Message from Principal Chad Leith
Dear Morse School Parents and Families,

Like many of you, I woke up yesterday morning to news of the unspeakable attack on worshipers in a Pittsburgh synagogue. This tragic event is one of many recent reminders that there is much work to be done in our society before fairness and respect have fully eclipsed bigotry, prejudice and hate. Given the rich diversity of backgrounds represented among students and families at the Morse School, we have an opportunity to foster a community in which adults and children are comfortable acknowledging, understanding and celebrating differences - be they in skin color, family background, immigration experience, native language, learning style, gender identity or faith. However, if we want our children feel empowered - rather than overwhelmed - when faced with hateful acts and persistent inequities, we also have a responsibility to provide them with age-appropriate learning experiences that teach them to recognize and challenge injustice.

Recently, the Cambridge Public Schools has embarked on a review of the social studies curriculum to ensure that students have an opportunity to look at historical events and movements through a social justice lens. This work is ongoing, and over the coming months I look forward to collaborating with and supporting Morse School teachers who are exploring ways of intentionally examining historical examples of people who have stood together to address injustice and create change. Of course you, as parents and role models, are your children's most important teachers. You can have a profound impact on the way your child understands confusing issues like racism and intolerance. If you are looking for ideas on getting such conversations started, the organization Teaching Tolerance has a helpful Parents Guide to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice.

I welcome suggestions about ways that teachers and parents can collaborate over the coming months to help develop our children’s awareness of these important issues.

Chad Leith
Principal

CPS Events and Outside Opportunities  
Immigration Legal Screening Clinics
3rd Wednesday each month, 5:15-7:15PM
Free consultations with an immigration attorney for Massachusetts immigrants and their families
Community Legal Services & Counseling Center (CLSACC)
90 Third St., Cambridge
617.349.4396; [email protected] 
See flyer >>

Cambridge Affordable Housing Information Sessions
Learn about the eligibility requirements and application process for the following programs Cambridge Rental and Homeownership Programs: Inclusionary Housing Rental Program for studios, 1BR, 2BR, & 3BR units
throughout Cambridge, Homeowner Resale Pool, First-Time Homebuyer Workshop, Downpayment Assistance, and HomeBridge. Open to all. No RSVP Necessary. Learn more >>

Rep. Katherine Clark – Cambridge Office Hours
Hosted by Rep. Clark's Immigration Issues Liaison Katie Worley
3rd Thursday each month, 3-4PM  
Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass Ave. (Mayor's Office, 2nd fl)
Staff will be on site to answer questions about immigration benefits, USCIS cases, Passports, and more. If you have questions or need assistance outside of scheduled hours, please do not hesitate to contact our district office: 
701 Concord Ave., Suite 101, Cambridge, MA 02138 
617.354.0292, katherineclark.house.gov

Cambridge Flu Clinics 
The flu (influenza) can be a serious illness. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza is for all adults and children over 6 months old to get a flu shot every year. Cambridge Public Health is offering free flu shots at:

• Peabody School - Wednesday, November 7 from 5:30 - 7:30PM in the gym.

There is no charge, but please bring your health insurance card if possible. For more information and the full list of flu clinics, visit our website or call the recorded flu clinic info line, 617.665.3855.

Cambridge Bicycle Safety
Does your child bike to school? Do you bike with your child to school? Would you or your child like to get around by bike but feel it is not safe? Cambridge Bicycle Safety is an all-volunteer group of Cambridge residents who are asking for safer bike lanes and a complete network of protected lanes throughout Cambridge. Separated lanes in the last two years--Cambridge, Brattle and sections of Mass Ave--have been the result of people in the community organizing. But we need more voices. We are looking for stories of parents and their children who bike or would like to bike. If you have a story and want to learn more, email us.

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