Message from Christen Sohn
Good afternoon CSUS parents and caregivers,
This week, scholars are completing end-of-unit projects and assessments, and reflecting upon the first quarter of school, which closes on Friday. Progress reports will be shared with families on November 14.
Spanish classes also celebrated Día de los Muertos on Monday by participating in a cake decorating contest; scholars studied the history of the holiday, cultural practices, and related meaningful symbols and were tasked with incorporating
these elements in their baking.
See below for important information about food resources and support for SNAP eligible families, this month’s Title I information session, weekly homework, and updates from the PCO.
Food Resources for Eligible School-Aged Cambridge Residents
To help CPS students and families, we have options available to address food insecurity for families who are eligible for SNAP benefits. Starting late next week, Cambridge Public Schools will distribute gift cards to a local grocery store, to eligible students.
Each eligible student will receive one $50 gift card. We are developing details of when and how gift cards will be distributed to students, and will share an update early next week. We expect to have gift cards by November 7.
In the meantime, there are options 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 8AN for scholars who would like breakfast** Breakfast options are available through arrival and until classes begin at 8:45AM.
- Beginning on this week, 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.
Title I Parent Information Session
Monday, November 17 | 6-7PM | Zoom
There will be a VIRTUAL Title One Parent Information session for caregivers
on Monday, November 17th from 6-7PM. Here is the Zoom link for the event. Meeting ID: 852 6149 2870 Passcode: ms7vGy
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!
Upcoming important Dates
- November is Indigenous People’s Month
- November 7: Grade 6 Field Trip to Parkour Boston
- November 10: CSUS PCO Monthly Meeting | 7:30-9:PM
- November 11: Veteran’s Day - No School
- November 12: Lockdown Drill at CSUS/KO buildings
- November 14: S1 Progress Reports Published
- November 20: CSUS School Council Meeting | 6:30-7:30PM
- November 26: Early Dismissal - 12:45PM
- November 27-28: Thanksgiving Break - No School
- December 4: Caregiver Academy at CSUS: December’s topic is Adolescent Development - more information to come!
- December 17: Winter Concert
- December 23: Early Dismissal - 12:45PM
- 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
PCO Update | School Council Elections, Gift Card Drive & More
Hello families,
The UK rolled back its clocks this weekend, reigniting the annual “Should the US do that too?” debate. It’s become a seasonal tradition—like pumpkin spice, but with extra confusion and caffeine. While
we wrestle with time itself, here are a few updates to keep you in the loop:
CSUS School Council – Shape Our School’s Future!
Voting has started. The representatives are Sarah Figge-Hussain, Amber Villa and me (that's Shalini). We're
all 7th grade parents with a commitment to our children, the school and our community. Please cast your vote by Nov 10th. You can vote here.
Upcoming Events
Community Bake Sale November 5th* from 8 - 11AM. Help us make the bake sale happen! We’re looking for volunteers to bake, set
up, and keep the good vibes flowing - it's a sweet way to support our community! Please sign up here >>
* Rain, shine or cold, we will have a bake sale this day.
Supporting Families This Thanksgiving
As we approach the holiday season, the PCO is preparing to support families in our community who may be facing added financial
strain this season, including those affected by recent changes to federal assistance programs.
To ensure every family feels supported, we’re launching our Thanksgiving Gift Card Drive early this year. Contributions will help us provide gift cards to families who need extra support during the break.
If you’re in a position to give, your donation—no matter the amount—will make a meaningful difference.
Scan the QR code or click the link below to contribute: 
https://cambridgestreetpco.square.site/vacation-week-gift-card-drive
Together, we can make this season a little brighter for everyone.
The PCO Needs You! Recruitment: Help Us Fill These Roles
We’re currently looking for volunteers for three key positions. If you’re a 6th grade family, we’d
love for you to step in—your perspective is key, and this is a great way to help build a vibrant school community from the ground up.
- Assistant Treasurer – if you're okay with math or your household finances, you can do this.
- Assistant Clerk – Written and communications skills needed here.
- Fundraising Coordinator (vacant) – if you like organization, and speaking to local businesses and families, step on up.
- Board Member - one meeting a month, plus helping with events when you’re able. Low-key, high-impact!
The Treasurer and Clerk roles are currently held by 8th grade parents. Learning alongside them this year is a great way to step into these roles with confidence. The time commitment is modest, but these positions are vital to keeping the PCO running smoothly. If you're curious or interested, please reach out: [email protected]
CSUS PCO Monthly Meeting
Monday, November 10 | 7:30 – 9PM | Google Meet
Join online meeting here >>
Or dial: (US) +1 218-451-4253 PIN: 295 240 209#
More phone numbers >>
Questions about the PCO?
You can find the answers here or send an email to [email protected].
Warm regards,
Shalini Ayre
President, CSUS-PCO