McCarthy Update
October 11- All About Activities!
Activities Letter
Dear McCarthy Community,
We are almost halfway through October! Before you know it, term one will be over. The weather is starting to become more fall-like.
Students at the middle schools can participate in a variety of after school activities. The activities offered this year are listed on the attached pages. We strongly encourage ALL students to participate in at least one activity as an important element in middle school development.
If your child wants to participate in an after-school activity for the 2022-23 school year, the activity fee is $50.00 per child. This is a one-time fee, and it allows students to participate in as many activities they choose. Student must also bring in a completed Activities Agreement Form and Activities Health Form (see links below in newsletter). Once the payment is made online (See directions below) and the two form are returned, your child will be eligible to participate in all activities. The fee is used to help defray the cost of the stipends given to advisors for each of the activities. The fee is not to pay for late buses. If there is financial hardship, please reach out directly to us as we want all students to be able to participate.
The Late Buses will begin to run every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday afternoons. Please review the appropriate bus route and bus number carefully. It is important to note that the Late Bus Routes are very different from the morning and afternoon regular bus routes. Generally, the late bus routes necessitate that students walk a greater distance from the bus stop than their regular school bus requires. Please review the Late Bus # and stop with your child as they will probably both be different than the regular daily bus they may take. Middle school parents should know that Chelmsford High School students also utilize the late bus system. Students being picked up from activities will be dismissed from the doors next to the cafeteria.
After school activities and late buses will begin on Wednesday, October 19. Late buses run on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week. Late bus privileges are only for students who participate in after school activities, extra help, or intramurals.
If you have any questions about the programs or wish further information, please feel free to contact us.
We hope you were able to visit with your children's teachers during September Open House/ Curriculum Night. Do not hesitate to reach out to a teacher if you have a question about a class/assignment. We are here to help.
Have a great LONG weekend!
Sincerely,
Mr. McPhee Mrs. Calobrisi
Kurt McPhee, Principal Kerry Calobrisi, Assistant Principal
Online Payment for Activities
2022-2023 Student Activity Fee
ONLINE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
Beginning Fiscal Year 2022-2023, Chelmsford Public Schools has switched its Registration/Payment Platforms. We will now be using MySchoolBucks. All payments must be completed via this new platform. Please follow these instructions to use the new Registration/Payment System:
1) Click on MySchoolBucks Login Link and Select SIGN IN TODAY.
2) Create a username/password and make sure to select MA for your state and Chelmsford Public Schools as your district.
3) Go Back to MySchoolBucks Login Link and Enter your Username and Password. You will be asked a method to have a verification code delivered to your email or cell phone in order to login.
4) Enter the verification code and you will be directed to the dashboard for Chelmsford Public Schools Dashboard.
5) On the left-hand side select ADD STUDENT.
6) Select your Student and enter the necessary information. You will need to enter their Date of Birth.
7) Once you have selected your student, click on STORE and then BROWSE ALL PRODUCTS.
8) Click on STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE and Select from the drop-down menu your Student and Payment Method
a. McCarthy ($50.00)
b. Parker ($50.00)
c. High School ($50.00)
9) Add to Cart, if you have more than one Student please REPEAT for all Students by adding them to your Cart.
10) YOU MUST CHECK OUT TO COMPLETE YOUR TRANSACTION. IF YOU DO NOT CHECK OUT AND SUBMIT YOU ARE NOT ENROLLED IN STUDENT ACTIVTY.
2022-23 Activities Booklet
Homework Club
Ms. Sherlock
Tuesday
Library
This program is designed to give students a “Study Place”. Come do your homework, work on a project, catch up on your reading etc. Students must bring their chromebooks for computer access for assignments and research. Please make sure you have homework to do while in Homework club.
7th & 8th Grade Art
Ms. Kiley
Wednesdays
Room 122
Art club for 7th and 8th grade Artists will be an opportunity for serious artists who want to focus on Community Art. We will be doing school and town wide group displays to beautify our space as well as connect with many who visit our school and other areas in town. * Limited to 20 students.
Art Club for Performance Music Students- Grades 5 & 6
Ms. Mayer
Tuesday
Art Room 120
Do you love Art and are unable to attend due to Band, Orchestra and Chorus? Come join us in art club and explore techniques in various mediums including drawing, collage, origami, painting, sculpture, fibers, printmaking and more! * Limited to 20 Students.
5th and 6th Grade Student Council
Ms. Dussourd/Ms. Lanouette
Library
Meetings will take place on Tuesday Mornings at 7:30
Students will meet weekly to plan spirit days, general school activities and assist teachers/other clubs as needed. Mr. McPhee and Mrs. Calobrisi may want to utilize them in other ways as well. In the past students have volunteered at Open House, Family Fun nights sponsored by the PTO and 4th grade School Tours. Student Council members have been an integral part of the McCarthy community, through their volunteer work within our building. The goal is to have an equal number of students from the 5th and 6th grade representing their peers. At least one student from each homeroom is encouraged to participate, however, as many students who want to participate will be accepted. Students will be required to participate in at least 4 hours of volunteer time throughout the school year. Examples: (not limited to just these) • Help on Open House to direct parents where to go. • Sell candy/items at events such as the school play and McCarthy Idol. • Volunteer for a time slot at Family Fun nights to help families and the PTO with their events.
7th and 8th Grade Student Council
Ms. Dussourd/Ms. Lanouette
Library
Meetings will take place on Tuesday Mornings at 7:30
Students will meet weekly to plan spirit days, general school activities and assist teachers/other clubs as needed. Mr. McPhee and Mrs. Calobrisi may want to utilize them in other ways as well. In the past students have volunteered at Open House, Family Fun nights sponsored by the PTO and 4th grade School Tours. Student Council members have been an integral part of the McCarthy community, through their volunteer work within our building. The goal is to have an equal number of students from the 7th and 8th grade representing their peers. At least one student from each homeroom is encouraged to participate, however, as many students who want to participate will be accepted. Students will be required to participate in at least 4 hours of volunteer time throughout the school year. Examples: (not limited to just these) • Help on Open House to direct parents where to go. • Sell candy/items at events such as the school play
and McCarthy Idol. • Volunteer for a time slot at Family Fun nights to help families and the PTO with their events.
Cross Country Running Team
Mr. Felzani
Tuesday & Thursday (September – October)
The McCarthy Cross Country Running Team is a group that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the fall. We will be training to compete in several meets this season, in addition to our own “mini marathon”. Races vary from one-two miles. Practices are created to meet the needs of both beginners and more experienced runners. Students must provide their own rides home until late buses start in early October.
Magic the Gathering Club
Mr. Warnock
Room 219
Thursday
Attention all Wizards! Come learn how to play the popular trading card game Magic: the Gathering! In this club, all students, both new and veteran players, will learn how to play the game, socialize in a competitive and respectful manner, and battle against their peers in this fun, friendly, and exciting club! Stop by room 219 and try it out! Grades 6-8
Yearbook
Room 107
Wednesday Mornings 7:30am
The yearbook is a treasured keepsake for all students and staff each year. It is a place to share the marvelous happenings here at McCarthy whether academic, athletic, social, or creative. Meetings will take place in Mrs. Scheinbart's room before school Wednesday at 7:30 AM.
Yearbook is open to all grade levels so please join us.
Stand Up McCarthy (GSA)
Dr. Hanlon
132
Tuesdays
Stand-up McCarthy is a GSA that brings together students to support each other, provide a safe place to socialize, and create a platform to work for LGBTQIA rights. We encourage students to participate in school and community events including Ally Week (a national youth-led effort encouraging students to be allies with the LGBTQIA members of their community in standing against bullying, harassment and name-calling) and Pride Week.
Jazz Band
Mr. Wright
Band Room
Tuesday Grades 6-8
Jazz Band will be a weekly activity held on Tuesday afternoons. This group will focus on the performance, history, and interpretation of jazz music throughout American history. A core component of this group will be improvisation and soloing. There will be a discussion of important people, genres, and events in the history of jazz.
Rehearsals will focus on learning important jazz literature and performing in the style of the era. There will be performances held at both the Winter and Spring McCarthy Band concerts. There will also be a performance with the Parker Middle School and CHS at the Jazz Showcase concert later this spring. Additional performances will depend on community interest.
Any Band instrument can participate in Jazz Band. Additionally, the Jazz Band also includes the following instruments:
- Guitar
- Bass Guitar or Double Bass
- Auxiliary Percussion
This jazz program will continue to be an integral part of the overall music education of our McCarthy students. This group provides extra opportunities for our students to play challenging and diverse musical literature otherwise not offered within the school day.
Track & Field Team
Mr. Felzani
Tuesdays & Thursdays (April-June)
The Track & Field team is a group that meets on Tuesday & Thursdays throughout the Spring. We will be training to compete in several meets this season. Additionally, we are very excited to team up with the Chelmsford High School team and have access to a variety of events. Practices are created to meet the needs of both beginners and more experienced athletes.
Select Chorus
Mrs. Richardson
Wednesdays
Room 127
Select Chorus is an auditioned group of 6th -8th grade singers wanting an extra musical experience beyond classroom performing groups. This group will learn a moderate to difficult level of music, perform at both choruses. Select Chorus has been selected and started Sep. 28th
Festival Band/ATWE
Mr. Wright
Band Room
Wednesday Evening 6-8
The CPS All Town Wind Ensemble (ATWE) is a group made up of volunteer students in grades 6-12 from McCarthy, Parker, and Chelmsford High School. It is an advanced ensemble and performs high school level repertoire. Older students’ mentor younger members and everyone’s musicianship improves! Members of the program must be enrolled in their respective ensemble programs during the school day.
The ensemble meets on Wednesday evenings from 6-8PM in the McCarthy Band Room. ATWE performs throughout the school year, and major performances take place in December and May. Field trips, clinics, and enrichment performances do come up. Travel will be communicated with ample notice.
Achievements: 2022 MICCA Silver Medal Rating, 2019 Silver Medal Rating
2018: Carnegie Hall Debut, MICCA Gold Medal Rating, Mechanics Hall Gold Medal Showcase Concert, Performance at Fenway Park
2017: MICCA Silver Medal Rating, Performance at Fenway Park, Clinic at The Boston Conservatory
2016: MICCA Bronze Medal Rating, Performance at Fenway Park
2015: MICCA Silver Medal Rating
2014: MICCA Silver Medal Rating
American Sign language
Ms. Fitzsimmons
Tuesdays Bi-weekly (starts 10/11) Virtual
American Sign Language club brings awareness about the Deaf culture while teaching ASL to the students of the Chelmsford community. We spend time learning the basics of the language through games, activities and learning how to sign songs. https://classroom.google.com/c/MjA5MjE3MDU3MzEz?cjc=yqtuwha
https://meet.google.com/uap-oqyo-nzr?hs=179
Festival Orchestra
Mr. Miller
Room 124
Wednesdays
The McCarthy Festival Orchestra is open to any 6th -8th grade orchestra student (or 5th grade orchestra student with previous experience). This ensemble will meet weekly on Wednesdays and will rehearse additional music to prepare for concerts, community outreach performances, and festival auditions.
Writers Society
Ms. McMahon
Room 222
Thursdays
Writers in grades 5-8, you are welcome to attend McCarthy’s Writers Society! No matter your writing level, room 222 is the place for you. You can write poems, riddles or word puzzles for others to solve, type epic stories, or conduct research and create an article. The choices are limitless. Each week mini lessons are designed to suit your writing needs and desires. Do you need to add details to your writing? Maybe you need help getting started, or you simply want a place to write with friends. Join Writers Society on Thursdays in Ms. McMahon’s room 222. Happy Writing!
Newspaper Club
Ms. Lanouette
Room 112
Wednesdays
Grade 7/8 Newspaper Club will create a monthly “newspaper” to distribute via homeroom to students in grade 7 and 8. Students who participate will be responsible for brainstorming newspaper topic ideas or themes relevant to their age level as well as writing articles, providing visuals, and editing newspaper content.
Backstage Crew
Ms. Mayer
Auditorium
Wednesday
This is for students interested in building sets and props for our school musical. We will meet every Wednesday from 2:45-3:45 up until tech Week (2 weeks before the show), when we will work every day after school until 5:30.
Live Smart
Ms. Lyons
Thursdays *bi-weekly
Room 133
Live Smart is a Health Club! We will complete healthy activities each time we meet! Some examples are: movement activities, social games, and mindfulness practice. We will also explore the idea of supporting a health related “cause” and our planet. Living HEALTHY is living SMART!
Book to Big Screen
Ms. Schroth
Thursdays @ 7:30 AM
Room 216
Ever wonder about the books behind big movies or TV shows like Harry Potter or A series of Unfortunate Events? OR do you love reading and want to see one of your favs on film? In Books to Big Screen, we’ll decide as a group which selections to read from authors like Edgar Allen Poe, J.R.R. Tolkien, and more. Open to 5th-8th graders. *Before school
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction/Yoga
Ms. Ramu
Wednesdays
Library
Breathing exercises (pranayama) are the main components of Yoga. Pranayama decreases stress and increases mindfulness. It positively works on respiratory and nervous systems. The goal of Pranayama is to strengthen the connection between your body and mind. It promotes relaxation and improves focus and control. Sun salutations will bring more strength, flexibility and tone to the body.
Ms. Downing
Room 130
Tuesdays
Cafe
Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a fantasy role playing game (RPG) in which players create characters and embark upon imaginative adventures within a fantasy setting. Together they solve dilemmas, engage in battles, and gather treasure and knowledge. In the process, the characters earn experience points (XP) to rise in levels and become increasingly powerful over a series of separate gaming sessions. Weekly Dungeons and Dragons groups with a small number of students help promote creativity, teamwork, camaraderie, and most of all FUN!