April 30, 2019
Dear CSUS Parents and Caregivers,
The period between the February vacation and the April vacation is the longest stretch of school days without a holiday or break. It is typically a period when expectations and protocols to support a positive school culture are challenged or ignored. Before the spring break to respond to this we held grade 6 gender identity meetings, meetings with selected scholars from all grades, a grade 6 caregiver meeting to share and listen to concerns. The Monday after the spring vacation we annually hold a community meeting to recalibrate the school culture. On April 22nd we held a full school community meeting to revisit school-wide expectations for behavior and a staff PD session that afternoon. We are pleased to see the improvements that have resulted from the community meetings.
We are mindful that some caregivers have been concerned about the behavior of some scholars and the effects on teaching and learning. I want to assure you that we endeavor to alleviate the impact of any disruptions and work closely to support all scholars during this complicated adolescent transition. Early adolescence is a time when young people can begin to explore identity and where they fit, push limits at home and school, and both run from and cling to parents. Independence and dependence rolled into one.
I look forward to the school and families continuing to work together. If you have any concerns, questions or suggestions that will support our continued efforts to sustain a positive school culture please do not hesitate to contact me or any other staff member.
THE HECHINGER REPORT RECOGNIZES CSUS
We are very pleased to share that scholars and staff were interviewed by
The Hechinger Report in March for an article entitled;
Teachers Go To School On Racial Bias.
The Hechinger Report is a national news organization that covers inequality and innovation in education.
Read the article >>
BOOK FAIR APRIL 30 - MAY 2
This week we are hosting a joint CSUS/KLO book fair in the CSUS library. Proceeds from the event will be split between our two schools and used to fund author visits and books for our library's collection. We need your help to make this a wonderful event for our community.
Stock up on books for summer reading, buy books as gifts and support amazing author opportunities for CSUS scholars. In addition to book sales, we will be accepting donations during the event so that all scholars who want a book can buy a book from the fair.
Want to buy a book but can’t make it to CSUS? You can
order online and support the fair from today through May 5th.
Volunteer Opportunities: We still need volunteers every day, including Friday. No experience necessary!
Learn more >>
Book Fair Hours:
Tuesday | Preview Day: 7:40AM - 3:15PM
(Adults may buy books all days, including on Preview day)
Wednesday: 7:40AM - 3:15PM
Thursday: 7:40AM - 3:15PM and 4 - 6PM
Pack Up Fair:
Friday 5/3: 11AM - 2PM
We still have volunteer slots available!
Sign up here to volunteer or contact
Norah Connolly | 617-349-6841 or
Abby Fechtman (6th grade parent) | 617-304-4319.
SPRING INTO ARTS FESTIVAL – MAY 23-30
Since 2012, CSUS has featured the artistic expressions of our scholars at the annual Spring into the Spring into the Arts. Since then participation in our Arts program activities has grown and accordingly so has this special event. This year we are proud to present a weeklong celebration; Spring into the Arts Festival from May 23-30. The festival will feature two special evenings of performances on May 23 and May 30 plus visual art work by every scholar taking Art classes this spring semester. Visual Art will be on display May 23-30 on the first and second floors of the main lobby. Please join us and celebrate our scholar artists!
View the flyer >>
STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON - MAY 15
The annual CSUS Staff Appreciation Luncheon will take place
Wednesday, May 15th. This is the time of the year where CSUS Parents and Caregivers come together to celebrate and appreciate educators that support CSUS Scholars throughout the school year. Please
see the flyer for more information on how to get involved with this event.
DIVERSITY DIALOGUES - MAY 16
On Thursday, May 16, CSUS will present
Understanding the Forces Shaping the Asian American Youth Experience with Dr. Karen Shih from 6-8PM at Cambridge Street Upper School.
Dr. Shih is the Assistant Dean of Intercultural Education and Advisor to Students of Asian Descent at Wellesley College. Karen has a professional background in multicultural counseling and education. With a strong interest in mentoring, she advises Asian student groups and provides individual students with academic, personal, and career advising. As the co-founder of Wellesley’s First Generation College Students Network, Karen is also committed to supporting first generation students and increasing awareness about socio-economic class issues.
The Asian student population in Cambridge Public Schools hovers around 12%. Their cultural needs are not always addressed directly in conversations about diversity in our schools. We encourage you join us and to
share this flyer. A reminder that if you plan to attend,
RSVP so that we may plan accordingly.
On behalf of TEAM CSUS, thank you for choosing CSUS! We are humbled that you have entrusted us with your child’s education. We recognize that you have choices. We are pleased that you chose us. Please do not hesitate to contact me or any TEAM CSUS staff member if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Peace,
Manuel J. Fernandez
Head of School