Reflections from Katie 
Happy New Year to everyone! This is a wonderful time of year in schools. Most of us are ready for some routine back in our lives after a week or more of unstructured time. With this return to school, we are entering a known space and community, in a way that is different than returning to school in September. These next six weeks are fertile ground for incredible learning, with opportunities to dive deeply into the topics in front of us in each of our classrooms. Hear more from Katie >> 

Playground Construction is Underway! 
We are holding recess for grades 1-5 in the parking lot (the Kindergarten playground is still open for play at this point), and we have been truly amazed at how creative and industrious our students are being. They are building with huge blocks, creating forts and marble runs. They are jumping rope and making up games with hula hoops. They are finding nooks for playing imaginary games with Lego people. Of course we are all eager for our new playground to be completed, but in the mean time, children are definitely getting their outside play. 

A Note from the Health Office:
Cold & Flu Season – Know the Difference 
Remember! The best way to prevent infections is by proper hand washing.




In Our Community

Many Helping Hands 
Cambridge MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 18 | 2-5PM 
(Kick-off at 2PM on City Hall steps)
Locations: Central Square, Cambridge Citywide Senior Center, City Hall, YWCA, and St. Peter’s Church
Come volunteer at the 6th Annual Cambridge MLK Day of Service and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Join us for an afternoon of hands-on service projects that benefit thousands of Cambridge residents in need! Make fleece scarves and blankets for homeless children and adults. Make Valentines for elders and veterans. Sort food, winter clothing, books and toiletries for people in need and more! All ages welcome! Come for an hour or the entire afternoon. Don’t come empty handed! Bring a can of food, a children’s book or a gently used item of winter clothing. You can come with family or friends or by yourself. Sign up at: www.manyhelpinghands365.org/registration-mlk/

The Federation for Children with Special Needs presents: 
Effective Communication and the
Individual Education Plan (IEP) 
A Workshop for Parents 
Saturday, January 30 | 12-3PM
Cambridge Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.
This workshop addresses the communication skills needed by parents participating as members of the IEP Team. The presentation includes communication skill building techniques to help parents engage effectively in the IEP process through clear concise communication. Participants will to learn about pitfalls to avoid and applying best practice strategies to resolve conflict when it occurs. Questions: [email protected]

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. 
Friday, January 15 | 7PM 
Saturday, January 16 | 2 & 7PM 
Sunday, January 17 | 2PM 
Belmont Town Hall
Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr., adapted from Disney's Broadway production and the motion picture featuring the enormously popular Academy Award-winning music and delightfully charming book and lyrics. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance. Tickets are available at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2475046

Sister to Sister | Community Conversations
Immigrant Family Dynamics: Balancing Conflicting Cultural Expectations
Sunday, January 10 | 2-4PM
Simply Erinn’s, 268 Brookline Street 
Ever wanted to talk with a health care expert, who looks like you, knows your issues and can offer solutions tailored to your community? Come talk in a relaxed setting where you can comfortably ask questions that really matter to you. More info: www.ccsister2sister.org

Science on Saturday at MIT – FREE!
Rockets and Flight 
Saturday, February 6 | 10AM-12Noon
Volunteers from the audience can help with lots of fun demonstrations on stage, and everyone can participate at hands-on activity tables afterward. Come help us launch balloon rockets, make balls float in the air, test gyroscopes, create paper helicopters, and explore rocks like those on the moon and Mars! More details >>