Center Community Chat #18

Dear Center Community,

This week has been a fun-filled week as students explored holidays and traditions from around the world while learning about the wonders of winter. It was a pleasure to see their excitement and creativity throughout the activities. We have 2 more days before the winter break, but want to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year filled with joy and health. School will resume on Monday, January 5th, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for more learning and adventures in the new year!

Center Chirps:

• Students will be going out for recess if the real feel temperature is 20 degrees or warmer and it is not raining (snow or a slight drizzle are fine)during your students' recess time slot. Please make sure they have appropriate outerwear. If this is a hardship, please reach out to our counselor or nurse.
• Please note at morning drop off we may create 2 rows in our lower drop-off area to alleviate congestion. When forming 2 rows, please wait for an adult to allow students out of cars and move traffic along.
• Save the date- January 13th, Sam Drazin from Changing Perspectives will present to parents. Time and location to be shared shortly.

Happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year.

Warm Regards,

Donna & Jenn

Please find the CPS academic calendar below.

Please note that parents/adults are not allowed to escort their child(ren) to their classroom on school days. Staff members will be in the main lobby to assist all students and guide them to their classrooms. We appreciate your assistance with this.

This year Massachusetts is offering all school lunch and breakfast at no charge to students. This does not automatically make families eligible for any other benefits. We strongly encourage families that feel they are eligible for transportation or extended day reduced tuition to fill out the online free and reduced meal application. The links can be found below. https://cpsnutrition.com/index.php?sid=1478035692058&page=lunchapps

If you do qualify for benefits you most likely will be eligible for SNAP benefits. https://www.mass.gov/snap-benefits-formerly-food-stamps

Some examples of SNAP benefits are discounts on gas, electric utilities and internet services.

Please visit our school nutrition website at https://cpsnutrition.com/index.php?sid=1478035692058 for more information about our program and also a link to the free and reduced lunch application.

Bus Safety:

Parents and caregivers, please support our bus drivers and reinforce expectations for bus safety. Administration has been actively working with NRT and riding buses to reinforce expectations with all students. The link below reviews expectations that are reviewed with all students. Thank you for your continued collaboration.

December:

• Winter Recess: December 24 - January 4, 2026

January

• Monday, January 5: Be Kind Spirit Wear day

• Tuesday, January 13: Half day/Professional day

• Tuesday, January 13: Changing Perspectives- Parent Presentation

• Wednesday, January 14: Team Leader Meeting - Conference room 8:00am

• Thursday, January 15: Enrichment w/ Sam Drazin - Changing Perspectives

• Friday, January 16: Show your Chelmsford Pride day

• Monday, January 19: No School- Martin Luther King, Jr. day

• Tuesday, January 20: Dine to Donate - The Establishment

• Wednesday, January 21: K - Grades available online for Parents

• Wednesday, January 21: PTO 7:00 pm

• Thursday, January 22: staff appreciation- restock the classroom

Center is not only a wonderful place to attend and learn but also a wonderful place to work, as many of our parents/grandparents can attest to.

We are currently in search of an amazing recess aide. The job entails supervising large groups of students during recess & lunch. Any interested candidates should apply on School Spring! Please see the link below!

Substitutes in all areas are always in high demand. Please look at the CPS district website if interested.

The first Monday of the month will be a "Let Your Kind Shine" spirit day. You are invited to wear tops that promote kindness.

The third Friday of the month is Chelmsford/Center Pride spirit day. Sport our district colors, maroon, white, and black.

* Dates may be adjusted due to holidays or breaks. Please look at the weekly calendar of events for specific dates.

A picture speaks a thousand words as they say, and we love to include these in our weekly updates and on the website through our Twitter feed. Please let email Ms. O’Hearn at ohearnc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us. if you do not want your child’s picture included in these forums.