October 1 - October 16. The Concord Carlisle Foundation's Community Closet is hosting a Winter Coat Drive for CC families in need. Please donate your gently used winter coats - infants through adults! Drop off at either the CCF office (37 Main Street, Suite 3, Concord) or the TriCon Church (54 Walden Street, Concord - look for the box outside of Parish Hall). 

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SEPAC News

Parents as Partners

October 9th 5:30 pm / On Zoom: ID 92869081583. Please join us for a dialogue with the Concord Public Schools and Concord Carlisle Regional School District Superintendent, Dr. Laurie Hunter, Director of Student Services, Angel Charles, and her administrative team to talk about how parents and guardians can engage and “partner” with their student’s team and the administration in the new school year to support their student’s success.

SEPAC Coffee Chat

Please join us October 22nd-Saltbox Kitchen @9am. Please join us for a casual conversation. Get to know other parents and caregivers with students who also have learning differences. SEPAC board members will also be available to answer questions and chat. You can find more information on our website and on social media about other events. http://www.concordsepac.org

—

Standing SEPAC Office Hours

Office hours are an opportunity to talk in person to help answer any special education questions and get parent-to-parent support. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 11am-12:30pm at the Concord Main Library.

Alcott PTG, 93 Laurel St, Concord, MA 01742, USA

The Thursday Owl - September 25, 2025

The Thursday OwL

The Alcott ptg weekly email

September 25, 2025

The PTG provides information and support to the Alcott community and raises funds to help make our school the best it can be.

News and Announcements

Serve on Alcott’s School Advisory Council (SAC)

We have an opening for one parent for a two-year role on Alcott’s SAC. This council is made up of parents, teachers, community members, and the school principal. It meets six times a year before school - in person and Zoom options are available. The main responsibilities of the SAC are to ensure the completion of the School Improvement Plan, review the school budget, and serve as an advisory board to the school principal. 

Anyone interested can a statement of interest to Abby Flanagan (ptgalcott@gmail.com) by October 2, 2025. If there is more than one person interested in the position, the PTG will hold an election in accordance with the policy of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. For more information on the role of School Advisory Councils, click here.

Advisory council meetings take place at 8am on the following dates: October 16; December 3; January 14; March 5; April 8; May 28.

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Meadow Farms Fundraising Sale

The Meadow Farms sale is almost here! Starting next Thursday, October 2, and continuing through Thursday, October 23, Meadow Farms provides an opportunity to purchase items from their catalogue, with a percentage of the proceeds going back to Alcott. It's a win-win!

Purchase anything from candles, wrapping paper, food, and kitchen items to flower bulbs! Get an early start on your holiday shopping and support your child's school community. Feel free to share with grandparents, family friends, or anyone who would enjoy this opportunity!

Use the following link to browse the online storefront: Meadow Farm Sale

Alternatively, follow the instructions in the flyer that will be sent home next week to set up your own account and share it with family and friends. Thank you from the Alcott Fundraising Team!

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MFF Apple Picking: October 8

Join METCO Family Friends at Honey Pot Hill Orchard on Wednesday, October 8 from 1:15-3pm for our fan-favorite apple orchard adventure! The group picks apples, goes for a hayride, feeds farm animals, and wraps up the afternoon with cider & donuts. Please RSVP quickly as we will need to wrap up our final headcount soon. See you at the orchard!

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Calling all Kindergarten Families!  Let’s Get Together!

• Kindergarten Playground Meet Up: Please join us on Saturday, 10/4, anytime from 9-10:30am at Emerson Playground. We'll bring some snacks and coffee and look forward to meeting you and your families there!

• Adults-Only Meet Up: Please join us Thursday, 10/9, at Revolution Hall in Lexington at 6pm. Come catch up with fellow Alcott K parents for a casual evening get together! Food and drinks will be available for purchase. 

  Feel free to reach out to your room parents with any questions!

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Second Grade Community Events

Second grade families are invited to two upcoming events! Join us!

• Carlisle Castle Playground Playdate: Sunday 10/5, 2pm-4pm! Siblings are more than welcome! 

• Adults-Only Get Together at Revolution Hall in Lexington: Thursday 10/16, 6pm-8pm. A casual get-together for adults to catch up. You can purchase your own food/beverages there!

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From the Art Room

Follow artatalcott on Instagram! Recently, Beautiful Oops author Barney Saltzberg commented on student work inspired by his book.

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Volunteer Opportunities

September Composting at Lunch: Sign up here! Feel free to come often!

October Composting at Lunch: Sign up here! Feel free to come often!

Alcott Bike to School Day: Sign up here to make this event a success!

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Calendar and Important Dates

Every Wednesday is a Half Day

• September 26 - Wear Pink for Kicks for Cancer

• October 2 - Meadow Farms Sale Opens!

• October 4 - Kindergarten Emerson Playground Playdate

• October 5 - 2nd Grade Carlisle Castle Playground Playdate

• October 8 - MFF Apple Picking

• October 9 - Bike/Walk to School Day

• October 9 - Kindergarten Adults-Only Get Together

• October 13 - No School (Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day)

• October 16 - 2nd Grade Adults-Only Get Together

In the Community

Helping Teens (and Parents) Thrive in the Digital Age

Growing Up Well is a community event series that tackles one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to raise healthy, resilient kids in the digital age. This series brings together leading experts, community leaders, educators, and families to share insights and practical solutions. 

The first event, on October 28, 2025, from 6-7:15pm at Concord Carlisle High School, is Thriving Together in a High-Tech World, where Jean Twenge, PhD—award-winning psychologist, author, and mother of three teens—shares ten evidence-based strategies from her acclaimed book 10 Rules for Raising Teens in a High-Tech World. 

More information and registration here.

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Family Portraits at the North Bridge: Oct 5 & 11

Register for a mini photo session with Cole and Kiera Photography and help raise funds for Milldam Nursery School while getting some great holiday card shots. Sessions are 15 minutes long at the North Bridge on October 5 and October 11. Grab a slot today before they fill up!

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PK Dance Center: Try a Free Class Week & Birthday Parties

There is still time to register for fall classes (for ages 4-18) at PK Dance Center (located at 191 Sudbury Road in Concord). They are holding a "Try a New Class Week" October 6-10 and are welcoming anyone to come in and try a class - if you sign up after class then October tuition is free! View the class schedule here. PK Dance Center is also a fun place to hold a birthday party - learn more here.

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Concord Launches Troop 147 for Girls

Concord Scout House introduces Troop 147, Concord’s inaugural Scouting America troop for girls (ages 11-17)! This youth-led troop fosters leadership, teamwork, and resilience as members strive for Eagle rank. Kate McLaughlin (scoutmaster@troop147concord.org) is Scoutmaster, with Ben McLaughlin as Committee Chair. Interested families can register at BeAScout.org. Founding members receive a special patch! Let’s support Concord’s future leaders.

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Concord Conservatory of Music: Family Notes Class

Our new Family Notes group class (for newborns to 4-year-olds) is a chance for kids to learn and create music as a team. This isn't just another lesson; it’s an opportunity to build a musical foundation at home and strengthen family bonds. For registration details, please click here.

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Celebrate Oktoberfest - Fun, Food, and Festivities for All Ages

Come celebrate Oktoberfest at Clark Farm Market on October 4, 11:00 - 3:00! Hosted by the Concord Carlisle Foundation, kids can dive into a world of colorful arts and crafts while grown-ups compete in epic foodie showdowns — from a pretzel-eating contest to a stein-hoisting competition. With live music and games, there will be something for everyone. Come hungry and thirsty - there will be a full German menu and cash bar. Bring your family, your friends, and your love for fall—it’s the perfect way to spend a crisp October afternoon together. PROST! Rain date: October 5. Tickets can be purchased here.

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Field Hockey Roots and Goals Clinic

Patriot Field Hockey's Roots and Goals Clinic is designed for players of all levels in grades 2-8. Join Patriots Varsity Coach Jacqui Turner and varsity players for a fun day of skills, games and competition. 

Monday, October 13th at Concord-Carlisle HS from 9am - 1pm. 

Players should bring a stick, mouthguard and shin guards. Goggles are optional. Players should also bring plenty of water and a snack. No experience needed! Sign up link

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2025 Boys CC Youth Lacrosse Fall Ball Registration is Open Now: Grades K-8

• What: Skill development, scrimmages and fun  

• When: Sunday mornings between 9-11 AM (started September 19th, but you can still enroll); ends with our 3rd annual Pumpkin Shootout on October 29th - Wednesday evening under the lights @ CCHS on Memorial Field

• Where: Concord Carlisle High School → See grade specific times and locations on our website HERE

• How: Registration is $125. Register @ www.ccyouthlacrosse.com (you need to register on desktop. Mobile does not work)

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Concord Carlisle Youth Basketball Tryouts

Registration is now open for the Concord Carlisle Youth Basketball ‘25-’26 Season. Tryouts will take place from 10/6-10/9. Information regarding tryout locations, dates, and times for Boys and Girls grades 4-8 are listed on our site.

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Cheerleader for a Day!

Join the CCHS Varsity Cheerleaders for Cheerleader for a Day—an exciting event open to all students entering grades K–6. Participants will learn cheers, chants, and basic stunts with the team starting at 5:30 PM, then show off their spirit by cheering on the sidelines during the Varsity Football Game until after the first quarter! Find details here and here.

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Kicks for Cancer is on September 27th!

Please save the date for this year’s Kicks for Cancer event at Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS) on September 27! Kicks brings the community together to raise funds to advance research at Dana Farber focused on the early detection of ovarian cancer. Information about the event’s history and fundraising impact are attached here. Details about the event, the schedule and how to purchase Kicks lawn signs or gear are available at www.kicksforcancer.org.

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The Mighty Moose 5K Walk/Run 

5K Run/Walk held in memory of Jenna Swaim, a loving mother and wife who lost her courageous four-year battle to ovarian cancer on July 3, 2018. She was 43 years old. The name of the event is inspired by Jenna’s Alaskan roots, love for fun, and strength! All funds raised will support research led by Dr. Kevin Elias to develop an early detection test for ovarian cancer - when it is most treatable. 

When: Sunday September 28th @ 8:30 AM. 

Kids race just before @ 7:45 AM

Where: Concord Carlisle High School

How: Race Packet Pickup Saturday September 27th between 9 AM - 2:30 PM @ CCHS

 REGISTER HERE!!!

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Standing SEPAC Office Hours

Office hours are an opportunity to talk in person to help answer any special education questions and get parent-to-parent support. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 11am-12:30pm at the Concord Main Library.

Alcott PTG, 93 Laurel St, Concord, MA 01742, USA