Message from Superintendent Greer: March 21, 2022

Message from Superintendent Greer: March 21, 2022
Posted on 03/21/2022

Greetings CPS community! 

Spring is officially here and I couldn’t be happier to welcome warmer weather and brighter days! 

 

I am delighted to share that Mr. Manuel Fernandez has been named Chief Equity Officer of Cambridge Public Schools, a role that he has led with distinction in an interim capacity since August of 2021. We are delighted to continue to support Mr. Fernandez as he leads the critical work of the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. 

 

We are in the peak of hiring season and will be filling several leadership roles, including four Principal positions, over the next several weeks. Following a comprehensive search, we have also hired a new Dynamic Diversity Recruiter. I look forward to sharing more about her and the critical role she will play in a forthcoming communication.

 

We will also be launching our district planning process at the end of the month. The first phase will be student-led as they develop the district’s mission, vision and core values. I look forward to sharing this work with you.

 

Thank you for your engagement and continued support. 

 

Make it Great!

 

Dr. Victoria L. Greer

Superintendent
 


FY23 Budget Process

Superintendent Greer and members of her Executive Leadership Team presented the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023 to the School Committee last Tuesday, with a budget workshop scheduled for tomorrow and a public hearing scheduled for this Thursday. 

 

To watch last week’s presentation, click here. For an overview of the proposed budget and a timeline to adoption, click here.
 


CRLS Receives State Designation as Early College Program

We are pleased to announce that last week the partnership between CRLS and Lesley University was approved by the state’s Joint Committee as a Massachusetts Early College Program. Early College programs are a proven practice in supporting first-generation college students to attend and succeed in postsecondary opportunities. Students who complete the Early College program will ultimately graduate with up to one year of college credit that is transferable to any state college or university. 

 

The Early College designation affirms the quality of the program’s design with equitable access, well-integrated academic pathways, robust student support, connections to career and high-quality and deep partnerships. There are currently approximately 40 CRLS students participating in the pilot program with Lesley University and that number will continue to grow in the coming years. 

 

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Nicole Gittens, Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, School Committee Member Fred Fantini, Principal Damon Smith, Early College Coordinator Michael O'Shea, CRLS Head of Guidance Lynn Williams, College Success Initiative’s Tawanya Garrett and the Lesley University team have been pivotal in this process. We thank them for their leadership and collaboration. A special thank you to Member Ayesha Wilson for helping connect Workforce students with the program.
 


Grades 3-8: iReady Reports & Family Workshop

Students’ iReady Diagnostic reports for reading and math for 3rd through 8th graders will be  mailed home this week. i-Ready provides results that help teachers identify your child’s strengths and determine next steps for instruction, alongside other data. It is just one of many pieces of information educators use to support student learning. 

  • To support parents’ understanding of these reports,  a virtual session for families will be offered on Wednesday, March 30 from 7:00 - 7:45PM. Please use the following link to register: https://secure1.cpsd.us/registration/

RESOURCES: 


COVID Update: Field Trips and Ventilation

Following ongoing discussions with the Cambridge Public Health Department and the Health, Safety, and Facilities Working Group, we are in the process of reviewing and updating several of our COVID protocols to reflect current conditions. As updates are made, we will notify the CPS Community in a timely manner. Please note that these updates are subject to further changes as conditions evolve.

Field Trips

We are excited to share that field trips will resume with measures in place to ensure that students and staff remain safe while they are off CPS grounds. You can read the updated Field Trip Policy in the COVID-19 Safety & Facilities Procedure Manual.

  • Walking field trips to indoor or outdoor destinations are permitted
  • Transportation via CPS school buses are permitted and masks are optional
  • Transportation via contracted bus company are permitted and masks are required if company requires
  • Public transportation is permitted and masks are required, in alignment with current public transportation requirements
  • Chaperones must be fully vaccinated, and beginning April 25, up-to-date with boosters

Ventilation

The Facilities Department has completed its research on quieter HEPA filters and has identified potential models. Because this purchase will exceed $100,000, state procurement rules require a competitive bid process. The bid process typically takes between four and six weeks. We anticipate executing a contract in May.
 


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

English Language Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC)

ELPAC is composed of parents and guardians of students who are English Learners or former 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, March 23 | 5-6PM via Zoom

Rollin’ & Summer Resources

 

K-8 families…get a jump start on summer planning at this Saturday’s Rollin’ & Summer Resources event at CSUS/King Open! Formerly known as Camp Night, this event is packed with fun activities for children and excellent resources.

 

Saturday, March 26 | 1-4:30PM 

**Please note that 1-2:30PM is reserved for priority families (families of color, families who qualify for free/reduced lunch, families who have a child with disabilities and families whose preferred language is not English).**

 

Register


After Nearly 3 Years, CRLS Art Exhibition Returns to MCAC!

Through Friday, April 8, grades 9-12 will be showcasing their artwork at the Multicultural Arts Center (MCAC). The show is in-person! 

 

If you missed the JK-8 art exhibition, catch the virtual gallery here!
 


School Calendar

CPS 2021-22 School calendar

 

All Schools and Admin Offices Closed:

  • Friday April 15 | Good Friday
  • Monday, April 18 - Friday, April 22 | April Break (**Admin Offices Only Closed on Monday, April 18 for Patriot’s Day**)
  • Tuesday, May 3 | Eid al-Fitr
  • Monday, May 30 | Memorial Day
  • Monday, June 20 | Juneteenth (Observed)
     

In Case You Missed It: Key Resources

2022-23 JK/K Lottery: Closed for the 2022-23 school year; If you are interested in registering your child, visit our registration webpage for more information.

March Lunch Menu: Week 4 (March 21 - March 25)

COVID-19 Testing/At-Home Weekly Testing Forms: Log in to the Family Portal 

COVID-19 Testing & Quarantine Protocols

CPS Quarantine Instructional Guidelines for SY2021-22

Free Internet for Qualifying Families: Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program
 

Pictures of the Week


Tobin Twins Hand Out Flowers

 

Brothers Adam and Bers handed out handmade paper flowers at Tobin Montessori in celebration of International Women's Day. 

 

Such a sweet gesture!

 

 

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