Mark Your Calendar
Monday, October 14 | Indigenous Peoples Day (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Tuesday, October 15 | School Committee Meeting (Beginning at 6PM)
Tuesday, November 5 | Election Day & Staff Professional Learning Day (No School)
Monday, November 11 | Veterans Day (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Wednesday, November 27 | Early Release (All Grades)
Thursday, November 28 - Friday, November 29 | Thanksgiving Break (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Good evening CPS Community:
I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
Families will have an opportunity to connect with the CPS Family Engagement Team and our community partners at our upcoming Community Social on Thursday, October 17. Together, we will center around our theme of celebrating global diversity and continue to make meaningful connections with one another.
Those with preschool-aged children are encouraged to apply for the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP), also known as Universal Preschool, for the 2025-2026 school year. The application is open now through October 31. CPP simplifies the application process, streamlining several preschool programs through a single application. Our existing preschool programs including Special Start, FMA Scholar College, Tobin Montessouri Children’s House, and more are all featured in CPP. Learn more about eligibility requirements below.
Please note, there is no school next Monday, October 14 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The next CPS Connect will be shared on Tuesday, October 15.
In this Issue:
- What We Are Celebrating
- First Community Social of the School Year
- October 1 School Committee Recap
- Cambridge Preschool Program Application Now Open
- Apply for Equity Grants to Improve CPS Today
- Need Help with Heating Bills? Apply for Fuel Assistance
- Get Help From Our Digital Navigators
- Upcoming Events
- District & Community Resources
Sincerely,
David Murphy
Interim Superintendent
What We Are Celebrating
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity to honor the contributions that Indigenous peoples have made throughout history. In addition, it is an opportunity to acknowledge the violence, displacement, assimilation, and discrimination that Indigenous communities have faced and continue to face today. People have been advocating for celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day for decades (e.g. it was first introduced during a United Nations conference in 1977), to replace Columbus Day. In 2022, President Joe Biden became the first president to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day by issuing a proclamation.
Need to Know News
First Community Social of the School Year
You’re invited to join the Family and Community Engagement Team and our community partners for our first Community Social of the new school year. The theme for this event will focus on celebrating global diversity!
Come and join the festivities, indulge in delicious food, participate in our raffle, and take home some swag! Check out the Community Social flyer here.
- When: Thursday, October 17 | 5:30 - 7:30PM
- Where: Fletcher Maynard Academy Gymnasium (225 Windsor Street)
- Register here, including for a chance to win a prize
- Questions? Contact Mia Ferej or call 617.349.9786
October 1 School Committee Recap
A School Committee meeting was held last Tuesday. Highlights include...
Interested in receiving email notifications about meetings? Join the School Committee listserv
Preschool (CPP) Application Now Open
Families can apply for the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) for the 2025-2026 school year now through Thursday, October 31. Several offices are available to support in completing the application. While an appointment is not necessary it is encouraged.
CPP provides free preschool through Cambridge Public Schools, the Cambridge Department of Human Services, Head Start, and select community-based preschool and family childcare providers. Families can apply to a variety of programs all through one single online or paper application. Watch this video for a look into CPP!
A child is eligible if they live in Cambridge and are:
- 4 years old by August 31, 2025 for 4-year-old programs; or
- 3 years old by August 31, 2025 for 3-year-old programs (please note there will be limited seats for 3-year-olds and there may be additional eligibility requirements)
Access Frequently Asked Questions specific to CPP using the links below…
Cambridge Preschool Program | Cambridge Public Schools | Department of Human Services
Access translated Frequently Asked Questions here.
Learn more about the Cambridge Preschool Program here.
Apply for Equity Grants to Improve CPS Today
Do you have an idea for a project to eliminate academic, racial, socio-economic, and/or other opportunity gaps, or to address inequities in Cambridge Public Schools? The Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (OEIB) invites students, educators, and caregivers to apply for a grant!
- OEIB Mini-Grants (up to $1000)
- The Equity Collaborative ($500-$5000)
Interested? Learn more about our equity grants and access applications here.
Need Help with Heating Bills? Apply for Fuel Assistance
Colder weather means higher heating bills. The Cambridge Fuel Assistance Program is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 season. The program helps residents pay their winter heating bills between November 1 and April 30. Learn more about how to qualify and fill out the application here.
Get Help From Our Digital Navigators
The new Digital Navigators Pilot Program is now available to the Cambridge community!
Digital Navigators provide one-on-one support to help residents…
- Access the internet
- Set up devices
- Use online services effectively
- Connect eligible residents to free or low-cost computers, hot spots, or related equipment.
View the Digital Navigator Program flyer here (አማርኛ | عريب | বাংলা | Kreyòl ayisyen | Español). Those interested in meeting with a Digital Navigator can call 888.551.2167 or email [email protected].
In the District
Community Social
Thursday, October 17 | 5:30 - 7:30PM
Fletcher Maynard Academy Gymnasium (225 Windsor Street)
Join CPS and our community partners for our first Community Social of the year. Enjoy food, raffles, take home some swag and celebrate this year’s theme of global diversity!
Register for the Community Social here.
STEAM It Up!
Thursday, October 24 | 6 - 8PM
Rindge Avenue/ Peabody School (70 Rindge Avenue)
Explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) during our STEAM It Up event this fall. This Cambridge-wide event for preschoolers- 8th grade will feature fun STEAM events and free pizza! Save the date now!
District Calendar
Visit our digital calendar for upcoming events here.
In the Community
Youth Underground Arts and Science Fellowship Application
Deadline: Friday, October 11
Central Square Theater (450 Massachusetts Avenue)
Students in Grade 8, high school, and young adults up to the age of 20 who have not yet started college can apply for the Central Square Theater’s Youth Underground Program. This paid opportunity allows participants to explore thought-provoking play, engage in dynamic workshops, and explore meaningful themes. Learn more and apply here.
Navigating the College Journey: A Workshop for Caregivers
Wednesday, October 16 | 6 - 8PM
Cambridge Rindge and Latin Media Cafe (459 Broadway)
Learn about the college applications process, scholarships, financial aid, important deadlines, and how to support your student’s academic journey through this college preparedness workshop. Dinner and childcare is provided. Register for the workshop here.
District & Community Resources