IMPORTANT DATES:

Project 300 - January 13 - 31

Kindergarten Registration January 28 - 29 { 9 a.m. -6 p.m. by appointment only}

Willy Wonka Jr. January 31-February 1,2025

CHS Craft Fair - February 2 , 9 - 2

Riverhawks Hockey -February 7th @ 7:15 PM

Postural Screening - February 10-12

Harlem Globetrotters: February 11th at 7pm

Calendar Raffle Fundraiser - Calendars will be sold February 3rd- February 26th

Rock n' Roll Bingo - February 28th 7-11pm

• McCarthy Drama Google Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/u/2/c/NzAwODE4OTYyNzY5 (You must log in as your student to access the information.)
• McDrama Parent Hub: https://sites.google.com/view/mccarthydramaclub
  
• Remind App Text Messages: Text @mcdramatxt to 81010 to join our McDrama list. (There is no need to install any app!)
• McCarthy Drama Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/865565650223272

https://www.chelmsfordtv.org/episodes/cps-performances-parker-and-mccarthy-jazz-january-16-2025/

View CPS Performances: Parker and McCarthy Jazz – January 16, 2025 | Chelmsford TV

Are you interested in viewing the episode CPS Performances: Parker and McCarthy Jazz – January 16, 2025? Take a look at this page for more info!

www.chelmsfordtv.org

Dear McCarthy families, January 23, 2025

As we attempt to keep communications current and available throughout the district, we need to inform you that there has been a confirmed case of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in one of our district schools. Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

What to look for:

• A cough that gradually worsens, often with severe coughing fits

• A “whooping’ sound after a cough

• Runny nose, sneezing and mild fever may also occur initially

Important Actions:

• Monitor for symptoms: any exhibited symptoms from above, contact your healthcare provider immediately

• Practice good hygiene: Encourage frequent hand washing and proper cough etiquette

• Confirm complete vaccination status: Ensure your family are up to date on their pertussis vaccine, including the Tdap booster for adolescents.

If there is a positive diagnosis;

• Stay home from school/work until they have completed the prescribed course of antibiotics

• Inform the school nurse of the diagnosis

• Follow the doctor’s instructions completely

In collaboration with the Chelmsford Board of Health, we continue to take the necessary precautions to prevent further spread. Students who were identified as close contacts will be notified. For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html

Postural Screening for Scoliosis:

We will conduct our postural screenings on February 10th-12th. Please read more about what to expect and why we perform in school scoliosis screenings HERE.

Generally, these screens are part of your child's annual physical examination with the pediatrician. If you would like to opt out of this screening, if your child has had this screening with their healthcare provider, please let us know in writing, no later than February 6th. OPT OUT HERE.

The Class of 2026 is holding a craft fair at CHS on the first Sunday of February (2/2) from 9-2 at CHS. The money raised will help defray the cost of Senior Week events.

Project 300 is an incredible McCarthy tradition and is a massive food drive that benefits communities throughout the Merrimack Valley and beyond. This year’s event will run from January 13th through January 21st. Thank you in advance for your support. Project 300 food collection.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to this message and I will see you again soon.

Stay Well,

There is a ton of clothing in the lost and found. If your child is missing a coat or sweatshirt have them go through the collection and look threw the clothing. All clothing will be donated to a charity after February break.

For Eye glasses and other valuables check with the office.

Thank You

2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

(Approximately 15 minute appointments)

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 & 29, 2025

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION CENTRAL OFFICE

230 NORTH ROAD, CHELMSFORD, MA

Visit the Chelmsford Public Schools website. Click on the “RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENT HERE” link to enter parent/guardian contact information and preferred appointment time within a three-hour window.

You will then be contacted to confirm a date and time for your registration appointment. Registrationpackets may also be dropped off at the School Administration Office, 230 North Road, Chelmsford, MA: Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., if you are not able to attend these two dates.

In addition to the completed student registration packet, the required documentation to submit is listed on the CPS Student Registration page.

For additional information or questions on kindergarten registration, please contact Jane McDonald at mcdonaldj@chelmsford.k12.ma.us; or 978-251-5100, ext. 6901.

McCarthy PTO is working hard to create community building events for our students, families and staff members. Check out a few upcoming activities below:

TUESDAY

American Sign Language Ms. Fitzgibbons Bi-weekly Virtual Meetings 2:30-4:30

Invite Link: https://classroom.google.com/c/MjA5MjE3MDU3MzEz?cjc=yqtuwha

Class Code: yqtuwha

Yearbook Ms. Egan Room 104

Backstage Crew Ms. Richardson Chorus Room

Cross fit Ms. Suchecki Fitness room

Homework Club Ms. Sousa Library

Jazz Band Mr. DeStefano Band room

Select Chorus Ms. Richardson Chorus room

TV Club Ms. Martin Meets @ Parker School *Students must take the bus to Parker after school to use the television studio.

Stand-Up McCarthy (GSA) Ms. Briand Room 209

Wednesday

7th Grade Art Club Ms. Morton Art Room 120

Community Service Org. Ms. Isaacs Bi-weekly Room 233

Festival Band ATWE Mr. DeStefano 6pm-8pm Band room

Festival Orchestra Mr. Miller Room 124

Game “D&D” Ms. Carter & Ms. Sorrows Room 130 As soon as you are interested in joining, 1) join Google Class https://classroom.google.com/c/NTU5MTkxODM0ODc3?cjc=plj2ho2 with the code “plj2ho2”

Project 300 Mr. Gallagher Room 109

Thursday

8th Grade Art Club Ms. Kiley Room 122

Magic Gathering Club Mr. Warnock Room 230

Running Club Ms. Hughes Fall- (Spring TBD) Outside Café Starts Oct. 24

Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday

Drama club Ms. Richardson Chorus room Join the Drama club google classroom : qslajac to stay informed of your opportunities to get involved. You can participate

Intramurals Ms. Suchecki, Mr. Sherlock, Mr. Graham, Mr. Johnson Gym

Wednesday-Thursday

Fitness Room Mr. Graham Fitness room

Please be aware all activity times/days are subject to change

As of October 28th, if you haven't signed your student up for after school activities through My School Bucks or turned in your Health directive, your student will be ineligible to participate.

You Science

Students will participate in brain-game exercises and activities to uncover personal aptitudes, then connect these aptitudes to careers and educational pathways designed to help students find relevance in school and confidence in making future educational and career related decisions.

Lunch/Cafeteria Reminder:

Our school is considered to be "nut aware" and not nut free. Although nuts are allowed, no students are permitted to share food in the building. It is also considered best practice not to have students bring in shelled peanuts for the safety of others. It is important for students to understand that if they are bringing in nut products, they cannot share them regardless of whether the other student is allergic or not. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no student experiences an anaphylactic response and we can help prevent those events together.

While we have these discussions with students throughout the day, it would be helpful and appreciated if you would address this at home as well.

Directions to set up your account and order:

1. URL Link: family.onlineordering.linq.com
2. Sign up now: Email, create password.
3. School District: Chelmsford Public Schools
4. Student ID: This can be found on x2- Child’s student ID number
5. Last Name: (You can also search and add siblings/family members at this time). Once this is completed, student’s name should appear on page.

How to order meals

1. School Menu-select online lunch ordering (all schools)
2. Scroll to week of half day/early release date (top right of page)
3. Find date, select meal option
4. Add item to cart/Select Add to order
5. Click on shopping cart icon at top right of page
6. Click Check out
7. Select pick up location: Elementary pick-up location classroom. Middle/high school pick up location cafeteria.
8. Place order

For the upcoming half day please place your order a week before

2024-2025 CPS Upcoming Half Day/Early Release dates

● 2/6/25

● 3/12/25

● 4/1/25

Email: mccarthy_attendance@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Please Send Email: Prior to 9am on the day of the absence (same as current voicemail option) Please Include: Child’s name, Grade, and Reason for absence.

We encourage you to use the email option when reporting an absence, dismissal, etc. Parents are still free to use the phone system to report absences, but you are encouraged to use email for greater office efficiency.

If you prefer, you can certainly call the attendance line prior to 9:00am, at 978-251-5122, please press 1.

**PLEASE READ**

We will continue to send automated emails home when students are absent. You will receive the email whether you notified the school or not. In order for an absence to be marked as "Excused", families will need to provide medical documentation.

Thank you for your understanding.

McCarthy Middle School

Attendance Matters

For an absence to be “excused” families need to provide medical documentation. This includes dismissals from the health office, unless your school nurse is requiring the dismissal based on the “Illness Policy” (ie: temperature over 100, vomiting, etc.) set by the Chelmsford School District or nursing judgment based on concerning symptoms that require further assessment or monitoring. Any absences over 3 days require medical documentation to be considered excused.

Postural Screening for Scoliosis:

We will conduct our postural screenings on February 10th-12th. Please read more about what to expect and why we perform in school scoliosis screenings HERE.

Generally, these screens are part of your child's annual physical examination with the pediatrician. If you would like to opt out of this screening, if your child has had this screening with their healthcare provider, please let us know in writing, no later than February 6th. OPT OUT HERE.

INJURY POLICY

Parent(s)/guardian must notify the school nurse of all surgeries and injuries (i.e., concussions, fractures, sprains, stitches, etc.) Parents shall notify the school nurse when a student has sustained a concussion outside of school activities. Guidelines regarding injuries and non-participation in physical education (P.E.) classes and recess are as follows:

Students with casts, stitches, or splints may not participate in Physical Education class or outdoor recess without written consent from both the parent/guardian and the attending physician.

*All injury notes from the doctor should include the type of injury, any limitations or allowance to participate in such activities, and the date the child may return to full physical activities. Parent/guardian wishes may not supersede this medical prescription.

FOOD FROM HOME

Please remind your students that any food brought from home should not be shared with peers to avoid any undisclosed allergies

COVID GUIDELINES:

CDC updated Covid guidelines in the spring 2024. No quarantine is required. Stay home up to 3 days with symptoms if appropriate, but not required. Any absences longer than 3 days will require a doctor’s note to excuse absences. It is recommended as best practice to wear a mask if you are symptomatic and covid positive while at school.

EXCUSED DISMISSALS FROM HEALTH OFFICE:

If your student is dismissed from the Health Office it is not automatically excused. Excused dismissals include students with fever, vomiting, injuries requiring immediate care or follow up with MD. Parent prerogative to dismiss does not equate to an excused absence.

Emails are not monitored outside of school hours. If this communication is regarding a health emergency:

• Call 9-1-1; or

• Contact your nearest Emergency Room

For emergency mental health support:

• Please call 9-1-1, go to the Emergency Department or contact our local community crisis center: 866-388-2242 Vinfen Community Behavioral Health Center

• Mass Mental Health Help Line: Support 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Call or Text: 833-773-2445 or chat online at masshelpline.com

  
  

• Non-Emergency Mental Health and Substance Use: Care Solace will quickly and confidentially find available providers matched to your needs: Call 888-515-0595 (available 24/7/365) or visit caresolace.com/chelmsford

I've invited you to fill out a form:McCarthy Family Resources

McCarthy wants to offer support and assistance to your family if you are in need. Please complete this form if your family would benefit from our resources that we offer.

With the resources available, we will do our best to meet the needs of all families.

If you do not feel comfortable completing this form, please contact our school counselors, 978-251-5122

Moya Charig Covers students A-G @ charigm@chelmsford.k12.ma.us ext.7478

Elyse Seero Covers students H-N @ seeroe@chelmsford.k12.ma.us ext.7465

Jessica Weaver Covers students O-Z @ weaverj@chelmsford.k12.ma.us ext. 7477

They will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

TERM 1-- 8/27/2024-10/31/2024

TERM 2-- 11/1/2024-- 1/22/2025

TERM 3-- 1/23/2025 -- 4/3/2025

TERM 4-- 4/4/2025 -- 4/4/2025- 6/25/2025

• Front Doors open @ 7:55 a.m.
• Warning Bell to go to class @ 8:08 a.m.
• First Period bell rings @ 8:10 a.m. (students should be in First period Class at this time)
  

• Dismissal is @ 2:30 p.m.

Email: mannioni@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Website: https://mccarthy.chelmsfordschools.org/
Location: 250 North Road, Chelmsford, MA, USA
Phone: 978-251-5122