CSUS Tuesday Take Home: March 31, 2026
Message from Christen Sohn
Good afternoon CSUS parents and caregivers,
Happy Passover and Happy Easter to all CSUS families celebrating this week!. It is a busy and important time as our scholars are hard at work, with the third marking quarter drawing rapidly to a close. This week, families can help their child finish strong by making sure they have submitted all homework and any missing assignments.
Please see below for important information about MCAS testing next week, sharing our Weekly Homework Calendar, a message from the CSUS PCO, and other important upcoming information and dates for Cambridge Street
MCAS testing begins next week
Our MCAS exams begin Tuesday April 7 for scholars in all grades; scholars in Ms Ives and Mr McClelland’s advisories should look for additional schedule communication from your child’s teacher.
CSUS MCAS Testing Schedule
April - May 2026
| ELA | Math | Science (8th Gr) | Civics (8th Gr) | |
| All Grades | Tues. 4/7 Weds. 4/8 |
Tues. 5/5 Weds. 5/6 |
Tues. 5/12 Weds. 5/13 |
Tues. 5/19 |
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. We were excited to celebrate their successes with you at last 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
As we prepare for the upcoming MCAS testing next week, we will be inventorying Chromebooks and contacting home for any missing devices. Please ensure your scholar charges their chromebook the night before and brings their device to school on testing days.
Tech reminder: Phones/smart watches
Phone and tech use is not permitted during testing, and may result in invalidation of a scholars’ test results. 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. Staff collect phones at the start of each day; phones are kept in a locked, secure location and redistributed at the end of the day. If scholars are not comfortable turning in devices they may be left at home.
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!
Important update: 8th Grade Graduation date set for June 22 at 1PM
To accommodate the longer school year, our 8th grade graduation date has been moved to 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!
Caregiver Academy
Last week’s Caregiver Academy session was “Executive Functioning: Parent’s Guide to Supporting Executive Functioning in your Middle Schooler.” The session focused on supporting independence, staying on target, and managing schoolwork. We also shared some guidelines around test anxiety. Last week’s slides are available here to review.
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
- March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility
- April 1-9: Passover (Observed - school is in session)
- April 3: Good Friday, NO SCHOOL
- April 7-8: ELA MCAS testing for all grades
- April 20-24: April Vacation, NO SCHOOL
- 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,
April Fool’s Day — a celebration of pranks, hoaxes, and good‑natured mischief. Its origins are a bit of a mystery: some blame the unpredictable spring weather that loves to “fool” us, while others point to 16th‑century France, when those who kept celebrating the new year on April 1 (King Charles IX moved the start of the new year from April 1st to January 1st) were teased as “April fools.”
But let’s not be fooled into thinking we’ve raised the funds we need. We’re fully in fundraising mode, with several programs that need a boost — and it’s our community’s support that keeps the PCO running at full power.
April Break Gift Card Drive
The PCO is continuing to support families in our community who may be facing added financial strain, including those affected by recent changes to federal assistance programs.
Contributions will help us provide gift cards to families who need extra support during the break.
If you’re in a position to give, your donation—no matter the amount—will make a meaningful difference.
Scan the QR code or click the link below to contribute:
cambridgestreetpco.square.site/vacation-week-gift-card-drive
Drama Fest, Sunday May 3rd
For families whose child is taking part in this year's play, the PCO is committed to making this trip accessible to every scholar, at no cost to families. To make that possible, we rely on donations from our community.
The cost of the trip is (approximately) $35-37 per scholar. If you’re able to contribute the cost of your child’s trip—or even sponsor an additional scholar—it has a direct impact. Every donation, in any amount, helps us ensure all students can participate fully. PCO DONATION LINK.
Your child will take part in the trip regardless of whether you donate.
Events & Fundraising - Mark your Calendars!
We’ll be reaching out soon for volunteers, donations, and behind‑the‑scenes magic for:
- Coffeehouse Cabaret - date TBD
- Book Swap - June
- Cobra Dash & Community Evening - May 29th
- End of Year Field Trips - dates TBC
CSUS PCO Monthly Meeting
Monday, April 13 | 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.