Mark Your Calendar
- Wednesday, November 27 | 4 Hour School Day (All Grades) ( Professional Learning Day)
- Thursday, November 28 - Friday, November 29 | Thanksgiving Break (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
- Tuesday, December 3 | School Committee Meeting (Beginning at 6PM)
- Tuesday, December 17 | School Committee Meeting (Beginning at 6PM)
- Monday, December 23 | 4 Hour School Day (All Grades) (Professional Learning Day)
Good evening CPS Community:
As November draws to a close we approach Thanksgiving Break, to those who celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving! With the start of the new year within reach, we enter a season of gratitude for all. We interviewed students on what they are grateful for this school year, I encourage you to watch. This Wednesday, November 27 will be a 4 hour school day (half day), followed by no school Thursday, November 28 through Friday, November 29.
I’m happy to share that our Office of Family and Community Engagement has partnered with Novartis to host a Toy Drive this year. All donations will be distributed through The Spot. Collection begins Monday, December 2 and ends Monday, December 16. Learn more below.
Starting December, we will be hosting opportunities for feedback regarding the 2025-2026 school year budget process. Additional details coming soon!
In this Issue:
- Registration for Winter Sports at CRLS Closes Tomorrow!
- School Committee Recap
- Upcoming Holiday Toy Drive With Family and Community Engagement
- Kindergarten Lottery Information Sessions
- Need Help with Heating Bills?
- Apply for Fuel Assistance
- Upcoming Events
District & Community Resources
- The Bright Spot
Sincerely,
David Murphy
Interim Superintendent
Need to Know News
Register for Winter Sports at CRLS Closes Tomorrow!
Registration for Winter Athletics by tomorrow, November 26.
November 19 School Committee Recap
A School Committee meeting was held last Tuesday. Highlights include...
Interested in receiving email notifications about meetings? Join the School Committee listserv.
Upcoming Holiday Toy Drive with Family and Community Engagement
The Office of Family and Community Engagement, in partnership with Novartis, is hosting a Toy Drive for this upcoming holiday season! Donations will be accepted starting Monday, December 2 - Monday, December 16.
We invite you to donate any unopened toys to support families. Simply visit our drop-off location to contribute. All donations will be distributed to families through The Spot.
- Drop-off Location: Cambridge Public Schools Lobby (135 Berkshire Street)
- Drop-off Times: Monday – Friday 8AM - 4PM
Questions? Email Mia Ferej at [email protected].
Kindergarten Lottery Information Session
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 Session:
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 District
Virtual Kindergarten Lottery Information Session 2
Saturday, December 7 | 10:30 - 11:30AM
Zoom:
http://bit.ly/cps-k-info2
Families with children who will be 5 years old by August 31, 2025 are encouraged to attend the upcoming
Kindergarten Lottery Informations Sessions. The lottery will open for registration January 2nd.
District Calendar
Visit our digital calendar for upcoming events here.
In the Community
Webinar: Raising Resilient and Confident Kids in the Age of Achievement Culture
Wednesday, December 4 | 7PM
The pressure to perform well academically, socially, or in extra curricular activities can have a negative impact on the mental health of our youth. Join Cartwheel for a webinar on how families can build a sense of confidence, resilience, and self-worth not tied to achievement.
Register today with Cartwheel.
Winter Sing-Along
Thursday, December 12 | 6 - 7PM
New School of Music
(25 Lowell Street)
Join
New School of Music for an evening of song community, and cheer. Cider and snacks will be available.
District & Community Resources
Rainbow Club Promotes Belonging Through Chalk Art!
Rainbow Clubs at Baldwin and Morse celebrated Trans Awareness Week by using chalk to promote messages of belonging. Students were able to get creative with their chalk art, spend time with friends, and directly contribute to the creation of a welcoming environment in a fun way!
Athletic Director Receives National Certification
Congratulations to CRLS Director of Athletics Tom Arria on his recognition by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) as a Certified Athletic Administrator! To achieve this recognition, Tom Arria has showcased outstanding expertise, significant contributions, and continuous professional growth in interscholastic athletic administration. The voluntary certification process involved a comprehensive assessment of the candidate's education, experience, completion of NIAAA Leadership Courses, and professional contributions. This process concludes with a project and presentation.