Center Community Chat #14

Dear Center Community,

So proud of our student council for their organization of the food drive for the local food pantry. Our community once again demonstrated their generous spirit and donated an abundance of non-perishable items. THANK YOU!!

Thank you to our volunteers who organized another successful Recycling Day at our Central Administration building last Saturday.

A reminder that Wednesday is an early release day for conferences. Students will be dismissed at 11:45. Please let you teacher(s) know if this results in a change to your students' dismissal plans.

Keeping Restrooms Clean at Center

This week we begin a fun PRIDE challenge. Students in Wings A & B will be urged to show their PRIDE in the restrooms, ensuring they "GO, FLUSH, WASH, and LEAVE" while also making sure trash goes in the can and doors remain unlocked. Random checks will occur throughout the day and a paw print will be posted to the door each time there is evidence of students showing their PRIDE. The first wing to earn the most paws will win an extra recess!.

Drop Off Safety

Please be sure to pull all the way up to the traffic coordinator before letting your students out. Please do not pass cars on the right side once students have exited your vehicle.

Pick Up Reminder

Please do not arrive for parent pick-up before 3:00 PM. We continue to see cars lining up well in advance, which creates unnecessary backups on Billerica Road. Your cooperation helps us keep dismissal safe and orderly for everyone. Thank you!

Dressing Students for the Weather

With colder weather approaching, please ensure students are dressed appropriately for the weather! Also consider labeling your child's clothing, our lost and found is growing.

Warm Regards,

Donna & Jenn

Support Available & Donations Welcome:

At Center School, there are a number of free and reduced cost programs for families who need a helping hand. If these resources would be helpful to your family, please fill out the attached 2-question form. This information is confidential and will remain exclusively with the administration. You will not need to provide any additional documentation, and we will reach out to you as options arise.

Dear Center Families,

As we approach the holiday season the Center Cares program at Center School is accepting gift card donations to help our families that need some extra support. Gift cards in $20-$25 increments (or any amount) from Target or Walmart would be most welcome! Please, if you are able to make a donation gift cards will be accepted at the front office.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and care.

Please contact Mrs. Lallas or Nurse Felzani if you have any questions.

Lallasc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us felzanir@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

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.

November

• Wednesday, November 19: Half day - Parent Teacher conferences

• Wednesday, November 19: Staff Appreciation Day

• Thursday, November 20: Gr K Enrichment - Pumpernickel Puppets

• Friday, November 21: Chelmsford Spirit Day

• Wednesday, November 26: Early release - Thanksgiving recess

• Thursday, November 27: No School (Thanksgiving)

• Friday, November 28: No School

December

• Monday, December 1: Be Kind Spirit Wear day

• Tuesday, December 2: Special Educators Appreciation day

• Monday - Friday, December 8 - 12th: Gift Room

• Thursday, December 11 Half day/Professional day

• Friday, December 19: Chelmsford Spirit Day

• Winter Recess: December 24 - January 4, 2026

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.