CSUS Tuesday Take Home: December 2, 2025

Message from Christen Sohn

Good afternoon CSUS parents and caregivers,

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving long weekend with friends and loved ones. Today I was able to visit our 6th grader’s Early Humans Museum Exhibit. 6th graders investigated the story of human evolution, beginning in Africa over 6 million years ago, focusing on how early hominins developed physically, created tools, and learned new survival strategies. They used clay to replicate primary source artifacts and Scratch to code a gallery walk for sharing their research. Thank you to the Grade 6 caregivers who joined us today!

Read on for more information about this week’s homework, Thursday’s Caregiver Academy, information about food resources, and a reminder about travel and absences. There is also an important update from our Parent Caregiver Organization!

Artist of the Week

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.

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

Interested in knowing more about what’s happening in classrooms? Check ParentSquare for monthly curriculum updates from your child’s teaching team! 

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. 

Reminder Regarding Travel and Extended Absences 
Please be reminded of the protocol for extended vacations. If you are planning to travel for an extended period of time, the principal and classroom teachers/advisors must be notified in advance of travel dates. Any trip resulting in more than 10 days of absences requires sabbatical paperwork to be submitted in order to maintain your child’s enrollment in the school. All academic work assigned by teachers will need to be made up before, during or after travel. It is also important to recognize that students who miss significant amounts of instruction, learning, and assessment may fall behind in their grades regardless of if the absence is excused or unexcused. 

Join us for Caregiver Academy THIS THURSDAY December 4 from 5:30-7:00 at CSUS
Session 1 is “Middle School 101: Social Emotional Learning, Adolescent Development and Mental Health” This session is designed to help parents and caregivers understand the nuts and bolts of middle school life with an overview of the basic systems and expectations of grades 6-8. It will also provide support for management of the emotional and behavioral shifts that are common for students in this age range. Learn what's "normal" in adolescent development and how to effectively connect with and parent teens. 

Dinner at 5:30PM
Presentation and conversation from 6 - 7PM 
We hope to see you there! 

Can’t make it? We will make sure slides and recording from this week’s session are available on our website. We will also be hosting Session 2: Technology and Social Media: Digital World Navigation in a few weeks on Thursday December 18.

Grade 8 AMP’d Math Support Program
The AMP’d (Advanced Math Pathway Diversified) Math Support Program is an opportunity for Grade 8 students to strengthen their understanding of Grade 8 math. AMP’d lessons are offered virtually. The program will run from December 8, 2025, through May 8, 2026. 

All Grade 8 students are invited! 

• Students can attend AMP’d math lessons as often as they need. Students may choose to attend daily or focus on certain lessons specific to their individual needs. 
• Lessons are self-led through Google Classroom. Staff will host office hours several times throughout the program for additional support.

Access the AMP’d Math Support Program flyer here >>
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Questions? Contact Meghan Papalardo at mpapalardo@cpsd.us.

Upcoming important Dates 

• December 4: Caregiver Academy 5:30-7PM at CSUS: Session 1 topic is Social Emotional Learning, Adolescent Development and Mental Health 
• December 8: PCO Meeting 7:30-9PM 
• December 17: Winter Concert 
• December 18: Caregiver Academy 5:30 - 7PM at CSUS: Session 2 topic is Technology and Social Media: Digital World Navigation 
• December 18: School Council meeting following Caregiver Academy 7PM 
• December 23: Early Dismissal 12:45PM
• December 24 - January 5: Winter Vacation - No School

Thank you for entrusting us with your scholars’ education. We are looking forward to a joyful and enriching year with you and your children.

Go Cobras!
Christen

Head of School
Cambridge Street Upper School

 

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Cambridge Street PCO Update

Hello families, 

I hope everyone had an opportunity to relax over the Thanksgiving weekend and is feeling ready for December, the holiday season and the weather...actually, let's not mention that part...

It will be a busy month so here's a quick update on dates and initiatives to keep in mind:

Warm Clothes Drive from December onwards
Thanks to Shadi Khadivi for suggesting this! As winter sets in, we know our kids don't always dress for the colder temperatures. For those who forget, lose items or get too damp after recess, we'd like to have a range of items available for them to pick up:

• hats 
• gloves 
• scarfs 
• socks 
• sweatpants (new or gently used) 
• sweatshirts (new or gently used) 

A drop off 'bin' will be located in the vestibule or the office.

Upcoming Events

• Orchestra & Band Winter Concert & Bake Sale - Dec 17th 
• Annual Appeal - information will be sent out soon. Don't forget to ask your company about donation matching - it doesn't cost you anything more.

CSUS PCO Monthly Meeting
Monday, December 8 | 7:30 – 9PM | Google Meet 
Join online meeting here >>
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