CSUS Tuesday Take Home: September 9, 2026
Message from Christen Sohn
Good afternoon CSUS parents and caregivers,
To our families celebrating Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year), Melkam Addis Amet! I hope your scholar is settling into a rhythm and routine at CSUS. We are looking forward to getting to know you and your scholars better in the coming weeks. Some formal upcoming opportunities for connecting with CSUS include
Listening Conferences: Your scholar’s advisor will contact you later this month to schedule a conference where we can hear from you and learn more about your child and family.
Back to School Night on September 23. Come to meet your scholars’ teacher, learn about curriculum, and get to know the CSUS community partners.
You should be receiving messages and information directly from your scholars’ teachers and/or teaching team via Parent Square, and we are also always happy to hear from you - you can reach any member of CSUS via email. Most email addresses are a combination of the individual’s first initial and last name @cpsd.us. For example, you can reach Christen Sohn at csohn@cpsd.us. If you need assistance finding an email address, please reach out to Ms Howard at dhoward@cpsd.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
Start of Year Letters to Families
If you have not already, please read our grade level welcome letters to families below. These were also sent via ParentSquare. Scholars and families in Ms Colleen’s and Mr Fred’s classes will receive outreach directly from their child’s teacher.
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Specialists and PE
Listening Conferences and Back to School Night
We are looking forward to getting to know you and your scholars better in the coming weeks. Your scholar’s advisor will contact you later this month to schedule a Listening Conference. We also hope you will join us for our Back to School Night on September 23.
You should be receiving messages and information directly from your scholars’ teachers and/or teaching team via Parent Square, and we are also always happy to hear from you - you can reach any member of CSUS via email. Most email addresses are a combination of the individual’s first initial and last name @cpsd.us. For example, you can reach Christen Sohn at csohn@cpsd.us. If you need assistance finding an email address, please reach out to Ms. Sohn or Ms. Sammy.
Important reminders
Allergies - Cambridge Street is a nut-aware school. To ensure the safety of our community, scholars must bring nut-free snacks if they are eating food in class. Due to asthma and other allergies in our community, we also ask scholars to refrain from using perfumes, colognes, or other strong-scented substances (lotions, nail polish, etc.) at school.
Cell Phones - Cell phones and smart watches are NOT permitted at CSUS. Phones and watches brought to school will be collected at the start of the school day and returned before dismissal
Chromebooks - Each year, CSUS scholars receive a school-issued Chromebook laptop for use during the school day. The Chromebooks are on loan to students and remain the property of CPS. Scholars require their school-issued laptop to engage in assignments and support their learning throughout the school day.
- 6th grade devices remain at school and are returned to advisories at the end of the instructional day - Grade 6 families should watch for a separate communication from me with more details.
- 7th and 8th graders are able to bring chromebooks home and are responsible for charging devices and returning with them to school each morning.
Scholars must have a signed Acceptable Use Policy and Device Agreement before they are allowed to use a district Chromebook. Scholars without a signed Acceptable Use Policy and Device Agreement will not be issued a Chromebook next week. Here are instructions for where and how to find and complete these two forms; click here to access the Family Portal.
Scooters and bikes - Thank you to our scholars who support our environment by walking, biking, and scooting to school! Scholars traveling via bike and scooter must bring equipment to lock up their wheels; bikes and scooters should not be brought inside the school building. Scholars may not use electric scooters as there is nowhere to charge or store them safely.
Review our full Upper School Student Expectations Handbook here.
Important Upcoming Dates
- September 11: Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) observed
- September 11-13: Rosh Hashanah - School is in session on these days. Scholars reported absent for religious reasons will be excused. Happy New Year to those who celebrate!
- September 14: Parent Caregiver Organization (PCO) Meeting | 8-9PM
- September 15 - October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
- September 21: Yom Kippur - No School
- September 23: Back To School Night | 5:30-7PM
- October 9: Picture Day
- October 12: Indigenous People’s Day - 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
September PCO Updates & Opportunities to Get Involved
Hello families!
So...how was the first week back? Are the kids already lamenting about how awful school mornings are - or is that just the parents? At least it's another short week and while the kids tackle their i‑Ready check‑ins, here’s what the rest of us need to know for this week:
September PCO Events
- Back‑to‑School Night Bake Sale | September 23 | 5:30 - 7PM
Early Access! Please add your name if you’d like to bake or help sell that evening: BTSN Sign Up >> - School Council Elections
If you’re interested in being more involved with the school, this is a wonderful place to contribute (alongside the PCO, of course). We will send out a form for sign up in the coming weeks. - New Fundraiser Announcement
Details coming soon — we’re just finalizing a few pieces. - First PCO Monthly Meeting on September 14
Join us to meet the board and hear about upcoming events, the budget, and our fundraising plans. We’d love to see you there.
CSUS PCO Monthly Meeting
Monday, September 14 | 8 – 9PM
Google Meet (Video call link >>)
Or dial: (US) +1 662-472-1428
PIN: 254 575 083#
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