Updates from Principal Smith

Welcome back CRLS Students, Families and Caregivers,

I hope you’ve had a relaxing and enjoyable summer! Welcome you to the new school year! CRLS educators and staff are eager to work with scholars and we are excited for the first day of school on September 9th. As the first day approaches, I am sharing key information about the upcoming school year. Please see below for important updates-

1) Student Schedules Available on Aspen

Schedules are now available to view in Aspen. You can view the schedule by logging into Aspen. 

Aspen: Log On >>

You'll want to view your schedule from the full/desktop site. Go to the My Info Top Tab and then the Schedule Side Tab

It is easiest to look at the List view and not the Matrix view.

If you are on a mobile device, click the Menu at the top left and choose Full Site.

If you are new to Cambridge Public Schools this year and you...

• are a parent or caregiver: Your Aspen login information was emailed home. If you did not receive it, please contact your child's Learning Community.
  
  Learning Community C: 617.349.6674
  Learning Community R: 617.349.6661
  Learning Community L: 617.349.6638
  Learning Community S: 617.349.6652
  
  
• are a student: You will receive your login credentials when you pick up your Chromebook, or on the first day during the New Beginnings Orientation.
  

Guidance Counselors will be returning to school on Monday, August 30th. Lynn Williams, Coordinator of Guidance will be sending information about what to do if you have a question about your schedule.

2) Grade Level Opening School Week Class Schedules

The first day of school on Thursday, September 9th. For each grade level there will be an orientation session on the first day to welcome new and returning students to school. Additionally there will be special class schedules for all students from September 10-15 for additional engagement and community building opportunities. The links below are connected to the schedule from Sept 9-17 for each grade level. Access the schedule for the grade that your scholar(s) will be entering this school year.

View 9th Grade Opening Week Schedule >>
View 10th Grade Opening Week Schedule >>
View 11th Grade Opening Week Schedule >>
View 12th Grade Opening Week Schedule >>

3) CRLS Class & Bell Schedule

I am also including the finalized Class Schedule for the school year. The link below is connected to the weekly schedule that starts on September 16, 2021.

View CRLS Class & Bell Schedule 2021-22 >>

In the schedule you will notice changes to both CM and Advisory in this finalized schedule I have approved. Rather than having CM twice a week for 15 minutes, we will have one 35 minute CM session just on Wednesdays. With one 35 min CM session, we can be more purposeful with the use of time to advance student achievement and wellness. Likewise, Advisory sessions will not be occurring twice a week. Instead, Advisory will occur at specific identified times in the year in order to better support identified student achievement and wellness events. For example, like last year, Advisory groupings will be utilized to schedule and conduct Family/ Scholar Listening Conferences at the start of the first semester of this school year. Please note, as we will have one 35 minute CM session per week, classes will be slightly longer on the other days of the week.

I will share any additional developments with the community as necessary. I look forward to seeing you soon! Enjoy the remainder of the break.

Sincerely,
Principal Smith

CRLS Class Schedule Thursday, Sept. 9 through Friday, Sept. 17

September 9, 2021, Black Day
Opening Week Schedule

• View 9th Grade Opening Week Schedule >>
• View 10th Grade Opening Week Schedule >>
• View 11th Grade Opening Week Schedule >>
• View 12th Grade Opening Week Schedule >>

Starting September 17..
View CRLS Class & Bell Schedule >> 

Back-to-School 2021 Information

Visit the following link for details on the following information. More details >>

• Free and Reduced Lunch Application
• Food and Nutrition Services Info
  
• CRLS Opening Week Schedule & Bell Schedule
  
• Work Permits
  
• MBTA Student Passes
  
• Curriculum Night Information
  

Complete Back-to-School Forms

Welcome to the updated CPS Family Portal, where you can find important information, complete forms, and take other important actions. These forms must be completed by the first day of school, which is September 9, 2021 for grades 1 - 12 and September 13, 2021 for preschool, junior, kindergarten, and kindergarten. Thank you for completing your annual forms!

Complete forms here >>

Where do I pick up a MBTA card?  

MBTA Student Card Distribution Process
For more details on the MBTA Student Card Distribution Process, please visit "MBTA Student Passes" page on the CRLS website. More details >>

A distribution table will be set-up outside the CRLS main entrance on the following days:

If you would like to pick up a card you can do so on according to the following schedule.

If you are unable to pick up these cards in person during these specified pick-up times, please send an email.

NOTE: NO CARDS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO BE PICKED UP. IF YOU MISS THE DISTRIBUTION DATES AND TIMES YOU WILL NEED TO REQUEST A CARD BY EMAIL.

CRLS Fall Semester Curriculum Night  

September 23 | 6-7:30 PM
Curriculum Night is a time to learn about what your child will be studying for the semester. Teachers will be pre-recording and sending caregivers their presentation of their course description, syllabus and grade policy for you to watch at your convenience on or before September 23.

Live Information Sessions
The evening will feature 30-minute live informational webinars from 6-7:30PM on the following sessions:

Note: To prevent Zoom bombing, links will be emailed to CRLS families before the event.

Fall '21: Music Auditions! Percussion Ensemble & World Jazz  

Videos of Percussion Ensemble & World Jazz
Percussion Ensemble >> 
Drum Circle >>
World Jazz Ensemble >>

For more information, please contact Guillermo Nojechowicz.

Photos: Bethany Versoy - Members of the Drumline-Percussion Ensemble and World Jazz Ensemble

COVID-19 Information

CPS works closely with the Cambridge Public Health Department and our school leaders to monitor the public health situation, gather input from the scientific, medical, and educator experts, and update our policies and procedures as necessary. Cambridge should have pride in CPS’s pandemic response. From the beginning of the pandemic, CPS has prioritized safe, in-person learning and made significant investments in a comprehensive plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19. More details >>

Cambridge Public Library Updates

The current Main Library Teen Room hours are 1-5PM seven days a week. The rest of the Main Library is open until 9PM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. The City of Cambridge requires all visitors and employees – vaccinated or not – to wear a mask while in City buildings, including Library locations. While this mandate is in effect, there is no eating permitted inside the Library.

The Hive Tour & Equipment Training
Wednesday, September 22 | 3:30-5:30PM
Wednesday, September 29 | 3:30-5:30PM
Teens are invited to visit The Hive, the Library's new makerspace, to get a tour and training on some of the fun equipment during two teen-only open house sessions on 9/22 and 9/29.

Healthy Snack of the Week

Tomato Salad! Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers (or zucchini), edamame and balsamic vinegar. Tip: Mix any veggie or bean into this simple salad! Also, use frozen veggie mixes for a quicker snack.

CRLS Events & Reminders

In Our District & Community