Important Notification

Earlier this afternoon, District and School leaders learned that a CCHS faculty member, while coaching for another school district, was alleged to have used the N-word while addressing student-athletes on Friday night following a game. 

We immediately placed the teacher on paid leave pending a complete investigation.  The Concord-Carlisle School District will not tolerate the use of racial slurs or any other inappropriate language meant to demean individuals or groups.  

Our students' safety, health, and mental health are our top priority; we continue to value inclusion and strive to create a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all. 

Homework Club, Academic Support, and Upcoming Programs

We are but a few weeks away from November and from the close of quarter 1.  Contrary to our unseasonably warm weather, November is but a few weeks away, and with it will come colder weather, the end of spring sports and activities, and the close of quarter one on 5 November.  With this information in mind, I am sharing CCHS supports available to students.  I would encourage you to speak with your child and make sure they are aware of the supports available to them and access these resources as needed.  Please read on for additional information.

Homework Club

The homework club provides a quiet space to do homework. Students can ask questions and receive support on assignments. Students can attend every day it is offered or come based on their needs that week.

Time: Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 2:45-3:35 p.m.

Location: Room 308

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Stevens and Ms. Elmes

Please see Ms. Stevens or Ms. Elmes if you have any questions.

Ways to Get Extra Help

Upcoming Programs - Center for Parents and Teachers

Due to new grant funding the following Stress Management programs are now being offered free of charge!

All sessions are held online for 45 minutes and are facilitated by our instructor, Carolyn Wilkins,  who trained at Massachusetts General Hospital's Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine.

• Monday, October 18 at 7:30 PM “Key Partners to Combat Stress: Restorative Sleep & Mindfulness”. Pre-registration by October 14th is required by emailing cpt@concordps.org and typing “October 18” in the subject line.

Only 1 in 3 adults get the recommended 7-9 hours sleep each night, with consequences ranging from impaired memory, compromised immune function to hypertension and obesity. And the throughline to stress is clear: Among over 85 sleep disorders, the #1 root cause is stress, giving us a vital key to crack this code. Join this 45-minute session as we explore the practical, behavioral, and social implications for achieving better sleep.

• Monday, October 25 at 7:30 PM “Redefining Social Connections for Optimal Wellness”. Pre-registration by October 21st is required by emailing cpt@concordps.org and typing “October 25” in the subject line

After 18 months of social restriction, we’re beginning to reframe and reprioritize our social interactions. Science shows us that social connections are vital to buffering stress, helping us to modulate fear and anxiety. Join us as we explore ways to mindfully assess our social and prosocial connections as a way to enhance wellness.

• Monday, November 1 at 7:30 PM “Stress Warning Signals: What are they & what can they teach us?”  Pre-registration by October 28th is required by emailing cpt@concordps.org and typing “November 1” in the subject line

Stress is more than feeling distress and discomfort; it’s the root cause of 60-90% of all doctor visits, begging us to forge a healthier approach to managing daily stress. Where and how stress manifests itself in our minds and bodies become valuable data, especially when married with a science-backed toolkit of techniques to calm the nervous system and make us more resilient.

• Monday, November 8 at 7:30 PM “Meditation & Mindfulness”Pre-registration by November 1 is required by emailing cpt@concordps.org and typing “November 8” in the subject line

Developing a mentally clear and emotionally calm, stable state first requires that we acknowledge the critical role that meditation & mindfulness play in making us more resilient. Learn how developing a practice can happen, and what it can offer us as we seek to buffer the daily impact of stress.

• Wish to attend all sessions?  Email cpt@concordps.org and type “Series on Managing Stress” in the subject line

About the Instructor
Concord resident Carolyn Wilkins is a Certified Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) instructor trained at Massachusetts General Hospital's Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine. She leads (online) group stress management classes through her organization, Wilkins Wellness, providing proven tools to be healthier and happier, creating greater calm and clarity in these uncertain times.

The Center for Parents and Teachers is a 501(c)3 non-profit grateful to be supported in part through a generous grant from the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest.  Learn more about us at www.centerforparentsandteachers.org

Sad News To Share Regarding A CCHS Graduate

I’m writing to share some tragic news. Trevon Sands, affectionately referred to as Tre, was killed by gun violence over the weekend. We offer our deepest condolences to Tre’s family, friends, and loved ones.  

Tre graduated from CC in 2019 and his brother Devin Sands graduated from CC in 2021.  Losing a member of our community, whether past or present, is heartbreaking and we encourage all students and adults to ask for support as needed. Students should contact a trusted adult or their guidance counselor should they need additional support.

Warmly,

Michael J. Mastrullo

15th Annual Kicks for Cancer

15^th Annual Kicks for Cancer returns to CCHS

By Kicks for Cancer Committee Members

After hosting a virtual event in 2020, the 15th annual Lois Wells Memorial Kicks for Cancer event returned to the fields at Concord-Carlisle High School this past Saturday, September 25th.  The crowds and community spirit were record-breaking!  As more than 20 towns faced off in matches throughout the day, and the CCHS teams matched up against Lincoln-Sudbury High School, the extensive fan base and community support was palpable.  This year was special!

On the field, the CCHS women’s varsity soccer team prevailed with a 2-1 win over L-S, but the men’s varsity soccer team didn’t get the result they were looking for, losing 3-2 to Lincoln-Sudbury.  However, the day is about so much more than wins and losses.  This day is about the name on your back - the person that you are honoring, remembering, celebrating.  We all have a story to share at Kicks for Cancer.

Kicks is proud of its roots - this long-standing community event has grown from one benefit game between CCHS and Boston Latin High School in October 2007 to honor the life and spirit of Lois Wells, the beloved mother of CCHS assistant soccer coach Steve Wells and his brother Dan, both CCHS alum.  Lois lost her battle with stage IV ovarian cancer less than a year after being diagnosed.  Fifteen years later, Kicks for Cancer has grown into the cornerstone of an incredible community-building weekend held every September at CCHS.  This year was unparalleled with the outpouring of community spirit and support! 

Kicks for Cancer also partners with The Mighty Moose 5k, which originated in 2018 in honor of Concord resident and mother Jenna Swaim, whose dream was to add a 5K Fun Run as part of Kicks for Cancer Weekend.  Many students and community members also came out early this past Sunday to run, walk and volunteer at the Mighty Moose - it was another joyful, celebratory day!

In addition, other CCHS athletic teams also played their part during Kicks Weekend:  field hockey (Sticks for Cancer), cross country (Kilometers for Cancer), golf (Links for Cancer), and football (Tackling Cancer together) all participated.  

Coming into this year, Kicks and the Mighty Moose had already contributed more than $1 million to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital to advance women’s cancer research over the years.  Today, the events celebrate “One Community One Goal”—both in creating a powerful sense of community and awareness and by raising funds to advance ovarian cancer prevention. 

This year’s fundraising numbers are not yet available, but organizers are optimistic as attendance and enthusiasm at the event suggest a tremendous success.

In Coach Wells’s words, “I am beyond humbled and awed by the magnitude of Kicks. The generosity of the CCHS community—and now that of many other towns—is indescribable. The time, effort, and energy put into Kicks for Cancer by Coach Pavlik and so many parent volunteers is unbelievable. Our commitment to cancer research and to the patients and families impacted by cancer is unwavering.”

Thank you, CCHS!  Kicks for Cancer can't wait to see you again next year!

Nevaeh Lewis, Harlem Lacrosse Gear Drive, CCHS Chorus, Updated 21-22 Calendar, & Online Student Demographic Form

The longest September in recorded history comes to a close. Well, it felt that way from my vantage point. A beautiful October 1 brings optimism for the month ahead. Please read on for important information and some highlights from CCHS students. 

Updated 2021-2022 School Calendar

The CCHS early release day scheduled for February 9th has been moved to January 12th. The updated calendar is available on the website here.

Reminder: Please Complete the Online Student Demographic Verification Form

1. Log onto your Aspen account and click on the "Online Student Demographic Verification Form" link under Announcements (see screenshot below).
2. Choose "Student Demographic Verification" under workflow and choose your child.
3. Once on the form, you will be able to add additional emergency contacts by clicking the "add" button to the right under "Student Contact Information".
4. Please note:  Changes will not appear until accepted by the school.

Reminder: A Healthier Approach to College Admissions

Please remember to register for the parent workshop about college admissions. The workshop will take place on October 5 at 7:00 pm ET. You can find the original blog post about the workshop here. 

CCHS Chorus Performs the classic, "September"

CCHS Chorus performs the Earth, Wind, and Fire classic, "September".  Filmed and recorded in the spring, Owen Curtin (Colonial Sound) and I worked to edit and finish it over the summer.  We are so proud of how the video turned out and thankful to the many staff members who took part in it.  We hope you enjoy it.  Feel free to share! Click here to view the video.

- Deb Smith, Director of Choirs 

CCHS Junior, Nevaeh Lewis, Competes at the Big E

You may not see her on an athletic field participating in a sport at school, but you will find her at a barn training or doing community service.  Nevaeh has a deep passion for riding and has set a goal to compete at Worlds with the Friesian breed.  She excels in equitation but will ride in any class her trainer asks while showing.  

She is thrilled to be riding a 6yr old Friesian, Ylisa van Stal Hogewald, who is owned by Danielle and Justin Piascik from Brookside Friesians (Feeding Hills, MA), while training with Dan Dali Haber from Mountain View Training Center out of Granby, MA.  Nevaeh competed at the Big E this weekend.  

Her largest class was 12 and her smallest was 9.  She placed 3rd, 4th, 4th, and 5th.  She feels blessed to have support from Danielle and Dan to guide her with her journey and goal.  It takes a lot of training not only in the saddle but learning in the barn too.  Nevaeh is a Junior and one of your equestrians! 

Harlem Lacrosse Gear Drive

Gear2Goals for Harlem Lacrosse: 4th Annual LAX gear and athletic clothing drive for student-athletes in Harlem Lacrosse’s Boston schools. Seeking donations of gently used athletic clothing for girls and boys of all ages, and any gently used lacrosse gear. Donations can be dropped off anytime this week at 52 Indian Spring Road or 42 Nashoba Road, Concord, MA. Thank you!