Superintendent's Message
April 11, 2020
Dear Families:
I hope you were able to enjoy the beautiful sunshine today! There continue to be signs that social distancing is having a positive impact. Keep it up! Here’s an article from Harvard with that intent: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/04/social-distancing-measures-may-be-flattening-the-curve/
Concord Town Manager Stephen Crane shared reminders and updates yesterday that are found here on the Town of Concord web page: https://concordma.gov/2561/Coronavirus-2019-COVID19
At the bottom of this email is information about two upcoming online book groups for kids hosted by the Concord Free Public Library.
The amazing artwork and notes for first responders and Emerson Hospital continue to come in! I posted a number of them today to social media and will continue to share them in various formats. You can find them on my Twitter feed at: https://twitter.com/cps_cchs?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
If you’d like to submit something, please do to: cccaresforall@gmail.com
May the rest of the weekend be a good one.
Best,
Laurie
From the Concord Free Public Library:
Calling all kids who love graphic novels! The Concord Free Public Library invites you to join us for a virtual book discussion of Nathan Hale’s One Dead Spy on Wednesday, April 15 at 3 pm. For the discussion, we’ll use Zoom Video Conferencing Software. You can download this book on Overdrive or Libby with your Minuteman Library Card. This book is geared for grades 3 and up. Advance registration is required. Please register by emailing Royce McGrath at RNMcGrath@minlib.net to get the Zoom link.
The Concord Free Public Library invites kids to join us for a virtual book discussion of two books by Newbery Medal-winning author, Sharon Creech: Love That Dog & Hate That Cat on Wednesday, April 22 at 3 pm. Both books are written in simple free verse and tell a touching tale of Jack who uses poetry to find his voice. Kids can read one or both books. For the discussion, we’ll use Zoom Video Conferencing Software. Both books are available to download on Overdrive or Libby with your Minuteman Library Card. Advance registration is required. Register by emailing Royce McGrath at RNMcGrath@minlib.net to get the Zoom link.
April 10, 2020
Dear Families:
We were just notified that all of the MCAS tests in grades 3 through 10 are cancelled for this spring. The Commissioner of Education will provide further guidance about the grade 10 test requirement for graduation.
Sesame Street is airing Elmo on Tuesday evening as he has a virtual playdate to help the youngest of children with social distancing: https://www.sesameworkshop.org/press-room/press-releases/primetime-special-sesame-street-elmos-playdate-offer-families-connection
For older kids (and adults), there can be a grieving process to what we are or might be missing- especially the Class of 2020 or others at a major milestone. This article reflects on supporting kids through the grief: https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2020/03/31/the-class-of-2020-graduation-prom-covid-19-ellen-odonnell
We are preparing to host a virtual talent show for all students on Friday, April 24. Watch for more information while thinking about what act you might enter!
We met with Emerson Hospital today and the Concord town leadership as to how the schools might support the hospital during the next few weeks that could be very challenging.
The Center for Parents and Teachers has two events scheduled for next week. The details are below.
Best,
Laurie
CPT
“Supporting Positive Sibling Relationships” Wed, April 15, 2020 at 2:00 PM
Please join Dr. Rachel Kramer for a live webinar. In this hour Dr. Kramer will give an overview of the topic as well as answer questions you can pose in the Q&A. Can’t attend? Check her website afterward for a recording at www.drrachelkramer.com
To join in, Please click the link below:
https://zoom.us/j/887532583?pwd=VkxpSEJjanFtclhCN2gzdTJiRTQ5Zz09
Password: 592603
“Designing a Family Media Plan” Wed, April 15, 7:30 to 9 PM online
Offered in collaboration with Turning Life On, learn how to design a Family Media Plan that will work for your family. The first piece of advice given parents is to have a concise, flexible and working Family Media Plan.
This presentation will include practical strategies you can use today to engage your family in designing and implementing a family media plan. Downloads will be offered that you can use to uncover your family’s values and a template you can use to create a family media plan based on those values.
The seminar is free but space is limited. To pre-register go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/designing-a-family-media-plan-tickets-101421753194
The folks at Turning Life On will send you the event link to the zoom platform a day or so beforehand.
April 9, 2020
Dear Families:
Today’s Washington Post highlighted the positive impact of social distancing. Squash the curve…https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/as-social-distancing-shows-signs-of-working-whats-next-crush-the-curve-experts-say/2020/04/08/3c720e06-7923-11ea-b6ff-597f170df8f8_story.html
We shared a great photo and message of “Hello” from our amazing bus drivers via social media. It is found here: https://twitter.com/cps_cchs/status/1248305919492046849
The Zoom information for the Virtual Coffee tomorrow at 3 p.m. is found here: https://www.concordps.org/virtual-coffee-superintendent-friday-april-10-300-pm/
Need some great reading? The CCHS student publication, The Voice, is out with a new edition today. Thank you to our CCHS reporters who offer stories on COVID-19 and more. https://www.cchsvoice.org
The middle school is offering a free virtual parent workshop through Zoom Monday, April 13, 2020 at 7:30pm. “Partnering with Schools in the Pandemic. Helping Parents to Keep Kids in “School Mode” at Home” Ann Dolan author of Homework Made Simple and Getting Past Procrastination — How Parents can get their Kids Organized, Focused, and Motivated without Being the Bad Guy will be available in a live ZOOM for middle school parents on Monday, 7:30pm! The link to join will be shared with middle school parents Monday!
The MA House and Senate sent a bill to the Governor’s desk today in regard to modifying or canceling MCAS. We’ll wait for more information to come shortly.
As mentioned, please remember that our religious holiday accommodation policy allows for flexibility during religious holidays. It is found here: https://z2policy.ctspublish.com/masc/browse/concordcarlisleset/concordcarlisle/imda
Have a great night!
Laurie
April 9, 2020
Dear Families:
We are again hosting a virtual coffee tomorrow afternoon at 3 pm via Zoom. The login information is below. We hope you will join us!
Best,
Laurie
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Apr 10, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Virtual Coffee
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/152708710
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13126266799,,152708710# or +19292056099,,152708710#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 152 708 710
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/acaXz5pqM
April 8, 2020
Dear Families:
With the coming of the warmer spring weather, the past few days included extended discussions about social distancing in general and in regard to the use of public spaces. As mentioned last night, the school campuses are closed.
The Town of Concord increased its efforts to limit gatherings implemented more restrictions that started today. This information is also posted on the Town’s COVID-19 web page at: https://concordma.gov/2561/Coronavirus-2019-COVID19
The Town of Concord, like many communities across the country, has made the difficult decision to close all sports courts and play equipment within the Town of Concord beginning tomorrow, April 8th. This decision was made with the community’s best interest in mind as the nation continues to struggle containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Over the past several weeks, the Town (though the Police, Public Health and Town Manager’s Department) have received a number of complaints from residents about the use of parks and the lack of social distancing measures being properly followed. Therefore, effective immediately all basketball courts, tennis courts, batting cages, and other park amenities will be closed until further notice. Open spaces within the parks will be open for community use as long as proper social distancing measures are followed. As a reminder, the virus can spread on objects and surfaces making playing games such as frisbee (where an object is passed between people) an unsafe social distancing activity.
We encourage you to continue to practice healthy habits and to recreate outside. The Town will continue to evaluate what we are able to safely keep open but these decisions will be based on if social distancing measures are being followed. These measures will help us stop the spread of the virus. Remember, even if someone looks healthy, they could be an asymptomatic carrier or you could be a carrier and unintentionally pass it to someone else. Please act as though all people you meet outside of your home are infectious and keep a safe distance. For more information and updates related to the Town’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including up-to-date information regarding office closures, business information all other health-related announcements, please visit the Town’s website at concordma.gov/coronavirus2019 or you can follow up on social media @TownofConcordMA
It is worth noting that the same concerns apply in the neighborhood or even at your home.
If you are interested in helping to sew masks for residents at Newbury Court, please let me know. A number of the teachers have been busily sewing so your help would be welcome.
The teachers at Thoreau are now wishing students “Good Morning” via video. Those announcements are being posted via the Thoreau webpage at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wXPDi_6ZAQfgr8HzMq1tKsPtuA7pRu0V
The CCHS guidance department is hosting “The Adjustment Hour” tomorrow (Thursday) at 1 pm. In this hour-long zoom meeting, counselors will be presenting about adjusting to these challenging times. In light of the shutdowns and the growing COVID-19 crisis, this will be an open discussion with parents with the intent of offering support and guidance. Positive strategies and information about resiliency will be presented. Come with questions, concerns, or just a wish to connect with our school adjustment counselors and other members of the community. Additional details and Zoom login are found at the end of the email.
Virtual Coffee with the Superintendent and District Leaders will be held on Friday at 3 p.m. Zoom information to follow tomorrow!
Best,
Laurie
The Adjustment Hour: A discussion with the Adjustment Counselors from the CCHS Guidance & Counseling Department.
1:00 Thursday, April 9th.
In this hour-long zoom meeting, counselors will be presenting about adjusting to these challenging times. In light of the shutdowns and the growing COVID-19 crisis, this will be an open discussion with parents with the intent of offering support and guidance. Positive strategies and information about resiliency will be presented. Come with questions, concerns, or just a wish to connect with our school adjustment counselors and other members of the community.
Presenters:
Kelli Kirshtein, MSW, LICSW, Adjustment Counselor, Network Program, Program Coordinator
Daniel Simone, Ed.D., LMHC, Adjustment Counselor, Lighthouse Student Support Center, Program Coordinator
Moderator: Alison Nowicki, Ed.D., Department Chair
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/914382875?pwd=SkJsbUlqUG9TS3lzaFU4eGpSVWQrUT09
Password: 111170
April 7, 2020
Dear Families:
What a beautiful spring day! While we know everyone wants to get outside, please remember that the school campuses are closed in order to promote social distancing.
The schools continue to reach out to students in multiple ways!
We are having fun on social media! Teachers at Thoreau and CCHS are sharing personal messages and photos. @concocrdcarlislehs @thoreauelementaryconcord
Concord Middle school is greeted by people of note every morning. Earlier this week, Concord resident and author Gregory Maguire, had the honors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FINm-pV1Bd8&app=desktop
The Alcott teachers made a video to tell their students that they miss them: https://drive.google.com/file/d/171hzTwsHwZq6ISN6NIMHy6uhGAt1N3eN/view
Thank you! All of the thank you notes to Emerson and first responders are assembled in this video and were shared with Emerson directly: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jw_da8BDT5LdO1Nu5SgOul9D52UUHU0W/view?usp=sharing
I am thrilled to share the many great things happening in our schools. That said, it is a very difficult time for some. Please keep those directly impacted by illness in your thoughts.
Best,
Laurie
Upcoming Events:
Virtual Coffee with the Superintendent and District Leaders
Friday, April 10 3 p.m.
__________
CCHS Guidance Meeting
The Adjustment Hour: A discussion with the Adjustment Counselors from the CCHS Guidance & Counseling Department.
1:00 Thursday, April 9th.
In this hour-long zoom meeting, counselors will be presenting about adjusting to these challenging times. In light of the shutdowns and the growing COVID-19 crisis, this will be an open discussion with parents with the intent of offering support and guidance. Positive strategies and information about resiliency will be presented. Come with questions, concerns, or just a wish to connect with our school adjustment counselors and other members of the community.
Presenters:
Kelli Kirshtein, MSW, LICSW, Adjustment Counselor, Network Program, Program Coordinator
Daniel Simone, Ed.D., LMHC, Adjustment Counselor, Lighthouse Student Support Center, Program Coordinator
Moderator: Alison Nowicki, Ed.D., Department Chair
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/914382875?pwd=SkJsbUlqUG9TS3lzaFU4eGpSVWQrUT09
Password: 111170
April 6, 2020
Dear Families:
The teachers continue to show kids how much they miss them in all kinds of different ways!
The Integrated Preschool Staff made this video: Preschool Video
A parade of teachers drove through the Willard neighborhoods today!
More to come!
You’ll find a recording of Friday’s Virtual Coffee with the Superintendent and Central Office Leaders here: https://zoom.us/rec/share/3ONUEKn79U1IWY3kq0rAX6Q_QIv7X6a8gCYdr_BYyUmee9FwT_paYendQo6g8LD8?startTime=1585939648000
A recording of the Storytime with me, Mr. Lucey, Mrs. Charles, and Mrs. Krakow is found here: https://zoom.us/rec/play/v8UqJeqoqzM3SN2TtQSDU6MvW9XrePms0icX-aAJmE-0AHEKYVWmZrYXZ-F6_vRyVpZoCQmVDBa1FDRR?startTime=1585936356000
Hopefully, you’ll find this article applicable to the Virtual Learning Phase Two plan where grades are not included:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/worry-wise/202003/keep-school-cancel-grades-it-s-what-you-do-in-pandemic
Thank you for a great start to the week!
Laurie
Upcoming Events:
CCHS Guidance Meeting
The Adjustment Hour: A discussion with the Adjustment Counselors from the CCHS Guidance & Counseling Department.
1:00 Thursday, April 9th.
In this hour-long zoom meeting, counselors will be presenting about adjusting to these challenging times. In light of the shutdowns and the growing COVID-19 crisis, this will be an open discussion with parents with the intent of offering support and guidance. Positive strategies and information about resiliency will be presented. Come with questions, concerns, or just a wish to connect with our school adjustment counselors and other members of the community.
Presenters:
Kelli Kirshtein, MSW, LICSW, Adjustment Counselor, Network Program, Program Coordinator
Daniel Simone, Ed.D., LMHC, Adjustment Counselor, Lighthouse Student Support Center, Program Coordinator
Moderator: Alison Nowicki, Ed.D., Department Chair
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/914382875?pwd=SkJsbUlqUG9TS3lzaFU4eGpSVWQrUT09
Password: 111170
April 5, 2020
Dear Families:
Before sharing information about the next phase of virtual learning, I first want to express sincere appreciation and gratitude. This extremely intimate relationship between school and home is a novel experience in the public schools. Parents, thank you for the ongoing support and guidance you provide to your child daily. We know that this comes with benefits and challenges since this environment is so atypical and unexpected. Assessing our priorities and being flexible is key in determining the outcomes and expectations of our academic plan.
In preparation for this week, the administrators, teacher leaders, and faculty reviewed and refined the plan for virtual learning that began on March 15, 2020. The strong foundation proved to be a solid basis for the approach that we share tonight. The changes reflect a commitment to robust learning balanced with the conditions created by a global health emergency.
Attached to this letter is an overview of the approach for Phase Two. The table of contents is below as a preview of the important information in the document.
Virtual Learning Activities Phase Two
April 6, 2020 and Beyond
• Where We Are
• Core Values
• Our Approach
• Instructional Tools
• Content and Curriculum
• Special Education
• Assessments, Grades and Progress Reports
• Communication
• 2020-2021
• Resources
As with any new plan, we commit to its ongoing review. We ask your patience while we move forward.
This school community is exceptional and extraordinary. We look forward to partnering with you as we continue this journey.
Best,
Laurie
File attachments:
Virtual Learning Opportunities April 6 2020.docx
April 4, 2020
Dear Families:
I hope you got out to enjoy the sunshine!
We recognize that there are upcoming religious holidays and want to remind you of our religious holiday accommodation policy: Religious Accommodation Policy
Thanks to the Panico Family for this great photo thanking all essential staff!
https://twitter.com/cps_cchs/status/1246533681990316038
If you’d like to send a photo or scan of a message of thanks, please email it to: cccaresforall@gmail.com
Best,
Laurie
Upcoming Events:
Concord Recreation is offering an at-home egg hunt since the annual tradition cannot happen as usual. Drive-by for pre-filled egg pick up at Beede Center tomorrow from 11 am-12:30 pm: https://twitter.com/TownofConcordMA/status/1246531765461753858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3Atownofconcordma%7Ctwcon%5Etimelinechrome&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.concordma.gov%2F
____
The Center for Parents and Teachers in collaboration with Dr. Rachel Kramer invites interested parents/grandparents to the following zoom webinar:
Parenting Teens During the Pandemic
Please join Dr. Rachel Kramer for this webinar, and bring your questions for her on this topic (or access it later at www.drrachelkramer.com along with other recorded sessions).
When: April 8, 2020 10:30am
Please use the following link and password:
https://zoom.us/j/545276644?pwd=bXlRd0FUSDFjVnFQS00yTy9TelZsdz09
Password: 377336
April 3, 2020
Dear Families:
On Sunday, I will send information regarding the upcoming “Phase 2” of our virtual learning opportunities. Teachers will also share changes with students during next week as appropriate. I am so appreciative of the ongoing efforts of the faculty as they support students.
Please continue to send student work to the email address below as described in today’s earlier email:
District-Wide Service Project
We have been working closely with Emerson and a number of residential facilities in town. We would love to have pictures, letters of thanks and encouragement, artwork, etc. to share with them so they know they are appreciated or thought of during this difficult time. Please consider sending photos or scans of student work to this email address so we can create presentations, messages, and other creative virtual ways of reaching out. Please know that anything submitted would be considered public and might be used in social media, etc. All work can be submitted to cccaresforall@gmail.com. This is an activity for students of all ages!
I share another great act of kindness by CCHS Junior Kimberly Staniar who brought fresh cupcakes to the Emerson Hospital staff: https://twitter.com/cps_cchs/status/1246131448224124930
The recording of today’s Virtual Coffee will be posted shortly. Thank you so much! It is great to have 200 people attend each week.
This is a thoughtful New York Times article about scheduling learning activities at home. Probably the most important piece of advice here is to engage your child in making the plan: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/parenting/home-school-coronavirus.html
MCAS is currently being discussed at the State House. We await the next steps after the House’s vote on Thursday night.
I hear the sun is back tomorrow!
Best,
Laurie
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