Greetings from Julie Craven
Dear RAUC Families,
We have just under one month left in school. It is a time for end-of-year events where we appreciate each other and celebrate accomplishments. The wonderful Teacher Appreciation Luncheon last Wednesday left teachers full and feeling loved. The Spring Concert/Night of Excellence was a testament to the musical and academic talents of students and staff alike and the blockbuster attendance is a testament to our vibrant community. The newsletter highlights other events, including field trips this week, the RAUC musical, and 8th grade D.C. trip and graduation.
This time of year can also be complex for students to navigate. Alice Cohen, Cambridge’s new Lead Teacher for Social Emotional Learning, offered a helpful lens to staff that families might also appreciate. As she notes, while students are excited about summer, they are also experiencing varying degrees of anxiety--about moving onto a new grade or new school, or about losing daily contact with peers and important adults. This anxiety can cause changes in behavior--it is not uncommon for students to be more oppositional or defiant, or they might consolidate as a group against adults. If you notice some of this behavior, remember that it is not unusual--don’t take it personally! You might ask your student how they are feeling about the end of the year, and remind them that it is normal to feel both excitement and worry about leaving. Have a conversation with your student about what their best memories are from the year, what they think they will miss, and what they are looking forward to next year. For 8th graders or other students moving on, encourage your student to say thank you to any teachers the student will particularly miss. Often simply being able to name that you are anxious and that is normal is calming in and of itself.
Here’s to a strong ending for all of us,
Julie Craven, Head of School
8th Grade Learning Previews
See what our students are going to be studying this month!
Read more >>
Last Day of Clubs: Wednesday, May 31
Please note that the last day for clubs is next Wednesday, May 31. That is also the last day for the late bus. There will be no late bus and no clubs in June. Please plan accordingly.
Note from Ms. Musher, Library Technology Specialist
I showed lists of this year's most popular library books at the Night of Excellence, and some parents asked for a copy. I've posted the lists on the library website. If you're looking for a book for your child, maybe there's something here!
Seeking Volunteers for the Book Fair!
The Peabody/RAUC library will be hosting a Scholastic book fair May 30 - June 2, the ever-popular Buy One, Get One Free fair. We would love your help! If you can give us an hour or two to set up, work the cash registers, or pack up, we would be grateful (and you would have fun!). Please sign up here.
If you have any questions, ask Ms. Musher.
RAUC Musical Chasing Fate 6/1 and 6/2
"Can you change your fate? What would you sacrifice to get what you want? These are the questions Tess struggles with when she suddenly finds herself transported into the world of Norse mythology. Surrounded by gods, dwarves and monsters Tess must make the choice of who she really wants to be.
Come see this original musical written in part by the students of RAUC on June 1st and 2nd at 7PM in the auditorium. Tickets are a suggested $5. Directed by Summar Elguindy and Music Directed by Joshua DeWitte.
Reminders & Announcements
8th Grade DC Trip: Reminder to get your forms in!
All signed, completed forms are due this Friday, May 26! That includes the medical form and accompanying notes from a doctor, the behavior contract, and the permission slip. No student can go without all these forms in. Please reach out to Mr. Everhart if you have any questions. The DC trip is June 13 - 16. There will be fun events planned for students unable to attend.
8th Grade Caps and Gowns
Cap and gowns are $16.75. All money is due by June 1st. We are asking parents who can afford it, to pay $20 to help those students who may not be able to afford their cap and gown. Students can turn the money in to Miss Linette and also give her their weight and height.
Also, just a quick reminder that Graduation will be held on June 21st at 1PM in the RAUC auditorium. All students are guaranteed three tickets. If you would like to request extra, please let Ms. Boadu know by Friday, May 26. We will do our best to accommodate requests. Please also let Ms. Boadu know if you will not need all your tickets so we can pass them on to another family.
6th Grade Community Building Field Trip
6th graders are building unity with a fun outing this Thursday -- they are going on a scavenger hunt and then a move in Davis Square. Remember to get your permission slip in!
8th Grade Science and Engineering Showcase at Harvard: Friday, May 26
Students will share their biomicry ideas at this annual event for all 8th graders in the district.
Events for Rising 6th Graders
We are welcoming next year’s 6th graders with several events. On Friday, May 26, 5th graders from Baldwin and Peabody come to RAUC for an overview of 6th grade by guidance counselor Ms. Boadu, visits with the 6th grade teachers, followed by lunch together and community building led by PE teacher Mr. O’Connell and health teacher Mr. McNulty.
Ms. Boadu and Ms. Craven will hold two information meetings for rising 6th grade families:
Wednesday, June 6 | 6 - 7PM in the RAUC library OR Thursday, June 7 | 9 - 10AM at the Baldwin. Families from both schools are welcome at either event.
Latest News on the CPS District Planning Process
Did you attend a Visioning Session or watch the Superintendent's presentation on developing a district plan for CPS? Members of the CPS community are invited to learn and contribute as the planning process continues.
- Learn about the Planning Team & Visioning Sessions
- The District Planning Team consists of 31 students, family members, staff members, community partners, school leaders, district leaders, and School Committee members, who are giving their time to design the CPS district plan. Why would such a diverse group of people come together for such a purpose? Learn Why >>
- Save The Date: Town Hall on the District Plan
Tuesday, June 13 | 6PM
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
View the Flyer >>
Summer Math Enrichment Opportunities!
Please make sure to check out the summer math offerings for students entering grades 6 - 8. Transportation can be provided for students. The offerings include:
Mathematics Workshops: perfect for students who want to boost grades and enhance their understanding of math. Session 1: July 10 - 28, Session 2: July 31 - August 18. FREE!
Math Bridge: perfect for rising 8th graders who are looking to accelerate their math learning and move up to Accelerated Math for 8th Grade. July 10 - August 18. FREE!
Mission Possible: Solve It (Moore Youth Center): perfect for students interested in an interactive Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math exploration. Field trips, hands on activities, and college visits can all be expected. Students can sign up for one week or several weeks. June 26 - August 18. Full day: 8:30 - 6:00 ($150/week); Half days: 12:00- 6:00 ($75/week).
For more information and applications, contact Sara Carhart, the math coach, at [email protected]
Out of School Time Opportunities
*All flyers and registration forms are available at RAUC. Students/families can contact Justin McNulty.
The Media Fair (see flyer)
Cambridge Educational Access Television
When: May 25th
Time: 2:30PM
Where: 454 Broadway Street
Contact: [email protected] or 617.349.6744
Cambridge Participatory Budgeting (see flyer)
When: June 1 - July 31, 2017
Contact: Justin and Michelle at 617.349.4270 or email us.
Visit the Website
Deadline: August 4, 2017
Middle School Activities Club: Movie Night (see flyer)
When: Friday, June 2, 2017
Where: Russell Youth Center
Time: 6:30 - 9:30PM
Cost: Free. Shuttle and refreshments included.
Contact: Patricia Bradshaw at 617.498.1289 or email him.
Registration: Deadline is May 31st.
Boys to Men Leadership Brunch (see flyer)
When: Saturday, June 3rd
Where: Putnam Ave Upper School, 100 Putnam Ave, Cambridge
Time: 12Noon - 3PM
Grade: Upper school boys
Contact: Email us or 617.665.3830
Beyond the 4th Wall presents: The Lion King
June 15, 16, 17 | 7PM, June 18 | 3PM
Fitzgerald Theater at CRLS
$5 for students and $10 for adults
101 Dalmatians and Other Adventures
Saturday, June 17 | 3PM
Fitzgerald Theater at CRLS
$5 for students and $10 for adults
Beyond the 4th Wall is a Cambridge non-profit that brings the magic of theater and performances to families throughout Cambridge.
Cambridge Youth Gamelan (see flyer)
When: June 26 - June 28
Where: MIT World Music Room (next to the MIT Museum) 265 Massachusetts Ave
Time: 10AM - 1PM
Grades: 3 – 9
Cost: $30 for three classes, processing fee of $3-5 added per session
Contact: Email Us
FREE Creative Writing Workshops
Free summer writing program for students entering grades 6 - 8. Students will explore writing stories, poetry, and scripts. Learn more >>
West Side Story Auditions (Grade 8)
June 5th: Dance. June 7th: Vocal/Acting.
Learn more >>
An Evening with Chris Herren
Wednesday, May 31 | 7 - 8:30PM
He will speak to our students and families about the dangers of substance abuse.
Location: CRLS - Fitzgerald Theatre
Chris Herren (a former NBA rising star) has a compelling story and powerful message. Please help spread the word about this important event and help keep Cambridge youth safe form the disastrous opiate addiction that is overwhelming our nation. We urge families and students to attend together and will be giving extra credit towards Health Education class to our rising 9th graders. For more information contact Greta Hardina, CRLS Family Liaison, at 617.349.6660. Please see the poster designed by CRLS RSTA Creative Design Students. Open to all CRLS and Upper School Families.
Follow the Cambridge Middle School Network (MSN)!
Stay updated on what's happening for middler schoolers in Cambridge. Find @CambridgeMSN on Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to sign up (via Facebook) to get the MSN monthly e-newsletter, too. View the MSN Out-of-School Time Opportunities Resource Guide >>
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