Greetings from Julie Craven
Dear RAUC Families,
There’s been a lot going on in our community. Last Tuesday over 40 people attended the first of five Courageous Conversations about Race. RAUC is co-sponsoring this evening series, organized by a group of parents, and open to families, staff, and community members of Rindge Ave, Peabody, and Baldwin schools. There was a positive vibe as folks discussed race and racial equity and began to share and learn from each other’s experiences and histories. We hope you can join us for future conversations which will take place the 4th Tuesday of the month. Stay tuned.
Last Friday students also came back to school to RAUC the second dance of the year. Huge shout out to 6th grade families who sponsored this dance, and to all who supported it with their donations of food, goods, and time! It’s a testament to the community that families come together to create this fun gathering for students. A number of adults also gathered upstairs while the dance was in full swing to hear a speaker presentation on healthy teen dating relationships. See more on that later in the newsletter.
This Thursday marks our annual Unity Concert, when band, chorus, orchestra and percussion students shine under the skilled conducting of Patrick Wroge, Josh DeWitte, and Brittany Phillips. We will have a community dinner in the cafeteria at 5:15PM and the concert starts in the gym promptly at 6PM. Now that we’re half way through the school year, this event is a great way to reconnect around food and music. We hope to see you there!
In unity,
Julie Craven, Head of School
Exciting Upcoming Event for 6th Graders
On February 6th, our 6th graders have been invited to the Cambridge Public Library for a book event with Jerry Craft, the author of the new graphic novel New Kid. The book deals sensitively with issues of race, class, and friendship in a funny way kids will love. At the end of the presentation, every student who attends will be given a book to take home, donated by the Porter Square Books Foundation. Look for permission slips soon!
Aim High Update
As you know, this is our pilot year for our bi-weekly Aim High blocks, designed with the intention of providing access, supports, and extensions so all students are adequately challenged to reach their fullest potential. One of our core values is to reflect, and we asked students for their feedback on how Aim High was going via an anonymous survey. The results were positive, with 78% of students saying that the time was helpful. They gave us ideas on how to strengthen Aim High blocks. We also learned, not surprisingly, that we still have more work to do to help students use the time to truly push themselves to aim high. Teachers have shared the survey results with students--you can see the slide show presentation given to students here.
Report Cards Out Friday
A reminder that report cards will go live on Aspen on Friday. They will be mailed home to families without internet access.
Cambridge Public Schools 2019-20 Budget Hearings
The Cambridge School Committee invites the public to attend various sessions on the proposed 2019-20 CPSD budget. There will be a session in January, February and March. Interpretation in Spanish, Haitian Creole or ASL are available on request. Please view the flyer for details on dates, times and locations for each session. Note: The February 2nd session at City Hall has been cancelled. You can also send in your comments by email to the whole School Committee and Superintendent Salim. They will be carefully considered, as will all comments at hearings.
RAUC Speaker Series for Parents Review
On Friday evening, January 25th, while RAUC students enjoyed the winter dance in the cafeteria, parents gathered upstairs in the Health Room to discuss the topic of Resilience, Relationships and Risky Behavior among students in middle and high school. The evening, facilitated by Justine Finn, was attended by parents from RAUC, VLUS, Amigos, as well as participants from HGSE. Since this was a potluck, attendees brought in delicious dinner and dessert options and the evening ended with a sense of community and camaraderie. Many thanks to all who attended and helped make our Speaker Series a success. Stay tuned for the 3rd parent talk at the end of March when a panel of former RAUC (current CRLS) students help parents understand how kids use phones and social media, and how to help kids use technology appropriately.
Save the Date: CRLS’ Parent to
Parent Evening
Come to CRLS Principal Conference Room (459 Broadway St. Cambridge 02138) on February 7 from 6-7:30PM, and connect with other parents to share experiences, and to support each other through these interesting developmental stages and yet challenging exciting times. A light meal is provided & childcare will be provided upon request. For more information please email Greta Hardina or call her at 617.349.6660.
Cambridge Public Schools
Wellness Policy
The Cambridge Public Schools and Cambridge Public Health Department invites parents/caregivers to a meeting about the CPS Wellness Policy the first Wednesday of most school year months from 12:30 to 2PM at the Cambridge Public Health Department. Having healthy choices at school helps keep our children healthy and ready to learn. The CPS Wellness Policy helps our school create an action plan for nutrition and physical activity at school. Parents can share their opinions and help make sure the policy and implementation of the policy is meeting the needs of our students. The Wellness Policy is available here and Implementation guidelines of the policy are available here. Parents/caregivers who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments about the Wellness Policy or nutrition and physical activity at their school to Gabby Headrick (Public Health Nutritionist). Email Gabby for more information or if you plan to attend.
8th Grade Learning Previews
Read more >>
Out of School Opportunities
*All flyers and registration forms are available at RAUC. Students or families can contact Justin McNulty: [email protected]
Feel Good Inc (See flyer)
When: Thursday, February 7
Where: Cambridge Public Library Teen Room
Time: 3-5PM
Ages: 12-18
Website: https://www.cambridgema.gov/cpl/Teens
In Our Community
What are you doing after school this winter?
The Winter/Spring Resource Guide, compiled by the Middle School Network, gathers together the MANY options for outside of school opportunities for middle school students (grades 6-8). It includes many year long programs (that young people join at all different points of the year) and a lot of unique programming for just Winter and Spring: sports, media, academic help, leadership and even some early job opportunities for older kids! To see about signing up and getting started in any of these opportunities, contact Justin McNulty.
Book Talk
February 12 | 6-7:30PM
Dr. MLK School, 102 Putnam Avenue
You're invited to a book talk with authors Danielle Allen and Mira T. Lee. Learn more >>
Cambridge Affordable Housing Information Sessions
Learn about the eligibility requirements and application process for the following programs Cambridge Rental and Homeownership Programs: Inclusionary Housing Rental Program for studios, 1BR, 2BR, & 3BR units
throughout Cambridge, Homeowner Resale Pool, First-Time Homebuyer Workshop, Downpayment Assistance, and HomeBridge. Open to all. No RSVP Necessary. Learn more >>
Immigration Legal Screening Clinics
3rd Wednesday each month, 5:15-7:15PM
Free consultations with an immigration attorney for Massachusetts immigrants and their families
Community Legal Services & Counseling Center (CLSACC)
90 Third St., Cambridge
617.349.4396; [email protected]
Let's Connect!
Stay in the loop by joining our social media communities.
RAUC Facebook >>
District Social Media >>
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