CPS Superintendent's Update

Dear CPS Community,

As we close out this week and prepare for the next, Monday will mark the 40th day of school and the last day of October, bringing us to the cusp of completing the first quarter of the school year and transition into November. There is excitement for students this time of year including the start of afterschool activities for middle and high school students, preparation for the high school musical, and how can we forget the excitement around celebrating Halloween on the 31st! It is important to remember that along with these exciting events, there is also much anticipation around term grades and the conclusion to fall activities for many students. As we flip the calendar to November, this is a time for transition into new activities for students. Please take time to talk with your children about what activities give them purpose and joy while also exploring what apprehensions they may have as we continue through this first part of the school year. I am always impressed at the many topics and thoughtful comments students articulate when provided the opportunity to express their thoughts on matters with trusted adults that affect them both in and out of school.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) – Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) conducts program reviews for all public and charter schools in the Commonwealth to ensure school programming meets the regulations and requirements set forth by the department. Through this process, district/charter schools are reviewed every three years through Tiered Focused Monitoring (TFM). During the week of January 2, 2023, the DESEs PSM will conduct a TFM review of Chelmsford Public Schools. In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process through a survey for all interested parents of students with disabilities. Please see the official announcement of this upcoming review with more information on the monitoring process.

There have been some fantastic weather days for the many outdoor events held this past week. I was fortunate to be able to catch the CHS football game and attend the Center School Trunk-or-Treat event, Harrington and Parker Battle of the Boos, the Byam Boo Bash, and the Parker Middle School Pizza, Pumpkin, and Paperbacks events. The creativity of the many decorations and pumpkin carvings were truly amazing. Such thought and talent were highlighted for all to enjoy. Participating in these types of events provides an opportunity to see students outside of an academic environment and provides wonderful memories for years to come. I am thankful to all our PTOs, staff, and administrators that coordinate these occasions for students and families. I hope you enjoy seeing some of the photos and videos from the events below.

I wish you a wonderful weekend, and if you are celebrating Halloween on Monday, please be safe, smart, and polite when visiting homes for treats.

Yours truly,

Jay Lang, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

• View complete athletics schedules here

• CHS Lime Club Trunk or Treat, 10/30, 10:00 a.m.

• School Committee Meeting, 11/1, 6:00 p.m.

• SATs, 11/5, 8:30 a.m.

Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for the month of October, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray. Seniors Hope Hebert and Joseph Mitri were named from the Emerson House while Kaitlyn Kaminuma and Remoré Serra were honored from the Hawthorne House, and Jared Guerin and Clara Wong from the Whittier House. Sponsored by the Chelmsford Rotary Club for more than 30 years, the Student of the Month program recognizes outstanding students from each of CHS’s three academic houses – Emerson House, Hawthorne House, and Whittier House – for their achievements in and out of the classroom. For more information about our CHS students of the month, please visit our website.

Clothes for Colombia may be a two-person operation, but its contributions will outfit many. Every year when Isabella Madrid’s family visits the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia, they cram a suitcase full of gently worn clothing, shoes, and toys. For years, Ms. Madrid’s maternal grandmother has been collecting and donating clothing and shoes to families in nearby villages. It is only fitting that she has a friendship and partnership with senior Haniya Rizwan, who, coincidentally, has long collected shoes. Over the summer, the two got talking and decided to join forces for the people in Bucaramanga who could use a few more clothes. To read more about the Bucaramanga 'Clothes for Columbia' project and how you can donate, please visit our website.

Stringfest event at McCarthy for students in grade 5-12 orchestra classes was held this past week. Students participated in master classes with professionals in the field and then heard a performance by a Celtic fiddle group. It was a fantastic event and was organized by orchestra teachers Luke Miller, Kate Comeau, and Lisa Tiano and funded by Chelmsford Friends of Music, the Parker PTO, and the McCarthy PTO.

Scarecrow Festival - Chelmsford Land Conservation Trust

Scarecrows are starting to be put on display now at Bartlett Park behind the library and people can take a look any time. Friday night, 10/28, the Land Trust will illuminate the park so it looks especially fun. On Sunday, 10/30, people are invited to stop by to vote for their favorite scarecrows that have been created by Chelmsford families and organizations.

Pumpkin Armada - Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship

Saturday, October 29

5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (or so)

Heart Pond, Pond Street, Chelmsford

Families are invited to bring their own carved pumpkin (6" to 8" in diameter) to float on Heart Pond for an eerie, illuminated display on the water. Jack-o-lanterns will be placed on an individual float with a candle and placed in the water at sundown. Participants are encouraged to wear a Halloween costume. Candy bags are provided to kids while supplies last. The event is FREE!! (Jack-o-lanterns will be removed from the water the following day to have on display at the Scarecrow Festival.)

Day Before Thanksgiving Walk - Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship

Wednesday, November 23

2 p.m.

Thanksgiving Forest, Janet Road, Chelmsford

Gather at the Janet Road entrance to Thanksgiving Forest and dress warmly! Enjoy a walk through the woods and gather by the rocks for a fire, hot chocolate, and cookies courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 74, and a little history as provided by local historian Fred Merriman! This event is free and open to everyone (including dogs on leashes who also get treats!) Please join the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship for this annual tradition! It's a great way to take a break from all the Thanksgiving prep! For a shorter walk to the rocks, enter at Gary Road. For more information please visit our Facebook Page. www.Facebook.com/ChelmsfordOSS

Chelmsford Public Schools has partnered with Paper to provide unlimited access to trained tutors so every student can ask questions, work through problems, and grow their confidence—at no cost to families.

Paper is an online, on-demand tutoring service that provides students with unlimited, 24/7 academic support. Whether they’re stuck on homework, studying for a test, or need someone to read and make suggestions for their writing, there will always be experts available online to assist students one-on-one in all subject areas and in more than four languages. See Paper FAQs to learn more.

Please use the following link to access the K-12 CPS Family and Student Handbook and CHS Handbook Addendum for the 2022/23 School Year.

The CPS Health Services Department is committed to providing evidence-based/ best practice holistic nursing care to the unique, culturally diverse students of Chelmsford Public Schools. In collaboration with all stakeholders, we advocate for their safety and healthcare needs. We are dedicated professionals who are committed to bridging health care with education and making a positive impact on the present and future wellness of Chelmsford’s school community. Please visit the Health Services page on the website for all your health services needs.

The Chelmsford Public Schools utilizes School Spring to advertise job postings and the online application process. To apply for any of our positions, please visit our website.

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.

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