Mark Your Calendar
- Tuesday, September 2 | First Day of School (Grades 1 - 12 and Postgraduate)
- Tuesday, September 2 | School Committee Meeting (Beginning at 6PM)
- Thursday, September 4 | First Day of School (Kindergarten & Cambridge Preschool Program)
Good evening CPS Community,
We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning students, families, and staff next week for another year of joyful learning, growth, and community building. Ensure your student is ready for the year by reviewing our to-do list for families before the first day.
As a reminder, annual forms are available on the CPS Family Portal. Families must complete and return these forms for each student before the first day of school.
The first day of school for grades 1-12+ will be Tuesday, September 2. The first day for preschool and kindergarten students will be Thursday, September 2. As always, if you need any support, please contact your school.
In this Issue:
- Introducing Our New Assistant Principals
- Annual Forms Now Available
- Community Fairs
- Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Update
- Track Your Bus in Real Time
- Superintendent of Schools Finalists
- Information for Families in the Event of a School Emergency
- Volunteer in Uur School Cafeterias
- Upcoming Events
- District & Community Resources
- The Bright Spot
Sincerely,
The CPS Team
Introducing Our New Assistant Principals
We are thrilled to introduce the newest members of our school leadership teams.
Paul McKnight, Graham and Parks School
Mr. McKnight previously served as an elementary school principal in the Canton Public Schools and as an assistant principal in both Raynham and Randolph. Prior to that, Mr. McKnight was a Special Education teacher in Melrose. In the interview process, the hiring team was particularly impressed with Mr. McKnight’s significant operational experience and his commitment to students and families. Paul is collaborative, reflective, and genuine, and we believe he will be a terrific member of the G&P Leadership Team.
Rolanda Prophete, Rindge Avenue Upper School
With 12 years of experience in school counseling and 4 years as an Assistant Principal at the Kennedy-Longfellow School, Rolanda brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
Throughout her career, Rolanda has been deeply committed to creating inclusive learning environments where all students feel safe and valued, particularly those who are furthest from justice. She looks forward to getting to know the RAUC community and building strong partnerships with educators and caregivers to support students.
Sean D’Abbraccio, Peabody School
Mr. D’Ab has over 20+ years of classroom experience and is committed to fostering an inclusive school environment where every student feels valued. His leadership is built on culturally responsive practices and strong relationships with families, which he has demonstrated during his 7 years as a grade 4 teacher at Peabody and a member of the Peabody School Equity Team. He is excited to work to increase family engagement and continue to live out the Peabody School mission to "Love, Learn, and Lead."
Need to Know News
Annual Forms Now Available
Complete the required annual forms in the CPS Family Portal! Update your contact information, health history forms, technology access forms, and more. These forms must be submitted on the first day of school for each student.
Community Fairs
Thanks to all who attended the Community Fair this weekend. We hope you all enjoyed meeting with community partners, learning about community services, getting free supplies, backpacks, resources, and clothing!
Missed the last event? Join us for our final community fair…
- Saturday, September 6 | Peabody School (70 Rindge Avenue)
Both fairs will be held from 10AM- 12PM.
Save-the-Date: Events at Your School
School communities will host back-to-school events for students and families. View School-based back-to-school events here. Events will be regularly added, so check the website for updates!
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Update
CPS has begun the process of updating the district’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, which outlines the district’s comprehensive approach to reducing bullying/cyberbullying and protecting and supporting those targeted in Cambridge Public Schools.
Families/caregivers and staff are invited to participate in our upcoming feedback sessions and take the online survey. Your feedback will inform the development of the updated plan that supports a safe learning environment for all students.
Feedback Sessions
- Wednesday, September 3 | 12 - 12:45PM
Zoom ID: 934 5172 9892 | Passcode: 615040
- Wednesday, September 3 | 5 - 6PM
CPS Administration Building (2nd Floor, 135 Berkshire Street)
Dinner will be provided
Take the Feedback Survey here (አማርኛ | عربي | বাংলা | Kreyòl ayisyen | Español)
We look forward to working with you as we continue to build welcoming and safe schools.
Track Your Bus in Real Time
All families using bus services can track their child’s bus right in real time, right from their phone, by downloading the bus tracking app for their child’s bus vendor.
There are different bus tracking apps for each bus vendor.
Track Eastern Bus Routes
(Eligible General Education Students)
Download the Edulog Parent Portal App
Apple | Android |
Track NRT Bus Routes
(Students Eligible for Door-to-Door Services)
Download the Beacon Connect Family App
Apple | Android |
Learn more about bus tracking options here.
Superintendent of Schools Finalists
On August 11th, the Cambridge School Committee announced three finalists to present to the greater Cambridge Community as a result of the ongoing Superintendent Search.
Finalists for the next CPS Superintendent of Schools are:
- Lourenço Garcia, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Revere, MA
- David Murphy, Interim Superintendent, Cambridge, MA
- Magaly Sanchez, Chief Family Advancement Officer, Boston, MA
CPS community members will have an opportunity to meet candidates during the week of September 22nd, and public interviews are scheduled for September 30th and October 1st. More details will be shared at a later date. Learn more about the candidates here.
Information for Families in the Event of a School Emergency
We strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment to support learning. The quick reference guide below provides important instructions if there is an emergency at your child’s school. We encourage you to keep this information quickly accessible.
Access more safety information in our Safety and Security Playbook.
Volunteer in Our School Cafeterias
The City of Cambridge is looking for volunteers to help our students learn to sort recycling and food waste after breakfast and lunch. This is a great opportunity to be in the school!
Questions? Contact [email protected] or call 617.349.4836.
In the District
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.
Thursday, August 28 | 2:30 - 3PM
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School/Putnam Ave. Upper School (100 Putnam Avenue)
Feedback Sessions: Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
Wednesday, September 3 | 12 - 12:45PM
Zoom ID: 934 5172 9892
Passcode: 615040
Wednesday, September 3 | 5 - 6PM
CPS Administration Building (2nd Floor, 135 Berkshire Street)
Dinner will be provided
Community Fair
Saturday, September 6 | 10AM-12PM
Peabody School (70 Rindge Avenue)
Free supplies, backpacks, resources, and clothing!
District Calendar
Visit our digital calendar for upcoming events here.
In the Community
Rail Innovation in Action Program
Application Deadline: Monday, September 22
Online
Students in grades 9 - 12 are encouraged to apply for the
Rail Innovation program in partnership with Lemelson-MIT and the California State Railroad Museum. This online eight-week, interactive program focuses on innovation to create community impact. Applications close Monday, September 22.
Science Club for Girls
Date & Time Varies
Virtual and In-person
Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in this
free after-school program for girls and gender-expansive youth (kindergarten - grade 8)
Apply for the Science Club for Girls here.
District & Community Resources
Summer Programs
Thank you to all of our wonderful summer program staff who worked to maintain and grow students’ skills in math, English language arts, art, and more over the summer. Students participated in hands-on learning and enrichment with their peers from across the district.
Welcome New Teachers
Last week, we welcomed over 50 new teachers during our New Teacher Orientation program led by Dr. Chad Leith, Chief Accountability Officer, and Amy Dickson, our new Manager of New Educator Development. Over the course of 3 days, new teachers met district and building leadership, learned about Cambridge, and explored tools and platforms to support student learning and meaningful family engagement.