Message from Principal Chad Leith
Dear members of the Morse School community,
Happy New Year! I hope that you enjoyed a wonderful winter break and that 2019 is off to a great start for you and your family! January will be a busy month at the Morse School and I want to make sure that you have some important upcoming dates on your calendar:
Friends of Morse Meeting
Monday, January 7
The monthly Friends of Morse meeting will take place this Monday January 7th from 6:30 - 8PM in the Morse School Library. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and contribute to planning for upcoming community events and fundraising efforts that support your children’s learning experiences. I will be there to share some updates and field any questions or concerns you have about our school. Please join us if you can!
Feedback Session with
Superintendent Salim
Monday, January 14
In your child’s folder today you will find a blue flyer with information about an upcoming meeting between Superintendent Salim and members of the Morse School community, which will take place in the Morse School Auditorium on Monday January 14th at 6PM. At the meeting, the Superintendent will share more about the District’s draft proposal to improve the educational experience of students in elementary schools through better use of time. The draft proposal, which will be released on Monday (January 7) via email and on the CPS website, will include a proposed lengthening of the school day. Of course, this will have implications for teaching and learning at the Morse School. I hope you join us on Monday 1/14 at 6PM in the Morse School Auditorium to hear Superintendent Salim’s presentation and share your feedback on the draft proposal. Childcare will be provided. You are welcome to send specific questions in advance by reaching out to me or submitting your questions to the form that will available on the website with the proposal.
CYS Saturday Soccer Begins Tomorrow, January 5th
In your child’s backpack today you will also find a yellow flyer from Cambridge Youth Soccer (CYS) about a great indoor soccer program for children in grades 1-5. During the cold winter months, children often have fewer opportunities for physical activity and out-of-school interactions with same-age peers. Indoor soccer is a fun way to get out of the house and stay active. The program kicks off tomorrow morning just up the street at the MLK School (enter on the Kinnaird Street side). The first week is free for any children new to CYS! Please see the yellow flyer for more information, or visit the CYS website.
As always, the Morse School staff and I are grateful to you for choosing our school and partnering with us as we work together to nurture our children’s positive growth and development. If you ever have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our staff. 2019 is going to be a great year at the Morse School!
Chad Leith
Principal
Learning & Professional Time
Like any other resource, schools must use their time wisely if we hope to realize the promise of educational equity through rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive experiences for all learners.
In 2017-18, a joint group of educators and administrators, co-chaired by leaders from the Cambridge Education Association (CEA) and CPS Office of Curriculum and Instruction recommended that CPS “lengthen the standard day for students and staff at all levels.” After an extensive collaborative process, the Superintendent of Schools has decided to propose a moderate increase to the 6 hour elementary and upper school day, along with guidelines for effectively meeting the educational, developmental, and social-emotional needs of students.
A new FAQ has been posted in response to questions we have received during the community feedback process. More details from surveys, working groups, and feedback sessions are posted. Learn more >>
In Our District & Community
Cambridge SEPAC Meeting
January 17 | 6-7:30PM | CRLS
Topic: Potential Changes to School Schedules in CPS
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]
Cambridge Affordable Housing Information Sessions
Attend an upcoming affordable housing workshop in the New Year! Learn about a range of rental and homeownership programs offered through the City. Learn more >>
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