Message from Julie Craven
Dear RAUC Families,

Happy April! Hopefully the snow is behind us and we can all start enjoying the longer days with time outside in more seasonable spring weather.

This week marks the beginning of MCAS testing. Please note the MCAS schedule posted in this newsletter. These tests provide helpful information to the school as we assess how we are doing in supporting the learning of all students. They also help families and students see how they are doing in relation to state standards. That said, we know that these state mandated tests and the schedule changes to accommodate them can be stressful for students. Teachers have been working to familiarize students with test structures and strategies; they also have conversations with students about ways to manage test anxieties. You can help your student by making sure they have a good night’s sleep and healthy meals in the days leading up to the tests. You can also remind them that these tests do not affect their grades--they are simply sources of information for all of us to reflect on how we are doing. All they need to do is relax and do their best so this information is as accurate and helpful as possible.
  
Of course, rich learning continues to happen as well! Enjoy the 6th grade learning previews featured this week, or review earlier newsletters to see what your student is up to. And I hope to see you at Cafe Night this Thursday! Please note the changed start time of 5PM.   

In partnership,

Julie Craven, Head of School

Grades Close: Friday, April 7
Please be sure your student has turned in all work that teachers are still accepting by Friday, April 7. Progress reports will be live on Aspen on Thursday, April 13. Families without access to the Internet will have reports mailed to them.

Reminder: April Vacation is Friday, April 14 - Sunday, April 26
No school Friday! We hope your student enjoys the week off. We will look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, April 27.


8th Grade Field Trip to Biogen
It's time for the 8th grade annual science field trip to Biogen. In a continuation of their study of genetics, students will engage in a hands-on lab to study sickle cell anemia. Because the lab only holds 30 students at a time, the trip is spread out over three days:  April 10, 11 and 13.

Students will be leaving RAUC around 9:05AM and returning between 1:30PM and 2PM each day. Please be on the lookout for permission slips.



Summer Math Enrichment Opportunities – FREE! 
Please see printed flyer or visit the CPS website (see link below) for math opportunities for students seeking to deepen their math skills at all levels. Summer math >>

6th Grade Learning Previews 
See what our students are going to be studying this month!
Read more >> 

Reminder of MCAS Testing Days
Please make sure your student has a good night’s sleep the night before and is on time to school the day of the test--all tests start in the morning:
6th Grade: 
ELA– Tue/Wed, April 11 & 12; 
Math– Mon/Tue, May 15 & 16
7th Grade:
ELA– Thur/Fri, April 6 & 7; 
Math– Tue/Wed, May 2 & 3
8th Grade:
ELA– Tue/Wed, April 4 &5; 
Math– Tue/Wed, May 9 & 10; 
Science– Thur, May 18 & Tue, May 23

NOTE: 8th grade students will take ELA and Math tests on computers, as per state directive. We have already had several practice sessions and conducted an infrastructure trial. All systems are go!

See letter from superintendent about MCAS testing: http://bit.ly/2nayv7b

Upcoming Family Engagement Events
Ask a 6th Grader
Wednesday, April 5 | 6 - 7PM | RAUC library and cafeteria
While 5th graders ask questions of 6th grade panelists in the library, families are invited to meet with current FRAUC members in the cafeteria to learn how to get involved.

FRAUC Meeting
Wednesday, April 12 | 6 - 7 PM in the RAUC library

Coffee with Julie
Thursday, April 13 | 9 - 10AM

Out of School Time Opportunities
*All flyers and registration forms are available at RAUC. Students/families can contact Justin McNulty at [email protected]

Upward Bound Open House (see flyer)
When: Tuesday, April 18th | 2 - 4PM
Where: 265 Massachusetts Avenue-Building N52-130 Cambridge, MA 02139
Ages: 8th Grade Only and Parents/Guardians
Please RSVP: 617.253.5124 or [email protected]

Camp Kesem at MIT (see flyer)
When: August 13-18 or August 20-25
Where: MIT
Ages: 6-16
Cost: Free
Contact: [email protected] | 617.520.4063
http://campkesem.org/mit



Follow the Cambridge Middle School Network (MSN)!
Stay updated on what's happening for middler schoolers in Cambridge. Find @CambridgeMSN on Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to sign up (via Facebook) to get the MSN monthly e-newsletter, too. View the MSN Out-of-School Time Opportunities Resource Guide >>