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

As you know, much work has been done over the last two months to address issues related to excessive water intrusion that occurred over the summer. The primary remediation work has involved identifying and removing mold from our building. Our custodians, the CPS facilities team and outside contractors have also been working hard to repair roof leaks and to replace flooring, drywall and insulation in affected areas.

Last week, an environmental contractor conducted follow-up air quality testing. I received the results yesterday afternoon and I am very pleased to share with you that our indoor air quality was found to be within normal ranges throughout the building. The only exception was the OT/PT room, which will undergo final recommended air scrubbing and HEPA vacuuming over by Monday. For those members of the community who are interested in a more detailed description of the sampling procedures and laboratory results, you may view the full report here.

As your principal, I take the health and safety of students and staff very seriously. Although I am relieved to learn that tests of our air quality have come back normal, I will continue to work closely with our custodians and the CPS facilities team to ensure that our building is safe and clean for the children and adults who learn and teach here.

Recess at the Morse School during the winter months:
Recess is an important part of our students’ school day, helping them to stay active while fostering creativity and healthy social development. We will continue to hold outdoor recess whenever possible throughout the winter months. Although will consider factors such as wind chill and precipitation when making day-to-day determinations, it is likely that your child will have outdoor recess every day unless the “real feel” temperature falls below 20?F. It is therefore very important that you send your child(ren) to school dressed appropriately for cold weather play (e.g. warm jacket, gloves/ mittens, hat, scarf, etc.). Please do not hesitate to call the school if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!

Best wishes for a wonderful weekend!

Chad Leith
Principal 

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. 

City of Cambridge Participatory Budget Vote Week is Here!
Are you a resident of Cambridge and at least 12 years old? Come out and VOTE on how to spend $900,000 to improve the city! Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process through which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. The City hopes that PB will help directly involve residents in the budgeting and City-building process, foster civic engagement and community spirit, and help ensure that the City’s Capital Plan reflects the priorities of Cambridge residents. More info on when and where to vote for your favorite projects is 
available here. 

Other CPS Events and Opportunities Outside CPS

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 >>

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 >>

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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