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    September 2023
     
     
       
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     Jim From the Superintendent's Desk  
        

    Dear Carlisle Families, 

    It is my pleasure to welcome you back for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. 

    We have had another wonderful start to the school year, and while the weather and its impact these first few weeks may have been unexpected, it didn’t dampen the spirits of our students, who returned to school with smiling faces and the joy of seeing old friends and new.

    This year we welcome a number of new faculty and staff to our school community.  In the Main Office we have been joined by Trisha Adams, who is working as Dr. Sidell’s administrative assistant.  We are also joined by Linda Cavallo-Murphy, who will be serving as our Registrar and Recess Supervisor.  In addition to Trisha and Linda we have quite a few new folks joining us, as well as folks who have been with us previously taking on new roles.  We are pleased to welcome back Caitlin Green (Candito) teaching 3rd grade, Stephanie Schneider in the Preschool, and Jaqueline Baer teaching Health. We will also be joined by Peter Proulx teaching 7th grade Social Studies, Caroline Whelan teaching Elementary Art, Erin Lane teaching Chorus, and Jodi Wollner will be our new literacy specialist.  The Special Education Department has three new members with Chloe Lazar joining us in a permanent position and Gina Mach and Racquel Yutkins, both joining us in the capacity of one-year positions filling in for folks on leave.  Both the middle and elementary schools have new Tier 2 support personnel and they are Fofe Vasquez, for the middle school, and James Bailey, for the elementary school. We also welcome new  special education and kindergarten aides including MJ Amini, Shawna Crowley, Beth Johnson, Hannah Landry, Sarah Whipple, Erin Harrington, Valeska Nova, Jennifer Moeller, and Olivia Senneville.  In addition we have two new building substitutes, Frances Morgan and Jessica Smith.

    Please be sure to mark your calendars for the Middle School and Elementary Open House events, which will be taking place this week and next week. The Middle School Open House will take place on Thursday, September 14 at 6:45 PM and the Elementary Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 21 at 6:45 PM.

    As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any question, thoughts, ideas or concerns you may have.

    Looking forward to a great year. 

     

    Warm regards,

    Jim O’Shea

    Superintendent

  • School Events and Information

    School Calendar

    Click here to view and download the 2023-2024 calendar

    SEPTEMBER LUNCH MENU

    Click here to view the September 2023 Lunch menu

    Recess Monitor Open Position

    Carlisle Public Schools is seeking a recess monitor to assist with supervision of students in Kindergarten though Grade 8 during recess.  The position is for school days, Monday through Friday, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. If interested, please contact Dr. Dennet Sidell, Elementary Principal, at dsidell@carlisle.k12.ma.us. 

    MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS:

    Interscholastic Fall Athletics begins on Monday, September 11th.  Sign-ups for Cross Country, Soccer, and Field Hockey are up in the gym. 

    Each athlete needs to complete an athletic registration packet - https://www.carlisle.k12.ma.us/domain/32

    Cost:  $225.00 for Field Hockey and Soccer and $185.00 for Cross Country.  Checks are to be made out to the Town of Carlisle or payment can be done on the Carlisle Website at https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx.

    *All Athletes MUST have a current physical on file with the health office to participate. * 

    Practices Start on Monday, September 11th.  Practices and games are Monday through Thursday.  Practices are all held at Spaulding Field or Banta Davis from 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM.  Pick up is at the field.

    HOME GAMES:  All games and meets begin at 3:45 unless noted.

    • Field Hockey games will be held at Spaulding Field.
    • Cross Country meets will be held at Banta Field.
    • Soccer games will be held at Banta Field.

    Looking to the future!

    • Winter Sports Start at the beginning of December – Basketball.
    • Spring Sports Start at the beginning of April – Softball, Baseball, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee and Cross Country.

    More information on these sports will be available at a later date!  Please contact Lynne Carmel for more details at lcarmel@carlisle.k12.ma.us

    BACK UP PLANS

    Please make sure you have back up plans that your child is aware of, should after school activities suddenly be cancelled. During cancellations or emergencies, the Main Office phones are usually busy and not available to call home or relay messages. Please go over with your child ahead of time what they should do in case their activity is cancelled. 

    CHILD FIND NOTICE

    Carlisle Public Schools, is dedicated to meeting the needs of all students. In accordance with IDEA and Massachusetts Chapter 71B, all public schools must provide special education for children determined to be educationally disabled.  The law requires a school district to identify such children from age 3 to 21 years of age and applies to all children, including those in non-public schools, pre-schools, and hospital settings.  In addition, children of migrant or homeless families are also entitled to public education.  The Carlisle Public Schools is responsible for students from age 3 throughout their 8th grade year.

    Parents or service providers with concerns that a child might have an educationally disabling condition are encouraged to contact Student Support Services.  Carlisle Public Schools will provide parent support and arrange for the screening and evaluation of any student who is not able to progress effectively in general education due to a disability.

    For more detailed information about the policies, procedures, and services available at Carlisle Public Schools for special education, please contact Lori Bruce, Director of Student Support Services, at lbruce@carlisle.k12.ma.us  or 978-369–3758.

    Are you without a home or do you know a homeless family?

    EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS OF HOMELESS CHILDREN

    Carlisle Public Schools is committed to ensuring that any student who meets the criteria of a homeless student is protected under the rights set forth by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.  This federal law is designed to ensure that homeless children and youth have the same access as other children to public education, including public preschool programs. To obtain a brochure or the Homeless Education Manual, or if you have any questions about the McKinney-Vento Act, please contact Lori Bruce, Director of Student Support Services, at lbruce@carlisle.k12.ma.us or 978-369-3758.

     

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    Other Items of Interest

    Gleason Public Library
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    For all registrations, please visit gleasonlibrary.org/events. For more information about any of these events, email childrens@gleasonlibrary.org.

    EVERYONE:

    Eclipse Events
    Both of the following events will take place at Spalding Field. Email childrens@gleasonlibrary.org with any questions. These programs are co-sponsored by the Carlisle Recreation Department and the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

    Eclipse Presentation     - Friday, September 22 | 6:00 PM
    Amateur astronomer Steve Golson will talk about solar eclipses: what they are, what to expect, and how to safely observe them, with special emphasis on the upcoming annular eclipse (October 14) and the exciting total eclipse next spring (April 8, 2024). Every attendee will go home with a pair of eclipse glasses to use for the upcoming annular eclipse. This program is for all ages, and registration is required.

    Solar Observation Party - Saturday, September 23 | 1:00-3:00 PM
    Join amateur astronomer Steve Golson for a safe look at the sun! We will show off a variety of instruments and techniques for safely observing the sun, especially during the upcoming solar eclipses. For all ages. Registration is required. Every attendee will go home with a pair of eclipse glasses to use for the upcoming annular eclipse. **Fellow local amateur astronomers are encouraged to join us and bring along their solar observing gear!

    ELEMENTARY OR YOUNGER:

    Kindergarten Library Card Sign-Up - Saturday, September 23 | 8:30 AM
    The Gleason Public Library is excited to announce a special Library Card Sign-Up event just for Kindergarteners!
    Our Kindergarten friends are invited to sign up for their own Gleason Public Library card! This event will be held on Saturday, September 23rd from 8:30–10:00 AM in the Children's Room. Enter the Children's Room using our original front door via the lawn for this event.  Reserve a 20-minute time slot to register for a GPL card and browse a special selection of books and Wonderbooks chosen especially for Kindergarteners. You can register for your child's time slot by emailing Jenn at childrens@gleasonlibrary.org. 

    Nature Connection Story Time - Thursday, September 14 | 10:30 AM
    Join The Nature Connection as we explore plants and animals and connect with the world around us in new ways—all through nature-based stories and poems! During this monthly 45-minute program for 3–6-year-olds, we will read a seasonally appropriate story followed by a sensory engagement activity. Registration is required; please register for each session individually. This fun program is sponsored by the Susan Zielinski Natural Science Fund. 

    Book Clubs for Kids
    The Gleason Library Children's Department offers book clubs for children in grades 1 through 6. Registration for all children’s book clubs are now open. The first meetings of the year will be as follows:

    1st & 2nd Grade Book Club: Tuesday, October 3 at 4:00 PM

    3rd & 4th Grade Book Club: Thursday, October 12 at 4:00 PM

    5th & 6th Grade Book Club: Thursday, October 5 at 4:00 PM

    Story Times
    Registration is required for all story times. Please visit our website to register for each story time session individually; registration will open 4 weeks in advance of each session.

    Baby Lapsit - Tuesdays, October 3–November 21 | 10:30–11:00 AM
    Baby Lapsit is a 30-minute interactive story time experience for our youngest library users and their caregivers. Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces that are developmentally appropriate for children from birth to when they start walking. This Lapsit program is just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers, and babies to learn and play, and to develop language, early literacy, and motor skills. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap. This program is designed for newborn through pre-walking baby. Please register for each session individually.

    Toddler Story Time - Tuesdays, October 3–November 21 | 11:00–11:30 AM
    Toddler Story Time is a 30-minute interactive story time experience for our young library users and their caregivers. Join us for stories, songs, movement, and a sensory activity or craft that are developmentally appropriate for children from 15 months to 3 years of age. Enjoy time together with fellow parents, caregivers and little ones to learn, play and develop language, early literacy, and motor skills. Please register for each session individually.

    Fall Preschool Story Time - Fridays, October 6–November 17 | 10:30–11:15 AM
    Join us from 10:30 to 11:15 AM for a fun story time. This event is chock full of interactive stories, rhymes, fingerplays, songs and a small craft. Our story time program, designed for children ages 3 to 6, promotes reading readiness and early literacy skills. Please register for each session individually.

    FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL:

    MIDDLE SCHOOL MAKE & TAKE: GALAXY JAR NECKLACES - Friday, September 15 | 2:45 PM
    Drop in for a craft in the Hollis Room! We'll use small jars, paint, cotton balls, and glitter to create a jar that looks like it holds a tiny galaxy. This craft is for students in grades 5-8. No registration necessary, but materials are limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

    Teen Weekend Reading Kit - Friday, September 15 | 10:00 AM
    Grab a kit that has everything you need for a book-lover's weekend. Each kit will include a random YA novel for you to keep (genres and reading/maturity levels will vary), a craft or activity, a snack, a little bookish accessory, and a hot or iced beverage to make at home. Registration is required to reserve your kit, and pickup will be Friday, September 15 through Monday, September 18. These kits are for grades 7-12. Teen Weekend Reading Kits are sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

    Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
    SEPAC Welcome Back
    Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!  Whether you are a returning family or newly enrolled, we hope the first couple of weeks of school have been positive for you and your children. We are hosting two events in September and hope to connect with you soon.
     
    September 19th - 5:30 PM / Online
    SEPAC Presents:  Parents as Partners
    Please join us online for a welcome back event on Tuesday, September 19th. We’ll host a dialogue with the Concord Public Schools and Concord Carlisle Regional School District Superintendent, Dr. Laurie Hunter, and the new Director of Student Services, Angel Charles, 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.
    Topic: SEPAC Welcome Event
    Time: Sep 19, 2023 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
    Join Zoom Meeting
    Meeting ID: 930 8415 9814
     
    September 29th - 9:30 AM / In–person 
    SEPAC Coffee & Chat
    Please join us in person for an informal meetup on Friday, September 29th.  Rideout Park Pavilion @ 61 Laws Brook Road, Concord, MA 01742
    Coffee & Chats are a great way to meet other parents and members of SEPAC, discuss the back-to-school transition, ask questions and share ideas.
     
    Want to Learn More or Become Involved with the SEPAC?
    The Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is a volunteer group of parents and guardians of children with a disability from ages 3 - 22.  Our purpose is to serve as a resource to families, to foster an inclusive culture in our schools, and to advise our districts on issues that affect the education of our children. Membership is free and open to all parents and guardians of students with a disability and other individuals interested in special education from the Concord, Carlisle, and Boston communities. We welcome new members! 
     
    We are also looking for liaisons to each of our districts’ special education programs, from CIPS to CCHS!  If you’re interested or would like more details, send us a note at concordsepac@gmail.com. 

    IMSCC Music lessons - the Fall Session begins September 5th!

    Enrollment is underway for the fall session of one-on-one music lessons with IMSCC's expert instructors. Lessons are available for all band and orchestra instruments as well as voice, piano, guitar, bass guitar and ukulele. Lessons take place after school and in the evenings at CCHS and the Carlisle school. To start the enrollment process please fill out a lesson inquiry form at https://ccace.asapconnected.com/#PrivateLessons. We will follow up by asking an instructor to contact you to arrange lesson times. 

    More information about IMSCC at http://www.concordcarlisleace.org/instrumental-music-school. If you have questions please email Debbie Levine.

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    Carlisle Community Chorus - Come sing with us this Fall!

    The Carlisle Community Chorus meets on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Community Room at the Carlisle Public School. All ages and abilities welcome - no auditions required. If you are interested in joining us we will be starting our fall season on September 18, 2023. For more information please go to our linktree that can be found here.

    The Carlisle Community Chorus is an organization passionate about building community and bringing people of all ages and abilities together through music. Under the musical direction of Amanda Kern, the CCC brings a wide variety of choral music including classical, folk and popular repertoire to their audiences focusing on joyful, healthy and beautiful singing for all.

    The CCC serves Carlisle and surrounding communities including Chelmsford, Concord, Billerica, Lowell, and Westford www.carlislecommunitychorus.org

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  • Next Buzz Issue
    The next Buzz will be published in October 2023.  Please email your submissions to Mary O'Regan at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us by 9:00 AM on Friday, September 29, 2023.  Please attach information to the email in a Word file. Thank you!

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