Did you know?
The city is planning to upgrade & redesign River Street over the next couple of years in a project that will be similar to the recently completed Western Ave reconstruction. Even if your family doesn’t live near River Street, this project may impact your commute to/from MLK.

On March 26, the first public meeting will be held for the project at CCC from 6-8PM. Childcare will be provided; please see the flyer with details here.

MLK Friends Retreat
The MLK Friends are having a retreat! In order to build the MLK Friends leadership and talent pipeline, along with setting clear goals and roles for MLK Friends in the coming years, we are having a one day retreat on Saturday, March 23 from 10AM-1PM. We also welcome new and interested parents to come and learn more about how to become more involved. Refreshments and a light lunch will provided. Interested? RSVP here >>

Book Talk
April 30 | 6-7:30PM
Dr. MLK School, 102 Putnam Avenue
You're invited to a book talk with King parent authors Danielle Allen and Mira T. Lee. 
About the books:
Cuz
In a shattering work that shifts between a woman’s private anguish over the loss of her beloved baby cousin and a scholar’s fierce critique of the American prison system, Danielle Allen seeks answers to what, for many years, felt unanswerable. Why? Why did her cousin, a precocious young man who dreamed of being a firefighter and a writer, end up dead? Why did he languish in prison? And why, at the age of fifteen, was he in an alley in South Central Los Angeles, holding a gun while trying to steal someone’s car?

Everything here is beautiful
Two sisters-Miranda, the older, responsible one, always her younger sister's protector; Lucia, the headstrong, unpredictable one, whose impulses are huge and, often, life changing. When their mother dies and Lucia starts hearing voices, it is Miranda who must find a way to reach her sister.



Announcements from CitySprouts
As we transition to spring, CitySprouts will be shifting garden educators. I am very sorry to be leaving MLK, but very pleased to welcome our new GE: Ian Grosfelt!

Dig It!
Each year CitySprouts hosts its annual fundraiser and party, Dig It. Join us for an evening of auction items, open bar, and delicious food by Commonwealth Restaurant on April 4th at Kendall Sq. For more information and to buy tickets visit the website.

What's (still) Growing
Kale and other brassica (like collard greens and cabbage) are hanging in there! Thanks, Ms. McEachern's class, for putting up that hoop house! Come peep in the hoop house and see what it's all about!

Worm Compost Bin
MLK students have been caring for their very own worm compost bin throughout the winter. They've observed the worms and their habitat as scientists and had a first hand opportunity to think about body parts, functions and animals' interactions with their environment.

Appreciations
I have enjoyed working with each and every teacher and student at MLK. Thank you so much for your warmth! You still might see me around Wednesdays at the garden, as I will be working with the PAUS after-school club.



Picturing Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass was in love with photography. From his earliest known photograph in 1841 until his passing in 1895, he sat for his portrait whenever he could and became the most photographed American of the nineteenth century; more photographed than President Abraham Lincoln. In this first major exhibition of Douglass photographs, we offer a visually stunning re-introduction to America’s first black celebrity — immediately recognizable in his own lifetime by millions.

On March 27th our 3rd graders will visit the “Picturing Frederick Douglass” exhibit at the Historic Museum of African American History and Boston's Beacon Hill as part of our celebration of Black History. For more information on the museum, click here.

We thank the Friends of MLK who have made this experiential learning opportunity possible.



Author and Illustrator George O'Connor Visits April 3
This author event is sponsored by MLK Friends and made possible entirely by YOUR donations to the 2018 MLK Friends Annual Appeal (thank you!). View event details >>



King School Welcomes a Drone
During Computer Science Education week, the students of the King School got a special surprise. A computer scientist and robot programmer, who happens to be the mother of Jay in kindergarten, brought in a drone! During Library & Technology classes, students got to learn about how drones work and watch one fly around the media lab. It was very exciting. We definitely have young future computer programmers in our midst. 

For more information contact our Instructional Technology Specialist, Sarah Rosenberg.

Interested in Joining a Swim Team?
Then the Cambridge Sea Dawgs is for you!For all children ages 5-18! We will be holding tryouts on Monday, March 25th! For more information, please email us. Check us out online in the Cambridge Recreation Brochure, or call the War Memorial at 617.349.6279. Looking forward to this Spring season! Go Sea Dawgs!

Looking for summer programs for your kids?
Visit Find it Cambridge for a list of city wide summer opportunities for kids of all ages. Follow this link for summer programs for rising 6th – 8th graders. 

In Our Community and District

Title I Books for Bingo
March 13 | 6 - 7:30PM
King Open Cafeteria
Learn more >>

Kazu Kibuishi
March 28 | 6:30PM | Cambridge Public Library main Lecture Hall
Meet acclaimed graphic novelist, Kazu Kibuisji, creator of the wildy popular Amulet series. More details >>

Welcome to CPS! Resource Fair 
Saturday, April 6 | 10AM-12Noon
CRLS, cafeteria 
We hope to see incoming JK/K students and those who are new to the district! 
Learn more >> 

Smartphones and Social Media: Hear the Real Deal, from Students Themselves
March 29, 2019 | 6 - 8PM
Ringe Avenue Upper School, 70 Rindge Ave. Cambridge
View event details >>

Calls are open for two events this spring
People’s Sculpture Racing (PSR) currently stages two annual races and exhibitions. Learn more >>

How to Enter a Race
Click here for information on entering the juried June 1 People’s Sculpture Race. NEW deadline for entries is Sunday, March 24, midnight.

Click here for information on entering the April 20 Community Sculpture Race. Final deadline is RACEDAY – April 20 to let us know you’re racing.

Do you want to get outside with your kids more?
Save the date for a family biking kick-start on Sunday, April 28th, 11AM - 4PM, to coincide with Memorial Drive's first Sunday closure of the year, with rain date the following Sunday. When not biking, we'd be centered at Corporal Burns playground adjacent to Memorial Drive and Peabody Terrace. Coordinator for the event is Robin Chen 978.809.2714.

Cambridge families, friends, and beyond can provide social support to one another to try or practice bicycling skills. Adults can get help with doing start-of-the-season bicycle maintenance while kids play together. Families can identify future cycling-playdate partners and learn about organizations that support bicyclists of all ages. A gear swap can occur at the event. Local bicycle stores can have demo bikes available, both for kids and families. It would be possible to collect damaged or old bicycling gear and helmets for recycling. Organizations could find it impactful to do tabling related to bicycle advocacy. This is to be an inclusive social event.

Free Markets
Check out any one of these FREE Markets that are held throughout the City of Cambridge. All you need is a grocery bag! View the flyer >>

Cambridge Winter Farmers Market
Saturdays through April 6 | 10AM-2PM
Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender Street
Learn more >>
See flyer >>

Upcoming School Committee Meeting
All meetings are open to the public. Public comment welcome.
Public Hearing on the Proposed 2019-20 CPS Budget 
Tuesday, March 19 | 6PM | School Committee Meeting Room at CRLS
The purpose of a Public Hearing is inviting input from the public regarding the budget.

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. Follow MLK on Facebook and Twitter today.