Superintendent's Update - 5.3.2024
Dear CPS Community,
The first few days of May are behind us, and it has been a terrific week. It is hard to believe that we only have 28 school days left this school year. Everyone has been working hard to ensure all aspects of our students’ education are addressed and will keep the momentum going for the remaining six weeks. It is no coincidence that Educator Appreciation week is celebrated this time of year to support our hardworking educators in the district. You can say that we have two weeks of celebration for our educators, since our secondary schools celebrated this past week to accommodate state and college testing dates in the district and next week – however May 6th – 10th officially kicks off the appreciation week. Regardless of whether you celebrate this week or next, Educator Appreciation Week is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude and admiration for the hard work and dedication of educators. It is a time to recognize the efforts of educators who work hard to inspire, educate, and shape the minds of their students. From early mornings to late nights, educators pour their hearts into their work to make our students academically and socially successful. This week serves as a reminder to show our appreciation and support for these unsung heroes who play a crucial role in the lives of our students and society. Whether it is a heartfelt note or a simple thank you, every gesture during Educator Appreciation Week goes a long way in showing our educators they are valued. Also deserving of thanks are our amazing PTOs who have put together some wonderful surprises and food for the week to make each educators’ day more special. Let us celebrate and honor all the remarkable individuals who make a difference in the lives of so many.
As we are approaching the end of the school year, there have been questions around the date for the last day of school. It is safe to say we have passed the inclement weather season and are able to announce a tentative date for the last day of the school year. The tentative last day of school for all students in the Chelmsford Public Schools will be Wednesday, June 12th. This is a half-day for students. You will receive additional information pertaining to the end of the school year from your building principals in the weeks ahead.
Please enjoy this week’s highlights and have a wonderful weekend.
Yours truly,
Jay Lang, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Upcoming Events
- Athletics Schedule
- Recycling Fundraiser, 5/4, 8:00 a.m.
SATs, 5/4, 8:00 a.m.
Teacher Appreciation Week, 5/6 - 5/10, All Day
AP Testing, 5/6 - 5/10. All Day
Boston Brass Performance, 5/6, 7:00 p.m.
CHIPS PTO Meeting, 5/6, 6:30 p.m.
School Committee Meeting, 5/7, 6:00 p.m.
Parker Band Concert, 5/7, 7:00 p.m.
McCarthy Band Concert, 5/8, 7:00 p.m.
Middle School Chorus Dress Rehearsal, 5/9, 3:00 p.m.
Center School Performance at Benchmark, 5/9, 4:30 p.m.
Byam School Art Night, 5/7, 5:00 p.m.
Campus Bound Webinar, 5/9, 6:30 p.m.
Aca-Pocalypse, 5/10, 7:00 p.m.
Aca-Pocalypse, 5/11, 2:00 p.m.
Junior Cotillion, 5/11, 6:00 p.m.
McCarthy and Center Schools Fundraiser: E-Waste and Junk Recycling Day
DUMP YOUR JUNK AT RECYCLE DAY on May 4!
Fundraiser for McCarthy Middle School and Center Elementary
When: Saturday, May 4
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Where: CPS Administration Building, 240 North Road, Chelmsford
For a suggested donation, we will accept your e-waste, metal, appliances, etc. and ensure that they are recycled and disposed of properly. Visit www.ptocenter.org/recycle-day or see the attached flyer for more information.
So clear your space, and support our schools!
Any Middle and High School students are welcome to volunteer to earn up to 5 hours of community service, helping greet cars and collecting e-waste & electronic items being dropped off for recycling. Signup at https://signup.com/go/FYfDhZp.
Chelmsford Town Meeting approves $162.6M budget, Parker School project study funding
Town Meeting representatives filed into the Chelmsford Senior Center Monday evening for the first night of the annual Spring Town Meeting, where the voting body approved a level-funded budget for fiscal 2025. The warrant for the Town Meeting includes two articles on whether the town should accept the proposed MBTA Communities zoning. At the beginning of the meeting, however, Town Moderator Jon Kurland said those items would be considered on Thursday during the second night of Town Meeting. Out of the 27 articles on the warrant, 16 fell on the consent agenda, meaning that they were all voted on at once with little discussion, because they are routine articles that are generally considered to be noncontroversial. One of the most important articles to be considered Monday was Article 4, the budget for Chelmsford Public Schools, which is considered separately from the general budget of the town. The 2025-2026 budget for the schools was proposed for $73,880,000, an increase of 4.5% from the current fiscal year.
Chelmsford High School announces Students of the Month for April
Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for April, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray. Students receiving recognition were Sam Meltzer and Hollie Kaduboski from Emerson House, Christopher Mitchell and Jaskiran Dukes of Hawthorne House and Peter Sabbouh and Sahithi Chaturvedula from Whittier House. Please visit our website to read more about our April CHS Students of the month accomplishments.
Taija Bell a ringer for the Chelmsford High girls lacrosse team
This Bell is a ringer. The second Taija Bell stepped onto the Chelmsford High lacrosse field, her potential, athleticism and overall talent were off the charts. As a freshman, she helped the Lions finish 18-1 and advance to the Division 1 state semifinal game. She hasn’t been taken off the field since. And after she plays in her final game later this spring, she won’t put down her lacrosse stick. Bell will take her talents and play at Division 1 Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. “Taija is technically a defender, but we’ve had to move her to the midfield the last two years and now she’s a scoring sensation for us,” said coach Ashley Rokas. “She’s our second leading scorer and when she wants the ball on her stick, she’ll get it and it’ll go in the back of the net.”
Four Chelmsford High students submit artwork to Congressional Art Competition
Four Chelmsford High School students have submitted their artwork to the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide high school visual art contest which selects submissions from each U.S. congressional district, the winners from which are honored on the district and national levels. The winning pieces of artwork from each district are displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
The Chelmsford students whose works are up for consideration are:
- Jane Nute, grade 9, “Overcome”
- Karen Khela, grade 10, “The Stars Between Our Dreams”
- Jordan Cox, Grade 11, “Cardinal in Winter”
- Grace Bellezza, Grade 12, “Snapdragons”
Please visit our website to read more about these students and to view the gallery of their artwork.
2024 Harrington Elementary STEAM Fair
Harrington Elementary School held its 3rd Annual STEAM Fair on Thursday, May 2. The student projects examined an array of topics, including how a hydraulic bridge works, the science of a tsunami, the solar system, the life of a honeybee and how to stop fruit from browning. Please visit our website to see the photo gallery from the event.
Byam School Art Night
Byam Art Night is Thursday, May 9th, 5:00-7:00pm!
Suggested time slots are K-2 5:00-6:00pm, and 3rd-4th 6:00-7:00pm, but please stop by anytime that works for your family. Every single child will have artwork displayed!
- View K-4 Artwork in the halls!
- Glow Gallery in the Art room!
- Complete an Art Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a gift certificate!
- Check out the Scholastic Book Fair outside!
Finding the Words: Talking to Kids about Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Sometimes it can be hard to find the words to talk to kids and teens about certain topics. As parents and caring adults, we may feel nervous about saying the wrong thing, or making matters worse. However, research shows that when it comes to topics like mental health and suicidality - talking is helpful, not harmful. This Mental Health Awareness Month, join Cartwheel and guest speaker Chris Smith, LCSW to learn practical tips and scripts for how to speak with kids and teens about mental health topics, including suicide prevention. We'll discuss how to break down communication barriers and let your child know that you're available to support them.
Please use the following link to register for this event. This virtual event is part of Cartwheel's free webinar series for parents, caregivers, and school staff in our community. Please feel free to share this email broadly and access English, Spanish, and Portuguese flyers here.
Chelmsford Community Education summer program registration is now open!!
Chelmsford Community Education has new and exciting programs this summer like Robot Commanders, Riddle Rovers Escape Room, Plant Pioneers, Skyhawks Ultimate Sports, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) Adventures. Attached is a full catalog of all offerings.
Most of our programs are age or grade specific, so verify that your child’s age and grade information is correct before attempting to register. To update any incorrect information on your account, call us at 978-251-5151. To view Chelmsford Community Education’s summer programs, please visit Chelmsford Community Education.
Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest on all the fun at Chelmsford Community Education. Our Facebook page is “Chelmsford Community Education” and our Instagram page is “CommedWestlands.”
Questions? Contact us at Commed@Chelmsford.k12.ma.us or 978-251-5151. We can’t wait to see you this summer!!
Parker Middle School Building Project Public Information Session
Chelmsford Public Schools held a public information session related to the Parker Middle School Building Project on Thursday, March 28. Superintendent Dr. Jay Lang shared a plethora of information about the project as the district moves into the Massachusetts School Building Authority‘s Eligibility Period on April 1. If you weren’t able to make it, please watch the video below.
We're Hiring
Please see our list of open positions at the Chelmsford Public Schools. We would love for you to join our team.
Purchase Tickets to CHS Athletic Events
Chelmsford High School has a cashless system for admittance to its regular season home athletic events. To get your tickets, CHS has partnered with GoFan.co, a digital, cashless ticketing app used by more than 10,000 schools, for fast and convenient payments for regular season home games. CHS fans are encouraged to download the GoFan app. For Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association postseason tournaments, the MIAA also utilizes GoFan.co as its own ticketing system. Visit the MIAA Ticket Information page.
Chelmsford Public Schools
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