Greetings Cambridge Community!
I hope you had an enjoyable vacation week. I want to take a moment to reflect on the conflict that has unfolded in Ukraine. Our thoughts and hearts are with the people of Ukraine, particularly the children, and with those near and far who have been impacted by this event.
We are in the final stages of preparing the FY23 budget for review and approval. I will present the proposed budget at a Special Meeting of the School Committee on Thursday, March 17.
At tomorrow’s School Committee meeting, I will share an update regarding CPS’ COVID mitigation plans.
Thank you to every student and staff member who took their rapid test yesterday morning. I truly appreciate your commitment to the health and safety of our schools. Our new at-home testing option also begins this week, with the test kit going home on Wednesday. If you are interested in opting in, please complete the form in the CPS Family Portal as soon as possible. For more information, visit www.cpsd.us/covid19/covidtesting.
Please be reminded that CPS’ mask requirement remains in effect and that we will update you as we evaluate the impact of the announced changes to the city’s mask ordinance.
Thank you for your engagement and continued support.
Make it Great!
Dr. Victoria L. Greer
Superintendent
At-Home Weekly Testing Begins Today!
CPS' new at-home testing option begins today. Students and staff members who opt-in will be able to rapid test at home weekly.
HIGHLIGHTS OF AT-HOME RAPID TESTING PLAN:
- ANY student or staff member can participate in the new at-home rapid testing program regardless of vaccination status.
- The testing program is VOLUNTARY. Opt-in through the CPS Family Portal.
- Participating students will receive a kit every 2 weeks; each kit will contain 2 tests and instructions for using the self-test.
- IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR CHILD TO RECEIVE A KIT THE WEEK OF THE 28TH, THE OPT-IN FORM MUST BE COMPLETED BY THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18.
For more information, visit www.cpsd.us/covid19/covidtesting.
NEW: Families No Longer Need to Upload Vaccination Records
We are proud and delighted to share that our student vaccination rates have increased significantly this month and are currently at ~81% among high school students, ~77% among upper school students and ~67% among elementary students.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is no longer necessary for families to upload their child’s vaccination status to the CPS Family Portal.
- Doctors and health care providers submit immunization information to the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS), a confidential database operated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
- The Cambridge Public Health Department and school nurses can now access that data seamlessly, eliminating the need for families to provide documented proof of vaccinations to schools.
*Vaccinations administered out-of-state or internationally must be uploaded to the CPS Family Portal.
UPDATED COVID-19 Testing & Quarantine Protocols
We recently updated our COVID Testing & Quarantine Protocols to align with the latest guidance from the CDC.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: In this most recent update, in alignment with the CDC, CPS distinguishes (p.4 of protocols) between vaccinated and boosted (Up to date), vaccinated and less than 5 months from final dose (fully vaccinated) and vaccinated and more than 5 months from final dose (less well protected).
- Questions? Contact your school nurse.
What We're Celebrating This Month
National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month and Food & Nutrition Services is celebrating all things food, nutrition, healthy living and exploring different cultures through food!
Students will be learning daily fun facts about food and nutrition every morning. Schools canjoin the celebration by checking out FNS’ weekly menus for fun facts and by following them on Twitter and Instagram for more surprises and fun!
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month was proclaimed by Congress and many governors and legislatures as a month to celebrate the rich and inspiring heritage of women’s contributions to the United States, such as Jeannette Rankin who on March 4, 1917 became the first female member of Congress. She was elected four years before the Nineteenth Amendment guaranteed women the right to vote. We also celebrate Shirley Chisholm who in 1968 became the first African-American woman elected to the United States Congress.
We celebrate these women who served in public office and who paved the way for other women who are
currently serving, including local trail blazers U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Representative Ayanna
Pressley and Massachusetts State Representative Majorie Decker.
Help Us Support You to Support Your Child
We want to support you! Our Family Engagement Office is putting together a variety of parent workshops,
classes and events to help our families support their children. Please complete the survey below to share the
types of programming you would find most helpful.
English
Amharic
Arabic
Haitian Creole
Spanish
CPS Recruiting Substitute Teachers!
CPS is recruiting day-to-day substitute teachers for all grade levels and for Special Education. Applicants must complete a CORI check, be fingerprinted and vaccinated.
APPLY HERE
- Bachelor’s Degree requirement waived for the 2021-2022 school year.
- Must have some educational experience
- Pay Rate: $161.59/day
Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors
CRLS Scholarship Application Closes Tomorrow (March 1) at Midnight
The Friends of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (FOCRLS) will award scholarships totaling $75,250 in 2022. Please visit https://crls.cpsd.us/ to apply.
The City of Cambridge Scholarship Program is accepting applications!
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to college-bound high school seniors and other Cambridge residents who wish to pursue post-secondary education.
Apply at Cambridgema.gov/cityscholarship
DEADLINE: Next Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a resident of Cambridge
- Must be attending, received admittance to or have an application pending at an accredited education institution beyond high school level prior to award date of May 2022
- Scholarship is paid directly to education institution and must be used during the 2022-2023 academic year.
- Prior recipients are NOT eligible as the City Scholarship Award is one-time only.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Shot Opportunities
CPHD Hosting Vaccine Clinic
- Children (ages 5+) and adults are invited to a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Reservoir Church (170 Rindge Avenue) next Wednesday, March 9 from 3 - 6PM.
- Get your first, second or booster dose. Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be offered.
- Register here. Walk-ins welcome. For more information and language translations, click here.
Other COVID Vaccination Opportunities:
- All ages welcome at POP-UP Vaccine Clinic with Boston Medical Center at Prospect Hill Academy Charter School: 1st dose-Monday, February 7, 2nd dose-Wednesday, March 2, Complete consent form here.
- Booster shots available for CRLS students at Teen Health Center: Every Tuesday from 8:30AM - 3PM, Appointment required-call 617-665-1548 or stop by center.
- Who’s eligible? CRLS students who received 2nd Pfizer COVID vaccine 5 or more months ago OR 2nd Moderna COVID vaccine 6 or more months ago.
- Go toVaxFinderto find a location near you.
- VaxAbilities hosts disability-friendly vaccine clinics with specialized staff to provide skilled support to individuals with disabilities and sensory support needs. Registerhere for upcoming clinics.
Caught Doing Good
Four CRLS Students Named National Merit Finalists
The Cambridge Public Schools is delighted to announce that four Cambridge Rindge and Latin School seniors have been selected as National Merit Scholarship finalists in the program’s 67th year. Christopher Dante Ashih, Felix S. Prasanna, Pratyush Saahil Venkatakrishnan and Claire Wang were selected among 16,000 Semifinalists based on their academic performance. They will now go on to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million. Merit Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in March.
We are incredibly proud of Christopher, Felix, Pratyush and Claire! We extend our congratulations to them, their families and the CRLS community.
A Big Night for VPA!
The Visual and Performing Arts Department has 65 reasons to celebrate! Twenty-eight CRLS students swept the Scholastic Art Awards, taking home 16 gold keys, 13 silver keys and 36 honorable mentions.
Congratulations to our very own VPA teachers Deborah Milligan, Melissa Chaney, Amanda Kilton, Elizabeth Menges, Jon Baring-Gould and RSTA Teacher Michele Watson Maxwell!
Are you proud of something happening in your school, classroom or program? Share your
“Caught Doing Good” story with [email protected].
Featured Events
School Calendar
CPS 2021-22 School calendar
Wednesday, March 16 | Early Release Day-JK-8 Only
Monday, April 18 - Friday, April 22 | April Break
Monday, May 30 | Memorial Day
In Case You Missed It: Key Resources
2022-23 JK/K Lottery: Closed for the 2022-23 school year; If you are interested in registering your child, visit our registration webpage for more information.
March Lunch Menu: Week 1 (February 28-March 4)
COVID-19 Testing Consent Forms: Log in to the Family Portal
CPS Quarantine Instructional Guidelines for SY2021-22
Free Internet for Qualifying Families: Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program
Picture of the Week
MCAC Exhibit
A reception was held earlier this month at the Multicultural Arts Center (MCAC) celebrating the artwork of JK-8 students! The exhibition runs through this Friday, March 4.