December 2011

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Superintendent's Desk
Principals' Corner
School Events & Information
Photos
CSA News
Other Community Interest Items
Buzz Information
Cafeteria Menu
www.carlisle.k12.ma.us

Calendar

December 5

December 6

3:15 pm Hip Hop Dance Club

 December 7
School Picture Re-takes

2:30 pm Hip Hop Dance Club

7:00 pm School Committee Meeting

 December 8

2:30 pm pm Math League at Diamond
3:05 pm Art Club
3:30 pm Varsity Basketball Home with Mystic Valley

7:30 pm Band and Choir Concert

 December 9
Report Cards Distributed to All Grades

9:00 am SEPAC Meeting

2:30 pm MS Chess Club
3:10 pm Ele Chess Club

7:00 pm Student Council Dance
December 12

3:30 pm Varsity Basketball Home with Parker

 December 13
Early Release
11:51 am MS
12:30 pm Elementary

9:00 am CSA Meeting

5:30 pm 4th Grade Concert
7:30 pm 5th Grade Concert

 December 14
Parent Conferences.
No School for Students.

10:00 am CSA Skating Party

 December 15

3:05 pm Art Club
3:30 pm Varsity Basketball at Mystic Valley

7:30 pm School Building Committee

 December 16

2:30 pm MS Chess Club
3:10 pm Ele Chess Club
December 19

3:30 pm Varsity Basketball Home with Lincoln

 December 20

3:15 pm Hip Hop Dance Club
3:30 pm Varsity Basketball Home with Hanscom

 December 21

2:30 pm pm Hip Hop Dance Club

 December 22

December 23
Early Release
11:51 am MS
12:30 pm Elementary

December 26 - January 2 Holiday Break
School Re-opens on January 3, 2012

From the Superintendent's Desk

Joyce I. Mehaffey, Ph.D.

Dear Families,

Writing! Our teachers have worked for the past several years on reviewing and improving our writing curriculum. During this process, teachers examined our practices, evaluated our scope and sequence at each grade level, and added areas that were neglected, constantly working to improve.

When not in front of students, teachers engaged in study groups and attended professional development to improve their own skills, in order to provide improved instruction. Recently, with the support of a Davida Fox-Melanson grant, several teachers attended the National Council of Teachers of English annual meeting, which began on a Thursday and continued through Sunday.  Over the four days, teachers attended various workshops lead by experts in the field, as well as teachers from districts across the country.  Audiences listened to theory regarding best practices and participated in demonstrations of how to implement these practices in the classroom.  Each workshop lead to lively group discussions about implementation upon return to Carlisle, and about how to share information with colleagues.  The days were long but passed quickly, as workshops began early and conversations and sharing about what each individual attended during the day lasted well into the evening.

Although the conference is now over and all have returned to their daily responsibilities, the discussions persist as do plans for sharing. The excitement and enthusiasm about our writing curriculum continues, demonstrating the power of excellent professional development.

We are grateful for the Davida Fox Melanson grant, which enabled our teachers to share in such a rich experience.

 Sincerely,
Joyce Mehaffey

Principals' Corner
Joyce Mehaffey
Grades 6 - 8		 Patrice Hurley
Grades 1 - 5
Karen Slack
K & Pre-K

Dear Families,

As you can see from the news in this Buzz, we have a busy month ahead of us as we end the calendar year. Concerts, fundraisers, excursions, grade level activities, plays, projects, and presentations; the list goes on and on.  All of these events actualize the learning children have engaged in over the fall trimester as they demonstrate their growth and achievements in myriad ways.   We hope you will be able to make time to attend these activities and celebrate the learning with your children.

The days from Thanksgiving through the December break can be hectic for families as they prepare for the holidays and make plans to visit with families and friends. It is important to also remember to set aside downtime with children during this period.  Moments spent sharing holiday customs, activities, and traditions are cherished by children, no matter what their age. Quiet time reading together about these topics can provide an opportunity to relax and connect. Allowing children to choose the books, stories, poems, or passages that they want to read, adds to their motivation and interest. For those more reluctant, give them the option of taking turns or reading the words together.  Children may be surprised by the pleasure evidenced by a parent, and they often gain a boost in confidence and pleasure in sharing this activity together.

Sincerely,
Joyce Mehaffey, Patrice Hurley, & Karen Slack

School Events/Information

 

School Picture Retakes
Photographers from Lifetouch National School Studios will return to Carlisle on Wednesday, December 7th, for school picture retakes. If your child was absent on the original picture day, or if you are not satisfied with the pictures you received, please call the school's main office at (978) 369-6550 to schedule a retake for your child/ren. Please note that on the retake day, your child must bring either the completed order form with payment enclosed (if it is a case of absence) or the entire picture packet, except for the classroom group picture, (if it is a case of dissatisfaction). Picture retakes will be done in the Corey Dining Room. Thank you.

Spalding Circle -- Buses Only!

We are asking everyone's help in keeping the bus drop-off area safe for all students. The Spalding Circle is reserved for buses from 7:15 until 3:30 every school day. Please do not enter or park on the Circle during these times for the safety of the children. If you need to drop something off at the office, please use the 10 minute parking spot at Highland. Thank you!

Attention 6th Grade Parents
In the middle school, parent conferences are not required.

Teachers will be requesting conferences with some parents for the upcoming conference days on Tuesday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 14.  If teachers are requesting a conference, you will receive an e-mail by Wednesday, December 7.  Report cards will go home with students on Friday, December 9.  In the 6th grade, we meet with parents as a team of teachers for 20 minutes.

If the team has not requested a conference with you and you have concerns, and would like to meet with the 6th grade team, please e-mail Mr. Gale at wgale@carlisle.k12.ma.us by Monday, December 12. Please specify the day, Tuesday December 13 or Wednesday December 14, and times you may be available.  The 6th grade team will contact you to set up a meeting time.

Thank you.
The Sixth Grade Team

2nd Grade Pajama Drive

The second graders would like to invite you to join them in a community service project.  Scholastic Book Clubs and the nonprofit organization, Pajama Program have joined together to reach a goal of providing 125,000 brand-new pajamas and books to children in need.  Please consider donating one pair of brand-new pajamas to the Pajama Drive containers located at the entrances of the Grant, Robbins, Spalding or Wilkins buildings by Wednesday, December 7th.  These new pajamas will be paired with a donated book from Scholastic Book Club and distributed to children in our local shelters.

The second graders want to help these children in need, especially as the weather turns colder.  If we all work together, we can help The Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive reach its goal of 125,000 pajamas and give children in need a new, warm pair of PJs and a new book to read or have read to them.

If you and your child are able to participate, please have your child bring in a new pair of pajamas to one of the decorated drop-off containers by the Wednesday, December 7th, deadline.

Here are some guidelines for the pajamas:

  • Pajamas must be brand-new.
  • Pajamas in all sizes are needed—from newborn to adult.
  • Pajamas must be in complete sets or nightgowns.
  • Pajamas in children’s sizes must be manufactured as pajamas — this ensures that they are flame-retardant and safe.

Thank you for helping us share the gift of a good night’s sleep and a sweet bedtime story. You can find out more about the drive and the program at www.scholastic.com/pjdrive.

Your second grade friends in Mrs. Caron’s, Mrs. Clapp’s, Mr. D’s, and Mrs. Vanaria’s classes

Boys Basketball Program for Non-Varsity Players
WHO:  Boys in grades 6 – 8 (not varsity players)
WHEN:  15 Fridays, starting on December 9th
TIME:  4:00 – 5:30
FORMAT:  Tournament style/inter-squad games
WHAT TO DO: 

  1. Sign up outside Mr. Pecks’ room
  2. Return a signed permission slip to Mr. Marfione
  3. Bring check in the amount of $55.00 made payable to the Town of Carlisle
  4. Make sure you have a current medical form on file in the Health office.

Must have 20 or more participants to run this program

Snow Day Information
We are hoping for many fewer snow days this year, but winter is almost upon us, and parents should be aware of our snow day procedures. If school is cancelled or delayed, a telephone message will be sent to students' homes using the One Call automatic notification system. The following radio and TV stations and websites will also have the information:

You may register on the websites above to be notified by email or voicemail if the station receives a cancellation or delay for the Carlisle Public Schools. In the case of an early release, we will use the home and emergency numbers in the One Call system to inform parents that children will be sent home early.

Delayed opening time:

Length of Delay Grades K - 4 Grades 5 - 8
1 hour 9:50 8:50
90 minutes 10:20 9:20
2 hours 10:50 9:50

Kindergarten and Pre-School Note: In the case of a delayed opening, Pre-School will always be cancelled. Kindergarten will be cancelled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the delay will pertain to Kindergarten.

SEPAC Meeting
There will be a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) meeting on Friday, December 9th at 9:00 a.m., in the school cafeteria. This is the annual Know Your IEP/Basic Rights meeting with Karen Slack, Director of Student Services. Find out more about IEPs, 504 plans, eligibility, evaluations and how it all works at the Carlisle Public School.

Holiday Book Buzz!
As holidays, birthdays and special events arrive, this friendly reminder is to let you know that our school library has an ongoing Amazon Wish List which has been updated for the holiday season. You can find it on the school library webpage! Donation gift plates will be added to each donated book. You can add a donation recognition to your order or just send an email to Mrs. Kelly in the school library. Thank you for your wonderful support. Have a happy holiday season.
Sandy Kelly

Friday Night Live – December 2nd
Come kick-off the holiday season at FNL on Friday, December 2nd from 7 to 9:30 pm.  We look forward to seeing you there.

The November FNL was another huge success. A special thanks to all parents who gave up their Friday night to chaperone this event.  Without you, FNL could not happen.

Hopefully, everyone can join us for more dancing, basketball, ping-pong, and other games, or just to hang out with friends.  Any middle school student that has not attended FNL is encouraged to attend.  FNL newcomers (and students who did not complete the online forms last month) must complete the forms online at carlisle.org.assn.la. No student will be admitted to FNL without completed forms.

Admission is $6. Pizza, soda and water are available for a small fee. A parent or guardian must sign out any attendee who leaves prior to 9:30 pm.  All others must be picked up at 9:30 pm sharp. For more information, please contact PJ Jewel at 978-371-8995 or Phil Lotane at (978) 287-4014 or any member of the CYC. The CYC looks forward to seeing everyone on December 2nd.

Buzz and Calendar Information
The Buzz will be published monthly at the beginning of each month during the 2011 - 2012 school year. Please click here to review submission deadlines for each issues. The calendar for the week is updated on the homepage of the school website weekly. Please add our website to your favorites/bookmarks and make it a practice to check the website for calendar and other updates: http://www.carlisle.k12.ma.us.

Photos

6th Grade Outdoor Ed
Police, Fire, and Construction Officials Visit Kinderdarten

Carlisle Education Foundation
www.carlislecef.org

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: MINDS MATTER!
The Carlisle Education Foundation has launched a new capital campaign, Minds Matter!, to benefit the new school building project. With your assistance, we have set out to raise $150,000 to outfit the Science and Technology lab and the Multi-Purpose room with equipment, furniture and technology to make these new spaces state-of-the-art learning environments for Carlisle school children. In addition, CEF will recognize the first two donors of $25,000 or more by offering to install a nameplate in honor of each donor either at the entrance to or somewhere inside these two new spaces.

Please consider a tax-deductible gift to ensure that our new school building encompasses the tools and technology necessary for optimal learning, discovery and creativity.

To make a donation, please send a check payable to Carlisle Education Foundation to:

Minds Matter!
PO Box 734
Carlisle, MA 01741

To speak with a board officer for more information on the capital campaign and how you can help, please contact Peg Gladstone at 978-246-6793 or visit us online at carlislecef.org.

CSA News
www.carlisleschoolassociation.org

Donelan's/Crosby's Receipts Program Replaced by Stop & Shop Program
We will no longer be participating in the Donelan's program, but will switch to the Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards and Box Tops for Education Program. One more easy way to earn money for our school! Register your Stop & Shop card and earn points every time you shop from October 7 – March 29. Earn one point for every dollar you spend, get double points for any “A+ school rewards” participating products marked throughout the store, get triple points for purchasing any “Healthy Ideas” labeled item. Points are translated to dollars that are given directly to the school.

Note that you may designate up to 2 schools to receive your shopping points. So encourage grandparents, aunts and uncles, and neighbors to register their cards too!

Box Tops for Education
Clip and click to earn money for our school. Clip those familiar bright pink Box Tops from hundreds of participating products – e.g., Cheerios, Nature Valley Granola Bars, Land ‘O Lakes Butter, Kleenex tissues – and put them in one of the drop boxes located in the school library or the town hall. Each one is worth 10¢ when our school redeems them from Box Tops for Education.

Shop online at some of your favorite stores through the Box Tops Marketplace and earn eBoxTops – up to 15% of your qualifying purchase total is automatically donated to our school. Some participating stores include Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Hanna Andersson, Lands’ End, and Lego. It’s free and easy to get started:

Once you have signed up you can also enter online promotions for chances to win Box Tops and other prizes, and print coupons for your favorite Box Tops brands.

CSA Gift Wrap Update
All Gift Wrap orders have been delivered.  If you have any questions about your orders, please email csagiftwrapsale@gmail.com.  And a big thank you to all of the parent volunteers who delivered orders before Thanksgiving:  Stephanie Blunt, Joy Bonenfant, Patricia Brigiotta, Lori Brown, Carren Panico and Edith Pendock!  Additionally, Coco Key day passes will be delivered at a future date to anyone who sold 6+ items.  The vendor has not yet received them, but has promised to provide them as soon as they arrive.  And please stay tuned for the winner of the Gift Wrap Raffle for an overnight stay at Coco Key!  Anyone who sold $100 or more will be entered into the raffle.  Thanks to everyone for supporting the CSA by participating in the Gift Wrap Fundraiser!!

Annual CSA Ice Skating Party -  Wednesday, 12/14!
Enjoy the day off from school on Wednesday, December 14th by attending the annual CSA Ice Skating Party from 10:00am until noon.  Held at the skating rink at Middlesex School on Lowell Street in Concord, this event has become a tradition for Carlislians of all ages!  Bring your skates (no rentals on site), helmets, a signed waiver form and $5.00 admission fee to gain entry to Carlisle's hottest party on ice.  Refreshments will be served.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.  We do need adult volunteers to chaperone–if interested, please contact Jean Barry 978-610-2802 or CSAIceSkating@gmail.org.   Click here to access a release form. Please bring  a completed copy to the event.

 

We’ve updated the website! Visit www.carlisleschoolgarden.org to read all about it!

Student Volunteer Compost Crew Update!
Our student volunteers, your children, are absolutely amazing. We have approximately 70 students (more keep signing on to help) trained. They have taken to the work with a clear sense of responsibility, enthusiasm, independence and team spirit. More experienced crew members are doing a great job of training newer members of the team. This has been a real help during the training phase given the numbers and the split between indoor and outdoor activities.

Please note that there will be a break in the program when snow begins to fly and accumulate.

How You Can Help
We are looking for parent volunteers already working as cafeteria helpers for support. If you are currently volunteering to work in the cafeteria during lunch you could also support the compost program by being an adult presence at the sorting station during the last 5 minutes of lunch as students are cleaning up and getting ready to transition back to classrooms or recess. The compost crew members are very self-sufficient and know the routine and procedures well so there are no requests for specific, adult help. Your role would be as support if there is a glitch in the process.

60 Bags of Leaves Campaign
Thank you to those who have dropped off leaves for use in the project! Please know that your ‘donation’ has gone to good use keeping our compost scrap pile at the peak of health.

We are still looking for leaves to ensure enough browns through the rest of the year. Because of limited storage space at the school, we are asking for parent volunteers to bag 1-2 bags of leaves and store them at their homes for use as needed. If you are willing/able to help with a bag or two of stored leaves, please send an email to: launa@zimmaro.com. You’ll be contacted regarding a leaf drop-off as the need arises.

We would also like to acknowledge the huge assist from Jenney Landscape owner, Scott Jenney, for his drop-off of a partial truck load of leaves in early November. Scott worked with our volunteer “browns” team to help load the leaves into the bins for storage. Many thanks also to project volunteers Lauren Bakewell, Cindy and John Nock and Barbara Lewis for their time moving the leaves, not to mention their excellent raking skills!

Other Items of Interest

Carlisle Kids’ House

DECEMBER PROFESSIONAL DAY & VACATION WEEK!
Professional Day, Dec. 14th CKH will be going to Laser Craze in Andover! CKH will be open for the December vacation week - Tuesday, Dec. 27 through Friday, Dec. 30 with five students registered per day. Field trips for the week include, Lazer Craze, JumpInFun, Chunkies. Games with prizes, Wii tournaments, gross motor room fun, cooking activities, are just some of the fun things planned for the week.

For information, call 978-369-5558, or email: exec_director@carlislekidshouse.org. Website: http://carlislekidshouse.org
GPL News
www.gleasonlibrary.org

Visit www.gleasonlibrary.org or call 978-369-4898 for more information on all programs.

Special One-Day Book Sale to support Sundays at the Gleason Public Library.
Drop by the library on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to buy books for Sundays. Find children’s books, specialized subjects, magazines, and paperbacks -- just right for holiday reading. This booksale is run by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

Special PJ Story Time at the Gleason Public Library
Take part in a special story time at the Gleason Public Library on Wednesday, December 7 at 7 p.m. A story time will be held with some selections of  the picture books used to inspire the trees displayed in the Concord  Museum’s 16th annual “Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature “ exhibit. Following the story time children are invited to create and decorate a paper chain. This story time is for children ages three and up. No registration is required.

Kids Book Clubs
There are still openings in the Gleason Kids Book Clubs for first and second graders. The non-fiction club meets on one Tuesday a month and the fiction club meets on one Thursday a month. Each meeting consists of discussion about the book. This is followed by a craft, experiment or other activity just for fun! To register for the club or to obtain more information, please contact Marty at mseneta@mvlc.org   or call the library at 978-369-4898 and ask for Children’s.

The Gleason Public Library's 3rd and 4th grade book club, still accepting registrations, will meet on Thursday, December 8, from 4-4:45 p.m. to discuss How to Eat Fried Worms, by Thomas Rockwell. The book is available at the Circulation Desk. Registration in the children's room or by phone at 978-369-4898; or contact Jennifer for more information at jpetroroy@mvlc.org.

For Middle School
The Gleason Public Library is looking for 5-8th graders to join TOGA (Teens of Gleason Advisors). Advisors meet once a month, usually on the first Friday, to plan teen library programs, make suggestions for library purchases, do fun activities, and more. The next TOGA meeting is Friday, December 2, from 3-4 p.m. in the Hollis Room. We will be making gingerbread houses! New faces are always welcome.

The Gleason Public Library's next Early Release Day Movie will be held on Tuesday, December 13th, from 2-4 p.m. More details about the movie to come! For Grades 5-8.

Are you interested in learning how to write a book review? Or want to know what book review blogs are all about? The Gleason Public Library will be hosting a book reviewing/blogging workshop on Thursday, December 8, from 7-8 p.m. Two local bloggers will talk about how they read and review books and young adult authors Kim Harrington and Erin Dionne will discuss how it feels to be reviewed. Presented in conjunction with the Concord-Carlisle High School Library.

The Gleason Public Library will be holding a middle and high school Library Karaoke Night on Thursday, December 15th at 6:30 p.m. Join DJ Randa from Creative Entertainment for an evening of live music, karaoke, snacks, and games. Bring your energy and your singing voices (good or bad)!

For more information on all teen programs, contact Jennifer Petro-Roy, the Teen Librarian, at jpetroroy@mvlc.org or call the library at 1-978-369-4898.

More Library News
We are nearly half-way to our goal of $6000 for Sunday hours. Every contribution helps! Donations can go online through the Gleason Endowment or by check. These funds support Sundays from January through April from 2 to 5 p.m. Thank you for your support!

Have you read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks? Save the date for great discussions and events around this title in January for Carlisle’s Community Read.

You don't have to buy your ebooks. Use the Gleason Public Library for your ereading pleasure – visit our website to find out more.
Subscribe to the library’s enewsletter for updates on events for all ages. Visit the website to subscribe!

Keep an eye out for Community Education’s Winter/Spring classes! A full course listing will be available online and for registration mid-December, and catalogs will be in homes the week of December 26th.  Choose from a wide variety of courses, from classes in Creative Arts and Health & Fitness to Business & Finance and Family Life. Enhance your personal life, strengthen current skills or learn skills for a new career!

Do you have a child in the 8th grade? Starting in February there are opportunities to shadow a Minuteman student for a full day. Students can experience how their career major of choice operates and functions on a daily basis and get the chance to ask Minuteman students and staff questions. Shadowing takes place on Wednesdays only, with the exception of the Health Occupations career major which will be Mondays only. A Shadowing permission form must be filled out. Please contact Sue Murphy or Jack Dillon for more information at 781-861-6500 x289 or x225, or email Sue Murphy at s.murphy@minuteman.org or Jack Dillon at jdillon@minuteman.org.

CCHS Football
Congratulations to the CCHS football team for making it to the Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium for the second straight year. The Patriots will play Oliver Ames High School at 9:00 am on Saturday, December 3rd for the Division 3 state title. Fans are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Family Trees:  A Celebration of Children's Literature
From November 23 through January 1, the Concord Museum will be hosting its much beloved Family Trees Exhibit.  Trees of all sizes and shapes will be decorated with charm and inspiration from acclaimed classic and contemporary children's books.  

On Saturday, December 10, there will be a special Santa Breakfast, where you can come and have your picture taken with Santa, send your wish list to Santa, tour the trees, make some holiday arts and crafts and enjoy some refreshments. The Santa Breakfast will take place on December 10 from 10-1.

Come by and take part in these time honored holiday events!

Please Donate to a Local Holiday Toy Drive!!!!
 The Concord Carlisle Community Chest will sponsor a Holiday Toy Drive THIS SUNDAY, December 4th at 5:00pm under the Tree of Giving in Concord Center. Please consider spreading some holiday joy and bring a new, unwrapped gift for a child aged 0-17.  All donations will be greatly appreciated and will be distributed to local children in need.  For further information, contact the Concord Carlisle Community Chest at 978-369-5250.

APPLAUDD:  A Prevention Program Learning About Underage Drinking & Drugs on Tuesday, December 6th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM in the Little Theater at CCHS.  Content is appropriate for parents/guardians of 5-12 grade students.  Learn about the affect of ALCOHOL on teen brain development, the myth of teaching children to drink responsibly and social host liability.  Implementation of prevention strategies and protective factors are outlined. Marilyn Belmonte, a veteran in drug abuse recognition and prevention among teens, will be giving an informed and engaging presentation with time for Q&A.  According to Nora D. Volkow, M.D., National Institute on Drug Abuse,  “Parents have been touted as the keys to preventing alcohol and other drug problems among youth, and research now shows that environmental and genetic risk factors can be trumped by parental engagement during the critical adolescent years.”  For more information contact ccpi.mass@gmail.com.  Hosted by CCPI (Concord Carlisle Parents Initiative).

CONCORD-CARLISLE YOUTH LACROSSE REGISTRATION IS OPEN
LACROSSE IS OFFERED FOR GRADES 1 – 8 FOR BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS
Registration is open now and closes on January 17th.  Don’t miss out on the fastest sport on 2 feet!

Girls go to this link to read about the details for each grade and register:
http://ccyouthlacrosse.com/Page.asp?n=32145&snid=jNJ%40R%3EM1Y&org=ccyouthlacrosse.com

Boys go to this link to read about the details for each grade and register:
http://ccyouthlacrosse.com/Page.asp?n=32093&snid=jNJ%40R%3EM1Y&org=ccyouthlacrosse.com

Buzz Information

Next Buzz Issue
Please email your submissions for the January Buzz to Claire Wilcox at cwilcox@carlisle.k12.ma.us by December 30th at Noon.   Please attach information to the email in a Word file.

To add your email address to the Buzz notification list or to make changes in your email address for the Buzz, please visit the following web address:   http://lists.carlisle.k12.ma.us/mailman/listinfo/buzz.