Center Community Chat
May 29, 2022
Wednesday was certainly an emotionally challenging day. We joined our country in mourning the loss of 20 lives lost at an elementary school, where all who enter should feel safe and nurtured. We were available to address any concerns that arose, and did not raise the topic with students. We continued to follow routines, which we know minimizes stress and anxiety in our young students.
Our SEL director shared the following resource which you might find helpful in addressing the situation with your child(ren):
https://www.apa.org/topics/gun-violence-crime/shooting-aftermath
Seeing students' smiles, hearing their laughter, and observing their engagement in learning was healing to us all. Our 3rd graders were thrilled to be able to go on a field trip to Boston. K-2 students learned about fire safety from Chelmsford firefighters. Our 2nd grade students learned more about plants and planted their own with the assistance of people from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The instructors made a point of sharing that our students were among the most respectful, curious, and knowledgeable of all those they have presented to. We were not surprised, and very proud of them.
ALICE drill the week of June 6- 10th
One measure we take in Chelmsford to ensure student safety is practicing ALICE drills. During the week of June 6-10, we will be conducting our final ALICE drill of the school year. ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. This is a research based, options-based protocol that is non-sequential to respond to a dangerous individual at school. We have collaborated with the Chelmsford Police and Fire Departments on this drill to ensure we are engaging students and staff in a developmentally appropriate experience.
After we conduct the drill, we will send a communication to inform you when it has occurred. Should you have any questions about ALICE or about this drill, either leading up to the drill or after you have been able to debrief with your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Book Swap
Consider bringing in your gently used books for our book swap when you join us for Center's Culture and Arts Festival on Thursday. We have very few donations currently and won't be able to host the book swap on field day if we don't have a sufficient amount.
Please place your books in the boxes provided.
Staff Updates
Congratulations to Eileen Young on her retirement. Ms. Young has been our Technology Integration Specialist for many years. She was always willing to help all staff members with their unique tech needs and worked diligently to make sure students were "connected" during the pandemic. We wish you well, Ms. Young!
Pauline Kimsoung, Computer Instructor at Parker was recently hired as our new Technology Integration Specialists for Center and Harrington Elementary schools. She comes with experience and a knowledge of Center, having been part of our community as a parent for many years.
Hope to see you Thursday at ELL picnic on Wednesday and/or the Culture and Arts Festival on Thursday.
Warm Regards,
Dianna and Donna
Center School Book Fair
I am excited to share that the Book Fair will be coming to the Center School Library from June 1 - June 7. The Book Fair will take place during regular library time and during the Center School Culture and Arts Festival on June 2nd.
To learn more about the book fair, click here
To see the library schedule and volunteer information, click here
Best Regards,
Meaghan Engdahl, Librarian
Formula Shortage - Information from DESE
Good Things
Thrilled for 3rd grade students to go on the Boston Tea Party field trip this year!
Ms. Huguet's class self-identity portraits
Before school friends ready for Memorial Day
Wearing orange to raise awareness of Prader-Willi Syndrome
Aadvik stepping in as principal of the day
Thank you to Chelmsford firefighters for sharing fire safety strategies with our K-2 students
Thank you for bringing the Plantmobile to Center, CSPTO!
CSPTO Pulse
Upcoming Events
MAY
Monday, May 30: No School - Memorial Day
JUNE
Wednesday, June 1: Therapy Dog Visit 9-11
Wednesday, June 1: 4th grade visit to McCarthy
Wednesday, June 1: ELL Picnic, 6:00-7:30 McCarthy Middle School
June 1 - June 7: Book Fair in the library
Thursday, June 2: Center Culture & Arts Festival, 4:30 - 6:30
Friday, June 3: Gr 4 Enrichment - Mass Audubon Society
Friday, June 3: Chelmsford grads parade through halls at 1:45
Monday, June 6: Kindness spirit wear day
Tuesday, June 7: End of Marking Period All Grades
Wednesday, June 8: PTO meeting at Center Library, 7 PM
Thursday, June 9: Field Day
Thursday, June 10: Field Day rain date
Tuesday, June 14: Flag day
Tuesday, June 14: Gr 3 Enrichment - Wingmasters 9:30 - 10:30
Wednesday, June 15th: 4th grade Moving On Ceremony and events, starts at 12:30 in the gym
Thursday, June 16: Move up Day, 9:15-9:45
Thursday, June 16: Half day - last day for Students:
Friday, June 17: Half day - Last day for Staff
End of the year Spirit Days
- June 9- Wear your grade level colors for field day
- June 10-TBD
- June 13- TBD
- June 14-
- June 15- Chelmsford/Center Pride
- June16- It is Center tradition to end the year on a tropical / Hawaiian theme note
Resources and Information
4th Grade Information
Center Elementary School
Email: fulreaderd@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.chelmsford.k12.ma.us/Domain/9
Location: 84 Billerica Road, Chelmsford, MA, United States
Phone: 978-251-5155
Twitter: @Center_CCS