DECEMBER 2024
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From theSuperintendent's Desk |
Dear Carlisle Families,
Though the days appear to be shorter as 2024 draws to a close, there is still a great deal taking place in and around our school over the next few weeks.
One major event culminating this month is our Drama Club's production of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein show The Sound of Music. Public performances will take place on December 13th at 7:00 PM and December 14th at 2:00 PM, with an in-school performance for the middle school scheduled for December 12th. Over 40 CPS students are participating in this production which is sure to be fun for the entire family. Our 4th and 5th grade Band and Chorus along with our Middle School Advanced Band and Advanced Choir will hold a winter concert on Wednesday evening December 18th in the auditorium. December also means the start of our interscholastic Basketball season, so check the district calendar on the homepage of the website for game dates and locations. We hope you will be able to make it out to attend some of these events and support our teams.
Another December event worth mentioning is our PreSchool’s Solstice Celebration which is scheduled for the afternoon of Tuesday, December 17th. I am not 100% sure what the “celebration” will entail, but I am looking forward to it, as well as the lengthening daylight which will follow.
In the spirit of giving, the second and fifth grade classes have kicked off the 15th Annual Pajama Drive. They invite you to join them in their community service project of donating warm pajamas to children in need. Please consider donating one, two, or more pairs of brand-new pajamas by Monday, December 16th.
In the midst of all of this activity we have an early release day on Thursday, December 12th and no school on Friday, December 13th for Middle School Parent/Teacher Conferences and professional development for other staff members. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s experience here in school, I encourage you to reach out to the classroom teachers and set up a time to talk with them.
On the operational side, the School Committee will be holding its FY26 Budget Hearing at their meeting on Wednesday, December 11th. The School Start Time Exploratory Committee is also continuing their work this month, and they want to thank everyone who took the time to fill out their recent survey and provide initial feedback on the topic.
Additionally, I want to remind everyone that the Winter/New Year’s Break this year will begin at the close of school on Friday, December 20 with school being closed on Monday, December 23rd and with students returning to school on Thursday, January 2nd.
I do hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy the season as well as the additional time off with friends and family.
Warm regards,
Jim O’Shea
Superintendent
School Events and Information
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here to view and download the 2024-2025 calendar
DECEMBER LUNCH MENU
Click here to view the December 2024 Lunch menu
WINTER ATHLETICS
Middle School Basketball Signups - Grades 5-8 - Girls’ basketball and Boys’ basketball sign-up sheets are up in the Corey Gym. Please sign up if you are interested in playing. The commitment is Monday - Thursday 3:05-4:15PM for practices. Games start at 3:30 PM and 4:45 PM and generally end around 5:45 PM. The basketball season will start December 4th and run through February 8th. All players must have a current physical (within the calendar year) on file with the nurse’s office.
User Fee: $225.00 check made out to the town of Carlisle or online payment is available on the Carlisle Public Schools Website under the Important Links section of the Business Office webpage.
Intramural Winter Program - Grades 4-8 - Intramural Floor Hockey. Girls and boys interested in playing intramural floor hockey. Please sign up in the gym. The program will start after February vacation.
Time: 3:05-4:15 PM
Where: Corey Gym
Cost: $55.00 made out to the Town of Carlisle
See Mrs. Carmel for more details.
2nd and 5th Grade Classes – 15th Annual Pajama Drive
The second and fifth grade classes would like to invite you to join us in our community service project. This is the Carlisle School’s fifteenth year of donating warm pajamas to children in need. Last year, we collected more than 430 pairs of pajamas! These pajamas were brought to children in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Please consider donating one, two, or more pairs of brand-new pajamas to the Pajama Drive Baskets located at the two main entrances of the Spalding Building and the entrance to the Robbins Building (Library Entrance), by Monday, December 16th.
Here are some guidelines for the pajamas:
* Pajamas must be brand-new.
* Pajamas in all sizes are needed—from newborn to adult.
* Pajamas must be in complete sets or nightgowns.
* Pajamas in children’s sizes must be manufactured as pajamas—this ensures that they are flame-retardant and safe. (Please note that PJs sold with a yellow tag stating that, “For child’s safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is not flame resistant. Loose-fitting garment is more likely to catch fire” MAY BE DONATED!)
Thank you for helping us provide a Loving Bedtime, A Peaceful Good Night, and a Positive Good Day!
If you have any questions, please contact: Mrs. Vanaria at lvanaria@carlisle.k12.ma.us. You can find out more about the drive and the program at: https://pajamaprogram.org/
The Carlisle Middle School Drama Club is pleased to announce our fall production of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein show The Sound of Music. With a cast and crew of 43 Carlisle students and production assistance from seven CCHS students, the show promises to be fun for the whole family.
Members of the public are welcome to join us at one of two performances: Friday, December 13th at 7:00 PM, and Saturday, December 14th at 2:00 PM. in the Corey Auditorium. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds go towards supporting future Drama Club performances.
Indoor Recess Volunteer Opportunities
When indoor recess happens due to inclement weather, students enjoy recess in their homerooms. We are hoping to create a list of parents who would be able to possibly come in on short notice to monitor a homeroom for 20-25 minutes. If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact Registrar/Recess Supervisor Linda Cavallo-Murphy at lcavallomurphy@carlisle.k12.
Picture Retake Day - Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Picture retakes are scheduled for January 22, 2025. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.
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.
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 Spirit Shirts are now available!
We have retired the different colors per grade and are launching the new Tie Dye shirts for the entire school! This is to make it easier for families as well as reflect the fact that CPS is one community. The link to order is below!
https://www.bonfire.com/cps-
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:
WINTER HOLIDAY SING-ALONG WITH STEVE BLUNT - Thursday, December 19 | 6:00 PM
Join us for a fun Winter Holiday Sing-Along with Steve Blunt! Let's celebrate the winter holidays together in this fun family concert. Registration is required. This delightful program is supported by our wonderful Friends of the Gleason Public Library. Your donations to our Friends make these great events possible.
FROZEN STORY TIME WITH STREGA MAMA - Saturday, January 4 | 11:00 AM
Join us for a special Saturday story time featuring performer, Strega Mama. This program is geared for children ages 3 to 7. Registration is required and opens on Saturday, December 7. This delightful program is supported by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.
PLAY TIME FOR TODDLERS - Wednesdays, December 3, 10 & 17 | 11:00 AM
Play Time for Toddlers is a 30-minute drop-in play time for our young library users and their caregiver. Come meet new friends, bond with your little one, and explore the many resources our library has to offer! No registration required.
Nature Connection Story Time - Thursday, December 5 | 10:30 AM
Join The Nature Connection as we explore plants and animals and connect with the world around us in new ways—all through nature-based stories and poems! During this monthly 45-minute program for 3–6-year-olds, we will read a seasonally-appropriate story followed by fun sensory engagement activities (involving sight, sound, touch and smell). Registration required. This program is sponsored by the Susan Zielinski Natural Science Fund.
KIDS BOOK CLUBS
1st and 2nd Grade Book Club: The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale - Tuesday, December 3, 4:00 PM
Registration required; email childrens@gleasonlibrary.org or visit gleasonlibrary.org/events to register.
3rd and 4th Grade Book Club: Nutcracked by Susan Adrian - Thursday, December 12, 4:00 PM
Registration required; email childrens@gleasonlibrary.org or visit gleasonlibrary.org/events to register.
For Middle School:
FELTED GNOME HOOPS WITH POP-UP ART SCHOOL - Wednesday, December 18 | 4:00 PM
Join our festive needle felting class, where you’ll create a charming gnome, complete with a fluffy beard and a playful jingle bell on his cap! This beginner-friendly class for grades 5-8 will guide you through each step, from needle felting basics, needle safety, and how to add those special finishing touches. Perfect for winter décor or a unique handmade gift, this project is sure to bring a little magic to your crafting! You’ll leave the class with a finished piece, a foam block, needles, and the confidence to continue your felting journey on your own. Registration is required as space and materials are limited. This program is made possible by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.
5TH & 6TH GRADE BOOK CLUB - Thursday, December 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. June’s book is The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina van Glaser. 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, December 12 | 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! This month's movie is rated PG and has a runtime of approx. 1 hr, 42 min. Early Release Day movies are sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.
TEEN WEEKEND READING KIT - Friday, December 13 | 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, December 13 through Monday, December 16. These kits are for grades 7-12. Teen Weekend Reading Kits are sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.
JAR LANTERN CRAFT - Friday, January 10 | 3:00 PM
Fabric, colorful paper, beads and glass baubles are the media up for grabs in this workshop led by Mandy Roberge. Each jar comes with one LED tea light. Participants will each make one lantern to bring home and light up these dark January evenings! For grades 5-8. Registration will open on Friday, December 13.
Tanglewood Marionettes production of "The Dragon King"
Join the Tanglewood Marionettes for their award-winning production of "The Dragon King" at the CPS Auditorium at 3pm on Sunday January 12th. You can buy tickets here: https://www.
IMSCC Music Lessons - Enrollment is open for the Winter-Spring session!
New students are welcome to sign up now for the Winter-Spring session of music lessons, January to June 2025. Lessons are available for all band and orchestra instruments including upright bass; also voice, piano, guitar, electric bass and ukulele. New students, please fill out this form to begin the enrollment process. (Continuing students, no action is needed at time, invoices will be emailed at the end of the month.) Lessons take place after school and evenings at CCHS and the Carlisle school. Visit the website for more information; email Debbie Levine with questions at dlevine@concordcarlisle.org.
Girls Spring Lacrosse - Registration OPEN!
Season begins the first week in April through early June.
• Girls Grades 1st + 2nd: In house program meets SUNDAYS: 10:00-11:15 AM on the CCHS Upper Grass
• Girls Grades 3rd - 8th: Practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-7:15/7:30 PM (depending on age group) on CCHS Upper Grass/Turf 2/Memorial Field. Games are Sundays.
*3rd-5th grade registration closes 12/31/24
REGISTER HERE: Visit the CCYL homepage ---> Hover over REGISTER (top right) ---> Select GIRLS REGISTRATION (direct link HERE)
Next Buzz Issue
The next issue of The Buzz will be published in January 2025. Please email your submissions to Mary O'Regan at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us by 9:00 AM on Friday, January 3, 2025. Please attach information to the email in a Word file. Thank you!
The next issue of The Buzz will be published in January 2025. Please email your submissions to Mary O'Regan at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us by 9:00 AM on Friday, January 3, 2025. Please attach information to the email in a Word file. Thank you!
