Letter to Caregivers
Dear CSUS Parents and Caregivers,
We hope you enjoyed the sunshine and kept warm this weekend. This week we are sharing a lot of scheduling updates - both our recent updates to increase live learning time and our continued progress toward the transition to a hybrid learning model.
Recent schedule updates
In the January 8 Sunday Rundown, we shared that The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced additional amendments to the Student Learning Time (SLT) regulations. The amendments establish new minimum levels for live, synchronous instruction that districts are required to meet during remote learning.
To meet these requirements in the middle of a semester, we chose to add additional live class opportunities with the goal of providing support for existing Flex Time assignments. These additional meeting times did not require additional work from scholars, but were designed to support them in completing work that was already assigned, and catching up on any missed work prior to the end of the semester. This was a challenging adjustment for some scholars; we know they have gotten into a “rhythm,” and some scholars have become used to working off screen and independently. Other scholars reported that they used this time effectively to check in with teachers, work with peers, and complete missing or late assignments. We also offered scholars a degree of choice when selecting which additional classes to attend, which included a combination of classes and virtual Meets that offered additional support with assignments, enrichment, and/or opportunities for social connection.
We know that these changes ‘worked’ for some scholars, and were frustrating for others. Some scholars liked being able to make choices, and others found the process confusing. When we transition to our Semester 2 schedule, much of this additional synchronous learning time will be built more fluidly into our day by adding minutes to our existing courses. We also invited scholars to complete a survey to provide feedback about what class offerings and choices would be most useful to them. Any caregivers that would like to offer ideas or suggestions for use of instructional time as we move into Semester 2 are welcome to complete this survey or email Assistant Principal Christen Sohn.
Transition to in-person/hybrid learning
As many of you may have read in Dr. Salim’s recent email, CPS is moving forward with plans to provide expanded in-person learning opportunities beginning on March 1. Here are some important dates and relevant next steps
- Monday, January 25: Families will be notified of their scholar’s enrollment status based on information from the January 8-15 family survey. You will receive an additional update from the District later this week, with important information that must be reviewed and forms that must be completed. This will include information about safety protocols, transportation/bus information, and information about student COVID-19 testing.
- Wednesday, January 27 and Wednesday, February 3: District-wide professional development days for important school-based staff planning and preparation. There will be NO SCHOOL for scholars on those days. Scholar Flex Time assignments will be adjusted to accommodate the shorter school week.
- Families interested in changing their scholar’s learning model may request a change to a student’s instruction mode (in-person or remote learning) through the existing COVID-19 Hardship Appeal process.
In the coming weeks, our staff will continue working hard to prepare for an in-person learning model that is safe, welcoming, and engaging. We will also be reflecting on the first half of the year and sharing best practices around how to continue to grow in our ability to provide thoughtful and engaging remote teaching and learning experiences for our scholars that will continue to attend school remotely. We are incredibly fortunate in our talented, dedicated staff who are working hard to provide quality interactive instruction using a variety of tools to reach scholars through screens!
We continue to appreciate your patience and collaboration as we navigate these changes; if you have questions, we encourage you to connect with us. 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 we appreciate you choosing CSUS.
Peace,
Manuel and Christen
Cambridge Debate League
Tuesdays | 3-4PM | View Flyer >>
Interested in debate? Join the Cambridge Debate Team! *Available to any student in Grades 6-8th. Contact Megan Litten to request your virtual invitation. More details >>
Announcing this year's 2021 (Virtual) School Play!
Auditions will be held on February 2nd & 3rd with Callbacks on the 4th. Join the Google Classroom Callboard with code xkhwm6t or email Ms. Smith for more information.
TACI Tuesdays: Let’s Talk About...
Tuesdays | 12NOON | Join via Google Meet >>
Join Ms. Kronhaus if you are an CSUS scholar interested in discussing current issues. Find support and brainstorm ideas around what we can do as a community to generate change! View flyer >>
Virtual Art Lunch
Grade 7/8 - Wednesdays | 12:30NOON - 1PM
Grade 6 - Thursdays | 12:30NOON - 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
- Sign up for Broad Institute's Bio-Coding Club
Wednesdays, January 27th - April 14th | 3:15-4PM
- Lasagna Love
Need a hand feeding your family? Your neighbors want to help! Request a FREE lasagna delivery! More details >>
- Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)
Information about P-EBT benefits from the DTA can be found here.
- FREE After-School Orienteering Mini-Games
Fun, outdoor enrichment activities based on CPS orienteering physical education unit! View Flyer >> | Upcoming events >>
- Harvard Square "Fridge in the Square"
The fridge is operated by neighbors, for neighbors serving Harvard Square as part of a national network of community fridges. With the principle 'take what you need, leave what you can', we aim to redistribute resources within our community to those in need on a hyper-local scale.
Sign up here to volunteer >>
For more info, please email or DM on Instagram @cambridgefridge.
- Fight the Flu. Get Your Flu Shot!
You can make an appointment for a flu shot with either your healthcare provider or local pharmacy. Learn more >>
- 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
- 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
Free mental health resources 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)
CFCC is a collective of families & students of color working to uplift, empower, celebrate, & nurture our students & 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
- English Classes: Virtual Introductory Level ESOL & Intermediate ESOL classes available. 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
.png "Apple Sandwiches")
Here's Cambridge in Motion's Healthy Snack of the Week:
Apple Sandwiches: Slice apples thinly and add cheddar cheese between the slices! Serve with dried fruits like cranberries, apricots and/or prunes!
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