Greetings CPS Community…
Thank you to everyone who attended our virtual information session on the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) literacy curriculum that we will be implementing across all elementary schools beginning next school year.
This week, beginning tonight, we are hosting virtual information sessions regarding the extended school day for preschool through 8th grade. We encourage you to register to attend to learn more about how this shift will allow for more minutes for mindful instruction, development, and collaboration for our educators. For more information, please see below.
Nominations and elections for School Councils will take place this spring. Serving on a school council provides caregivers with an opportunity to partner with the school principal, teachers, community members and, at the secondary level, students, in an advisory capacity. Those elected into these roles will support the implementation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP), existing and new programs, and family engagement.
This Friday is School Lunch Hero Day. Our dedicated Food and Nutrition Services team members work collaboratively to ensure our students are fed delicious, nutritious meals that represent culturally inclusive cuisine and meet the dietary needs of our community. Join me in celebrating the work they do to feed our children so they can focus on developing their own super power – learning!
Make it Great!
Dr. Victoria L. Greer
Headlines
Your School Hours Are Changing: Learn About Extended Learning Time, Register for an Information Session
Are you wondering how the extended school day will impact you and your student(s) next year? Learn all about how this time will provide students with the instruction and enrichment they deserve to achieve their highest potential. We encourage you to attend one of our upcoming virtual information sessions for our Elementary and Upper schools.
To see the school day schedule beginning next school year, please visit our website.
- Monday, April 29 | 6:30 - 7:30PM (Cambridgeport, Fletcher Maynard Academy, King Open, and Cambridge Street Upper School)
- Monday, April 29 | 6:30 - 7:30PM (Kennedy-Longfellow, Martin Luther King, Jr., Morse, and Putnam Avenue Upper School)
- Wednesday, May 1 | 6:30 - 7:30PM (Amigos, Baldwin, Peabody, Rindge Avenue Upper Campus)
- Wednesday, May 1 | 6:30 - 7:30PM (Graham & Parks, Haggerty, Tobin, and Vassal Lane Upper School)
- To register to attend a webinar, click here.
At Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, the school day will be extended by 5 minutes. This additional time will be used for instruction.
Sessions will be organized by triad. If the date and time for your child’s school does not work with your schedule, please feel free to join another session.
Upcoming School Council Elections
This spring, schools with available seats on school councils will be holding elections for both parents/caregivers of current CPS students and staff members at individual CPS schools. School councils are representative advisory groups that advise school leaders in the development and execution of goals and practices to enhance the achievement of all students. Members work together collaboratively to support the implementation of existing and new programs as well as ensuring robust family engagement.
- Specific information regarding schools that are holding elections for seats on their school councils will be communicated by principals later this week.
- Nominations will be available by Wednesday, May 8.
- Vote between Monday, May 20 - Friday, May 31.
- Please note that depending on the number of incumbent council members currently serving, the total number of vacant seats available this spring will vary by school.
Those not wishing to run for a seat are still always welcome and encouraged to participate in the School Council supporting your child’s school!
If you have questions please contact your child’s principal or the district’s Director of Family Engagement, Dr. Raymond Porch, at [email protected].
School Lunch Hero Day
Join us in celebrating our Food and Nutrition Services department this Friday, May 3 in recognition of School Lunch Hero Day! From meal planning, food preparation and serving up meals, our staff works hard to provide complete and nutritious meals that will fuel our students’ minds and fill their tummies so they can focus on learning!
Nominate Your Pick for the Cambridge Athletic Hall of Fame
The Cambridge Athletic Hall of Fame is currently accepting nominations for next fall’s Cambridge Athletic Hall of Fame induction.
In order to be considered, nominations are due June 1 either in paper form or via online Google Form and must be complete with all information.
Application Criteria:
- Athletes become eligible 5 years after graduating from Cambridge High & Latin, Rindge Technical and Cambridge Rindge & Latin schools.
- Coaches and teams are eligible for induction five years after leaving Cambridge High & Latin, Rindge Technical or Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (Class of 2019 is eligible).
There are four categories in which you can nominate: Athlete, Coach, Team & Distinguished Contributor. Learn more about the Cambridge Athletic Hall of Fame here.
Featured Events & Opportunities
Visual and Performing Arts Spring Events
The Department of Visual and Performing Arts invites you to an exciting spring season of music, dance, arts, and theater performances!
Happening this Month:
- Spring Jazz Night | Thursday, May 2 | 7PM (La Fabrica in Cambridge)
- Drama Production “Take it and Make it! Play Festival” | Friday, May 3 | 7PM (CRLS)
- Dance/Works | Friday/ Saturday, May 10-11 | 7PM (CRLS)
- Spring Music Concert | Wednesday, May 15 | 7PM (CRLS)
- See more events and get tickets
- View the performance calendar here.
Free Webinar: Finding the Words How to Effectively Discuss Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Our mental health partner, Cartwheel, is offering another free live webinar to share how adults can navigate discussing mental health and suicide prevention. It is easy to worry about saying the wrong thing or making things worse, however, research shows when it comes to talking about suicidality – talking is helpful, not harmful.
Join us for the free webinar ‘Finding the Words: How to effectively speak with kids and teens about mental health and suicide prevention’ to hear from Chris Smith, a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. Learn more about Mr.Smith and register for the virtual session below.
Cambridge Somerville Asian Festival
Celebrate the diversity of the Asian American community during the 3rd annual Cambridge Somerville Asian Festival from May 10 -11 ! This year will focus on expressions of culture and community through food!
- Friday, May 10 | 5:30 - 8PM
- Where: Cambridge Street Upper School (85 Cambridge Street)
Enjoy a film screening of Off the Menu: Asian America, dumpling demo with Jason Doo (Chef at Wusong Road and CRLS Alumni), and family friendly art activities, food tastings from local restaurants.
There will be two additional events with more food, Hawaiian and Bhangra performances, community cookbook exhibits, art activities and more! Explore the schedule here!
April/May 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.
- ** Tomorrow, April 30 | 3 - 4:30PM (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School/Putnam Ave Upper School)
- Tuesday, May 14 | 1:30 - 3:30PM (Graham & Parks School)
- Thursday, May 16 | 3:15 - 5:15PM (Peabody School/Rindge Avenue Upper School)
- Tuesday, May 28 | 3 - 4:30PM (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School/Putnam Ave Upper School)
- Wednesday, May 29 | 1:45 - 3:45PM (Fletcher Maynard Academy)
- Wednesday, May 29 | 2 - 4PM (Kennedy-Longfellow School/Vassal Lane Upper School)
- See the full list of free food markets for the 2023-2024 school year.
Marshall Brennan Moot Court Competition
Building on their work in the CRLS history elective Constitutional Literacy, 4 CRLS students advanced earlier this month to the national Marshall Brennan Moot Court Competition held at the American University Washington School of Law in Washington, DC.
Our students traveled, practiced and played together with their former Boston rivals from the February regional competition held at Suffolk. The whole group engaged in authentic support and friendship throughout the weekend, and operated as the unified team they were – the Suffolk Law School team. Not only did students deliver stellar oral arguments as petitioners to the court, one student was awarded a Second Runner-Up ribbon as a Respondent, in a field of 30 national finalists!
Congratulations to our students on their extraordinary hard work, perseverance, good humor and excellence in legal writing and oral arguments.
1st Boston Marathon Complete for Our Very Own Dana Searcy
Congratulations to our CPS Technology Support Technician Dana Searcy on successfully completing the Boston Marathon for the 1st time ever! In our brief pre-marathon interview with Dana, we asked how he decided to run this year, his experience with training and his reason to run. When asked what keeps him motivated, his answer was easy, his daughter Madison!
“I believe the best way to parent is to lead by example and so if I want her to go and accomplish great things I’ve got to be an example.”
Pictured above is the father-daughter duo after Dana had completed his 1st marathon and after Madison had completed her 1st kids triathlon.
Besides being Dana’s motivation, Madison helps her dad track his progress and is an essential component of his circle of support. With such a special bond between the two, Madison has taken on athletic events of her own, such as a kids triathlon. Showcasing how the athleticism, dedication and supportive nature truly runs in the family.
Key Resources
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday, May 8 | Early Release (Grades JK-8)
Monday, May 27 | Memorial Day (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Wednesday, June 5 | Early Release (Grades JK-5)
Wednesday, June 19 | Juneteenth (No School & CPS Offices Closed)