Dear Families,

A warm welcome to all of our new and returning Center families. We look forward to another exciting of year of partnering with you to create a welcoming, and enriching learning environment for all.

The first days of school are exciting and hectic. Below is some important information about routines and procedures at the school.

A special thank you to our custodian Al Woodman and Dynamic JJC, who worked diligently to make sure the school is sparkling and ready for our students on Tuesday, August 29th (for students in grades 1-4). Another big thanks to the Beard and Baxter families for their time and efforts spreading A LOT of mulch to make our playground safe. Thanks also to Steve Callaghan, Mr. Woodman, and the DPW for their efforts on our grounds. We can now use the fields surrounding the play structure- yeah!!!

Center Chirps

• Ms. O'Hearn and Ms. Ely are now available to answer questions. They are available in the main office from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM and can also be reached by phone.

Warm regards,

Dianna and Donna

Please send in a note on the first day of school indicating what your child's dismissal plan is (pick-up, extended day, or the bus). If your child arrives on the bus we will assume they are returning home on the bus unless we hear otherwise.

Please press the link above for complete dismissal practices.

Please find the CPS academic calendar below. The first day of school for grade 1-4 is August 29. Kindergarteners will have an orientation on that day, your specific time slot was in your placement letter, and the first full day of kindergarten in August 30.

Please note that parents/adults are not allowed to escort their child(ren) to their classroom. Staff members will be in the main lobby to assist all students and guide them to their classrooms. We appreciate your assistance with this.

Once again, the Chelmsford Public Schools will be purchasing school supplies for students. These supplies include the traditional items families would buy in the past (crayons, pencil boxes, glue sticks, binders, etc.). Students will still require a backpack but our hope is that providing these supplies will assist families as we begin the school year.

5 – 5:25 PM: Principal/Assistant Principal Presentation in the cafeteria for K-2nd grade families

5:30 – 6:15 PM: Grades K-2 Teacher Presentations.

6:15 – 7:00 PM: Specialists/ Reading/ Special Educators and Related support providers available in classrooms/offices

7 – 7:25 PM: Principal/ Assistant Principal Presentation in the cafeteria for 3 & 4th grade families (The 5 PM presentation is repeated.)

7:30 – 8:15 PM: Grades 3 & 4 Teacher Presentations

We kindly request that children remain at home during curriculum night.

This year Massachusetts is offering all school lunch and breakfast at no charge to students. This does not automatically make families eligible for any other benefits. We strongly encourage families that feel they are eligible for transportation or extended day reduced tuition to fill out the online free and reduced meal application. The links can be found below. https://cpsnutrition.com/index.php?sid=1478035692058&page=lunchapps

If you do qualify for benefits you most likely will be eligible for SNAP benefits. https://www.mass.gov/snap-benefits-formerly-food-stamps

Some examples of SNAP benefits are discounts on gas, electric utilities and internet services.

Please visit our school nutrition website at https://cpsnutrition.com/index.php?sid=1478035692058 for more information about our program and also a link to the free and reduced lunch application.

The read aloud tradition continues!

Our bus registration is continuing this month and all students who will ride the bus are required to register. These registrations assist us in making the most efficient and safe bus routes. Please visit the transportation website at: https://chelmsfordschools.org/departments/transportation/ for more information on how to register for the bus.

Nurse Felzani will be holding medication drop-offs on Monday, August 28 from 1:00-3:00 and Tuesday, August 29 from 9:30-2:30. Please visit the health page for additional information and medication forms at https://chelmsfordschools.org/departments/health-services/health-forms/

We wish a fond farewell to several staff members. Sara Kielinen, former 2nd grade teacher, has decided to take a break from her teaching career and accepted a job where she will have more time with her baby, due the end of September. Katie Gregory, formerly a 2nd grade teacher, decided to go back to her roots and has been hired as our newest second grade team member.

Laura Bentley, former kindergarten teacher, has also decided to dedicate herself to her young family. Amy Miller has been hired to fill this position. Kimberly Robson will also be joining the K team and we are finalizing one other teacher hire.

Please join me in wishing Kristine Mackessy well in the next leg of her professional journey. Kristine has been a ray of sunshine at Center for 10 years, first as our clerk and then in her current role as computer teacher. She was always a positive presence and an engaging, patient, and supportive teacher.

Chris Paniello, recess aide, has resigned her full-time position but will thankfully be back as a substitute aide at Center.

Shannon Dennis will be joining the Center team as a paraeducator. She has years of experience working at pre-school, which will serve her well.

We are fortunate to have several fellows and student teachers joining us this year: Emily Larkin is our Merrimack fellow and will be joining Kari Pierce-Clarke's classroom. Kerrie Bagni- will be in Cassey Stys class until November and join Dianne Cotter following this until February. Emily Vercelli is a student from UMass Lowell and will be working with Erica Johnson. Brianna Langlois is a UMass Lowell Fellow and will be working with Renee Driscoll.

August

• Friday, August 25, 8 AM - Tour of Center school for K or new students

• Monday, August 28: No School, Staff orientation

• Tuesday, August 29: Grades 1-9 start, K Orientation

• Wednesday, August 30: All students in school

September

• Friday, September 1: No school

• Monday, September 4: No school (Labor day)

• Tuesday, September 5: Be Kind Spirit Wear day

• Wednesday, September 6-29th Spirit Wear sales through CSPTO

• Thursday, September 7: 9:15-10:15 CSPTO co-presidents meeting

• Friday, September 15: National DOT day

• Friday, September 15: Chelmsford Spirit Day

• Monday, September 18: National Constitution Day

• Wednesday, September 20: Half day/Professional day

• Wednesday, September 20: Curriculum Night, 5-6:15 PM grades K-2, 7-8:15 PM grades 3&4

• Wednesday, September 27:PTO meeting; 7:00-8:00 Library

Center is not only a wonderful place to attend and learn but also a wonderful place to work, as many of our parents/grandparents can attest to. We have several para educator positions open as well as a lunch and recess aide position. Substitutes in all areas are always in high demand. Please reach out to Donna or Dianna if you have questions about these positions or click the links below to apply.

The first Monday of the month will be a "Let Your Kind Shine" spirit day. You are invited to wear tops that promote kindness.

The third Friday of the month is Chelmsford/Center Pride spirit day. Sport our district colors, maroon, white, and black.

* Dates may be adjusted due to holidays or breaks. Please look at the calendar of events for specific dates.

A picture speaks a thousand words as they say, and we love to include these in our weekly updates and on the website through our Twitter feed. Please let email Ms. O’Hearn at ohearnc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us. if you do not want your child’s picture included in these forums.