Center Community Chat
April 2, 2023
Dear Center Community,
There is never a loss of things to share in these updates, whether it be enrichment, family events, celebrations, or simply engaging learning happening in the classrooms. It is evidence of the vibrant learning community we are so lucky to be a part of.
A huge shout out to Donna Omobono, who is a key contributor to the positive culture at Center. She is always there with a hug, smile, and words of encouragement for our students, expert guidance and suggestions for educators, and partners with parents and staff to meet the needs of our students. Be sure to extend your thanks to her during Assistant Principal Appreciation Week.
Light it up Blue
In addition to teaching academics we support our students to recognize, appreciate and celebrate our similarities and differences. On Tuesday, students and staff are encouraged to wear blue for LIght it up Blue, Autism Awareness Day. 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with Autism. Students with autism may have difficulties with social interactions, verbal or non-verbal communication or exhibit repetitive behaviors. To quote Dr. Shore, "If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism." Every individual diagnosed with autism is unique. If you are looking for a way to explain autism to your child(ren) please check out the video below..
Ziti Supper Ticket holder Reminders
Thank you for supporting the 2023 Ziti Supper! As a reminder, the Ziti Supper will be held on Monday, 4/3. Our 4th graders are looking forward to serving the sell out crowd!
Please plan to arrive approximately 10 minutes before your Ziti Seating. Please remember to bring your tickets with you when you arrive for your seating as they will be collected at the door.
We can't wait for Monday night!
Let me know if you have any questions 🙂
Thanks!
Colleen
Outside of School Music Education
Please click here to view Mr. McGillicuddy’s recent communication regarding Music Education opportunities students can participate in.
Reach out to Mr. McGillicuddy if you have questions or would like help getting involved.
mcgillicuddyc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Staff Update
Many thanks to Steven Collins for filling in for Sarah Stuart (Welcome back, Ms. Stuart.). He made wonderful connections with our 4th grade students and hope to see him more at Center through the end of the year in other roles.
Chris Paniello is returning to her role as lunch and recess aide, welcome back Chris.
Dismissal Reminder
A reminder, please alert the office regarding changes to dismissal plans no later than 2:30. We will not dismiss students from the office after 2:40, caretakers will need to wait and pick up students at the regular dismissal time. This is the busiest time of day in the office and we need to ensure that all 500 students are dismissed safely and to the right location.
MCAS
Next week we will begin MCAS. Please check out Ms. Lallas's tips and strategies to ensure student success and reduced stress during this period.
Warm Regards,
Dianna and Donna
We Really Do Need You to Join the PTO Board
We need to fill key roles on the PTO Board, in order to continue offering our students and staff the enrichment programs and shows of appreciation they deserve. Without volunteers for the Board and other programs, we will have to cut back on programs offered.
SO, to that-- if you're interested in getting more involved in the enrichment, appreciation and community event decisions offered to the Center students and community, we're seeking a co-VP and co-Treasurer roles, as well as shadows for our Secretary and Enrichment positions. Read more about these roles, or email us at pto.center@gmail.com.
The deadline to express interest / intent for a 2023-24 Board position will be May 5, 2023. Candidates will be voted on and sworn in at the May 17th PTO meeting
Good Things
Students caught showing their PRIDE and kindness
Bus, pick-up, and hall monitors coming to Center!
Signs of spring and symmetry in art
Learning some great skills to take outside and have fun in the sun
Science Friday in 1D
Upcoming Events
APRIL
Sunday, April 2: World Autism Awareness Day- Light it up Blue on Monday, April 3th
Monday, April 3: Kindness spirit wear day
Monday, April 3: Ziti Supper 3:30pm
April 3-7: Assistant Principal AppreciationWeek
Tuesday, April 4: Half Day Professional Day
Wednesday, April 5: Paraprofessional appreciation day
Thursday: April 6: CSPTO Co-Pres Meeting 9:30am
Friday, April 7: No School
Monday, April 10:Grade 3 ELA MCAS
Tuesday, April 11: Grade 3 ELA MCAS
Wednesday, April 12: Grade 4 ELA MCAS
Thursday, April 13: Grade 4 ELA MCAS
Thursday, April 13: Gr K Enrichment - Curious Creatures (cafeteria)
Friday, April 14: Gr K Enrichment - Curious Creatures (Cafeteria)
Friday, April 14: Chelmsford Pride Spirit day
April 17 - 21: April Recess
Wednesday, April 26: National Administrative professionals day
MAY
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month
May 1-5: Teacher Appreciation week
Monday, May 1: Kindness spirit day
Tuesday May 2: Principal Appreciation Day
Tuesday, May 2: Roller Kingdom family event, 6-8
May 3 - 7: Staff Appreciation
Wednesday, May 10: School Nurse appreciation day
Wednesday, May 10: Kindergarten Parent Orientation 6:30 PM in the Center cafeteria
Friday, May 12: PTO Co-Pres Mtg 9:30 - 10:15 am
Monday, May 15: Grade 4 Math MCAS -S1
Tuesday, May 16: Grade 4 Math MCAS - S2
Wednesday, May 17: Grade 3 Math MCAS- S1
Thursday, May 18: Grade 3 Math MCAS - S2
Wednesday, May 17: Team Leader Meeting, 8-8:45
Wednesday, May 17: CSPTO Meeting, 7PM at Center Library
Wednesday, May 17: Plantmobile Enrichment- 2nd grade
Friday, May 19: Chelmsford Pride Spirit day
Monday, May 22: Gr 1 Enrichment - Animal Adventures (Classrooms)
Tuesday, May 23: PBIS Meeting 8:00 am in Room 25
May 22, 24, 25, 26 and 31st- Kindergarten screening
Wednesday, May 24: Culture night
Wednesday, May 24: Gr 2 Enrichment - Plantmobile (classrooms)
Monday, May 29: No School - Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 31: Family Sing-a-long in the gym, 6:30PM
JUNE
Wednesday, June 1: Staff Meeting, 8-8:45
Friday, June 2: PTO Co-Pres Mtg 9:30 - 10:15 am
Friday, June 2: Fire Safe Program , K-2 times TBD(alternate date Monday, June 5)
Monday, June 5: Kindness spirit wear day
Tuesday, *June 6: Term 3 (Gr K-4) End of marking period
Wednesday, June 7: CSPTO meeting at 7PM in the Center Library
Wednesday, June 7: PTO meeting at Center Library, 7 PM
Thursday, June 8, Field Day
Friday, June 9: Rain Date Field Day
Monday, June 12: 4th grade Finale
Friday, June 16: Chelmsford Pride Spirit day
Friday, *June 16: Term 3 (Gr 1-4) Teacher deadline for posting grades
Wednesday, *June 21: Term 3 (Gr 1-4) Grades available online
Resources
MCAS Dates
Save the dates for MCAS, strategies for preparation (iReady) in the new year for grades 1-4
This year, students across the Commonwealth will be taking The Next- Generation MCAS for our annual standardized state testing. All students in Chelmsford will be taking the computer-based assessment using Chromebooks. Please mark your calendars for the important dates below. We strongly encourage all students to be present and on time these days. If your child is sick, we will have make-up sessions so that they are able to take the assessments when they are able to show their personal best work.
Chelmsford is fortunate to have access to iReady to support student learning. Students have access to this learning tool at home. Please reach out to your teacher if you have difficulty logging on. There is much research to support enhanced student achievement with use of this valuable tool. Please press the buttons below for more information.
*****Students are asked to leave phones and smart watches at home on assessment days.****
ELA:
April 10 & 11- 3rd grade
April 12,&13 - 4th grade
May 15 & 16- 4th grade
May 17, &18- 3rd grade
Change in 2022-2023 School Calendar
The professional development for staff and half-day for students in April will be on the 4th instead of April 13th. Please make note of this. Please press the button below for he adjusted calendar.
Chelmsford SEPAC
Need support in understanding your child's basic rights and the laws that support them?
Looking for parent training on navigating the special education system or supporting your child?
Join the SEPAC. See a link to the SEPAC website below.
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