It is early February, and a homework-free vacation is but six school days away. February brings us a slice of Americana, known as the Super Bowl. The game features a familiar face at quarterback playing on an unfamiliar team. Feelings across New England regarding Tom Brady's departure from the Patriots are met with mixed emotions. Some fans view his departure as a betrayal, while others feel the Patriots let him go.
Whether you are indifferent to the game and its outcome, or if you find yourself firmly entrenched in one of the New England fan camps outlined above, it is hard not to marvel at his success, passion, commitment, work ethic, and determination.
Two decades ago Tom Brady was the 199th pick in the NFL draft. That is worth mentioning because the vast majority of players selected that late in the draft do not last three years, let alone have 20 years of dominance. He is playing in his 10th Super Bowl, which is more than all other franchises save the Patriots, and if he wins the game, he will have more Super Bowl rings than any other team, not person, team in the NFL. His humility is laudable and the hallmark of his remarkable career is a great lesson for students. Hard work, dedication, and commitment are the main ingredients of success.
He will square off against the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that features Patrick Mahomes who is much younger and arguably the most talented QB in the NFL at the moment. It is worth noting that Patrick Mahomes was in kindergarten when Tom Brady played in his first Super Bowl. I look forward to watching the game with my two girls. I will enjoy watching Patrick Mahomes, but I am definitely rooting for Tom Brady.
More importantly, February features the annual observance of Black History Month. Celebrating Black History month requires we reflect as a country and recognize the lasting impact of slavery, systemic racism, and oppression.
Black History Month is more than reckoning with the worst elements of our nation's past. It is a time to celebrate the achievements and significant contributions of black scientists, educators, politicians, musicians, writers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and all the other areas that have influenced our country and humanity. The reality is too many of these contributions were not celebrated, recognized, or even acknowledged for years or decades.
I am proud of members of our student body who continue to work hard at creating a school where everyone feels part of our community. Members of the Activism Club, Intersections Club, and Black Student Union are working on a project to celebrate Black History Month through a multi-media visual display to "showcase black artists and notable figures." I look forward to sharing pictures soon.
Another student-led project is assembling nearly 60 flags representing the demographics of the student body. The project aims to ensure that everyone feels represented and respected in our school community. Although the project is not done, I want to thank everyone who contributed to this project we are all proud of.
Black History Month Film Festival
At this pivotal moment in our nation's history, The Boston Globe honors films and filmmakers documenting the Black experience and the continued plight of systemic racism in the United States.
Please follow the link below to join us throughout the month of February we stream and discuss newly-released films alongside time-honored classics.
Congratulations Gabriela Braceres, Emma Kerimo, and Iris Bergman
Concord Carlisle student-athletes competing at the next level!
Gabriela will play field hockey at Dartmouth. She was a 2020 Boston Herald All-Scholastic, a DCL All-Star in 2019 and 2020, and the team's leading scorer this fall. Gabriela is a multi-sport athlete who is also captain and leading scorer of the CC Girls Ice Hockey team.
Emma will run at Dartmouth next year. She runs Cross-Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track for CC and is a 3-season captain. She was 2nd in the state and a XC Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic in 2019. A 4-year DCL All-Star in XC and DCL All-Star in both Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field. She was a member of the state championship teams for XC in 2017 and 2019 and Indoor Track in 2019.
Iris will be attending Yale University and running for the Bulldogs. She runs Cross-Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track for CC and is a 3-season captain. She is a multi-event school record holder in track and field. A 4x DCL All-Star in XC and multi-year DCL All-Star in both Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field. She was a member of the state championship teams in XC in 2017 and 2019 and Indoor Track in 2019.
CC Students Named in All-Decade Massachusetts Swimming and Diving Teams
Four Concord Carlisle alum made the list (more than any other team):
Sloane Brazina ‘11
Meghan O’Brien ‘15
Katherine O’Shea ‘16
Libby Poulin ‘19
Two Concord Carlisle alum and one current student made the list:
Drew Andre ‘12,
Sean O’Brien ‘12
Charlie Reichle, ‘21, Current Captain
Student-Athletes Post-Secondary Planning Webinar
Wednesday, February 10th, 12:30 pm
On February 10th at 12:30pm, Caryn Boffoli Haskins (former CCHS counselor and college coach) and Alison Nowicki will offer a webinar giving an overview of the college admissions process for student-athletes. Learn about how athletics plays a role in the admissions process, timelines, particular NCAA rules, how to communicate with college coaches, get exposure, etc.. In addition, you will get a sense of what life is like as a student-athlete at Div. I, II, and III institutions.
When: Feb 10, 2021 12:30 PM
Topic: Student-Athletes; Post-Secondary Planning
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
NAMI Affiliate's Upcoming College Panel Webinar
Monday, March 8, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. The webinar’s panel of college administrators, and a recent college graduate who experienced mental health challenges in college, encourage transition-age families to start conversations about mental health before students leave home. It is prudent to understand privacy laws, what can be communicated by college administrations, and that colleges differ in supports. Students, parents/guardians welcome. Presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Middlesex. Co-sponsored by the Acton-Boxborough United Way and the Mystic Valley Behavioral Health Coalition.
Attendees must register in advance for this webinar at namicentralmiddlesex.org. Attendance will be limited and registrations via the NAMI Central Middlesex website will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Questions may be submitted in advance to nami.cmsx@gmail.com.
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
I’m so excited to share a quick update that Girls Who Code’s FREE Summer Immersion Program (SIP) will be virtual again in 2021! We want to invite you to learn more about the program and invite your 9th-11th grade girls and non-binary students to apply.
Here at Girls Who Code, we care deeply about serving students who are underrepresented in the technology field and equipping them with technical skills and an enriching experience in STEM. We are especially committed to serving marginalized communities that lack access to technology and coding programs.
What is SIP?
SIP is an experience of a lifetime hosted by our corporate partners like AT&T, Goldman Sachs, Disney, and more.
- SIP is a 2-week virtual program with staggered rounds throughout the summer.
- Participation is 100% free. We also provide need-based tech access support and need-based stipends of up to $300 for those who qualify.
- Applications are now open! Our early acceptance deadline is coming up soon in mid-February.
Eligibility:
Students must:
- Identify as female, non-binary, or gender non-conforming
- Be a rising sophomore, junior or senior (current 9th-11th grader)
- Be able to commit to the entire 2-week program
- Students can participate whether they are complete beginners or already have some computer science experience
How can you receive additional resources for your students?
Sign up here for an informational call with me, Nakisa Glover, to learn more about the program and ask any questions you may have.
If none of the options work for you, please let me know and I’d be happy to coordinate a different time that does.
How can you get started?
Share this blurb with your students:
Apply to Girls Who Code’s Virtual Summer Immersion Program (SIP) for an unforgettable summer experience! During this FREE 2-week virtual program, you'll learn the computer science skills you need to make an impact, get an inside look into the tech field, and join a supportive lifelong sisterhood — all while being virtually hosted by influential companies, like Twitter, AT&T, Bank of America, Walmart, and more.
Current 9th -11th grade girls and non-binary students are eligible to apply. SIP is 100% free and need-based stipends of up to $300 are available for those who qualify. Low tech? No tech? No problem! Girls Who Code is there to support you!
Applications open in mid-January! Fill out the application today at girlswhocode.com/sipapply or learn more in a webinar.
Nakisa Glover
Summer Immersion Program Recruiter
nakisa.glover@girlswhocode.com
girlswhocode.com
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