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FMA Gazette: May 2019
Published on May 13, 2019 10:35

May 2019

Don't Forget! 2PM Dismissal Every Wednesday!

FMA Courageous Conversations Discusses Social Media
On Monday, April 29 FMA faculty, family and community members met in the FMA library for the 5th Courageous Conversations evening meeting. Jordan Jamil Ahmed, an FMA staff member led the group in a discussion about the popular social media and networks being used by our kids. The group’s discussion then turned to how issues of race, equity, colorist and other equity-related matters were being raised, negotiated and addressed (sometimes positively, often times not) in these social spaces.

Like any tool, social media platforms can be used for good or ill depending on the user. However, because of the hyperconnected nature of the networks, and the underlying algorithms set to promote extreme and provocative views (that tend to get more attention and clicks), bad behavior can often travel faster and have more influence than good behavior on these networks. And our kids bear the brunt of this phenomena. At our next meeting, Monday May 20 from 5:30-8PM, we will discuss ways that family, community and schools can work together to combat this challenge! Join us!

FMA April Students of the Month
Powell – Laurent Valentin
Brennan – Tinsae Getachew
Williams – London Kama
Martin – Yui Ochi
Sargent – Keysha Alcime
Reardon – Leul Frezer
Waddell – Kai Ochi
Oluwole – Alvin Gaspard
Tucker – Yohana Tale
Chao – London Galloway
Allen – Iyanna Harris
Abdul-Musawwir – Elizabeth Laroche
Lincoln – Sham Alex
Casselli – Wilson Irizarry
Higgins – Eliana Tesfai
McGonegal – Naomi Getachew

alien numbers

Math Olympiad!
FMA completed our second year participating in Math Olympiad.The scholars worked collaboratively and challenged themselves on novel math problems each week. The students also competed in 5 math contests throughout the year.

Congratulations to these Math Olympians who earned the highest contest scores:
• Salma Boudi: Grade 5
• Lucy Zhang: Grade 5
• Raul Cruz: Grade 5

There’s an example above. Give it a try!

From the Nurse: Easy Ways to Control Spring Allergies
nurse graphic

Spring allergy season is here. The pollen affects many of us, and it's impossible to escape the it when we’re outdoors. Pollen gets into our homes too. It clings to our hair, skin, and clothing. Dogs and outdoor cats carry pollen on their fur and paws.

Did you know that pollen levels are highest between in the morning between 5AM and 10AM? Weather conditions also affect pollen levels. Warm, windy days have higher pollen levels than immediately after heavy rain.

Making a few simple changes at home can help to reduce allergy discomforts. Here are a few steps that you can take to lessen allergy discomforts:

Keep windows closed when pollen levels are high.
Save outside activities for late afternoon when pollen levels are lower.
Spend less time outdoors during peak pollen hours.
Change clothing after any outdoor activities (wash clothing if necessary).
Take a shower and rinse hair before bedtime (this way pollen won’t get on pillows and sheets).
Dry clothing indoors on a rack or use a clothes dryer.
Wipe pets’ coats and paws with a damp paper towel.
Don’t allow pets to sleep on beds or furniture.

Fifth Grade Writing Samples
Gabby: Favorite Part of Science
Hi, my name is Gabriel Laroche. I am in the fifth grade. I have a question for you. Do you like science? In science, we did a lot of experiments. Many were very interesting. My favorite science experiment was when we tried to mix different chemicals to see if it would react or if it would not react Well, let me tell you about my two favorite experiments: Iodine and vinegar, baking soda and vinegar. When I mixed the Iodine and the vinegar together it erupted! After the substances were mixed together, the gas that was formed exploded like a volcano. We also mixed baking soda and vinegar together. This combination also caused a reaction. It bubbled up and filled have of the container underneath it. Both experiments were fun and I hope to do more.

Kashiya St. Rose: I Love History
I have learned a lot of things this year, and do not know what I should choose. I found one thing that I really loved that I learned is about black history.I loved learning how the Europeans got the West Africans to trade their own people to become slaves. Also, I loved learning about colonial times, and about the Revolutionary War and Great Britain. But what I mostly loved was learning about my own history. I loved learning about how amazing black women and men that did incredible things in this world. They didn’t get as much credit as they should have. So over all I loved History this year and hope to learn more, because there are so many more things to uncover about all different cultures.

FMA Celebrates Autism Awareness Week
On Monday, April 1, FMA kicked off Autism Awareness week with information about neurodiversity and accepting differences during the FMA morning meeting. Monday evening, in partnership with the office of Mayor Marc McGovern, City Hall was lit up Blue to honor Autism Awareness Week in Cambridge. The ceremony had student speakers and included one of our own FMA students, Joey Taylor! Light it Up Blue aims to move beyond awareness and into acceptance of Autism in Cambridge!

health survey graphic
Take the Cambridge Health Survey!
What are your family’s top health, environmental, and social justice concerns? Your views matter to the Cambridge Public Health Department! Please take the 10-minute Cambridge Health Survey. The survey is available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish. Your input is anonymous.

In Our Community and District

Scratch Night @ CPS!
May 16 | 5:30-7:30PM
CRLS, 459 Broadway
All CPS students and families are invited!
Details >>

Family Bike Night at the Collins Branch
May 16 | 4 - 7PM
Collins Branch Library, 64 Aberdeen Ave
Join us to learn the basics of riding with families and fixing your bike at this drop in session! Need something quick fixed on your bike, or maybe just a safety tune-up to getting you riding comfortably this season? We'll have 15 minute safety tune-ups, too! Register for bike workshops by emailing us.
Visit us online >>

CRLS Spring Concert
May 17 | 7PM
Fitzgerald Theatre, 459 Broadway
Details >>

2nd Annual Cambridge Community Iftar
May 22 | 7PM
Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass Ave.
Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui, Mayor Marc McGovern, and the Cambridge Employee Diversity Committee invite you to the 2nd Annual Cambridge Community Iftar in celebration of the month of Ramadan. The Iftar is the daily sunset meal to break the day’s fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and one observed as holy by those of Muslim faith worldwide. Ramadan began this year on May 5th and will end on the evening of June 4th, 2019.
Flyer >>
Details >>

Annual Media Fair
After School Student Produced Media
May 22 | 5PM
Media Arts Studio, 454 Broadway
Details >>

Pinkalicious and Peterrific!
WGBH is looking for kids for short video segments for the PBS television series Pinkalicious and Peterrific, an animated show about creativity. WGBH needs kids aged 7 to 9 who are interested in participating in activities relating to music, theater, dance, and the visual arts.
A try-out is being held at WGBH on Saturday June 1, 2019. More information about the try-out >>

CPS Summer Math & ELA Programs
Hear all about our summer programs for students entering grades 6-8!
Details >>

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 >>

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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Let's Connect!
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FMA HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, May 15
Early Release, 12PM

Wednesday, May 15
Mind Matters #10, 8:15AM

Wednesday, May 15,
PK/JK/K Open House 12:30PM

Thursday, May 16
Grandparents/Seniors Reception, 8AM

Friday, May 17
Spanish Parent Meeting, 7:45AM

Monday, May 20
PTO Meeting, 8AM

Monday, May 20
FMA Courageous Conversations Meeting
5:30PM Dinner
6-8PM Meeting

Wednesday, May 22
Mind Matters 8:15AM

Thursday, May 23
ICE CREAM, Kick-Off to Summer Literacy Event, 6PM

Saturday, May 25
Qualls Academy, 9AM-12PM

Monday, May 27
No School: Memorial Day

Thursday, May 30
Spring Music Concert 8:30AM

Thursday, May 30
PTO Mixer, 4-6PM

View the full calendar >>

kids in library

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Learn more >>