Today we pause to thank the men and women of the armed forces. We officially thank them as a nation annually on 11 November, but they deserve a thank you every day.
It is a day to pay tribute to our nation's heroes, those who have selflessly defended our freedoms, our values, and our way of life. Let one not forget the roughly 1.4 million active members of the military all enlist voluntarily. A fact so ingrained it is easy to take for granted.
Stating the obvious, young men and women voluntarily serve in the United States means those who wish not to serve don't have to serve. This fact should not be taken for granted.
The sacrifice made to serve our country can only be known by those serving, but the tremendous sacrifice is broader than the men and women in uniform. Mothers, fathers, siblings, husbands, wives, and children of military members all sacrifice greatly.
Let us remember that Veterans Day is not just a day off from school, but a day to remember, reflect, and show our gratitude to those who have given so much for our nation. Let us carry the spirit of service and sacrifice with us every day, not just on this occasion.
We encourage you all to reach out to a veteran, thank them for their service, and listen to their stories. Let us also strive to be inspired by their dedication and channel that inspiration into making a positive impact in our own lives and our communities. It is through understanding and appreciation that we can truly honor our veterans.
Classroom Kudos
Last week, Ikuo Naito, one of the visiting English teachers from Nanae, led a class for some of Madame Pinto’s French students. During his lesson, Mr. Naito talked about many different aspects of Japanese culture. Our students learned about different cities and villages in Japan, well-known landmarks where the 2020 Summer Olympics were held, and delicious must-try Japanese foods like sushi and ramen. The students and adults were thoroughly engaged during Mr. Naito’s lesson. After his lesson, two of the Japanese high school students showed our students how to make Origami and Misanga (a bracelet). This was such a wonderful example and experience for our students and faculty to learn and create with students and teachers from a country that is thousands of miles away. It was truly wonderful!
DEIB Assembly
Yesterday, we had an incredible assembly with various student and staff speakers who shared personal experiences and responded to the prompt:
Considering aspects of your identity and the social justice causes you are most passionate about, why is our school's commitment and focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) important for students?
Our panelists, Ryann Scott, Alex Nugent, Elyjah Chabilal Ramos, Keiarra Gray, Ben Neville, Nafeesa Hoda, and English teacher, Ms. Kim bravely shared their experiences, thoughts, and advice with their peers. They made themselves vulnerable and CCHS is feeling even more connected because of their courage to share. During both assemblies students and faculty were engaged, respectful, and supportive of the panelists. Many students who listened to their stories followed their lead and shared a personal experience of their own or commented on something they connected with from the messages they heard from the students. This was a true testament to the amazing and inclusive school we are and strive to be. The courage, vulnerability, strength, compassion, and wisdom of each of the panelists were well beyond their years. We are grateful to each of them.
Staff Kindness Chain
Ms. Jonson, Wellness Coordinator, is preparing for World Kindness Day on Monday, November 13th. Students and faculty will have the opportunity to write about an act of kindness they have done for someone else or received. These notes will be on display throughout the school building. Below are a few examples faculty shared at our Faculty meeting on Tuesday.
"I gave a fellow coworker a Monster's Inc. mug because I knew her daughter liked the movie and wore the costume for Halloween."
"CCHS staff have gone out of their way to make sure my 1st year here goes smoothly!"
"I will make fun of Hoblitzelle like I do every day. It makes him laugh."
"A colleague found some mugs at Goodwill that had my last name on them. She brought them to me one day and it made my week (and my kids too, they love them.)"
"Be encouraging. Ask for encouragement."
"Smile at the kids."
"Mr. Krans taught me how to teach."
"Checking in on colleagues after hard meetings! It feels good to be cared about and part of a supportive team."
"A friend/colleague from another department noticed that I was looking sad and checked in on me."
NCAA National Letter of Intent
On Wednesday, November 8th, six students from the Class of 2024 signed an NCAA National Letter of Intent to compete in Division 1 Athletics next year. Thank you to Mr. Joncas for organizing the event. CCHS parent and Olympic Women's Hockey player shared her experience of playing College Hockey at Harvard with our students. Congratulations to these six Seniors!
Featured Guest: AJ Mleczko
Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist, Women’s Ice Hockey
1999 NCAA All-American at Harvard University
1999 USA Hockey Women’s Player of the Year
Commentator, NHL on ESPN
Students honored:
Peyton Balazy: University of Virginia, Women’s Crew
Lucas Bikkesbakker: College of the Holy Cross, Men’s Tennis
Willow Cyr: University of California, Women’s Lacrosse
Alana Leen: Villanova University, Women’s Swimming
Thomas Murdough: Rutgers University, Men’s Golf
Alexandra Saunders: Tulane University, Track and Field
“Who Brought Who” Speaker Series*
The Concord Middle School community is trying to inspire one parent/guardian/adult family member and a CMS student to come to this speaker series. Hence, a "Who Brought Who" speaker series. It's the hope of Concord Middle School to inspire a greater and deeper conversation at home about the themes and topics that are part of this speaker series.
*We are also opening this night and series to parents and older students across Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District. Also, an older student or member of the CPS/CCRSD can come alone.*
Please RSVP for this event.
Raising Healthy Kids in a Digital World: Watch the Replay
On November 1, Cartwheel hosted internet safety expert and educator Lori Getz for a session which provided practical tips on creating a holistic family approach to technology, screens, and internet use.
In this webinar, we cover:
- How to know when kids are ready for certain technology privileges
- How leading with curiosity (not judgment) leads to less contentious conversations about what’s happening online
- Why it’s critical to convey to your child: “If someone’s important to you, they are important to me, too”
Click HERE to watch the replay.
Many thanks to those who were able to attend! We hope you'll join future webinars, including Parenting Strategies for Kids with ADHD on December 6 at 7pm ET. Sign up for our webinar email list to receive registration links.
CCHS Musicians Excel at Regional Auditions
This past weekend, musicians from our CCHS bands, choirs and orchestras attended the MMEA Eastern District Senior Festival Auditions at Milton HS. Students who elected to participate spent several months - some since last June - preparing for these auditions. Out of the 993 students who auditioned from the 30 cities and towns in our district, only 444 were accepted. The top 50% of accepted students receive a recommendation to audition for the All-State Concert Festival.
Students accepted to the festival will attend a full-day rehearsal followed by a concert at Milton High School along with their peers from schools across MMEA's Eastern District. At the festival, students will work with a talented guest conductor and perform a rigorous concert program. The concert is on Saturday, January 6th, in the Milton HS Auditorium and is open to the public - tickets are available in advance, and I would be happy to facilitate your ticket purchase for this event!
The CCHS Music Department is incredibly proud of these students based on our holistic approach to the audition: focusing on the experience, the opportunity for personal growth, and the journey over the destination and outcome.
Please join me in congratulating the students listed below for their hard work! They represented our community magnificently!
-Chris Noce, Director of Bands & Orchestras
Fall Choral Concert
Last night our new choral director, Sarah Grina, led her inaugural Fall Choral Concert at CCHS. The concert, titled Dawn, was an amazing success. Congratulations to Sarah and all of the talented vocalists and musicians who participated in the event. It was a lovely evening. We can’t wait to see what else Ms. Grina will do. Bravo!
Upcoming Dates
