Greetings CPS community!
With the official start to spring less than a week away, I am looking forward to warmer weather and brighter days. My team and I have been finalizing the FY23 budget proposal, developing plans around the district planning process and making preparations for the peak hiring season. Needless to say, we have been busy.
Tomorrow, we will give a presentation to the School Committee on our English Learner programs and the work that Ms. Kershner and her team have been leading. This Thursday, March 17, I will present the FY23 budget proposal to the School Committee.
As we begin to transition from crisis management of COVID to managing and addressing COVID as part of our school safety practices, Dr. Turk and Dr. Brown have been facilitating discussions with the Health, Safety, and Facilities Working Group to develop goals, measures and protocols that will guide our efforts and decisions through this new phase of COVID. I look forward to sharing a status update on this work with the School Committee tomorrow.
Thank you for your engagement and continued support.
Make it Great!
Dr. Victoria L. Greer
Superintendent
2021 District and School Report Cards
Each 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 doing in different areas. The DESE report cards highlight strengths as well as challenges that need to be addressed in order to make sure the needs of all students are being met. See the CPS district wide report card and school-level report cards.
Masks Now Optional
We have received some questions about the lifting of the mask requirement as it relates to testing, transportation and in what settings masks are required.
Will CPS continue pooled testing and the weekly at-home testing program?
CPS will continue its robust testing strategies, which includes pooled testing on Mondays and Tuesdays, symptomatic testing and at-home rapid testing (see below to opt-in).
Are masks required on school buses?
Masks are not required on school buses in alignment with the guidance the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released on March 1. The Health, Safety, and Facilities Working Group is currently reviewing masking protocols for school field trips.
When are masks still required?
Masks are still required:
To read Superintendent Greer’s message regarding masking, click here.
COVID Updates
IMPORTANT: Notification of COVID Positive Cases: As CPS is no longer doing contact tracing, schools will no longer be sending a school-wide notification about a COVID positive case. Schools will continue to notify families whose child may have been exposed because they have a class with the individual who is positive. Up-to-date information about COVID cases at the district and school level are available on CPS’ COVID-19 Dashboard. If you have any questions or concerns about this shift in process, please contact your child’s Principal.
REMINDER: Families No Longer Need to Upload Vaccination Records: The Cambridge Public Health Department and school nurses can now access vaccine data directly from the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS), eliminating the need for families to provide vaccination records to schools. Vaccinations administered out-of-state or internationally must be uploaded to the CPS Family Portal.
Opt-In to At-Home Rapid Testing: We encourage all families to opt-in to participate in the voluntary, at-home rapid test program. Every 2 weeks, participants will receive a box with 2 tests and instructions for using the self-test on Friday mornings. Opt-in through the CPS Family Portal and learn more here.
COVID Vaccination Opportunities
- Booster shots available for CRLS students at Teen Health Center: Every Tuesday from 8:30AM - 3PM, Appointment required-call 617-665-1548 or stop by center.
- VaxAbilities hosts disability-friendly vaccine clinics with specialized staff to provide skilled support to individuals with disabilities and sensory support needs.
- Go to VaxFinder to find a location near you.
Caught Doing Good
King Open Librarian Recognized with Top Honor
King Open School’s Library Media Specialist, Emily Litman, is the recipient of the Massachusetts School Library Association’s (MSLA) 2022 President’s Award! The award recognizes those who are making a significant impact on student learning through a quality school library program.
Ms. Litman began her career at the King Open School during the height of the pandemic. She collaborated with her colleagues to co-plan engaging and relevant remote lessons. Ms. Litman continues to build a diverse and inclusive library collection that reflects the diversity of the King Open School community, introducing students to different identities and perspectives while bringing joy to her students along with her sidekick, Skeet.
CRLS Athletics Receives 2022 MIAA Sportsmanship Award
Way to go Falcons!
CRLS has been selected as the recipient of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (MIAA) District 4 Sportsmanship Award! As CRLS was selected for this honor by the schools we compete with, we are incredibly proud of our students, coaches and entire staff for how they represent CRLS, CPS and our City and emphasizing sportsmanship on and off the field.
The award will be presented on Friday, March 25 at the Annual MIAA Sportsmanship Summit at Gillette Stadium.
Are you proud of something happening in your school, classroom or program? Share your “Caught Doing Good” story with [email protected].
Featured Events
Rollin’ & Summer Resources
K-8 families…get a jump start on summer planning at next 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!
Beginning today and 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
This Wednesday, March 16 | Early Release Day-JK-8 Only
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 3 (March 14 - March 18)
COVID-19 Testing Consent 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
One-on-One with Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor
How exciting!
In honor of Women’s History Month, Peabody’s Ms. Son’s 4th grade class had a very special virtual visitor…Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Sotomayor was incredibly inspiring, speaking to students about hard work, equity, the value of education and pursuing dreams.