Message from Superintendent Greer: February 7, 2022

Message from Superintendent Greer: February 7, 2022
Posted on 02/07/2022

Greetings Cambridge Community!


I am both humbled and excited to be appointed Superintendent and continue the great work that CPS is doing while also focusing on areas of needed growth. I look forward to our continued collaboration and shared commitment to academic excellence. I want to thank the School Committee for their support over the last several months and their dedication to our students and families.


We have had wonderful engagement at our community input sessions to support us in developing the FY23 budget. I hope that you will join us for a final community meeting this Saturday, February 12 or share your perspective via this survey. Tomorrow evening, there will be a joint Roundtable discussion with the School Committee and City Council about the budget.


As a reminder, schools will give out a take home rapid test to every student and staff member next week for February break. It is expected that the test will be taken on Sunday, February 27, the day before school reopens. Please see below for additional information.


Thank you for your engagement and support.


Make it Great!


Dr. Victoria L. Greer

Superintendent
 


Complete FY23 Budget Survey  


There are two remaining opportunities to share your perspective on CPS priorities for the FY23 Budget! Your input is much appreciated.

  • Join Superintendent Greer and School Committee members for the final two FY23 Budget Virtual Community Meetings - Saturday, February 12 | 10AM or 11AM > Register here.
  • Complete this year’s budget survey by this Friday, February 11.



At-Home Testing: February Break

 

Next week, CPS will provide every student and staff member with an at-home rapid test. CPS expects that every student will use the test on Sunday, February 27, the day before school reopens on Monday, February 28. If your child tests positive, please notify the school. We want to emphasize that reporting a positive test result will be critical in continuing to keep our schools safe. For more information, visit www.cpsd.us/covid19/covidtesting.
 


NEW High School Health Credit Requirement for Class of 2026

On Tuesday, February 1, the School Committee voted to make two important updates to the Cambridge Public Schools high school graduation requirements, beginning with the Class of 2026 (next year’s freshman).

 

First, this decision increases the Health requirement from 5 to 15 credits, meaning all students will receive an additional semester of health courses in their junior year. The Health and Wellness Department will collaborate with students to develop the new curriculum, which will have an emphasis on consent and sexual assault prevention. Second, this decision updates the student athletes waiver policy. Student athletes may continue to apply for waivers from physical education course requirements but not health course requirements. This will help ensure all students receive the same instruction on these important issues.
 


Apply Now to Join the 2022 Equity Collaborative

The Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (OEIB) is excited to announce the launch of this year’s Equity Collaborative. If you are a student, educator or caregiver that is interested in implementing an equity-based project or event this Spring, please apply to be a part of the Equity Collaborative! Applications must be submitted by Monday, February 14.

 

Amharic

Arabic

Bengali

Haitian Creole

Portuguese

Spanish


CPS Recruiting Substitute Teachers!

 

CPS is recruiting day-to-day substitute teachers for all grade levels and for Special Education. Applicants must complete a CORI check, be fingerprinted and vaccinated.

 

APPLY HERE

  • Bachelor’s Degree requirement waived for the 2021-2022 school year.
  • Must have some educational experience
  • Pay Rate: $161.59/day
     

Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors

CRLS Scholarship Application

The CRLS Scholarship application is NOW open! Friends of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (FOCRLS) will award scholarships totaling $75,250 in 2022. Please visit CRLS’ website to apply.

 

The City of Cambridge Scholarship Program is accepting applications!

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to college-bound high school seniors and other Cambridge residents who wish to pursue post-secondary education.

 

Apply atCambridgema.gov/cityscholarship

DEADLINE: Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a resident of Cambridge
  • Must be attending, received admittance to or have an application pending at an accredited education institution beyond high school level prior to award date of May 2022
  • Scholarship is paid directly to education institution and must be used during the 2022-2023 academic year.
  • Prior recipients are NOT eligible as the City Scholarship Award is one-time only.
     

Help Us Support You to Support Your Child

We want to support you! Our Family Engagement Office is putting together a variety of parent workshops,

classes and events to help our families support their children. Please complete the survey below to share the

types of programming you would find most helpful.

 

English

Amharic

Arabic

Haitian Creole

Spanish


 


COVID-19 Vaccine, Booster Shot and Testing Opportunities

As a reminder, we have further clarified our COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Protocols for students and staff following some additional guidance and input. Please review the update thoroughly.

 

Questions? Please contact your school nurse.


CPS COVID Vaccination Requirement: CPS requires all students 12 and older to participate in CPS-sponsored before and after school activities. Submit your vaccination through the secure Family Portal to participate.


COVID Vaccination Opportunities:

  • All ages welcome at POP-UP Vaccine Clinic with Boston Medical Center at Prospect Hill Academy Charter School: 1st dose-TODAY, Monday, February 7, 2nd dose-Wednesday, March 2, Complete consent form here.
  • Booster shots available for CRLS students at Teen Health Center: Every Tuesday from 8:30AM - 3PM, Appointment required-call 617-665-1548 or stop by center. Who’s eligible? CRLS students who received 2nd Pfizer COVID vaccine 5 or more months ago OR 2nd Moderna COVID vaccine 6 or more months ago
  • Go to VaxFinder to find a location near you.
  • VaxAbilities hosts disability-friendly vaccine clinics with specialized staff to provide skilled support to individuals with disabilities and sensory support needs. Register here for upcoming clinics.

COVID Testing Opportunities: The City of Cambridge offers free COVID-19 testing to residents and workers at CIC Health (295 Third Street).

  • Appointment required (Monday - Friday: 5 - 10PM, Saturdays: 8AM - 8PM, Sundays: 2 - 8PM)

Caught Doing Good

Community Volunteers Assemble At-Home Testing Kits

 

It was quite the assembly line this afternoon!

 

Thank you to our community partners and Berkshire staff for jumping in and putting together our at-home testing kits for students and staff members to use over February Break.


Are you proud of something happening in your school, classroom or program? Share your

“Caught Doing Good” story with [email protected].
 

Featured Events

 

Tuesday, February 8 | 6:30-8PM

 

Register

North Cambridge Courageous Conversation: Social Identity Workshops

 

North Cambridge Courageous Conversations is hosting a two-part workshop on social identities (i.e. how the groups you belong to identify you). The group will reflect on and discuss the facets of our identities to better understand how the world around us does or does not allow us to choose which pieces of our identity are most important.

 

All CPS parents and guardians are encouraged to attend both workshops. Please follow these links to register:

 

Thursday, February 10 | 7-8:30PM

 

Register

 

Questions? Contact [email protected]

School Calendar

CPS 2021-22 School calendar

 

Monday, February 21 - Friday, February 25 | February Break

Wednesday, March 16 | Early Release Day-JK-8 Only

Monday, April 18 - Friday, April 22 | April Break


In Case You Missed It: Key Resources

2022-23 JK/K Lottery: Closed for the 2022-23 school year; If you are interested in registering your child, visit our registration webpage for more information.

February CPS Lunch Menu: Week 2 (February 7-February 11)

UPDATED: COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Protocols

COVID-19 Testing Consent Forms: Log in to the Family Portal

Student Vaccination Portal: Upload proof of vaccination or submit exemption requests through the secure Family Portal.

Student Vaccination Requirements Information: FAQ

CPS Quarantine Instructional Guidelines for SY2021-22

Free Internet for Qualifying Families: Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program
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