Message from Christen Sohn: May 14, 2024

Good afternoon CSUS families and caregivers,

May is underway! A huge and much-deserved congratulations to our theater team on a successful show, Beyond the Apocalypse. I was able to attend Friday’s performance with my own children, who proceeded to quote their favorite parts of the show throughout the weekend. The program displayed the tremendous talents of our scholars and supporting staff; thank you to Mr Waks, Ms Constantino, and Liza Gosselin for nurturing a theater program that allows our scholars to shine!

I am also excited to extend congratulations to the winners of the Cambridge Public Library’s 25th Annual Poetry Awards! Out of 745 entries, the following Cambridge Street Scholars 8th graders received awards

• Ellis Lu Yung second place for 8th grade for, “To the Pear Shaped Stain on my Ceiling”

Finally, thank you to our Parent Caregiver Organization and donating families for last week’s delicious Teacher Appreciation Day lunch, and happy Mother's Day to the moms and caregivers in our community! 

May and June are busy months at Cambridge Street as we close the school year and celebrate scholars’ achievements. For a full list of our upcoming events see our online calendar. Please see below for information about MCAS testing, this week’s School Council and PCO meetings, this weekend’s Cobra Dash, Scholar Artist of the Week, and important dates at CSUS. 

MCAS testing continues this week
Our Math MCAS exams began today for scholars in all grades and will continue tomorrow; scholars in Ms Ives, Ms Curran, and Mr McLelland’s advisories should look for additional schedule communication. 

CSUS scholars have engaged in rigorous academic study throughout the school year, and we are confident that they are prepared for the upcoming exams. Scholars have been monitoring their growth over the course of this school year through classroom assignments and projects, unit assessments, and iReady diagnostic tests. They are celebrating their successes and sharing their goals with you at this month’s Scholar Led Conferences. The MCAS is another opportunity for scholars to showcase their growth, and one of many metrics educators use to think critically about practice, curriculum, and how we are meeting scholar needs. 

Please support your child at home with the same message that we are giving at school: this test will measure skills that are important in your continuing academic development and will celebrate the growth you made this year. Your classwork has prepared you for success, and we believe in you! 

Tech reminder: Chromebooks
A reminder that scholar chromebooks are in-school devices, and are not meant to be brought home. As we prepare for the upcoming MCAS testing next week, we will be inventorying Chromebooks and contacting home for any missing devices. If your scholar brought their chromebook home by mistake, please ensure they return it to CSUS right away.

Tech reminder: Phones/smart watches
Our school phone policy states that use of scholar cell phones and other communication devices, including smart watches, is not permitted during the school day. Advisors will collect phones at the start of each day; phones will be kept in a locked, secure location and redistributed at the end of the day. Please note that on MCAS testing days, all devices will be collected and redistributed at the end of the day for testing security purposes. If scholars are not comfortable turning in devices they may be left in a locker or at home.

School Council and Equity Team meeting Thursday, May 16th at 6PM
CSUS’ School Council and Equity Team will meet virtually this Thursday, May 16 from 6-7PM. Thursday’s meeting will be an opportunity to learn more about next year’s upper school schedule. If you are interested in joining the CSUS School Council or Equity Team, or in learning more about these opportunities please email me at [email protected]. 

Join the Parent Caregiver Organization (CSUS PCO) meeting this Thursday, May 16th at 7PM 
The next PCO meeting will be held virtually, on Thursday, May 16th from 7-8:30PM. We will be having elections for next year’s PCO leadership at this meeting.  

If you are interested in helping lead the PCO next year, but have questions or cannot attend this meeting, please email [email protected].
 
For more information about the PCO or to donate or sign up as a volunteer, check out our website here.

Important! New school day start and end times beginning September 2024
Our School Hours Are Changing! Please note that beginning September 2024 Cambridge Street Upper School’s learning hours will be as follows

• Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday | 8:45AM - 3:15PM
  
• Wednesdays | 8:45AM - 2:45PM
  

To see the school day schedule beginning next school year, please visit the CPS website.

CSUS Homework Expectations and Weekly HW Calendars
In an effort to keep scholars, caregivers, and out of school time providers informed regarding weekly assignments, our teaching teams are sharing weekly homework calendars. These will be posted on our website for reference and easy access.

• Grade 8 Weekly Homework
  
• Grade 7 Weekly Homework
  
• Grade 6 Weekly Homework  

Important Upcoming Dates
Please see our online calendar for a full list of current upcoming events - check back often as we will add updates as needed.

• May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  
• May is Mental Health Awareness Month
• May is Jewish American Heritage Month
• May 14-15: Math MCAS testing for all grades
  
• May 17: School Dance - check next week’s email for more information
  
• May 18: First annual Cobra Dash | 2PM
  For details how your scholar can earn community service hours for this event, please reach out to your school’s Family Liaison, Kim Gabbidon (617.999.4354 - texting encouraged)
  
• May 27: Memorial Day - No School
  
• May 29-30: Civics MCAS testing for Grade 8
  
• May 30: CSUS Spring Chorus Concert and Art Show, 5-8PM
  
• June 3*: CSUS Spring Band and Orchestra Concert 5-7PM. Please note this date has been changed to avoid conflict with other exciting arts events in the city!
• June 10-13: 8th Grade Cobra Capstones
  
• June 14: 8th Grade Trip to Boston
  
• June 16: 8th Grade Trip to Six Flags
  
• June 20: CSUS 8th grade graduation 1PM at 840 Cambridge Street - watch for additional information from your scholar’s 8th grade advisors
  

Thank you for entrusting us with your scholars’ education. Have a great week and Go Cobras!

Christen
Head of School
Cambridge Street Upper School