From the Co-Presidents
Happy Thursday! We hope everyone is settling into the school year and finding their rhythm! We know how busy the fall is and wanted to make sure a few important upcoming dates are on your radar:
Back to School Night — Wednesday, 9/16, 5:15–7:45pm: Meet your child’s teacher and learn more about the year ahead!
Fall Fest — Sunday, 9/20, 11am–1pm: Join other Alcott families for face painting, fall crafts, a bounce house, and more!
Movie Night — Friday, 10/2, time TBD: Bring a blanket and join us for an outdoor movie night!
Multicultural Night — Sunday, 10/18, time TBD: Come celebrate, learn about, and taste the many cultures that make up our Alcott community.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at Alcott soon!
Abby + Sarah
News & Announcements
Staff Appreciation
Thank you to all those who donated items to the staff lounge for the beginning of the school year! The kitchen was stocked with a variety of drinks, snacks, and candy which was greatly appreciated by the teachers and a positive way to start the year. They loved it so much, the supply has already been depleted, so please keep your eyes peeled for more opportunities to donate items over the next couple of months!
School picture day
School Picture day will take place on September 23rd. Parent volunteers are needed! Please consider signing up here. Scholarships are available via Coffee Pond for families in need to ensure all families can access picture day for their child: Students in grades K, 2, and 4 can reach out to Michael Kordosky at mkordosky@concordps.org. Students in grades 1, 3, and 5 can reach out to Lauren Jepsky at ljepsky@gmail.com
FAll fest
Get ready for an afternoon of fall fun for the whole family! Join us Sunday, September 20th from 11am–1pm for live music, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, games, pumpkin fun, treats, and more! It takes lots of helping hands to make Fall Fest happen! If you’re able to help out during the event, we’d love to have you. Sign up to volunteer here! We can’t wait to see you at Fall Fest!
Metco Family friends Apple Picking
Save the date for Metco Family and Friends Apple Picking on 10/7! More details to come.
Alcott Front Flower bed restoration
Thanks to a generous grant from the Garden Club of Concord we will be planting shade and drought- tolerant native plants to beautify the front flower beds at Alcott! Please join us on Sunday September 27th from 9 to 12: Planting Volunteer Sign-up. Bring gardening gloves and trowels if you have them!
Library volunteers needed
Mrs. O'Rourke is looking for a few library volunteers to shelve books Monday-Friday from 8:50-9:15. If you are interested in committing to a weekly spot for the year, please email korourke@concordps.org and let Mrs. O'Rourke know which day(s) you are available. Thanks for your support!
September COmposting volunteers
Little kids and big trays sometimes need a helping hand, as well as some guidance as to what is compostable and the occasional removal of a ketchup packet or fork! Sign up here.
Calendar & Important Dates
Every Wednesday is a half day
September 16 - Back to School Night
September 20 - Fall Fest
September 23 - Picture Day
October 2 - Movie Night
October 18- Multicultural Night
In the Community
Kicks for Cancer
Please save the date for the 20th Kicks for Cancer event at Concord-Carlisle High School on September 26! 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.
SEPAC Coffee Chat
SEPAC Coffee Chat will take place on September 17th 9-11am. 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. STARBUCKS @768 ELM ST CONCORD, MA 01742
CCM Group Keyboard for Kids
Due to growing demand from families in the area, we’ve expanded our popular Group Keyboard for Kids program by adding brand-new Thursday and Saturday section options starting late September. Designed for young beginners ages 5–7, Group Keyboard offers a fun, social way for kids to build foundational piano skills, sight-reading, and ear training through movement and interactive ensemble play. Please see attached for additional information.
IMSCC Fall Enrollment is Open
We welcome students of all ages with expert instructors offering lessons for band and orchestra instruments, plus piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, and voice. Small group lessons for first- and second-year players are available on select instruments, offered after school and evenings at CCHS and Carlisle School. New students can click here to start enrollment. Questions may be directed to Laryssa Doohovskoy, IMSCC Program Coordinator, at ldoohovskoy@concordcarlisle.org. For more information, visit www.imsccma.org.
The Garden Club of Concord
The Garden Club of Concord is soliciting proposals from local organizations seeking funding for gardening-related community projects. The club’s grant program promotes horticulture and environmental conservation; we are dedicated to the preservation, restoration and development of gardens and the natural environment in the Concord community. To request a grant application or for more information contact Sarah MacEachern at smaceachern@comcast.net or visit our website: www.gardenclubofconcord.org. The deadline is October 16,2026
Your Attention Please Film Screening
Join us for a screening of the powerful, new documentary Your Attention Please, followed by a panel discussion featuring the film's director/producer and writer. Additional panelists will include Turning Life On's founder, Adrienne Principe and Lexington Pediatric's Clinical Social Worker, Kerriann Ostlund. Hosted by The Intentional Tech Coalition Concord, Lex Kids Be Kids, and Tech-Wise Arlington. Thursday, September 10, 2026, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Lexington Venue, 1794 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA. Additional. Registration HERE.
Disney-Themed Kids Night Out
Need a Friday evening off? Drop off your K–4th graders for a fun Disney night hosted by Girl Scout Troop 64151 to help earn funds for our trip to NYC! Join us at the Concord Scout House on Friday, September 11, from 6:30–8:30 PM for Disney-themed games, crafts, and activities supervised by 8th-grade Cadettes and First Aid certified leaders. Cost is $20/child or $30/family (cash/Venmo at the door). Register here.
Milldam Nursery School Portraits Fundraiser
Milldam Nursery School is partnering with the talented, local husband and wife team Cole & Keira photography to offer family portraits as a fundraising effort. There are mini, double and custom sessions available to meet your needs. The upcoming dates are: 9/13, 9/20 and 10/10. Book yours today!
Kicks for Cancer T-Shirt Donations
Donate new or gently used Kicks for Cancer pink shirts at the Community Closet on 9/12 from 10-12pm or the CCF office 9/1-9/3 from 9am–4pm. Or purchase a new shirt to donate at the Kicks Pop-Up Merch Sale on Saturday, 9/19 at CCHS or at Back to School Nights in Carlisle on 9/17 and 9/24. Questions? Contact jbarry@concordcarlislefoundation.org.
SEPAC Hours
SEPAC Office Hours: Office hours are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11-12:30 in the Main Library in the cafe area.