Reflections from Katie 
Late last week or early this week, you should have received your child’s report card. This year we have experimented with a new format for this checklist of skills. This is the first marking period where you received a checklist about your child’s progress in the absence of a face to face conversation with your child’s teacher about what it all means. After a meaty conversation at school council last week, I realized that it might make sense to share some more thinking about the rating scale and what it means. Hear more >> 



Spotlight on Jim Miller, Speech Therapist 
This week, we learn more about our fantastic speech therapist here at Cambridgeport! Read the Q&A >> 



In Our Community

Affordable Housing Opportunities in Cambridge
Information Sessions
–Thursday, February 11
City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd floor
First session at 12PM. Second session: 1PM.
–Monday, February 22
St. Paul’s Christian Life Center, 85 Bishop Richard Allen Dr.
First session: 6PM. Second session: 7PM.
---Learn about: Homeowner resale pool; First time homebuyer workshops; Downpayment/Financial Assistance Program. Find out if you are eligible, how these programs work, and how to apply. More info: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/housing

The Impact of Violent Media and Child Development
Wednesday, February 10 | 6-8PM 
Fletcher Maynard Academy (FMA), 225 Windsor Street 
Our children are exposed to media constantly throughout the day. More and more, younger and younger children are spending time in front of a television, computer, cell phone or tablet. Much of the media our children are exposed to is fraught with violence. How does all of this exposure to violent media impact our children? How does the age of our children impact what they see and learn? What can parents do to keep their children from violent media? Presenter Background: Marc McGovern is a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 20 years of experience working with children and families. Pizza will be served at 5:30PM. Childcare is available by registration only. Please register by Monday, February 8th. All Cambridge Public School parents are invited to attend! Register: return the form you've received to the school FMA; contact 617.349.6492 or [email protected] (Title I office)

Harvard Skate – Free Skating in the Square
Daily, 12-9PM
The Science Center Plaza, 1 Oxford St., Cambridge
Harvard Skate has reopened and will run until Friday, March 11. The rink is open seven days a week, noon-9pm. Skaters can bring their own skates or rent them for a small fee. Free skating lessons will be offered every Friday, weather permitting. Come enjoy the toasty fire pits, Thursdays and Fridays, 3:30-9pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 12-9pm. Special events will be updated on the Common Spaces calendar. Email us for more information.

World Read Aloud Day – February 24 
The day motivates children, teens, and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words and creates a community of readers taking action to show the world that the right to literacy belongs to all people. World Read Aloud Day is celebrated by millions of people in more than 100 countries thanks to people like you who participate and spread the word across the globe! Head to www.litworld.org/wrad and browse our World Read Aloud Day 2016 materials including a countdown calendar for creating a build-up to Feb. 24, activities for children and teens to do at school or at home, statistics that help share the importance of this day, recommended read aloud books, and more. Register your World Read Aloud Day participation for a chance to win a class set of "How to Read a Story" by Kate Messner.

Community Conversations:
 A Black Woman’s Health Initiative
Ever wanted to talk with a health care expert, who looks like you? Knows your issues? Can offer solutions tailored to your community? Come talk in a relaxed setting where you can comfortably ask questions that really matter to you!
Heart Health: The Impact of Stress on Heart Health
Sunday, February 14 | 2-4PM
Simply Erinn’s, 266 Brookline Street, Cambridge
More info: Ccsister2sister.org