Center Community Chat #26

Dear Center Community,

It was another busy week at Center. We welcomed many guest readers into our school for the annual Community Read In. Thank you to Melissa McCaffrey, the Chelmsford Community Read-In Coordinator, as well as all of the visitors who took time out of their busy schedules to share the importance and love of reading.

A big shout out to Mx. Branco and our fine arts department who worked diligently with our students to display so many creative pieces at the Chelmsford Public Library. It was fun seeing proud students and their families on Wednesday night. Be sure to stop by and be inspired.

4th Grade enjoyed a Sounds Wave enrichment program from the Discovery Museum.

Hope to see many of you at the science fair on Wednesday, March 11th from 6:30-7:30 PM.

******Instrument Test Drive for All Current 4th Grade Students******

Saturday, March 7, 2026 — Chelmsford High School (see flyer below)

Staffing:

• Congratulations & welcome to Mr. Murphy, who joined Center staff as a paraeducator in Ms. Pooley's & Ms. Pierce-Clarkes' classrooms. Mr. Murphy attended Center as a student, and is looking forward to supporting students with their learning.

• A huge welcome to Ms. Rhodes who joined Center School this week. She will be working as a paraeducator and supporting students in our FAC.

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.

• Thank you to all of the parents who have adjusted to pick-up behind the school. We are working to get two lanes of cars in the back (where ever possible). The Chelmsford Police Department is working with us to minimize traffic around the school and on Billerica Road. Students are still getting out in a smooth manner.
• Please be patient and stay attentive in your cars at drop-off & parent pick-up...we have valuable cargo to load and unload!

Looking forward to longer days & warmer weather!

Warm Regards,

Donna & Jenn

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 on MCAS when using this valuable tool. Please press here for more information.

ELA MCAS TESTING:

Grade 3:

Wednesday, April 8th, 3rd Grade – Session 1

Thursday, April 9th, 3rd Grade– Session 2

Grade 4:

Tuesday, April 14th, 4th Grade – Session 1

Wednesday April 15th, 4th Grade– Session 2

Math MCAS TESTING:

Grade 3:

Wednesday May 6th, 3rd Grade– Session 1

Thursday May 7th, 3rd Grade– Session 2

Grade 4:

Wednesday May 13th , 4th Grade – Session 1

Thursday May 14th, 4th Grade – Session 2

Links:

http://i-readycentral.com/familycenter/

https://www.curriculumassociates.com/research-and-efficacy

Get Ahead of the Pollen

Spring is right around the corner, and you know what that means: flowers blooming, grass growing, and—achoo!—pollen everywhere. For kids who deal with seasonal allergies, this time of year can make school tough. Think itchy eyes, runny noses, and that fuzzy, tired feeling that makes it hard to focus in class.

We want all our students to feel well and be ready for learning, which is why I’m sending out this quick tip:

The Secret to Beating Allergies? Start Early!

Many people wait until their child is already sneezing and miserable to start giving them allergy medicine. But here's the game-changer: most allergy specialists recommend starting allergy medication 2-4 weeks before symptoms typically begin...which for most people is NOW.

Think of it like this: your child’s body needs time to build up the defenses against all that incoming pollen. If you wait until their nose is already running, the allergic reaction is already in full swing, and it takes longer for the medicine to catch up and provide relief.

What to Do Now

1. Check Your Calendar: If your child usually starts getting allergy symptoms in early April, now is the time to start giving them their medication daily.

2. Consult Your Doctor: If you aren't sure which medication is best (oral antihistamines, nasal sprays, etc.), please speak with your pediatrician or pharmacist.

3. Establish a Routine: Make taking the allergy medicine part of their daily routine, just like brushing their teeth, so they don't forget!

Let’s work together to make sure this spring is focused on learning and fun, not on sneezes and sniffles!

Nurse Rose

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.

March

• Tuesday, March 10: Gr 1-4 End of Marking Period

• Wednesday, March 11: Half day/Professional day

• Wednesday, March 11: Staff Appreciation

• Wednesday, March 11: Science Fair 6:30-7:30

• Monday, March 16: Para meeting (2) 9:15 - 10:15am

• Wednesday, March 18: 7pm PTO meeting

• Friday, March 20: Gr 1-4 Teacher deadline for posting grades

• Friday, March 20: Chelmsford Pride wear day

• Wednesday, March 25: Gr 1-4 Grades available online for Parents

• Wednesday, March 25; One Center, One Community

April

• Wednesday, April 1: Para-Educator Appreciation day

• Thursday, April 2: World Autism Day

• Friday, April 3: School Librarian Appreciation day

• Monday, April 6: Assistant Principal Appreciation Day

• Monday, April 6: Be Kind, Wear Kind

• Tuesday, April 7: Staff Appreciation Day

• Tuesday, April 7: ½ Day Professional day

• Wednesday, April 8: Gr 3 ELA MCAS

• Thursday, April 9: Gr 3 ELA MCAS

• Wednesday, April 14: Gr 4 ELA MCAS

• Thursday, April 15: Gr 4 ELA MCAS

• Friday, April 17: Chelmsford Spirit Day

• April 20 - 24: April Recess

• Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day

• Tuesday, April 28: Bus Driver Appreciation day

• Wednesday, April 29: Administrative Assistants day

• Wednesday, April 29: 4th Grade Ziti Supper (3 seatings) 4:15-8:00

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.

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.