FMA Engages with Equity
In October, FMA held three equity-focused events for the school community. We held our first (of six) evening Courageous Conversations events, and continued our staff Conversations in our second and third early-release day Equity PDs. During both discussions we discussed different forms of oppression and racism (Ideological, Institutional, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal), and how they may be evident in the school community. We also discussed the concepts of implicit bias and microaggressions, specific forms of inter and interpersonal racism that people may encounter regularly.
One major challenge with implicit bias and microaggressions is that the perpetrator are likely not aware of the biases they hold or act on. Similarly the person being acted against are sometimes not aware of why they feel uncomfortable in the situation. Faculty, staff, parents, and community members identified examples of implicit biases and microaggressions in the school community, and started discussing how to address these issues in the school community. The road is long and rocky. But the FMA community is motivated and confident; we understand that progress and solutions won’t come easily or quickly. We will continue the work so all children will receive the support they need to be successful. If you’re interested in joining the evening conversations please contact Uche.
FMA Celebrates Dia De Los Muertos
On Friday, November 2nd, the FMA community celebrated the Dia de Los Muertos. The holiday is a celebration of friends and families that have passed. During the celebration FMA faculty, staff, family, and community members gathered to hear traditional mariachi music, partake in Mexican food provided by Olé restaurant, and watch the popular movie, Coco, which touches on Dia De Los Muertos.
Qualls Academy Head to the Woods
 Olivier, Xavier, and Ethan getting ready to do some rock climbing on Qualls Academy field trip to the Boy Scout Camp in Milton.
Pictured on the right is Xavier starting to climb the giant rock.
Special Events
FMA Book Fair
Come get frugal with the FMA book fair courtesy of Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury. Book process start as low as $3.99. The fair will be held during our November 15th’s Dinner of Thanks in the FMA gym.
City-Wide Equity Discussion
 Don’t forget to join us for the City-Wide Equity Discussion on November 28 in the FMA gym. The discussion will be facilitated by Darnisa Amante from DEEP, who has previously working with the school department on Equity issues.
Let's Connect!
Stay in the loop by joining our social media communities. Follow Fletcher Maynard on Facebook and Twitter today.
Quality Learning and Professional Time
Studies conducted last year, and meetings with diverse stakeholders since, have raised concerns about the amount and quality of learning and professional time in Cambridge Public Schools. CPS is in the midst of a study and design process examining a range of options for improving learning and professional time, with an initial focus on elementary and Upper School schedules.
View the latest updates on this process on the CPS website, and save the dates for the following Public Forums:
December 5 | 6PM | Morse School
January 10 | 6PM | Kennedy-Longfellow School
January 12 | 10AM | Graham & Parks School
The Superintendent will develop a proposal that will be shared for stakeholder feedback in January. In addition to the public forums, school-based meetings are being scheduled for all schools. Any changes in school schedules will benefit from a full planning year in 2019-20 before implementation in 2020-2021.
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 Digs DEEP - Building Understanding on Differing Perspectives
Join us for a City-wide Community Forum as we share feedback, build trust, and engage in dialogue across difference. All are welcome! Food and child care will be provided. Presented by Mayor Marc McGovern and Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018 | 5:30 - 8PM
Fletcher Maynard Academy Gymnasium
225 Windsor Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Learn more >>
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