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Update from Rindge Avenue Upper School | March 6, 2018
Published on Mar 6, 2018 16:26
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Greetings from Julie Craven
Dear RAUC Families,
As you know, we processed the tragedy of the Parkland shooting the day after it occurred. I echo the deep appreciation the superintendent expressed in his letter to the community for the skills and compassion with which teachers are able to spontaneously respond to events that can be so shocking.
While we were on break, there was growing momentum for a student walkout on March 14th to support action to curtail gun violence. That day is a week away, but I wanted to share with you how we at RAUC have been responding to student questions so that we can work with you in partnership to support our young people.
When students have approached staff, they first wonder if they will be punished. We have reiterated the superintendent’s message, that students have a right to express themselves and we support that right. These conversations have been teachable moments, whether they happen in advisory, in class, or in hallways during arrival or dismissal. We talk with students about the standards for student expression--that they need to be safe and non-disruptive of the learning of others. We let them know that there will be an adult present should any students choose to walk out, as our job is to ensure their safety. We ask them to talk about what they know to be the motivation for and goals of the walkout, and encourage them to go try to find out more so that they are very clear why they are taking an action if they so choose to. I personally have been impressed with the seriousness and thoughtfulness of the students I have spoken with and indeed many have come back to me the next day more deeply informed by their own research.
I also wanted to share with you two articles that staff have reflected upon which intersect with the equity work we are doing as a school and a district. The first captures the hurt and anger experienced by some young people of color in the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) who feel that their actions in response to gun tragedies in their community have not received the same response as that of the predominantly white, suburban high school students, and indeed have been denigrated. Many of our students may be grappling with similar feelings: Why It Hurts When the World Loves Everyone But Us. The second article reports on a meeting between the Parkland students and Chicago student advocates against gun violence in their community: Parkland Survivors Meet with Chicago Students to Talk About Gun Violence Beyond “Gated Communities.” There is a striking evolution of thought captured by these two articles: students have a powerful movement in response to tragedy, other students of color eloquently express simultaneous empathy and hurt at the contrast to lack of response to their community realities and advocacy, Parkland students listen without taking offense and see this as an opportunity to reflect on their own privilege and expand their own thinking and impact. There is a lesson here for adults.
With respect,
Julie Craven, Head of School
Spring Learning Partners Conferences Start This Week!
You can still sign up to meet with your student's teachers. Bring your student to the conference so everyone hears the same message!
- 6th Grade: Wednesday, March 7, 8AM - 3:30PM
- 7th Grade: Thursday, March 8, 8AM - 3:30PM
- ALL Grades & Specials: Wednesday, March 14, 5:30 - 7:55PM
- 8th Grade: Thursday, March 15, 8AM - 3:30PM
- Specials: Friday, March 16, 8 - 8:40AM
If you do not have access to the internet or need support in scheduling, please call the school at 617.349.4060. Please note that if there is a snow day on a conference day, our plan is to conduct conferences the following week, same times.
6th Grade Learning Previews
See what our students are going to be studying this month! Read more >>
Sign Up to Support the March 23rd Dance
Friday, March 23, will be the last RAUC dance of the school year. This final dance is sponsored by 8th grade families, although all support is welcomed. Support can include donations of refreshments, water, arts/crafts activities, or time setting up, selling refreshments, or cleaning up. Please see the sign up sheet >>
RAUC Celebrates World Language Week!
March 5-9, 2018 is a nationally recognized week dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of World Languages and the importance and benefits of being multilingual. This year's theme is “LANGUAGES LEAD US ON A PATH TO UNDERSTANDING OTHER CULTURES.”
Check out the flyer to see what is happening at RAUC this week >>
Coming Up in the 8th to 9th Grade Transition
On Tuesday, March 13, the CRLS deans are coming to RAUC to address all students and answer questions at a whole grade assembly. Then on Friday, March 23rd the CRLS Guidance Counselors will be at RAUC to work with our students on their 9th grade course selection. Students have already received 8th grade teacher recommendations for Math, World Language, and Music. All 9th grade students will take Honors level English, Honors level History, and Physics College Preparatory (CP) with Honors option. 9th grade Physics is a mixed class of students taking the course at a CP or Honors level. Students that opt for the Honors level Physics distinction will have additional coursework assigned to them throughout the semester. Students will also have the chance to choose 1-3 electives depending on the flexibility of their schedule.
Families will be able to review student selections over the weekend and make minor edits to elective choices up until Sunday, March 25th. Please feel free to reach out to Lynn Williams, CRLS guidance director ([email protected]), or RAUC guidance counselor, Shanika Boadu ([email protected], 617.349.4060 Ext. 2194) with any additional questions. Another great resource is the CRLS Guidance Department webpage: http://bit.ly/2FtlGRN.
New Opportunities
All flyers and registration forms are available at RAUC. Students or families can contact Justin McNulty.
Learn more about opportunities outside school via the Middle School Network!
Harvard College Youth Leadership Initiative
When: Saturdays, Mar. 17-Apr. 21
Where: Harvard University Campus
Time: 11AM-1PM
Grade: 6-8
Contact: [email protected] / Kate Johnsen: [email protected] 617.496.5088
Girls Media (see flyer)
When: Wednesdays, Mar. 7- May 16
Where: 119 Windsor Street
Time: 5-7PM
Cost: Free
Grades: Girls, 6-8
Contact: Erica at [email protected]
Real Talk (see flyer)
When: March 12-May 7
Where: FMA, 225 Windsor Street
Time: 5-7PM
Cost: Free
Grades: Boys, 6-8
Contact: 617.349.6588 x422, [email protected]
25th Annual Summer Resource/Summer Camp Info Fair (see flyer)
UPDATE! Due to the storm, we're postponing until Wednesday, March 14!
Where: CRLS Main Cafeteria
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Contact: Liz Lewis, 617.349.6283
2018 Sidewalk Poetry Contest (see flyer)
When: February 20-March 20
Entry Deadline: March 20, 11:59PM
Submit: www.cambridgema.gov/sidewalkpoetry
Call: 617.349.4380
Let's Connect!
Stay in the loop by joining our social media communities.
RAUC Facebook >>
District Social Media >>
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RAUC EVENTS
Conferences
March 7-16
School Site Council Meeting
March 7 | 7:30 - 8:15AM
Early Release Day
March 13
Spring Clubs Begin
March 20
School Dance
March 23
RAUC LOGO T-SHIRTS & SWEATSHIRTS FOR SALE IN THE OFFICE
T-shirts $10
Sweatshirts $35
Cash or check made out to Rindge Ave. Student Agency. Get them while the supply lasts (stop by after your conference)!
FRIDAY SOUP SALE CONTRIBUTIONS & VOLUNTEERS STILL WELCOMED!
Sign up here to support the Friday, March 9th fundraiser (11:30AM to 1:30PM).
For $5/bowl, our teachers will be treated to a delicious bowl of hot soup.
Questions? Email
Yih-hsien Shen at [email protected].
All proceeds will be used by FRAUC to support our students and school for field trips and other enrichment activities.
RAUC CLUBS UPDATE
Winter Clubs ended on Thursday, March 1st. No clubs are scheduled from March 6th to 15th.
The late bus will continue to be available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through out the year without interruption for students who participate in other after school activities.
Spring Clubs begin on Tuesday, March 20th and end on Thursday, May 24th.
The Spring Clubs brochure will be posted online on Tuesday, March 6th. Please call Ms. Sanchez at RAUC if you have any questions, 617.349.4060.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WORKSHOP
March 13 | 5:30-7PM
Islamic Society of Boston
205 Prospect St., Cambridge
Come learn about your rights from an immigration attorney.
www.isboston.net
617.876.3546
Details >>
IMMIGRATION LEGAL SCREENING CLINICS
FREE consultations with an immigrant attorney every third Wednesday of the month. Details >>
More resources >>
HEALTHY SNACK OF THE WEEK
Here's Cambridge in Motion's Healthy Snack of the week suggestion:
whole grain cereal, milk & banana.
MOBILE APP
Stay informed via our FREE mobile app!
Details >>
FIND IT
Looking for things to do in Cambridge? Take a peek at Find It Cambridge!
www.finditcambridge.org
IN OUR COMMUNITY
See a list of programs and events in our community.
Details >>
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
School Calendar
District Calendar
RINDGE AVENUE
UPPER SCHOOL
70 Rindge Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
617.349.4060
School's Website
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