The Buzz May 2025
May 2025
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From theSuperintendent's Desk |
Dear Carlisle Families,
The recent deaths of Jimmy, Hannah and Maisey have deeply impacted our entire community and have cast a pall over the start of spring here in Carlisle and Concord. It was wonderful to see so many of our neighbors, friends and graduates come out to celebrate Jimmy’s life, with his family. The outpouring of love and support from the community was amazing, and it was heartening to be reminded of what a special community we are all part of here in Carlisle.
This month, Carlisle Public Schools is planning a variety of exciting and educational activities for students of all grade levels. The Spring Choir and Band Concert will take place on Wednesday, May 7th. On Friday May 9th, the WBYC and the Ultimate Frisbee team are collaborating to host an Ultimate Frisbee Tournament at Spaulding Field. The week of May 12th will feature the Kindergarten Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom performances in the auditorium—an annual highlight and a delight for all who attend. Spring sports are also in full swing, with our students actively participating in Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. I encourage everyone to attend at least one volleyball game and one ultimate frisbee match this season to show support for our student athletes. For game schedules, please visit the district's website.
Several field trips are planned for May as well. Fourth grade students will visit the Museum of Science for a hands-on engineering design challenge. Third grade will explore the Plimoth Patuxet Museum and the Mayflower II, while also hosting an Indigenous Nations Museum on the plaza. Fifth grade students will visit the Concord Museum on the heels of the 250th anniversary of the battle of Lexington and Concord. Our Preschool class will showcase their artwork at their Annual Art Show on May 21st. The month will conclude with Field Day, scheduled for May 23rd for elementary students and May 30th for middle school students.
A few important dates for parents to note: Wednesday, May 7th is an early release day for students as faculty and staff engage in professional development and start planning class placements for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, on Monday, May 19th, CPS staff will conduct screenings for incoming kindergarteners, so there will be no school for current kindergarten students on that day.
Warm Regards,
Jim O’Shea
Superintendent
School Events and Information
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here to view and download the 2024-2025 calendar
Click here to view and download the 2025-2026 calendar
MAY LUNCH & BREAKFAST MENU
Click here to view the May 2025 Lunch menu
Click here to view the May 2025 Breakfast menu
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
SNEAKERS for PE. Friendly reminders for PE:
- Please make sure your child is ready for PE each week with appropriate clothing and sneakers.
- In May we will be having physical education classes outside weather permitted.
FIELD DAYS
Elementary Field Day - Friday May 23rd
- Grades K-2 -- 9:15-10:30 AM
- Grades 3-4 -- 12:50-2:50 PM
Middle School Field Day - Friday May 30th
- Grades 5-6 -- 8:45-10:45 AM
- Grades 7-8 -- 12:00-2:00 PM
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.
CPS AUTHOR BOOK TALK & LAUNCH
Please join us on Tuesday, May 13th, at 3:30 PM in the CPS Library as we celebrate the official launch of NESHAMA, Marcella Pixley’s brand-new ghost story in verse about a young girl who has the ability to speak to the spirits of her ancestors. Neshama has been chosen by Junior Library Guild as a Gold Standard Selection for 2025, and Booklist gave it a starred review, calling it "a mesmerizing meditation on family, forgiveness, and the freedom to be found in embracing one’s truest self.” Help us celebrate Marcella and her special book about "a bullied girl who communicates with ghosts (and) finds her inner strength in this haunting novel in verse that will resonate with anyone who has felt themselves to be different."
ORDER YOUR 1ST DAY SCHOOL SUPPLY KITS FOR THE 2025 - 2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Get a head start on the 2025-2026 school year! Our School Supply kits are now available for purchase. Order conveniently online April 1 through July 1, 2025, and ensure your student has all the necessary supplies without the hassle of shopping.
By purchasing or donating a kit, you are supporting our PTO grants and enrichment programs.
Please help us spread the word! If you know new families in town, let them know about this convenient fundraiser so they don’t miss out on an easy way to prepare for the school year.
Our online store link: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.
Link to Ultimate Frisbee Tournament Registration
CPS Garden Update
The 3rd Grade had the opportunity to learn all about worms in the CPS School Garden this month! This hands-on activity included learning about the structure and function of earthworms in both our garden and the larger ecosystem. After learning about science in the fresh air and asking lots of great questions, students got to explore earthworms in various stages of life and then add them to the garden beds. They'll be checking back on their worms (some of which were named) when they return to the garden to plant radishes in May. In the meantime, the Preschool is planting sugar snap peas, and the Kindergarten is transferring their pumpkin seedlings - an annual tradition that allows the incoming K class an opportunity to harvest them in the fall. As we approach the end of the school year, our very own custodian, Jon Hart, will be adding a carnivorous plant bog that is sure to be an exciting feature for students! We've also added picnic tables to make learning in the garden comfortable for classes.
There are lots of opportunities to learn and explore in our School Garden! We are always open to feedback, ideas, and questions. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our school garden coordinator, Ayla Barmmer, cpsgarden@gmail.com. And if you feel inclined, the garden is happy to accept any donations to support ongoing expenses. We have this shareable link to make donations easy.
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
ART AT THE GLEASON RECEPTION: CHILDREN'S BOOK ILLUSTRATION AND SOME MAGICAL MICE - Saturday, May 10 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Join us for an artist reception for Art at the Gleason's current exhibit, which features Children's Book Illustration by Priscilla Alpaugh, Wayne Geehan, Julia Miner, Ilse Plume, Jean Winslow, and Wilmot Winslow, plus some magical mice from Carlisle's Wee Forest Folk, on display until May 31st. Light refreshments will be served.
POETRY FESTIVAL - Saturday, May 17 | 2:00–3:30 PM
The Carlisle Poetry Festival will be held on Saturday, May 17th, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM. In addition to recognizing the poetry contest winners, the festival will feature a panel of local poets, a children's craft activity, and light refreshments. This program is sponsored in part by the Carlisle Cultural Council. It is also sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.
Elementary and younger:
EYES ON OWLS: OWLS OF THE WORLD - Wednesday, May 7 | 1:30 PM
Who’s watching you? Find out on Wednesday, May 7th when Eyes On Owls presents a live owl program at Spalding Field. Naturalists Marcia and Mark Wilson will introduce the audience to six owls found in New England and as well as other parts of the world. This fun program is for all ages! No registration necessary. This program is sponsored by the Susan Zielinski Natural Science Fund, the Carlisle Recreation Department, and the Carlisle Council on Aging and Human Services.
READ TO RUDY - Friday, May 23 | 3:30–4:30 PM
Come to the library to read to Rudy, a certified reading therapy dog! Read to a dog programs help kids develop literacy skills and build confidence & self-esteem. Rudy is looking forward to sharing a favorite book with you! Therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers. Children, ages 5-10, will enjoy one-on-one time reading aloud to this gentle, comforting, 6-year-old black labrador as they practice their fluency and strengthen their confidence in reading. Children may bring their own book from home or choose to read one from the library collection. Register for your 15-minute session on our website, and please arrive 5-10 minutes before it is scheduled to begin. Rudy is a member of Dog B.O.N.E.S. Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts.
STORY TIMES
Baby Lapsit - Tuesdays, April 1–May 20 | 10:30–11:00 AM
Baby Lapsit is a 20-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. 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, April 1–May 20 | 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. Please register for each session individually. Please bring along an old T-shirt for your child to wear as an art smock.
Spring Preschool Story Time - Fridays, April 11–May 23 | 10:30–11:15 AM
Join us Friday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. for a fun story time. This event is full of interactive stories, rhymes, fingerplays, songs and a small craft. Designed for children ages 3 to 6, Preschool Story Time promotes reading readiness and early literacy skills. Please register for each session individually.
KIDS BOOK CLUBS
1st and 2nd Grade Book Club: Starla Jean by Elana K. Arnold - Tuesday, May 6 | 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: Pax by Sara Pennypacker - Thursday, May 8 | 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.
For Middle School:
EARLY RELEASE DAY MOVIE - Wednesday, May 7 | 1:15 PM
Middle schoolers can join us in the Hollis Room every Early Release Day at 1:15 p.m. for a movie and snacks! This month’s movie is rated PG and has a runtime of 1 hour, 49 minutes. Early Release Day movies are sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.
TEEN WEEKEND READING KIT - Friday, May 23 | 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, May 23 through Tuesday, May 27. These kits are for students in grades 7-12. Sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.
IMSCC SUMMER MUSIC LESSONS AND ENSEMBLES
IMSCC Summer Lesson registration is open!
Would your young student like to get a head start learning a new instrument? Does your child who has had a year or two of school lessons want more in-depth individualized instruction? Does your middle or high school student want to begin working on fall audition pieces over the summer? Or are you looking for an opportunity to relax and play music for fun this summer? Lessons are available for students of all ages and levels including adults. Join us this summer to work with IMSCC's expert faculty. The summer session is flexible – families can sign up for as few or as many weeks as fits their family schedule. Here’s the form to begin the enrollment process.
IMSCC Summer Music Ensembles are enrolling now - click here to browse summer music classes and to register.
- Orchestra Summer Program for string players in grades 4 and 5
- String Chamber Music Ensemble for string players in grades 9-12
- Trombone Choir (in its 16th year!) for all low brass players grades 6 and up
- Bassoon Reed-Making Workshop
CARLISLE KIDS HOUSE CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER -- WEDNESDAY, MAY 21st, 4:00-8:00 PM
Chipotle, 174 Littleton Road Suite 1, Westford, MA 01886. Order online for pickup USING CODE 9D73VB4 or show the flyer in restaurant.
Next Buzz Issue
The next issue of The Buzz will be published in June 2025. Please email your submissions to Mary O'Regan at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us by 9:00 AM on Friday, May 30, 2025. Please attach information to the email in a Word file. Thank you!
The next issue of The Buzz will be published in June 2025. Please email your submissions to Mary O'Regan at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us by 9:00 AM on Friday, May 30, 2025. Please attach information to the email in a Word file. Thank you!
