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The Buzz March 2026

 
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March 2026

 

   
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Jim

From the

Superintendent's Desk  

    

Dear Carlisle Families,

It seems winter is not quite finished with New England.  I hope you weathered last week’s blizzard safely. Once again, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Carlisle Department of Public Works and our Facilities Department for their tremendous efforts clearing snow and ice to ensure a safe campus for students and staff.  Quite simply, school could not have opened last week without their hard work and dedication.

We want to recognize our CPS Middle School students who auditioned and were accepted to participate in the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Junior District Festival which will take place March 7 at Lincoln-Sudbury High School.  This year we have ten students representing CPS.  Congratulations to Wally, Dominic, Andrew, Biagia, Emrys, Grace, Lucas, Leah, Caleb, and Ella. Best of luck to everyone performing this month.

March brings a full calendar of exciting events for our school community.  The Annual PTO Book Fair will take place in the school library from March 9–14, 2026.  Be sure to mark your calendars for PJ Storytime on March 9, an author visit with Raúl the Third on March 10, and face painting on the afternoon of March 11.  For additional details about the Book Fair click here.

Throughout March, students and staff will also celebrate Read Across America, an annual reading motivation and awareness program sponsored by the National Education Association.  This nationwide initiative encourages every child in every community to celebrate the joy of reading. Our activities will include a PreK-4 Story Walk, Read Across America Spirit Days, and a lively Reading Game Show.

Another highlight of the month will be the 7th Grade Play.  Performances will run from Thursday, March 19 through Saturday, March 21.  This year’s production is Willy Wonka Jr.  Our students have been working incredibly hard to prepare this high energy musical filled with enchanting songs and colorful characters. So grab your golden ticket, bring the whole family, and step inside a world where imagination runs wild and sweets are always on the menu.  For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

We are also pleased to share that our 7th grade students will once again participate in Challenge Day.  On Tuesday, March 31, students will travel off-site for this impactful program focused on five core competency areas: self-management, social awareness, self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.  We are especially grateful to the WBYC for sponsoring this meaningful experience designed to foster empathy and compassion within our community.

During the final week of March, students in grades 3–8 will begin the annual MCAS state assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics, with testing continuing through April and May.  Students in grades 5 and 8 will also complete Science assessments, and grade 8 students will also participate in the Civics assessment in May.  While these assessments do create some disruption to the typical school day, they provide valuable data to inform instruction.  At the same time, we are mindful of minimizing stress and avoiding overemphasis on testing.  More details about testing will be shared in the coming weeks, and the full schedule is available on the District Calendar on our website.

The district’s Strategic Planning Steering Committee, made up of parents, staff, administration, and community members, continues its work this month.  The committee’s goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of what is currently working well, identify ongoing challenges, and capture the hopes and expectations of the school community.

Please note that parent/guardian-teacher conferences for both elementary and middle school families will be held at the end of the month.  There will be an early release day on Thursday, March 19, and no school on Friday, March 20 to allow for staff to meet with parents/guardians.

We look forward to seeing you at these events in the weeks ahead.

Warm regards,

Jim O’Shea

Superintendent

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)


March LUNCH & BREAKFAST MENU

Click here to view the March 2026 Lunch menu

Click here to view the March 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 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 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. 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:  March 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11,12, 16, 17, 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)

  • ULTIMATE FRISBEE
  • VOLLEYBALL

 

SPRING CROSS COUNTRY

Cost:  $150.00

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

Season:  7 Week Program

Starts:  Wednesday, April 8,  2026

Ends:  Thursday, June 4, 2026

Athletic Sign Ups

 

ELEMENTARY – UNIFIED SPRING CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAM

Cost:  $55.00

Practice Days:  Wednesdays 3:00-4:00pm

Season:  6 Weeks

Starts:  Wednesday April 15, 2026

Ends:  Wednesday June 6, 2026

Intramural sign up


 

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

 


PTO "MY SO CALLED PROM" -- May 9, Nashoba Brooks Barn, Concord 

Mark your calendars for an exciting fundraiser for the PTO and CEF on May 9th and get ready to party like it's 1999! This event will help raise money for two important nonprofits that directly benefit our wonderful school community. Keep your eyes out for tickets going on sale soon! 

Please visit carlislemapto.org for more information.

Other Items of Interest


 

Gleason Public Library

 
Gleason
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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

STARGAZING PARTY AT BANTA-DAVIS FIELD -- Tuesday, March 24
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. Rain date (if needed) is March 25. Register online at carlislema.myrec.com/info/activities

 

ELEMENTARY AND YOUNGER

DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT -- Monday, March 9 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Bring in your own cardboard box and join Miss Jill for a honkin' good time! Doors will open at 6:00 PM and we will begin by crafting our cardboard boxes into cars, parking them just in time for our movie to start at 6:45 PM. Popcorn will be provided, but feel free to bring your own snacks! 
Registration is required for this event to ensure that we have enough space and supplies for our patrons. 

ST. PATRICK'S DAY STORYTIME WITH STREGA MAMA -- Wednesday, March 11 | 2:00 PM
Join us for a special St. Patrick's Day storytime with Strega Mama! It's the luck of the Irish that we get to have Strega Mama joining us—we may even find a pot of gold! We'll have singing, dancing, and lots of fun! This program is geared for children ages 3 to 7. Registration is strongly encouraged as there is limited space.

LETTERS TO THE LIBRARIAN -- Monday, March 2–Saturday, March 7
Ready for a new adventure? From Monday to Saturday, drop off a letter addressed to Miss Jill with your name, age/grade level, your library card # (or your guardian's), and the subject or genre you are seeking out. Miss Jill will choose 2-3 books to check out to your account. You can pick up a template at the children's desk or create your own letter to give to Miss Jill.  This program is for children up to grade 4. 

 

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 -- Tuesdays | 11:00-11:30 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+.

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.

Evening Storytime  -- Thursday, March 26 | 4:00–4:45 PM
The Evening Storytime 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 peers of their own ages, as well as those who may be younger or older.

 

KIDS BOOK CLUBS

1st and 2nd Grade Book Club: Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo -- Tuesday, March 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: A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold -- Thursday, March 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, March 6, 13, & 27 | 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, March 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. March’s book is Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar. 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 -- Thursday, March 19 | 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! Early Release Day movies are sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

Teen Weekend Reading Kit -- Friday, March 27 | 10:00 AM
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 27 through Monday, March 30. These kits are for grades 7-12.  Teen Weekend Reading Kits are sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.


CCYS SPRING 2026 IN-TOWN SOCCER

Register for Concord-Carlisle Youth Soccer’s Spring 2026 In-Town program, open to players in grades Pre-K through 4. This seven-week season kicks off on May 2nd and runs through June 13th, focusing on teamwork and fun! The deadline to register is March 20th. For more information and to sign up, please visit https://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.

 

 


Next Buzz Issue

The next issue of The Buzz will be published in April 2026.  Please email your submissions to Mary O'Regan at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us by 9:00 AM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.  Please attach information to the email in a Word file. Thank you!

 

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