Updates from Superintendent Murphy: Food Resources, Report Card Changes, and Caregiver Academy
Dear CPS Community:
As we wrap up another busy week in the Cambridge Public Schools, I wanted to quickly share some thoughts and links to what I hope will be useful information about things happening in and around the school system.
Combating Food Insecurity Amidst the Federal Government Shutdown
As we have shared in a series of communications in the last two weeks, CPS in partnership with the City of Cambridge, is working to combat the food insecurity challenges being faced by members of our community. On multiple occasions next week, there will be specific opportunities for those directly affected by potential lapsing of SNAP benefits to receive assistance. Our Food Services Department is also working with the city and various community partners to bolster support to members of our community experiencing hunger and food insecurity. The foundation of our school system, like the Cambridge community, are the core values that we share. I am grateful to the staff, volunteers and the city leaders who are collectively working to support vulnerable neighbors and friends in response to the federal government’s outright dysfunction.
Changes to Elementary Report Cards
Families will be receiving information from their principal soon about some important changes to how report cards are being administered this year at the elementary level. We are striving to establish greater consistency and aligned high standards in all school communities. While principals will be best positioned to articulate the specifics for their respective schools, in the short letter linked above I cover some of the background and rationale to these changes.
Upper School Caregiver Academy
Today our upper school leaders are sharing with families announcements regarding our first fully aligned Upper School Caregiver Academy Program. This program is part of our multi-faceted effort to improve how our school district partners with parents and caregivers in support of our students. Similar to the how the Caregiver Academy has been initiated at CRLS for our grade 9 families, this new series of programs taking place at each of our respective schools with grades 6 - 8 will begin in December. This series is designed to address specific areas of upper school life where caregivers have requested additional support. If you are a caregiver for a 6th through 8th grade student, please keep an eye out for that announcement.
Community Conversation Next Week - November 12th
Next week on the evening of Wednesday, November 12, I will have the privilege of participating in a Community Conversation program presented by My Brother’s Keeper. This is the second consecutive year I will have the pleasure to take questions from the MBK facilitators about our district’s goals and the work we need to do in each of our school communities to ensure high academic standards, equitable access to instruction and continuous improvement. This event will be held in the Fitzgerald Auditorium at CRLS and is open to the public.
Finally, just a reminder that school and all administrative offices will be closed Tuesday, November 11th in honor of Veterans’ Day.
Best wishes for a restful and enjoyable weekend.
Sincerely,
David Murphy, Superintendent of Schools