Message From Manuel J. Fernandez
Dear CSUS Parents and Caregivers,

The period between the February vacation and the April vacation is the longest stretch of school days without a holiday or break. It is typically a period when expectations and protocols to support a positive school culture are challenged or ignored. Before the spring break to respond to this we held grade 6 gender identity meetings, meetings with selected scholars from all grades, a grade 6 caregiver meeting to share and listen to concerns. The Monday after the spring vacation we annually hold a community meeting to recalibrate the school culture. On April 22nd we held a full school community meeting to revisit school-wide expectations for behavior and a staff PD session that afternoon. We are pleased to see the improvements that have resulted from the community meetings.

We are mindful that some caregivers have been concerned about the behavior of some scholars and the effects on teaching and learning. I want to assure you that we endeavor to alleviate the impact of any disruptions and work closely to support all scholars during this complicated adolescent transition. Early adolescence is a time when young people can begin to explore identity and where they fit, push limits at home and school, and both run from and cling to parents. Independence and dependence rolled into one.
Read the full letter >>

CSUS Staff Appreciation Luncheon
May 15 | 1 - 3PM
Come celebrate our staff. View Event Details >>

Diversity Dialogues: Understanding the Forces Shaping the
Asian American Youth Experience
May 16 | 6 - 8PM
Dr. Karen Shih is the Assistant Dean of Intercultural Education
and Advisor to Students of Asian Descent at Wellesley College. View the flyer >>

7th Annual Spring into the Arts Festival
May 23 | 6 - 8PM
Spring Into The Arts Festival is a week long celebration of the Visual and Performing Arts by the scholars of Cambridge Street Upper School. The festival will feature two special evenings of performances plus visual art work by every scholar taking Art classes this Spring semester. Art will be on display May 23rd- 30th on the first and second floors. Learn more >>

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 >>

Resources: Young People & Substance Abuse
The CPS Health & Physical Education Department develops curricula and supports programs aimed at teaching students to make healthy decisions and understand themselves physically, socially and emotionally. The health education curriculum is continually reviewed and updated to include the latest issues in areas such as substance use among young people. Here are some new resources and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education >>


Go Green Challenge!
Do you like to recycle? Reuse? Do you turn out lights when you leave the room and bring your own bag to the store? Every “green” action you take makes a difference. Thank you! Elementary classrooms are joining in the Go Green Challenge by completing a worksheet sharing ways they help the environment (check it out here). We also made a Go Green at Home Challenge that you might like to do together outside of school! Learn more >>


School Breakfast: 
Fantastic Friday Series 
Cambridge Food and Nutrition Services will be making Friday breakfasts in May very exciting! Join your children and school staff every Friday in May for fabulous giveaways, a special menu, and taste parties. Parents and staff are welcome to enjoy a healthy and nutritious breakfast for only $1 on Fridays! View the flyer and Friday menus >> 

In Our District & Community

Deconstructing Stigma
A Parent Workshop on Teens and Mental Health
May 2 | 6 - 7:30PM | CRLS
One in five young adults aged 13-18 experience mental illness. Told through the eyes of its participants, Deconstructing Stigma boldly tears down the misconceptions of what those with mental illness look like. From this positive and interactive presentation, participants will learn firsthand some of the common signs and symptoms, including depression and anxiety, and how to talk to your child. More information on the Deconstructing Stigma Campaign >>
View the Flyer >>

Step Up and Take Your
CHANCE TO DANCE!
Cambridge 7th & 8th Graders
Thursday, May 2 | 3:30-4:30PM
CRLS Dance Studio (room 0621)
Space is limited, so RSVP by April 26 >>

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

Community Discussion Series: How to Talk with Young
People About Substance Abuse
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 >>

Family Biking Kick-Start
May 5 | 11AM - 4PM
Safety checks, skills & drills in the Corporal Burns Park courts with 2 MassBikes certified trainers. View Event Details >>

Museum of Science Duck 'N' Hover
May 11 | 8:30 - 4:30PM
Participate in an engineering challenge to design and build a
wind-powered device that can lift a payload of rubber ducks
three stories high for a chance to win AWESOME PRIZES.
Learn more >>

Family Bike Night at the Collins Branch
Thursday, May 16, 2019 | 4 - 7PM
Collins Branch Library, 64 Aberdeen Ave
Join us to learn the basics of riding with families and fixing your bike at this drop in session! Need something quick fixed on your bike, or maybe just a safety tune-up to getting you riding comfortably this season? We'll have 15 minute safety tune-ups, too! Register for bike workshops by emailing us. Visit us online >>

Scratch Night @ CPS!
May 16 | 5:30-7:30PM
CRLS, 459 Broadway
All CPS students and families are invited!
Details >>

Courageous Conversations
All are welcome to join a series of community meetings that will take place at Rindge Avenue Upper School for the North Cambridge community, including the Baldwin community. These sessions are designed to talk about issues around racial equity, racial bias in education, racial identity, and more. Each session builds on the previous, so you are urged to try to attend as many as possible. 

Sessions take place at 70 Rindge Avenue from 5:30 - 8PM with dinner provided and childcare for ages 3 and older. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Lieu.

May 28: Large group: Path Forward-Goal Setting-Timeline. Dialogue: Action Steps.

MSN Summer Resource Guide
Get a jump start on your summer plans. Check it out! Visit the Website >>

CitySprouts Summer Youth Internship at the Cambridge Upper Schools
July 2 - August 9
Monday through Friday | 9AM - 1PM
All 11 - 14 year olds are eligible. There is no cost for the internship program. Have fun gardening, cooking, science activities and learning about the environment. Students who complete the program will receive a $150 stipend (must be available for the entire 6 weeks).

Applications have been sent home with students. They are due on May 3. If you have any questions, please call 617.876-2436 or email us.

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]