Superintendent's Message

COVID Update

May 26, 2022

Dear Families:

I write to share an update on COVID cases this week.  Here is the link to the current COVID Data Dashboard.

We are seeing a spike at CCHS connected to the prom which was held on Saturday night.  We expected that this would likely happen, knowing that other area high schools saw the same outcome.  All CCHS students with even mild symptoms should test and stay home.  Masks are highly encouraged inside.  Principal Mastrullo is communicating about workloads and end of year needs given the number of absences.  We recognize the frustration when COVID causes disruption to highly anticipated special events and are trying to see the positive in that all of the events are running as they did pre-COVID, even if all students are not able to attend.

At the other schools, the patterns are very different.  Sanborn had a number of cases earlier this week as we came out of the weekend.  Otherwise, the numbers have dropped significantly at the K-8 schools.  This is a hopeful sign that this surge is subsiding.

We are grateful for your cooperation as we provide a rich environment to close the school year.

Best,

Laurie

Tragedy in Texas

May 24, 2022

Dear Families:

With a heavy heart, we acknowledge the horrific school shooting at an elementary school in Texas this afternoon, resulting in the death of 14 children and a teacher.  Every school shooting is devastating.  Like Sandy Hook, a shooting at an elementary school is incomprehensible.

Our connection with the Concord Police Department is strong and ongoing.  School security is a priority and a continuing dialogue.  Among the most important aspect of security is reporting anything of concern so everything can be investigated.  As is often said, “If you see (or hear) something, say something.”

These traumatic events can be very difficult for us as adults and most certainly for children.  I enclose links to resources below.  Limiting news exposure and reinforcing the message that school is safe can be important strategies.

Talking with Your Children About Traumatic Events 

Children and Trauma

Reactions to Highly Stressful or Potentially Traumatic Events 

Should you or your child need individual or additional support, please contact the school administration or counseling staff.

Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones in this tragic shooting and the others before it, as we strive for peace in our schools and for those who commit these awful acts of violence.

Best,

Laurie

Updates May 22 2022

Update 5.15.22

May 15, 2022

Dear Families:

Welcome to summer!? I hope you enjoyed the weekend that suddenly had us turn off the heat and turn on the AC.  Spring in New England!

I will open tonight with a deep appreciation for the outpouring of validation offered last week as to the positive impact of the work in the district since my arrival in 2017.  That work is the result of a team effort where everyone comes together toward a common vision.

In the Spotlight

CCHS Robotics

The CCHS Robotics Team visited the School Committee last week.  The team shared their experiences (presentation is linked here)  in creating this year’s robot and their success in recent competitions.  We are excited to see the Robotics program grow at both CMS and CCHS and courses like engineering, which next year has an all-time high number of enrollment requests.  These efforts are part of our instructional approach to STEAM across all of K-12.

Playbook Initiative at CMS

Last week for the first time ever, the entire middle school participated in the Boston Celtic’s Playbook Initiative Anti-Discrimination and Bias-Prevention program.   Peer leaders guided small groups of students through scenarios involving gender, religion, or other bias and brainstormed how to respond to those situations.  It was a powerful day.  We are grateful to WBZ4 for the coverage if you want to view the news clip here.

Finally, I share a great photo of the ninth-grade trip to METCO HQ and Nubian Square in Roxbury, where students toured and learned the history of METCO and visited sites throughout Nubian Square.  This was among multiple events last week where METCO HQ met with CCHS students and Alcott families attended a Family Fun Day in Franklin Park.

Multi Tiered System of Support Literacy Presentation

Ever wonder how struggling students get their learning needs met in our school? Or, what assessments are given to monitor our educational program? Or, how dyslexia in students is addressed?

You are cordially invited to a virtual presentation on

Monday, May 16, 2022,  7 PM – 8 PM

Zoom Login Link

Meeting ID: 928 2622 5340

Passcode: 704908

This will be a full slideshow presentation by nine of our faculty with time for Q&A at the end.
MTSS Literacy Presentation 2022

Concord Free Public Library News

This summer “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” at the Concord Free Public Library (CFPL)! The CFPL Summer Reading Program runs from Monday, June 6 through Friday, Aug 12 and is free and open to children of all ages. Visit the Main Library or Fowler Branch to register and collect your prizes. Everyone gets a necklace and brag tag for joining the program. Kids earn beads for their necklace by reading and completing challenges on our weekly bingo boards. Our youngest patrons get to earn cute rubber duckies! Learn more here.

Are you a teen or caregiver of a teen in need of community service hours? Look no further than the Concord Free Public Library! Join Teen Librarian Cary Stough Monday, May 23 from 6:30-7pm for a short informational session at the Main Library on the many opportunities available to teens, from craft preparation to creating and facilitating their own programs. Teen volunteers have been the source of much of what makes the Library such a vibrant, unique community space. If you cannot make the session, or would like more information, please visit our website. No registration required.

COVID

As mentioned yesterday, we strongly encourage masks inside, given the current spike.  The COVID Data Dashboard will be updated tomorrow to reflect cases over the weekend.  Anyone with symptoms should remain home until symptoms subside.

Have a great night!

Best,

Laurie

COVID Case Updates

May 14, 2022

Dear Families:

I write to share updates as to continuing upward trends in COVID cases.  Our COVID Data Dashboard is current.

I am constantly communicating with DESE, DPH, Concord’s Health Director, Public Health Nurse, and other area superintendents.  As a result, I am offering the following:

• We strongly encourage masking indoors.
• If you are symptomatic, you should stay home until the symptoms subside.  This variant can take longer to be detected, so a negative test may not mean you are COVID free when symptoms are present.
• When we see a cluster of cases, masks have been reinstated temporarily, and antigen tests are provided for ongoing testing.
• I do not see a mask mandate returning unless MDPH, DESE, and/or Concord implement a local directive.  CDC guidelines are provided at a national level where vaccination and testing rates are widely varied.
• We plan to go forward with all of our planned events through the end of the school year without additional protocols.  Other districts have seen spikes following such events (i.e. prom), so we highly recommend masking and testing as proactive measures.
• As has been the case for over two years, our care and kindness for one another are required.  No one intentionally exposes others.

Pandemic fatigue is real for everyone.  I am confident we can end the year strong by working together.

Enjoy this gorgeous day!

Best,

Laurie

Concord-Carlisle Hosts First Unified Track and Field Meet in School History

In communities such as Carlisle and Concord where history is embedded in their culture, creating new history is a welcome and familiar endeavor.  This energy to make those positive and memorable moments helped drive the creation of the Unified Track and Field team and subsequent hosting of the first meet in the history of Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS).

Unified sports are one element of the District’s efforts to create an environment of acceptance and inclusion for all members of the CCHS community.  Athletics provides a unique forum to help further those goals outside of the classroom.  It also allows the unified athletes to be part of a team which hasn’t been possible for many of them prior to this experience.  The friendships formed on the team are carried both in and out of school and has helped to build community as well as important relationships amongst and between athletes, mentors, and other students.  The Unified Team includes both athletes and mentors who practice twice a week and generally have one meet per week.

The Unified Team’s Head Coach Josh Reed stated, “the pure joy of the athletes and mentors is evident at every team event including practices and meets.  The positive impact it has on making CCHS more inclusive for those involved cannot be overstated and I am thrilled to be a part of coaching this team.”  Coach Reed, who also serves as the school’s head football coach, is assisted by coaches Rhiannon Leigh and Michelle Malone.

At the first meet, Coach Reed said that the team received overwhelming support from the boys and girls varsity track teams, the faculty, and many CCHS students who came out to cheer on the athletes and mentors.  He also thanked CCHS Athletic Director Aaron Joncas for working to create the team and asking him to be a part of the effort to bring Unified sports to Concord-Carlisle High School.

Pictures Below:

Left to right (back row first): Raleigh Fisher, Nick Wong, Clare Hwang, Coach Josh Reed, Ben Wilson, Henry Vlacovsky, Bella Myles, Sarah Daniel, Baily McIntyre, Marcus Lee, Weston Bateman, Deco Siefer, Brendan Douglas, Jackson Stone, Bill Dee, Kayla Joachim, George Rockwell, Hazel Cyr, Fiona Daly, Coach Michelle Malone, (first row): Luke Reed, Lindsey Piper, Avery Johnson, Owen Reed, Grace Creamer, Ana Armocida, Eric Lee, Mia McKennitt, Jacob Edleman, Amelia McDade, Genna Keefe, Coach Rhiannon Leigh

Back row Left to right: Jackson Stone, Brendan Douglas, Deco Siefer, Bill Dee, Bella Myles, Luke Reed/Lindsay Piper, Marcus Lee, Wes Bateman, Kayla Joachim, Clare Hwang, Sarah Daniel, Fiona Daly, Coach Leigh, Coach Reed. Front row: Ana Armocida, Genna Keefe, Coach Malone, Avery Johnson, Eric Lee, Mia McKennitt, Bailey McIntyre, Grace Creamer, Nick Wong.

Updates May 8 2022

May 8, 2022

Dear Families:

As often happens in May, we begin this week in what feels like early spring and end in what feels like summer if the forecasts are accurate!

I will start with a huge Shout Out to the entire cast, orchestra, crew, and all those involved with the CCHS production of 42nd Street!  The talents were very impressive and production very special since the CCHS theater had been without a spring musical since 2019!

In the Spotlight

Special Education

Interim Director of Student Services Debbie Dixson provided an overview of special education in both districts at the last School Committee meeting.  You will find the presentation informative, as is the recording of the discussion during the meeting.  The slides are posted here and the presentation begins at minute 44 in the video posted here.

Multi Tiered System of Support Literacy Presentation

Ever wonder how struggling students get their learning needs met in our school? Or, what assessments are given to monitor our educational program? Or, how dyslexia in students is addressed?

You are cordially invited to a virtual presentation on

Monday, May 16, 2022,  7 PM – 8 PM

Zoom Login Link

Meeting ID: 928 2622 5340

Passcode: 704908

This will be a full slideshow presentation by nine of our faculty with time for Q&A at the end.
MTSS Literacy Presentation 2022

Race Amity Day

The Concord Race Amity Day Community Potluck is scheduled for Sunday, June 12th from 1pm-4pm at Alcott Elementary School (rain date is June 19th). Families are encouraged to bring cultural dishes, non-alcoholic beverages, and games/activities to share. Click here to view the event flyer and RSVP via Sign up Genius. Attached is a copy of the flyer as well.

Volunteers are needed to help the Race Amity Day Planning Group with setting up and breaking down the event. Please Use this Google Form to volunteer by May 20th.

If you have any questions, concerns, and/or suggestions, please contact the planning group: Ji Orloff—jdorloff2008@gmail.com, Rich Yamartino— richyama8@gmail.com, and Andrew Nyamekye—: anyamekye@concordps.org. Click here to learn about Race Amity Day.

COVID Updates

Last week’s COVID case count as of Friday night was 94, which is a significant increase from prior weeks.  We expect a similar pattern may continue this week.  Our case counts are kept current on the COVID Dashboard.  If any clusters develop, we may reinstate masks temporarily (if contained in an individual classroom) and provide antigen tests.

Have a great night!
Best,

Laurie

COVID Case Counts

May 4, 2022

Dear Families:

Good Evening! I wanted to share an update as our COVID case counts this week.   As is happening in most places, we are seeing a rise in positive COVID cases.

Since Sunday, 67 cases have been reported.  One elementary school has a cluster of cases, so parents were provided antigen tests and masks temporarily reinstated.  Otherwise, the cases are spread throughout the schools.

The COVID Data Dashboard is up to date.  I am sharing the information so everyone can make informed decisions about masking, etc.

Have a great night!

Best,

Laurie

Updates May 1 2022

May 1, 2022

Dear Families:

I hope you enjoyed this beautiful weekend!  Hopefully, turning the calendar to May continues to bring this perfect weather!

In the Spotlight

Environmental Sustainability in the Curriculum

At Tuesday night’s School Committee meeting, the science curriculum leaders from K-12 shared areas in the curriculum where environmental sustainability is the focus.  As a core value of the community and schools, it is critical that students have the scientific knowledge to be stewards of the planet.  The entire slide deck is posted here.  A recording of the School Committee meeting is found here with the presentation starting at 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Concord and Carlisle Town Meetings

Both communities held Town Meeting this week.  We are very appreciative of the support as the 2022-2023 operating budgets and other capital articles were successfully passed.

June Dates 2022

June 15 is the last day of school for all students except grade 6.  Grade 6 has a half-day on June 16.

Concord Free Public Library

The CFPL is excited to offer new hours at the Main Library as we continue to restore services impacted by the pandemic. The new hours will take effect Monday, May 2nd. Visit concordlibrary.org to view the changes in detail. Hours at the Fowler Branch Library and Special Collections remain the same.

COVID

We saw an expected small uptick in cases last week. Our case counts are kept current on the COVID Dashboard.

Enjoy the rest of the night!
Best,

Laurie

Updates April 24 2022

April 24, 2022

Dear Families:

I hope you had a wonderful vacation week!  We are excited to return and experience all that the end of the school year brings.

In the Spotlight

This week’s updates highlight a number of our partnerships with the community to bring rich experiences for families, students, and the community at large.  It is among our greatest pleasures for the school and community to be a rich, thriving network of support and opportunity.  Please see below for the variety of upcoming events.

Cooler Concord Climate Festival 

• Date

April 30th 2022, 10:00 am-2:00 pm

• Venue

Concord Free Public Library, Main Branch, Front Lawn, Concord, MA

Join neighbors and friends for a day of fun, education, and entertainment celebrating how each of us has the power to help stop climate change.

The Cooler Concord Climate Festival will feature art, food, information, and activities for children, youth, and adults.

Learn, connect, celebrate and take action! Gather inspiration for practical climate actions you can incorporate into your everyday life, and connect with groups working collectively to build a healthier, safer, more sustainable community. The time for action is now!

Cohosted with the CCHS Green Team & Mothers Out Front.

Rain Date: Saturday, May7th

My Friend Abe: A Holocaust Survivor’s Story

On Wednesday, April 27th from 7 pm—8:15 pm at Willard Elementary School, Mr. Steve Goldberg, a Holocaust Historian will visit Concord to present his life’s work: My Friend Abe: A Holocaust Survivor’s Story. 

Abe’s powerful story of survival during the Holocaust saw him taken from his family in Poland at age 13. For nearly 50 years, Abe did not speak about what happened to him. In the last decade of his life, Abe finally did start telling his story to more than 10,000 people across North Carolina. Though it was painful, Abe kept on telling his story because he felt the world had to know what happened to him, and what can happen when hate and dehumanization go unchecked. Abe sadly passed away in January of 2020 at the age of 91. Before Abe’s passing, he asked Steve to continue telling his story of survival. 

1) Attached is the event flyer. You may click on the flyer or use this google form to RSVP to the event.

2) Mr. Goldberg has provided has made the following resources available to us in preparation for his presentation. Please take a couple of minutes to access these resources.

– A four-page synopsis in advance of the presentation on Abe’s life.

Three short videos:

– A 2-minute clip from local media here of Abe, and his family visiting a Holocaust museum.

– This 45-second clip of Abe introducing himself.

– 5-minute video from Mr. Goldberg, so you can understand some context about the Holocaust.

We are very fortunate that Mr. Goldberg will be presenting Abe’s story of survival to our school community, as we observe the Jewish Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah, April 27th—28th). Many thanks to Concord parent Robin Grace, for connecting us to Mr. Goldberg. We look forward to seeing you on April 27th at Willard Elementary School (185 Powder Mill Rd, Concord, MA 01742) beginning at 7 pm. There will be light refreshments before (starting at 6:30pm) and after the presentation.

Partners in Rhyme

Mental Health Priority

As mentioned, among our greatest priorities is the mental wellness of all students.  Two recent articles continue to highlight the acute needs of our young people nationally.  We see the same patterns locally and within our schools.

From The Atlantic: Why American Teens Are So Sad

From The New York Times: ‘It’s Life or Death’: The Mental Health Crisis Among U.S. Teens

The partnership with families in these efforts is essential.  Sharing information and a common understanding is a foundation for those partnerships.   We encourage you to use articles like these as tools for conversation and communication in your home.

COVID 

We remind you to antigen test at-home tomorrow morning.  If you would like to participate but haven’t enrolled, please use this student opt-in form.   We are still gathering case numbers from last week.  Our case counts are kept current on the COVID Dashboard.

Welcome back!  Have a great start to the week.

Best,

Laurie