Rehearsals start Feb. 6 for community chorus

MIDDLEFIELD >> A new Community Chorus has been formed, and anyone over 20 years old is invited to join.

Lisa Larsen, recently retired choral director from Coginchaug High School, is starting this new group because “I have worked with kids for many years and have always hoped to start a group for adults. There is nothing like the magic of creating and breathing together through music. It can transport you, make you laugh or cry and relieve stress,” she said.

The group will learn and perform music from the lighter side, including pop, folk, Broadway and more in a fun and relaxed environment.

The choir will rehearse from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays beginning Feb. 6 at the Middlefield Federated Church Fellowship Hall. Rehearsals will continue Feb. 13 and 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27. A public concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, at Middlefield Federated.

Larsen also explained that the choir is for singers of all abilities. The desire to sing and $20 for music is all that is needed. Sign up by emailing llarsen35@yahoo.com or calling 860-349-8236.

Region 13 kindergarten registration, visits

DURHAM/MIDDLEFIELD >> Parents of children living in Durham and Middlefield who will be 5 years old on or before Jan. 1, 2018, must register them to attend kindergarten in September 2017 or apply for a waiver of attendance.

In Region 13, children may attend kindergarten in either the Contemporary Program or the Integrated Day Program. Parents must choose the appropriate program for their child prior to kindergarten registration. School visits and information available at the schools will assist parents in making their choice.

The Contemporary Program serves children in grades K-4 and is housed at Brewster School for grades K-3. Grade 4 students attend Memorial Middle School. The Integrated Day program serves students in grades K-4 at John Lyman School. While the two programs share many similarities, they also have some distinctive differences that must be considered when deciding which program is best for each child.

Parents may visit the schools until Jan. 31 to observe classes and to discuss any specific questions or concerns. Visits, which are designed for adults, should be scheduled ahead of time to allow for optimum opportunities to observe the programs. Appointments to visit can be made by calling the individual schools. Parents may call Lyman School at 860-3497240 to visit the Integrated Day Program. To visit the Contemporary Program, call Brewster School at 860-349-7227.

Once parents have visited both programs, they must make a decision about the program for which they will be registering their child. According to Regional School District 13 Board of Education policy, this decision must be made by Feb. 1. Any child not registered in a specific program by that date may not be able to attend the program chosen by his/her parents(s). Scheduling an appointment for kindergarten registration confirms program choice.

Kindergarten registration for the 2017-18 school year will take place Feb. 1-3. Appointments will be available between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily with hours extended to 6 p.m. on one evening. Parents wishing to register their child for the Contemporary Program should call Brewster School at 860-3497227 for an appointment.

To register a child for the Integrated Day program, call John Lyman School at 860349-7240 for an appointment. Once the registration appointment has been made, the school will send a registration information packet. This information will include a residency form and questionnaire, a student information/ emergency form, a school entry health questionnaire and a parent questionnaire, which should be completed and brought to registration along with a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Children should attend the registration appointment with you.

Residents are asked to share this information with others they may know who have children eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2017.

Any parent of an eligible kindergarten child who wishes to hold his/her child out of school for another year must sign a form at the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Library hosts film series

OLD SAYBROOK >> The Acton Public Library will host two film series on Fridays starting in January and running through May, using new film projection equipment and a new 12-foot movie screen in the Grady Thomas Room.

“Explore the World Through Arts and Adventure” will run on the second Friday of the month at 1 p.m. and will include films that explore other countries and cultures through various art forms such as dance and music, and through adventure.

“The School Series” will also be held at 1 p.m., and will include artistically and historically educational films. Local school groups will be invited to join for these films at Acton.

For more information, call the library at 860-395-3184, visit the library during regular hours or visit www.actonlibrary.org.