The Buzz February 2026

 

    

School Events and Information

---

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Click here to view and download the 2025-2026 calendar

Click here to view and download the 2026-2027 calendar (Note: First Day of School - Monday, August 31, 2025)

---

FEBRUARY LUNCH & BREAKFAST MENU

Click here to view the February 2026 Lunch menu

Click here to view the February 2026 Breakfast menu

---

PHYSICAL EDUCATION ANNOUNCEMENT -- SNEAKERS for PE!

Please remind your child/children to pack their sneakers for the days they have physical education.  Middle School students have PE one day a week. Elementary students have PE two times a week. At this point in the year, many students are forgetting their sneakers routinely and without them they will not be able to participate in class.

---

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 sepac@carlislemapto.org. 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 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 Val Gransewicz, Director of Student Support Services, at vgransewicz@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 Val Gransewicz, Director of Student Support Services, at vgransewicz@carlisle.k12.ma.us or 978-369-3758.

---

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION for 2026-2027 

Each year at this time the Carlisle Public School (CPS) compiles a list of children who will be eligible for kindergarten for the following September. By creating a list of kindergarten families, we ensure that those who wish to be informed of the upcoming kindergarten registration meetings, screenings or other special events will be on our list. Please keep in mind that children must have turned 5 years of age by September 1, 2026, in order to join the 2026-2027 kindergarten class.    

Please click this Google Form link CPS K Census 2026-2027 and complete it below by Friday, February 27, 2026. If you have more than one student eligible for kindergarten, please fill out a form for each child.

If your child is eligible for kindergarten but you are making different plans, and/or have any questions/concerns, please contact the CPS Register Linda Cavallo-Murphy at 978-369-6550 or lcavallomurphy@carlisle.k12.ma.us.

---

---

ATHLETICS

Intramural Winter Program

Intramural Floor Hockey  

Students in grades 4-8 interested in playing intramural floor hockey, please sign up in the gym.  

Time:  3:00-4:15 PM

Dates:  February 23-26, March 2-5, 9-12, 16-18

Where: Corey Gym

Cost:  $55.00, Checks made out to the Town of Carlisle

See Mrs. Carmel for more information

Intramural Sign-Up Form

Spring Programs

Spring sign-ups are up in the Gym!  Please have your student sign up for a spring activity.  The season will start March 31 and run through June 4^.  Times are 3:00-4:15 PM. 

PROGRAMS (Cost is $250.00)

• BASEBALL
• SOFTBALL
• ULTIMATE FRISBEE
• VOLLEYBALL

SPRING CROSS COUNTRY (Cost is $150.00)

Practice Days: Monday / Wednesday / Thursday 3:00-4:00 PM

8 Week Program, Starts: Wednesday, April 8,  2026, Ends: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Athletic Sign Ups

---

 

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. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

WINTER READING CHALLENGE 2026 -- Monday, January 5-Saturday, February 28
Read to earn a prize! Pick up your challenge sheets at the Library starting on January 5. Once you complete the challenge (a total of 8 books), come claim your prize at the Library. Presented with the support of the Friends of Gleason Public Library.

FOGPL BOOK SWAP -- Saturday, February 7
The Friends of the Gleason Public Library (FoGPL) will hold a FREE Pop-Up Book Swap on Saturday, February 7th at the Gleason Library.  This book swap will accept donations of nonfiction books for adults, children’s and teen books of all genres, and jigsaw puzzles. No textbooks, travel guides, or encyclopedias.  Books will be available for browsing on Saturday afternoon 2/7 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Please drop off donations (limit 3 boxes per household) ahead of time during any of the following hours:
Thursday 2/5, 3:00 to 7:00 PM
Friday 2/6, 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Saturday 2/7, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

ELEMENTARY AND YOUNGER

ANIMALS OF AFRICA: AN INTERACTIVE STORY TIME -- Monday, February 9 | 4:00 PM
Join us for an interactive storytime that is all about the wonderful and beautiful animals of Africa. Miss Jill will read a story to introduce everyone to the setting, then Mr. Jay Luby will present a slideshow exhibiting his personal photographs from his trip around 4 countries in Southern Africa, and all of the animals he encountered. After the presentation, we will do a craft!  This program is intended for children aged 4+. No registration required.

READ TO RUDY -- Saturday, February 14 | 2:30–3:30 PM
Come to the Library to read to Rudy, a certified reading therapy dog! 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 to 10, will enjoy one-on-one time reading aloud to this gentle 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 at gleasonlibrary.org, 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
Story times are drop-in and do not require registration.

Once Upon a Baby -- Tuesdays | 10:30–11:00 AM
Once Upon a Baby 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 ages 0-2. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap.

Wiggle Giggle Storytime -- Fridays | 10:30–11:15 AM
Wiggle Giggle Toddler Storytime is a 30-minute interactive story time experience for our young library users and their caregiver. Join us for stories, songs, movement, and fun best suited for children ages 3+.

ABC Learn with Me  -- Thursdays | 10:30–11:15 AM
ABC Learn with Me is a 45-minute interactive storytime that encourages letter recognition and association for young readers learning the alphabet. We will sing the ABCs, read stories that correspond with the letters of the week, and match common words to the letters we are talking about. This program is designed for children who are just learning the alphabet, to those who are starting to get a grasp on it. Ages 2-5.

Tots and Tales  -- Fridays | 10:30–11:15 AM
Tots and Tales is a story time designed for ages 0-6 that incorporates stories, songs, dances, finger rhymes, and lapsit bounces. Children will be able to interact with and learn from each other in this interactive story time.

KIDS BOOK CLUBS
1st and 2nd Grade Book Club: Wallace and Grace Take the Case by Heather Alexander -- Tuesday, February 3, 4:00 PM
Registration full at this time; email childrens@gleasonlibrary.org or visit gleasonlibrary.org/events to add your child to the waiting list.

3rd and 4th Grade Book Club: Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson -- Thursday, February 12, 4:00 PM
Registration full at this time; email childrens@gleasonlibrary.org or visit gleasonlibrary.org/events to add your child to the waiting list.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

After-School Hangout -- Fridays, January 9th–March (not February 20 or March 20) | 2:30-4:00 PM
Come play games, have a snack, and hang out on Fridays after school. Activities each week will vary. This is a drop-in event for grades 5-8.

Middle School Book Club -- Thursday, February 5 | 4:00 PM
Come for a book discussion and activity! Each month we will read a book and talk about it, then we will do a short activity or craft. December’s book is A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. Copies are available for checkout at the Library. Registration is required; participants only need to register once for the entire school year.

Early Release Day Movie -- Wednesday, February 4 | 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! Early Release Day movies are sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

Teen Weekend Reading Kit -- Friday, February 13 | 10:00 PM
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, February 13 through Tuesday, December 22. These kits are for grades 7-12.  Teen Weekend Reading Kits are sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

---

CCYS WINTER FUTSAL & SPRING 2026 TRAVEL AND INTOWN SOCCER

Registration is open for CCYS Winter Futsal & Spring 2026 Travel and Intown Soccer. Travel soccer is open to players in grades 3 through 8. The travel registration deadline is January 9th.  Intown soccer is open to players in grades Pre-K through 4.  The intown registration deadline is March 20th. Futsal runs January through March and is open to players in grades 1-7. 

More info can be found at: http://www.ccysoccer.org. 

---

CC BOYS SPRING 2026 LACROSSE - Registration is Open 

Programs are available for beginners through experienced players, with age-appropriate practices, games, and lots of fun. Spots fill quickly—register soon to secure your place. The season March-June - Sundays at CCHS. Register here: https://ccyouthlacrosse.demosphere-secure.com/_registration_login?to=https%3A%2F%2Fccyouthlacrosse.demosphere-secure.com%2F_registration

IMSCC MUSIC LESSONS - Winter-Spring lessons! New students, join us for one-on-one music lessons! Lessons with IMSCC's expert faculty are starting now and are available for all band and orchestra instruments, voice, piano, guitar, electric bass and ukulele. Lessons take place after school and evenings at CCHS and the Carlisle school.  New students, please fill out this form to begin the enrollment process; (returning students can check email for your re-enrollment invoice). Visit the website for more information; email Laryssa Doohovskoy ldoohovskoy@concordcarlisle.org     Make life-long learning fun with Carlisle Recreation.   Click the link below for a listing of class offerings for winter, spring and summer 2026.   Carlisle Recreation Department Summer Fun 2026  Dates: Monday-Friday *(Events Subject to Change)  Week 1: June 29-July 2 – Holiday Hoopla (4 Days–No Summer Fun on 7/3)  Holiday Robotics, Dunk-a-Counselor, Snow Cones & Foam Party  Week 2: July 6-10 (4 Days) – Carnival Craze   Yo-Yo Show, Laser Tag, Boba Tea Slime & Trivia!  Week 3: July 13-17 – Creature Feature   Barnbabies, Clark Farm, Animal Ambassadors & Scavenger Hunt  Week 4: July 20-24 – Oohs Aahs & Abracadabra   Wacky Science, Foam Party, Karate, Magic Show  Week 5: July 27-31 – Power Play  Laugh Factory, Laser Tag, Ultimate Sports & Video Game Truck  Week 6: August 3-7 – Spirt Week   Friendly Competition, Dan the Balloon Man, Foam Party & Inflatable Obstacle Course Time: 9:00am-3:00pm  Early Drop Off is Available 8:15-9:00am for additional fee of $50/week  Who: Ages 4 & Up  Fee: $365/Week   $295-Week 1 Only (4 Days)  Location: Spalding Field, Gym, Auditorium, Plaza, Playground, Tennis Courts The summer fun program is a great way to spend summer days with friends. Select any or all of  the week-long sessions. Our fun and exciting Summer Fun Program includes tennis, arts &  crafts, outdoor games, dance, music, and special activities.  Please bring water bottles, sunscreen, a hat, bug spray and a towel. Please bring a peanut  free lunch and snacks. Pack Extra Waters.  The program will be Rain or Shine. On rainy days, the program will be held in the Corey Gym at  the Carlisle School.  All participants will check in at the summer fun drive-up station at 9:00am. Pick-up is at  3:00pm.  We are happy to offer Early Drop Off from 8:15-9:00am for an additional fee of $50/week. *Payment due at the time of registration or space is not guaranteed.  **No refunds after 1/30/26 at 4:00pm (unless the space can be filled).  ***No partial week option. Half Day option is available with a prorated fee if attending the  Carlisle Summer School program only. Detailed information will be mailed one week prior to the start of Summer Fun. For more information, please call Holly Mansfield at the Recreation Office at 978-759-7632 or  send an email to hmansfield@carlislema.gov  Sports & Games (Early Release Days)  Dates: Early Release Days  Session VI: Wednesday, February 4  Session VII: Thursday, March 19  Session VIII: Monday, April 6  Session IX: Wednesday, May 13  Session X: Tuesday, June 2  Time: 12:30-3:00pm  Who: Grades K-4  Fee: $70/session  Location: Spalding Field/Plaza/Gym  Instructor: Skyhawks Staff  Early release days mean more time for fun! Join the Skyhawks staff for an afternoon of fun  playing a variety of skill-building games and activities that give each athlete a complete  understanding of popular sports and games to include: dodgeball, capture the flag, soccer,  ultimate frisbee, basketball, kickball, baseball, 4 square, flag football, team handball and  more. *Recreation Staff will plan to meet the children at the end of the school day and walk with  them to class.  Stargazing Party at Banta-Davis Field  Date: Tuesday, March 24 (Rain Date: 3/25)  Time: 7:30—9:00 PM  Fee: FREE  Location: Banta Davis Fields, Bedford Road, Carlisle, MA  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 website for  updates.