Early Release Day Wednesday, New COVID Info Sessions

Early Release Day Wednesday, New COVID Info Sessions
Posted on 10/19/2021
Greetings CPS community!

I hope you had a great weekend. We had a full weekend with our community fair that was held outside Peabody/Rindge Ave Upper School and Danehy Park Family Day. It was nice to see so many familiar faces at Danehy Park.

This fall, we are very cognizant that our students are having both successes and challenges readjusting to the structure of school and being in-person full time. Our counselors and social workers are working closely with principals and teachers to support all of our students to success. The social emotional learning (SEL) department is supporting our schools to understand where students are, so that we can meet them there. This includes reteaching routines and expectations, focusing on the CASEL competencies as a way to develop skills, and supporting our counselors in developing and facilitating support groups for students. These strategies are embedded in our approach so that we are supporting BOTH academic and SEL needs as we engage students in meaningful and rigorous instruction. We should be encouraged that we have the resources to address these needs; however, it will take time and consistency to get the outcomes that we desire and that our students need.

Please be reminded that WEDNESDAY October 20 is an Early Release Day for Grades JK-8. Schools will dismiss two hours early, except for Fletcher Maynard Academy (early release at 12PM) and MLK (early release at 2PM). The time that we use during the early release days allows time for our educators to engage in professional learning and collaboration.

The next Walk and Talk Wednesday with the Superintendent is scheduled for Wednesday, October 27 at 5PM at Fresh Pond. I hope you will join me.

Make it great!

Dr. Victoria L. Greer
Interim Superintendent
Cambridge Public Schools


COVID Questions of the Week

Student COVID19 Vaccinations required by November 22
See the full FAQ about student vaccinations here.

What is required?
As of November 22, age-eligible students (currently ages 12+) must be fully vaccinated. Failure to obtain a vaccination will not result in exclusion from school.

As of November 29, age-eligible student (currently ages 12+) must be fully vaccinated in order to participate in CPS after school extracurricular activities, including athletics, including club and intramural sports, student government, after School visual and performing arts, all school clubs that meet out of the school day, and school sponsored social events.

Are there exceptions or exemptions that are allowed? 
Yes, there will be medical and religious exemptions allowed for students. 

How do I provide proof of vaccination? 
In early November, the family portal will be updated for you to securely provide information about your students’ vaccination status. Instructions will be provided soon. 
 
Where can families access vaccines?
Contact your pediatrician, use the vaccination finder, or visit the upcoming vaccination clinics: 

  • Friday, October 22 | 2-8PM at the Reservoir Church in North Cambridge 
  • Saturday, October 23 | 12-6PM at the Pisani Center. 


Caught Doing Good

Appreciation to the CRLS-BRYT (Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition) team, Ashley Sitkin and Shanel Antunes. In this intensive Tier 3 general education program, this team provides clinical support, academic coordination, family support, and care coordination services to CRLS students who are transitioning back to school after missing extensive amounts of learning due to serious mental health, medical, and/or life transition challenges. They strive to coordinate resources within CRLS and the wider community, and partner effectively with families, to help each participating student make the most efficient transition possible and finish the school year on track for graduation.

Student School Committee Member Anais Killian, who serves on the MIAA Student Advisory Committee and co-led a session at the MIAA Wellness Summit. Kudos to Anais for her ongoing leadership in CPS and beyond!



Upcoming Events

Virtual COVID Information Sessions
Join Superintendent Greer and health professionals to ask your questions about the student vaccinations or any COVID-related topic. 
Tuesday, October 26 | 6-7PM
Thursday, October 28 | 6-7PM

Register to receive the Zoom link. Register here >>

STEAM It Up! Cambridgewide K-8 Family STEAM Night
Thursday, October 21 | 6-8PM, Pemberton Tennis courts
Are you curious about all the science, technology, engineering, art and math that exists in the world around you? Have you ever wanted to observe and learn from real insect specimens? Maybe you'd like to engineer a terrifically tall tower? Come join local STEAM providers for a fun filled evening. 
More Information >>

Cambridge Public Health Department Flu and COVID vaccination Clinics
Friday, October 22 | 2-8PM, Reservoir Church, 170 Rindge Avenue (North Cambridge) 
Saturday, October 23 | 12-6PM, Pisani Center, 131 Washington Street (The Port)

Families and Children: Team up and Learn Together
Team up to explore new skills while we stretch our brains and talk about self-care. This series includes six, one-hour workshops for adults and children (ages 3 and up).
Register here >>


Resources


Calendar

  • Wednesday, October 20 | Early Release Day, Grades JK-8 (Schools dismiss 2 hours early; FMA at 12pm; King at 2pm)
  • Thursday, October 21 | 6-8PM: STEAM It Up! Cambridgewide K-8 Family STEAM Night
  • Tuesday, October 26 | 6-7PM: COVID Information Session (Register for zoom link)
  • Wednesday, October 27 | 5PM: Walk and Talk Wednesday with Superintendent Greer (Fresh Pond) 
  • Thursday, October 28 | 6-7PM COVID Information Session (Register for zoom link)
  • Thursday, November 4 | Diwali begins
  • Thursday, November 11 | Schools Closed, Veterans Day 
  • Wednesday, November 24 | Early Release Day, All Schools
  • Thursday, November 25 -  Friday, November 26 | Schools Closed, Thanksgiving
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