Greetings!
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that the first couple of days of school was a success. As I visited schools this week, I could feel the
excitement and anticipation in the air as students reconnected with each other and their teachers, started new routines, and engaged in learning activities.
I also want to thank the many families that are joining me for the Family Focus groups to share their perspective on the future of CPS. If you haven’t already, please
join us for an upcoming session and share your thoughts through the family survey.
I will use the information from the focus groups, surveys, and other information to inform our future planning, including the use of federal and local funds. Tomorrow, I will be joining the
School Committee for a roundtable to discuss our framework and process for designing the use of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Three (ESSER 3).
Calendar reminder! There will be
no school on Thursday in observance of Yom Kippur.
As I shared with CPS staff at our district wide training day last week and in
my video message this week, I am honored to be leading CPS at this time.
Together, we will set high expectations for all of our students as we help them recover and thrive.
Together, we will write CPS’s next chapter that will lead our students to long-term success.
Make it great!
Dr. Victoria L. Greer
Interim Superintendent
COVID Questions of the Week
When will COVID-19 Testing start?
CPS has already begun testing for symptomatic students and “test and stay” protocols for close contacts of confirmed cases. We hope to begin weekly COVID safety checks this week. We are currently waiting on final information from the state’s COVID-19 contractor in order to begin these weekly safety checks. We will keep you informed.
What happens if a student travels internationally?
As described in the
Safety, Health, and Facilities Manual, CPS follows the guidance of the CDC who require a 10-day quarantine for anyone who has traveled internationally. If a negative test result is received sometime between days 3-5, the individual may end their quarantine early and enter a CPS building after 7 days (on day 8).
Although proof of a negative COVID test is not required for individuals traveling within the U.S., getting tested is strongly encouraged, in keeping with the
Massachusetts Travel Advisory.
How do I access CPS’s masks for my students?
CPS ordered 300,000 masks, which were independently lab-tested and provide 90-95% filtration. Every building and our transportation vendor has a supply of these masks on hand, and provides them to students if they are needed during the school day. Please contact your family liaison if you need access to these CPS masks.
Annual Forms Reminder
If you haven’t already, please log in to the CPS Family Portal to complete your annual back-to-school forms, including the NEW COVID-Testing Consent Form. Please sign this form to allow your student to participate in CPS’s comprehensive COVID-19 testing plan.
What are we celebrating this month?
This month, we’re celebrating
Attendance Awareness Month. Regular attendance is very important to students’ learning and development. Chronically absenteeism - missing 10 percent or more of the school year - has a significant impact on students’ academic and future success. Let’s work together to reduce the barriers to students' consistent attendance and engagement.
We also invite you to join us in celebrating
Hispanic Heritage month, which takes place from September 15 to October 15.
Featured Events and Resources
Virtual Conversations with Superintendent Greer
Join me for a virtual conversation to share your perspective on the future of CPS.
Register now to receive the Zoom link 30 minutes before the meeting.
- Wednesday, September 15 | 6PM - Tobin, Graham & Parks, Haggerty, Vassal Lane Upper School (VLUS Triad)
- Wednesday, September 15 | 7PM - Kennedy-Longfellow, King, Morse, Putnam Ave Upper School (PAUS Triad)
- Wednesday, September 22 | 6PM - አማርኛ ተናጋሪዎች (አስተርጓሚ ያቀርባል)
- Wednesday, September 22 | 7PM - Cambridge Families of Color Coalition (CFCC)
Afterschool Opportunities
Looking at after school options for your child? See these regularly updated online guides created by the Agenda for Children, which compile options:
6th-8th Graders: MSN After School Guide >>
Pre-K-5th Graders: ESON After School Guide >>
Fathers & Father Figures of Color Cookout
September 18 | 11AM - 2PM | Hoyt Field
Cambridge Families of Color Coalition, in partnership with the Men’s Health League, are sponsoring this event, which will include music, basketball, arts and crafts, book corner, giveaways, and food (until supplies last).
Masks are required.
School Calendar: Upcoming Dates
- SY2021-22 School Calendar
- Thursday, September 16: Yom Kippur: No School and CPS Offices Closed
- Wednesday, September 22 | Early Release Day, Grades Preschool - Grades 8 (schools dismiss 2 hours early)
- Monday, October 11: Indigenous Peoples Day: No School and CPS Offices Closed
- Sunday, October 24 | Diwali begins
Other Upcoming Events
- Saturday, September 25 | 9AM - 2PM, Youth Equity Leadership Summit
- Saturday, September 25 | 10AM - 12PM, CPS Community Fair
- Saturday, October 16 | 10AM - 12PM, CPS Community Fair