From the Superintendent: May 2018 Update
Published on May 25, 2018 14:38

from the superintendent header - people at table

Dear CPS Community:

CPS recently participated in a public radio story that describes the impact of racial bias on students, through the lens of students at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) - our high school. As I said in my letter to the CRLS communityalthough we have been working very hard to address equity issues, we need to acknowledge that our work is far from done. 

You can hear the story on the podcast Otherhood, or tune in to The World on WGBH next week to hear the radio version. I also invite you to read my Op Ed in the Cambridge Chronicle, which elaborates on the specific actions that CPS is taking to respond to concerns raised by students, faculty, parents and staff, about experiences of microaggressions and racism. 

These problems are not unique to our community, but we, as a community, have a responsibility to address them. The CPS District Plan sets out strategic objectives that we believe will help our schools become more engaging and supportive environments in which all students can thrive. Our first objective is Equity and Access. I believe that we will not improve as a school district until we openly and honestly face the challenges before us -- which means becoming open and vulnerable about our practices.

Bias exists in many forms, and it exists everywhere. No community is immune. But in our district plan we also promise to "work as a flexible and adaptable learning organization." This means that although we will not always have all the answers, we will never stop trying to learn and grow.

I look forward to learning from, and with, all of you.

Sincerely,

Kenneth N. Salim, Ed.D. 

Mom reading to son

Did You Take the Family Survey?
CPS is conducting our first annual Family Survey, and we hope to hear from you by June 14th! 

The survey is part of our continuous improvement efforts as outlined in the CPS District PlanWe value your feedback and hope to learn and improve based on what we hear from you. 

If you haven't had a chance to complete the survey, please check out our Family Survey page >>

Clock

Not Enough Hours in the Day?
As part of our ongoing efforts to learn and improve as a school district, Cambridge Public Schools has identified a frequently-cited obstacle: time. Please join with us in discussing the recommendations of a joint report from the Cambridge Education Association and CPS Administration, which proposes extending the length of the school day. 

Beginning with these school-based conversations, and continuing with a broad community process in Fall 2018, the Superintendent will develop recommendations for any potential changes by Winter 2018-19. Learn more >> 

kids getting off bus

Getting to School Really Matters
Did you know that missing school – even in the early grades – has a negative impact on learning over time? Research demonstrates that students who are chronically absent (missing more than 10% of school days) have more struggles with learning to read in the early grades, and are more likely to experience failure and even to drop out of high school. 

CPS wants to work with families to make sure students will be absent as infrequently as possible. Read on >>

Alexis Morgan

Welcome New Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
On May 11, the Cambridge School Committee confirmed Alexis Morgan as CPS Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. This selection follows a national search and recruitment process led by NESDEC, and candidate screening and interviews by a 12-member committee that included CPS parents, teachers, and school and district administrators. Watch the School Committee video >>

Dr. Morgan has extensive administrative leadership and teaching experience in the field of special education, having previously served as Executive Director of Instructional Supports for the Office of Special Education in Newark Public Schools, and Systems Transformation Consultant for the Education Development Center: Urban Special Education Leadership Collaborative. Learn More About Dr. Morgan >> 

Samantha Power

Former Ambassador Informs & Inspires
On Tuesday, May 1, Former Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power spoke with CRLS History Students about her experiences and perspective on international events. Power was invited by members of the CRLS community, including the President of the High School Democrats club, a CRLS parent, and History Teacher Rachel Otty, who teaches Power's book, A Problem From Hell to help students understand international responses to genocide through Power's retelling of the U.S. response to Rwandan Genocide. Full Story >>

student holding stuffed animal

BSU Breaks Guinness World Record
After months of planning, Black Student Union (BSU) senior members Javona Neal and I-Jah Armstrong helped their high school break a world record! On May 22, the two CRLS Seniors recruited 278 adults and students to join them in the cafeteria after school, to break the world record for most people hugging soft toys simultaneously. The BSU was able to lead CRLS to smashing the previous record of 261!  
Read the full story >>

Go Green

Go Green Challenge
Congratulations to the Morse, Peabody, and Tobin Montessori Schools for winning first, second and third places, respectively, in this year’s Go Green Challenge! 

This annual competition is run each year in the Cambridge Public Schools in partnership with the Department of Public Works (DPW). Elementary classrooms compete by documenting their efforts to go green--such as recycling, having a classroom plant, or printing double-sided. 

Read more about the Go Green Challenge, and simple ways that you can teach your child about sustainability at home >>

kids on bikes

Cambridge Street Bicycle Safety Demonstration Project Survey
CPS is a partner in Cambridge's Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. Please share your thoughts on the Cambridge Street Bicycle Safety Demonstration project, which created separated bike lanes along Cambridge Street. Using the links below, please share your opinion by June 4, 2018. For more information call 617.498.4710.

Tobin Students

Ramadan Mubarak!
We wish our Muslim students, families, and staff a Happy Ramadan. As we as a school district continue to build our cultural proficiency, we thought the following reminders from Jewish-Muslim Solidarity Committee of Boston Workmen’s Circle (forwarded to our office by Haggerty Family Liaison Lissa Galluccio) might be helpful to keep in mind within our community of diverse faiths.

The dates of Ramadan change every year. This year, the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) will be celebrated on the evening of June 15th with prayer, visiting each other's homes, special meals and gifts for children.  

During Ramadan, Muslims fast (don't eat or drink anything) from dawn to dusk. Young people often begin fasting as teenagers. Fasting allows opportunity for self-reflection, spiritual growth and many blessings. It helps to be thoughtful when planning school events that include food, and to remember that older students will be up very early for breakfast and may be tired by the end of the day. Here is a resource on supporting Muslim students during Ramadan (note that dates reflect last year’s Muslim calendar).

We hope these suggestions will be helpful to our community. Again, to all members of the CPS Community who are celebrating Ramadan this month, we wish you a Happy Ramadan!

boy reading

OUR VISION
Rigorous, Joyful, 
and Culturally 
Responsive Learning 
+ Personalized Support Builds Postsecondary Success and Engaged Community Members
CPS District Plan >>

KLo Activists
                                  WHAT WE'RE TWEETING

Kennedy-Longfellow First Graders Make a Difference
Check out
this Tweet about how First Graders from Kennedy-Longfellow School persuaded the city’s Department of Public Works to install a solution to littering around their school.

Cambridge Street Upper School Marching Band
CSUS Math Coach Marisa Berenbaum reminds everyone to check out the CSUS Marching Band at the Memorial Day Parade.

Have you heard the latest?
We post all the latest news on Twitter. 

family

COMMUNITY
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Boys to Men
Leadership Brunch
June 2 | 12Noon - 3PM
Putnam Avenue Upper School
All Cambridge men are invited to come learn about community leadership, fitness and exercise, nutrition, and more.
 
More details >>

Affordable Housing Middle-Income Rental Program
The Cambridge Community Development Department’s Housing Division is currently accepting applications for a 2-bedroom rental unit and a 1-bedroom rental unit. Both are privately managed and available through the Middle-Income Rental Program.
Learn more on Find It >>

Taller Respira
June 4 | 7 - 8:30PM 
Amigos School
Moms and dads gather to practice skills for reaching  a greater calm and clarity during difficult times in our daily lives. This session is in English and Spanish, and attendance at prior sessions is not required. Questions?
[email protected]

Immigration Legal Screening Clinics - FREE!
This FREE monthly clinic offers participants a consultation with an immigration attorney and the chance to learn more about how immigration law affects them and their families.
 - Details >> 
 - Immigration resources >>

peace dove

CONCERNED ABOUT
GUN VIOLENCE?  
Youth Panel on Gun Violence
May 29 | 6:30 - 8:30PM
Main Library Lecture Hall
Young people from Cambridge Ridge and Latin School, Somerville High School and the Cambridge Community Charter School will be joined by students from Margery Stoneman Douglas for a panel discussion on gun violence. Learn More >>

Meeting on Gun-Related Incidents 

May 30 | 6 - 8PM 
Pisani Center 
131 Washington Street
Cambridge City Manager Louis D. Pasquale, Mayor Marc McGovern, and Cambridge Police Department will host a community conversation on local gun related incidents 
in The Port and Wellington-Harrington Neighborhood

Gun Buy-Back Program
"Gift Cards for Guns"
June 9 | 9AM - 12Noon
The City of Cambridge announces its fourth annual "Safer Homes, Safer Community: Gun Buy-Back” Day on Saturday, June 9. This public health and public safety event will provide residents with an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of their unwanted firearms.
Learn More >>

find it

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Find It Cambridge
Looking for things to do in Cambridge? Then take a peek at Find It Cambridge!
www.finditcambridge.org 

Math/ELA Summer Programs
Seeking summer academics? 
CPS offers FREE summer math & writing programs for students entering grades 6-8! Questions: 617.349.7762
More Details >>

More to see and do...
Many organizations send flyers and announcements to CPS and ask us to help publicize them. Check out the latest, organized by grade level!
Opportunities
outside CPS >>


kid walking with pool float

IMPORTANT DATES

No School: Memorial Day
Monday, May 28

Fifth Grade Girls Sports Day - Danehy Park
Wednesday, May 30

CRLS Chamber Music Concert 

Tuesday, June 5

Early Release – JK-5
Wednesday, June 6

High School Extension Program Graduation
Wednesday, June 6

CRLS Graduation

Thursday, June 7

No School: Eid al-Fitr
Friday, June 15

8th Grade Graduations
June 19 at 1: RAUC
June 20 at 1: VLUS
June 20 at 3: Amigos
June 21 at 1: PAUS
June 21 at 3: CSUS

Last Day of School: 
Friday, June 22
The last day of school is an early release for all grades!

Calendar of Events>> 
Year-In-View Calendar >>

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CPS MOBILE APP
 
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CONTACT INFO
Email us!
Cambridge Public Schools
159 Thorndike St.
Cambridge, MA 02141
617.349.6400


 
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