Message from Principal Chad Leith

Dear members of the Morse School community,

I am very pleased to introduce the new members of our custodial team, Nephtaly Paul, Roberto Soriano, and Greg Bilikas (from L to R in photo). Greg will be opening the building each day (6:00-2:30), Neph will be working the middle shift (11:00-7:30), and Roberto will be taking care of our building in the afternoons and evenings (2:00-10:30). All three of our new custodians hail from Cambridge and are graduates of the Cambridge Public Schools. They have been doing a great job of making the Morse School clean and safe for staff and students. Please join me in welcoming them to the Morse School community!

Race & Equity Working Group
On Thursday, January 17th, members of the Morse School Council and the Cultural Proficiency Team held a planning meeting to discuss issues of race and equity. The meeting, which included both teachers and parents, was the first step in a process that we hope will ultimately engage all members of our school community in conversations about the way that race and culture impact the daily experiences of children and adults, and how we can work together to address the lingering effects of systemic racism in our school. These steps align with the Cambridge Public Schools Vision for Equity and Access, and are similar to conversations that are taking place in other CPS schools. We are in the process of planning our next meeting; if you are interested in participating or contributing your thoughts and suggestions, please send me an e-mail ([email protected]). All members of the Morse School community are also invited to attend a Community Conversation on Identity and Diversity (sponsored by the King School and the Putnam Avenue Upper School), which will take place this Thursday, January 24th, from 5:30-8PM at the Cambridge Community Center. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Chad Leith
Principal 

In Our District & Community

Mind Matters: Families Make a Difference 
Do you have a child ages 4-8? Sign up now for a fun, friendly class! Learn more >>

Cambridge Digs DEEP 
Intent vs. Impact: Exploring Microaggressions 
& Tools for Change 
Saturday, January 26 | 12-2PM | CRLS
Join Mayor Marc McGovern and Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui for a city-wide community workshop facilitated by Dr. Darnisa Amante, CEO of the Disruptive Equity Education Project (DEEP). In this second session, participants will gain greater understanding of implicit bias and learn tools for recognizing and responding to microaggressions through interactive activities and role-playing scenarios. All are welcome. Food and child care will be provided. RSVP to the Facebook event here. Cambridge Digs DEEP is an initiative launched by Mayor Marc McGovern and Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui to engage the community in conversations about equity, privilege, diversity, inclusion, and race in a series of forums and workshops. More info >> 

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 >>

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]

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