School Events/Information

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MCAS Begins Monday
The second set of MCAS tests begins Monday. Please click here to access the May MCAS schedule. To prepare your children, please make sure they get a good night's sleep the night before the test and eat a hearty breakfast. It is also important that all students take the MCAS, so please be aware of your child's testing schedule when scheduling appointments or other time away from school during this period. Thanks to all parents and guardians for your cooperation.

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Save the Date -- Volunteer Appreciation Ice Cream Social
Please mark you calendars for the 2nd annual Volunteer Ice Cream Social. We would like to thank our volunteers for all you do to help keep our school running smoothly. Please join us on Wednesday, May 14th in the Corey Dining Room from 2:30 to 3:30 for ice cream. Meet your children after school and bring them along or come by yourself. We look forward to seeing all our volunteers there.

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Parent Reminder
We love to have parents visit school, but we ask that you remember to please sign in at the Main Office before going to classrooms or other areas. The only exception to this is that if you are attending an event involving the whole class you may proceed directly to the classroom.

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Student Placement for Next School Year K - 4
The student placement process has begun for those students currently in grades K – 4.  Our goal is to make the best possible placement for every child at the Carlisle Public Schools as we work to create heterogeneous and balanced classes. 

Your child’s current teacher will work with the other members of his or her grade level team, including both school psychologists and administrators, to create effective instructional groups.  This is a complicated process that all members of the placement team take very seriously.  Many factors are considered when making these decisions.

If you wish, you may complete the attached form and return it to the Guidance Office in the Robbins Suite by Friday, May 16, 2008.  Your comments should include specific information related to your child’s particular learning style, needs and interests.  Please do not request an individual teacher.  Your letter will be shared with your child’s grade level team members.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Patrice Hurley, Principal, Karen Slack, Director of Student Support Services, or Psychologist/Guidance Counselors Jennifer Lipton and David Hall.

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A Note from the Physical Education Department
Spring is here and P.E. classes may be held outside starting May 5^th. So that students may prepare for Field Day at the end of this month/beginning of June, K – 8^th grade students will be participating in Physical Education classes on the Spalding Field (weather permitting).  Please remind your child(ren) to wear clothing appropriate for the weather and for fitness related activities.  Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and  wear a hat and/or wear sunscreen. Thank you!

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Everyday Math Parent Program

	Please join us for a presentation on the philosophy and components of the Everyday Math Program on June 23rd from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. The purpose is to give parents a better overview of the program and increase our common vocabulary.  As you may already know, the Math Curriculum Review Team has decided that we will continue to implement the Everyday Mathematics Program as the core of our math curriculum in grades K-5.   Since a formal program adoption process was never undertaken in the past, we have decided to include a parent portion with out consultant, Jeannene Mason.  Mrs. Mason will also be working with the K-5 faculty for two days June 23rd and June 24th.

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8th Grade Slideshow Pictures Needed for Graduation
The Slideshow Committee is in need of baby, preschool, elementary and middle school pictures of your child for inclusion in the class video to be shown following the graduation ceremony.  Group pictures from field trips, parades, sports, concerts, dances, plays, and other Carlisle school events are also appreciated.  Please submit up to ten photos (mark each photo with child’s name) in an envelope or zip-lock bag (marked with last name and homeroom) to the drop off box in your child’s homeroom.  You may also send photos on a disk (marked with your child’s name) in to your child’s homeroom or send via email (200 resolution or better) to April Stone at aprilestone@comcast.net or Kate McCandless at komcc@earthlink.net.  Please send your pictures in as soon as possible.  Deadline is May 9th!  Any questions please contact Karen Verrill (kjverrill@aol.com), Kate McCandless or April Stone.  Thank you.

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7^th Grade Parents
It is a long standing tradition for 7^th grade parents to chaperone the 8^th grade graduation dance.  This year the dance will be held on Saturday, June 14^th form 7 pm to 10 pm.  This is a great opportunity to see the dance in action for anyone thinking that they may want to chair this event next year.  Please contact Lisa Harris at 371-2494 if you can help.

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Bike Safety
Spring weather has arrived, and so have the bicycles. Bicycling is great exercise and a great way to beat high gasoline prices. Because we want everyone to bike safely, April Colson, Occupational Therapist, has posted a slide show on the school website about bicycling safety. Please click here to view the slides.

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District Report Card
A few weeks ago we emailed information about this year's District Report Card to all families. If you missed the email and would like to review the District Report Card, here are two links to follow. To read the letter from Superintendent Marie Doyle explaining the report, please click here. To view the District Report Card, click here.

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Art Supplies
Elementary Art Teacher Mrs. Levy needs empty cereal boxes for an upcoming project. If you have boxes, please drop them off in the elementary art classroom.

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Destination Imagination
On Saturday, March 29^th, Carlisle teams competed in the Regional Destination Imagination Tournament held in Ayer High School.  

Destination Imagination (DI) is an international program that promotes creative problem solving within a team setting. Over the course of several  months, a DI team works on both a long-term challenge and team improvisational skills. The long-term challenge has specific components that must be incorporated into a short performance. The team then presents their performance at a regional tournament. Destination Imagination allows kids to have fun while solving a problem and working with a team of similarly-aged children. 

This year’s elementary team competed in the “Obstacles, Of Course” problem category. Their problem was to design and construct an Obstacle Course and a Vehicle that will travel the course.  They needed to create an original, non-verbal Story about overcoming Obstacles. The elementary team [Jared Scheinberg (3^rd grade); Joshua Szczesniak (3^rd grade); Brian Szczesniak (3^rd grade); Abby Scheinberg (1^st grade);  and Heather Szczesniak (kindergarten)] altered the wheels on a remote control vehicle and presented a story with obstacles being jungle animals and their homes.  They made a great showing and did a particularly impressive job in the improvisational portion of the tournament.  

This year’s middle school competed in the “Hit or Myth” problem category.  Their problem was to create and present a theatrical performance with an original Story about a Myth, Urban Legend or Folk Tale.  They needed to design and carry out a Myth Investigation that discovers facts about the team’s myth and present these results as part of their Story.  Carlisle’s 7^Th grade team (Anya Kaufman, Connor Wilmot, John Knobel, Justin Delgado, Jamie Moore, Satchi Davis, and Tristan Wilmot) chose to investigate the “Bloop”, which was a noise of unknown origin, detected by a deep sea hydrophone off the coast of Chile in 1997.  They took fourth place of eight teams at the tournament. 

Congratulations to all and a warm thanks is extended to all the folks that made this opportunity possible for the kids.  Of special note are George Bishop, Walter Hickman and Alex Brewster who volunteered as our appraisers this year, Thanks.

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Chesstival
78 kids, 34 from Carlisle, poured into the Carlisle School cafeteria and auditorium late Saturday afternoon April 12th, and had a good time playing chess, kazoos and running around on the plaza. Pre-K children through 8th graders came from as far away as Cambridge, Westborough and Groton to participate in Chesstival, the Carlisle Chess Clubs Spring Chess Festival, an unrated chess tournament oriented toward novices. Players ate pizza and received kazoos, masks and participation certificates.  Carlisle's Rholee Xu won first place in the girls division. Other Carlisle winners include Henry Heddon, grade 6 and Changming Xu, grade 5. Congratulations to all!

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Hot Topic!  English Language Arts
The English Language Arts Curriculum Review is in full swing here at Carlisle Public Schools. This review is being conducted by a committee composed of teachers representing grades K - 8, special educators, literary specialists, administrators, and parents. 

The Carlisle School Association will host a Parent Informational Coffee on Thursday, May 15th at 9:00 am in the Corey Dining Room.  The purpose of this meeting is to provide parents with an overview of the curriculum review and writing program here in Carlisle. Feedback from parents is crucial to the success of this review and we hope all parents will attend and participate in the conversation that will follow the overview.  The team will use your input to help shape some of the work that remains to be done as they continue to evaluate the ELA program.

Calling all Students, Parents, and Alumni
Two long-time teachers here at Carlisle Public Schools are retiring this year.  Lynn Walker, 2nd grade teacher, has taught here for 17 years. Daryl Greenwood has been with us since 1985, starting with kindergarten and then moving over to first grade. Please come celebrate with us, as we honor them, on May 22nd at 3:15 pm in the Corey Dining Room.

We are creating memory books for Lynn and Daryl.  Please send your memories of these outstanding educators!  Write a note, add a picture or drawing on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Send your memory by May 16th to Catherine Poirier, 108 Virginia Farme Lane, Carlisle, MA 01741. 

There will also be a drop off box at the main office at the Carlisle School.  Questions?  Contact Cathy at 978-371-9139 or cjpoirier@comcast.net.

Volunteers and donations needed for Spring CSA staff and teacher luncheon
On Tuesday, June 3^rd the annual Spring CSA luncheon, will again be held to honor the school’s teachers and staff.  The spring and fall luncheons have become a wonderful tradition at the school.  Volunteers are needed to help set up, serve and clean up at the luncheon and/or to contribute a favorite homemade dish or a monetary contribution to offset  the costs of the decorations and paper goods.  To contribute or participate, please contact the Coordinators; Kristie Ridick and Stephanie Shenton via email at Teacherappreciation@comcast.net

Annual Meeting
The Carlisle School Association (CSA) annual meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday May 20th at the home of Lois and Holly Salemy, 438 Concord Street.  All parents are invited to attend.  During this meeting the CSA will be expressing appreciation to a dedicated team of individuals including outgoing Board members; celebrating the success of the past year; as well as voting in new members.  

The Carlisle School Association Nominating Committee has nominated the following people for positions on the Board in 2008-2009: 

• Holly Salemy, President;  Hunter Hutchinson, Executive Vice President;  Catherine Fink, Secretary;  Celia Zimmerman, Treasurer;  Dan Jacques, Middle School Vice President;  Leigh Tappen, Elementary School Vice President;  Patricia Brigiotta, Fundraising Coordinator;  Trischa Massicott, Services Coordinator; Cathy Moore, Publicity Coordinator;  Timm Brandhorst, Room Parent Coordinator;  Sarah Clarke, Membership Coordinator. 

 Proposed Services Committees nominations are:

• Jen Godfrey, Annual Spring T-Shirts 2009;  Laura Marshall, Classroom Library Book Collection;  Kathy Mull, Council on Aging (COA) Liaison;  Bonnie Sellew/Betsy Semonite, Cultural Enrichment;  Gail Bernardin, Events Committee;  Jennifer Albanese, Hospitality;  Julia Krapf, Newcomers;  Lisa Chaffin/Laura France, Playground Volunteers; Shelley Walton/Ellen Felhofer, Spring Book Fair 2009;  Dawn Hatch, Supply Kits 2009;  Amy Versaggi/Stephanie Blunt, Teacher's Luncheon Fall 2008;  Kristy Riddick/Stephanie Shenton, Teacher's Luncheon Spring 2009; Kim Ratcliffe, Volunteer Database.

The following Coordinators have been nomiated:

• Patricia Brigiotta/Sumiko Courtney, Husky Handbook;  Sandy Nash, Kindergarten Bus;  Ellen Felhofer, Library Volunteers Liaison;  Dale Ryder, Nominating Coordinator;  Gio DiNicola/Leigh Tappen/Dan Jacques/Kate McCandless, Parent Education Representatives;  Elizabeth Acquaviva, Sixth Grade Dance Coordinator;  Kathleen Ryder Hauser/Dale Ryder/Seema Peterson, Sixth Grade Spaghetti Supper.           

 Fundraising Committees include the following nominations:

• Allison Beakley/Stephanie Blunt, Box Tops;  Holly Salemy/Celia Zimmerman, Fall House Tour;  Lori Brown/Meri-Sue Nuzum, Gift Wrap.

Publicity, in the form of the CSA Website, proposes:

• Catherine Fink, Content Coordinator; Mary-Lynne Bohn, Website Design;  David Scarbro, Webmaster.

Nominations for Class Treasurers are:

• Diana Kolstad, 6th grade Treasurer;  Laura Marshall, 7th grade Treasurer;  Diana Kolstad, 8th grade Treasurer.

For questions, please contact Dale Ryder at 978-371-9673. 

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Other Items of Interest

Attention 8th Grade Parents
Don’t miss out in ordering your CCHS planner today for your future freshman student. These planners are useful to you and the student at the H.S. There is administrative contact information, event dates for school activities, maps of the school. And best of all, they log their homework in the planner. See attached order form.

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		We want to meet you and your children! Whether you need school-age childcare are looking for enrichment opportunities for your children, or are curious about what Carlisle Kids’ House has to offer and what our space provides, CKH has programs that cater to the interests and needs of all children ages K-6th grade! Attached is a flyer with two great opportunities for you and your children.   Mark the dates and come and see the changes we are making at CKH to provide enriching and active experiences to all school-age children in Carlisle!
<http://www.extendedday.org>

GPL News
				www.gleasonlibrary.org
Early Release Day Movie at Gleason Public Library Three mischievous chipmunks plus one struggling musician equals a hilarious, heartwarming tale. Will it also equal success, and if so, for whom? Join us for the chaos and fun that follows on Tuesday, May 13 (early release day). Time: 2:45pm-4:20pm. Place: Gleason Public Library, third floor Hollis Room. Movie rating is PG. For further information on the movie, check out the following website: www.imdb.com (the internet movie database site). Grades 5-8 only. Any questions, please call the Gleason Public Library at 978-369-4898. Planning for College Interested in learning more about the college admissions process and how to plan for it?  Kenneth Deitch, a long-time educator and a resident of Carlisle for many years, will speak at the Gleason Public Library on Monday, May 19, at 7 p.m., presenting a program on "A Primer for Parents on College Admissions and the SAT." According to Deitch, "In the life of any family, planning for college is a major event.  Parents who are well informed and comfortable with it can help provide their child a welcome measure of reassurance, comfort, and stability as he or she navigates this new and challenging experience." Deitch sees the program as most useful for parents of current sophomores and juniors.  By the fall, those sophomores will be juniors and, in October, most will take the PSAT as an early step on the path to college.  Also by fall, the current juniors will have become seniors.  Typically they will then be focused on the college search, assembling lists and planning visits. In recent years, Deitch has devoted considerable time to tutoring students in preparation for the SAT and similar tests and to helping students and their families with the college search and other educational planning.  His background includes having been a member of Harvard College's admissions committee as well as headmaster of Pomfret School in Connecticut.  He holds a PhD in economics from Harvard and has done research and writing on the economics of education as well as on various topics in American history. This program is presented by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.  The program is free and open to the public.  No pre-registration is required.  To learn more about this program, contact the library's reference desk at 978-369-4898.  This program is part of a series made possible by an Equal Access grant funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. To learn more about library events, please visit www.gleasonlibrary.org or call 978-369-4898.

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PMC Concord Kids Ride on Sunday, June 8th – Register To Ride
Join the fun and bike to raise funds for cancer research at the First Annual PMC Concord Kids Ride. The morning of June 8th will be a festive one on the Middlesex School campus in Concord with a choice 1, 5 and 10 mile bicycling routes for riders ages 6-14, and activities for younger siblings. The safety of riders will be a priority, with adults accompanying young riders as they complete their routes on the roads surrounding the Middlesex School. Water stops, first aid, and support for tired riders will all be available and a party to celebrate with live music will complete the morning. Families are encouraged to register their kids early as there is a limit of 250 participants. Visit https://kids.pmc.org to register which requires a $10 participation fee and for more information about the ride, volunteering or sponsoring the event.

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Center for Parents and Teachers Parent Workshops
"Internet Safety”  with Brian Cavanaugh, Ed.M.
Sponsored by the Concord Middle School PTG in collaboration with the Center for Parents and Teachers
How do we teach our children to be safe online? Understanding the opportunities as well as the dangers related to the Internet is imperative for us as educators and parents. This timely and informative workshop is designed as an awareness-building training for anyone who wants insight into today's communication technology. It will provide an understanding of online safety and the associated risks - from the types of crime most frequently perpetrated against juveniles, to the criminal law and how it can protect us. Helpful tips on how to empower parents and youth to be safer online will be shared. The current phenomenon of cyber-bullying will also be discussed.

Presented by Brian Cavanaugh, Deputy Director of Middlesex Partnerships for Youth at the Middlesex District Attorney's Office.

When: Thursday, May 22, 2008, from 9:15 to 11am
Where:  Concord Middle School Peabody Forum, 1231 Old Marlboro Rd. Concord
Free of charge.   No registration required.  All are welcome.
Questions: Please contact amartinez@colonial.net.

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Concord-Carlisle Night of Music
The community is cordially invited to the third annual Student-Faculty Recital by the Instrumental Music School of Carlisle and Concord on Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 PM. The music school provides lessons for over three hundred young musicians in Concord and Carlisle, with 40 teachers who are also professional, performing musicians. Come and listen and appreciate how students in Concord and Carlisle have earned their outstanding reputations for music excellence in area competitions and concerts. There is no charge for the event. It will be held at the Sanborn School, 835 Old Marlboro Road, Concord. Reception to follow at 8:45, courtesy of CCPOPS.

IMSCC is a student-funded community service program of the Concord andCarlisle Schools, Adult and Community Education. Information about faculty, summer term, and school year programs is at www.ace.colonial.net/imscc.

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Community Chest Callenge Fundraiser
The Concord-Carlisle Community Chest will host the 6th annual Challenge fundraiser triathlon on Sunday, June 1st. The race begins at 8 a.m. from the North Bridge with an 11.5-mile bike loop through Carlisle center, a 3-mile run to the South Bridge Boat House, and a 2-mile paddle back to the North Bridge. Each leg of the race is completed by two team members, with teams consisting of two to six people. Teams raise money to benefit the over 35 local human service organizations that the Chest funds. To register, volunteer or get more information, please visit www.cccommunitychest.org or call the Chest office at 978-369-5250.

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Community Education Summer Program in Video Production
LiveWire/Video for grades 5-7
Monday to Thursday, June 30-July 3, Noon-3:30 PM, at the Carlisle Schools, $125 (#989) with Sophie Burke, CCTV, program descriptions online at www.ace.colonial.net. Adult & Community Education established 1954 - a community service of the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District online enrollment, or call 978-318-1540 weekdays, 978-318-1432 weeknights

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Concord-Carlisle Pop Warner Cheerleading- REGISTER NOW!
The 4th season of CC Pop Warner Cheerleading is set to begin in August. Ages 7-13. No try outs. New this year: COMPETITION! Register at www.ccpopwarner.com.
Questions? Please call Barbara Fadden at 978-369-3030 or email KBRKKV@aol.com

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Buzz Information

Next Buzz Issue
The next Buzz will be published on May 22nd.  Please email your submissions to Claire Wilcox at cwilcox@carlisle.mec.edu by Friday, May 16.   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.