A Note from Principal Tony Byers
I received report cards throughout my elementary school years. But by the 1980’s, someone had gotten the message that the traditional American grading system might be inappropriate for younger children. So instead of As, Bs, and Cs, we received Os, Es, and Gs. I’m sure that whoever invented this new grading system was trying to protect children’s self-esteem. The self-esteem movement was at its height in the late eighties, so many education and parenting experts were pushing flawed research pointing to the critical importance of enhancing self-esteem at all costs, even if it meant insulating children from accurate descriptions of their current skills and knowledge. However, it turns out that unearned self-esteem, or self-esteem based on the indiscriminate praise of adults, does far more harm than good. Hear more >>

December Assembly:
Attitude of Gratitude 
By Jodie Darnell, School Operations Manager
December's assembly was the annual Attitude of Gratitude, hosted by the 3rd grade but participated in by everyone. There were so many unique examples of showing gratitude – for not only the community at Graham & Parks but for friends and family at home as well. Students expressed their gratitude through music, writing, skits, and even a short video of the 3rd grade SEI class catching each other doing nice things for one another. The assembly was a great illustration of how well our community demonstrates our C.A.R.E.S. values on a daily basis.

Children and Adolescents
and Digital Media
By Jennifer Lavalle, G&P Technology Instructor
At G&P, we teach students what it means to be a healthy digital citizen. A digital citizen is a person who uses technology to connect with other people and find information. A healthy digital citizen balances the time spent online and offline, knows how to make good choices about when it is helpful and appropriate to use technology, and determines when it is time for a technology break. It is a challenging thing to do and it takes practice.

Thankfully, there is a growing body of research to help us understand the impact of the ever-changing landscape of technology and media on children. The American Academy for Pediatrics released an updated report in October 2016 titled: Children and Adolescents and Digital Media Technical Report. It explains several interesting studies and contains helpful recommendations. It has notes on topics such as the differences between traditional, new digital, and social media, as well as daily screen time for different age groups. It also links to the Family Media Use Plan: a tool to help caregivers establish safe and healthy expectations for media use at home.

I hope you find it helpful and please feel free to contact me at [email protected] to discuss!

Full Report >> 
Family Media Plan >> 


Staff Spotlights
Get to know Anthea Lavergne, Melanie Adelman, and Michelle Cadieux with these handy Q&As! Read more >>

A Note from the Nurse 
Getting Rid of Head Lice 
By Ife Rollins, RN, G&P School Nurse
Several classes have received notices about Head Lice recently. It is a common occurrence among children because of how close they play and interact with each other. If your child has Head Lice they usually would complain of intense itching of the head. It is important to check all members of your family if Head Lice is detected and to inform the School Nurse.

When checking for Head Lice use bright light. Look through the hair near the scalp for tiny white flakes that are attached to individual strands of hair. These flakes do not blow or brush away if they are nits, the eggs that hatch into Head Lice. Nits need to be removed by a special comb that comes in the shampoo kit for treating Lice. Nit picking is the essential step to treating lice, since the shampoo is effective in killing live Lice, but not nits. So after the shampoo, combing with the Lice comb daily is very important.

To prevent Head Lice, girls with long hair are urged to tie it back or wear braids. Not sharing hats, combs, brushes or hair accessories is also advised. Purchasing a lice comb to occasionally go through your child’s hair is also a step to consider to catch an infection early and mechanically remove lice and nits.

If you have any questions feel free to be in touch with me at [email protected] or 617-349-6577 x114.



G&P Visited Rindge Towers
By Lauren Morse, Family Liaison
On Wednesday, January 14th, a group of G&P Teachers and Administrators visited Rindge Towers in North Cambridge to meet prospective kindergarten families. We loved visiting a community where so many of our current students live. One of the highlights of the night was having current students and families come to the event to share their experiences and thoughts about Graham & Parks. As toddlers roamed around, Tony and the Kindergarten teachers explained what a day is like at G&P and what makes our school so unique. We provided free books (thanks to Title I!), community resources for families and snacks, of course! It was a wonderful evening for all involved. The most common feedback we received was...when can we do this again!?

Get Involved at G&P!

Family Cultural Exchange Program (FCEP)
Family Cultural Exchange Program (FCEP) will be having our monthly coffee at Bourbon Coffee, on Friday, January 27th. Parents, please meet us in the school lobby at 8:30 to walk to Bourbon Coffee together. You may also meet us directly at Bourbon Coffee (1815 Mass Ave) around 8:45 am. Please join us, whether it's your first FCEP coffee of the school year, or your 5th. -- We welcome all of you and look forward to meeting each other and spending some time together.

Friends of G&P
Put on your dancing shoes because our Dance-a-thon fundraiser is back! It will be on Saturday, January 28th from 2pm-5pm in the G&P Gym. This year, you can learn Flamenco, Capoeria and Hip Hop from local dance teachers. And back by popular demand, we'll also be selling hoodies, long-sleeved t-shirts and beanies with our 30th Anniversary logo at the event. Flyers will be sent home with more information.

Steering Committee
In January, The G&P Steering Committee meeting met on Thursday, January 12th from 5:30-7:30pm. We built on last month's presentation by Principal Tony Byers about the SEI program at G&P, and a really interesting discussion on how the SEI and Gen-Ed communities can be further integrated into the school, including creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment, and finding ways for students to interact across programs during the school day. We also discussed the results of the recent Air Quality Testing as well as staffing and professional development updates. The notes from all Steering Committee meetings are posted on the G&P Website, once the committee has approved them. The Steering Committee meetings are open to the whole G&P community and parents frequently comment about how much they learned and how much they enjoyed attending a meeting to hear from teachers, the administration and other parents about our school. Our next meeting is Thursday, February 9th from 5:30-7:30pm. This will be a special evening to discuss our vision for Cambridge Public Schools, hosted by the G&P Steering Committee. Every school in Cambridge is doing this and we invite and encourage ALL families and teachers to attend, represent G&P and have a voice in this process! The results of this discussion will be shared with the new Superintendent, Dr. Salim, to guide his work leading this district. Dinner will be provided. Childcare, and interpretation in a few languages can be arranged with advance notice - please contact Family Liaison Lauren Morse at [email protected].

After-School Updates

Linnaean Community School
Boston Celtics Family Trip 
Monday, January 30th - 8pm
$35 per person (includes Ticket and Transportation); Bus will leave from G&P main entrance at 44 Linnaean St promptly at 6:15pm. *Please note that no bags/ backpacks will be allowed in the Garden* All children must be accompanied by an adult! Limited tickets available! Sign Up Deadline: January 26.
Hearts & Crafts Valentine Making Workshop
Thursday, February 9th - 5:30pm in the G&P Cafeteria 
Pizza, cider, & dessert followed by Valentine making workshop; $5 per person; Children must be accompanied by an adult.
February Vacation Activities (6+)
2/21 - Bowling
2/22 - Rollerskating & Pizza Party
2/23 - Launch Trampoline Park 
In addition: sports, games, clay, painting, and other activities back at school, 2/21-2/23. 
Linnaean Community School Spring Term
Begins February 27th
Registration will be accepted as soon as you receive a brochure. You may hand them to Community School Staff or to the office.

Agassiz Baldwin Community Afterschool Program
There are a few open spots for Kindergarteners (full time) or older students (Mon, Wed, Fri). Vouchers accepted; limited scholarships available! Contact Ashely Yee at [email protected].

After School Program at Afterworks
There are a few spots open at Afterworks at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Central Square for children ages 5-12 years. They provide Homework Help, African Drumming Lessons, Field Trips During School Vacation, Arts & Crafts, Cooking Projects, Table Tennis and more. Vouchers accepted; scholarships are available for paying parents. More info: Vyonni Del Mel, Director 617-661-8831 or 617-413-4624; www.afterworks.info