The Buzz March 2025
March 2025
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From theSuperintendent's Desk |
Dear Carlisle Families,
Welcome March! March brings with it one of those long stretches of time when there aren’t any school holidays or vacations to break up the learning, though we do have a day off for parent teacher conferences later in the month. In addition to observing Ramadan, Holi, and St. Patrick’s Day this month, there are a variety of activities to keep students and families both engaged and entertained.
March is "Music in our Schools Month" and we are thrilled to have a performance for all Carlisle students! The Music Department will welcome Five O'Clock Shadow to Carlisle Public Schools on Wednesday, March 5th. Five O'Clock Shadow is one of Boston's premier a cappella groups. They will have an in-school performance for Middle School Students in grades 5-8. They will also work with our Middle School Advanced Choir and Jazz Band after holding a performance for grades K-4 in the morning. The PTO is generously funding buses for a Music Field Trip for students in grades 4-8 to attend a concert at CCHS on Friday March 14th. The CCHS Band & Choir are performing for our students in the CCHS Auditorium.
We want to recognize our Middle School students who auditioned and were accepted to participate in the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Junior District Festival taking place this month. This year we have five students representing CPS, two choir students and three band students. Congratulations to Aster, John, Andrew, Shai, and Emily. Best of luck to all performers.
The school community will be celebrating Read Across America the week of March 3rd. The National Education Association’s Read Across America event is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading. This year’s theme is focused on creating and celebrating a nation of diverse readers. Additionally, the goals of Read Across America are to encourage children to read and celebrate reading in all its forms, to promote cultural awareness, to build community, and to improve literacy rates. We look forward to having a wide variety of community members in the building on Thursday, March 6th to serve as guest readers.
The Annual PTO Book Fair will be held in the school library from March 10-14, 2025. Mark your calendars for the PJ Storytime on March 10th and an author visit from acclaimed children's author Susan Tan best known for her Cilla Lee-Jenkins series on March 12th. For more information on the Book Fair visit Click Here.
We are pleased to announce that our 7th grade students will once again participate in Challenge Day this year. On Wednesday, March 19th, our 7th graders will attend the Challenge Day program at an off-site location. The activities focus on five key areas: self-management, social awareness, self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. We are grateful to the WBYC for sponsoring this powerful program, which is designed to foster empathy and compassion in our community.
Another highlight of March will be the 7th Grade Play. This year’s production Alice in Wonderland, Jr., is a story of self discovery along with lots of silliness. With a cast of colorful characters and some familiar songs, audiences of all ages will love this spirited production. There will be three performances starting on Thursday, March 20th running through Saturday, March 22nd. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to Click Here.
Parent-teacher conferences for both elementary and middle school families will take place at the end of the month. There will be an early release day on Thursday, March 20th, and no school on Friday, March 21st.
We hope to see you at some of these wonderful events in the coming weeks!
Warm Regards,
Jim O'Shea
Superintendent
School Events and Information
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here to view and download the 2024-2025 calendar
MARCH LUNCH MENU
Click here to view the March 2025 Lunch menu
Click here to view the March 2025 Breakfast menu
The 7th Grade play is this month! Fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on her journey of self-discovery. Along her adventure, Alice encounters the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter, a temperamental Queen, and many more beloved Wonderland characters in this charming updated retelling of the classic Lewis Carroll stories. Adapted especially for young performers, the musical includes favorite songs from the Disney canon such as “I’m Late,” “The Unbirthday Song,” and “Painting the Roses Red,” in addition to music from the 2010 Tim Burton live-action film. Whether this is your first experience with Alice or your hundredth, you’ll lose your head (and your heart) for Alice in Wonderland JR.!
Showtimes are Thursday March 20th at 4:00 PM, Friday March 21st at 7:00 PM, and Saturday March 22nd at 7:00 PM. For information on purchasing tickets please visit www.carlislemapto.org!
SPRING ATHLETICS - GRADES 5-8
The SPRING SEASON -- Runs Monday, March 31st through Thursday, June 5th
Volleyball -- TRYOUTS March 25th and March 26th 3:00-4:15 PM
- First Practice Starts Monday, March 31st 3:00-4:15 PM, Pick up is outside Corey Gym
- Full schedule against other schools, 4 days a week commitment
- Program Cost: $225.00 – checks made payable to the “Town of Carlisle”
Ultimate Frisbee -- TRYOUTS March 26th and March 27th 3:00-4:15 PM
- First Practice Starts Monday, March 31st 3:00-4:15 PM, Pick up is at Spaulding Field
- Full schedule against other schools, 4 days a week commitment
- Program Cost: $225.00 – checks made payable to the “Town of Carlisle”
Cross Country -- NO TRYOUTS
- First Practice Starts Monday, April 3rd 3:00- 4:00 PM, Pick up is at Spaulding Field
- Practice Days are Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
- No competitions - just practice, 3 days a week commitment
- Program Cost: $125.00 – checks made payable to the “Town of Carlisle”
All players must have a current physical (within the calendar year) on file with the Health Office.
Use QR Code to sign up!
Please note: Programs will NOT run if we do NOT have enough interest in each program
Carlisle Ultimate Frisbee – Spring 2025
Ultimate Frisbee is back for all CPS middle school students in grades 5-8! The Carlisle Ultimate Team welcomes players of all skill levels to learn, practice, and compete in a fun, inclusive environment. The season will focus on skill development, teamwork, and intramural games, with an emphasis on sportsmanship through the "Spirit of the Game."
Due to growing interest, tryouts will be held on March 26 and 27, 2025. Players selected for the Game Team will compete in matches, while others will join the Practice Team (which will also have a few games) to continue developing their skills. All players will attend practices together.
Interested? Register by March 21 to receive important details before the season begins:
Register Here
We look forward to a great season!
Coach Greenwood
Important Information Regarding KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION for the 2025-26 School Year
All children who will be 5 years of age as of September 1, 2025 are encouraged to register for kindergarten at the Carlisle Public Schools. Please contact Linda Cavallo-Murphy, Registrar, at lcavallomurphy@carlisle.k12.ma.us or 978-369-6550 and provide the following information: student’s full legal 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 that as well. 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 canceled. During cancelations 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 canceled.
CARLISLE SEPAC
Carlisle has a robust SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council). The SEPAC is a resource for support, advice, and navigation for families in our district. They can be reached by email at carlislemasepac@gmail.com. You can also sign up for their email list to be kept in the loop on events and information for families with special needs.
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.
The 2025 PTO Book Fair is just around the corner! Join us as we transform our school library into an incredible experience for all who attend. Besides a large collection of amazing titles to appeal to readers of all ages, this event helps provide the library with much-needed funds for their budget throughout the year. Mark your calendar to start the festivities off with PJ story time on March 10th and meet visiting author, Susan Tan, on March 12th!
For more information Click Here
COMMUNITY BOOK DISCUSSION
Join our virtual community book group as we read and discuss The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This is a 6 session virtual series. For more information and to register Click Here
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.
SPECIAL EVENTS
VIRTUAL: BEHIND THEIR SCREENS: WHAT TEENS ARE FACING (AND WHAT ADULTS ARE MISSING) - Tuesday, March 25 | 6:30 PM
Join us for an online event over Zoom with Dr. Emily Weinstein and Dr. Carrie James, co-founders of the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education and authors of the impactful book Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing (And Adults Are Missing). Emily and Carrie will join us to share surprising insights from their latest research about teens and technology (particularly social media and GenAI), as well as practical strategies for parents, educators, and other caring adults. Their research has long emphasized young people's voices and diverse experiences, and they consider themselves critical optimists who are actively working toward a future where young people can thrive as they live with ever-changing technologies. This talk is perfect for parents and families of tweens and teens, other caregivers, educators, and anyone else working with youth from 12-18. Register at gleasonlibrary.org to receive the Zoom link. This virtual event is presented in collaboration with the Morrill Memorial Library of Norwood, the Goodnow Library of Sudbury, and other area libraries.
STARGAZING PARTY AT BANTA-DAVIS FIELD - Tuesday, April 1 | 7:30–9:00 PM
Join us for an evening of stargazing at Banta-Davis 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 for all ages (recommended for ages 5+). We will need clear skies, so please check the Library website for updates. Register online at https://carlislema.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx. Sponsored by the Carlisle Recreation Dept, the Gleason Public Library, the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston, and the Aldrich Astronomical Society.
Elementary and younger
ALPACA STORY TIME - Friday, April 4 | 10:30 AM
Join us on our front lawn for an alpaca story time! We’ll read a fun alpaca tale with Miss Jenn, then visit with two alpacas from the nearby Harvard Alpaca Ranch. This story time is designed for children ages 3 through 6. Please bring along a blanket or low camp chair to sit on. Register at gleasonlibrary.org.
KIDS BOOK CLUBS
1st and 2nd Grade Book Club: One Smart Sheep by Gary Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickley - Tuesday, March 4 | 3:45–4:30 PM
This book club is currently full. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please contact childrens@gleasonlibrary.org.
3rd and 4th Grade Book Club: The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown - Thursday, February 13 | 4:00–4:45 PM
This book club is currently full. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please contact childrens@gleasonlibrary.org.
Middle School
EARLY RELEASE DAY MOVIE - Thursday, March 20 | 1:15 PM
Middle schoolers can join us in the Hollis Room every Early Release Day at 1:15 PM for a movie and snacks! This month’s movie is rated PG and has a runtime of 1 hour, 40 minutes. Early Release Day movies are sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.
TEEN WEEKEND READING KIT - Friday, March 21 | 10:00 AM
Grab a kit that has everything you need for a book-lover's long 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 bookmark, and something to sip on. Registration is required to reserve your kit. Pickup will be Friday, March 21 through Monday, March 17. These kits are for students in grades 7-12. Sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOK CLUB - Thursday, March 6 | 4:00 PM
Come for a book discussion and activity! Each month we will read a book and meet at the Library to talk about it, then we will do a short activity or craft. This month's book is The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. Registration is required; participants only need to register once for the entire school year. For students in grades 5 through 8.
Spring on the Wing - Seed, Gardening, and Environmental Education Event -- Saturday, March 29th 3:00-5:00 PM
Gardeners of all abilities and those with an interest in the environment are invited to the Carlisle Garden Club’s Spring on the Wing from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 29 (snow date Sunday March 30) at FRS Union Hall, 27 School Street. Find hundreds of free vegetable, flower, and perennial seeds, free demonstrations, and free advice from experts. Learn how to start seeds, nurture an environmentally-friendly yard, and attract winged creatures such as birds and butterflies to your garden. Kid-friendly activities too! This year the Friends of the Gleason Public Library is sponsoring a houseplant cutting swap so bring your small rooted plants. At 5:30 PM a potluck will be held to which the community is invited. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Carlisle Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Visit carlislegardenclub.com for more details.
Friends of Center Park Pruning Demo -- Saturday, March 29th 1:00-3:00 PM
The public is invited to the Twiggy Workshop and pruning demo at Center Park on Saturday, March 29 from 1:00-3:00 PM. Arborist John Althouse and other Massachusetts Master Gardeners will demonstrate optimal pruning methods for different shrubs and small ornamental trees. There will then be an opportunity to make whimsical art and trellises using cuttings from Center Park plants. All ages welcome. Stop by before attending Spring on the Wing! For more information, please visit https://www.centerparkcarlislema.org. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Carlisle Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
CCYL GIRLS 1ST/2ND GRADE SPRING LACROSSE
Sundays: 10:00-11:15 AM on the CCHS Upper Grass Field - 8 week in-house program, First session April 6th (weather pending)
Players will be grouped by age + ability within the session, to make it a great experience for all
REGISTER HERE: Visit the CCYL homepage ---> Hover over REGISTER (top right) ---> Select GIRLS REGISTRATION (direct link HERE)
Concord Carlisle Youth Hockey Registration- Evaluations Start 3/18
Registration is open for the CCYH 2025-2026 Travel Season! Evaluations for the 2025-2026 season start on Tuesday 3/18 and are required for placement on a team.
Evaluations will take place at Valley Sports on the following dates/times:
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U8 (2017 and 2018) will be on Thursday 3/20 and Thursday 3/27 from 5:40-6:40pm
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U10 (2015 and 2016) will be on Thursday 3/20 and Thursday 3/27 from 6:50-7:50pm
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U12 (2013 and 2014) will be on Thursday 3/20 and Thursday 3/27 from 8:00-9:00pm
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U14 (2011 and 2012) will be on Tuesday 3/18 and Tuesday 3/25 from 8:40-9:40pm
Register now at: https://go.teamsnap.com/
Visit www.ccyh.org for more information or contact Mark Daniel, CCYH Registrar (ccyh.registrar@gmail.com), with any questions.
The next issue of The Buzz will be published in April 2025. Please email your submissions to Mary O'Regan at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us by 9:00 AM on Monday, March 31, 2025. Please attach information to the email in a Word file. Thank you!