Message from Christen Sohn
Good afternoon CSUS parents and caregivers,
This week is a short but busy one at CSUS; we hope all enjoy the long weekend with loved ones and friends. Shout out to our incredible Parent Caregiver Organization (PCO) for their work supporting 40 families in our community this holiday!
I also want to acknowledge the ways folks are working to center the Indigenous narrative in our curriculum and community always, and in particular this month and as we head into Thanksgiving week. I encourage everyone to check out our
CSUS Land Acknowledgement (below) and this Facing History article about the National Day of Mourning for those
looking to learn about, reflect upon, and honor the history of native peoples.
Read on for more information about this week’s homework, information about food resources, a reminder about travel and absences, and our upcoming Caregiver Academies. There is also an important update from our Parent Caregiver
Organization!
CSUS Land Acknowledgement
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.
Coming in December: Caregiver Academies!
Raising a middle school student is an exciting journey. We know that many of you have questions about your scholar's
academic and social development. Whether it is about understanding the various resources available within the Cambridge Public Schools or supporting young adults in the development of health habits ranging from study practices to technology
usage, we believe students thrive best when families and schools work together. That is why we are launching a new Upper School Caregiver Academy!
| Session Title |
What You Will Gain |
Date |
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. |
Thursday, December 4
|
Technology and Social Media: Digital World Navigation
|
Specific Digital Guidance: This session addresses the impact of the digital world on student safety, learning, and behavior. We will provide specific tools for handling screen time, cyberbullying, and understanding
emerging modern issues like AI. |
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 >>
(አማርኛ | | عريب | বাংলা | Kreyòl ayisyen | Español)
Questions? Contact Meghan Papalardo at [email protected].
Upcoming important Dates
- November is Indigenous People’s Month
- November 26: Early Dismissal - 12:45PM
- November 27-28: Thanksgiving Break - No School
- December 4: Caregiver Academy 6-7PM at CSUS: December’s topic is Adolescent Development
- December 8: PCO Meeting | 7:30-9PM
- December 17: Winter Concert
- December 23: Early Dismissal | 1:15PM
- 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
Cambridge Street PCO Update
Hello families,
I hope everyone finds a little time to rest and recharge over the Thanksgiving break—whether that means gathering with loved ones, enjoying a quiet moment, or simply catching your breath.
This season often reminds us to pause, and I’m grateful for the many ways our community shows up for one another. So, on behalf of the PCO, thank you for all your support. Your involvement makes every event brighter, and we’re
excited to keep building joyful moments with you as we head into December.
Thanksgiving Delivery Basket Delivery & Gift Card Drive
All baskets were delivered successfully- so a huge thank you to Janina and Melissa for lending their time and cars to make it happen. Together we raised just over $500 dollars. Anything not used will roll forward to our next gift card
drive.
Your generosity is always appreciated.
Upcoming Events
- Orchestra & Band Winter Concert & Bake Sale - Dec 17th
- Annual Appeal - date TBC
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 [email protected].
Warm regards,
Shalini Ayre
President, CSUS-PCO
