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November 29, 2007

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November 29, 2007		Jump to: Superintendent's Desk Principals' Corner School Events & Information Photos CSA News Education Foundation Other Community Interest Items Buzz Information December Menu

	www.carlisle.mec.edu

			Nov. 29 Thurs. 9:00 am Ms. Gray's 4th grade publishing breakfast 2:30 pm Math League Meet at Peabody in Concord	Nov. 30 Fri.
Dec. 3 Mon.	Dec. 4 Tues. 8:45 am 4GE & 4K to Museum of Fine Arts 3:15 pm Math Review Team 7:30 pm 5th Grade band and chorus concert	Dec. 5 Wed. 7:00 pm School Committee	Dec. 6 Thurs. 8:45 am Ms. Gerade's 4th grade authors' breakfast	Dec. 7 Fri. Report Cards Distributed 9:00 am CPAC Meeting Buzz Deadline 7:00 pm Friday Night Live
Dec. 10 Mon.	Dec. 11 Tues. 11:51 Early Release 5 - 8 12:30 Early Release K - 4 9:00 CSA Meeting 7:30 pm 4th Grade band and chorus concert	Dec. 12 Wed. Professional Day -- parent conferences	Dec. 13 Thurs. 9:00 am CSA Parent Informational Coffee -- Cultural Enrichment 9:20 am 4GR and 4A to Museum of Fine Arts 3:15 pm Strategic Planning Committee 7:00 pm School Building Committee 7:30 pm Symphonic & concert bands, middle school & advanced choir concerts	Dec. 14 Fri. School Picture Re-takes
Dec. 17 Mon. 3:30 pm Basketball Home with Hanscom	Dec. 18 Tues 9:00 am 4th grade state fair	Dec. 19 Wed. 8:30 am Ms. Chandler's K authors' celebration 3:15 School Council Meeting 7:00 pm School Committee	Dec. 20 Thurs.	Dec. 21 Fri. Vacation begins after last class. Classes resume on January 2nd.


		From the Superintendent's Desk Marie H. Doyle

Dear Parents,

The Math Review Team has been hard at work for over a year, and last week the Team released a report concerning the work done to date and the next steps in the review process. The report follows:

The Carlisle Public Schools administration made the decision to initiate cyclic reviews of the different areas of the curriculum. The mathematics curriculum was chosen to be the first area of review. A committee of parents, teachers, and administrators began meeting in September of 2006. This report will consider four aspects of the committee’s work to date. One, a summary of our current mathematics curriculum, two, a summary of what the review committee has done this past year, three, highlight key points gleaned from the parent and teacher surveys, and four, directions the committee is continuing with this year.

Carlisle Public Schools, grades K-5, currently uses the Everyday Mathematics program as the basis of our mathematics curriculum. The philosophy of the program is grounded in research about how children learn mathematics. Children learn mathematics through activities and problem solving that connects to their experiences. The program revisits key ideas and skills in different contexts throughout the year allowing mastery to develop over time. Children are also exposed to underlying components of topics for a couple of years prior to the year in which mastery is expected. This has been referred to as a ‘spiral’ approach. Although there is a focus on understanding the concepts and the learning process, mastery and/or memorization of basic facts are still necessary. Teachers do supplement the Everyday Math program with extra practice, more problem solving, and other areas deemed necessary to meet the needs of all students.

The Mathematics Review Committee (MRT) has been meeting approximately once a month since September 2006. The main role of the MRT is to evaluate the current mathematics program and make recommendations about where improvements might be made to ensure that our students have a solid mathematics education. Most of the year was spent creating a survey for parents and a survey for teachers in order to gather information about our current program. The remainder of the year and the beginning of this year has been used to analyze the survey data to guide us in our next steps.

The survey was made available in April 2007, and the data was collected in May 2007.
The key points that became apparent are:

Parent expectations of when basic facts should be mastered are about 1 year earlier than teacher expectations.
Communication about how math is taught in Carlisle needs to improve especially around the following topics:
- Grade level expectations
- Philosophy of the program(s)
- Approaches and strategies implemented
- Parents’ roles
Meeting the needs of all students
Whether the Everyday Math program is the best match for Carlisle Public Schools

Based on the survey findings, discussion during faculty professional days, and MRT meetings the committee is planning to evaluate other K-5 mathematics programs and determine if there is one that is a better match for the Carlisle Public Schools than our current program Everyday Math.

I would like to thank the following members of the Math Review Team for their participation and their excellent work, and I look forward to the next steps in the process:

Patrice Hurley, Elementary Principal Liz Perry, K-8 Math Specialist/Coordinator Barney Arnold, K Teacher Shawna Horgan, Grade 1 teacher Peter Darasz, Grade 2 teacher Chris Denaro, Grade 3 teacher Gene Stamell, Grade 3 teacher Emily King, Grade 4 teacher Bethany Giusti, Grade 1 & 2 special educator Al Ticotsky, Grade 5 teacher		Bill Gale, Grade 6 teacher Susie Brinner, Grade 7 teacher Joan Beauchamp, Grade 8 teacher Rob Quaden, Grade 8 teacher Alex Krapf, parent Maryellen Perugini, parent Sue Lohrer, parent Cindy Mottershead, parent Joy Shen, parent Margo Hansen, parent

Sincerely,
Marie Doyle

In the last Buzz, we discussed the home and school partnership of sharing the goal of helping children learn and feel successful. Research has proven that when parents and teachers work together, everyone benefits: students tend to earn higher grades, perform better on tests, attend school more regularly, have better behavior, and show more positive attitudes toward themselves and toward school. School programs that include strong parent involvement are more effective. Parents need to feel well informed and involved in making decisions that affect their child's school experience. Although collaboration between parents and teachers in the Carlisle Public Schools is usually a smooth and positive process, it can be a bit anxiety producing to try to address all the information you may wish to at the parent-teacher conference.

Start thinking about your first parent conference of the year in advance. It should be interactive and involve any and all parents/guardians in the home. One parent may have different questions or concerns than another, and an additional presence sends a strong message to both child and teacher. If there is no other parent/guardian, then other adults most important in the child's life may be invited.

In order to help your child have a successful school year, you need to know what is expected of him/her, both academically and in terms of social development. The following are questions you may wish to research in advance to make more effective use of time in deeper discussion at your next parent-teacher conference. Start a list of things you want to learn and things you want to say. Make advance notes and take any you wish during the conference.

School Picture Retakes
Photographers from Lifetouch National School Studios will return to Carlisle on Friday, December 14th to retake school pictures. If your child was absent on the original picture day, or if you are not satisfied with the pictures you received, please call the school's main office at (978) 369-6550 to schedule a retake for your child/ren. Please note that on the retake day, your child must bring either the completed order form with payment enclosed (if it is a case of absence) or the entire picture packet, except for the classroom group picture, (if it is a case of dissatisfaction). Picture retakes will be done in the Corey Auditorium. Thank you.

Attention 6th Grade Parents
In the middle school, parent conferences are not required. Teachers will be requesting conferences with some parents for the upcoming conference days on Tuesday December 11 and Wednesday December 12. If teachers are requesting a conference, you will receive a letter by Wednesday December 5. Report cards will go home with students the following Friday, December 7. In the 6th grade, we meet with parents as a team of teachers for 20 minutes.

If the team has not requested a conference with you and you have concerns, and would like to meet with the 6th grade team, please e-mail Mr. Gale at wgale@carlisle.mec.edu on Friday December 7 or Monday December 10. Please specify the day, Tuesday December 11 or Wednesday December 12, and times you may be available. The 6th grade team will contact you to set up a meeting time.

6th Grade Fundraising Success
The Sixth Grade coin challenge campaign has ended. A total of $1010.00 was raised and a donation will be made to Project Bread. A representative from Project Bread is coming to speak to the class on Wednesday, December 5th and a check will be presented at this time. Thanks to all who emptied pockets and contributed to this worthy cause!

Music Department Announces Fall Concert Series
The Carlisle School’s Music Department is pleased to announce that their fall concerts, featuring instrumentalists and vocalists in grades four through eight, will be held on December 4, 11, and 13, 2007. The series opens on December 4th with students in the Fifth Grade Band and Fifth Grade Chorus, while the Fourth Grade Beginning Band and Fourth Grade Chorus will perform on December 11^th. The Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Middle School Choir and Advanced Choir will perform on Thursday, December 13th.

This year, the Choral Program is singing for a cause. All the choirs (4^th Grade, 5^th Grade, and Middle School) will be performing a traditional song from Ghana. The performance will be a multi-media presentation illustrating the beauty of the country and people of Ghana. Following the performance, the students will be collecting a free will donation to benefit Pagus: Africa, an organization that is helping to build a school outside of Ho, Ghana. More information can be found at http://pagusafrica.org/projects/airfield.htm. Please consider helping us give these Ghanaian students a better education.

All concerts are at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the school’s Corey Auditorium. The public is invited to attend these free concerts.

MCAS Information
At the November 7th School Committee meeting, Superintendent Marie Doyle discussed Carlisle's MCAS results for last spring's tests. Her presentation is posted on the school website at this link: http://www.carlisle.mec.edu/district/superintendent/MCAS-stream.mov. If you would like more information on the MCAS test itself, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Education MCAS website: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/.

School Library Goes Live!!!!
Carlisle School’s Library can now be accessed from home!
Set your browser to http://library.carlisle.k12.ma.us and bookmark that link. Students, teachers and parents can find our library books for homework, research and pleasure reading. You can search by subject, title, author…you can develop a “shopping list”…tell if a book is checked out or on our shelves, make a reading list or just browse for fun!

Don’t forget our school library webpage as well. This rich resource has reference links, subscription database access, news and current event resources, book lists and even a link to search the Gleason Public Library at: http://www.carlisle.mec.edu/school/library/library.html

News From the Health Office

ATTENDANCE IN SCHOOL IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, HOWEVER...
Students should not be in school if they have any of the following:

Fever over 100. Students must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.
Vomiting and/or diarrhea (may return 24 hours after last episode)
Contagious illness (such as strep throat). Students need to be on antibiotics for 24 hours for reentry to school..

This list is a guideline and is not all-inclusive. The nurse reserves the right to dismiss students who in her professional opinion, are contagious or are too ill to be in school.

Please inform the health office of any changes in your child's health or mobility. This information is very important so that we may plan for physical education, fire drills, and evacuations.

Please remind your children about the importance of hand washing. Mrs. Horan has been recently visiting elementary classrooms to speak to students about tips for staying healthy this winter. Health lessons were provided by the DPH that emphasizes the importance of hand washing.

Head lice. We have had several cases of head lice this fall at different grade levels. The children have all been successfully treated. We meet frequently with area nurses and it is pretty standard that school nurses see at least a few cases each school year. The key to successful management of this annoying occurrence is communication. It is extremely important to report this to the health office so we can work diligently to stop any spread of this problem. If it is not reported, your child may become reinfected. We are fortunate to have enough staff to handle any outbreaks in a confidential but proactive manner. Please check your child periodically during the school year. If you have any concerns and need assistance we will be happy to help you.

Physicals. Please remember that a physical that has been performed within the last 12 months must be on file in the health office for students to try-out for any winter or spring sports teams. This is a MIAA regulation and a requirement of all schools.

MRSA. Recently in the media there have been warnings from DPH about Staph infections that are resistant to antibiotics. One type of this Staph infection is called MRSA .Most Staph infections in children are minor and resolve without treatment. For more information on MRSA you may go to, http: www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/antibiotic/antibiotic_home.htm

Kathy Horan & Lori Desjardin, Carlisle School Nurses
khoran@carlisle.mec.edu
ldesjardin@carlisle.mec.edu
Direct phone line-978-371-7075
Main number 978-369-6550 Ex 3118
Direct Tel/Fax Line 978-371-7075

*Veterans Day Program a Success* The Kindergarten - Grade 3 Veterans’ Day event provided a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with some of the Carlisle Veterans who have served, or who are presently serving in the armed forces. Questions were answered; stories were shared; and uniforms, medals and photo albums were displayed. Students were genuinely interested in what the veterans had to say and the veterans seemed to appreciate the opportunity to be honored in this manner. Many thanks go to all the families who donated funds to make this event possible; to Sue Robichaud and her staff for preparing the delicious refreshments; and to Angela Monke and Gene Stamell for leading the singing. It was a very moving and memorable event for all those involved, especially our deserving veterans.

O.T. Department Needs
The OT department is looking for 1/2 lb.to 2 lb. ankle weights if anyone has any they would like to contribute to the school. The department would also appreciate any extra backpacks you might have, either regular backpacks or the wheeled type with a handle for pulling. Thank you.

Art Teacher's Show in Boston
Rachel Levy, elementary art teacher, will be showing her work at Trustman Art Gallery at Simmons College, 300 The Fenway, in Boston. The show will run from November 13-December 14th.

Kindergarten – Fall, 2008
Do you have a child who is eligible for kindergarten in 2008? If so, have you received a kindergarten postcard in the mail? Do you know of any family new to town with a kindergarten-age youngster? To receive a postcard or to let our Guidance Office know of new families in town, please call Jennifer Lipton or Sheila Morris at 369-6550, so that we may be certain to include all eligible children in our planning for the 2008-2009 school year.

*Chess Club* www.carlislechess.org
*Chess Club* www.carlislechess.org
The Carlisle Chess Club has completed its fall session and will begin its Winter Session on Friday, November 30th!!… Our club has a rolling admission policy, so signing on mid-session is fine. This year we have expanded to include a middle school program. Please see the attached flyer for all the information. Thanks! The Carlisle Chess Club will host the FIRST KNIGHT CHESS TOURNAMENT AND CARLISLE SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP on Sunday, December 30th from 4-7 pm. Please see the attached flyer and join us!!!

CSA News
www.carlisleschoolassociation.org

CSA Meeting
The next meeting of the CSA will be held on Tuesday, December 11^th at 9:00am in the Corey Dining Room. This meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

Parent Informational Coffee
The next Parent Informational Coffee, hosted by the CSA, will be held on Thursday, December 13^th at 9:00am in the Corey Dining Room. Topic for this meeting is Curriculum Enrichment. Guest speakers will include Betsy Semonite and Bonnie Sellew, coordinators for this valuable program. Curriculum Enrichment programs, funded through the CSA, bring extraordinary speakers and presentations directly into classrooms throughout the year here at Carlisle Public Schools.

Annual CSA Ice Skating Party!
Enjoy the day off from school on Wednesday, December 12^th by attending the annual Ice Skating Party from 10:00am until noontime. Held at the skating rink at Middlesex School on Lowell Street in Concord, this event has become a tradition for Carlisians of all ages. Bring your skates, helmets, a signed waiver form, and $5.00 admission fee to gain entry to Carlisle’s hottest party on ice. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information, please contact Gail at 318-6972 or Sarah at 371-1101.

Link to waiver form can be found here: http://www.carlisleschoolassociation.org/activities/iceskating.html

Carlisle Education Foundation News			www.carlislecef.org
		Davida Fox-Melanson Grants Awarded The Endowment Committee for the Davida Fox-Melanson Fund for Teaching Excellence met on November 8, 2007 and approved four grant proposals for funds totaling $9,431. The Foundation is pleased to fund the following: Attendance at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics annual meeting for 4 teachers American Speech, Language, Hearing Association Convention attendance for 4 teachers Development of a Jazz Workshop for the Carlisle School Reading and Writing Workshop attendance for 2 teachers

	Final Auction Results Are In The Carlisle Education Foundation’s dinner dance and auction on November 2nd at the Barn at Gibbet Hill exceeded all expectations! We raised $70,000 for the Carlisle Schools through proceeds from the silent, super silent and live auction items and are grateful to all of the parents and local community members for your enthusiasm and generosity. The Board wishes to extend special thanks to the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the evening unforgettable and to those individuals and families who donated unique items and services to benefit the event. We also wish to thank our superintendent, school administration and faculty who continue to give their time and talents to support the vital work of the Foundation. Thanks also to the staff at Gibbet Hill who provided a delicious dinner and the Love Dogs who got us out dancing until well after midnight! If you were not able to attend the auction and would like to make a tax-deductable donation toward our technology fundraiser or to our general fund, please send a check to the Carlisle Education Foundation, PO Box 734, Carlisle, MA 01741. (Don’t forget to check whether your employer participates in a matching gift program.) Plans are already underway for the 2008 auction….more details to come in the next several months!

Parents' Night Out
Come join us for our first Parent's Nite Out overnite at One Stop Fun! Children will be droppped off at CKH between 5pm and 6pm on Saturday, December 8th, we wil drive them to One Stop Fun for hours of fun in games in the ball pits and gymnasium. The best part is, you don't have to pick them up, as they will be staying overnight, and we will return to CKH at 9am on Sunday, December 9th!

Don't want your children to stay overnight? No problem, you can pick your children up from OSF between 11pm-11:30, and still have a fun night on the town, do your holiday shopping or have a quiet night in.

We need a minimum of 10 children registered to make this night possible. Please pass this on to your friends with children who may be interested, the more the merrier!

Click here for information about a special program planned for the December 12th Professional Day.

*GPL News*

				www.gleasonlibrary.org
Early Release Day Movie at the Gleason Public Library Come visit a school full of magic where doing your homework includes casting spells, mixing potions, and defending your existence. Join us in this battle of good versus evil where dark often overshadows light but where truth prevails. When? Tuesday, December 11^th starting at 2:45pm and ending about 4:30pm. Where? Gleason Public Library, third floor Hollis Room. Movie rating is PG13. Grades 5-8 only. We will provide snacks and drinks. Any questions, please call 978-369-4898(Gleason Public Library). Also, don’t forget to check out the Carlisle Recreation open gym from 12noon-2:30pm (grades 5-8) before the movie. (Open gym requires you bring a permission note including a cell phone number from parents in order to attend.)

Concord-Carlisle Fall Musical
Friday, November 30, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, December 2, 2:30 p.m.
All performances in the CCHS Auditorium
The fall mini-musical will be that zany Marx Brothers musical comedy Animal Crackers. The plot concerns explorer Captain Geoffrey T. Spaulding attending a party in his honor at the Long Island estate of a wealthy society matron. During the party, all sorts of craziness breaks out among the various characters. Tickets sold at the door.
Students and seniors $10.00
Adults $15.00

Center for Parents and Teachers “Partners in Parent Education” Membership Drive
A BIG THANK YOU to all who have already responded to the “Partners” membership drive. Our first raffle winner received gift certificates to Helen’s Restaurant. The raffle continues until Nov. 30 with prizes from the Toy Shop of Concord, Concord Bookshop and the Colonial Inn (Grand Prize- Sunday Brunch for 2!!). The odds are good that your generosity may be returned as a gift to you!

Please read on…..
Since 1987, the Center for Parents and Teachers has been offering top-notch, low-cost parenting education and teacher training programs to the community with the goal of benefiting children and families. EXPERTS in our school system attest that PARENT EDUCATION directly influences the social environment of our schools. Since the entire CPT budget comes from grants, registration fees and contributions, we greatly depend on you for our support! At this 20^th year milestone, we hope you will join us in keeping the Center for Parents and Teachers going strong by becoming a “Partner in Parent Education!" Your membership enrolls you in our raffle. Prizes will be awarded until November 30. You may make a pledge on-line or by phone to be entered in time for the raffle!

We hope you will consider joining at one of the following levels:
Benefactor: $150 and Above Sponsor: $36-$74
Patron: $75-$149 Friend: $25- $35

Please make your check payable to the “Center for Parents and Teachers” and mail to 120 Merriam Road, Concord, MA 01742. We greatly appreciate your support!
All your donations are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. Please contact squinnreed@colonial.net for more information.

LEARN TO SKATE AND PLAY HOCKEY
Concord-Carlisle Youth Hockey's Learn to Skate Program begins Saturday, December 1st, at Valley Sports, Route 62, West Concord. The program is open to boys and girls ages 3-10, and runs through early March. The cost is $200, and you can register at www.ccyh.org. Your registration fee includes a jersey for your child. USA Hockey certified instructors will teach your child the fundamentals of ice skating, an activity children will enjoy thoughout their lives.

Concord-Carlisle Youth Hockey's Mosquito (Hockey 101) begins November 17th, from 7-8am at Middlesex School. This program is open for boys and girls, ages 4-8, and will run through early March. Experienced USA Hockey certified coaches will instruct your child in the fundamentals of hockey and skating. The Mosquito program is very fun for kids learning the wonderful game of ice hockey. Register for Mosquitos at www.ccyh.org.

CCYH's Hot Shot Progams also begins this month. This program is geared for children, ages 9-13, who have little to no experiene in the game of hockey, and who would like to learn and play the game for fun in a relaxed atmosphere. Register for Hot Shots at www.ccyh.org.

Next Buzz Issue
The next Buzz will be published on December 13th. Please email your submissions to Claire Wilcox at cwilcox@carlisle.mec.edu by Friday, December 7th at Noon. 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.

Principals' Corner

Jim Halliday, Middle School Principal
Patrice Hurley, Elementary Principal