CPS Superintendent's Update

Dear CPS Community,

“30 days hath September” marks the close to September and our first month of school. Many of you may remember the poem used to help memorize the idiosyncrasies of our yearly Gregorian calendar as a reminder of which months have 30 or 31 days as well as the ever abstract month of February with only 28 days - unless it is a leap year with an extra day making it 29 days! I look forward to welcoming the month of October along with the holidays and festivities it brings.

It was a busy week with our first early release day and the continuation of open houses at our schools as we reconnect with families. I have received wonderful feedback from our parents and guardians about the different presentations and learning experiences afforded to our Chelmsford students. Our program of studies combined with enrichment in our schools is something to be proud of as a district. There is something for all students in our schools whether it be through coursework, the arts, and/or activities, which only helps to connect students to their schools and learning communities. I look forward to a continuation of these connections as the school year progresses.

Next week, we are offering flu clinics for middle and high school students in grades 5 - 12 through our partnership with Remedium Pharmacy in North Chelmsford. These flu clinics will be conducted during the day at the school(s) your child(ren) attends. Please see the message to families and directions in this week's communication to sign your child(ren) up to participate. Students who are not registered for an appointment will not be able to participate on the day of the clinic. Please be sure you have completed all the steps and have received a confirmation e-mail from the pharmacy prior to the October 3rd clinic.

Lastly, we have a limited supply of COVID test kits available for parents/caregivers to pick up in the main office of your child's school. Please pick up a test kit while they are still available. While the COVID-19 virus is still present in our community, we are doing well in our schools and have seen a return to normalcy for the start of the school year. The best way to prevent new variants is to slow the spread of the virus.

Please enjoy this week’s highlights below and remember to turn your calendars to October starting this Saturday, October 1st.

Yours truly,

Jay Lang, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

• View complete athletics schedules here

• Staff Flu Clinics, 10/3 & 10/4, All Day

• School Committee Meeting, 10/4, 6:00 p.m.

• Student Flu Clinic, 10/5, All Day

• Byam BSA Meeting, 10/5, 7:00 p.m.

• SEPAC Meeting, 10/6, 6:30 p.m.

The Chelmsford Public Schools will be offering a Student Flu clinic on Wednesday, October 5th for students in middle and high school. Remedium Pharmacy will be on-site at Chelmsford High School, McCarthy, and Parker Middle Schools to administer flu shots during the school day. This year's flu season is predicted to be more significant than in past years. A decrease in flu cases over the past two years has been attributed to people staying home more, wearing masks, and good hand hygiene. Protect your child and our school community by getting the Flu shot! To ensure an appointment, please sign-up by Monday, October 3rd! Students must pre-register to receive the flu shot. Thank you for keeping our school community safe!

1. Go to www.Remediumrx.net
2. Select the appropriate Green button Chelmsford registration - STUDENT
3. Enter the password "Chelmsford"
4. Select your school and appointment time (be sure to select the Student tab and the school your child attends)

A New England wrestling champion. two theater creatives and the town’s own finance director are among this year’s cohort of Chelmsford High School Hall of Fame success. The Chelmsford High School Alumni Association will honor the group at its annual ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center. To read more about this year's inductees, please visit our website.

Friday’s football game against a rival won’t be just another game for Chelmsford. The clash will mark the 900th game in program history. Lowell will host Chelmsford at 7 p.m. at Cawley Stadium in the milestone game for the Lions. To read more about tonight's game, please visit our website.

Seniors order your yearbook today! Please visit the yearbook website to find out information about photo requirements, pricing, and senior packet details. For questions and issues, contact the yearbook editors at: lionsyearbook2023@gmail.com or our advisors:

• Ben Cole | coleb@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
• Ian Van Blarcom | vanblarcomi@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

NEW! Yearbook+ in 2023

Like last year, the 2023 yearbook will have an interactive experience. Through more advanced technology, Yearbook+ will allow students to see additional pictures by scanning each other’s portraits in the book.

Students and families can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) beginning October 1 for the 2023-2024 school year. Completing a (FAFSA) form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. But, since aid is limited, you have to meet the deadlines.

Attention CHS Alumni and Families:

We’d like to keep closer tabs on what our alumni are doing in college and/or their career:

• Are they playing a sport?

• Did they earn a lead role in a production?

• Did they earn a leadership position in a club?

• Did they join a trade union?

Please let us know what and where by contacting Chris O'Donnell at odonnellc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

The Chelmsford Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC) would like to invite you to their first meeting of the school year. This first meeting will be virtual. Please use the link below to join us online. For more information out the Chelmsford SEPAC, please visit our page on the district website.

SEPAC Meeting
Thu, Oct 6, 2022 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/811518285

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 811-518-285

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