Greer Gazette: February 6, 2023

Greer Gazette: February 6, 2023
Posted on 02/06/2023

     

Greetings CPS Community!


I hope you stayed warm over the weekend. Spring can’t arrive soon enough!


I am excited to share some information about the future ofUniversal Preschool.For several months, we have been engaged with the City of Cambridge in conversations about Universal Preschool and our collective mission to offer programs and services that advance the needs of all young children and their families. Next Tuesday, February 14, we will hold a Universal Preschool Roundtable discussion with the School Committee and the City Council. This meeting will be virtual. I hope you will tune in to learn more about this wonderful initiative.


I would also like to thank the parents, educators, and students who have shared their input during the design of our Instructional Framework. This is such an important step for our district because this framework will serve as a blueprint to ensure that our instructional practices are consistent across every school and classrooms and that all of our students receive high quality instruction every day. The Instructional Framework will help provide coherence, consistency, and rigor in each and every one of our students’ learning experiences. I look forward to continuing this critical work together.


As equity is a throughline in our work, we are excited to partner with the Cambridge Community Foundation & THRIVE! on our Budgeting for Equity and Success audit, which, over the next two years, will examine our budget and how decisions are being made to close the achievement gap.Initial observations, findings, and recommendations will be shared with the community in a thoughtful and consistent way throughout the process.


Thank you for your continued support.


Make it Great!


Dr. Victoria L. Greer


Headlines

We’re Designing a Portrait of a Graduate!



As we shared earlier today, we are excited to share that we are designing a CPS Portrait of a Graduatea collective vision that articulates our aspirations for every student. A representative group of individuals including students, alumni, families, employers, higher education officials, community partners, community leaders, and other individuals who work directly with students and young adults, is leading the design process.

Portrait of a Graduate will be a cornerstone of our work, aligning with our District Planobjectives of:


  1. Delivering ambitious instruction & effective supports

  2. Implementing accessible college & career pathways

We look forward to updating you on the design team’s progress in the coming weeks.


Free Museum Passes for Black History Month
The Cambridge Public Library is offering free passes to the Museum of African American History (MAAH) in honor of Black History Month. The museum is located on Beacon Hill, which was the center of Boston’s Black community in the 17th century and continues to be the central location for African American history in Boston.


To qualify for a free pass to the MAAH and other museums:

  • You must have a valid Minuteman library card in good standing.

  • Each household may only borrow one museum pass per day.

  • Passes can be picked up at any branch location and do not have to be returned.

  • Learn moreabout reserving a pass.



Student Assessment Calendars
The Office of Academics & Schools is very excited to share for the first timethis year’s assessment calendars for Kindergarten through 8th grade. These assessments help our educators determine each student’s unique learning needs and the best supports to help them achieve their highest potential. Please note that going forward these will be shared at the beginning of the school year.

Choose your child’s grade level below to view their assessment calendar:



What We’re Celebrating



National School Counseling Week (February 6-10) is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and aims to highlight the tremendous impact that school counselors have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. In CPS, our school counselors are actively engaged in helping students explore their strengths, abilities, and talents to enhance their academic, career, and social emotional development. A huge thank you each and every one of you. Your commitment, dedication, and role is integral to student success!

CRLS Scholarship Opportunities 


A reminder that the 2023 CRLS Scholarship Application system is open! This spring,145 scholarships and awards totaling over $483,000will be given out to deserving graduating seniors.


  • Click here to apply by next Friday, February 17.

Questions?Contact Susie VanBlaricum at [email protected].


The Path to Financial Success

Learn how to start your financial journey with a few key strategies for yourself and your family. Families are invited to watch this video, brought to you by The Village, a partnership between our district and the Cambridge Families of Color Coalition (CFCC).

  • For more information about The Village and other programming, please click here.



Featured Activities & Events

Free Food Markets



All families are welcome to stop by our free, school-based food markets. They offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry items. Please bring your own bags.


Markets happening this month:

  • Wednesday, February 8

    • 2 - 3:30PM (Kennedy-Longfellow School/Vassal Lane Upper School)

    • 1:45 - 3PM (Fletcher Maynard Academy)

  • Wednesday, February 15

    • 1:30 - 3PM (Graham & Parks School)

  • Thursday, February 16

    • 3 - 4PM (Putnam Ave. Upper School/Dr. Martin Luther King School)

    • 3:15 - 4PM (Rindge Ave. Upper School/Peabody School)



Cambridge Families of Asian Descent Community Meeting
TheCambridge Families of Asian Descent (CFAD) welcomes you to its next virtual meeting which will feature a special guest, our district’snew Director of Family Engagement, Ray Porch.CFAD is a group of parents/caregivers of all Asian heritages centered on forming social connections and advocating for Asian-Americans in the school community.


If you have a question or comment that you would like to share with Ray, please submit it here before the meeting.


To learn more about CFAD, click here.


Students Shine on Stage
First through fourth graders at the Peabody School shined bright at their Winter Concert! Families and community members in the audience were treated to a wonderful performance last week. Thank you to music teachers, Katie Bach and Killian Mooney, for all of your hard work preparing our students.

Fathers Meet Up
We are so pleased with the turnout at the first Fathers Meet Up at Fletcher Maynard Academy! More than two dozen fathers and father figures, such as uncles, male caregivers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and godfathers, showed up to support one another and discuss topics impacting their students.




Health & Safety Update 

Keeping Warm This Winter
If your child is in need of a coat, gloves, hat, or shoes to keep warm this winter, The Spot Cambridge provides free clothing, school supplies, backpacks, toiletries, diapers, and other items to local families. If the need is immediate, please contact the school Family Liaison.


Free Weekly Vaccine Clinics



To help keep our community safe this winter, the Cambridge Public Health Department will be offering free COVID-19 and Flu vaccines to adults and children 5 and older every Wednesday, beginning this week.The clinics will run fromFebruary 8 - June 14.

  • WHERE:119 Windsor Street

  • HOURS:12 - 4PM

  • Appointmentsarerequired. Insurance and identificationare notrequired.

  • Book your appointment here.


COVID Test Distribution

Next week, each school will give out a COVID test kit to every student and staff member. We ask that every student and staff member take a rapid test before returning to school on Monday, February 27.

  • If positive or negative but have symptoms, please stay home and notify the school.

  • If negative and do not have symptoms, we will see you at school.


In addition, we, along with the Health Department, strongly recommend masking at school through Friday, March 3, particularly if an individual travels or attends a large indoor gathering over February break.Please note that this recommendation may be extended as we continue to monitor the data.


 
Mark Your Calendar

Monday, February 20 - Friday, February 24 | February Break (No School & CPS Offices Closed on Monday, February 20)


Wednesday, March 15 Early Release Day (JK-8 only)


Monday, March 20 Staff Professional Learning Day
(No School)

Friday, April 7 | Good Friday (No School & CPS Offices Closed)


Monday, April 17 - Friday, April 21 April Break 
(No School & CPS Offices Closed on Monday, April 17)

 
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