Greetings CPS Community!
I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
As we strive to continue to provide high quality learning experiences that meet the needs of all of our scholars and build welcoming schools, we are excited to share that our school community (families, students, and staff) will have an opportunity to tell us how we are doing in the first
District Climate Survey since 2020. Your feedback will inform decisions and contribute to the ongoing implementation of our
District Plan. More information to come soon!
Beginning this month and through May, I will have a monthly
Family/Caregiver Virtual Dinner Hour from 6:30-7:30PM on Wednesdays. This is an opportunity to engage with families and caregivers to learn about your experiences with our schools, have meaningful conversations about our schools and school district, and answer any questions that you may have.
Please register at the link below. By registering, you will also be able to share topics of interest which will help us plan.
A reminder that schools and district offices are closed this
Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day this Saturday, November 11. We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Veterans Day, also known as Armistice Day, is annually observed on November 11 to commemorate the end of World War I in 1918.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victoria L. Greer
Meet Our New Chief Strategy Officer
Following a comprehensive search, I am delighted to announce that we have hired a new Chief Strategy Officer. Mr. Skyler Nash will be joining the Cambridge Public Schools effective Wednesday, December 13.
Mr. Skylar Nash will be joining us from Minneapolis, Minnesota where he was Chief of Staff for the Chief of Police. In this role, he was responsible for all political, legislative, and administrative affairs for the Minneapolis Police Department, including supporting the implementation of a newly created Bureau of Constitutional Policing. Before arriving in Minneapolis, Mr. Nash held leadership positions in city government focused on racial equity and public safety reform as well as working in local and county politics.
I have no doubt Mr. Nash will be a tremendous asset. Please join me in welcoming him to CPS.
Headlines
Family/Caregiver Virtual Dinner Hour
Monthly on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30PM
Register here for November 15!
November 15
December 20
January 17
February 28
March 20
April 24
May 15
Kindergarten Lottery Information Sessions
The Kindergarten Lottery for the 2024-2025 school year will open on January 2 and close on January 31. All registrations must be fully completed, including all language testing to determine eligibility for Program Language Bonus points. To learn more, visit our website.
Information Sessions:
Cambridge Preschool Program Applications Opens December 1
The application window for the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP), or Universal Preschool, will open on Friday, December 1, 2023 and remain open through Monday, January 15, 2024. As we have shared, CPP will begin next school year, providing free preschool to the families of all 4-year-olds and some 3-year-olds.
What does CPP mean for CPS?
- CPP will replace our 3-year-old lottery, which was held in October, and our Junior Kindergarten lottery, which was held in January.
- CPS will still hold its Kindergarten lottery in January for children turning 5 years old by Aug 31, 2024.
- Our Frequently Asked Questions (አማርኛ | عربي | বাংলা | Kreyòl ayisyen | Español), aims to answer many of the questions you may have about the impact CPP will have on CPS.
- October 12th webinar
Need Help with Heating Bills? Apply for Fuel Assistance
The Cambridge Fuel Assistance Program is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 season. The program helps residents pay their winter heating bills between November 1 and April 30.
Learn more about how to qualify and fill out the application here.
Attendance Matters Campaign
Our
Attendance Matters campaign will launch next month!
Did you know that in Massachusetts if your child misses 18 days or more of school, they are considered chronically absent? Chronic absenteeism is one of our district targets. Daily attendance plays a vital role in your child’s educational journey. Attending school regularly is a critical aspect of academic success and social, emotional, and personal development.
Check out our flyer with tips on what you can do at home!
Register for Winter Sports
Registration for Winter Athletics is open through Tuesday, November 21.
Health Updates
Free COVID Tests Available to All Households
The US government is offering four free at-home COVID tests to all households again. Tests will be mailed to your home by the US Postal Service after you place your order online.
CPS Policies & Procedures
In addition to our current COVID-19 policies and procedures, which align with the end of the COVID-19 Federal Emergency on May 11, 2023, we ask that all students, families, and staff remain vigilant. Please continue to monitor for symptoms, use COVID tests as necessary, and stay home when you are not feeling well. Masking and hand washing are also great ways to protect yourself and others against illnesses.
November 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.
- Thursday, November 16 | 3:15 - 5:15PM (Peabody School/Rindge Avenue Upper Campus)
- Tuesday, November 14 | 1:30 - 3:30PM (Graham & Parks School)
- Tuesday, November 28 | 3 - 4:30PM (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School/Putnam Ave Upper School)
- Wednesday, November 29 | 1:45 - 3:45PM (Fletcher Maynard Academy)
- Wednesday, November 29 | 2 - 4PM (Kennedy-Longfellow School/Vassal Lane Upper School)
- See the full list of free food markets for the 2023-2024 school year.
Soaring to New Heights…RAUC 8th Graders Visit Mt. Monadnock
Rindge Avenue Upper Campus 8th graders recently climbed Mt. Monadnock for their annual community building trip. Check out some photos below!
Cambridge Firefighter and Tobin Alumnus Teaches About Fire Safety
Firefighter Bernardo from Engine 9 recently visited Children’s House students for a fire prevention presentation. Firefighter Bernardo is a former Tobin student who works for the Cambridge Fire Department. We would like to thank him for sharing his expertise!
College Preparedness Workshop Draws Big Crowds!
Our Office of Family Engagement recently hosted a College Preparedness workshop for caregivers. Led by Dr. Christopher Vick, the workshop was a valuable event that provided essential insights for scholars preparing for their college journey.
Families benefited greatly from Dr. Vick’s expertise. He covered topics, such as choosing the right college, preparing application materials, financial planning, and tips for a successful college experience. The workshop was informative and engaging, leaving caregivers feeling better prepared as they support their child in the college application process.
Mark Your Calendar
Tuesday, November 7 | Staff Professional Learning Day (No School)
Friday, November 10 | Veterans Day (observed) (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Wednesday, November 15 | Early Release (Grades JK-8)
Wednesday, November 22 | Early Release (All Grades)
Thursday, November 23-Friday, November 24 | Thanksgiving Break (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Monday, December 25 - Tuesday, January 2 | Winter Break (No School & CPS Offices Closed on December 25 & 29 & January 1)
Tuesday, January 2 | Staff Professional Learning Day (No School)