Principal's Blog: Back-to-School Presentations, Merit Scholars & More

I want to thank all members of the community who attended Back-to-School Night last evening.  The event was extremely well attended.  This spectacular building coupled with the tremendous attendance last evening provides further evidence that the communities of Concord, Carlisle, and Boston value education and care deeply about our school.  

I enjoyed getting to meet so many parents and I appreciate the warm welcome.  As promised, I have included links to both the Back-to-School presentation and the 9th-grade presentation.   During the presentation, I had the opportunity to highlight some of the messages conveyed to students at the beginning of school.  We encouraged them to work-hard, we encouraged them to be gritty, and we encouraged them to adopt a growth mindset.  We also reminded them that this phase of their life cannot exist simply as a passage endured to advance onward toward greater things.  More importantly, enjoying the journey and waking up every day with the intention of contributing to the well-being of others is of seminal importance.  

Back-to-School Presentation

9th Grade Parent Presentation

CCHS National Merit Scholars

Seven students from CCHS were named among approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program and will be competing for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships next spring.

Ruettgers Seminar

Students are encouraged to apply to the Ruettgers Seminar! Exploring Latin America Through Cooking & Culture.  Enjoy hands-on cooking, culture, dance, history, and geography.  Ms. Wendy Cahill is the instructor and the application deadline is September 30th.  

Greenest in the State

The new Concord-Carlisle Regional High School was verified as the most sustainable public high school ever constructed in Massachusetts when officials at Massachusetts Collaborative for High Performance Schools (MA-CHPS) recently informed the Regional School District that the project had earned the highest sustainability score for a public school project to date.  Additional information can be found on our website.

Sustainable Efforts at CCHS

By Peter Nichol

RECYCLING AND TRASH

Three bins together but not too close: 

BLUE for PAPER, GREEN for CONTAINERS, and BROWN for TRASH.  

This "System" was piloted in the old building with the help of the custodians and brought to the new high school but is yet to be implemented throughout.  There are signs that go above each bin with the intention that every classroom would be identical.  When bins get "contaminated" it all goes in the trash.  

COMPOST

Yes, we are taking food out of our waste stream and returning it to the soil.  This any sustainable society would need to do and allows CCHS better meet its goal.  This is a NEW habit to develop for most in the school.  Bins need to be used properly in the lunch room for this to work. Contamination means it is thrown away.

The kitchen staff is now composting their food scraps and leftovers instead of putting it down the disposal (to the cheers of Concord's waste water treatment plant.)  It's all incredible progress but will take some time for these new habits to develop.  Faculty, staff, and students should all help to educate others.  One more point . . . when food goes into a landfill it turns to methane, the potent greenhouse gas.  Biology, Environmental Science and Rivers are all worm composting if students want to contribute their food waste to those classrooms.  It will be a journey for us all back to a rhythm once practiced by all communities.

TERRACYCLE

Recycle your energy bar wrappers and cereal box liners in the labeled bins located around the school.  All that we sent to TerraCycle contributes money to Charity Water, a cutting edge organization helping to provide clean water to the 780 million people on our planet who do not have access to clean drinking water.

High Schoolers and Snooze Buttons: The New Public Health Crisis 

By Kristin Johnson

Where: Concord-Carlisle High School Auditorium

When:  Wednesday, October 19, 2016 

Time:    7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Please join the CCHS PA for an important evening that will take an in-depth look at what is being called an epidemic and national crisis for American high schoolers: insufficient sleep. An esteemed panel of speakers led by Dr. Judith Owens from Boston Children's Sleep Center will review current research on sleep patterns in adolescents, factors contributing to chronic sleep loss, and health-related consequences, such as depression, risky behaviors, increased obesity risk, and higher rates of drowsy driving accidents. The panel will also discuss the potential role of policy changes such as reduced homework and later school start times as a means of reducing the adolescent sleep crisis. Event is FREE but Registration is Required. http://cchspa_sleep_panel.eventbrite.com

Event Flyer

Gender Neutral Bathrooms & Back-to-School Night

Gender Identity

It is our goal, our mission, and our obligation to make CCHS a welcoming environment for all students.  We want all students to feel welcomed and respected as part of our educational community.  

If you spend any time on the third or fourth floors, you may notice two gender neutral bathrooms.  We assigned one bathroom on both the third and fourth floors as gender neutral facilities.  With three gender specific and one gender neutral bathrooms on both the third and fourth floors, this change provides choices for all students.

For those not aware of changes in the law, I wanted to share guidance provided by the state. Guidance for Massachusetts Public Schools Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity provides detailed information pertaining to locker rooms, sports teams, privacy, confidentiality along with other pertinent information relative to this delicate issue. I have included the language regarding bathroom facilities, locker rooms, and changing facilities below for your review.  

Restrooms, Locker Rooms, and Changing Facilities 

All students are entitled to have access to restrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities that are sanitary, safe, and adequate, so they can comfortably and fully engage in their school program and activities. In meeting with the transgender student (and parent) to discuss the issues set forth in this memorandum, it is essential that the principal and student address the student’s access to the restrooms, locker room and changing facility. Each situation needs to be reviewed and addressed based on the particular circumstances of the student and the school facilities. In all cases, the principal should be clear with the student (and parent) that the student may access the restroom, locker room, and changing facility that corresponds to the student’s gender identity. While some transgender students will want that arrangement, others will not be comfortable with it. Transgender students who are uncomfortable using a sex-segregated restroom should be provided with a safe and adequate alternative, such as a single “unisex” restroom or the nurse’s restroom. Similarly, some transgender students may not be comfortable undressing in the changing facilities that correspond to the student’s gender identity. 

The Department strongly recommends that districts include an appropriate number of gender neutral restrooms commensurate with the size of the school, and at least one gender-neutral changing facility, into the design of new schools and school renovations. School staff as well as students and their families may find the use of restrooms and changing facilities to be among the more challenging issues presented by the gender identity law, perhaps due to issues of personal privacy. As emphasized in other sections of this guidance, these issues should be resolved on a case-by-case basis, through dialogue with students and parents, and through leadership in creating safe and supportive learning environments. 

Back-to-School Night

All parents are invited to attend our annual Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 15, 2016. The program will begin in the auditorium at 7:00 pm. Please be advised, there is a limited supply of parking and we recommend carpooling if possible. Please park in the lower lot outside the school's dining commons.

Freshmen parents are invited to attend a program with guidance staff and school leaders at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Auditorium. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and to learn more about the life of the school.

Following a short opening assembly at 7:00 p.m., you will travel through a typical, albeit abbreviated, school day (all eight blocks, A through H).  Please click here for the evening’s schedule.  From A-Block on, during an eight-minute period, you will meet classroom teachers and receive a general overview of what students will be learning during the school year. Teachers look forward to more personalized conversations during Parent Conferences on Thursday, November 10, 2016 or sooner by request.

During lunch blocks, directed studies or open blocks, you will have “Open Campus” (free time) to tour the building, visit the Learning Commons (library), the Art Gallery or student radio station, WIQH.

Brian Miller, Colleen Meaney, and I, as well as guidance counselors will be out and about in the building. In addition, you will be able to meet folks from various school related organizations including the Parents Association.

Your son or daughter will fill out the schedule for you on Wednesday, September 14th during Advisory. Please arrive with the schedule in hand. If you do not have a copy of the schedule, please retrieve one in the Aspen Parent Portal. If necessary, we can print one in the main office; just make sure to leave extra time to allow for this.

We have included a map in an effort to help you maneuver around this magnificent building. To help assist you, student guides will be located at various locations throughout the building.

Principal's Blog: Open House, PSAT Info., Harvard Medical School & More

September 9, 2016

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Open House

All parents are invited to attend our annual Back to School Night on Thursday, September 15, 2016. The program will begin in the auditorium at 7:00 pm. Please be advised, there is a limited supply of parking and we recommend carpooling if possible. Please park in the lower lot outside the school's dining commons.

Freshmen parents are invited to attend a program with guidance staff and school leaders at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Auditorium. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and to learn more about the life of the school.

Following a short opening assembly at 7:00 p.m., you will travel through a typical, albeit abbreviated, school day (all eight blocks, A through H).  Please click here for the evening’s schedule.  From A-Block on, during an eight-minute period, you will meet classroom teachers and receive a general overview of what students will be learning during the school year. Teachers look forward to more personalized conversations during Parent Conferences on Thursday, November 10, 2016 or sooner by request.

During lunch blocks, directed studies or open blocks, you will have “Open Campus” (free time) to tour the building, visit the Learning Commons (library), the Art Gallery or student radio station, WIQH.

Brian Miller, Colleen Meaney, and I, as well as guidance counselors will be out and about in the building. In addition, you will be able to meet folks from various school related organizations including the Parents Association. State Representative Cory Atkins will also be in attendance.

Your son or daughter will fill out the schedule for you on Wednesday, September 14th during Advisory. Please arrive with the schedule in hand. If you do not have a copy of the schedule, please retrieve one in the Aspen Parent Portal. If necessary, we can print one in the main office; just make sure to leave extra time to allow for this.

We have included a map in an effort to help you maneuver around this magnificent building. To help assist you, student guides will be located at various locations throughout the building.

I look forward to seeing you next Thursday!

PSAT Registration

By Amy Byron

Sophomores and Juniors

Registration for the PSATs will be open at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, September 6th. We are using a new registration service this year, Total Registration, which can be found at this link. The PSAT registration fee will be $35. Please follow the directions online for payment information and do not send payments to the school. 

Keep in mind that, should you qualify for them, any testing accommodations need to be applied for with Mr. Rudmann in the Guidance Office.  If you do not apply with Mr. Rudmann you will not be receiving any testing accommodations at the time of the exam.

Registration will close at 7:00 PM on October 7th. Please put these dates on your calendars. If you have any questions please contact me at abyron@concordcarlisle.org.

Harvard Medical School 

Want to be a doctor?  Interested in science?

Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP) at Harvard Medical School.

Dates: Saturdays between November 12, 2016 – February  11, 20179:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Application Deadline: Saturday, October 1st, 2016

For information click here.

Principal's Blog

By any measure, the first week of school was a raving success.  CCHS staff returned happy and excited after spending the summer months recharging and preparing for the upcoming school year.  It was great to greet our nearly 1300 students from Carlisle, Boston, and Concord.   Students add an energy and excitement to the building that is largely absent during the summer months.  We had a successful freshman orientation program that would not have been possible without the hard work and effort of CCHS teacher, Hanna Bruno, and so many student and staff leaders.  These individuals donate their time and energy to ensure a smooth and successful transition for all our new students.

Assistant Principals Brian Miller, Colleen Meaney and I met with students during the opening day assemblies and talked about the importance of hard work, effort, and grit; we asked students to develop a growth mindset when the inevitable challenges arise this year.  In addition, we shared a great quote from Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you are right."  We talked about managing stress and the importance of finding balance and enjoying the journey.  Lastly, we challenged them to wake up every day with the intention of making CCHS a better place and positively contributing the well-being of others.  To illustrate our point we showed a brief six minute Ted Talk on being a leader.  I have included a link to the talk for your review.  It is well worth your time.  

Ted Talk

Freshman Orientation

By Hanna Bruno

The Freshman class participated in an orientation led by 40 student leaders designed to be a high-energy, low-stress introduction to high school.  The goal of the day was to encourage incoming students to meet members of their class outside of their social group and learn about their school community; to allow freshman students to meet upperclassmen who can serve as valuable mentors, resources, friends and support; and to familiarize freshman students with the CCHS campus and their own schedule, all in an effort to help with the transition to high school.  The day was busy but fun.

Students started the day with a welcome assembly, were involved in a scavenger hunt throughout the building, followed their schedules, met teachers, staff, and administrators.  Students participated in cooperative games within their advisory groups led by adults with varying roles in the school community. A special thank you to the student leaders and all who helped make the day run smoothly.

On behalf of all members of CCHS, I want to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to the class of 2020.

Freshman Orientation Photos

CCHS Graduate, Johnny Fry

By Tom Keane

Congratulations to Johnny Fry who is graduating from CCHS on his 22nd birthday.  Johnny moved to Carlisle from Cleveland when he was in the 7th grade.  Despite his 15 years in this area Johnny is still an avid Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Cavaliers fan.  He was part of Mr. Peck’s Bridge to Pathways program and he has worked at the school store called the Carlisle Huskie.  Johnny has worked very hard during his CCHS career and successfully passed the MCAS.  He thoroughly enjoyed his time in Pathways and general education classes.  He particularly enjoyed Mr. Pavlik’s Earth Science Class, Mr. Bodenrader’s Psychology Class, and 2D Art Classes with Mr. Pickman.  Johnny’s accomplishments included: being a member of the  Drama Club, CCHS School Store Board Member, and an Alum of Rivers and Revolutions Cohort 2.  

In his spare time, he works at the Concord Food Pantry, Goodnow Library, Drumlin Farm, and Acton Bowladrome.  He loves to play basketball and shoot three-pointers while impersonating his basketball idol, Ray Allen. ​Lastly, We are grateful that the Red Sox start their West Coast Road Trip tonight, otherwise, he might miss today's ceremony he always had trouble arriving on time after a 10:00 p.m. Pacific Coast game).

Johnny is third of three John James Fry high school diplomas going back to Johnny's great-grandfather from the Westmoreland County PA Common school in 1909. 

Mentoring Program / Concord-Carlisle Community Connections

By John Fossett

Concord-Carlisle High School sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to consider participation in Concord-Carlisle Community Connections, to be presented in the spring 2017 semester. This recently established mentoring series connects students in the second semester of the school year with community leaders and residents from a variety of multiple professional disciplines or with significant life experiences, thus improving student appreciation and understanding of the challenges faced, and the inner-workings and skill sets that may be helpful in achieving success in the professional arena. The program is now four years strong.

Students and community mentors are asked to make a commitment to 8 to 10 hours of meeting time with one another over the course of the semester, in 4-5 roughly equal sessions of 1 ½ - 2 hours in length. Program materials are provided to both mentors and students.

This program seeks to provide an improved appreciation for the value of making real-life connections in order to develop life skills and insights into the world outside the classroom. It is expected that student participation in this program will facilitate intergenerational exchanges of ideas and life experiences between students and mentors.  These connections provide an opportunity for students to learn more about the challenges and adversities faced by people and organizations in their daily pursuits and the competing choices and sacrifices often required, and the adversity often faced and overcome, in achieving personal and professional goals. Community mentors are encouraged to expose students to notions of the importance of teamwork and collaboration, developing interpersonal and problem-solving skills, building personal networks, the need for personal interaction in the workplace, and appreciating human differences, among other teachings. The program seeks to serve up to 50 students in the spring 2017 semester, with applications for participation available beginning in early November.

If you need further information, please contact Mr. Steve Wells, CCHS Program Coordinator, at (978) 341-2490 x7209 or swells@concordcarlisle.org.

Website:  www.cchs-connections.org

Additional Notes

Co-curricular opportunities: http://www.concordcarlisle.org/co-curricular/

Open House will be held on September, 15th.  Freshman parent presentation begins at 6:00 in the auditorium and all parents are invited to the presentation beginning at 7:00.

Graduation: Will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at 11am.

Principal's Blog

By any measure, the first week of school was a raving success.  CCHS staff returned happy and excited after spending the summer months recharging and preparing for the upcoming school year.  It was great to greet our nearly 1300 students from Carlisle, Boston, and Concord.   Students add an energy and excitement to the building that is largely absent during the summer months.  We had a successful freshman orientation program that would not have been possible without the hard work and effort of CCHS teacher, Hanna Bruno, and so many student and staff leaders.  These individuals donate their time and energy to ensure a smooth and successful transition for all our new students.

Assistant Principals Brian Miller, Colleen Meaney and I met with students during the opening day assemblies and talked about the importance of hard work, effort, and grit; we asked students to develop a growth mindset when the inevitable challenges arise this year.  In addition, we shared a great quote from Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you are right."  We talked about managing stress and the importance of finding balance and enjoying the journey.  Lastly, we challenged them to wake up every day with the intention of making CCHS a better place and positively contributing the well-being of others.  To illustrate our point we showed a brief six minute Ted Talk on being a leader.  I have included a link to the talk for your review.  It is well worth your time.  

Ted Talk

Freshman Orientation

By Hanna Bruno

The Freshman class participated in an orientation led by 40 student leaders designed to be a high-energy, low-stress introduction to high school.  The goal of the day was to encourage incoming students to meet members of their class outside of their social group and learn about their school community; to allow freshman students to meet upperclassmen who can serve as valuable mentors, resources, friends and support; and to familiarize freshman students with the CCHS campus and their own schedule, all in an effort to help with the transition to high school.  The day was busy but fun.

Students started the day with a welcome assembly, were involved in a scavenger hunt throughout the building, followed their schedules, met teachers, staff, and administrators.  Students participated in cooperative games within their advisory groups led by adults with varying roles in the school community. A special thank you to the student leaders and all who helped make the day run smoothly.

On behalf of all members of CCHS, I want to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to the class of 2020.

Freshman Orientation Photos

CCHS Graduate, Johnny Fry

By Tom Keane

Congratulations to Johnny Fry who is graduating from CCHS on his 22nd birthday.  Johhny moved to Carlisle from Cleveland when he was in the 7th grade.  Despite his 15 years in this area Johnny is still an avid Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Cavaliers fan.  He was part of Mr. Peck’s Bridge to Pathways program and he has worked at the school store called the Carlisle Huskie.  Johnny has worked very hard during his CCHS career and successfully passed the MCAS.  He thoroughly enjoyed his time in Pathways and general education classes.  He particularly enjoyed Mr. Pavlik’s Earth Science Class, Mr. Bodenrader’s Psychology Class, and 2D Art Classes with Mr. Pickman.  Johnny’s accomplishments included: being a member of the  Drama Club, CCHS School Store Board Member, and an Alum of Rivers and Revolutions Cohort 2.  

In his spare time, he works at the Concord Food Pantry, Goodnow Library, Drumlin Farm, and Acton Bowladrome.  He loves to play basketball and shoot three-pointers while impersonating his basketball idol, Ray Allen. ​Lastly, We are grateful that the Red Sox start their West Coast Road Trip tonight, otherwise, he might miss today's ceremony he always had trouble arriving on time after a 10:00 p.m. Pacific Coast game).

Johnny is third of three John James Fry high school diplomas going back to Johnny's great-grandfather from the Westmoreland County PA Common school in 1909. 

Mentoring Program / Concord-Carlisle Community Connections

By John Fossett

Concord-Carlisle High School sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to consider participation in Concord-Carlisle Community Connections, to be presented in the spring 2017 semester. This recently established mentoring series connects students in the second semester of the school year with community leaders and residents from a variety of multiple professional disciplines or with significant life experiences, thus improving student appreciation and understanding of the challenges faced, and the inner-workings and skill sets that may be helpful in achieving success in the professional arena. The program is now four years strong.

Students and community mentors are asked to make a commitment to 8 to 10 hours of meeting time with one another over the course of the semester, in 4-5 roughly equal sessions of 1 ½ - 2 hours in length. Program materials are provided to both mentors and students.

This program seeks to provide an improved appreciation for the value of making real-life connections in order to develop life skills and insights into the world outside the classroom. It is expected that student participation in this program will facilitate intergenerational exchanges of ideas and life experiences between students and mentors.  These connections provide an opportunity for students to learn more about the challenges and adversities faced by people and organizations in their daily pursuits and the competing choices and sacrifices often required, and the adversity often faced and overcome, in achieving personal and professional goals. Community mentors are encouraged to expose students to notions of the importance of teamwork and collaboration, developing interpersonal and problem-solving skills, building personal networks, the need for personal interaction in the workplace, and appreciating human differences, among other teachings. The program seeks to serve up to 50 students in the spring 2017 semester, with applications for participation available beginning in early November.

If you need further information, please contact Mr. Steve Wells, CCHS Program Coordinator, at (978) 341-2490 x7209 or swells@concordcarlisle.org.

Website:  www.cchs-connections.org

Additional Notes

Co-curricular opportunities: http://www.concordcarlisle.org/co-curricular/

Open House will be held on September, 15th.  Freshman parent presentation begins at 6:00 in the auditorium and all parents are invited to the presentation beginning at 7:00.

Graduation: Will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at 11am.