Morse Weekly Family Newsletter: January 20, 2021
Published on Jan 20, 2021 13:54

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January 20, 2021

Greetings from Chad Leith


Dear Morse School families and caregivers,

The New Year has gotten off to a busy start, with lots of decisions being made at the district level that will impact the Morse School community. In this week’s newsletter, I will build upon information that I have shared through previous messages to Morse School families, and offer some additional important information and reminders.

Expansion of In-Person Learning
Thanks to those families who completed the 2nd semester enrollment form. We are in the process of reviewing parent preferences and creating tentative in-person class lists based on the district eligibility criteria. While March 1st will be the “official” first day of in-person schooling for eligible 4th and 5th graders, we are hoping to phase in our eligible JK-3 students sooner than that, if possible. We will work with our in-person and remote teachers to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for students who will be shifting to in-person classrooms. We will inform families of their enrollment status on Monday, January 25th, and will follow up shortly thereafter with additional information about the plans for your child’s grade level. Although we will not be able to grant an in-person seat to every interested child. please know that we care about every Morse School student, and we will continue to work hard to provide a high-quality environment for all children - whether they are learning in-person or learning from home.

Race & Equity Working Group Meeting Tomorrow (6-7:30PM)
All parents and caregivers are warmly invited to join us for tomorrow afternoon’s meeting of the Morse School Working Group on Race & Equity. The purpose of the meeting is to create a safe and brave space where interested families and staff members can build awareness in community, and together consider the work we need to do to disrupt the effects of racism in our community and school. At tomorrow’s meeting, we will watch a short video together on the development of implicit racial bias in children, and discuss the implications for us as educators and parents. We will also invite those present to help us take stock of our 2020-2021 equity initiatives, and share thoughts on our next steps. Whether you are a regular participant or a first-time visitor, you are welcome to join the conversation! (Zoom link here).

“No School” on January 27th and February 3rd
In order to help schools prepare for the expansion of in-person learning, the School Committee has voted to convert the next two Wednesdays into full staff professional development days. This means that on 1/27 and 2/3 there will be “no school” for Morse School students. In order to be able to meet with staff on those days, Ms. Headley and I will also take a short break from our Wednesday morning “Live Stream” community meetings. However, we will continue to follow our regular in-person and remote schedules on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and we will be back on February 10th with our regular array of Wednesday programming.

As always, we thank you for your patience, collaboration and support.

Sincerely,
Principal Chad Leith

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snack of the week
Healthy Snack of the Week

Here's Cambridge in Motion's Healthy Snack of the Week:
Slice apples thinly and add cheddar cheese between the slices! Serve with dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, and/or prunes. 

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In Our District & Community

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Find opportunities for Cambridge families here – or call/text us at 617.686.2998 or email usPrograms are continuing to update their opportunities based on the recent state guidelines, so check back often!



Science Club for Girls
Science Club for Girls is excited to announce our Spring 2021 programming. We will be holding all Science Club for Girls programs virtually via zoom. There is no cost to attend our clubs. To offer flexibility and convenience, participants are able to choose one of three weekly meeting times. We will hold our virtual clubs at the following times and days:
• Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30PM
• Thursdays from 3:30-4:30PM
• Saturdays from 10:30-11:30AM?
All materials will be provided free of charge and distributed at a convenient location prior to the first week of clubs. Clubs will begin the week of February 23rd. The clubs will run for 8 weeks. For an example of how virtual Science Club for Girls programs are run, please enjoy this video of our Summer 2020 Virtual Rocketry Program! Space is limited - please apply today

Lasagna Love!
Hi everyone! I, and a whole group of awesome other people, am making and delivering home-cooked lasagnas for families who are struggling as a result of the pandemic. Lost income, lost childcare, impacted by COVID in another way? Whatever the situation, we want to help! It’s a meal, neighbors helping neighbors, no strings attached. We have volunteers ready to help as soon as this week!! Request a meal: If you would like a hand with dinner one night in the coming weeks sign up here. Feel free to share the link with others!

Food Resources 
Find information on food pantries, farmers markets, and more!
Details >>
Food resource flyer >>

Guide to Healthier Snacking
Find handy tips on the right hand margin of the School Health page on the CPHD website! Guide available in multiple languages.
Details >>

SNAP & WIC Store List

Here's a handy list of all stores in Cambridge where your SNAP and WIC benefits can be used.
Details >>

McLean Hospital Mental Health Webinars 
McLean Hospital has dedicated their time making free resources available for the public and professionals in hopes of promoting healthy individuals and communities.
Details >>

Talking to Kids About Race and Racism: A Conversation with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum
January 27 | 7-8:30PM
Details >>


After-School Orienteering Mini-Games
Navigation Games is providing mini-games at different parks this winter!
Details >>


DHSP After-School Programs
K-8 FREE Virtual Programming!
Register >>


Belmont Family Film Festival
January 15-24
Details >>


COVID-19 Testing

Testing appointments through the City's free mobile-testing program are now available at the following locations:
-CambridgeSide in East Cambridge; 11AM-7PM, Sundays and Thursdays; Drive-through testing in garage, enter on First St.
-50 Church St.; 12-8PM, Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays
-2254 Massachusetts Ave, St. John the Evangelist Church; 10-6PM, Wednesdays
-Pisani Center located at 131 Washington Street; 11AM-7PM, Saturdays
**You can schedule an appointment online or by calling 617.349.9788.

Fight the Flu. Get Your Flu Shot!
Now more than ever, it is critically important to get a flu shot (also called seasonal flu vaccine). Flu season begins in the late fall and goes through winter, peaking between the months of December and February, but people can still get the flu as late as May. Preventing the spread of flu will limit the need for flu-related medical appointments and hospitalizations, freeing up resources to help people with COVID-19. You can make an appointment for a flu shot with either your healthcare provider or local pharmacy. Cambridge Health Alliance patients (12 - 22 years old) OR Cambridge Public Schools students (12 - 22 years old) can now receive a flu shot at the Teen Health Center located in Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. Call 617.665.1548 to schedule an appointment.
Details >>

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Morse School
40 Granite Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
morse.cpsd.us  •  617.349.6575
CPS Mobile App >>
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