Greetings CPS community!
Over the past several weeks, I have been reflecting on our work thus far this school year. We have been engaging in robust discussions with our department leaders as we are planning the draft FY23 budget. It is our hope that we facilitate an inclusive and collaborative process that will allow us to align our resources that will yield the best results for our students and overall school district.
Our community budget meetings continue this week with a few language-based sessions on Wednesday followed by meetings with our students on Thursday. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and your feedback to this point has been helpful. We look forward to engaging in more conversations over the next few weeks.
We are in the process of finalizing the COVID testing plans for the February Break and look forward to sharing more details next week.
I hope you have a wonderful week.
Make it Great!
Dr. Victoria L. Greer
Interim Superintendent
Cambridge Public Schools
SAVE THE DATE: FY23 Budget Development - Community Meetings & Survey
CPS invites students, families and staff to Save-the-Date for the FY23 Budget Virtual Community Meetings, where members of the CPS community can join Superintendent Greer and School Committee members to share their perspectives on the development of the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget.
- Wednesday, January 26
- Bengali speaking families | 6PM
- Haitian Creole speaking families | 7PM
- Arabic speaking families | 8PM
- Students: Thursday, January 27 | 11:30AM and 12:30PM
- Staff: Wednesday, February 2 | 3 and 4PM
- Thursday February 3
- Amharic speaking families | 6PM
- Spanish speaking families | 7PM
- Cambridge family organizations | 8PM
- Saturday, February 12 | 10 and 11AM
Each session will last approximately one hour. Register here.
Assistant Superintendent Mullen’s Entry Findings
Last Tuesday, Interim Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Student Services, Dr. Barbara Mullen
presented her entry findings report to the School Committee. To watch her presentation, click here and go to
time code 2:17:50.
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
City of Cambridge Scholarship Program Celebrates 30 Years!
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 atCambridgema.gov/cityscholarship
DEADLINE: 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.
UPDATED COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Protocols
As a reminder, we have further clarified our COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Protocols for students and staff following some additional guidance and input. Please review the update thoroughly.
Questions? Please contact your school nurse.
COVID-19 Vaccine, Booster Shot and Testing Opportunities
CPS COVID Vaccination Requirement: CPS requires all students 12 and older to participate in CPS-sponsored before and after school activities. Submit your vaccination through the secure Family Portal to participate.
COVID Vaccination Opportunities:
- COVID-19 vaccines available for CRLS students at Teen Health Center: Every Friday from 9AM - 1PM, Appointment required-call 617-665-1548 or stop by center
- Go to VaxFinder to 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. Register here for upcoming clinics.
COVID Testing Opportunities: The City of Cambridge offers free COVID-19 testing to residents and workers at CIC Health (295 Third Street).
- Appointment required (Monday - Friday: 5 - 10PM, Saturdays: 8AM - 8PM, Sundays: 2 - 8PM)
Caught Doing Good
Are you proud of something happening in your school, classroom or program? Share your
“Caught Doing Good” story with [email protected].
Featured Events
2022-23 JK/K Lottery
The JK/K Lottery for the 2022-2023 school year is open and will close promptly at 4PM next Monday, January 31. All registrations must be fully completed, including all language testing to determine eligibility for Program Language Bonus points.
North Cambridge Courageous Conversation: Social Identity Workshops
North Cambridge Courageous Conversations is hosting a two-part workshop on social identities (i.e. how the groups you belong to identify you). The group will reflect on and discuss the facets of our identities to better understand how the world around us does or does not allow us to choose which pieces of our identity are most important.
All CPS parents and guardians are encouraged to attend both workshops. Please follow these links to register:
Tuesday, January 25 | 7-8:30PM
Thursday, February 10 | 7-8:30PM
Questions? Contact [email protected]
English Language Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC)
ELPAC’s next meeting is this Wednesday! The council is composed of parents and guardians of students who are or have been identified as English Learners.
Among ELPAC’s responsibilities is meeting regularly with school and district leaders to participate in the planning and development of programs to improve educational opportunities for English learners.
Wednesday, January 26 | 5-6PM
Join Virtually on Zoom
Building Community with CPS’ Muslim Families
We invite our Muslim families to join us for an afternoon of community building…get to
know one another, share your experiences and exchange questions and advice!
Saturday, January 29 | 12-1PM
Join Virtually on Zoom
School Calendar
CPS 2021-22 School calendar
Monday, February 21 - Friday, February 25 | February Break
Wednesday, March 16 | Early Release Day-JK-8 Only
Monday, April 18 - Friday, April 22 | April Break
In Case You Missed It: Key Resources
January CPS Lunch Menu: Week 4 (January 24-January 28)
UPDATED: COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Protocols
COVID-19 Testing Consent Forms: Log in to the Family Portal
Student Vaccination Portal: Upload proof of vaccination or submit exemption requests through the secure Family Portal.
Student Vaccination Requirements Information: FAQ
CPS Quarantine Instructional Guidelines for SY2021-22
Free Internet for Qualifying Families: Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program