January 24, 2008

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www.carlisle.mec.edu

Calendar

Jan. 24 Thurs.

9:00 am CSA Parent Informational Coffee - MCAS
3:30 Varsity Basketball at Hanscom

7:00 pm School Building Committee

Jan. 25 Fri.
Middle School Interim Reports Distributed

Jan. 26 Saturday
2:00 - 4:00pm Chinese New Year Celebration

Jan. 28 Mon.
Visiting Film Artist, Jeff Warmouth All Week

3:30 pm Varsity Basketball at Bedford

Jan. 29 Tues.

10:45 am K Mitten Play - Ms Chandler
11:15 am K Mitten Play - Ms Vanaria
3:15 pm Technology Team

Jan. 30 Wed.

3:30 pm Varsity Basketball Home with Weston
3:30 pm JV Basketball at Weston

7:00 pm Minuteman High School Open House

Jan. 31 Thurs.

3:30 pm Varsity Basketball Home with Lincoln
3:30 pm JV Basketball at Lincoln

Feb. 1 Fri.

11:00 am K Mitten Play - Ms Comeau
11:30 am K Mitten Play - Ms. Arnold

Feb. 4 Mon.

3:30 pm JV Basketball Home with Weston
3:30 pm Varsity Basketball at Weston

Feb. 5 Tues.

3:15 Math Curriculum Review Meeting

Feb. 6 Wed.

3:15 School Council Meeting
3:30 pm JV Basketball Home with Weston
3:30 pm Varsity Basketball at Mystic Valley

7:00 pm School Committee Meeting
7:30 pm CCHS Open House

Feb. 7 Thurs.

3:30 Varsity Basketball Home with Blanchard

Feb. 8 Fri.

9:00 am CPAC Meeting
3:30 pm JV Basketball at Weston

Buzz Deadline


Feb. 10 Sun.
6:30 pm 7th Grade Play - Willy Wonka, Jr.
Feb. 11 Mon.

7:30 pm 7th Grade Play - Willy Wonka, Jr.

Feb. 12 Tues.
11:51 Early Release 5 - 8

12:30 Early Release K - 4

9:00 am 4-Gray Publishing Breakfast
9:00 am CSA Meeting
3:30 pm 7th Grade Play - Willy Wonka, Jr.

Feb. 13 Wed.

3:30 pm Basketball Home with Hanscom

Feb. 14 Thurs.

3:15 pm Strategic Planning Committee

7:00 School Building Committee Meeting

Feb. 15 Fri.

Vacation begins after last class

From the Superintendent's Desk

Marie H. Doyle

Dear Parents,

Reflections on Martin Luther King Jr.
As I sit at home relishing a day out of the office, my mind wanders to Martin Luther King Jr.  How would MLK, one of my favorite heroes, feel about the current presidential elections?

In just over 40 years since his death, we have come a long way.  On the Republican side, we see a religious war underlying a political battle:  the right of a Mormon to run for president verses the power of the numerous Baptists.  On the Democratic side, we see a woman contender versus a black man—even though he is of mixed race-- as front-runners in this election.

It is a year to stand tall as Americans, even if our system still has a few flaws. MLK, had he not been assassinated, would have strong opinions on who should be president.  Beyond that, Dr. King might sit on his porch, rock in his chair, and smile as this campaign battle wages on.  Did we ever think that Americans would see a woman and a black man as front-runners for the office of President of the United States?  While many of us take umbrage when we see that bias still exists, we take solace in the fact that candidates are still winning primaries regardless of their religion, race or sex.

Today I salute Dr. King’s work and recognize that his efforts have led to this day of political opportunity; his dreams have come closer to becoming realities in this fine country of ours.  Regardless of how you and I may vote on February 5, we do so knowing that we have come closer to realizing America's pledge to have "liberty and justice for all."

 Budget
Carlisle continues to have an outstanding school system where students flourish under the direction of our fine staff.  It is a pleasure to see students engaged in meaningful learning experiences, and I leave classrooms with a smile knowing that our students are receiving an excellent education in a caring community.

Thank you for attending or viewing the FY09 Budget Presentation.  Over the next several weeks, the School Committee and I will meet with the Finance Committee and Selectmen to discuss our proposed budget.  You may watch the PowerPoint presentation from last week’s School Committee meeting on our website or cable TV; the slideshow includes a level service budget along with potential budget cuts of $605,112.  Please follow these budget discussions carefully as the results of any budget cuts will impact our school.

Building
The Massachusetts School Building Authority has invited us to meet on January 30th.  At this time, we will find out the next steps for moving forward in a process that may lead to reimbursement for a new building. The Robbins, Corey and Wilkins are so overcrowded that the auditor from the DOE stated that she would cite us for inadequate educational spaces in her formal report.  The Spalding Building has outlived its useful lifespan, and these building issues need to be addressed.  Lee Storrs from the Building Committee will make a presentation to the CSA on February 28th at the Clark Room at the Town Hall at 11:00 AM. The presentation will be on cable TV as well so that the community may understand the information, our needs and  the process.

As always, we appreciate the commitment of our parents and community. Please stay involved as we move forward in the budget process and building project.

 Sincerely,
Marie Doyle


Principals' Corner

Jim Halliday, Middle School Principal
Patrice Hurley, Elementary Principal

Dear Carlisle Families,

As usual, things are very busy at CPS.  During the period January 28 - February 1, visiting film artist Jeff Warmouth will be working with grades 5 and 6 students during their art classes. The students in Chiao Bin Huang's Chinese classes have been busily preparing for their celebration of the Chinese New Year.  The in-school assemblies for all students are scheduled for Friday, January 25 with the middle school students attending from 9:00 to 10:00 AM and the elementary students attending from 10:15 to 11:15 AM. Everyone is very excited about this celebration.  The celebration will continue at the school on Saturday, January 26 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM which is open for the parents and the general public. Please come if you have a chance.  We think that you will be impressed by the performances of the students who are members of the Chinese language classes.

Our four basketball teams, boys' and girls' varsity and junior varsity, are about halfway through their regular season schedule. Players and coaches are working very hard and the improvement each game in skills and teamwork is very obvious for all of the players. What is quite notable in all of the CPS teams that we have had a chance to watch play this school year is that the players never give up and give it their all to the last whistle. That is a definite credit to the players and their coaches and is impressive.  The teams are fun to watch and their sportsmanship is admirable.

As we visit various classrooms on a daily basis we continue to be pleased with the activities and experiences that the teachers design for the students as the teachers explore creative ways to deliver the curriculum to the students. Impressive, also, is the hard work of the vast majority of the students as they work with the teachers to grasp the skills, concepts, and information that the teachers are sharing with them.

Just a gentle reminder about how important attendance is to the academic success of all students. In this day and age with so much information contained in all of our courses of study as we prepare students for the next grade level or the next stage in their K - 12 education careers, minimal absences from school is a pre-requisite for maximum success in all subjects.  We encourage parents to help their children attend school an as regular a basis as possible realizing that there will be occasional situations which are out of the control of the parents and the students which require students to miss school. We ask that parents plan family vacation time for the school vacation periods to the extent that you possibly can.  Sometimes, an extended family vacation period while school is in session can place a great deal of pressure on the student to "catch up" when he/she returns to school. This is particularly true of those students who are very concerned about achievement and who consistently give class work their best effort which describes almost all of our students.  While saying that, we fully appreciate how very, very important family vacation time together is to all members of the family. All we are suggesting is that you try to keep the school schedule in mind when you plan your vacations.

In closing, we thank you for your continued support of the students and staff of CPS.  Your help with everything that we do is greatly appreciated.  We hope that you are finding the time to thoroughly enjoy New England's wonderful winter season, especially, the truly, beautiful winter scenery.

Sincerely,
Patrice Hurley and Jim Halliday


School Events/Information

Snow Day Information
Winter is almost upon us, and parents should be aware of our snow day procedures. If school is canceled or delayed, the following radio and TV stations and websites will have the information:

You may also register on the websites to be notified by email or voicemail if the station receives a cancellation or delay for the Carlisle Public Schools. In the case of an early release, we will implement the One Call automatic telephone calling program to inform parents that children will be sent home early.

Delayed opening time:

Length of Delay Grades K - 4 Grades 5 - 8
1 hour 9:50 8:50
90 minutes 10:20 9:20
2 hours 10:50 9:50

Kindergarten and Pre-School Note: In the case of a delayed opening, Pre-School will always be cancelled. Kindergarten will be cancelled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the delay will pertain to Kindergarten.


Carlisle seventh grade to present Willy Wonka, Jr.

Who can take a sunrise and sparkle it with dew? Come find out at Willy Wonka, Jr. the Carlisle School 7th grade musical. The musical is based on Roald Dahl’s timeless story, “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,” which tells of the world-famous candy maker (Willy Wonka), and his sweet-filled quest to find an heir. This new musical version, which features the songs from the classic family film “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory,” is sure to be a family favorite! 

Performances at the Corey Auditorium are on Sunday, February 10 at 6:30 p.m., Monday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m., and Tuesday, February 12, at 3:30 p.m. (early release day). Tickets are $8 and can be ordered by email at holly.salemy@comcast.net, and purchased at Ferns starting on January 21. Tickets will be available at rehearsal pickup time at the school (5:00 pm) starting January 28. Questions, please contact (978) 369-2875.

7th GRADE PARENTS: There will be a 7th grade play party in the Corey dining room on Tuesday February 12, immediately following the last performance. Parents are welcome to stay or pick up your 7th grader no later than 7 p.m. Pizza and beverages will be served. If you have questions, email pelajewell@comcast.net.

ITEMS NEEDED to borrow/keep for 7th grade musical, Willy Wonka, Jr.
-       Garment racks with wheels (borrow)
-       2 tripods that would hold 2 large video/TV-style cameras (borrow)
-       100 AA batteries
-       Clean packing peanuts (we need enough to fill 8 large garbage bags)
-       Dry cleaner clear plastic bags
-       Foam/batting for stuffing costumes
-       Unscented hair gel
-       Unscented hair spray
We'll need them from Jan 28 thru Feb 13. Please contact Kelly Driscoll at kpdkod@yahoo.com  or (978) 318-9202. Thank you!


Chinese New Year Celebration
Come and celebrate the Year of the Rat on January 26th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the school. Festivities will include Chinese crafts and performances by the Carlisle School Chinese classes and parents. Among the events are the traditional flag dance, Chinese yo-yo demonstrations, Tai Chi, and Chinese songs. Food will be provided by a local restaurant. Tickets are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and seniors. You can purchase tickets at the door or in advance from any of the Chinese students or at Ferns. Please mark your calendars and join us for this festive event! Click here for an event flyer.

School Committee News
The budget presented at the January 16th School Committee meeting is posted on the school website. Please click on the link on the homepage for the presentation.


June Field Day Dates Are Set
Middle School Field Day:  Friday May 30th  (rain date:  Friday June 6).  Grades 5 & 6:  9 - 11:10.  Grades 7 & 8:  12 - 2:10.
Elementary School Field Day:  Monday June 2nd (rain date:   Monday June 9).  Grades K – 2: 10 – 11:15.  Grades 3 & 4:  1 – 2:15.


Friday Night Live – February 1st 7:00 – 9:30 PM
The first Friday Night Live (FNL) of 2008 was a huge success.  Thank you to all of the parents who gave up their Friday night to chaperone. 

Please join the Carlisle Youth Commission (CYC) for the next FNL on February 1st from 7:00 – 9:30 PM.  There will be more basketball, ping pong, chess, dancing and pizza.  In addition, thanks to the generosity of the Carlisle Police Department, the radar gun will be back to see who is ready for spring training.   

A $4.00 admission fee is collected at the door.  Pizza, soda, and water will be available for a small fee.  Rules followed by the school are in effect and will be enforced.  A parent or guardian must sign out any attendee who leaves prior to 9:30 PM.  All others must be picked up at 9:30 PM sharp. For additional information, please contact PJ Jewell at 978-371-8995 or by e-mail at pliny.jewell@gmail.com, or contact any member of the CYC.  The CYC looks forward to seeing everyone on February 1st. 


Computer Classes Offered for Seniors
Technology Integration Specialist, Cyd McCann will be offering two classes for Carlisle seniors:

How to Set Up and Use Email. One 2-hour session from 3:15-5:15, Tuesday, February 5. Carlisle Public School Library. Limit 15

Participants will learn how to:
  * set up a free email account that can be accessed on any computer that is connected to the internet
  * attach files (such as pictures) and send them
  * read and delete messages
  * set up a contact list (like an electronic address book)

Using a Digital Camera. One 2-hour session from 3:15-5:15, Tuesday, March 4. Carlisle Public School Library. Limit 15. If you have a digital camera, please bring it and any cables that come with it. You can also purchase a disposable digital camera at any drug store. The school has only a few available cameras for participants.

Participants will learn how to:
  * Take a picture
  * Change settings
  * Review pictures
  * Delete pictures from the camera
  * Upload pictures to the computer


Photos

Willy Wonka Rehearsals
Fourth Grade State Fair
Student Art Work - Weathervanes Nancy Anderson - New Special Education Administrative Assistant


CSA News

www.carlisleschoolassociation.org
February CSA Meeting
The next meeting of the CSA will be held on February 12th in the Corey Dining Room at 9:00 am.

Social Dance…..A Sixth Grade Tradition Continues!
The CSA invites all sixth graders to participate in the Class of 2010 Ballroom Dance and Etiquette Program. This program has been enjoyed by the Carlisle Sixth Grade boys and girls for many years and we hope that all of you will join this year. The aim of this program is to be fun and informative while promoting students’ self-esteem and enjoyment of dance and arts. Information on dates, times, transportation, and cost will be sent via email. If you have any questions email Lee Means at Leemerson@aol.com.

Carlisle School Association seeks nominations
The Carlisle School Association (CSA) is currently accepting nominations for board positions to serve for school year 2008-2009. Board members do not have to have children currently enrolled in the school. Serving on the CSA is a rewarding volunteer position which directly impacts the teachers and children in the school system. If you are interested in a position or would like to learn more about what is entailed, please contact Dale at ryderfam@hotmail.com or 371-9673.


Other Items of Interest

Program News
Carlisle Kids' House has a lot of great programs to offer your children! We are now registering for February Vacation, activities include seeing Peter Pan at the Wheelock Theatre, going swimming at Cedarland Fun Center in Haverhill, painting at Plaster Funtime, and sledding at Nashoba Valley ski area!
Join us for our PLAYDATE at EXTENDED DAY on Thursday, February 21st, from 10am-2pm. We will have activiities and fames galore and pizza for lunch. All Carlilse children/parent's grades k-6 are invited for a $5 donation. Come visit our facility and see all we have to offer!
Pleas see attached details for information on our summer programs and great enrichment opportunities for your children

<http://www.extendedday.org>


GPL News
www.gleasonlibrary.org
Early Release Day Movie at the Gleason Public Library
Intrigue, jealousy, friendship, and love: all in the story of a determined rodent. Come enjoy a movie that cooks up a bountiful pleasure with laughs, wonder, and great animation. Date: Tuesday, February 12th (early release day). Place: Gleason Public Library, third floor Hollis Room. Time: 2:45pm-4:40pm. Movie rating is G. Grades 5-8 only. We’ll provide snacks and drinks. Any questions, please call 978-369-4898 (Gleason Public Library).

Gleason Gossip
Anyone with an email address can sign up for the Gleason Public Library’s enewsletter “Library Latest.” These monthly mailings keep Gleason goers current on coming library events, great books, music, and movies, plus much more. Short and sweet, the enewsletter is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Gleason Public Library. To sign up go to visit www.gleasonlibrary.org or call the reference desk at 978-369-4898.

Story Time Sign-ups
Sign-ups are in progress for story times at the Gleason Public Library. The 3- 4 1/2 year-olds will meet on Thursday afternoon from 1:30 to 2 p.m. The 4 1/2 - 6-year-old group will meet Monday afternoon from 1:30 to 2:10 p.m. These are registered story times.

Drop-in story times for 2-3 year olds (with parent or caregiver) will be held on Friday mornings starting on January 25 at 10:30 a.m. The under 2 story times will meet Thursdays at 10:30 starting on January 24th. Registration is not required for these story times.

A special Saturday story time for ages 2-4 will meet Saturday, January 26th at 10:30 a.m. A PJ story time for ages 3 and up will be held on Wednesday, February 6th at 7 p.m. Children are invited to come in their jammies for this relaxed family story time. For more information, call the children’s department at the library at 1-978-369-4898.


From Carlisle Recreation
Back by Popular Demand... Join Carlisle Recreation and Elaine Jarvis and take a part in The Musical Experience: Mary Poppins.  If you are interested in registering for this program please call the recreation office at 978-369-9815 or register on-line at www.carlislema.gov/registration.  If you have any questions please call the recreation office at 978-369-9815.

Musical Theater Experience: Mary Poppins
Dates: Mondays, March 3-May 19, 2008  (No Class on 4/14 & 4/21)
Time: Cast 1: 4:00pm-5:00pm. Cast 2: 5:00pm-6:00pm
Who: Grades 1-6
Fee: $225.00 per participant
Location: Corey Auditorium
Instructor: Elaine Jarvis
 
Join us for an adaptation of the popular movie, then Broadway Show, Mary Poppins… No experience I necessary and no auditions either. Yes,  we need boys! Lots of fun costumes and props for all. Everyone gets a party; everyone sings, dances and has lines. Costumes included in program fee. NOTE: If second cast does not fill, the first eight participants who registered will be offered a spot in the first cast, the remainder will be put on a wait list. First come, first served. Be sure to register early as this program is very popular and fills fast.


Owl Program at Alcott School
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 3rd, 2008 2:00-3:30 p.m. EYES ON OWLS:
A rare chance to see six live owls up close! to benefit Animals As Intermediaries led by naturalists Marcia & Mark Wilson at The Alcott School, 93 Laurel Street, Concord, MA 01742

Learn about owls of New England and beyond-- plus a hooting lesson & tips on how to attract and protect owls near you! Refreshments available. Tickets: $15 adult/ $10 child ($35 maximum per family). Proceeds will directly support AAI's nature programs. Tickets available in advance at: The Concord Bookshop, Willow Books, & through AAI. Directions: http://www.colonial.net/maps/directions_alcott.php Please call AAI (978) 369-2585 or www.aai-nature.org if you have questions or would like to purchase tickets.


CCY Softball
Just when you thought spring training was a long way away... Concord-Carlisle Youth Softball is pleased to announce Sunday winter clinics Sunday January 6th – Sunday March 23rd:

  • Kindergarteners and 1st graders          12:00 – 1:00
  • 2nd and 3rd graders                                1:00 – 2:00
  • 4th grade and up                                    2:00 – 3:00

 All clinics will take place in the CCHS lower gym. No need to pre-register. Grab your glove and a friend and come have some softball fun!


Concord-Carlisle Youth Soccer
Registration for spring In-Town soccer is open from January 10 through February 25, 2008. Concord Carlisle Youth Soccer (CCYS) In-Town runs a fun and appropriately competitive soccer program played in Concord and Carlisle for boys and girls. The Pre-K division is for children who will enter Kindergarten in September 2008.  Kindergarten through Grade 6 divisions are for children who entered those grades in September 2007. 

  • Schedule: Games are played on Saturdays, May 3 through June 14, 2008.  Practices are usually scheduled during the week by the team’s coach.  Players in the Pre-K division meet only on Saturdays. A schedule of playing times by division should be available mid to late March from the In-Town page of our website.
  • Fees: Registration fee per player is $60.  Additional children within a family are $50 each.  Scholarships are available. We (and other Concord Carlisle youth sports) also assess a field use fee of $35 per registration to fund construction and maintenance of new playing fields in Concord and Carlisle.  After February 25, a $20 late fee applies to each registration taken.
  • Shirts: In-Town players may purchase reversible shirts for $20 during the on-line registration process.  Blue/white reversible shirts purchased in previous seasons may be worn.  Other clothing for soccer may be purchased at local sports stores.  Please go to the In-Town page of our website and click on Program Information for more details.
  • Register Players On Line: Go to www.ccysoccer.org  Click on Registration from the left-hand menu options.  We use AdminSports for our registration system.  If you did not register with us last fall, you will be asked to create a new login ID and password to access your account.  We strongly urge registration before February 25 to be guaranteed a team for your player.
  • Coaches: CCYS relies on parent volunteers to coach.  Please consider choosing “Coach” from the pull-down menu in the Volunteer Section when registering your player.  Your children will benefit!
  • New! G License Expectation for In-Town Coaches.   The In-Town program now expects all coaches to complete the four-hour Mass Youth Soccer "G" license course as a requirement for coaching. Coaches who have completed the “G” course say they run much better practices and games after completing it.  If you have not completed the “G” course, register for a spring “G” License course by May 1.   There is a course in Acton on Sunday, March 2. There will be other courses each month, January – May. Look for the link on the www.ccysoccer.org  site or go to www.mayouthsoccer.org, click on "Coaches" and look for "Coaching Events Schedule" on the left. ­
  • Late registrations: Registrations taken after March 14 will be added to our player waitlist with placement based on coach and team space availability.  When placement is confirmed you will be contacted and asked to enter payment information into your player’s on-line registration.

For more details about our program check out our website at www.ccysoccer.org , or contact Nancy at nancydiromsoccer@comcast.net or 978-369-7978. CCYS is a community-based, not-for-profit volunteer organization providing school and community soccer teams and games in Concord and Carlisle.


Buzz Information

Next Buzz Issue
The next Buzz will be published on February 14th.  Please email your submissions to Claire Wilcox at cwilcox@carlisle.mec.edu by Friday, February 8th.   Please attach information to the email in a Word file. To view the Buzz schedule for the year, click here.

To add your email address to the Buzz notification list or to make changes in your email address for the Buzz, please visit the following web address:   http://lists.carlisle.mec.edu/mailman/listinfo/buzz.