Dear CPS Community -
I hope this email finds you well as we all continue to navigate this unprecedented public health crisis. I’m writing with some key updates from CPS:
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April Holidays and Vacation Week: CPS will maintain the April holiday and vacation schedule, which includes being closed on April 10 and April 20 - 24. On these days, as is the case during a typical school holiday or vacation, educators will not be supporting distance learning. We will share more information soon about city and community services and programs available during the vacation week.
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School Committee - Recent Presentations & Virtual Public Comment: The School Committee held two meetings Tuesday evening - a Special Meeting on the COVID-19 and School Closure, and a Budget Workshop. Until further notice, School Committee meetings will be conducted virtually, which can be watched live on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 98/99 or streamed online, and video recordings can be viewed here.
Some important takeaways:
- My presentation summarized our work to-date to support students, families, and staff during this closure.
- Until further notice, the Cambridge School Committee will hold its meetings and hear public comment virtually. The School Committee will resume the Public Hearing on the FY21 Budget on Tuesday, April 7th, and vote on a proposed extended timeline for the budget process.
- Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments virtually at regular meetings or public hearings.
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Updated expectations for teaching and learning during the closure: Next week, CPS will provide updated information to families about expectations related to teaching and learning during the closure. We appreciate the hard work of teachers and families who persist in finding ways to facilitate student learning during this time and will continue to do our best to support you.
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Temporary Emergency Shelter at War Memorial Building: As you may know, the City of Cambridge has selected the War Memorial building and Field House garage to support a shelter and medical facility for people who are facing homelessness and may also be showing signs and symptoms of Coronavirus. More information from City Manager Louis A. DePasquale about this decision can be found here. Please do not interpret this to mean that a decision has been made to extend the school closure beyond May 4. At this time, CPS is planning concurrently for multiple possibilities that include buildings reopening in May and buildings remaining closed through the end of the school year.
Sincerely,
Kenneth N. Salim, Ed.D.
Superintendent