February 14, 2008

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Principals' Corner
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CSA News
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Buzz Information
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www.carlisle.mec.edu

Calendar

Feb. 14 Thurs.

3:15 pm Strategic Planning Committee

7:00 School Building Committee Meeting

 Feb. 15 Fri.

Vacation begins after last class
Feb. 18 - 22
Feb. 25 Mon.

Classes Resume

 Feb. 26 Tues.

Feb. 27 Wed.

3:15 pm Technology Team Meeting

 Feb. 28 Thurs.

11:00 am CSA Parent Informational Coffee -- School Building Project-Town Hall
2:30 pm Math League Meet at McCall

7:00 pm School Building Committee
7:30 Spaghetti Supper Meeting - 5th grade

 Feb. 29 Fri.

8th Grade Course Selections Due

Buzz Deadline

7:00 pm Student Council Dance
Mar. 3 Mon.
Dr. Seuss's Birthday Celebration

Mar. 4 Tues.

3:15 pm Math Curriculum Review Team

 Mar. 5 Wed.

3:15 pm Strategic Planning Team and School Council Joint Meeting

7:00 pm School Committee

 Mar. 6 Thurs Mar. 7 Fri

7:00 pm Friday Night Live

From the Superintendent's Desk

Marie H. Doyle

Dear Parents,

This has been another few weeks filled with great learning and educational experiences for our students. First our youngest actors and actresses made their theatrical debuts with the Mitten Plays, and they were delightful performances.  Next, our seventh grade thespians performed exceptionally well to full houses and thrilled audiences.  Having approximately 100 students engage in this theatrical experience creates the memory of a lifetime; this play also allows Carlisle’s children to showcase their talent on the stage and behind the scenes is a real life experience that celebrates the arts.  Sincere thanks to our students for a wonderful production and to the producers and directors leading students in this delightful show! 

Principal Search
A committee has been meeting this week to consider and interview candidates for the Middle School principal position.  The committee has recommended a finalist, who will be invited to visit the school to meet with parents, staff, and students and to have a final interview with me.  We have set aside the following time slot for the finalist candidate to meet parents: February 28th from 1:55 to 2:25 pm. Please save the date, and we will provide more information through the school email lists as details become available.

 Sincerely,
Marie Doyle

Principals' Corner
Jim Halliday, Middle School Principal
Patrice Hurley, Elementary Principal

Dear Carlisle Families,

Within the last two weeks, the children of Carlisle have committed a number of selfless and courageous acts that have brought smiles to the faces of adults in their lives! Fourth grade students and teachers collected more than 200 bags of clothing for the Lawrence fire victims. Second grade students and teachers collected a huge number of school supplies for the Silgich Hill Academy in Kenya.  Our kindergarten students presented the Mitten Play, their first theatrical performance, and our seventh grade students were awe inspiring in their production of Willy Wonka, Jr. In all of these efforts, parents played a significant role in their success by demonstrating their support with time, funds, and working behind the scenes. 

Reflecting on all of this reminds us that when we provide our children with opportunities to take the types of responsibility evidenced above, we are conveying a number of messages to them.  These include:

Thanks to all of you who consistently support our efforts in countless ways!

We'd like to bring to your attention the final "Guiding Good Choices" series for this academic year.  It will begin on Tuesday evening, March 4th, and run every other week for four weeks.  (Please see the full description in the "Other Events of Interest" section of this Buzz.).  This 4 part workshop offers a researched and proven curriculum approved by the Drug Free School Association.  Many parents who have taken the workshop have attested to its benefits in improving their understanding and communication with their children regarding the many issues that come up during the middle school years. We hope you will consider attending.

Sincerely,
Patrice Hurley and Jim Halliday

School Events/Information

Fifth Grade Parents' Spaghetti Supper Meeting
There will be a brief meeting for all parents of children currently in the fifth grade at Carlisle Public Schools on Thursday, February 28th at 7:30 in the Corey Dining Room.  It is the tradition for the sixth grade class to organize and host a community Spaghetti Supper.  The help of all sixth graders and their parents is crucial to make this event the success that it is.  Join us on this evening for an overview of the supper, why we do it, how it works, and to sign up for your favorite committee. Contact Kathleen at SupperRaffle@yahoo.com if you cannot attend or for more information.

Intramural Gymnastics
Attention: All 4th and 5th graders, intramural gymnastics is about to begin here after school in the Corey gym from 3:00 - 4:30 pm.  The dates are February 26, 27, 28, 29 and March 4, 5, 6, 7.  Please sign up in the gym and get a permission slip from Mrs. Carmel.  There is a fee of $55.00!  All you need is appropriate clothing, a signed permission slip, check made out to Carlisle Public Schools and transportation home after the session!  Come and join the fun.  If you have any questions please see Mrs. Carmel.

Fourth Annual Math/Strategies Family Games Night
Save the date!!  Thursday March 13th from 6:30 -8: 15pm. Title 1 is once again sponsoring a family games night. It is open to all families and all ages K-8. You won’t want to miss it this year!! The format will be similar to last year. The games we will use were purchased last year through the generosity of the CSA and include Set, Domination, 24 (4 different levels/topics), and Happy Cubes.   Other games provided through Title 1 funds are: Quizmo (4 different levels/topics), Skunk, and Stack. Also available through a donation by a Carlisle family is Equate.

On Games Night, you will receive a map of where each game will be running.  You can rotate around at your discretion so you can try a variety of games.  When you leave don’t forget to pick up a list of the games we had available with vendor information should you want to try them at home, some game websites, and of course a door prize! 

Please email Liz Perry, eperry@carlisle.mec.edu, with your name and number of participants by March 1st so that we have idea of the numbers to prepare for. LET’S PLAY MATH!

Annual Mathathon
Children should have brought home information about how to participate in the MATHATHON. This wonderful, completely voluntary, activity that asks students to volunteer to do math problems and collect sponsors to benefit the children and research at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Last year we were able to raise an incredible amount -  $11,090.09.  

Permission slips and choice of booklet or CD (PC compatible only) should have been returned by Feb 12th. If you have not yet sent in your permission slip and format choice please contact Liz Perry, eperry@carlisle.mec.edu, 978-369-6550 X3104, ASAP.  Books and CDs should be sent to us during the week of February 18th and will be distributed to classrooms as soon as we get them.

Many families used the on-line tool last year and found it helpful especially for getting donations from relatives far away.  Go to www.mathathon.org and navigate to WIRED. Problems should be done and money collected, CHECKS ONLY, and turned in by March 13. Be sure to fill in T-shirt size for amounts $35 or more, and other prize choice for amounts over $125. If you will be participating in the Math Games Night-March 13th, there will be a box to drop off your money, or send it in to your child’s teacher by March 13th.

We would also like to solicit adult volunteers who would be interested in some of the behind the scenes work:

  • Counting the money and recording amounts on the computer: This could be done during the Math Games Night on March 13th or at other arranged times from March 17-19.
  • Sorting and delivering prizes: prizes will probably be in around April 1, more information regarding day(s) and time once prizes arrive.

Thank you for supporting this excellent math event with charitable rewards. If you have any questions or you want to sign up to volunteer, please contact: Liz Perry at eperry@carlisle,mec.edu or 369-6550 X3104.

A Request from the Main Office Regarding After School Plans
Please do not email your child's after school plans for the same day to his or her teacher. Substitutes are not able to access the regular teacher's email and would not know of the plans if the teacher is absent. It's best to send a handwritten note. Thank you for your cooperation.

Parent Advisory Council Meeting
The next parent support group meeting will be on the morning of February 29th at 9:00 a.m. at Lori Brown's house, 146 Davis Road. All parents of children with special needs are welcome.

If you have questions, please call Kris Tocci 978 371 6498 or Lori Tucker 978 371 3292

April is National Jazz Month - Announcing….a Jazz Workshop!
Directed by Deana Saada-Smith, Carlisle School Band Director
Open to all 5th-8th graders who currently play an instrument. Students will meet for 6 consecutive Thursdays, 2:20-3:05 in the Corey auditorium. The workshop will consist of working on a jazz ensemble piece of music, learning about famous jazz artists as well as an introduction to improvisation! Students will perform at the June band concert! All instruments are welcome (even non-traditional jazz instruments). Please note, if instrument is keyboard (piano) please be prepared to bring one to play, as the school does not have enough for multiple students.

For more information, or to obtain a registration form, please see or e-mail Mrs. Saada-Smith dsaadasmith@carlisle.mec.edu Registration forms are due to Mrs. Saada-Smith no later than Monday, March 24th. The Jazz Workshop is made possible by a grant from the Davita Fox-Melanson Fund for Teaching Excellence.

Lost and Found
The Spalding lost and found is overflowing with clothing. If your child has lost an article of clothing, please check the lost and found. All items not claimed will be donated to charity at the end of February.

Willy Wonka, Jr. -- An Amazing Success!

Congratulations to the 7th grade performers, producers, and directors of the play and to all parent volunteers. It was a wonderful show enjoyed by all!

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.

Class Email Lists
If your email address changes, please update your address on the list serve so that you'll still receive important communications from the school. To update your email address, please visit http://lists.carlisle.mec.edu/mailman/admin and make your changes.

From the Physical Education Department
Please remind your K - 5 children that sneakers and comfortable clothing are required for physical education class.  Although it is Winter and children need to wear warm, water-proof footwear to school such as boots and Merrill’s, this style of footwear is heavy, offers little support, is too warm for inside activity, easily falls off and is cumbersome. Please help your child participate comfortably and do their best in P.E. by sending them in with sneakers for class.  Thank you.

Middle School Daily Assessment
As presented at Parent's Night and recently at School Committee, middle school P.E. teachers are assessing students using the Daily Assessment form.  This form is posted for you to view on our school website under Wellness which can be found under General Information. These expectations have been presented numerous times to students, is posted in the gym. Students were also given a copy of it as well. Thank you for your support.

Photos

Chinese New Year
Kindergarten Mitten Play
Jeff Warmouth - Visiting Artist 4th graders moving clothes for fire victims

CSA News
www.carlisleschoolassociation.org

Parent Informational Coffee -- Building Committee
The next CSA Parent Informational Coffee will be held at a special time and location.  Please mark your calendars and join us on February 28th at 11:00am at the Clark Room in the Carlisle Town Hall.  This is a very important meeting for all parents and community members to attend as we will be discussing the current state of the buildings that comprise the Carlisle Public Schools, what changes need to occur, and how much it is going to cost. Lee Storrs, chair of the Building Committee, will be the featured speaker for this discussion.

Save the Date for Water Park Fun!
Wouldn't it be great to be able to get away to warm Key West, even for just a few hours? Now you can! Come join other families in a CSA-sponsored event to CoCo Key on March 30th. Inspired by historic Key West, CoCo Key combines the relaxation and enchantment of the Keys with the wild excitement of a 65,000 square foot indoor water park in nearby Danvers, MA.  Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of March... look for it!

Easy Fundraising!
The Carlisle Public Schools and Carlisle School Association are participating, once again, in a fundraising program sponsored by Donelan's Supermarket and Crosby's Market. Register receipt tapes from these two stores, dated 9/1/07 through 3/31/08, will be collected, tallied, and used in their program which supports local education. Last year's drive collected enough tapes to provide the school with two cordless microscopes, two inclined stereo microscopes, and some gym/playground equipment at no cost to the school or taxpayers. Children can drop off register receipts at the school library. If you do not have a child in the school and would like to participate in this program, send your receipts to: K. Brown, 133 Hutchins Road, Carlisle, MA 01741.

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.

Other Items of Interest

Program News
Carlisle Kids' House has many great programs for your children to enjoy.  Want a night out to celebrate Valentines Day?  Send your children to CKH on Saturday, February 16th from 5pm-12am, and enjoy a night on the town (please see attached flyer for more details.)

<http://www.extendedday.org>

Looking for fun activities to do during the February Vacation?  We have a fun filled week planned, including tubing at Nashoba, watching Peter Pan at the Wheelock Theatre, Plaster Fun time, and more!  Join us on Thursday, February 21st for a PLAYDATE at EXTENDED DAY from 10am-2pm, for a $10 donation.  We will have a winter BBQ and tons of fun activities for your children to enjoy!

Planning your children's summer?  Carlisle Kids' House will be open 8:30am-5:30pm with extended day options available for your children ALL SUMMER LONG!!!!
Each week will be a new theme and consist of fun activities including; trips to Water Country, Canobie Lake, Fenway Park and more! Plus two swim trips per week and plenty of on-site fun activities! Look for our 2008 Summer Brochure in your mailbox soon!

GPL News
www.gleasonlibrary.org

Boston Museum of Science Traveling Program presented by the Gleason Public Library
The Gleason Public Library, with financial support from the Nichols Foundation, will present Super-Cold Science on Friday, February 22nd at 1:30 at the First Religious Society. Suggested for ages 7 and up, this live and intriguing presentation shows how molecules behave when the temperature drops. Call the library at 978-369-4898 and ask for the Children’s department for more information.

Bullying: Rite of Passage--or Hidden Menace? Author Nancy Garden speaks on Wed., February 27, 7 p.m.
Come share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas about combating bullying with Carlisle resident and respected author Nancy Garden. She will lead a discussion about such questions as what makes kids bullies or victims;  what victims, bystanders, schools, and parents can do to combat both "real-life" bullying and cyberbullying; and how schools, including Carlisle's, have reacted to bullying.  Nancy is the author of some 35 books for children and teens, several of which touch on bullying and one of which, ENDGAME is about a 14-year-old victim of bullies who retaliates with violence.  Though sensitive in subject, this community conversation will help us effectively combat bullying in its many forms. This program is free and open to the public. To register for this program, please call the library reference desk at 978-369-4898. Space is limited to 50 people. This program is made possible through a grant from the Manton Foundation.  Learn about other programs at www.gleasonlibrary.org.

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. There are a few spaces left for Cast 2, so please register soon
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 is 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.

Center for Parents and Teachers Parent Workshop
Beginning March 4 ... Last series of this academic year. Registrations still being accepted!
Guiding Good Choices (for 5th - 8th Grade Parents) facilitated by Kathy Bowen, Concord Public Schools K-12 Health Coordinator and Parent Educator, is a highly-regarded, 4-part workshop that has become a favorite over the past 3 years among parents in the Concord and Carlisle area.  Through presentations, group discussions, and role plays, parents will become better equipped at handling the prevailing question facing them during the preadolescent years: “Social pressures! How will my child respond?!?”  They will feel clearer about the teenage social environment and their values in relation to it; and will gain confidence in communicating their values to their children to help them make good choices and avoid harmful behavior.

WHEN: 4 sessions meeting every other week: Tuesdays, March 4, 18, April 1, 15; Snow Date: April 29, 2008; 7-8:30 PM.
WHERE: Concord Middle School, Sanborn Building, 835 Old Marlboro Road, Family & Consumer Science Room.
FEE: $40 for all four sessions. Underwritten by the Drug Free Schools Grant. 

Register now by contacting Angela Martinez. Email: amartinez@colonial.net  or call  978-202-1146.

Dear Friends of the Concord-Carlisle High School Bands:
In just two months time, we will be honored to receive another delegation from one of our sister schools from Hokkaido, Japan as part of the 11-year sister-city/sister-school relationship we cultivate.

Families in Concord and Carlisle will spend the week of March 25-30 hosting a dozen adults and 100 students from the Shiroishi High School in Sapporo, all of whom are involved in the Sapporo Shiroishi Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SSSWE).  The SSSWE is internationally renowned and has toured extensively in Europe, Asia and Austrailia.  They are the winners of the second place award in the 2007 All Japan Band Competition.  This trip is their second visit to the United States and Massachusetts having in 2003 played a joint concert at Boston Symphony Hall with CCHS' own Concert and Repertory Bands.  This year, on Friday March 29th, we are privileged to have a sequel to that joint concert, "Music Knows No Borders", once again at Boston Symphony Hall.

In the week leading up to the concert, the Shiroishi students will be touring Concord, Carlisle and Boston, and will be attending classes with the students of CCHS.  They will be joining with their CCHS counterparts in many hours of rehearsal.  In the more immediate future, we hope you will consider buying tickets for the Symphony Hall performance.  If you wish to purchase tickets (at the affordable prices of $20, $35 or $50), please contact any CCHS Repertory or Concert Band member, CCHS Band Director Al Dentino (adentino@colonial.net), or Ticket Co-Chair Stephanie Smith (s.s.smith@verizon.net) before January 31st. 

Thank you for your support of this unique opportunity for our students, our school, our community and our nation.  

Sincerely,
Al Dentino (CCHS Music Department) and David Nurenberg (CCHS English Department)

Attention 8th Graders and 8th Grade Parents:
Practice for CCHS sports starts in AUGUST!  Freshman Football Practice will start on August 18.  Other fall sports will start practice on August 21. Please plan your summer accordingly. All candidates for CCHS athletic teams MUST show evidence of a current physical exam. Students without this evidence will not be allowed to practice. Currently, the athletic user's fee is $125 per sport with a family maximum of $500.  See you there!

CCHS Presents Crazy for You
Students at  Concord-Carlisle Regional High School will perform the Tony award-winning Gershwin musical Crazy for You at the CCHS Auditorium on March 7, 8, 9,14, 15, and 16.  Crazy for You is loaded with fun for everyone: infectious Gershwin songs like “I Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” high-energy dance and tap numbers, and even a saloon fight!  Tickets will be on sale soon at www.ccpops.org.  Keep checking the site for ticket availability.  Ticket prices are:  $15 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens. 

Performing lead roles are: Whit Garling as Bobby Child, Celeste Hall as Polly Baker, Vivenne Carrette as Irene Roth, James Weaver as Lank Hawkins, Owen Callahan as Bela Zangler, and Heather Schloss as Tess.

Crazy for You was written by Ken Ludwig, featuring music by Ira and George Gershwin. It opened on Broadway in 1992 and originally ran for 1,622 performances. This musical is to a large extent an adaptation of the George and Ira Gershwin-written musical Girl Crazy (1930).   Crazy for You won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1992.

Buzz Information

Next Buzz Issue
The next Buzz will be published on March 6th.  Please email your submissions to Claire Wilcox at cwilcox@carlisle.mec.edu by Friday, February 29th.   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.