Updates from Principal Smith
Good Afternoon CRLS Community,
It continues to be a challenging time for the school community. Thank you for all of you have done to support scholars, peers, and other community members.
In this communication I am writing to update the community about planning for the expected return to in-person learning for all students later this Spring. In accordance with guidelines outlined by the Commissioner of Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, CRLS administrators are PLANNING for students to return this Spring with the following features for in-person learning. A plan has not been finalized but I wanted to share the elements that I believe have to be included in the plan per DESE requirements and guidelines. See below:
- Instructional classes are expected to occur each day of the school week, Monday through Friday
- There will be a minimum of 3 feet of distancing between students in classrooms
- It is expected that there will be 5.5 hours of instructional time on average per day for students.
- Caregivers and families will be able to choose to attend school in person or remotely for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year
In developing plans to meet these expectations we are hopeful that current student and teacher classes will remain for the semester. We are also working to preserve times allocated in the current school week schedule, however given the DESE expectations, there are elements of our school day that will have to be reconsidered. As plans develop further, I will share them with the community and re-opening plans will be discussed at the Virtual CRLS School Council meeting on Tuesday, March 30th from 6-7:30 PM.
Sincerely,
Principal Smith
Final Family Conferences
In a continued effort to strengthen relationships with families and to support student achievement, CRLS will offer Virtual Family-Teacher Conferences on March 31. Sign up >>
The schedule is as follows.
- Wednesday, March 31 | 8 - 11AM
With the online registration service, parents/guardians can:
- Select if they prefer a phone call or a video conference.
- Register for conferences 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the registration period.
- In two simple steps, schedule a conference by choosing an available conference time slot.
- View, print, and email their conference schedule.
- Return at any time to reschedule a conference.
Teachers will send zoom links prior to conferences.
For more information, contact Greta Hardina at 617.349.6660.
Visit the Aspen Parent/Student Portal >>
CRLS School Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 30 | 6-7 PM
Topics:
- CRLS Updates on In person and Remote Learning - Principal Smith
- Supporting Students Transitions to Post Covid Activities-CRLS Social Workers - Reyita Ramos and Leah Beidler
Register here >>
CRLS Parent-to-Parent Meetings
Please join us to connect and support each other as we face the many joys and challenges of parenting teens. Meeting times are listed below and run from 6-7:30 PM. Register to join a meeting >>
April 1 & May 6
"Interim Supt. Search: Finalists & Candidate Forums, April 8"
Last month, the Cambridge School Committee launched a search for an Interim School Superintendent to lead the Cambridge School Committee from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. The Cambridge School Committee is pleased to announce three finalists for the role of Interim School Superintendent and a schedule of Candidate Forums to be held April 8...
Read more >>
Cambridge Families of Asian Descent
Thursday, April 15 | 7-8PM
This parent-organized group welcomes parents and caregivers in Cambridge of East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and multi-racial Asian heritage to join us for our next meeting. We will have a short ice breaker and then focus on forming work groups centered on different courses of action for CFAD, including Policy Advocacy, Curriculum Visibility, Social Connections and Outreach/Communications. Feel free to join us to connect, even if you do not stay for the working groups. Please complete the Working Group Interest Form in advance to give us an idea of your areas of interest.
*Register for the Zoom link to attend.
Questions? Email Tina Lieu, Nina Farouk, and Jenny Chung here.
You're Invited! Virtual Catalyst Awards
Thursday, April 8 | 5:30-7PM
Register here to join us for an inspiring evening of participant stories, Science Clubs 'in action', networking with our community, and thoughtful conversation with Catalyst Awardees—who are paving the way for a more diverse, inclusive world of STEM. Celebrate over 26 years of increasing STEM access, confidence, and literacy for girls from underrepresented communities with free, hands-on education and mentoring. Support the girls, families, and mentors of Science Club by becoming a sponsor. Learn more and register today!
BioTech in Action: Global
Saturday, April 24 | 12-1PM
Subject: Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives
Register here >>
This presentation will explore climate change and how it is connected with human health. We will discuss what climate change is, its impact on human health, and what we can do in our communities to protect ourselves from the impact on our health. Students will be provided an opportunity to ask questions about their own climate change concerns and speak with employees who are passionate about making the world a better place.
This event is part of a series of spring and summer events put on by the Biogen Community Lab and the Lemelson-MIT Program, who are collaborating to empower a new generation of young scientists and inventors through state-of-the-art virtual programming. Designed to foster a passion for science and invention, the programs are committed to ensuring diverse groups of students participate. Students will have the opportunity to meet and interact with Biogen and MIT employees and obtain an inside view of a biotech company and university. Seminars for educators to learn how to teach students 4 lessons in biotech are also included.
Learn more about the programs >>
*The programs are available at no cost to students and educators around the globe.
Audible Remote & Paid Workshop Program - Summer 2021
Audible and Cambridge School Volunteers are currently seeking rising juniors and seniors interested in exploring careers in technology for a four week computer science-focused program. Participants will learn directly from Audible engineers working on industry-leading technology and be immersed in a professional computer science environment. Some topics that interns will explore include: the role of Software Development Engineers, the product development life cycle, and software testing. The program runs August 2-27, 2021 (Monday - Thursday, 9:30AM - 4PM), and interns are paid $15/hour.
Application Deadline: April 28, 2021 at 5PM. Application details >>
Requirements:
- Current 10th and 11th grade students
- Have completed a computer science class
Infosession
Tuesday, March 30 | 4PM | Zoom
Please contact Cambridge School Volunteers for more information.
Class of 2021
More information for Seniors can be found here.
Hello Seniors!
It is time to order Cap and Gowns for your graduation! To ensure we order the right size for you, please complete this Cap and Gown Form.
If you have any questions about how to complete it, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected]. Only students can complete the form and should log on with their school email address.
Graduation!
We are working hard to develop plans to celebrate our seniors and all they have accomplished! The current public health crisis has made planning complicated and, sadly, we will not be able to come together for a large traditional graduation ceremony this Spring. But this will not stop us from finding a safe way to celebrate our seniors! We are currently developing plans for outdoor graduation ceremonies that meet public health safety guidelines. Stay tuned for more details!
uAspire Events
FAFSA Events
April 27 | 7-8PM | Register here >>
Get an overview of the FAFSA, the application required by all colleges nationwide in order to receive federal financial aid.
After FAFSA Walkthrough
May 4 | 6-7PM | Register here >>
Explains the steps to take after submitting the FAFSA like reviewing your Student Aid Report (SAR) and verification.
Aid Offer Walkthrough
March 30, April 14 | 6-7PM | Register here >>
May 6 | 7-8PM | Register here >>
Make sense of financial
aid offers from colleges and learn how to use uAspire's College Cost
Calculator to compare the total costs of attending different colleges.
View upcoming uAspire events >>
uAspire Text Message Opt-In
uAspire has provided an easier way for
students to enroll in the advising program by having students utilize a
new "opt-in" number feature. Texting into this number will allow students to become directly enrolled in their advising program within 24-48 hrs. The number is 617.362.6814.
Spring Semester: SAT Information
CRLS will be offering the SAT without essay
during the school day for all juniors. We are offering the SAT on three
dates and have separated students by alpha into three equal cohorts for
testing. Please see below for exam dates and for the student cohort
groups testing on each date. Due to planning and health and safety
guidelines, we are not able to accept requests to switch test dates.
- Tuesday, April 13 - Juniors with last names beginning with G-O
- Tuesday, April 27 - Juniors with last names beginning with P-Z
The
standard time SAT will last approx. 3 hours and 45 minutes. For
students approved for 50% extended time, the SAT will last approx 5
hours and 15 minutes.
The test is being offered at no cost to
students. Students do not need to register for the exam, the school will
order enough exams for each student in each cohort.
For questions, contact Lynn Williams, Coordinator of Guidance
Global Studies Certificate Program Application OPEN
The application for CRLS's Global Studies Certificate Program for the 2021-2022 School Year is open for students. 9th and 10th grade CRLS students are eligible to apply. Deadline: May 7, 2021. Apply here >>
More details below:
FOCRLS Awards & Scholarships
Music Scholarship -- Application Due Date Extended to April 1
Friends of CRLS is accepting applications from music enthusiasts in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 for the Calvin Hicks Award for the Study of Music. The awardee will receive $500 toward classes/lessons at any accredited music school. (You need to be passionate about learning, but you don't need to be planning to pursue a degree in music.) The awardee may study any instrument, voice, or music theory and be at any level from beginner to virtuoso.
More information and application here >>
Need Tech Help?
ICTS Technical Services Team will be operating the Mobile Helpdesk at CRLS Mon - Fri | 12NOON - 4PM
Saturdays: Closed
The Mobile Helpdesk will be located at CRLS, Felton St RSTA side of the school in the garage door closest to Broadway, which is the RSTA Graphics Classroom. The garage door will be open during operational hours.
CSV Tutoring & Mentoring Programs
Looking for support with your classes? Wondering about college or your future career?
Cambridge School Volunteers (CSV) is actively matching students with volunteers who can assist them with academics or college/career mentoring. CSV offers one-to-one programs for Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) and High School Extension Program (HSEP) students. It's important for students to be able to commit to 1 hour at the same time each week for an academic semester.
Academic Tutoring: Meet one-to-one with a tutor once a week to receive support with one or more academic subjects and/or test preparation.
College and Career Mentoring: Meet one-to-one with a mentor once a week to explore and plan for your post-secondary life. This can include career and college research, college admission essay help, scholarship application support, etc.
Students looking for a Tutor or Mentor >>
Students looking to become Peer Tutors >>
To become a CSV High School Volunteer >>
Healthy Snack of the Week
Here's Cambridge in Motion's Healthy Snack of the Week:
Brown Rice with Edamame & Corn! Mix together to make a type of salad OR serve separately!
Tip: Use frozen edamame and corn and defrost in the microwave as needed!
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