CPS Superintendent's Update
PERSEVERANCE * RESPECT * INTEGRITY * DEDICATION * EMPATHY
Superintendent's Update - 1.26.2024
Dear CPS Community,
I hope you have been navigating the ups and downs of the weather – we have certainly seen several elements this week. On the positive note, the beautiful landscape that comes with the snow fall has been amazing to view and warmer weather has allowed for enjoying refreshing breezes and a little more time outdoors. Thankfully, we are not experiencing the devastating floods in our area that other parts of the country are witnessing. Adaptability is key to navigating the dynamic nature of weather. Hold tight, spring is only 53 days away!
During these winter months, cold and flu season is in full swing. While there is never a guarantee you will not get a cold or the flu, you can take precautions to lower your child's risk of getting sick. To protect your child from illness, follow these tips from the CPS Health Services Department to keep healthy this winter:
1. Get Them Vaccinated
One of the first things you can do to keep kids healthy this winter is to get them vaccinated against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone over 6 months old get the yearly flu vaccine. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about their recommendation for your child. The CDC also recommends COVID-19 vaccines for most teens and children over the age of five. If you have questions or concerns about having your child vaccinated against COVID-19, please talk to their pediatrician. They can give you facts on the vaccine and how your child can benefit from vaccination.
2. Teach Them Good Hand Hygiene
After vaccination, hand washing might be the best defense against getting sick from bacteria or viruses. Keep reminding them to wash their hands before and after eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing. The CDC recommends a five-step hand washing process for both children and adults:
- Wet hands with clean running water and apply soap.
- Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Make sure to get the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails.
- Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds. You can time this with a song your child knows. For example, signing the traditional “Happy Birthday” song twice in a row is about 20 seconds.
- Rinse hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry hands using a clean towel.
3. Limit the Spread of Germs – Cough and Sneeze Etiquette
Teach your child to cover their coughs and sneezes. The best practice is to cover the mouth and nose with a tissue. If they have to sneeze or cough, encourage them to keep tissues with them for this purpose. Also, make sure they wash their hands afterward. If they don’t have a tissue, sneezing or coughing into their sleeve at the elbow will do in a pinch.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water each day boosts your immune system and helps fight viruses. Consider sending your child with their own reusable water bottle to school each day.
5. Make Sure They Get Enough Rest
Getting sufficient sleep is important for keeping kids healthy all year, but it is especially important when they are more likely to encounter germs that can make them sick. Being well-rested is good for immunity.
6. Prioritize Nutrition
Another way to keep kids healthy this winter is to feed them a well-balanced diet. This will help keep their bodies running on good fuel and boost immunity.
7. Keep your Child Home if Not Feeling Well!
If your child is not feeling well, please keep them at home. If they have COVID-19 or flu symptoms, call your healthcare provider for recommendations on illness care and testing.
As a reminder, Kindergarten Registration is next week on Tuesday the 30th and Wednesday the 31st. If you have not reserved an appointment for your incoming kindergartener, please do so. Also, I will be holding a community coffee on Wednesday, January 31st at 8:00 a.m. at the Java Room. If available, please stop by to learn more about CPS or to just say, “hello”. I look forward to seeing you there.
Next week, we welcome the month of February. Be sure to turn your calendars over mid-week so you don’t miss any exciting events including the McCarthy Drama Club production of the Lion King Jr. on February 2nd and 3rd. You can get your tickets using the following link. I hope you enjoy the show!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Yours truly,
Jay Lang, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
- Athletics Schedule
- Kindergarten Registration, 1/30 & 1/31, Scheduled Appointment Times
- Community Coffee with Dr. Lang, 1/31, 8:00 a.m.
- Lion King Jr. Play, 2/2 & 2/3, 7:00 p.m.
- In Tune (Presented by LiME Club) 2/2, 7:00 p.m.
Today's History
Welcome To Our CHS International TEA Fellows
SEPAC And District Workshop
Special Education Basic RIghts Workshop
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and the CPS District is hosting the Basic Rights Workshop on February 1, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is a virtual even and will be facilitated by the Federation for Children with Special Needs. Please use the following link to register for this event. Once registered, you will recieve an email with the workshop link. For more information, please see the event flyer. We look forward to you joining us.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration 2024/25 School Year
Kindergarten registration begins this month for the 2024/25 school year on Tuesday, January 30th and Wednesday, January 31st. Registration is by appointment only using the following link. Anyone registering will be contacted to confirm the date and time to come to our Central Administration Building located at 230 North Road to meet with a secretary from your child’s designated elementary school to complete the registration process. Additional information about required paperwork for this appointment may be found here. Please spread the word to any family, friends, and neighbors that may have a kindergarten-aged child entering the school district for the first time.
McCarthy MS Drama Club Presents....
The Lion King Jr. At McCarthy Middle School
Tickets are now on sale for McCarthy Middle School's production of The Lion King Jr. Come join the incredibly talented cast and crew at the McCarthy Auditorium on Friday, February 2nd and Saturday, February 3rd. Please use the following link to purchase your tickets today. General Admissions will be $10. Simba just can't WAIT to be king...or see YOU there!
Thank you for supporting the McCarthy Middle School Drama Club!
Byam, South Row Take On The Great Kindness Challenge
Compliment five people. Entertain someone with a happy dance. Lend a pencil to a classmate. Play with someone new at recess. Thank the bus or drop-off driver. Those are just some of the kind deeds on the checklists that students at Byam and South Row Elementary Schools were challenged to perform as part of the 13th Annual Great Kindness Challenge, a weeklong initiative to spread kindness around the world. “We have second graders through fourth graders doing a checklist of 50 kind acts,” said Betsy Dolan, Assistant Principal at Byam. “Our kindergartners and first graders have a smaller list to make it a little bit more attainable.” Once a student at Byam completes the checklist, they turn it into their teacher, who then places them all in a box in the office. “Every morning, we announce how many we’ve had completed in the building,” Ms. Dolan said. “We challenge the whole building to complete as many of the checklists as possible.” Both Byam and South Row already have cultures that embrace and prioritize kindness; the Great Kindness Challenge amplifies that mission.
Officer Ozzie Time at Parker Middle School
Massachusetts Music Educators Association All State Festival
CHS Students Selected For MMEA All State Festival
Three CHS students who have been selected for this year's Massachusetts Music Educators Association All State Festival, including one student who is FIRST CHAIR for his instrument! This is exciting opportunity for these young musicians as they rehearse with peers from across the state, learn from world-class conductors, and perform at Boston's Symphony Hall on Saturday March 23! Thank yous are in order to our amazing HS music team for facilitating these students' auditions and festival registration, and for all they do to support our students' development as musicians and leaders!
Congratulations to the following students on this impressive accomplishment:
Ryan Blaine, French Horn (Band - Teacher Matt Sexauer) First Chair
Adam Pinto, Tenor (Chorus - Teacher Amanda Roeder)
Jack Tallent, Tuba (Band - Teacher Matt Sexauer)
Gr. 4 Students Learn About Light and Sound at Center School
CHS Dual Enrollment Course Sign-Up - DUE FEBRUARY 2ND
Chelmsford High School Dual Enrollment
Chelmsford High School is offering a number of dual enrollment sections this semester. If a student is beginning a dual enrollment course on Monday they must complete the following required forms.
ALL FORMS ARE ACCESSED THROUGH YOUR DUAL ENROLLMENT CLASSROOM TEACHER
1. Complete the MCC DE Application form (for any student who has NOT previously taken Dual Enrollment).
2. Complete the MCC Registration form (all students must complete this form)
3. Complete the CHS dual enrollment registration google form (this needs to be complete per dual enrollment course a student is taking)
3. Provide completed forms to your Guidance Counselor and request their signatures and a copy of your high school transcript (please provide them with at least 2 days to complete)
4. Turn in completed forms and transcript to Ms. Cunningham in the Career and College Readiness Center no later than Friday, February 2, 2024, for Spring Semester DE Courses.
The Middlesex Community College (MCC) Dual Enrollment per credit rate is $126. Most classes are 3-4 credits. Bills are sent directly from MCC in late October. Please see the CHS website for more information - Dual Enrollment at CHS
Chelmsford High School Innovation Pathway Presentation
CHS Science National Honors Students Clean-up Science Pond
Harrington School "Fun"draiser - Video: Tape Mr. A to the Wall
Mental Health Seminar
Cartwheel Seminar - OCD and Tic Disorders
Tics can be the tip of the iceberg of other co-occuring conditions (including OCD, anxiety, and ADHD) that may affect children’s ability to live to their full potential. Join Cartwheel and Erica Greenberg, MD to learn how OCD and tic disorders present in youth, how symptoms can be impairing (or not), how to seek professional help, and best practices for treatment.
Can't make it? Register and we will be sure to email you a recording of the session.
This virtual event is part of Cartwheel's free webinar series for parents, caregivers, and school staff in our community. Please feel free to share this email broadly and access English, Spanish, and Portuguese flyers here.
CHS Scholarship Information
Attention Seniors - Scholarship Opportunities
The CHS School Counseling Department would like to send a friendly reminder to seniors and the families of seniors about the importance of scholarships. Town of Chelmsford Scholarships and the are still available. The deadline is March 15th. For more information, including application deadlines, please refer to the handout provided; it contains all the necessary details to help you navigate the application process smoothly. Remember, scholarships can make a significant difference in your educational journey! Please take advantage of the opportunity to apply, and don't hesitate to reach out to your school counselor for support.
Class of 2025 Craft Fair
Chelmsford High School Class of '25 Craft Fair
Mark your calendars for an event that you won't want to miss! Join us at the CHS Class of 2025 Craft Fair on Sunday, February 4th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chelmsford High School.
This event will feature over 125 local artisans. From beautifully framed paintings to resin art, charcuterie boards to stylish totes, and stunning stained glass to intricate crochet work, there will be something for everyone's taste. You'll also find artisan jewelry, trendy clothing and tumblers, intricate beadwork, a selection of books, exquisite pottery, products for your pet, a bake sale, face painting, and so much more. The funds raised during this event will benefit the Class as they prepare for memorable occasions like Cotillion, prom, and Senior Week. So, gather your friends and family, and join us at the CHS Class of 2025 Craft Fair on Sunday, February 4th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chelmsford High School. We look forward to seeing you there!
Calling All Crafters
McCarthy and Parker PTO Event
Chelmsford Middle Schools Family Night Event At Fenway
Make plans to celebrate the end of the school year: Take the family out to the ballgame! Your kids can join fellow students from both McCarthy and Parker to enjoy watching the Boston Red Sox play the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, May 30th at 7:10pm. Tickets are $40 per person with a portion of the proceeds benefiting both PTOs. Tickets are expected to sell out like last year so act fast to get in on the action! See the directions to get your tickets for this event.
Go to: https://givebutter.com/gMsmi9 to place your order.
Or, use the QR code below on the attached flyer.
Print out our flyer as your reminder!
NOTE: Tickets will be emailed to your MLB app directly in May!
CPS Community Coffee with Dr. Lang
Employment Opportunities
We're Hiring
Chelmsford Community Education is seeking a long-term substitute childcare supervisor. To learn more and apply, please see the job posting using the following link.
DESE Public Service Announcement on School Attendance
School Attendance Resources
School Calendar
Lunch Menus
Free and Reduce Lunch Application
Purchase Athletic Event Tickets Here
Purchase Tickets to CHS Athletic Events
Chelmsford High School has a cashless system for admittance to its regular season home athletic events. To get your tickets, CHS has partnered with GoFan.co, a digital, cashless ticketing app used by more than 10,000 schools, for fast and convenient payments for regular season home games. CHS fans are encouraged to download the GoFan app. For Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association postseason tournaments, the MIAA also utilizes GoFan.co as its own ticketing system. Visit the MIAA Ticket Information page.
Care Solace Mental Health Providers
CHELMSFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS MISSION
The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners who PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential.
Chelmsford Public Schools
Email: information@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Website: https://chelmsfordschools.org
Location: 230 North Road, Chelmsford, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 251-5100
Facebook: facebook.com/chelmsfordpublicschools
Twitter: @ChelmsfordPS