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This Week at CGS - Week of October 19–23, 2026
A Message from Principal Frier
Happy Monday, CGS families!
We packed a lot into a short week at CGS. We welcomed Senator Pavel Payano into several of our classrooms, celebrated students across the Upper School through our BEST Awards, and saw plenty of great learning happening throughout the building.
A huge thank you to our students and staff for once again representing CGS so well for our visitors. Senator Payano left incredibly impressed by our students, our teachers, and the community he experienced here.
We have another busy week ahead, including two half days for Parent Conferences and our PTO Trunk or Treat on Friday night. Please take a look through everything below, as there is quite a bit happening at CGS and across Methuen!
CGS is the BEST!
Dr. James S. Frier
Interim Supervising Principal
Comprehensive Grammar School
Dates to Keep Handy
🏛️ Senator Payano Visits CGS
We were excited to welcome Senator Pavel Payano to CGS last week!
During his visit, Senator Payano spent time with our Grade 8 Civics students in Mr. Mandly’s classroom before visiting Mrs. Mandly’s Grade 3 class and Mrs. Rojas’s Kindergarten EXCEL classroom for read-alouds, questions, and conversation.
Our students were curious, thoughtful, and incredibly welcoming. Thank you to Ian Mandly, Rebecca Mandly, and Dayanna Rojas and their students for opening their classrooms on short notice and giving our visitor such a great look at what makes CGS special.
Senator Payano represents Methuen as part of the First Essex District.
🏆 Celebrating Our BEST!
This week, we celebrated students in Grades 5–8 through our first round of BEST Awards!
These celebrations are a chance to recognize students who are making a positive impact on their classrooms and our school community. Congratulations to all of our students who were recognized, and thank you to the families who joined us in celebrating them!
Parent Conferences This Week
A reminder that Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23 are half days for students as we hold Parent Conferences.
Teachers will communicate individual conference information and scheduling details with families. We look forward to having the opportunity to connect with you about your child’s progress and the year ahead.
🎃 Trunk or Treat is Friday!
The CGS PTO Trunk or Treat is almost here!
Join us on Friday, October 23 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. for a fun evening with our CGS community.
The PTO is also accepting candy donations for the event. Donations can be sent in with students or dropped off at the CGS Main Office.
The PTO is still looking for families interested in decorating trunks and helping with the event. Thank you to everyone who is helping make this a great night for our students!
🌎 CGS Green Team
Our CGS Green Team is up and running and looking for more Upper School students who are interested in helping make CGS and our community a little greener!
Students can join the Green Team Google Classroom using code:
puohuwoq
The team is also hoping to organize a school yard cleanup on Saturday, October 24. More information will be shared with participating students as plans are finalized.
🥫 Help Support the CGS Food Drive
As we move toward the holiday season, we know that some of our students and families may need additional support accessing nutritious meals.
CGS is collecting food to support students and families through our Backpack Program. All brands are welcome, and donations can be sent in with your student or brought directly to the CGS Main Office.
Families who would rather donate online can shop directly from our Amazon Wish List.
If your family could benefit from discreet food support through the Backpack Program, please reach out to a member of our CGS counseling team or contact the Main Office. We are here to help.
📚 Save the Date: Family Literacy Night
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 10 for MPS Family Literacy Night!
More information will be coming soon, but we wanted CGS families to have the date on their calendars.
💙 Help Build the Methuen Education Foundation!
Methuen Public Schools is seeking community members interested in helping guide the planning and launch of the new Methuen Education Foundation.
The Foundation will serve as a nonprofit organization focused on creating new opportunities to support innovation, enrichment, and excellence across Methuen Public Schools.
The district is building a diverse Steering Committee of people who care deeply about Methuen’s students, schools, and community and can help shape the Foundation’s vision, structure, and long-term success.
Interested community members should complete the Steering Committee Interest Form by November 13, 2026.
Questions can be directed to Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Brian Marques at bnmarques@methuen.k12.ma.us.
🍽️ PTO Dine to Donate
Save the date for the next CGS PTO Dine to Donate!
Wednesday, October 28
3:00–9:00 p.m.
Texas Roadhouse
More information will be shared by the PTO.
📸 Picture Retake Day - October 26
CGS Picture Retake Day will take place on Monday, October 26.
This will provide another opportunity for students who were absent on Picture Day or who need a new photo.
Stay Up to Date with CGS Events
The CGS Events Calendar has received a ton of updates over the past week, so please take a moment to review everything that is coming up!
View the CGS Events 2026–2027 Calendar
We’ll continue updating it as additional dates and details are confirmed.