Dear CPS Community,

This issue of From the Superintendent spotlights a host of awards and recognitions earned by our talented faculty and innovative programs. Among the most exciting of these efforts are several initiatives that seek to advance educational equity and improve outcomes for all students.

There is an adage that says, “a rising tide raises all boats." In CPS, we are proving this to be true. The benefits of raising expectations, deepening inclusion and cultural proficiency, and expanding access are are not limited to one group of students. Every student benefits when rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning experiences are accessible to all.

As a community, we have a lot more more work ahead of us as we seek to continually improve, but I am reminded of the words of Disability Rights Activist and Author Helen Keller, who said,  "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Thank you for joining in this effort.

Honors Classes for All

The Leveling Up initiative at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS - the high school) is nearing the end of its second school year. Already, the program is earning attention for its bold investment in educational equity.

This spring, the National School Board Association announced that Leveling Up was selected as a First Place winner of their annual Magna Award. Profiles of national winners were published in the April issue of American School Board Journal. 

Then, the Boston Globe profiled Leveling Up in a front page story on May 20. Read on to view this in-depth story>>

Deep Cultural Proficiency Work at Cambridge Street Upper School

The Hechinger Report, a source of independent journalism on education issues, recently published an article profiling the efforts of educators at Cambridge Street Upper School to improve their teaching by deepening their cultural proficiency.

The story begins, “Boston-area schools are leading a shift toward culturally responsive teaching. Educators say the resulting conversations about race are difficult, uncomfortable — and absolutely necessary.” Read the full story>>



Birth to Third Grade Partnership
in the National Spotlight

Cambridge Early Childhood Director Lei-Anne Ellis has recently been sharing some of the lessons learned in Cambridge about how to address issues of access, affordability, and quality in Cambridge's early childhood education and care system.

At panel discussions in Boston and Washington, D.C., Ellis shared how the Birth to Third Grade Partnership seeks to transform the early childhood system in order to improve outcomes and advance educational equity. Learn more>>



Equity + Innovation =
Freshman Technology Experience

Building on our equity-driven 1:1 technology program, Cambridge Public Schools partnered with MIT to offer a new “Freshman Technology Experience" this Spring.

Sessions were led by MIT researchers, CRLS faculty and upperclassmen studying computer science (some of whom are pictured above). The goal of this brand new event was to inspire more—and more diverse—students to explore computer science.

Traditionally, technology internships and conferences rely on students to recognize that they belong in the field. Hoping to open the door to the innovation economy wider, this event immersed the diverse CRLS Freshman class in the world of computer science and software design. Read the full story>>



Title 1 Director Receives National Award

Mary Grassi, CPS Title I Director Mary Grassi (above left) has been recognized by the Reading Recovery Council of North America with the 2019 Excellence in Literacy Leadership Award.

According to the council: Each year, Reading Recovery teacher leaders from across the country nominate individuals to receive this prestigious award. Recipients, who are not trained in Reading Recovery, have displayed a strong commitment to expand and maintain its high standards and made significant contributions to implementation beyond the local level. Read more>>



CRLS Students Recognized for Outstanding Writing and Art

This year, a total of 40 Cambridge Rindge and Latin School students earned 68 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. 

Gold Key award-winning work, including “Leyah” (above) by Sophomore Kayla Bernard, were exhibited at the Massachusetts Scholastic Art and Writing Awards regional exhibition at Breed Memorial Hall, Tufts University before moving on to be reviewed at a national awards ceremony at Carnegie Hall. 

CRLS teachers who participated are Melissa Chaney, Jon Baring-Gould, Bianca Hegre, Han Nah Jang, Amanda Kilton, Ariel Maloney, Michele Watson Maxwell, Steve Matteo, Deborah Milligan, Janani Nathan. View more images and a complete list of winners >>