Message from Manuel J. Fernandez & Christen Sohn
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
First, we want to wish Happy Hanukkah to all celebrating in our CSUS community and an early Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa as well. We hope that you all find new ways to have a fun and enjoyable time with family and friends.
As 2020 draws to a close, it feels important to celebrate some of our remote community’s recent successes. This past Friday, music teacher Ariel Carmichael organized our first virtual whole-school assembly. Together CSUS danced, practiced mindfulness, competed in Kahoot trivia, and watched a scholar improv performance. Many thanks to Ms. Carmichael, Ms. Preval, Mr Fusco, Mr. Georgette, Mrs. Price Smith, Ms. Hanlon, Ms. Silbert, and the countless other members of staff who contributed and participated. We are very excited to have found a way to continue this important community tradition remotely. Cambridge Street scholars and staff also participated in Transformation Week honoring CSUS Alum Na Jae Josephs. Thank you to our art teacher April Silbert for organizing and finding this thoughtful and moving way to pay tribute to a beloved member of our community. Finally, CSUS would like to celebrate and shout out the entrepreneurial spirit of 8th grader Rehaan Anjaria who has developed his own business during the pandemic! You can see his website by clicking here. We know remote learning has been a challenge, and has required a change of mindset and development of new skills for scholars and adults alike. We are so proud of our community for rising to these new circumstances and finding ways to thrive.
There is no Flex Time assignment grid in this coming week’s Sunday Rundown; we encourage scholars to use this time to choose an independent book and enjoy the time to relax. Also, it would be a great time to catch up on any missed work. We will send an updated list of assignments on Sunday, January 3, before school resumes on the 4th.
Finally, some staffing updates. We are pleased to confirm the following staff appointments that will become official on Jan. 4, 2021. Tracey Gordon has been appointed to the position of Literacy Interventionist. Damian Baeza has been appointed to the position of Grade 7 Social Studies Teacher. Damian joins us from Community Charter School of Cambridge where he had served for 5 years as a Humanities Teacher and as a BIPOC Affinity Group Leader. He also taught ELA for 2 years at Cathedral High School. We look forward to their contributions to the success of CSUS.
Thank you for entrusting us with your scholar’s learning in this unprecedented year. We understand that you have choices regarding your child’s education, and appreciate you choosing CSUS! Stay safe, warm, and well, and enjoy the upcoming winter break!
Peace,
Manuel and Christen
 December Calendar
Check out this month's events in Cambridge Street Upper School's December Calendar! View Calendar >>
Friday Night Hype
Thank you for coming to this Friday's event! We appreciate all scholars and mentors who showed up to hear from our guest speaker and have a little fun with their peers! We hope to see you in January for our next edition of Friday Night Hype! I hope you and your families enjoy the break and holiday!
CSUS Winter Time Support Drive
Good Evening CSUS Parents and Caregivers, for many families this year has been challenging and difficult, and as we move into the next few months those challenges can become even more of a burden than they currently are. To support scholars and families within our school community that may be in need this winter, the CSUS PCO will be holding a winter time support drive this month.
If you are able and willing to donate to the cause we will be accepting donations via the PCO Website.
Attention CSUS Families! Influenza Vaccination Reminder
This is a reminder that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts now requires all children who attend Massachusetts schools be immunized against influenza by December 31, 2020. The only exceptions are for documented medical or religious exemptions. View letter>>
Virtual Art Lunch
Grade 7/8 - Wednesdays | 12:30PM - 1PM
Grade 6 - Thursdays | 12:30PM - 1PM
Hang out with Ms. Silbert, Sofija and CSUS scholars for art lunch via Google Classroom Meet! To join, email Ms. Silbert. Flyer>>
Reduced Fare Student T-Passes
Reduced fare student t-passes are available at the CSUS main office. Please contact Assistant Principal, Ms. Sohn at 617-599-7508 if you experience difficulty accessing the building.
Illustrative Mathematics Curriculum
Grade 6 scholars will be using this curriculum in math. Click here to learn more >>
Remote Learning Assignments and Resources
Coronavirus (COVD-19) Testing
Where to Get Tested
Testing appointments through the City's free mobile-testing program are now available at the following locations:
- Monday: 50 Church St. 12PM-8PM
- Tuesday: 50 Church St. 12PM-8PM
- Wednesday: 2254 Massachusetts Ave, St. John the Evangelist Church, 10AM-6PM
- Thursday: CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, 11AM-7PM (Drive-through testing in garage. Enter on First St.)
- Friday: 50 Church St. 12PM-8PM
- Saturday: Pisani Center located at 131 Washington Street. 11AM-7PM
- Sunday: CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, 11AM-7PM (Drive-through testing in garage. Enter on First St.)
You can schedule an appointment online or by calling 617.349.9788.
Breakfast & Lunch Distribution
The CPS Food & Nutrition team will provide breakfast and lunch to your children as the school year begins, Monday through Friday from 12NOON to 1PM! See what's on the menu this month and pick up a turkey deli sandwich or hummus & veggie pack today at a site near you: View the Menu >>
View Distribution Sites >>
Find It Cambridge
There are many programs available to Kindergarteners - 8th Graders this Fall. Here are some resources for:
Find other opportunities here or call/text 617.686.2998, or email us.
Programs are continuing to update their opportunities based on the recent state guidelines, so check back often!
In Our Community
- Fight the Flu. Get Your Flu Shot!
You can make an appointment for a flu shot with either your healthcare provider or local pharmacy. Note: It's mandatory for CPS students to receive flu shots by 12/31. Learn more >>
- Holiday Pops: Festive Stories for the Whole Family
December 20 | 4PM | View Flyer >>
The CSO will produce a free live stream event with pre-recorded video featuring a mini version of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. More details >>
- Broad Institute's Bio-Coding Club
- Cambridge CCC In-Person Full Day Support
- Girlx Only Leadership Development (GOLD)
Tuesdays | 5-7PM | Zoom | Register >>
- CEOC Resources: Food Pantry, P-EBT Benefit Help, Health insurance Application Support
- CEOC Food Pantry is now open at 11 Inman Street!
- Still haven’t received P-EBT benefits? Learn more >>
- Health insurance:
It is Open Enrollment for health insurance now through January 23, 2021. Learn more >>
- For more information on any of the above, please call 617.868.2900 or visit here.
- DHSP FREE Winter Programming
DHSP is now offering FREE virtual K-8 programming from December 14th - January 15th, 3-6PM. Learn more >>
- FREE Adult Education Programs
If you work with adults who would benefit from free ABE, ESOL, and high school equivalency classes, here are some programs. Details >>
- McLean Hospital Mental Health Webinars
McLean Hospital has dedicated their time making free resources available for the public. View Upcoming Webinars >>
- Free Meals for All Students
Monday - Friday, 12-1PM. Details >>
- Guide to Healthier Snacking
Find handy tips on the right hand margin of the School Health page on the CPHD website! Guide available in multiple languages.
- Cambridge Families of Color Coalition (CFCC)
The CFCC is a collective of families and students of color working to uplift, empower, celebrate, and nurture our students and each other.
Learn more >>
- Food Resources
For more information about Food Pantries, Financial Assistance for Food, Free Delivery Services and more, please check the list from FinditCambridge. We also have an updated Food Resources flyer that lists all the pantries, congregate programs, school meals, etc. (find all translated languages on the CiM main page) operations in Cambridge and a current Farmers Market flyer.
- Cambridge Public Library Resources
- Contactless Holds Pickup Service hours available at the O'Neill Branch (70 Rindge Ave., Cambridge)
- Google Drawing 101: Sticker Design
December 29 | 12NOON
Learn the fundamentals of Google Drawing to design and edit images for customized OR your own vinyl stickers.
Register here >>
- Google Drawing 101: Winter Solstice Lantern
December 22 | 3:30PM
Learn the fundamentals of Google Drawing to design and edit pieces for a laser-cut lantern. Register here >>
- English Classes: Virtual Introductory Level ESOL Classes run by Cambridge Public Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m and 1pm. Intermediate ESOL classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. Registration is required for each class. Please see the Library’s online events calendar for more details.
- Stay Connected with CPL! To keep up with what’s happening at the Library, please subscribe to the CPL email list or visit the website.
Healthy Snack of the Week
Here's Cambridge in Motion's Healthy Snack of the Week:
Baked Carrot Sticks: Slice carrots into sticks, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375 degrees F for 20-24 minutes. Dip these into a hummus or greek yogurt dip for extra flavor
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