Good evening CPS Community:
Thank you to all who attended last week’s Community Budget Meeting. For those who were unable to attend, we will host another
Community Budget Meeting this Wednesday, December 11 from 6 - 7PM in the Cambridge Street Upper School Multipurpose Room. Dinner will be served starting at 5:30PM. Additionally, childcare and transportation are provided. You can access information for bus pick-ups below. I hope you will join us Wednesday evening.
The Office of Family and
Community Engagement Office will host a Community Social on Thursday, December 19 from 5:30 - 7:30PM. This will be a great time to connect with community partners and spend time with one another before the start of Winter Break.
In this Issue:
- Planning for the 2025 -2026 Budget
- Holiday Toy Drive With Family and Community Engagement
- Upcoming Community Social
- Kindergarten Lottery Opens Soon!
- 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
Planning for the 2025-2026 Budget
We will offer in-person and virtual community engagement/information sessions this budget season! Our next session will be in-person this Wednesday, December 11. Students are welcome to participate as well!
The 2025-2026 budget aims to align resources to objectives and initiatives outlined in the CPS District Plan.
Community Budget Meeting 2
- When: Wednesday, December 11 | 6 - 7 PM (Dinner will be served at 5:30PM)
- Where: Cambridge Street Upper School Multipurpose Room (840 Cambridge Street)
- Transportation and childcare are provided.
Please note, this will be the same presentation as the December 4 virtual meeting. Access the flyer with translations for the Community Budget Meeting 2 here.
At these sessions, we will briefly review budget basics and the CPS District Plan using a presentation developed by caregivers last year, and outline the steps through which the budget will be discussed and eventually adopted in the spring of 2025.
We look forward to working with CPS staff, parents, caregivers, and Cambridge community members to develop a budget inclusive of our shared priorities and operational responsibilities.
Additional in-person and virtual information sessions on the school year 2025- 2026 budget will take place in January. Access more information about the budget process and community meeting schedule here.
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].
Upcoming Community Social
You’re invited to join the Family and Community Engagement Team and our community partners for the December Community Social. The theme for this event will be “Color Your World with Joy!”
Come and join the festivities, indulge in delicious food, participate in our raffle, and take home some swag! Check out the Community Social flyer here.
- When: Thursday, December 19 | 5:30 - 7:30PM
- Where: Cambridge Street Upper School Cafeteria (830 Cambridge Street)
Questions? Contact Mia Ferej or call 617.349.9786
Kindergarten Lottery Open Soon!
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.
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
School Year 2025-2026 Budget Engagement Sessions
Community Budget Meeting 2
Wednesday, December 11 | 6 - 7PM
Cambridge Street Upper School Multipurpose Room
(850 Cambridge Street)
Review budget basics with district administrators and share your thoughts on the budget for the school year 2025-2026!
Dinner will be served at 5:30PM. Childcare and Transportation will be provided.
Access pick-up details here.
Virtual: Elementary Curriculum Caregiver Seminar with the English Language Arts Department
Wednesday, December 18 | 6 - 7PM
Zoom (link to be provided through registration)
Elementary families are invited to a
virtual seminar focused on the new literacy curriculum, CKLA. Learn the new curriculum and hear directly from teachers and representatives from dual language programs. Register here.
Community Social
Thursday, December 19 | 5:30 - 7:30PM
Cambridge Street Upper School Cafeteria (830 Cambridge Street)
Join CPS and our community partners for our December Community Social. Enjoy food, raffles, take home some swag, and celebrate the theme “Color Your World With Joy!”
District Calendar
In the Community
Virtual: Haitian Affinity Group Meeting
Wednesday, December 11 | 6:30 - 8:30PM
Zoom (link to be provided the day of the meeting)
Caregivers are invited to attend the
Haitian Affinity Group meeting to discuss navigating life in the United States. Register for the meeting
here.
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
