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A Note from Principal Tony Byers:
15 Days
I’d love to announce that we’ve had a fantastic first month of school, but this would be a disingenuous statement. While the month of September is behind us, we’ve only been in school for 15 days. With a late first day of school and three days off, I can’t claim that we have a month of school under our belts, but I can say that the first 15 days have gotten us off to a great start. Hear more from Tony >>
Back to School Picnic Potluck was a Huge Success!
A big thank you to all of the many families who participated in this year's Back to School Picnic Potluck! We had an amazing assortment of food from around the world and next door. As a new member of the Graham & Parks community, I was so excited to meet so many parents and try everyone's food. Throughout the night, I had a Mexican tamale, French crepe, Chinese dumpling, Japanese noodles, Ethiopian Injera and Wat, plus some delicious salads and of course a desert or two. Parents and students added even more to the welcoming spirit by decorating a "Welcome to Graham & Parks" sign with their names and the word "Welcome" in their native languages. The parents and school staff got to mingle, catch up after a long summer and meet many newcomers while the kids enjoyed the many snacks and an opportunity to have extra time to play in the playground and courtyard. It was a beautiful night filled with great food, amazing people and lots of laughs. Yum! – Lauren Morse, Family Liaison
Welcome Back Assembly
The first Graham & Parks Assembly of the new school year was a smashing success! Hear more >>
Get Involved at G&P!
Hear about the different ways to get involved at Graham & Parks. Read more >>
Teacher Spotlight: Jocelyn Marshall
Get to know Jocelyn a bit more with this new Q&A! Meet Jocelyn >>
Leveled Book Room Update
One of the great resources we have at G&P is a leveled book room. We have thousands of books organized from Level A (beginning reader) to Level Z (proficient reader about to enter high school). Teachers use these books to work with small groups of students at their particular instructional level, helping kids to grow in their reading skills. This year, we incorporated hundreds of new books into our collection, cleaned out old ones, updated our inventory, and re-organized and labeled every single box (there are hundreds of boxes!). It took many, many, many hours to do this, but we have been able to open the Leveled Book Room to teachers in just two weeks! This is record time!
We want to thank some amazing volunteers who helped us get the Book Room in such good shape. Under the leadership of our new Reading Interventionists, Heather Elgin and Laura Broach, the following parents really pitched in: Chris Dickson, Anna Henchman, Elis Kanner, Mary-Ann Matyas, Liza Tague, Liujun Tang, and Ena Valenzuela
Many thanks for the invaluable help! – Kathy Greeley, ELA Coach
Tech Update
Keyboarding is an essential skill for students in today's digital world. Learn more about Typing Club, the online program that our 3rd-5th graders are using >>
In Our Community
Free Bike Maintenance Workshops
Cambridge in Motion
October 5 | 6PM | Bicycle Maintenance Basics
Learn about: Bicycle Anatomy, Pre-ride check, Portable tool kit, Removing wheels, Flat tire basics, Chain maintenance, Seat height, Keeping your bike healthy with preventative bike maintenance
October 5 | 7PM | Beyond Maintenance Basics
Learn about: Basic repair tools, Thoroughly cleaning and lubricating your bike, Removing both wheels, Completely changing a flat tire, Pinpointing squeaks and rattles, Removing pedals, Adjusting front and rear brakes/derailleurs, Dealing with a broken spoke.
–Classes take place at the Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, L2 Community Room. Come learn + get a free helmet!
More info and to RSVP: [email protected]
Pathways to Family Success
Next session begins October 3...sign up today!
Where the whole family can grow. Pathways to Family Success is a program for parents and their kids. Participants get resources for navigating the U.S. school system, support from other parents, and activities for the entire family. Pathways is for Cambridge families...
with children in Kindergarten to 3rd grade; who speak English as a second language; who live in Public Housing, have Section 8, or are eligible for either of those. Pathways meets: Saturdays, October–May, 10AM-12:30PM | 119 Windsor Street.
To learn more or sign up, contact Beth at 617.665.3827 or [email protected].
Pathways is a partnership of the Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative, Community Learning Center, Center for Families, and Cambridge Housing Authority. It is based at the Cambridge Public Health Department.
Walk/Bike to School Day
Please join us on October 7th as we celebrate International Walk and Bike to School Day! Take some time out to promote health, safety, and the environment by biking or walking to school with your child. It’s a great way to help your child learn and practice safe bicycle and pedestrian skills while improving air quality and reducing traffic congestion around our school. The Cambridge Community Development Department will be joining us with prizes and giveaways for students as well as information and coffee for parents.
More info >>
Head of the Charles Regatta
October 17 & 18
Since 1965, rowers have come from near and far to take part in the world’s largest Regatta. But the fun isn’t limited to competitors. There are many ways for spectators to get involved in the weekend’s festivities. More info >>
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G&P CALENDAR
See full calendar online >>
Friday, October 2 | 8:30AM
First Friday Coffee with the Family Cultural Exchange Program
Family Cultural Exchange Program (FCEP) provides a chance for families to come together outside of school to enjoy socializing and making new friends from all around the world. Whether you come from across the street or across the ocean, we invite you to be a part of the FCEP! On the first Friday of every month, FCEP will meet in G&P's front lobby at 8:30AM and walk together to Bourbon Coffee located at 1815 Massachusetts Ave. Anyone is welcome, and we especially hope new families and international families will participate.
Monday, October 5
Friends of G&P Meeting
In the front lobby at drop-off. We will discuss plans for our upcoming events and we promise fresh coffee and delicious treats!
Wednesday, October 7
Picture Day for all students
Wednesday, October 7
Walk/Ride to School Day
See details on left.
Thursday, October 8
5:30-7:30PM
Steering Committee Meeting
The Steering Committee, including parents and staff, oversees school policy and ensures that school governance is shared amongst administration, teachers, and families. Although members of the Committee have already been elected for the 2015-16 school year, all G&P families are welcome to attend and contribute as community members. Childcare is provided if arranged in advance with our Family Liaison.
Friday, October 9
8:30-9:30AM
Parent Coffee Talk
Parent Coffee Talks are held in the library once a month. This month's topic is Becoming a Title I School, presented by Mary Grassi, CPS's Title I liaison.
Monday, October 12
No School
Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day
Tuesday, October 20
Early Release Day
Friday, October 23
5-7:30PM
Octoberfest
Please join us for fall-themed games, food, and lots of fun activities. Hosted by the Friends of G&P!
SIBLING REGISTRATION
Do you have a child who will turn 3 years old by August 31st, 2016? Or a child who will turn 4 years old between April 1st - August 31st, 2016? Don't miss the 3-Year-Old Lottery! Apply in October for Limited Available Seats at the Tobin Montessori, Fletcher Maynard Scholar College and Special Start Integrated Classrooms (which includes our Special Start class at G&P!). Apply in person at the Family Resource Center, 459 Broadway in Cambridge Rindge & Latin School.
Questions? Contact [email protected] or 617.349.6577 x115 or the Family Resource Center at 617.349.6551.
CORI FORMS
CORI forms must be filled out every year in order for you to go on a field trip or volunteer in your child's class. It takes at least two weeks for it to be processed. The forms can be found online, in the G&P main office, or by asking Mildrid or Lauren, the Family Liaisons. Completed forms should be returned to Mrs. D in the main office with a copy of a valid Driver's License or passport. (Sorry - Student ID's not accepted.)
CONTACT BOOKS
Build family connections that support student learning!
Sign up today >>
COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Linnaean Community School's enrichment classes began on Monday, September 21st. There are still openings in some classes. Class for adults include Men's Basketball and an Adult Bollywood Zumba Exercise class. To register or for more information, please call Mary Ellen Breen at 617.349.6267.
Graham & Parks School
44 Linnaean St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
School's Website
Main Office: 617.349.6577
School Cancellation Line:
617.349.6513
Tardy/Late Line:
617.349.6577 x125
Contacting G&P Staff
For time sensitive messages, call the main office at 617.349.6577. While staff cannot take phone calls during the day, you can leave a voice message by calling 617.349.6577 and using the classroom number as the extension. Staff members have email addresses as follows: First initial and last name as one word, followed by @cpsd.us. For example, Jane Smith would be [email protected]. Staff members also have mailboxes in the front office where you may leave a note.
Communicate with the G&P Community
Email lists:
ParentLink for official school announcements; these are sent to email addresses on emergency cards.
gp21:
This is a parent-run Yahoo group with discussions of school matters as well as sharing of information and resources. Visit groups.yahoo.com/group/gp21
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