Good afternoon CSUS families and caregivers,
I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend, and Eid Mubarak to all those in our community who celebrated!
Please see below for information about upcoming MCAS exams, weekly homework, Scholar Artist of the Week, and important dates at CSUS
MCAS testing begins next week
Our MCAS exams begin Wednesday, April 9 for scholars in all grades; scholars in Ms Ives, Ms Curran, and Mr McClelland’s advisories should look for additional schedule communication from your child’s teacher.
CAMBRIDGE STREET UPPER SCHOOL
MCAS Testing Schedule
April - May 2025
| ELA |
Math |
Science (8th Grade) |
Civics (8th Grade) |
Wed. 4/9
Thurs. 4/10 |
Wed. 5/7
Thurs. 5/8 |
Wed. 5/14
Thurs. 5/15 |
Wed. 5/21
Thurs. 5/22 |
Fri. 4/11 &
Mon. 4/14 |
Fri. 5/9 Mon. 5/12 |
Mon. 5/19 |
Thurs. 5/27 |
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.
Scholar Artist(s) of the Week
Come join us for a movie and a chat
When: Friday, April 4 | 5.30PM
Where: CSUS Cafeteria and Auditorium (please use Door 4 (next door to the library) to enter the building). All scholars must be accompanied by an adult.*
* Scholars attending the drama rehearsals until 5pm, can mill around in the cafeteria under the PCO supervision until each scholar's actual adult arrives.
The votes have been counted, and the winning movie is The Hunger Games, and speaking of hunger...we will be providing pizza and drinks! Desserts will be a potluck affair so please bring along a sweet treat, or fruit to share.
For the evening, we will serve food from 5.30PM and start the movie around 6pm. There will be no food or drink in the auditorium (as our scholars are fully aware) so those will need to be consumed in the cafeteria.
Whilst the scholars watch the film, families will remain in the cafeteria getting to know one another. A relaxed evening for all.
If anyone wants to assist with supervising the auditorium, please let me know ([email protected]) and your name will be added to the list. We will do the supervision in shifts - unless you haven't seen The Hunger Games, in which case you're more than welcome to stay in the auditorium and watch the film!
Can't wait to see you there!
CSUS PCO Board
CSUS PCO is looking for volunteers!
Dear families,
We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to lead or co-lead upcoming events. While the dates are still being finalized, we're looking for individuals who can assist with both event planning and on-site coordination.
April
- COBRA Dash (can be moved to May)
- Movie Night & Community Social
May
- Bake Sale (will be held early morning outside Door 4)
- Book Swap (may be moved to June)
June
Please reach out to Shalini Ayre ([email protected]) or any member of the PCO Board if you have questions or just to say, 'sign me up!' (hint, hint )
Thank you as always for your support and consideration of volunteering for these events.
CSUS PCO Board
CSUS Homework Expectations and Weekly HW 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.
Other Important Upcoming Dates:
- April is National Arab American Heritage Month
- April is Autism Acceptance Month
- April 9: ELA MCAS Testing for all grades
- April 10: ELA MCAS Testing for all grades
- April 18: Good Friday, No School
- April 21 - 25: April Break, No School
SAVE THE DATE: CSUS 8th Grade Graduation will take place June 17, 2025 at 3PM in the Cambridge Street Upper School Auditorium. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Thank you for entrusting us with your scholars’ education, and for your ongoing support of our community.
Go Cobras!
Christen
Head of School
Cambridge Street Upper School