Greetings from Julie Craven
Dear RAUC Families,
We have come to the end of another school year. For some it marks the end of your time at RAUC, for others, there are many years ahead. Thank you for your contributions to the school and for entrusting your students to us. We hope it was a year of growth and fun!
At school we had some firsts this year. We welcomed Taraneh Ahmadi as our first ever Family Partnership Coordinator. She helped orchestrate a range of new partnership activities, such as the snack pantry and winter coat closet, the Speaker Series on school dance nights, and a series of Courageous Conversations with Peabody and Baldwin school communities, to name just a few. We launched our Aim High blocks, an intentional program within the school day to provide access, supports, and extensions so all students are adequately challenged to reach their fullest potential. We know from surveys that students found that time helpful, and we are looking forward to strengthening it for next year. We piloted portfolios at all grades, including 30 minute portfolio presentations by every 8th graders. The day after students leave, staff will spend a full day reflecting on what worked and where we can improve with our portfolios. We have asked students for their thoughts and we appreciate those of you who have given us feedback as well. Finally, we dug deeper into our understanding of equity and the ways that the 4 i’s of racism and oppression (individual, interpersonal, institutional and ideological) play out in teaching and learning at RAUC. This is work we will continue next year as well.
In my last greeting of the year, I typically share staff changes. This year our staff is remarkably stable, which is wonderful as it allows us to continue to build on the professional learning we did this year. We only have a couple small shifts. Stephanie Sklar, the half time math interventionist who was new last year, will be full time at RAUC next year. And Sara Helmes, our current math coach/interventionist, will be working half time next year in the coaching half of her role, to allow her to spend more time with her new son.
Last week was loads of fun--we started it with our Fun Day Monday afternoon--running races and other activities. Then there were end-of-year trips: 8th grade to DC, 7th grade to Canobie Lake, and 6th grade to Kimball Farms. It is always nice to end the year in relaxed community after working hard together. We said goodbye to 8th graders at a lovely graduation ceremony Monday and ended today with a relaxed half day.
You will receive communication in mid-August with schedules for next year as well as some other key information. In the meantime, mark your calendars for our traditional Welcome Back Pot Luck in front of the school on Wednesday, August 28 at 5PM.
May you have a safe and fun-filled summer!
Julie Craven
Head of School
End of Year Report Cards are
Available Today
You should receive a notification from Aspen that your student’s final report card is available. We will be in the office this week if you are unable to access the report. We will mail home report cards to those without online access.
If You Missed Last Week: Welcome Letters and School Supplies for Next Year
Teachers are looking forward to welcoming their new students in the fall. Families will receive notification in August when new schedules are available in Aspen. In the meantime, grade level teams have written letters introducing themselves and listing supplies students should come prepared with.
6th grade
7th grade
8th grade
Summer Math and Reading
Reading: Students are all asked to read five books this summer, and they have packets to support that reading. Ms. Musher, our library teacher, has posted reading suggestions by grade on our website. The goal is to choose books you enjoy, and stretch your brain!
Math: Math summer work packets will be distributed to students. You will also be able to find these on our website! Additionally, student will have access to their IXL and ALEKS accounts this summer and can continue working through both online programs.
Thank You to the RAUC Community for Making End-of-Year Trips Possible
FRAUC co-chairs Deirdre Logan and John O’Neil and treasurer Danielle Tully helped lead the way for fundraising over $20,000 to support the 8th grade DC trip as well as for the generous gifts that lowered the cost of the 6th and 7th grade trips. And so many people stepped up: finding items for the silent auction or bidding on them; baking cookies, bringing snacks or hosting face painting or photo booths at a dance--it all added up to make these wonderful opportunities available for all students. Thank you for all the ways you gave as you could. Every action mattered.
8th Grade DC Trip Highlights
You can check out images of the action-packed days in DC at the Rindge Ave Facebook page located at our website: www.facebook.com/rindgeavenue. Above are images that capture just a few of the many highlights: Representative Ayana Pressley took time to inspire our students; the Washington Monument framed on our way into the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Out of School Opportunities
*All flyers and registration forms are available at RAUC. Students or families can contact Justin McNulty: [email protected]
Run & Ride at Cambridgeside (see flyer)
When: Sunday, August 4th
Where: Canal Park, 100 Cambridgeside Place
Time: 8:30am Registration, 10am Event Begins
Ages: 5-13
Cost: Free
Register: https://www.cambridgeside.com/run-ride
In Our Community and District
Night at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture
Summer Solstice Celebration 2019
June 21 | 5-9PM
11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge
Free admission to all four museums. Music, circus performers, flower crowns, hands-on activities, food trucks, and more!
See details >>
Recycling & Composting
Here are some handy reminders!
Learn more >>
CPS Summer Math & ELA Programs
Hear all about our summer programs for students entering grades 6-8!
Details >>
MSN Summer Resource Guide
Get a jump start on your summer plans. Check it out!
Visit the website >>
Cambridge Affordable Housing Information Sessions
Learn about the eligibility requirements and application process for the following programs Cambridge Rental and Homeownership Programs: Inclusionary Housing Rental Program for studios, 1BR, 2BR, & 3BR units throughout Cambridge, Homeowner Resale Pool, First-Time Homebuyer Workshop, Downpayment Assistance, and HomeBridge. Open to all. No RSVP Necessary. Learn more >>
Immigration Legal Screening Clinics
3rd Wednesday each month, 5:15-7:15PM
Free consultations with an immigration attorney for Massachusetts immigrants and their families
Community Legal Services & Counseling Center (CLSACC)
90 Third St., Cambridge
617.349.4396; [email protected]
Let's Connect!
Stay in the loop by joining our social media communities.
RAUC Facebook >>
District Social Media >>
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