The Buzz May 2026

 

    

School Events and Information

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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, 2026)

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May LUNCH & BREAKFAST MENU

Click here to view the May 2026 Lunch menu

Click here to view the May 2026 Breakfast menu

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

SNEAKERS for PE

Friendly reminder please make sure your child is ready for PE weekly with appropriate clothing and sneakers.

PE is Moving Outdoors!

Starting in May, PE classes will be held outside (weather permitting). To ensure everyone stays safe and has fun in the sun, please remember the following:

· Proper Footwear: Sneakers are required for safety on the grass and fields.

· Sun Protection: We recommend applying sunscreen before school or bringing a hat.

· Hydration: Don’t forget a labeled water bottle to stay hydrated!

· Layers: May mornings can still be chilly so wear layers so you can adjust as it warms up.

FIELD DAYS -- Save the Dates  

Elementary Field Day – Wednesday, May 27^th

Grades K-2  9:15-10:30 AM

Grades 3-4  12:50-2:50 PM

 

Middle School Field Day – Wednesday, June 10th

Grades 5-6  8:45-10:45 AM

Grades 7-8  12:00-2:00 PM

Other Items of Interest

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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

RACE AMITY DAY MOVIE AND GAME NIGHT -- Wednesday, May 20 | 6:30–8:30 PM
The Carlisle Race Amity Day committee, in collaboration with the Gleason Library, invites you to join us for a Movie & Game Night. We will screen a 30-minute viewing of "The General & the Quaker," the story of the profound and loving friendship between Harriet Tubman, "General" of the Underground Railroad, and her little-known and closest collaborator, a Quaker merchant named Thomas Garrett.
After the viewing we will play games such as "Breaking it Down," which gently opens and guides dialogue around friendship and race, and the drawing game "Blind Contour" where we blindly draw a stranger and "see" them for the first time!
We will have light refreshments and build bonds of friendship and unity. Registration appreciated; drop-in attendees are welcome!

 

ELEMENTARY AND YOUNGER

FIRE SAFETY STORY TIME -- Monday, May 11 | 2:00 PM
The Carlisle firefighters will be coming by the library for a fire safety lesson and storytime! 
You'll be able to check out their awesome fire truck and see their gear, and ask any questions you may have! This event will take place outside in the parking lot, weather permitting. 

DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT -- Monday, May 11 | 5:30–8:00 PM
Bring in your own cardboard box and join Miss Jill for a honkin' good time! Doors will open at 5:30 PM and we will begin by crafting our cardboard boxes into cars, parking them just in time for our movie to start at 6:30 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. 

STREGA MAMA STORYTIME -- Wednesday, May 13 | 4:00 PM
Stories, songs, and bubbles... OH MY! Join us for a WICKED fun event on May 13th at 4:00 PM when Strega Mama presents a Wizard of Oz storytime! Registration strongly encouraged.

POKEMON SCAVENGER HUNT -- Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Can you catch 'em all? 1st–4th graders are invited to participate in this Pokemon Scavenger Hunt happening throughout the library! Grab your sheet from the Children's Desk and take off to find the 8 Pokemon that are lost in the library. Return your completed scavenger hunt once you finish for a special prize!

POKEMON CARD TRADING EVENT -- Monday, May 18 | 4:00 PM
Join us for our first Pokemon trading event where you can show off cards, trade cards, or just come to chat about all things POKEMON!

LEGO CLUB (GRADES 1–4) -- Wednesday, May 20 | 4:00-6:00 PM
Kids in 1st-4th grade are invited to join us on the third Wednesday of each month for a drop-in LEGO Club!  You may bring in your own LEGO sets to work on but you are responsible for anything you bring in. We will have free-build LEGOs available for use.

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY & AUTHOR TALK WITH DR. CANDICEE CHILDS -- Wednesday, May 27 | 4:00 PM
Candicee Childs is a doctor in Boston who has turned her challenges into something sweet-her picturebook, Cece’s Sour and Sweet Journey to Medical School. Come by and enjoy some popcorn and lemonade, followed by an author talk and Q&A. 
There will also be activities focused on bolstering confidence, imagination, and goal-setting. This program will end with an optional book signing.  Registration is encouraged! Please sign up on our website.

LETTERS TO THE LIBRARIAN -- Monday, May 4 | Saturday, May 9
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 number (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 (not May 5) | 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 (not May 5) | 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 (not May 8 or 15) | 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 -- Thursdays, May 21 & 28 | 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: Kondo and Kezumi Visit Giant Island by David Goodner -- Tuesday, May 5 | 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.

3^rd and 4^th Grade Book Club: El Deafo It All by Cece Bell -- Thursday, May 14 | 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

Middle School Book Club -- Thursday, May 7 | 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 To Night Own from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer. 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, May 13 | 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, May 22 | 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, May 22 through Tuesday, May 26. These kits are for grades 7-12.  Teen Weekend Reading Kits are sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

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CONCORD-CARLISLE YOUTH SOCCER NEWS

Concord-Carlisle Youth Soccer will hold Strikers United (club) tryouts (week of May 12) for players in grades 1-8 and travel evaluations (week of May 18) for players entering grades 3-8. Registration is required for each program.

Registration for Fall 2026 opens May 11:
• Travel Soccer (grades 3-8)
• InTown Soccer (PreK-grade 4)

A summer clinic (week of June 22) is available for players entering grades 3-9.

Visit www.ccysoccer.org for details and registration.

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DISCOVER THE JOY OF FISHING

Spend meaningful time together outdoors learning the art of fishing in Concord. New to fishing? You’re not alone - and there’s no need to feel intimidated.

We’ll fish for bass and sunfish at a local pond. All gear and bait provided. Please bring a bagged lunch for you and your child. Dress in comfortable clothing for being by the water. Sun hats and sunglasses are encouraged. 

Register: https://concordcarlisleace.org/

Instructor: Miles McCloy

Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

$300 for one adult and one child, ages 5+; each additional child $100

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Make life-long learning fun with Carlisle Recreation