A Note from Principal Tony Byers
Although recent weather would suggest otherwise, we’re well on our way into fall. The first few weeks of school are behind us, and children and adults have settled back into the school-year routine. And while I say this every year, it’s worth repeating: routines are the foundation of a successful school year. Children feel safe and are more available for learning when expectations are clear and they can anticipate what comes next. Read more >>



Our First Assembly of the Year! 
Our first Assembly of the year is always exciting. We gathered together as a school in the Gym and learned how to quiet down our bodies and our voices when Tony held up the sign, which we got pretty good at after a few practice rounds. The theme of this assembly was our CARES Values. Hear more about the day >> 



Wow! What a Great International Potluck 
By Lauren Morse, Family Liaison
Thanks to everyone for the wonderful Back-to-School International Potluck! The G&P Potluck is always an incredible event. Nowhere else can I put dumplings, Injera (delicious Ethiopian bread and dip), quinoa salad, pasta, and bread from around the world on one plate. This year we set up tables in the courtyard so families could enjoy their meal and get to know each other in the fresh air while students run around in the garden. It is always an important night to celebrate our international school, welcome everyone back to school and catch up after a long summer. Thanks to those who cooked, brought pizza and desserts, and everyone who attended and helped to make it a great night! Special thanks to the Family Cultural Exchange Program (FCEP) for volunteering and co-hosting the event!



Staff Spotlight: Officer Brooks 
Meet Officer Brooks, the School Resource Officer at Graham & Parks! Read on >>

Welcome to the G&P 2017-18 Steering Committee! 
Thanks to everyone who voted in the year’s Steering Committee election! We had the highest percentage of voter participation in years. Special thanks to the teachers who helped explain the election during Curriculum Night and collect ballots. Here are your newly elected representatives >> 



Friends of G&P News 
Friends of G&P Dining for Dollars  
Thursday, October 19th at Bertucci's of Alewife
Friends of Graham and Parks is having its first fundraiser of the year with Bertucci's Italian restaurant at Alewife on Thursday, October 19th. Dine in at Bertucci's for lunch or dinner, or order take/out delivery directly through Bertucci's on October 19th. Bertucci's Alewife will donate up to 25% of all orders placed on that day to Friends of G&P to help support school field trips and enrichment activities in the classrooms. Don't forget to mention the Friends of Graham and Parks fundraiser when you order. Please tell your friends, neighbors and colleagues, too. See the menu. We earned over $800 last June. WITH YOUR HELP, we will be just as successful this year!

Our first-ever GameWright Game Night  
Friday, November 3rd
You're invited to play GameWright board games with you family in the G&P Cafeteria with the opportunity to purchase those games. Friends of G&P will receive 50% of the proceeds to be used to support our classrooms. Food will also be sold at the event. More information on GameWright >>

Friends of G&P Monthly Meetings
Our meetings happen the first Friday of every month at 8:30AM in the school's lobby. All are welcome to share ideas and stay for as long as you can. Please considering helping out in some way. Learn more >>



Technology Corner 
Back to School is a great time of year to re-evaluate the role that technology plays in our daily lives. Many of us connect, share, and communicate digitally multiple times a day. As our children grow and develop in a more and more connected world, it is helpful to check in with how technology and media are impacting their daily lives. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages the development of a Family Media Plan. Here are a few questions they consider:
–Are there clear expectations for safe and healthy use of devices (phones, TV, computers, tablets) in your home?
–Are there any screen free zones or screen free times in your home?
–What time do devices get turned off at night? Where do they go?
–How often do adults co-view or co-play on devices with your child?

At the Morse, we encourage students to follow the Morse Code when they are online just as they do offline. Students are expected to be: kind, respectful, responsible, and an active learner. 

Additional Resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics: Family Media Plan
Family Online Safety Institute 
Connect Safely

A Note from Nurse Rollins 
Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. You have the power to protect yourself and your family this season with these three actions to fight flu. Get a flu vaccine. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine by the end of October, if possible. A yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. As long a flu viruses are circulating, it is not too late to get vaccinated! Hear more >>



CARES in the Classrooms 
In Room 106, we have begun discussing the CARES values and students have brainstormed ways they can demonstrate these values at school. To help understand the meaning, we have read many books and students have engaged in class activities. Each day we have focused on one value. At the end of the day, students wrote about how they can show the CARES value. We went through each value, and students made self portraits to go along with the values!

In Room 108, we started the year talking about the CARES values and welcomed students from around the world. Each student decorated a puzzle piece, and we talked about how we all fit together and all have to show Respect for each other. Each student also decorated a hand, as a reminder to always Aim High. When discussing the value “Aim High”, we reviewed the idea of having a “Growth Mindset”. 

Get Involved at G&P
Find out how you can get involved at G&P. 
Learn more >>

In Our Community 
See what's going on across our Cambridge community.
Learn more >>