Friends of G&P 
A big THANK YOU to those who have given to the annual fund so far. With 52 of our 270 families contributing, we are just $2,700 short of our goal for the year! Please give what you can so that we can continue to support our students' learning and enrich the G&P community. To learn more about Friends of G&P — and to easily donate to our Annual Appeal — go to www.friendsofgandp.org. Friends of G&P supporters helped send our 4th grade students to the Tsongas Industrial History Center in December and supported the annual 2nd-grade basket-weaving project. They also paid for a pianist to accompany last month’s 3rd/4th-grade concert and bought microphone stands for the auditorium — a purchase that will benefit our children for years to come. Friends – with help from 4th-grade families – also ran movie nights in December and February to begin raising money for next year’s overnight trip to Thompson Island.

Mark Your Calendars!
On April 6th, Principal Tony will host the fun and funny Trivia Night. It’s free to play and kids on the winning teams go home with a prize. And don’t forget to save your gently-used clothes, toys, puzzles, books, and more for the annual G&P Rummage Sale on May 4th. We’d love to see you at our monthly meetings! Friends of G&P meets at 8:30AM in the school lobby on the first Friday of every month. We’d love to hear your ideas for how to help our children learn and grow. Come for a few minutes or stay for the whole meeting — we welcome all voices..


CitySprouts Garden Update 
Classes have been busy with garden lessons indoors and outdoors! The G&P worm bin has been making its way around the school, with classes observing them up close and learning about how they enrich the soil. Other classes have sprouted garlic in windowsills to observe the roots, stem, and leaves as they quickly develop. 4th graders in Mr. Lindh's class prepared a massaged kale salad and beet slaw to build on the connections students were making between the healthiness of fresh produce, supporting local farmers, and eating seasonally. Spring is around the corner! (if you walk really slowly).


G&P Kids News Flash 
Welcome back to another Kids News Flash!
Read it here >>


Honoring Black History Month,
"Who Am I?" 
Fifth graders at G&P put together a great game in honor of Black History Month. It was a guessing game called “Who Am I?” A clue was given during morning announcements about a historical figure. The students and adults had the entire day to guess the person. At dismissal (when the buses are called), the answer was given. There was also a “Who am I?” poster in the lobby so that students, staff and families could learn about important leaders in Black community. 


Changemaker Assembly: We Stand For...
During February's all-school morning meeting, our monthly assembly, we talked about why it's important to honor changemakers like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, and Saundra Graham. Learn more >>   


Library/Technology News 
So much is happening with Library/Technology these days! Hear all about it >>

Physical Education News 
This month, students will participate in...
K-3rd: Manipulative skills
4th: Swimming
5th: Ballroom 

March Fitness Facts of the Week
*This section is designed to help students and parents increase their fitness and wellness knowledge. The students will learn a new fitness fact each week in PE class!
3/4-3/8: The average person should drink 5 large glasses of water per day. Drinking water helps keep you hydrated and less tired.
3/11-3/15: Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help you have a healthy body and give you natural energy.
3/18-3/22: Eating healthy and exercising helps you focus and learn better in school.
3/25-3/28: Eating healthy is very important to having a healthy body. 


What's Up in the Art Room?! 
Kindergarteners are beginning a clay sculpture project. They are learning about proportion, the individual characteristics, and how to make three-dimensional sculptures of each other.
First graders are finishing a color wheel unit. They are learning to name colors, mix colors, and to create hues.
Second graders have started a printmaking lesson. Students are learning about Shepard Fairey's peace prints and designing their own.
Third grade classes are wrapping up a creative flag project. Students worked in small groups to imagine, reinvent and create flags that represent their community.
Fourth graders are beginning to paint their green cities. They are learning about different painting techniques, styles and masters.
Fifth grade classes have completed their amazing games, and are about to start making self-portrait comics. Students will be reflecting on their experience in school over the years and illustrating specific moments.

Community Conversations 
All are welcome to join a series of community meetings that will take place at Rindge Avenue Upper School for the North Cambridge community, including the Graham & Parks community. These sessions are designed to talk about issues around racial equity, racial bias in education, racial identity, and more. Each session builds on the previous, so you are urged to try to attend as many as possible. Sessions take place at 70 Rindge Avenue from 5:30 - 8PM with dinner provided and childcare for ages 3 and older. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Lieu.
March 26: Facilitated small groups using “Socrates Cafe” model. Dialogue: how culture and race impacts our children and family.
April 23: Facilitated small group work also using “Socrates Cafe.” Dialogue: how culture and race impacts our community and imagining equity.
May 28: Large group: Path Forward-Goal

Seen Around G&P! 


Students in Grade 5, Rooms 225 and 217B, have been working on community service projects. They have done chores around their houses to earn money. Students then donated the money they earned to be used to help those in need. They used the money to buy socks for a local shelter and Mrs. D. delivered them to the shelter for the classes. They also used the money to purchase peanut butter, jelly, fruit. The students worked to decorate lunch bags with special messages, they made lunches with sandwiches and fruit. Officer Brooks helped out the class by calling the police officer assigned to the Cambridge shelter and they came and picked up the sandwiches and delivered them to the people who were in need. ROOMS 225/217B will continue to make lunches, one time a month to donate to the shelter.


Second graders finished up their expedition on Immigration, called 'Where We Come From.' Students learned about different groups of people who immigrated to the United States, and what traditions and culture they brought with them. Students finished the unit by articulating their own family immigration story, and reviewing restaurants that serve food from international cultures and communities.
Top photo: G&P Reading Interventionist Debra Gadsden-Holiday enthralls second grade students while sharing her family's story!  
Bottom photo: Parent Kiril Alexandrov shares his incredible story of escaping Bulgaria when he was just 5 years old. 


Summer Programs 
It's Time to Register for Summer Camps!
If you need assistance, please contact Lauren at 617.349.6577 x115 or [email protected]

To find more summer camps, go to finditcambridge.org

SUMMER CAMPS

Cambridge Adventure Day Camp
For 6-11 year olds. This camp takes place at Matignon High School July 8-August 9 from 9AM-4PM. Transportation is included. Includes snack and lunch, weekly field trips, swimming lessons, tennis, arts and crafts and more. Please let Lauren know if you would like an application.

Kids4Coding Tech Summer Camps
If your child is interested in coding, there is a coding camp at Lesley University, 31 Everett St. for children starting at age 7. Visit their website >>

Summer Arts at Fayerweather Street School
Summer Arts is a six week multi arts program (with two 3 week sessions). Classes in art, dance, drama, video music, sports, writing, photography and textiles. Students ages 6-15 Remarkable artists and teachers, Summer Arts is a rich, vibrant, safe community where each child's unique abilities are celebrated. For further information go to - summerarts.fayerweather.org. There are scholarships available and a 5% discount for siblings. Lunch is also included in the tuition.

CitySprouts Summer Internship 2019
July 1st-August 9th - NO COST!
For rising 6th graders and middle school youth. Have fun gardening, cooking, science activities and learning about the environment. Be a CitySprouts intern this summer and at the completion, earn $150!
Cambridge Program Sites: PAUS, CSUS, VLUS and RAUC
Apply by May 3rd at: www.citysprouts.org/cps-summer-application 
More info: 617.876.2436 or [email protected]

SUMMER SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES

Tomorrow's Stars 
–June 24 - 28: Baseball Clinic (Ages 6 - 12)? Danehy Park
–July 8-12: Skills and Development Basketball Clinic (Ages 7 - 15) CRLS Gymnasium 
–July 15-19: All Sports Camp (Ages 6 - 14) CRLS Field House 
–July 22-26: Skills and Development Soccer Clinic (Ages 6 - 15) Russell Field

All Tomorrow's Stars Camps: Full Day: 9AM - 2:45PM = $265 Half Day: 9AM - 12Noon = $170
To register or for more info: www.starsbb.com/

March is National Nutrition Month! 
Week of March 4th 
Did you know Cambridge Public Schools have district-wide Wellness Policies and Guidelines? These documents help guide school administrators, teachers, staff, and families to make decisions that support a healthy environment. Daily recess, non-food rewards, and healthy classroom celebrations are all recommended by the School Wellness Policy and Guidelines. Find the Wellness Policy here and the Wellness Guidelines here. 

Week of March 11th 
Some classrooms decide to celebrate students' birthdays and other occasions. To create a healthier environment, the School Wellness Guidelines recommend celebrating in ways that do not include food. Some ideas include extra recess instead of a party, or a fun game inside the classroom if weather is bad. Find more ideas to celebrate here and ideas for non-food rewards here.
 
Week of March 18th
When choosing to share food in a classroom, or requesting families to bring food, always encourage whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods low in added sugar and saturated fats. For example, at a family breakfast consider a build your own yogurt bar with plain yogurt, fresh fruit, and allergen-free granola alongside water, instead of donuts and juice. Find some healthy classroom food ideas here. 
 
Week of March 25th
Breakfast and lunch is offered every day in all schools. Encourage your students to select non-flavored milk in place of chocolate milk and whole fruit in place of 100% juice. Sipping smarter drinks, such as low-fat milk or water, helps cut back on the added sugar children consume every day. The American Heart Association recommends children have no more than six teaspoons or 25 grams of sugar per day. Find more ways to cut back on sugar intake here.

In Our Community and District

Free Markets
Check out any one of these FREE Markets that are held throughout the City of Cambridge. All you need is a grocery bag! View the flyer >>

Boston Children’s Museum Morningstar Access Program
This program offers children with special needs or medical needs the opportunity to enjoy the Museum in an uncrowded environment with few other visitors. 
Dates & Hours:
Saturday, March 23rd from 6-8PM
Tuesday, April 16th (School Vacation Week) from 8-10AM
Monday, May 27th (Memorial Day) from 8-10AM
Registration: Preregistration is required. Please visit www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org/Morningstar
Admission: Non-members: half off regular admission price ($8.50 per person)

Maud Morgan Spring Afterschool Programs
Maud Morgan Arts is happy to share our Spring Program preview! If you have questions, or are interested in a scholarship - please reach out to the MMA team!

Kazu Kibuishi Author Visit 
Thursday, March 28th, 6:30PM
Cambridge Public Library 
Please come meet acclaimed graphic novelist Kazu Kibuishi, creator of the wildly popular Amulet series. His talk will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. Books will be available for sale by Porter Square Books. Kazu Kibuishi will be the third Cambridge Public Library Curious George Lecture series speaker.

Title I Books for Bingo
March 13 | 6-7:30PM
King Open Cafeteria
Learn more >>

Welcome to CPS! Resource Fair 
Saturday, April 6 | 10AM-12Noon
CRLS, cafeteria 
We hope to see incoming JK/K students and those who are new to the district! 
Learn more >> 

Cambridge Winter Farmers Market
Saturdays through April 6 | 10AM-2PM
Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender Street
Learn more >>
See flyer >>

Upcoming School Committee Meeting
Public Hearing on the Proposed 2019-20 CPS Budget 
Tuesday, March 19 | 6PM 
School Committee Meeting Room at CRLS
The purpose of a Public Hearing is inviting input from the public regarding the budget. All meetings are open to the public. Public comment welcome.

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]