The Buzz June 2025
June 2025
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From theSuperintendent's Desk |
Dear Carlisle Families,
As June arrives, it may feel like the year is winding down, but activity at Carlisle Public School is ramping up. We’re closing out the 2024–2025 school year with a flurry of classroom presentations, field trips, performances, and community celebrations.
Last week, both elementary and middle school students enjoyed Field Day. On Tuesday, June 3rd, we celebrated PRIDE Month with Carlisle’s own PRIDE Festival, in partnership with local organizations. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made this year’s event such a success. We’re already looking forward to next year!
This week, our 8th grade students are heading to Washington, D.C., where they’ll explore the nation’s capital and create lasting memories together as they conclude their time at Carlisle Public Schools. Other exciting field trips this month include a grade 5 trip to Concord Museum, Grade 4 traveling to the Natural History Museum, Grade 3 visiting the historical sites of Boston, and Kindergarten touring the Carlisle Post Office.
Looking ahead, the 6th Annual Carlisle Race Amity Day Celebration will take place on Sunday, June 8th, from 1:00–4:00 PM. Hosted by the Carlisle Race Amity Day Committee and CPS DEICAC along with support from a grant from the Carlisle Cultural Council. This event warmly welcomes all members of our school community. The Gleason Library will honor the creative talents of our young artists by hosting an exhibit featuring work from 3rd grade and middle school students. The show runs from June 14th through September 6th. We’re also excited for Old Home Day, taking place from June 20–22, with a variety of community activities.
A special milestone is fast approaching: 8th Grade Graduation. This cherished ceremony, honoring our graduating class and their families, will be held on Thursday, June 12th at 5:30 PM on the Plaza, weather permitting.
On Friday, June 13th, the PTO will host Pops on the Plaza, a favorite Carlisle tradition. Students can enjoy a cool treat and celebrate the end of the school year with friends on the Plaza and Castle.
As we close out the year, I want to express deep gratitude to our families for their constant support. Our success is made possible not only by our exceptional faculty and staff but also by the unwavering partnership of the Carlisle community.
We also extend our warmest thanks and congratulations to our retiring staff members: Kathy Marsh, Cheryl Hay, Lori Desjardin, and Linda Vanaria. Your years of dedication have left a lasting impact, and you will be dearly missed.
Finally, I want to thank Lori Bruce and Matt Mehler for their years of service to the students and staff of Carlisle Public School. We wish them both luck and success in their new endeavors.
Wishing everyone a joyful end to the school year and a safe, happy summer!
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
JUNE LUNCH & BREAKFAST MENU
Click here to view the June 2025 Lunch menu
Click here to view the June 2025 Breakfast menu
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.
SPRING ELEMENTARY CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAM
Coach Lynne Carmel and the middle school cross country team warmly welcomed elementary students to join a month of weekly practice this spring as part a unified elementary pilot program. Coach Lynne Carmel invited elementary students of all abilities and needs to participate. Nearly 40 elementary students joined the practices, with some friends and siblings encouraging each other to register and join in the excitement.
Many families reported that the opportunity for kids of all ages, skill, and ability levels at CPS to do fun, active, intramural sports together—and cheer each other on—has brought a greater sense of community, belonging, confidence, and well-being, along with physical fitness, for their children.
Coach Carmel enjoyed loud cheers and applause from all her students as she received a Greatest of All Time trophy from participating families in appreciation of her excellence and championing of all students. Go Lynne!
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.
POPS ON THE PLAZA - FRIDAY, JUNE 13TH @ 3:00 PM
Pops on the Plaza. Join us to celebrate the end of the school year with a beloved Carlisle tradition! Treat the kids to a refreshing cold treat before they burn off the sugar rush with their friends on the Plaza.
Elementary Parents Please Note: You must pick up your child at dismissal so they can attend this event.
CARLISLE RACE AMITY DAY
Everyone in the school community is warmly invited to celebrate Carlisle Race Amity Day with a potluck picnic on Sunday, June 8th from 1:00-4:00 PM on the town common. This celebration of diversity includes a bounce house & other activities for kids, live music, and performances by local poets including 5th-grade teacher Dana Meyer. Click here for more details.
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
SUMMER READING 2025: LEVEL UP AT YOUR LIBRARY -- Saturday, June 14–Tuesday, August 26
Get ready for this year's summer reading program at the Gleason Public Library! Join us this summer for reading raffles, Book Bingo, and plenty of fun events and activities for all ages celebrating this year's theme, Level Up at Your Library. We'll kick things off at our Ice Pop Party on Saturday, June 14 at 10:00 AM, which is also when registration for reading challenges and events will open. For more information on our Summer Reading program, our reading challenges, or any of the exciting programs we have on offer, visit our website!
INSECTS FOR BEGINNERS -- Saturday, June 28 | 10:30 AM
A family program for children ages 8 and up with an adult, led by educator and insect enthusiast Linda Graetz. Unaccompanied adults are also welcome! Our program begins indoors at the Library with an introduction to key insect groups and how to identify them. Then we’ll head to the Cranberry Bog to find them: in fields, in the woods, on plants, on trees, under rocks, or just flying by!
Dress for the field: Consider a hat or visor, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Be sure to bring sunscreen and water. Bring a hand lens if you have one; close-focus binoculars and camera are optional.
This Carlisle Conservation Foundation program is supported by a grant from the Carlisle Cultural Council. Please register to reserve your spot as space is limited for this free program.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SWAP -- Saturday, June 21 | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
The Friends of the Gleason Public Library (FOGPL) are holding their annual Book Swap on Saturday, June 21 as part of Carlisle's Old Home Day festivities. All books are free, however the Friends welcome donations to support Library programming. The Book Swap will be held on the Library Lawn from 9:30 AM-12:00 PM. In the event of inclement weather, the Book Swap will be held inside the Library beginning at 10:00 AM.
This Book Swap will feature adult fiction and all genres of children's and teen books. Donations will only be accepted during the following designated drop-off hours:
- Tuesday, June 17 – 3:00-6:00 PM
- Wednesday, June 18 – 5:00-8:00 PM
- Friday, June 20 – 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Elementary and Younger
All registration for summer events will open on Saturday, June 14 at 10:00 AM. Visit gleasonlibrary.org/events or call us at 978-369-4898 to register.
Summer Reading Kickoff: Ice Pop Party! -- Saturday, June 14, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM on the Library Lawn
Kick off summer reading with a cold treat! Stop by the Library’s front lawn to grab your Bingo sheet and reading log, and enjoy an ice pop. No registration required.
Summer Concert with The Party Band of Lowell* -- Wednesday, June 18, 6:00 PM at Spalding Field
Join us for a summer concert for all ages.
Stuffed Animal Pajama Story Time & Sleepover -- Tuesday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 24, 6:00 PM in the Children’s Room
Bring your stuffed animal for a special pajama story time at the Library! Pick them up to next day and see what they got up to during their sleepover.
A Walk Across the Solar System -- Monday, July 14, 1:00 PM at the Carlisle Public School Plaza
Gain an understanding of the enormous size of space by exploring a scale model of our Solar System on foot, led by amateur astronomer Steve Golson. We’ll walk from the Carlisle Public School plaza to Kimball’s.
Felted Pikachu Hoop -- Wednesday, July 16, 4:00 PM in the Hollis Room
Join us for a fun and creative needle felting workshop led by Pop Up Art School, where kids will learn to craft a colorful Pikachu portrait on an embroidery hoop. For ages 10 to 14.
Henna Tattoos -- Thursday, July 17, 4:00-6:00 PM on the Library Lawn
Henna artist Mandy Roberge will be giving henna tattoos on the Library Lawn! Stop by any time during the event. All ages are welcome; recommended for ages 6 and up.
Peter and the Wolf with the Storytime Quintet* -- Wednesday, July 23, 11:00 AM at Carlisle Public School gymnasium
The Storytime Quintet, a 5-piece professional woodwind group, will perform a 45-minute rendition of Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. All ages.
Trevor “The Games Man” -- Thursday, July 24, 1:00 PM at Spalding Field
Trevor "The Games Man" will lead participants through many participatory activities! This program is geared toward children ages 5 and up.
Summer Concert with the Riverboat Stompers Jazz Band* -- Tuesday, August 5, 6:00 PM on the Library Lawn
This concert promises a fun, toe-tapping experience for all ages.
Creating Sea Turtle Mosaics with Tiny Tile Mosaics* -- Wednesday, August 6, 3:30 PM in the Hollis Room
Join us as we create beautiful mosaic sea turtles with Crystal D'Abbraccio of Tiny Tile Mosaics. Ages 6 and up.
Family Retro Gaming with One Up Games -- Monday, August 18 at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM in the Hollis Room
Step back in time and relive the golden era of gaming. Please note there are two sessions. Ages 6 and up.
Summer Concert with Music at the Blissful -- Thursday, August 21, 6:00 PM on the Library Lawn
Come join the fun as we sing, jump, shake, and laugh with Music at the Blissful at a summer family concert.
*This program is supported in part by a grant from the Carlisle Cultural Council.
Questions? Contact childrens@gleasonlibrary.org.
CRAFTS
Kids’ Crafts on the Lawn
Join us for crafts on the Library Lawn! For ages 4 and up. Registration will begin four weeks before each craft. In case of inclement weather, craft may be moved inside or postponed.
- Decorate Bunny Stuffies: Friday, June 20, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Let’s Make Slime: Friday, July 11, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Beaded Snails: Friday, August 8, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Pom-Pom Sea Turtles: Friday, August 22, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
STORY TIMES
Please register for each story time individually.
Summer Family Story Time -- Fridays: June 27, July 18, & August 15 at 10:30 AM on the Library Lawn
Join us from 10:30-11:15 AM for a story time designed for children ages 2 to 6.
Nature Connection Story Time -- Thursday, July 10 and Thursday, August 14 at 10:30 AM on the Library Lawn
Join The Nature Connection as we explore plants and animals and connect with the world around us through nature-based stories and poems. We will read a seasonally appropriate story followed by a sensory engagement activity. For ages 3 to 6.
Super Mario Story Time with Strega Mama -- Saturday, July 12, 11:00 AM in the Hollis Room
Join us for a special Saturday Super Mario story time featuring performer Strega Mama. Geared for children ages 3 to 7.
Summer Reading 2025: Level Up at Your Library is sponsored by the Gleason Public Library, the Friends of the Gleason Public Library, the Carlisle Cultural Council, the Susan Zielinski Natural Science Fund, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
For Middle School
TEEN WEEKEND READING KIT -- Friday, June 27 | 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, June 27 through Monday, June 30. These kits are for students in grades 7-12. Sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.
IMSCC MUSIC LESSONS - ENROLLING NOW FOR SUMMER AND FALL SESSIONS!
- Join us this summer for private lessons! Scheduling is flexible to fit with family vacation and camp schedules. Lessons with IMSCC's expert faculty take place at CCHS and the Carlisle school. To begin the enrollment process, please fill out the lesson inquiry form.
- Explore IMSCC's summer ensembles and workshops here.
- Fall semester private lessons begin in September and enrollment opens this week. New students, please fill out the lesson inquiry form. Returning students are pre-enrolled - look for an email this week with enrollment information.
- Small group lessons are available starting in September for 4th and 5th graders. Click here to register for group lessons.
- Click here to learn more about IMSCC; email Debbie Levine with questions - dlevine@concordcarlisle.org.
CONCORD-CARLISLE YOUTH SOCCER FALL 2025
Registration is open for Concord-Carlisle Youth Soccer Fall 2025 Travel and Intown soccer programs. Deadline for travel registration is June 13th. Programs are for students in grades PreK though 8. PreK players must be 5 by September 1, 2026. For more information go to www.ccysoccer.org.
The next issue of The Buzz will be published in September 2025. Please email your submissions to Mary O'Regan at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us by 9:00 AM on Friday, August 29, 2025. Please attach information to the email in a Word file. Thank you!