CSUS Tuesday Take Home: May 15, 2026
Message from Christen Sohn
Good afternoon CSUS parents and caregivers,
Apologies that this week’s Tuesday Take Home became a Friday Take Home - it’s busy here at CSUS! Congratulations to the scholars of our theatre program on a successful run of Scenes from Romeo and Juliet.. Sort of.. Almost and good luck to our Flagways team, who competes in the national tournament this weekend!
Our 8th graders took the Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) MCAS this week, and will take the Civics MCAS next week - please make sure Chromebooks come to school charged!
Please see below for our weekly homework calendar, an update on our community ‘reset,’ the District and School Culture Survey, our upcoming Caregiver Academy and important dates at CSUS.
| Also - the end of the year is BUSY. Consider subscribing to our school calendar! - to subscribe to Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) Google Calendars, visit the district calendar page on the CPS website and select Cambridge Street’s school calendar, which allows you to add them directly to your personal Google Calendar or via iCal. Using the official CPS app is also recommended to get alerts and add events directly to your phone. |
Community Reset and Reminders
I would also like to update families on the progress of our community "reset," an initiative to reinforce our core community norms and ensure every scholar finishes strong. This reset centers on renewed accountability for safety, respect, and engagement in learning.
We are emphasizing the following key expectations with our scholars:
- Hands and bodies must be kept to oneself.
- Zero tolerance for derogatory or dehumanizing language, including slurs and harmful stereotypes.
- Upholding expectations around being on time for class and moving with purpose in the halls to ensure scholars are present and focused.
- Keeping Chromebooks away during lunch to encourage in-person connection and movement.
We are continuing to work on these essential skills and strategies, and appreciate your continued partnership in these conversations at home. Eliminating Chromebook use during lunches and recess has been our biggest success so far. We are also seeing more scholars in class on time and fewer detentions for tardies to class. In the coming weeks, the Students of Color Coalition from CRLS will bring high school scholars to CSUS to facilitate additional conversations with scholars about the dangers of about derogatory and dehumanizing language.
And finally, an ask to caregivers that scholars refrain from bringing Nee Doh or other similar squishy fidgets to school - current viral trends promote opening them up by popping, ripping, or poking and this is messy, unsafe, and distracting to learning.
Thank you for entrusting us with your scholars' education and for upholding these expectations alongside us.
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!
The District and School Culture Survey is now open!
We at CSUS would like to hear from YOU about your scholar’s experience at Cambridge Street as we strive to continue to provide high quality learning experiences that meet the needs of all of our scholars. The district has partnered with Panorama Education for the survey. Panorama safeguards your privacy, keeping your responses confidential.
You may complete the survey online through Friday, May 29. Take the survey here.
Caregiver Academy
Join us for Caregiver Academy virtually next Thursday, May 21 from 6-7:15PM. Session 6 will be hosted by the district ELA Department and will focus on “Partnering To Support Students' Success in ELA/Literacy” Join Us To Discuss Upper School ELA! This 90 minute virtual session is designed to strengthen the partnership between families and schools. Caregivers will learn more about their child's ELA experience at school, receive helpful resources and practical tips for supporting literacy at home, and have an opportunity to ask questions and connect with school leaders, the ELA Department, and fellow caregivers.
Important Upcoming Dates
- May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
- May is Jewish American Heritage Month
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month
- May 12-13: Science/STE MCAS testing for Grade 8
- May 19: Civics MCAS testing for Grade 8
- May 21: Caregiver Academy, “Partnering To Support Students' Success in ELA/Literacy” (virtual - see flyer) 6-7:15PM
- May 25: No School, Memorial Day
- May 28: Spring Chorus Concert and Art Show | 5:30-7:30PM
SAVE THE DATE: CSUS 8th Grade Graduation
CSUS 8th Grade Graduation will take place June 22, 2026 at 1PM in the Cambridge Street Upper School Auditorium. We look forward to celebrating with 8th grade families!
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,
As I pondered what small anecdote to open with this week, I stumbled upon two very important observances: May 13th is Root Canal Appreciation Day and May 14th is Dance Like a Chicken Day. While I sincerely hope we can all appreciate not needing a root canal on Wednesday (or any day), I fully support anyone who feels moved to flap, strut, or otherwise channel their inner chicken on Thursday.
So, as we take our chicken steps into a samba, please note the following important events taking place soon:
Teacher Appreciation Lunch - Wednesday May 13th from 2:45PM
We’ll be hosting a special lunch to celebrate our wonderful teachers. If you’d like to help with set‑up, please get in touch — your support makes these moments possible.
If you would like to donate to the PCO to help cover the cost of the lunch, any amount is welcome!
DONATE HERE: https://cambridgestreetpco.square.site/teacher
Chorus Concert and Art Show - Thursday May 28th from 5:30PM
We will host a bake sale during this event as well. A sign‑up sheet will be shared closer to the date.
Cobra Dash and Community Night - May 29th
Our biggest fundraiser of the year! Encourage your kids to sign up for the Cobra Dash — there will be prizes! After the run, stay for Community Night with food, games, and lots of fun.
Every donation and every family who shows up helps strengthen our CSUS community.
Drama Bake Sale
Thank you to everyone who helped with the baking, setting up and selling. We made over $900 dollars over the two days which is truly amazing - thank you!
CSUS PCO Monthly Meeting
Our final meeting for the school year! Stop by to wish our 8th grade board members a fond farewell as well as hear what we discuss (and dare I suggest, sign-up to be a board member?)
Monday, June 8 | 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.