Greetings CPS Community!
I hope you had a restful weekend.
I wanted to take a moment to address the plane that was flying over the City of Cambridge carrying an inflammatory message last Thursday and Friday and the measures we are taking to maintain an engaging learning environment and our students’ routines, including outdoor recess.
While the message was not directed toward CPS, it was an attempt to further divide our community and inflame ongoing discussions about a world event affecting every member of the Cambridge Community. When incidents of this nature, which are outside of our control and unrelated to our schools, occur, we will, to the best of our ability, move forward with normal operations. Our dedicated and skilled staff will maintain a continuity of learning for our students, which includes participation in outdoor activities. Our staff is also poised to provide any student in need with emotional support.
Open communication is key and we value your partnership in ensuring the best possible learning environment for your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Principal.
We have
extended our deadline for the District/School Climate Survey to next
Friday, December 22! You can find the link below and on our website. Please share your feedback about your experiences in our schools and district. Your insight will help us to learn and improve.
The survey is available in Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Haitian Creole & Spanish (use the dropdown menu in the top left corner). Thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses!
I will host another
Family/Caregiver Virtual Dinner Hour next Wednesday, December 20 from 6:30-7:30PM. This is an opportunity for me to engage with families and caregivers to learn about your experiences with our schools, have meaningful conversations about our schools and school district, and answer any questions that you may have.
Please register at the link below. By registering, you will also be able to share topics of interest which will help us plan.
A reminder that next
Friday, December 22, the day before winter break begins,
is an early release day for all students.
Thank you for your continued support.
Make it Great!
Sincerely,
Dr. Victoria L. Greer
Headlines
Deadline Extended…Take the District/School Climate Survey Today
We are eager to learn from you on how we are doing as we strive to continue to provide high quality learning experiences that meet the needs of all of our scholars. As we have shared, we have partnered with Panorama Education for the survey. Panorama safeguards your privacy, keeping your responses confidential.
**Please note that Panorama does not send a confirmation message after a survey is submitted.**
You can complete the survey online through
next Friday, December 22.
Take the survey here or click the image to the right.
Inaugural State of the Schools
We are very excited for our first State of the Schools is next
Monday, December 18. I will highlight and uplift the meaningful work being done in each of our schools to ensure each of our students is experiencing a high-quality education, the intentional initiatives centering equity, and the richness in skill and dedication of our tremendous staff. I will also elevate opportunities for growth and challenges the district is facing.
The event will be available on Channel 26 and livestreamed on our website from 9:30 to 11:30AM in the morning.
Cambridge Preschool Program Now Accepting Applications
The application period for the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) is now open! CPP is a publicly funded program that will provide free preschool to families of all 4-year-olds (and some 3-year-olds) across the city in their choice of a variety of program settings. The application window will remain open through Monday, January 15.
To complete the application, click here.
Additional Resources
If your family needs support with how to search for or select programs that meet your child and family’s needs, please contact the Office of Early Childhood at [email protected].
December Family/Caregiver Virtual Dinner Hour Next Wednesday
Monthly on Wednesdays form 6:30 - 7:30PM
Register Here for next Wednesday, December 20!
December 20
January 17
February 28
March 20
April 24
May 15
Kindergarten Lottery Information Sessions
The Kindergarten Lottery for the 2024-2025 school year will open on January 2 and close on January 31.All registrations must be fully completed, including all language testing to determine eligibility for Program Language Bonus points. To learn more, visit our website.
Featured Events
Community Social: Math Pop-Up!
The Family and Community Engagement Team, in collaboration with the Math Department, would like to invite you to join us for a Community Social: Math Pop-Up! This is a great and fun opportunity for families to come together, connect, play, and explore different math games and activities. As always, come and join the festivities, indulge in some delicious food, and participate in our raffle to win some amazing math games.
What makes this social special? Some games and activities will be led by students! And, we are excited to have our community math partner, MathTalk, join us for the evening.
- When: **This Thursday, December 14 | 5:30 - 7:30PM
- Where: Cambridge Street Upper School located at 840 Cambridge Street
- Register here >>
Community Skate Day!
The Office of Mayor Siddiqui is hosting a community skate day! Join Mayor Siddiqui for an afternoon of free ice skating rentals and hot chocolate!
- When: **This Saturday, December 16 | 12 - 4PM
- Where: Canal District Kendall Rinkl located at 300 Athenaeum Street
Toy Drive
Cambridge Public Schools and the Office of Mayor Siddiqui are hosting a Toy Drive! If you have any unopened toys, please feel free to visit any of the designated drop-off locations to donate through next Wednesday, December 20. Donations will be given out to families through The Spot.
You can also donate through the Amazon Wish List at bit.ly/CPSToyDrive or by scanning the QR code.
Drop Off Locations:
Cambridge City Hall (2nd Floor)
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Monday | 8:30AM - 8PM
Tuesday - Thursday | 8:30AM - 5PM
Friday | 8:30AM -12PM
Cambridge Public Schools Lobby
135 Berkshire Street
Monday - Friday | 8AM - 4PM
Need Help with Heating Bills? Apply for Fuel Assistance
The Cambridge Fuel Assistance Program is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 season. The program helps residents pay their winter heating bills through April 30. Learn more about how to qualify and fill out the application here.
Health Updates
Free COVID Tests Available to All Households
The US government is offering four free at-home COVID tests to all households again. Tests will be mailed to your home by the US Postal Service after you place your order online.
CPS Policies & Procedures
In addition to our current COVID-19 policies and procedures, which align with the end of the COVID-19 Federal Emergency on May 11, 2023, we ask that all students, families, and staff remain vigilant.Please continue to monitor for symptoms, use COVID tests as necessary, and stay home when you are not feeling well. Masking and hand washing are also great ways to protect yourself and others against illnesses.
December Free Food Markets
All families are welcome to stop by our free, school-based food markets. They offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry items. Please bring your own bags.
- **Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 12 | 1:30 - 3:30PM (Graham & Parks School)
- Tuesday, December 19 | 3 - 4:30PM (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School/Putnam Ave Upper School)
- Wednesday, December 20 | 1:45 - 3:45PM (Fletcher Maynard Academy)
- Wednesday, December 20 | 2 - 4PM (Kennedy-Longfellow School/Vassal Lane Upper School)
- Thursday, December 21 | 3:15 - 5:15PM (Peabody School/Rindge Avenue Upper Campus)
- See the full list of free food markets for the 2023-2024 school year.
Family Read-In at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School
Earlier this month, over 100 people attended a celebration of reading at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School library. After pizza in the cafeteria, children and adults streamed into the library where “windows and mirrors” books were waiting for readers of all ages. Thank you to librarian Jen Varney for organizing an amazing event.
Haggerty 4th Graders visit Harvard University Science Department
Haggerty Elementary School’s 4th graders visited the Harvard
ExperiMentors Program at the Science Center at Harvard University. Students participated in hands-on science experiments, like making a bouncy ball out of Borax and glue. They also were able to watch a demonstration. Harvard Scientists made lightning, fog, snow, and a rainbow-colored fire tornado inside! The students loved every moment!
Key Resources
Mark Your Calendar
- Monday, December 25 - Tuesday, January 2 | Winter Break (No School & CPS Offices Closed on December 25 & 29 & January 1)
- Tuesday, January 2 | Staff Professional Learning Day (No School)
- Monday, January 15 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School & CPS Offices Closed)