Good afternoon CSUS families and caregivers,
I spent last Friday at the annual METCO Directors' Association Educators' Conference. This year's theme was "Footprints From The Past, Handprints To The Future: Supporting the Educational Journey of Black and Brown Students." CSUS Founding Principal and current CPS Chief Equity Officer Manuel J Fernandez and Dr Ray Porch, CPS Director of Family and Community Engagement both presented. It was a timely opportunity to pause and reflect on the work we are doing at Cambridge Street to improve outcomes for all scholars, in particular those furthest from justice.
I hope everyone had an equally inspired weekend! Here are some important upcoming dates at Cambridge Street - and Happy Hanukkah to those in our community celebrating this week.
Wednesday December 6th: 8th Grade Visit to CRLS
A reminder that 8th grade scholars are visiting CRLS tomorrow from 9 - 11:30 am. If you wish to opt your scholar out of this visit, please email Ms Gabbidon and Ms Peruzzi at [email protected] and [email protected]. 8th graders will be traveling by school bus to CRLS on Wednesday morning for a campus tour. They will be back at CSUS in time for lunch.
Stay tuned for details about upcoming events such as Family Information Night for rising 9th graders (sometime in January)!
Thursday December 7th: 7th Grade Trip to MIT Museum
This trip is a continuation of the 6th Grade Computer Science Playground we run every June for all CPS 6th Graders. At the museum, scholars will experience a guided visit to their Artificial Intelligence Exhibit, do a scavenger hunt of the MIT Collects, create a robot with micro:bits, and learn about how artificial intelligence works through an activity.
Thursday December 14th at 7PM: Join the Parent Caregiver Organization (CSUS PCO) meeting
All parents and caregivers are warmly invited to the CSUS PCO virtual meeting from 7-8:30PM on Thursday, December 14th.
This meeting will focus on our upcoming events and fundraisers – we are actively seeking the involvement of caregivers of 7th graders (we need 7th grade families involved this year so they are ready to help out next year with the 8th grade trip).
For more information about the PCO or to donate or sign up as a volunteer, check out our website here.
CSUS PCO Gift Card Drive
The CSUS Parent Caregiver Organization holds an annual Gift Card Drive each year to support families in our community over the December, February, and April breaks.
How You Can Help
- Donate funds to our Gift Card Drive and the PCO will purchase grocery gift cards to give to the CSUS Family Liaison to distribute to families directly
- Donate a $25 or $50 gift card to Market Basket, Target, Star, or other grocery store and drop it off at the CSUS main office labeled “PCO Gift Card Drive”
Support Our Teachers Too!
Purchase supplies that teachers have added to the PCO's Amazon Wish List!
Thank You For Your Generosity!
With your help, we’ll provide food security to more families over school vacations throughout the year.
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.
CPS Family Survey Open Monday, November 27 through Friday, December 22
How are we doing? We value your feedback and would like to hear from you!
Scan the QR code to take the survey by midnight on Friday, December 22. **Responses are anonymous. Your feedback will inform decisions as we strive to continue to provide high quality learning experiences that meet the needs of all of our scholars and build welcoming schools.
COVID Tests Distributed Today
We encourage every student and staff member to take a rapid test before returning to school after the break.
- If negative and do not have symptoms, we will see you at school.
- If positive or negative but have symptoms, please stay home and notify the school as you would for any other excused absence.
In addition to our current COVID-19 policies and procedures we ask that all students, families, and staff continue to monitor for symptoms, use COVID tests as necessary, and stay home when you are not feeling well. Masking and hand washing are also great ways to protect yourself and others against illnesses.
Important Upcoming Dates
- December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month and Universal Human Rights Month
- December 6: 8th grade visit to CRLS 9-11:30AM
- December 7: 7th grade trip to MIT Museum
- December 7-15: Hanukkah (observed - school is in session)
- December 20: CSUS Band and Orchestra Winter Showcase 5PM
- December 22: Early Release; Scholars dismiss at 12:55
- December 25-January 2: Winter Break - No School
As always, thank you for entrusting us with your scholars’ education. I hope all families can find time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones over the upcoming break.
Go Cobras!
Christen
Head of School
Cambridge Street Upper School