Greetings CPS Community!
I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable February break.
I am excited to share some updates regarding the district’s efforts to better connect with our students, caregivers, and staff.
Effective communication paired with a shared focus on creating a positive learning environment for our students is the key to a successful partnership between the district and the members of our community. In an effort to continue to strengthen our communication, we will launch a survey next month for your feedback on ParentSquare and our website. Your input will be used to inform how the district and schools can best support effective two-way communication through our platforms, engagement activities and communication strategies.
I want to again extend our gratitude to everyone who completed our recent District and School Climate Survey. We had record participation with over
68 percent of our families sharing their feedback! Over the last several weeks, principals have been reviewing their data with staff and developing action plans, which they look forward to sharing with their school communities next month. We will be sharing highlights of the data as well as opportunities for growth in a communication later this week.
Today marks the start of
Public Schools Week! Cambridge Public Schools is committed to making sure each of our students is empowered to reach their highest potential. Everyday our dedicated and talented staff, program partners, and greater community show up for our students and we couldn’t be more grateful for all that you do.
We value your continued insight as we strive to improve the experiences within our district.
Make it Great!
Headlines
March Communication and Content Survey
As Cambridge Public Schools continues to strive for the highest standards in all forms of communication across schools and district offices, we are eager to hear from you!
We are excited to share that our school community will have the opportunity to tell us how our communication measures up in our Communication and Content (ParentSquare and Website) survey. Your feedback will inform decisions and contribute to the continued improvement of our communication strategies and platforms as both of which are integral to objective 4 of our District Plan: Building Welcoming Schools.
The survey will be open from Monday, March 18 - Friday, April 5.
We have again partnered with Panorama Education for the survey. Panorama safeguards your privacy, keeping your responses confidential.
DESE Report Cards
Every year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) publishes district and school report cards, which are designed to demonstrate how a school or district is performing. Report cards highlight a school or district's strengths, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that the needs of all students are being met.
- Click here to view the CPS District Report Card & your child’s school report card. (It is also available on each school’s website)
5 Quick Facts about the school report cards. (Arabic, Cape Verdean, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese)
Video Series: Budget Priorities for 2024-2025
As we continue to work through the budget for the next school year, we will be releasing a three-part video series beginning next week, highlighting some of the key initiatives that continue to support our District Plan.
Tips for Understanding the Budget:
- School Council meetings offer insight into what your school has strategically outlined as a fiscal priority to support learning in their classroom communities. Access upcoming School Council meetings here.
- Review the February 6 2024 – 2025 Proposed Budget Update & Discussion Presentation
- Dr. Greer will present the proposed budget in two weeks, on Tuesday, March 12.
- Attend the School Committee Budget Workshop on Thursday, March 14.
Farm to School With Senator DiDomenico
Earlier this month we welcomed State Senator Sal DiDomenico and representatives from the Massachusetts Farm to School Program to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr./Putnam Avenue Upper School complex to observe our district’s scratch cooking operations. The District has continued to be a leader in embracing a farm to cafeteria focus. Through partnership with
CitySprouts, the
Massachusetts Farm to School program, and a commitment from our Food & Nutrition Services team, we are able to engage and educate our students on the food system, while offering nutritious and multicultural meals using fresh, local food products. Senator DiDomenico was able to explore our school CitySprouts garden and chat with our students and food service staff about lunch options!
DHSP Summer Camps and Programs Lottery...Apply by this Sunday!
The city’s Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) is accepting applications for the DHSP Summer Camps and Programs Lottery now through Sunday, March 3.
| Program |
Age Eligible |
Community Schools Summer Camps
|
Kindergarten - 5th grader in September 2024
|
Cambridge Youth Programs (CYP)
|
4th - 8th graders in September 2024
*CYP are free for 13-year-olds
|
Families will be notified of their child’s placement offer in a summer camp/program or waitlist the week of March 25.
Please note that all spots are filled through a lottery process.
- Apply online no later than Sunday, March 3. (Please note that families with multiple children only need to complete one application.)
- Questions? Call 617.349.6200 or email [email protected].
Scholarship Opportunities
Cambridge Rindge and Latin Scholarship
The Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Scholarship application is open to CRLS 24’ students now through March 1!
By submitting your application using this portal, you will have the option to also apply to the City of Cambridge Scholarship below.
City of Cambridge Scholarship Application Open Through March 4
For 32 years, the Scholarship Fund has provided financial assistance to college-bound high school seniors and other Cambridge residents who wish to pursue post-secondary education.
As the cost of higher education increases, these scholarships offer financial relief for many.
Interested residents apply online and obtain appropriate signatures before submitting it for consideration. Questions and requests for paper applications via mail can be directed to the Finance Department at 617.349.4220 or [email protected].
Access additional information, including eligibility requirements and FAQs here.
Spring Sports Registration Now Open!
Registration for Spring Athletics will be open this Wednesday, February 14 and close on March 14 at 11PM.
Featured Events & Opportunities
128th Adwa Victory Day Celebration
Adwa Victory Day commemorates Ethiopian victory against the occupying forces of Italy during the Battle of Adwa, symbolizing independence for the nation. The Massachusetts Ethiopian Support Association will host a Adwa Victory Day Celebration on March 2 and invites the community to join for a fun filled day! The program includes a short documentary, poetry, an Enque Dankira performance, trivia questions and guest speakers.
- When: Saturday, March 2 | 1 - 6PM
- Where: Morse School Auditorium (40 Granite Street)
Check out the flyer here to learn more.
Register Today for Rollin’ & Summer Resources!
Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about summer! All Cambridge families with students in Kindergarten through grade 8 are invited to attend the Rollin’ & Summer Resources collaborative community event to learn more about the opportunities available to students. There will be food, music, and roller skating. This year we will offer transportation to and from the event from five community locations. Sign up for a bus and register for the event today!
- When: Saturday, March 2 | 1 - 4PM
- 1 - 2:30PM: Priority* families’ needs will be centered to provide them with additional time, attention, and space
*Priority families include, but are not limited to, families of color, families enrolled in public assistance programs or experiencing being unhoused, have a student with disabilities, or preferred language in not English.
2:30 - 4PM: All families are welcome!
- Where: Cambridge Street Upper School/King Open Community Complex (located at 830 Cambridge Street)
Questions? Contact Annie Levitt at [email protected] or Debbie Bonilla at [email protected].
Upcoming 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, Tuesday, February 27 | 3 - 4:30PM (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School/Putnam Ave Upper School)
- **This Wednesday, February 28 | 1:45 - 3:45PM (Fletcher Maynard Academy
- **This Wednesday, February 28 | 2 - 4PM (Kennedy-Longfellow School/Vassal Lane Upper School)
- See the full list of free food markets for the 2023-2024 school year.
FMA Scholars Learn A Different Type of “Patients”
Fletcher Maynard Academy’s preschool rooms are learning all about the doctor! Our educators are leveraging students’ real life experiences at the doctor’s office to engage in dramatic pretend play. Dramatic play allows children to flex their “real life” social skills, express their creativity, and develop their self expression. It also is the perfect way to develop their vocabulary, communication, and conflict resolution skills. No “boo boo” is too big a challenge for these “medical” students!
CRLS Baseball Logo Design Contest
Students in the Creative Design class at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School competed in a CRLS Baseball Logo Design competition. The design contest is part of the Creative Design Live Work Program and was sponsored by the CRLS Baseball Team, spearheaded by baseball coach Buck Merrill. Congratulations to the winners!
Abdifatah Ibrahim, Junior, First Place
Armanni Mickel, Junior, Second Place
Abdullah Shaikh, Sophomore, Third Place
Henry Dyer, Junior, Fourth Place
Key Resources
Tuesday, March 5 | Staff Professional Development Day (No School)
Wednesday, March 13 | Early Release (Grades JK-8)
Friday, March 29 | Good Friday (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Wednesday, April 10 | Eid al-Fitr (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19 | April Break (No School & CPS Offices Closed on Monday, April 15)