Greetings CPS Community!
As I shared in a communication last week, Ms. Rasheeda Abdul-Musawwir, our new Dynamic Diversity Recruiter, joined us today. She will lead our talent strategies, with an emphasis on elevating and expanding our diversity recruitment and retention initiatives. Please join me in welcoming her to CPS and the Human Resources team!
I am also delighted to share that King Open Principal Darrell Williams has been appointed Interim Chief Talent Officer, effective next Monday, April 4. Principal Williams is poised to lead the critical work of the Human Resources Department in recruiting exceptional educators, diversifying our workforce and continuing to invest in the professional growth of the dedicated staff we are fortunate to already have. Assistant Principal Waleska Landing Rivera will serve as acting Principal. I know that she will continue to be an effective and thoughtful leader during this time. We are planning to begin the search and interview process to hire a permanent Chief Talent Officer very soon.
Our FY23 Budget Process is moving forward. We held a public hearing last Thursday and a second budget workshop with the School Committee is scheduled for tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. For an overview of the proposed budget and a timeline to adoption, click here. To review the proposed budget in its entirety, click here.
Thank you for your engagement and continued support.
Make it Great!
Dr. Victoria L. Greer
REMINDER: Grades 3-8: i-Ready Family Workshop This Wednesday
Students’ iReady Diagnostic reports for reading and math for 3rd through 8th graders were emailed on Friday and paper copies should arrive in the mail early this week. i-Ready provides results that help teachers identify your child’s strengths and determine next steps for instruction, alongside other data. It is just one of many pieces of information educators use to support student learning.
- To support parents’ understanding of these reports, a virtual session for families will be offered this Wednesday, March 30 from 7:00 - 7:45PM. Please use the following link to register: https://secure1.cpsd.us/registration/.
RESOURCES:
MCAS Testing Begins in Grades 3-8
Every spring, students across the state participate in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), which are tests that measure the degree to which students are learning the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks relative to the expectations for each grade level.
We understand that you may have questions about MCAS. As we begin MCAS testing in grades 3 through 8 this week, here are some key facts:
- Federal and state law require that all students in grades 3 through8 take the MCAS in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. Students in grades 5 and 8 must also take it in Science, Technology & Engineering (STE).
- There will be no negative impact to students based on their MCAS results or a family’s refusal to participate.
- The state uses MCAS participation rates and results in its accountability system to identify schools and/or districts in need of support.
- CPS uses a range of assessment tools to understand student progress and areas of need.
- This year, our 5th and 8th grade students are part of an exciting opportunity to pilot a new science assessment, which includes activities featuring interactive science simulations. These simulations allow students to conduct investigations, create and explore models and solve science or engineering problems using scenarios featuring real-life problems. The goal of the pilot is to gather initial information and feedback that will help create an engaging, equitable and innovative test in future years. There are no scores attached to participation in the pilot. Your child will receive a score report only from the session with MCAS questions.
For more information, check out this FAQ.
April Vacation Upper School Math Programs
April Math Immersion Program (Grades 6 - 8): April 19 - 22
The April Math Immersion Program is a four-day in-person math experience at Putnam Avenue Upper School where grade 6 through8 students engage in activities that will enhance their math competencies connected to the common core standards. Teachers will partner with Young People's Project Math Literacy Workers to engage students in math games each day. This program is free and includes lunch. Student transportation is not provided.
- April 19 - 21; 10:30AM - 2:30PM
- April 22; 10:30AM - 12:30PM
- Register here
VIRTUAL Grade 8 CORE Math Program (Grade 8 only): April 19 - 21
The Grade 8 Math CORE Program will engage students in activities that help them continue to develop their mathematical skills through online asynchronous modules and synchronous sessions as determined by a facilitating teacher. The modules review content and skills related to the first four units of the general Grade 8 curriculum.
Register here
Caught Doing Good
RSTA Student Awarded $15,000 Scholarship from ACE Mentor of Greater Boston
Over the weekend, ACE Mentor Program of Greater Boston, accompanied by Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, presented RSTA’s Kaliab Tale with a $15,000 scholarship!
The ACE Mentor Program of Greater Boston offers students the opportunity to delve deeper and learn more about the architecture, construction and engineering industries. ACE encourages and inspires high school students to pursue careers in these fields.
Congratulations to Kaliab, his family and the RSTA community! We are so proud of you!
Are you proud of something happening in your school, classroom or program? Share your
“Caught Doing Good” story with [email protected].
Featured Events
Cambridge Community Iftar
Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui’s Office, the Cambridge Public Schools’ Muslim Affinity Committee, the City’s Employees’ Committee on Diversity and the Islamic Society of Boston will host a community iftar. The event will take place at the Cambridge Street Upper School located at 850 Cambridge Street.
The iftar is the evening meal where Muslims break their fast after sunset during the Holy month of Ramadan. Stop by for a community meal, mingling and to learn more about this custom from our students and guest speakers. In addition, there will be a prayer area for the evening prayer (Magrib).
Wednesday, April 13 | 6:15PM
This event is free and all are welcome.
After Nearly 3 Years, CRLS Art Exhibition Returns to MCAC!
Through next Friday, April 8, grades 9-12 will be showcasing their artwork at the Multicultural Arts Center (MCAC). The show is in-person!
If you missed the JK-8 art exhibition, catch the virtual gallery here!
School Calendar
CPS 2021-22 School calendar
All Schools and Admin Offices Closed:
- Friday April 15 | Good Friday
- Monday, April 18 - Friday, April 22 | April Break (**Admin Offices Only Closed on Monday, April 18 for Patriot’s Day**)
- Tuesday, May 3 | Eid al-Fitr
- Monday, May 30 | Memorial Day
- Monday, June 20 | Juneteenth (Observed)
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 webpagefor more information.
March Lunch Menu:Week 5 (March 28 - April 1)
COVID-19 Testing/At-Home Weekly Testing Forms: Log in to theFamily Portal
COVID-19 Testing & Quarantine Protocols
CPS Quarantine Instructional Guidelines for SY2021-22
Free Internet for Qualifying Families: Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program
Pictures of the Week
VPA Production “Sorry, Wrong Number”
The Visual and Performing Arts production of “Sorry, Wrong Number” scored a big award for set design at a recent Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild competition and now they’re off to the final round!