Message from Julie Craven
Dear RAUC Families, 

What a pleasure to finally have students walk through the doors for the 2016-17 school year! Staff have been working hard to have everything ready to welcome students and set them on a path to a successful year. Students walked up the stairs to see a poster with staff hopes and dreams for them, and we had markers set up so students could write their own hopes and dreams. Ask your student if there were any staff messages that stood out to them, and what they wrote themselves. Encourage them to write something if they didn’t yet--it is powerful to put your hopes down on paper along with those of others, for all to see.

One goal for this year is to keep you informed through a weekly newsletter. In general expect it on Tuesdays, although on weeks with Monday holidays it will probably appear Wednesdays. There will be a message from me, announcements and information relevant to all Cambridge Public School families, as well as news particular to middle grades students. You will also find a Learning Preview, in which a featured team lets you know what to expect in classes for the coming month. Look for a more detailed explanation of Learning Previews in this newsletter. These previews will begin next week -- we are excited to share what is going on in the classrooms with you. Read more >>

Homework Tips to Start the Year
DON’T ASK your middle school student if they have homework or if homework is done These often get a quick NO, or YES answer because that is the easiest response. DO SAY: Show me where you wrote your assignments down. That opens a door to a) checking that hw is written down; b) your student showing you where the hw is posted electronically; c) a conversation about who your child can reach out to if not sure; d) a follow up conversation--How did the assignment go? DO SAY: What is your plan for getting your homework done?

This question communicates confidence in your student--of course they have a plan. Even if they don’t, they can come up with one on the spot. You are reinforcing their need to be independent and in control, while also showing them you are here for them--something they do want to know, even if they don’t always show it.

What are Learning Previews?
Families are more effective partners in their children’s education when they know what is coming in the weeks ahead. They can engage their children in conversations about topics of study, proactively plan to support projects, and reinforce classroom learning strategies. Learn more >>

Introduction to Middle School for
6th Graders
All 6th grade students take an Introduction to Middle Schools (IMS) course. This course helps our sixth grade students make their transition into middle school and also equips them with tools and resources that will support their academic and social growth experiences. The course meets three times a week for five weeks. It is taught by Ms. Samantha Musher (school librarian/instructional technology specialist) or Ms. Shanika Boadu (guidance counselor). World language class replace IMS in October. Read more >>

School Bus Information
Bus letters will be mailed out very soon. If you rode the bus last year, or are pretty sure your child will qualify, you can also look up the current list of bus routes and bus stops here.



Stay Connected
Get up-to-date news, announcements, event information, and school closing information. Follow Rindge Avenue on Facebook today >>

What's Happening Outside of CPS?
Bay State Skating School
Learn to skate classes start September 10th. Learn more >>

Cambridge Family Microsoccer
Saturday morning soccer for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten-aged girls and boys aged 4 - 6. Fall season begins on Saturday, September 10th. Learn more >>

Cambridge Youth Soccer Kick Off Jamboree
September 11 | 12:30 - 2PM | Danehy Park Field 1
View Event Details >>

Fly. Honk. Buzz. A Flying Creatures Expo
September 24 | 2 - 3:30PM | Maynard Ecology Center
View Event Details >>

TTT Mentor Program
Saturday program for grades 4 - 7 children interested in STEM and eager to learn. Learn more >>

Simoni Skating Rink Learn to Skate Program
Click here to download a one-time free skating pass.