Dear Center Community,

Mr. Woodman sure was thankful for all of the notes and gestures of appreciation he received on Wednesday! We are so fortunate to have a custodian who is so dedicated to the care of the building, students, and staff alike. THANK YOU, Mr. Woodman.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our biggest Center events on Thursday, our Ice Cream Social. Please look for more details in the Pulse if you haven't already signed up.

Counselor's Corner

Dear Families,

Please let me know if you are in need of a photo scholarship for your child(ren) to have school photos taken on Center School’s upcoming picture day (October 21st). This photo scholarship will provide a photo package (2 5X7, 2 3X5, 4 2X3, and an 8X10 class composite) to you at no cost.

If you prefer to buy another package, the scholarship will not be available in addition to it. You would need to do a separate order that will have a cost.

Please respond by October 9th (wests@chelmsford.k12.ma.us) to let me know if you would like to receive this scholarship and/or if you have any questions!

Thank you

Sarah West

Volunteers Needed

• *** The CSPTO needs at least 5 more people to assist with picture day on October 21st. Even an hour or two would be helpful. If you are able to assist with distributing ice cream, selling raffle tickets and other general setup/cleanup, sign up here,
• Looking for a way to help out but have limited time and can't make it into the school? Katie LaRochelle needs some assistance preparing some project folders for students. Please email her at larochellek@chelmsford.k12.ma.us if you are able to donate a couple of hours of your time.

School Council Opening

Center School, as required by law, has a school council composed of staff members, parents, and a member of the community, if one is available. There should be an equal number of parents and staff members, not including administrators. If there are more interested candidates than openings the PTO holds an election so parents can choose their representatives.

The council works with school administrators to adopt educational goals for the school that are consistent with local educational policies and statewide student performance standards, identify the educational needs of students attending the school, review the annual school building budget, and formulate a school improvement plan.

We have one opening on the council currently. If you are interested in joining, please email me a biography and I will share these with the community so you can select a person to serve on the council. Council members typically serve a three year term. Meetings are held approximately 5 times during the year and are held on Thursdays from 4-5 PM.

Support Available

At Center School, there are a number of free and reduced cost programs and donations, offered throughout the year, for example, free backpacks and school supplies, gift cards, holiday support, Thanksgiving meals etc. If these resources would be helpful, please fill out the attached 2 question form This information is confidential and will remain exclusively with the administration. You will not need to provide any additional documentation and we will reach out as options arise. Please contact Mrs. Fulreader if you have any questions.

https://forms.gle/zotYEnqVWCjcuuii8

Have a great weekend.

Warm Regards,

Dianna and Donna

On SATURDAY, November 2nd (8am – 12pm) McCarthy & Center School PTOs are holding their very popular Recycle Day fundraiser, and they need volunteers!! Come help us greet drivers, unload donated items, and load those items into the recycle company's truck . All Middle & HS students are welcome to volunteer and earn up to 5 hours of community service. We also need parents to volunteer as well.

Signup at: https://signup.com/go/tJJQfMx

** Students 14 years and younger must have a parent/guardian volunteer with them**

We appreciate your support!!

October

• Monday, October 7: Be Kind Spirit Wear day

• Wednesday, October 9: K fieldtrip to Parlee Farms

• Thursday, October 10: Ice cream social; 5:00-6:00 & 6:00-7:00 (cafe for inclement weather)

• Thursday, October 10: 1st Grade Field Trip to Discovery Museum
  

• Friday, October 11: 1st Grade Field Trip to Discovery Museum

• Friday, October 11: Whole school assembly about expected assembly behavior
  

• Monday, October 14: No School (Columbus day/Indigenous peoples day)

• Friday, October 18: Chelmsford Spirit Day

• Saturday, October 19: Trunk-or-Treat; 1:00-3:00 PM (rain date Oct. 26th)

• Monday, October 21, Picture Day

• Thursday, October 24: Half day/Professional day

• Thursday, October 24: Help needed after school to spread mulch, please see details in the Pulse
  

• Thursday, October 24: Lunch and Recess Aide mtg: 9:15 - 10:15

• Thursday, October 24: Read for the Record Day, Piper Chen SIngs

• October 29 & 30th : 3rd grade field trips to Garrison House.

November

• Assess by 11/22: Gr 1-4 Opinion Writing Prompt (located in the K-4 Curriculum Drive)

• Friday, November 1: PTO co-president’s meeting 9:15-10:15

• Saturday, November 2: Recycle day; 8:00-12:00

• Monday, November 4: Be Kind Spirit Wear day

• Tuesday, November 5: No School - Professional development day

• Friday, November 8: Picture retake day

• Monday, November 11: No School (Veteran’s day)

• Wednesday, November 13: CSPTO meeting; 6:30-7:30 PM

• Tuesday, November 19: Optional Curriculum Drop-In 8-8:45am in Library

• Wednesday, November 20: Half day (Elementary and MS only)

• Friday, November 22: Chelmsford Spirit Day

• Wednesday, November 27: Early release - Thanksgiving recess

• Thursday, November 28: No School (Thanksgiving)

• Friday, November 29: No School

Fall has arrived and the start of the respiratory virus season will begin soon, including flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). COVID-19 continues to circulate as well.

We encourage all eligible staff, students and community members to get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Getting these vaccines increases your chances of staying healthy this year and by extension, keeping our Center community healthier too!

Why should I get the vaccines?
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent illness and reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalization. When you get vaccinated, you also protect the people around you, including those who are at higher risk of complications for respiratory illnesses.

Who should get the Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines?

• Flu - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu shot every fall before the start of flu season. You can find more information about the flu and flu vaccine on the CDC website.

• COVID-19

• The CDC recommends that EVERYONE ages 6 months and older get a dose of the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially important if you are 65 years or older, at high risk for COVID-19, or have never been vaccinated.

• RSV

• The CDC recommends everyone aged 75 years or older receive an RSV vaccine.

• It is also recommended for people aged 60 or older with certain medical conditions. Please see the CDC website for a complete list of conditions.

• It is recommended for pregnant people who are 32 to 36 weeks during the months of September through January.

• The CDC recommends a one-time vaccine for RSV. You can find more information about RSV and the RSV vaccination on the CDC website.

Where can I get these vaccines?

We encourage patients to contact your PCP or local pharmacy to get vaccinated.

To find a local pharmacy for flu, RSV, or COVID-19 vaccines, you can go to vaccines.gov or, call 1-800-232-0233.

COVID-19 Tests & Updated Guidelines

Starting at the end of September, residential households in the U.S. can order four home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests for free at COVIDTests.gov.

The CPS Covid-19 protocols can be found on the CPS website: CPS COVID Health Protocols

This year, and moving forward, 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.