CSUS Tuesday Take Home: April 16, 2026
Message from Christen Sohn
Good afternoon CSUS parents and caregivers,
As we head into April Break next week, we wish you and your scholars a wonderful and restorative time, and ample opportunity to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather! Every year, it is alarming and exciting to experience how fast the rest of the year flies after we come back from break. Our community is looking forward to welcoming our rising 6th graders, watching our 8th graders prepare for CRLS, and the many other milestones in academics and the arts that we celebrate in the springtime.
When we return to CSUS, our first week back will focus on re-establishing community norms: we often use the spring semester as an opportunity to "reset and remind" expectations for conduct and community to ensure classroom time can be focused on learning, allowing scholars to finish the year strong and prepared for the next grade.
I also want to update families that, with the warmer weather finally arriving, we will not be permitting Chromebook use at lunch. We encourage scholars to spend this time connecting with peers and moving their bodies. We look forward to a strong finish to the school year after the break!
CSUS Homework Expectations and Weekly Homework 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.
Interested in knowing more about what’s happening in classrooms? Check ParentSquare for monthly curriculum updates from your child’s teaching team!
Important update: 8th Grade Graduation date set for Monday, June 22 at 1PM
To accommodate the longer school year, our 8th grade graduation date has been moved to Monday, June 22 at 1PM. Your child’s 8th grade teachers will reach out in the coming weeks with more information about caps and gowns, graduation tickets, Cobra Capstones, and other exciting end-of-year events!
Artist of the Week
Food Resources for Eligible School-Aged Cambridge Residents
The below options are also available during school hours for ALL students:
- All students have access to FREE breakfast and lunch every school day. View the daily menus here. **CSUS cafeteria doors open at 8AM for scholars who would like breakfast** Breakfast options are available through arrival and until classes begin at 8:45AM.
- CPS Food Services is making meals more substantial by adding more protein options to daily menus.
- Students may visit salad bars more than once during meals for additional fruit and vegetables.
- Students are encouraged to use the “share tables” in the cafeterias. Students who have wrapped, unused food items can place them on the share table for others to take as needed.
- If you need additional support or want to visit a local free food market, find all options here.
Important Upcoming Dates
- April is Autism Acceptance Month
- April is also Arab American Heritage Month
- April 20-24: April Vacation, NO SCHOOL
- April 30: CSUS School Council Meeting 6:30-7:30PM. This month’s topic is school/home communication. We hope you can join us!
- May 5-6: Math MCAS testing for all grades
- May 12-13: Science/STE MCAS testing for Grade 8
- May 19: Civics MCAS testing for Grade 8
- May 28: Spring Chorus Concert and Art Show 5:30-7:30PM
Thank you for entrusting us with your scholars’ education. Have a wonderful week, and Go Cobras!
Christen
Head of School
Cambridge Street Upper School
Cambridge Street PCO Update
Hello families,
It feels like every time I blink; another May event pops onto the calendar and April hasn't even finished! We’re in that stretch of juggling which coat to wear, what tree is giving the latest stuffy nose, permission slips, and “wait, that’s this week?” energy.
So, as we take a moment to breathe, April break is just ahead and a very full May on the horizon, here are a few PCO updates to help us stay coordinated.
April Break Gift Card Drive
Last Week to Support April Break Gift Cards! We’re in the final stretch of collecting funds to provide grocery gift cards for CSUS families facing food insecurity over April Break. Every contribution — big or small — makes a real difference. Thank you to everyone who has already given.
Scan the QR code or click the link below to contribute:
cambridgestreetpco.square.site/vacation-week-gift-card-drive
Drama Production Bake Sales – May 7 & 8
We’ll be hosting two bake sales to support the Drama program. If you can send in baked goods or help at the table, it’s highly appreciated. These sales are always a hit and help fund student activities - sign up spreadsheet will be posted soon.
Drama Fest – Sunday, May 3rd
Drama Fest is right around the corner! Families of participating students will receive a separate email from Mr. Waks with further details about the day. Thank you in advance for supporting our performers.
Your child will take part in the trip regardless of whether you donate.
Events & Fundraising - Mark your Calendars!
Teacher Appreciation Week
We’re gearing up to celebrate our incredible CSUS staff. More details will be coming soon, but if you’d like to help with food, treats, or setup, keep an eye out — we’ll need many hands.
Art & Chorus Show Bake Sale — May 28
Another chance to show off your baking skills (or your Trader Joe’s shopping skills — both welcome). This event draws a big crowd, so early sign‑ups help us plan.
Cobra Dash & Community Evening — May 29
Our biggest spring community event and fundraiser is coming up fast. We’ll need volunteers and general good vibes. Mark your calendars — more info soon.
CSUS PCO Monthly Meeting
Monday, May 11 | 7:30 – 9PM
GoogleMeet (Video call link >>)
Or dial: (US) +1 218-451-4253
PIN: 295 240 209#
Questions about the PCO?
You can find the answers here or send an email to info@cambridgestreetpco.org.
Warm regards,
Shalini Ayre
President, CSUS-PCO
The Cambridge Street PCO is a 501c(3) public charity (Federal Identification # 46-1980223) registered in Cambridge, MA. USA.