Message from Principal Fernandez
Dear CSUS Parents and Caregivers,

It is with sincere regret that I report that this morning several scholars came to me to ask why CSUS didn’t have a moment of silence on behalf of the victims of the horrific attack at two mosques over the weekend. I had no response other than to say I was sorry. It was not intentional but as we have learned through our equity work, it’s not the intent but the impact. We at CSUS of course stand in solidarity with our Muslim scholars and families against this racist murderous act. However, our silence sent an unfortunate message of indifference to our scholars and for that I am truly sorry. I am most proud of our scholars from different faiths that came to me this morning to express their displeasure. We continue to learn from our youth and this is a lesson that we will sit with for a while.

CAMBRIDGE SPRING CLASSIC 5K RACE
A number of 8th grade scholars are planning to run the Cambridge Spring Classic 5K race to raise money for the class trip to New York City. Scholars who want to run but haven't yet signed up, please see Ms. Schwarz to get the information you need to register, and to pick up a fundraising packet. All runners are fundraising as a single team; you can collect donations from your neighbors, grandparents, uncles & aunts, friends, or anyone else you can think of who might want to sponsor your run. There's a script to use on the fundraising packet, and instructions for how they can donate. If each scholar running can raise just $20, and 30 scholars run, we'll raise $600! Sign up with a friend! The race is THIS SUNDAY, March 24th, at 9:30am. You need to register online ahead of time-- thanks to the generosity of the race organizers, it's free for CSUS 8th grade scholars only, using the code you get from Ms Schwarz-- then be sure to GET THERE EARLY that day to sign in for the race. It starts at 64 Sidney Street (down Sidney Street south of The Asgard, on the east side of Central Sq). Some teachers and parents will be running as well, and some parents will be at the finish to sign community service paperwork. Read the full letter from Principal Fernandez >>

We Want to Hear from You!
CPS is pleased to launch our 2019 Family Survey. The purpose of this survey is to learn about the experiences of families in our schools and district. It is important to us that all families feel welcomed, and that all students receive the best possible education. 

As a district committed to equity, we use survey results to understand whether students and families from all backgrounds are having positive experiences in our schools. Your answers will be completely anonymous and can not be connected to you. 

Take the survey now >>

Happy National Nutrition Month!
Some classrooms decide to celebrate students' birthdays and other occasions. To create a healthier environment, the School Wellness Guidelines recommend celebrating in ways that do not include food. Some ideas include extra recess instead of a party, or a fun game inside the classroom if weather is bad. Find more ideas to celebrate here and ideas for non-food rewards here.

In Our Community and District

Cambridge Digs DEEP
Thursday, March 21 | 5:30-8PM 
CRLS, 459 Broadway
Join Mayor Marc McGovern and Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui for a city-wide session that aims to support restorative healing through providing race-based affinity spaces for discussing and processing identity and sharing perspectives. In these moderated affinity groups, we will process content from the first two deep sessions.
Details >>

Real Talk
March 25 | 5:30PM
Special guest Duane deFour will lead a conversation about masculinity and thinking critically about gender norms.
View Flyer >>

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 >>

Community Discussion Series: How to Talk with Young
People About Substance Use
Various Dates & Locations | 6:15 - 7:30PM
Be a prepared caregiver and mentor: Learn about the strength of our teens! Join Cambridge Youth Programs and the Cambridge Public Health Department for a night of learning and discussion. Open to all Cambridge caregivers, role models, and families with young people, especially teens.
View the flyer >>

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.

CPS Summer Math & ELA Programs
Hear all about our summer programs for students entering grades 6-8!
Details >>

Noche de Ciencias
April 3 | 6 - 8PM | MIT Stratton Student Center, 2nd floor
Hands on STEM Exhibits and Demos from Departmental Research Groups, Engineering project classes, MIT student groups, and more. Dinner will be provided. View flyer >>

MIT Science Trivia Challenge
April 17, 2019 | 5:30 - 8:30PM | Broad Institute
Students compete in a fun atmosphere for prizes including dinner with a Nobel Laureate and MIT sweatshirts. Each team member receives a Science Festival string backpack that includes goodies like passes to the MIT Museum, the Museum of Science, and the Discovery Museum, as well as other goodies. A light supper is provided before the competition, during which students have a chance to meet informally with Broad Scientists. For more information or to register a team, visit our website. A nominal fee of $10 covers registration of a team (up to 5 members and up to 5 alternates). Spectators are free, and there is no additional charge for the supper.

Tech Savvy
July 22 - 26, 2019  | 9AM - 4PM
Where: Pick up and drop off at BU; travel to different locations each day
Grade Level: Girls enrolled in a school in the Greater Boston area and entering grade 7 or 8 in September 2019
Deadline for Applications: May 15, 2019

Tech Savvy is a one-week program for middle school girls that focuses on computing, engineering, and technology that is sponsored by the Boston Area Girls STEM Collaborative. During the program students visit a different college campus each day of the week for hands-on activities. Participants engage in activities such as developing phone apps, using a 3D printer, and building robots and bridges during this action-packed week. For more information and to apply, please visit our website.

Artemis
July 8 – August 9, 2019 | M-F | 9AM - 3PM
Grade Level: Young women currently enrolled in 8th grade in a MA school
Priority will be given to students in Boston and within a 15-mile radius of the city

Artemis is a five-week summer program for rising 9th grade girls focused on computer science. Participants learn computer languages such as Scratch, AppInventor, HTML, CSS, and Python.  They also are introduced to robotics, cryptography, artificial intelligence, and circuits. In addition, they learn how computer science is applied in the real world by hearing from guest speakers and going on field trips. BU undergraduates majoring in Computer Science or Engineering lead the program. There is no tuition, but a nonrefundable registration fee of $100 is required of all participants once they have been accepted into the program. Lunch is included each day. 

For more information and to apply, please visit our website.

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]