Greer Gazette: February 13, 2023

Greer Gazette: February 13, 2023
Posted on 02/13/2023

Greetings CPS Community!



I am excited to share that the first two meetings of our 
Portrait of a Graduate design team have been very productive. As we previously shared, the Portrait is a collective vision that captures the district’s aspirations for every student. Our dynamic design team has presented great ideas that support our District Plan objectives and leverage our student-designed Mission, Vision, and Core Values and Instructional Framework elements. We look forward to sharing future updates on their ongoing work.


Tomorrow, there will be a virtual City Council and School Committee Roundtable to share updates and discuss the implementation of universal preschool. The meeting will begin at 5PM.


Last Tuesday, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Barbara Mullen and Interim Special Education Executive Director, Dr. Frank Alves, presented an update on the Office of Student Services to the School Committee. The presentation included highlights of Dr. Alves’ entry plan, a review of assessment data for students with disabilities, and details about the workload audit that is currently underway.


Please note that there will not be an issue of the Greer Gazette next Monday. The next issue will be shared on Monday, February 27. Have a wonderful and restful break!


Thank you for your continued support.


Make it Great!


Dr. Victoria L. Greer


Headlines

School & District Report Cards

Every year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) publishesdistrict and school report cards,which are designed to demonstrate how a school or district is performing. Report cards highlight a school or district's strengths, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that the needs of all students are being met.



COVID Test Distribution

In preparation for next week’s break, each school will give out a COVID test kit to every student and staff member. We ask that every student and staff member take a rapid test before school Monday, February 27.

  • If positive or negative but have symptoms, please stay home and notify the school.

  • If negative and do not have symptoms, we will see you at school.


In addition, we, along with the Health Department, strongly recommend masking at school through Friday, March 3, particularly if an individual travels or attends a large indoor gathering over February break. Please note that this recommendation may be extended as we continue to monitor the data.


Spring Sports Registration Opens This Week



Registration for Spring Athletics opens this Wednesday, February 15 and will close on Tuesday, March 14.

To learn more about the sports offered and more important dates, click here.


CRLS Scholarship Opportunities


A reminder that the 2023 CRLS Scholarship Application system is open! This spring, 145 scholarships and awards totaling over $483,000 will be given out to deserving graduating seniors.


  • Click here to apply by next Friday, February 17.

Questions? Contact Susie VanBlaricum at [email protected].


Sidewalk Poetry Contest


Would you like a poem that you wrote to be stamped in sidewalks across Cambridge? The city is now accepting applications for the2023 Sidewalk Poetry Contest. Five winning poems will be imprinted into new sidewalks around the city beginning this fall.

  • Winners will receive a $100 prize!

  • Submit your poem before Friday, March 10 at noon.

  • Poems can be in any language.

  • Learn more about the entry requirements and find existing sidewalk poetry.

  • Questions? Contact Cambridge Arts at [email protected]


Photo Courtesy: City of Cambridge


Featured Activities & Events

Winter Family Day in Kendall Square

The third annual Winter Family Day will feature hands-on STEAM activities, live performances by local music groups, games, food trucks, and much more!

  • WHEN? Saturday, February 25 | 10AM - 3PM

  • WHERE: Kendall/MIT Open Space (located at 292 Main Street)

  • Registration is recommended.



Free Food Markets



All families are welcome to stop by our free, school-based food markets. They offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry items. Please bring your own bags.


Markets happening this week:

  • Wednesday, February 15

    • 1:30 - 3PM (Graham & Parks School)

  • Thursday, February 16

    • 3 - 4PM (Putnam Ave. Upper School/Dr. Martin Luther King School)

    • 3:15 - 4PM (Rindge Ave. Upper School/Peabody School)


You can see the full list of free food markets here.


Congratulations to our Scholastic Art Award Winners!
39 CRLS students with the Visual Arts Team brought home 96 awards from the 2022-2023 Scholastic Art Awardsthe nation’s longest running, most prestigious award and recognition program to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talents.

Our students received 25 Gold Keys, 32 Silver Keys, and 41 Honorable Mentions. The Gold Key winning artwork and portfolios are currently being judged for National Medals. National Medalists are eligible for scholarships of up to $12,000. Congratulations to the students and teachers involved! Click here or on the image below to see some of the projects.

An Ace of the Trades

Please join us in congratulating Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Career Counselor and Cooperative Education Advisor Sara Reese for being recognized as an Exemplary School Champion with the ACE mentoring program.


Since Sara got involved in 2020, the number of students that participate in ACE has more than doubled. In November, Sara successfully organized the most attended Trade Day at CRLS, with 65 high school students from 17 high schools, 20 mentors, and 25 tradespeople. Sara is also a CRLS alumna. Thank you for all you do, Sara!



Exploring Animals & Habitats

Kindergartners at the Graham & Park School are dissecting owl pellets as part of their 10-week Animals and Habitat unit, in which they learn how various animals grow and change over time. Earlier this school year, owls visited their classroom. The students are so excited to be part of these learning experiences!




Keeping Warm This Winter


If your child is in need of a coat, gloves, hat, or shoes to keep warm this winter, The Spot Cambridge provides free clothing, school supplies, backpacks, toiletries, diapers, and other items to local families. If the need is immediate, please contact the school Family Liaison. Questions? Contact [email protected]



Mark Your Calendar

Monday, February 20 - Friday, February 24 | February Break (No School & CPS Offices Closed on Monday, February 20)

Wednesday, March 15 Early Release Day (JK-8 only)

Monday, March 20 Staff Professional Learning Day (No School)

Friday, April 7 | Good Friday (No School & CPS Offices Closed)

Monday, April 17 - Friday, April 21 April Break (No School & CPS Offices Closed on Monday, April 17)

Key Resources

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