Greer Gazette: November 6, 2023

Meet Our New Chief Strategy Officer



Following a comprehensive search, I am delighted to announce that we have hired a new Chief Strategy Officer. Mr. Skyler Nash will be joining the Cambridge Public Schools effective Wednesday, December 13.

Mr. Skylar Nash will be joining us from Minneapolis, Minnesota where he was Chief of Staff for the Chief of Police. In this role, he was responsible for all political, legislative, and administrative affairs for the Minneapolis Police Department, including supporting the implementation of a newly created Bureau of Constitutional Policing. Before arriving in Minneapolis, Mr. Nash held leadership positions in city government focused on racial equity and public safety reform as well as working in local and county politics.

I have no doubt Mr. Nash will be a tremendous asset. Please join me in welcoming him to CPS.

Headlines

Family/Caregiver Virtual Dinner Hour



Monthly on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30PM
Register here for November 15!

November 15
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.

Information Sessions:

• Wednesday, November 1 | 6 - 7PM (Join the Zoom presentation)
• Wednesday, November 8 | 6-7PM (In-person presentation at the Haggerty School located at 110 Cushing Street)
• Wednesday, November 15 | 6-7PM (Join the Zoom presentation)

Cambridge Preschool Program Applications Opens December 1



The application window for the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP), or Universal Preschool, will open on Friday, December 1, 2023 and remain open through Monday, January 15, 2024. As we have shared, CPP will begin next school year, providing free preschool to the families of all 4-year-olds and some 3-year-olds.

What does CPP mean for CPS?

• CPP will replace our 3-year-old lottery, which was held in October, and our Junior Kindergarten lottery, which was held in January.
• CPS will still hold its Kindergarten lottery in January for children turning 5 years old by Aug 31, 2024.
• Our Frequently Asked Questions (አማርኛ | عربي | বাংলা | Kreyòl ayisyen | Español), aims to answer many of the questions you may have about the impact CPP will have on CPS.
• October 12th webinar

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 between November 1 and April 30. Learn more about how to qualify and fill out the application here.

Attendance Matters Campaign



Our Attendance Matters campaign will launch next month! Did you know that in Massachusetts if your child misses 18 days or more of school, they are considered chronically absent? Chronic absenteeism is one of our district targets. Daily attendance plays a vital role in your child’s educational journey. Attending school regularly is a critical aspect of academic success and social, emotional, and personal development.

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.

• Request your free tests.
• The FDA extended the expiration dates for some COVID tests. Check to see if your COVID tests' expiration dates have been extended before throwing them out.

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.

Soaring to New Heights…RAUC 8th Graders Visit Mt. Monadnock



Rindge Avenue Upper Campus 8th graders recently climbed Mt. Monadnock for their annual community building trip. Check out some photos below!

Cambridge Firefighter and Tobin Alumnus Teaches About Fire Safety



Firefighter Bernardo from Engine 9 recently visited Children’s House students for a fire prevention presentation. Firefighter Bernardo is a former Tobin student who works for the Cambridge Fire Department. We would like to thank him for sharing his expertise!

College Preparedness Workshop Draws Big Crowds!



Our Office of Family Engagement recently hosted a College Preparedness workshop for caregivers. Led by Dr. Christopher Vick, the workshop was a valuable event that provided essential insights for scholars preparing for their college journey.

Families benefited greatly from Dr. Vick’s expertise. He covered topics, such as choosing the right college, preparing application materials, financial planning, and tips for a successful college experience. The workshop was informative and engaging, leaving caregivers feeling better prepared as they support their child in the college application process.

Mark Your Calendar