The Buzz / March 2023 Buzz

March 2023

From the Superintendent's Desk

Dear Carlisle Families,

It appears that the February school vacation provided everyone with the opportunity to relax and recharge, as students and staff alike returned to school this week refreshed and enthusiastic. March is one of those long stretches of school when there aren’t any holidays or vacations to break up the time, though we do have a day off for parent teacher conferences later in the month. Luckily, we have a couple of significant activities this month to keep students and families both engaged and entertained.

The Annual PTO Book Fair will be held in the school library from March 13-17, 2023. Gift cards, teacher donations, and pre-order books are available online only, from March 6-10. This year we are excited to welcome the author of the popular book series “Wings of Fire” Tui Sutherland on Tuesday, March 14 to speak with students. Also, mark your calendars for Pajama Story Time on Monday, March 13 in the school library from 5:00-7:00 PM. For more information on the Book Fair visit http://www.carlislemapto.org/book-fair.html

We are excited to once again have our 7th Graders participate in Challenge Day. On Wednesday, March 8 our 7th grade students will participate in the Challenge Day program. The Challenge Day program activities are centered on five competency areas: self management, social awareness, self awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. We are incredibly grateful to the WBYC for sponsoring this powerful program, designed to build empathy and compassion in our community.

Another highlight of March will be the 7th Grade Play, which will hold three performances starting on Thursday March 16 and running through Saturday, March 18. This year’s production is “Footloose The Musical, Junior Edition.” Our students have been preparing for this show for months, so don’t miss this opportunity to see our 7th Graders shine on stage. There will be three performances held in the school auditorium on Thursday afternoon, Friday night, and Saturday night. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to http://www.carlislemapto.org/store/p375/7th_Grade_Play_-_Footloose.html.

Parent teacher conferences are being held at the end of the month for both elementary and middle school families. There will be an early release day on Thursday, March 23 and no school on Friday, March 24.

We hope to see you at some of these events over the next few weeks.

Warm regards,

Jim O’Shea

Superintendent

School Events and Information

School Calendar

Click here to view and download the 2022-2023 calendar

Click here to view and download the 2023-2024 calendar

March LUNCH MENU

Click here to view the March 2023 Lunch menu

CPS Text Messaging Option Information

We are pleased to announce that the Carlisle Public Schools will be adding a texting option for important communications such as school closures and delayed openings. The district plans to start using School Messenger, the system we use for calling and emailing, for texting important messages beginning mid-March. Parents, guardians, and staff members with a cell number listed in PowerSchool, our student information system, will receive a text message on Monday, March 6 asking if they would like to "opt-in" to receiving text messages from the district. Should you choose to opt-in you will receive a second text message letting you know that you are registered. If you prefer not to receive text messages, then do not reply to the opt-in invitation message.

Please note that text messages from the district will come from the number 675-87 and start with “CPS.” Should you have questions regarding opting-in to receive text messages, please contact Mary O’Regan at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us or 978-369-4102.

SPRING - Middle School Athletic Sign-Ups

Grades 5-8- Spring sign-ups are up in the GYM! The SEASON will start APRIL 3 and run through June 4, practice time: 3:00 – 4:15 PM. PROGRAMS: COST $225.00

ULTIMATE FRISBEE – PRACTICES 4 DAYS A WEEK, GAMES AGAINST A FEW SCHOOLS.

VOLLEYBALL – FULL SCHEDULE AGAINST OTHER SCHOOLS, 4 days a week commitment

INTRAMURAL STYLE

CROSS COUNTRY – PRACTICES 3 DAYS A WEEK, NO COMPETITIONS- JUST PRACTICE, Program Cost: $125.00

All players must have a current physical (within the calendar year) on file with the nurse’s office.

Use QR Code to sign up!

Please note: Programs will NOT run if we do NOT have enough interest in each program.

Intramural WINTER Program:

Grades 4-8 Intramural Floor Hockey

Girls and boys interested in playing intramural floor hockey. Please sign up in the gym.

Dates: February 27, 28, March 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16

Time: 3:05-4:15 PM

Where: Corey Gym

Cost: $55.00 made out to the Town of Carlisle

See Mrs. Carmel for more details.

Intramural Permission Slip

Questions or concerns, please contact Lynne Carmel at lcarmel@carlisle.k12.ma.us or 978-369-6550 ext. 5008.

The 7th grade play is this month!! Join us on March 16-18 for a very fun production of Footloose Youth Edition! This 60-minute runtime show (plus a 15 minute intermission) is for all ages to enjoy. Give yourself a break, you gotta cut loose, footloose. Kick off your Sunday shoes! But on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, because performances are on:

Thursday, March 16 at @ 4:30 PM

Friday, March 17 at 7:00 PM

Saturday, March 18 at 7:00 PM

Buy your tickets before they sell out, like they did last year! http://www.carlislemapto.org/store/p375/7th_Grade_Play_-_Footloose.html

Tickets will be available at the door if not sold out ahead of time. Please join us, help support our class, and have a great time with us!

Kindergarten - Fall 2023

Calling all future kindergartners in Carlisle! Do you have a child who is eligible for kindergarten in 2023? All children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2023 are encouraged to register for kindergarten at the Carlisle Public Schools. Please contact Amy Smack, Registrar, at 978-369-6550 or asmack@carlisle.k12.ma.us. Please include: student’s full name, date of birth, home address, parent/guardian name(s), phone number(s), and email address(es). If your child is eligible for kindergarten but you are making different plans, please let us know. Thank you!

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 8^th 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.

PTO EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

PTO Book Fair

Once again, the PTO Book Fair will be setting up shop in the school library during the week of March 13-March 17. A student art show following the theme of “Dragons & Other Mythical Creatures” to celebrate our visiting author, Tui Sutherland, will decorate the space. Gift Certificates for students and donations to classroom teachers are, once again, offered for purchase online only from March 6-March 10. In addition, if you would like to pre-order books written by Tui Sutherland, you may do so during that same time period.

All details about Book Fair hours, volunteerism, and pre-fair ordering of gifts and books may be found at http://www.carlislemapto.org/book-fair.html

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Celebrate the first day of spring with a treat from Nothing Bundt Cakes! The PTO is bringing these delicious cakes right to Carlisle. They are perfect for gifting, freezing, or simply indulging. Order before 5:00 PM on March 10. The cakes will be available for pick up or delivery on Sunday, March 19. All proceeds will be put towards end-of-the-year activities! Gluten-free options available. http://www.carlislemapto.org/store/p339/Nothing_Bundt_Cakes_-_Spring_Sale.html

The PTO and CEF are bringing all the excitement of Monte Carlo to our small town! Get your tickets and your babysitters lined up. You won’t want to miss “Monte Carlisle” on April 28th at the Westford Regency!

It has been some time since we have all been able to gather like this. Come for the food, drinks, company, and loads of casino games. Of course, there will also be exciting auction items (watch for those announcements) and the wonderful feeling that comes with supporting our school community. Your participation guarantees you a great night out and will provide funding for the things that make our school special.

Get your tickets now - it’s a party with no planning or clean-up! This will sell-out and you won’t want to miss the first CEF/PTO joint party in more than a decade!

Buy tickets at this link or on the Carlisle School Website PTO page: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/d3b9a59d-63e3-46c9-a127-be984c7f3940/events/vevt:d1c258bc-02bc-4671-8f8c-671ea098f05e/home/story

Other Items of Interest

Gleason Public Library

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

JOIN THE GLEASON LIBRARY IN MINUTE MADNESS 2023!
It’s tournament time! Can you help us out-read other Massachusetts libraries? Starting March 1, log your reading as we fight for a spot in the Minute Madness Championship. Each week we will read head-to-head against libraries from across the state in this bracket-style reading competition. Books, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines and newspapers all count towards our total! Sign up at gleasonlibrary.beanstack.org or stop by the library and grab a paper log. Game on!

Elementary or younger:

STARGAZING PARTY AT BANTA DAVIS - Thursday, March 23 | 7:00 PM
Join us for an evening of stargazing at Banta Field! We'll go stargazing with Kelly Beatty, Senior Editor at Sky & Telescope, and members of the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston. They will bring along their telescopes to get a great look at the night sky. This program is geared for ages 5 and up. We will need clear skies, so please check the website for updates. If you have a question, please contact us at hmansfield@carlislema.gov. Register on the Carlisle Recreation Department website at http://carlislema.myrec.com/info/activities This fun event is sponsored by the Carlisle Recreation Department, the Gleason Public Library, the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston, and the Aldrich Astronomical Society.

MAGICAL MAPLES STORY TIME
Saturday, March 4 | 10:00 AM (WAITLIST ONLY)
Tuesday, March 7 | 10:00 AM (WAITLIST ONLY)
Join us for story time with Miss Jenn at Clark Farm. We'll read some maple tree tales together, do a fun question and answer with a Clark Farm Educator, and ramble up to the large Norway Maples in front of the farm and tap the trees. We will learn about the maple sugaring and the tapping process used over at Clark Farm. This story time series is designed for children ages 3 through 6. "Dress for the weather, dress for the farm”... it could be muddy or snowy so plan to wear your boots for this program! So that more families may participate in the farm fun, we have booked two sessions of Magical Maples Story Time. Please make sure you are aware of which of the two sessions you are registering for; registration is required. This event is made possible by our wonderful Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

TAKE AND MAKE: ANIMAL BOOKMARK KIT - Friday, March 10
Let's create four fun animal clip bookmarks! Register online for a kit and pick it up any time between Friday, March 10 and Monday, March 13 at 9:00 PM via in-person or curbside pickup. This kit includes 4 cardstock animal clip bookmarks and a magic marker. Feel free to use crayons, colored pencils or magic markers from home with these cute bookmarks. This craft is for ages 5 and up with help from an adult. Take & Make craft kits are made possible by our wonderful Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

BABY LAPSIT - Fridays, February 10 through March 17 (not February 24) | 10:30 AM
Introducing our newest children's program! Baby Lapsit is a 30-minute interactive story time experience for our youngest library users and their caregiver. 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 caregivers and babies to learn; play; and develop language, early literacy, and motor skills. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap. Please bring along your own blanket. This program is designed for newborn through pre-walking babies. Please register for each session individually. Masks are strongly recommended for grown-ups.

NATURE CONNECTION STORY TIME - Thursday, March 9 | 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. Masks are strongly recommended for ages 2 and up.

KIDS BOOK CLUBS
1st and 2nd Grade Book Club: Henry Heckelbeck and the Race Car Derby by Wanda Coven - Wednesday, March 1, 4:00 PM

Registration required; email childrens@gleasonlibrary.org or visit gleasonlibrary.org/events to register.

3^rd and 4^th Grade Book Club: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume - Thursday, March 9, 4:00 PM
Registration required; email childrens@gleasonlibrary.org or visit gleasonlibrary.org/events to register.

For Middle School:

MIDDLE SCHOOL TAKE & MAKE: MACRAME ACCESSORIES - Friday, March 10
Learn how to make macramé accessories in this month’s Take & Make. Reserve your kit by registering for this event. Pickup will be during Library hours Friday, March 10 through Monday, March 13. Take & Make kits are generously sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

WINTER TEEN WEEKEND READING KIT - Friday, March 17
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 beverage to make at home. Registration is required to reserve your kit, and pickup will be Friday, March 17 through Monday, March 20. These kits are for grades 7-12. Please email Tahleen, the Teen Services Librarian, with any questions at tshamlian@gleasonlibrary.org. Teen Weekend Reading Kits are generously sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

Carlisle Council On Aging and Human Services - Home Heating Assistance Information for 2022-2023

Home Heating Assistance 2022-2023 Flyer

NEW Parent Education classes coming up from Concord Carlisle Adult & Community Ed!

Full information and registration available at www.concordcarlisleace.org or 978-318-1432.

Building Resilience and Managing Big Emotions - March 9, 7:00-8:30 PM - Online With Dr. Rachel Kramer. Dr. Kramer will share cognitive behavioral approaches to building resilience and distress tolerance. She will discuss specific strategies parents can use to encourage the development of emotional literacy and will present specific tools for supporting emotional regulation in both children and parents. This workshop will include lots of practical, actionable ideas and suggestions and there will be ample time for Q&A at the end of the presentation.

Home Alone Safety for Kids (Or Entire Family!) - March 12, 4:00-6:00 PM - Online With Frank Oliveiri. Geared toward students in grades 3-6, Home Alone Safety is a readiness program that helps prepare your child while building self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, and proper decision-making abilities. The course will teach basic safety guidelines through a variety of fun, interactive activities, discussions, and situational role-playing.

Your Teen & Money - March 21, 7:00-8:30 PM - Online with CCHS Math Teacher Laurie Fortunato. Money management can be challenging. Explaining all future financial adventures your child will encounter can be a daunting task. Let’s start talking about some of the topics your child should be aware of now to help them start better money habits today. We’ll discuss ways you can explain money habits, budgeting tips, retirement (yes, start young), banking, credit cards, debt, and more. It is said that 4 out of 5 parents wished they learned more about money as a kid. Our goal is to help your child feel a little more comfortable understanding how to manage money and give them awareness of their financial future.

IMSCC Music Lessons: Introducing new faculty members Jae Eun Park and Lori Syngajewski

IMSCC welcomes new instructors Jae Eun Park, piano, and Lori Syngajewski, clarinet and bass clarinet. Lori and Jae Eun join IMSCC's faculty of talented musicians and experienced educators. We are thrilled to have them on board; they are both accepting new students this spring! Spring lesson enrollment is ongoing, lessons can start any time. Please join us for one-on-one lessons with any of our instructors. Lessons take place at CCHS and the Carlisle school campus, after school and evenings.

Information about IMSCC: http://www.concordcarlisleace.org/instrumental-music-school

To start the enrollment process, submit a lesson inquiry at https://ccace.asapconnected.com/#PrivateLessons

Questions: email Debbie Levine at dlevine@concordcarlisle.org

Next Buzz Issue
The next Buzz will be published in April 2023. Please email your submissions to Mary O'Regan at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us by 9:00 AM on Friday, March 31, 2023. Please attach information to the email in a Word file. Thank you!