Good evening CPS Community:
The upcoming week is packed with news for the families of our youngest learners.
Applications continue to be accepted for the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP). Those interested in preschool for the 2025-2026 school year should be sure to apply before this Thursday, October 31.
Those with children who will be 5 years old by August 31, 2025, will be eligible to apply to the Kindergarten Lottery for the 2025-2026 school year. The lottery will open on January 2 and close January 31. To learn more about the process, including language testing, please attend the upcoming virtual information sessions detailed below.
Lastly, following the departure of Chief Academic Officer Lendozia Edwards earlier this month, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Heather Francis, currently our Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, has been appointed to serve in an expanded capacity as Executive Director of Academics. In this transitional period, the consolidation of these positions will allow the district to maintain momentum and advance our overarching objectives of the 2024-2025 school year. Dr. Francis is a valued district leader well-positioned to lead the dedicated teams in our core content areas. I encourage you to learn more about her in the “New Hires and Appointments” section.
As a reminder to all, Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, November 3. This means the days will get shorter as we move our clocks back one hour. Additionally, there will be no school on Tuesday, November 5 to accommodate our professional learning day for all staff.
In this Issue:
- Former Principal Robin Harris Receives National Humanities Medal
- New Hires and Appointments
- Apply for the Cambridge Preschool Program by this Thursday!
- Apply for Equity Grants to Improve CPS Today
- Need Help with Heating Bills? Apply for Fuel Assistance
- Upcoming Events
- District & Community Resources
- The Bright Spot
Sincerely,
David Murphy
Interim Superintendent
Former Principal Robin Harris Receives National Humanities Medal
Congratulations to former Fletcher Maynard Academy (FMA) Principal Robin Harris on being awarded the Class of 2022 – National Humanities Medal. Last Monday, Robin attended a ceremony at the White House to receive the medal from President Biden. She was able to meet other award recipients and get a photo with the president and first lady.
The National Humanities Medal honors those who have broadened the understanding of humanities and overall citizen engagement regarding history, literature, languages, philosophy, and more.
Robin has worked for Cambridge Public Schools for 22 years as a Principal and Director of Family Engagement. Throughout her career, Robin has fiercely advocated for the inclusion of anti-racist practices and racial equity work within K-12 education.
You can learn more about the incredible work spearheaded by Robin Harris here.
New Hires and Appointments
Executive Director of Academics
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Heather Francis, currently Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, has been appointed to serve in an expanded capacity as Executive Director of Academics role.
Within this role, she will work with the teams focused on core academic content areas, Title I, out-of-school time, summer programs, advanced learning supports, as well as support McKinney-Vento programming.
Dr. Francis holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Literature and Special Education from Lesley University. She later received her Masters with a focus in Mind, Brain, and Education from Harvard University. This past Spring, she received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Education from Boston College.
Before serving as Director of MTSS, Heather was a District Lead Teacher for Early Childhood Special Education. Her institutional knowledge and deep commitment to improving educational outcomes have positioned her to create a meaningful and sustainable impact on the district.
Need to Know News
Apply for the Cambridge Preschool Program by this Thursday!
Families have until this Thursday, October 31 to apply to the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) for the 2025-2026 school year.
CPP provides free preschool through Cambridge Public Schools, the Cambridge Department of Human Services, Head Start, and select community-based preschool and family childcare providers. Families can apply to a variety of programs all through one single online or paper application. Watch this video for a look into CPP!
A child is eligible if they live in Cambridge and are:
- 4 years old by August 31, 2025 for 4-year-old programs; or
- 3 years old by August 31, 2025 for 3-year-old programs (please note there will be limited seats for 3-year-olds and there may be additional eligibility requirements)
Learn more about the Cambridge Preschool Program here.
Kindergarten Lottery Information Sessions
The Kindergarten Lottery for the 2025-2026 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:
Wednesday, November 13 | 6 - 7PM (Join the Zoom presentation)
Saturday, December 17 | 10:30 - 11:30AM (Join the Zoom presentation)
Apply for Equity Grants to Improve CPS Today
Do you have an idea for a project to eliminate academic, racial, socio-economic, and/or other opportunity gaps, or to address inequities in Cambridge Public Schools? The Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (OEIB) invites students, educators, and caregivers to apply for a grant!
- OEIB Mini-Grants (up to $1000) – Rolling Deadline
- The Equity Collaborative ($500-$5000) – Apply by November 5
Interested? Learn more about our equity grants and access applications here.
Need Help with Heating Bills? Apply for Fuel Assistance
Colder weather means higher heating bills. The Cambridge Fuel Assistance Program is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 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.
In the Community
Vampire Orienteering
Wednesday, October 30 | 6:15 - 9PM
Danehy Park (166 New Street)
Join Navigation Games for Vampire Orienteering. Teams will search the park after dark for checkpoints and candy! Attendees are encouraged to bring flashlights and wear costumes if they would like. Registration is required, please register before midnight on Tuesday, October 29!
Day of the Dead Celebration
Saturday, November 2 | 1 - 4PM
Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology (11 Divinity Avenue)
Learn more about this joyful holiday, a national symbol of Mexico with altars, crafts, live music, dance performances, food, and more! Regular museum admission rates apply. Event activities free where noted. Check the museum website to see if you qualify for special free admission (with valid ID).
District & Community Resources
Ms. Kugel Receives Super Librarian Award
We’re proud to share that Baldwin School Librarian Ms. Karin Kugel has received the Super Librarian Award from the Massachusetts State Library Association! The Super Librarian Award honors librarians who have demonstrated exemplary school librarianship in the areas of inquiry, inclusion, collaboration, curation, exploration, and/or engagement and have built programs to enhance student learning within their community. Ms. Kugel continues to be an advocate for school libraries, an incredible resource at Baldwin and to fellow librarians, a mentor, and a stellar example to school librarians everywhere!
Government Officials Volunteer in Student Led Debate at CRLS
Pictured above: State Representative Steve Owens, Mr. Gomez, Cambridge Vice Mayor Marc McGovern, and Ms. Rayman-Read
Earlier this month the AP Government class (led by Mr. Gomez) and the AP Psychology class (led by Ms. Rayman-Read), came together to engage in a debate! Class stances on the debate topic were determined by a coin toss. Both teams conducted research, looked at relevant legal, psychological, ethical, and governmental implications and participated in a rigorous debate during 4th period, judged by Cambridge Vice Mayor Marc McGovern and State Representative Steve Owens. Both teams did an incredible job, with AP Government winning the debate by 10 points!
Coach Fousek Scores MIAA Soccer Coach of the Year!
Congratulations to Phil Fousek, our CRLS Boys Soccer Coach for the 2023-2024 season, on being named the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Soccer Coach of the Year!
Mr. Fousek is a full time teacher at Morse Elementary, and prior to this year served over 20 years coaching in the Boys Soccer Program, including 14 years as the CRLS Boys Varsity Coach. He has worked tirelessly to improve and guide the soccer program in the best interest of the student athletes. The 2023-2024 season was his last year of coaching at CPS. His hard work has grown the Boys Soccer program considerably. We’re thankful for his hard work and are proud of his achievement!