Mark Your Calendar
- Tuesday, October 1 | School Committee Meeting (Beginning at 6PM)
- Thursday, October 3 | Rosh Hashanah (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
- Monday, October 14 | Indigenous Peoples Day (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
- Tuesday, October 15 | School Committee Meeting (Beginning at 6PM)
Good evening CPS Community:
This week marks the first month of the 2024-2025 school year as summer is quickly turning into fall. I hope you all have settled into your new routines. Our staff has enjoyed getting to know our new students, and we look forward to growing together.
At tomorrow’s School Committee meeting, we will begin the first in a series of discussions about the information contained with the 2024 MCAS and accountability data that was released by the state last week. In this first discussion, we will highlight several strengths and points of pride that warrant both recognition and celebration. We will be joined by the representatives of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Tobin Montessori Schools, which were recently named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School and 2024 School of Recognition, respectively. In subsequent public meetings we will broaden our discussions to include the overall data picture represented by these results, including the challenges and areas we know as a school system we must improve upon if we are to serve all students well.
October is National Principals Month. Our principals play a vital role in fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. Their ability to lead and empower our school communities is a testament to their remarkable character and expertise. Thank you for your commitment to our families.
Starting tomorrow, applications for the free Cambridge Preschool Program will open for the 2025-2026 school year and remain open through Thursday, October 31. Application information, program information, and frequently asked questions are on the Office of Early Childhood website and linked below.
In this Issue:
- What We’re Celebrating
- Cambridge Preschool Program Application Open Tomorrow
- Introducing our New Student School Committee Representatives
- Apply for Equity Grants to Improve CPS Today
- Get Help From Our Digital Navigators
- FamilyBook: Connect with Your School Community
- Upcoming Events
- District & Community Resources
- The Bright Spot
Sincerely,
David Murphy
Interim Superintendent
What We Are Celebrating
This Wednesday is School Custodian Appreciation Day! Our custodians work hard to maintain our buildings and ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone in our school community. They arrive early and stay late, always with a smile and a readiness to help. Join us in acknowledging their hard work!
Every October, National Principals Month shines a spotlight on the transformative power of our school principals. These leaders, with their intentional vision and unwavering dedication to students, are molding futures, shaping communities, and paving pathways to success for every student. Please join us in celebrating our principals this month!
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month was designated in the United States in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan. Schools and other educational organizations use this month to inform the public about learning disabilities. You can celebrate by recognizing the strengths and successes of someone with a learning disability, reading a book written by or about a person with a learning disability, or learning a strategy to better support a student with a learning disability.
Need to Know News
Cambridge Preschool Program Application Opens Tomorrow
Families can apply for the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) for the 2025-2026 school year starting tomorrow through Thursday, October 31. Several offices are available to support in completing the application. While an appointment is not necessary it is encouraged.
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.You can also 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)
Access Frequently Asked Questions specific to CPP using the links below…
Cambridge Preschool Program | Cambridge Public Schools | Department of Human Services
Access translated Frequently Asked Questions here.
Learn more about the Cambridge Preschool Program here.
Introducing Our New Student School Committee Representatives
Hermela Shimelis is a senior. Academically, Hermela loves to explore social sciences, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She hopes to learn more about the intersection of race, sociology, and public policy in our community institutions such as education and healthcare. Hermela is a proud member of the CRLS Students of Color Coalition, Student Government, and Cultural Habesha Club. In her role as a student representative, she hopes to listen, learn, contribute, and elevate the invaluable input of her peers in the decision-making process by encouraging active participation among students.
Urbana Barua is a senior. Urbana’s academic interests include public health policy and sociology. Outside of school, she is a 4-year member, now co-chair of the Cambridge Youth Council, where she aims to improve the lives of youth through social justice, education, and community building. All while making time for her lifelong passion for dance! In her new role as student representative on the Cambridge School Committee, Urbana hopes to promote transparency between the committee and the student body to ensure equitable and authentic student insight.
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)
- The Equity Collaborative ($500-$5000)
Interested? Learn more about our equity grants and access applications here. Explore previously funded Equity Collaborative projects here.
Get Help From Our Digital Navigators
We’re excited to share that the Digital Navigators Pilot Program is now available to the Cambridge community! Digital Navigators provide one-on-one support to help residents access the internet, set up devices, and use online services effectively. Navigators also connect eligible residents to free or low-cost computers, hot spots, or related equipment.
Those interested in meeting with a Digital Navigator can call 888.551.2167 or email [email protected].
FamilyBook: Connect with Your School Community
Building connections among school communities is an essential part of building culture and fostering positive friendships among students and families. With FamilyBook, families can volunteer their contact information to create a secure online family contact list at each school to share information with other families.
Who can see my information?
- You must sign-up for your information to be included otherwise your information will remain private.
- You can customize which information is visible.
- If you add your information, it is only visible to other families in your child’s school, not the whole district.
Sign up for the FamilyBook here!
In the District
STEAM It Up!
Thursday, October 24 | 6 - 8PM
Rindge Avenue/ Peabody School (70 Rindge Avenue)
Explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) during our STEAM It Up event this fall. This Cambridge-wide event for preschoolers- 8th grade will feature fun STEAM events and free pizza! Save the date now!
Back-to-School Events
Each school has put together some details for their back-to-school events, check out the calendar and save-the-date for your child’s school celebrations! See the calendar for school events here.
In the Community
MCCPS Meet & Greet Picnic
Saturday, October 5 | 12 - 3PM
Danehy Park Picnic Tables (99 Sherman Street)
Join the Muslim Community of Cambridge Public Schools for outdoor fun, relaxation, and connections! Bring family and friends, pack a picnic, and enjoy the day. Reserve your spot here.
Youth Underground Arts and Science Fellowship Application
Deadline: Friday, October 11
Central Square Theater (450 Massachusetts Avenue)
Students in Grade 8, high school, and young adults up to the age of 20 who have not yet started college can apply for the Central Square Theater’s Youth Underground Program. This paid opportunity allows participants to explore thought-provoking play, engage in dynamic workshops, and explore meaningful themes. Learn more and apply here.
District & Community Resources
Student Design Comes to Life!
Last year, Creative Design students at Cambridge Rindge and Latin competed in the Rindge School of Technical Arts Electric Van design contest. Draven Lesatele’s design earned her 1st place! This year, Draven was able to see her design come to life. Keep an eye out for this vehicle on the streets of Cambridge!
Author Visit With CRLS Students
Author/illustrator Kerilynn Wilson's debut graphic novel “The Faint of Heart” is the CRLS One School, One Story community read. Students have been engaging with the book's content and themes across all curricula this week. A few select students were lucky enough to have an author chat with Kerilynn on Zoom!