Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is important for us to reflect on the profound impact of Dr. King's legacy and the enduring values modeled. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality, justice, and unity in our society. In the spirit of Dr. King's teachings, I encourage each member of our school community to embrace the significance of service on this day.
Community service, an important value we strive to instill in our students, honors the commitment to creating a better community around us. Whether through volunteering, acts of kindness, or community engagement, these actions strengthen our bond as a school community. By coming together in service, we embody the principles of love, compassion, and equality that he tirelessly advocated. We hope this Martin Luther King Jr. Day will inspire us all to be catalysts for positive change in our school, community, and beyond.
Mid-Year Exam Information
Next week is mid-year assessment week. The standard schedule can be found here.
Given the potential forecast, we have developed contingency plans. There are several tabs at the bottom of the document for different scenarios.
Students are only required to be on campus when they have a scheduled exam. Students should be aware of their exam schedule. They may reach out to their teachers with any scheduling questions. If a student is sick next week, they should stay home. Students can work with their teachers and/or guidance counselors to reschedule their exam(s).
DEIB Related Events
Below are two DEIB-related events that we hope you will consider attending. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Nyamekye at anyamekye@concordps.org.
1) Sunday, January 14, 2024, First Parish Church, 2:00 pm -- 5:00 pm.
Join First Church for "The Busing Battleground," a PBS Documentary Viewing and Panel Discussion hosted by First Parish Church in Concord (20 Lexington Rd., Concord, MA). This hybrid event (in person and via Zoom) requires registration, which you can complete here. Please find the event flier attached. This event explores civil rights battles fought in 1970s Boston over court-ordered busing to achieve school desegregation. Distinguished speakers with firsthand accounts include Sam Williams, Executive Director of Concord Prison Outreach and 1977 student at South Boston High School, and Eric Van Loon, former Concord Town Moderator and lawyer for the Boston Black families during the federal busing court case. We hope you can attend this insightful event and gain a deeper understanding of historical struggles for civil rights. Please contact Pat Brewer, at mamachoc@comcast.net if you have questions about the event.
2) Friday, February 2, 2024, METCO Inc. Headquarters Guided Tour
In observance and celebration of Black History Month this February, seize a unique opportunity to delve into the METCO program's profound history. Join METCO CEO Milly Arbaje-Thomas for an exclusive guided tour of its new headquarters in Roxbury, MA and the history of the program that resides in its exhibit hall. This tour is open to Boston, Carlisle, and Concord parents/guardians. Don't miss this chance to gain insights and inspiration into the rich legacy of the METCO program!
Event Max Capacity: 35
Date: Friday, February 2, 2024
Time: 9:30 am –12:00 pm (return to Concord by 1:30 pm)
Meeting Point and transportation: A school bus will depart at 9:30 am from the Ripley School Administration building (120 Meriam Rd., Concord).
Sign up: Click here to sign up and participate in the tour. Here’s a link to the event flier attached.
3) Wednesday, February 28, 2024, CCHS Presents: “Voices of the Past”
In celebration of Black History Month in February, CCHS will host five distinguished CCHS-METCO Alumni from the graduating classes of 1991-1997. Students, faculty, and staff will have a unique opportunity to gain insights and inspiration as our esteemed alumni share their experiences, challenges, choices, and lessons learned during their time at CCHS and beyond.
Xander Scopinich-Burgel: European Cyclocross
Congratulations to CCHS’ own Xander Scopinich-Burgel for his completed races in Belgium and the Netherlands! Xander traveled to Europe to participate in the European Cyclocross. Xander shares his experience in an article he wrote for the cycling online magazine, Velo. Please join us in congratulating Xander for this outstanding achievement!
Charlotte DiRocco
Congratulations to Charlotte DiRocco for signing a National Letter of Intent to participate in Track and Field at Dartmouth College, an NCAA Division 1 institution. We wish you all the best and much success at Dartmouth College, Charlotte!
Health Concern
When waiting for your student at dismissal, or any other time, please be mindful of turning off your vehicle engine. Idling cars are not only an environmental nuisance, it creates an unhealthy environment for the students and staff exiting the building. We ask when picking up your student to please be mindful of the length of time you are idling. For further information on the negative effects of engine idling, please refer to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection fact sheet. Thank you for your understanding and support with this matter.
Upcoming Important Dates
Quote of the Week
“It always seems impossible until it's done.”
-Nelson Mandela
