Greetings CPS Community…
I’m happy to share that our
Online Budget platform is now available on our website! Our budget tool provides an easy to use, interactive, and engaging version of the annual publication where you can view information about the district as a whole or individual schools and departments.
On our website you will also find the School Calendar for next year. We encourage families to review the calendar before planning trips, appointments, and other activities.
As we look towards summer and the eventual new school year, we enter into an exciting time of transition. For many of our students, this conclusion of this year marks the beginning of a new chapter! Our school-based teams are working hard to organize
5th grade moving on ceremonies and 8th grade graduations to celebrate our scholars and hosting
open houses for our prospective preschool and kindergarten learners and their families.
Lastly, we are counting down the bitter sweet days to the
CRLS graduation! On June 6th, our seniors will celebrate with pomp and circumstance at Russell Field. It takes a village to raise and nurture a CPS graduate and while graduation is a ticketed event, we are happy to extend the celebration to the greater community through our graduation live stream! Details are outlined in this newsletter and will be available on our website and other CPS channels.
Reminder that there will be
no school next Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.
Have a wonderful week…Make It Great!
Dr. Victoria L. Greer
Headlines
Explore the Budget for Next Year with Our Online Budget Tool
The City Council has adopted the $268 million Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. You can view the budget in pdf or in a translated Google doc, or review it on our online budget platform! Our Online Budget provides an easy to use, interactive, and engaging version of the annual publication where you can view information about the district as a whole or individual schools and departments.
Get Ready for Graduation – Class of 2024
The Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School Graduation will be held on June 6 at 4PM at Russell Field. Graduation is a ticketed event, however, everyone can tune in! The ceremony will be livestreamed and broadcast by Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV).
Rebroadcast dates are listed on the CEATV 6/26 website. The graduation ceremony will also be archived for viewing on demand on the CPS student media portal.
Nominate Your Pick for the Cambridge Athletic Hall of Fame
The Cambridge Athletic Hall of Fame is currently accepting nominations for next fall’s Cambridge Athletic Hall of Fame induction.
In order to be considered, nominations are due June 1 either in paper form or via online Google Form and must be complete with all information.
Application Criteria:
- Athletes become eligible 5 years after graduating from the high school.
- Coaches and teams are eligible for induction five years after leaving the high school (Class of 2019 is eligible).
There are four categories in which you can nominate: Athlete, Coach, Team, and
Distinguished Contributor. Learn more about the Cambridge Athletic Hall of Fame here.
Opportunities for Community and Parent/Caregiver Participation
Caregiver and Community Advisory Council (CCAC) – District-wide
The CCAC council will advise the superintendent and the district’s executive leadership team regarding matters concerning the education, wellbeing, and overall success of our students.
We are seeking parents/caregivers, community members, students, educators, and representatives from various stakeholder groups to serve on the CCAC. Together, the council will serve as a vital bridge between the school district's administration, the community, and caregivers/families.
If you are interested in joining the CCAC, please complete the interest form, which is also available in አማርኛ (Amharic) | عربي (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | Kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | Español (Spanish), by this Friday, May 24.
School Council – Building Specific
Election season is underway for the 2024-25 School Council. School councils are representative advisory groups that advise school leaders in the development and execution of goals and practices to enhance the achievement of all students.
We are seeking parents/caregivers of current CPS students and staff members at individual CPS schools to work collaboratively to support the implementation of existing and new programs as well as ensuring robust family engagement.
- School nominations are now available.
- Voting takes place beginning today through next Friday, May 31.
- Please note that depending on the number of incumbent council members currently serving, the total number of vacant seats available this spring will vary by school.
If you have questions please contact your child’s principal or the district’s Director of Family Engagement, Dr. Raymond Porch, at [email protected].
Featured Events & Opportunities
Cambridge Youth Council Fundraiser
The Cambridge Youth Council (CYC) is hosting its 4th annual CYC Fundraiser in support of the Cambridge Community. This year’s focus is on supporting organizations doing critical work to support immigrant communities in Cambridge. CYC’s goal is to reach $10,000 in donations by next Monday, May 27!
Every dollar up to $5,000 will be matched by the Teaching Philanthropy Fund at the Cambridge Community Foundation. Funds collected will be equally distributed among the following organizations:
Learn more and contribute to the CYC Fundraiser here!
Questions? Contact [email protected].
Visual and Performing Arts Spring Events
The Department of Visual and Performing Arts invites you to an exciting spring season of music, dance, arts, and theater performances!
Happening this Month:
- Spring Piano Recital | Monday, May 20 | 6PM (Cambridge Rindge and Latin School)
- Cringe and Laughter Improv Performance | Thursday, May 23 | 7PM (Cambridge Rindge and Latin School)
- Jazz Workshop | Monday, June 3 | 6PM (Lilypad in Cambridge)
- Chamber Music | Monday, June 3 | 6PM (Cambridge Rindge and Latin School)
- See more events and get tickets | View the VPA performance calendar here
Final Community Social of the School Year
The Family and Community Engagement team invites you to the final Community Social of the school year. Come enjoy a backpack giveaway, raffles, fun activities for the kids, and a delicious dinner! Plus, there will be mental health and health resources and providers available.
- When: Wednesday, May 29 | 6 - 8PM
- Where: Cambridge Street Upper School/King Open Community Complex (located at 830 Cambridge Street)
Math Pops Up Everywhere! (Preschool - 12)
Discover the use of math in subjects like science, civics and literacy through engaging activities at our Math Pops Up Everywhere event! Connect with district partnering organizations such as Algebra Project and RoboHub, participate in our raffle, grab a take-home goodie, learn about summer resources and more! Registration is encouraged.
- When: Wednesday, June 5 | 5:30 - 7:30PM
- Where: The Foundry (101 Rogers Street)
- Register for Math Pops Up Everywhere here.
- The event is free and open to all students and families grades Preschool - 12.
Community Pride Day
LGBTQ+ community members and allies are invited to our 3rd annual Cambridge Community Pride Day at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Arts Building. There will be:
- A LGBTQ+ and allies of all faiths discussion
- Workshops for students in grades 6-12
- Activities for parents, caregivers, and younger children, including a drag king storytime
May 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.
RSTA Electric Van Design Contest
Students in the Creative Design class at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School competed in a Rindge School of Technical Arts Electric Van Design competition. The design contest is part of the Creative Design Live Work Program. Students were challenged to create a professional, fresh, unique and timeless eye-catching design. Congratulations to Draven Lesatele on winning 1st place!
Picture above are the top 4 design contest winners (left to right) Draven Lesatele, James Blanc, Maaz Shaikh and Dallas Young.
The RSTA van is used to transport students to Field Trips and also used by the Health Assisting students to go out on their “clinical rounds” at the hospital. Keep an eye out for the winning design out and about!
Book Donations and Author Visit with Kelly Yang!
For Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we proudly display books purchased for the CPS school libraries by the Chinese American Association of Cambridge (CCAC). This year CAAC purchased over 380 AANHPI books for our libraries and helped fund author Kelly Yang's visit.
Ms. Terri Bowman Named Health Educator of the Year!
Congratulations to Ms.Terri Bowman at Vassal Lane Upper School who was named Massachusetts Health Educator of the Year by The Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Inc.’s (MAHPERD). For 9 years, Ms.Bowman has developed innovative ways to educate youth on the importance of health and wellness. Her heartfelt, inclusive and equitable approach to teaching paired with her leadership within the Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Department has been met with admiration and respect by those she has worked with. We are proud to have educators like Ms. Bowman working with our students!
Key Resources
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, May 27 | Memorial Day (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Wednesday, June 5 | Early Release (Grades JK-5)
Thursday, June 6 | CRLS Graduation
Wednesday, June 19 | Juneteenth (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Monday, June 24 | Last Day of School Early Release (All Grades)