Mark Your Calendar
- Thursday, October 2 | Yom Kippur (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
- Tuesday, October 7 | School Committee Meeting (Beginning at 6PM)
- Monday, October 13 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
- Tuesday, November 4 | Staff Professional Learning Day/Election Day (No School)
- Tuesday, November 11 | Veterans Day (No School & CPS Offices Closed)
Good evening CPS Community,
This school year is off to a great start! This issue of the CPS Connect Newsletter has lots of important updates about district happenings, project and policy updates, and upcoming events. In this and future issues of our newsletter, we will specifically report out on progress toward our District Plan goals and objectives.
Below you can learn more about implementation of districtwide Math and ELA curricula and, as we shared earlier this month, work is well underway toward our deepened commitment to family engagement and family partnerships. Last week, staff across the district participated in our first districtwide professional development day, where the focus was on family engagement.
Part of our long-standing commitment to family engagement is grounded in ensuring that all students have safe and welcoming learning environments. At CPS, our student population is richly diverse. Our students represent the rich racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity of the City of Cambridge. CPS is deeply committed to centering equity in education, and providing a high quality academic experience for every student. To do so, we firmly believe in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all families, students, and staff district-wide. Our community is fortunate to have over 2,000 teachers and staff members fiercely committed to maintaining school communities that are safe, supportive, and affirming places to learn and grow. That is true now, and it will not change.
We look forward to continuing to partner with families and caregivers as we work to support all students this year, and beyond.
Sincerely,
The CPS Team
In this Issue
- Superintendent Search: Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
- Transportation Update
- Preschool Application for 2026-2027 Available Next Wednesday!
- Coming Soon: MCAS Family Portal
- Screening Schedule for Kindergarten - Grade 8
- Updated CRLS Cell Phone Policy Began Today
- September 16 School Committee Recap
- Introducing Our New School Committee Student Representatives
- Afterschool Opportunities
- Save-the-Date: First Community Social of the Year
- Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Updates
- Strategic Spotlight: Districtwide Curriculum Implementation
- Upcoming Events
- District & Community Resources
- The Bright Spot
Need to Know News
Superintendent Search: Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
The CPS community has several opportunities to meet and learn more about the three finalists. Upcoming engagement opportunities are scheduled before the School Committee votes to select a new Superintendent of Schools on October 6th.
Upcoming engagement sessions include:
- Thursday, September 25, 5:30 - 8:30PM: Each candidate will have an individual 45-minute session to answer a series of pre-selected questions submitted by the greater Cambridge community. Childcare will be provided. Questions must have been submitted in advance. Attendees will not be able to ask questions live.
- Tuesday, September 30 (Time TBD): Finalists will participate in interviews with the School Committee. All interviews will be open to the public and will be broadcast live.
Finalists for the next CPS Superintendent of Schools are:
- Lourenço Garcia, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Revere, MA
- David Murphy, Interim Superintendent, Cambridge, MA
- Magaly Sanchez, Chief Family Advancement Officer, Boston, MA
Learn more and read about each finalist here.
Preschool Application for 2026-2027 Available Next Wednesday!
Applications for the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) for the 2026-2027 school year will be accepted starting next Wednesday, October 1 – Friday, November 14.
CPP provides access to free preschool through Cambridge Public Schools, the Cambridge Department of Human Services and Programs, and select community-based preschool and family child-care providers. Families can choose from programs that operate full-day, full-year (including summer) for an additional cost. Families apply through a single, centralized online application during the fall application timeframe.
- A child is eligible if they live in Cambridge and are:
- 4 years old by August 31, 2026 for 4-year-old programs; or
- 3 years old by August 31, 2026 for 3-year-old programs (please note there will be limited seats for 3-year-olds, and there may be additional eligibility requirements)
The program is managed by the City’s Office of Early Childhood. Learn more about the Cambridge Preschool Program here.
Information has been corrected to remove the Headstart program and paper applications which are not available this year.
Transportation Update
To address some remaining challenges in existing bus routes, last week our Transportation Department made adjustments to some bus routes - by adding or changing some bus stops, assigning new buses to routes, and/or changing routes depending on traffic patterns - and we have continued to see improvements. We recognize that there are still changes needed on a few routes, and are continuing to revise routes as necessary this week.
If your student is impacted by any route revisions, you should have received and will continue to receive updates directly from your school. These changes are limited to a very small number of buses and are primarily due to road construction happening in the immediate vicinity of our schools. We are continuing to monitor transportation closely and will make further adjustments as needed. Our goal is to ensure every student arrives at school safely and on time.
As we previously shared, our primary transportation vendor, Eastern Bus, experienced a major interruption to their online system, which has impacted our ability to monitor routes. This week, we expect to launch an updated parent portal with our vendor that will allow families to track bus times and locate bus stop locations and times. It will also allow us to more quickly and efficiently communicate with impacted families. Please be on the lookout for additional updates very soon.
Coming Soon: New MCAS Family Portal
This fall, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is launching a new MCAS Family Portal. The Portal will provide families with online access to a student’s individual performance data on the MCAS tests and will enable them to track assessment results from year to year. We will share more information as it is available, including how to sign up and how to access the portal. Stay tuned for more details!
Screening Schedule for Kindergarten - Grade 8
Assessing students through routine screening provides valuable data needed to understand student learning. This data, along with educator feedback, helps inform how we can better meet the educational needs of our students. View the screening schedule for the year using the calendars listed below for their appropriate grade level. The only new screener this year is Wayfinder’s Waypoints social-emotional learning (SEL) screener; to learn more about it, see here.
Kindergarten Testing Schedule
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1-2 Grade Testing Schedule
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3-5 Grade Testing Schedule
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6-8 Grade Testing Schedule
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Updated CRLS Cell Phone Policy Began Today
As of today, Monday, September 22, the updated Cambridge Rindge and Latin School cell phone policy is officially in effect. All students at CRLS are required to be phone-free in the building during the school day. Students received Yondr Pouches, a lockable phone pouch, to secure their cell phone while still keeping their device with them. Students can unlock their pouches at the main office when leaving the building.
Why Phone Free at CRLS?
- Maximize valuable school time: allow students to be engaged in learning without distraction.
- More time teaching: educators can focus on teaching instead of managing phone use.
- Create a supportive space to learn and grow: offset the negative impact of uninterrupted screen time on brain and character development.
September 16th School Committee Recap
The School Committee held a regular meeting last Tuesday. Highlights include:
Introducing Our New School Committee Student Representatives
Zihaam Jama is a senior at CRLS and a graduate of the Haggerty School and Darby Vassall Lane Upper School. At CRLS, she serves as Vice President of the East African Club, Mentor Lead for Pathfinders, Lead Facilitator in SOCC, and a leader in Club4, and also manages the girls’ basketball and softball teams. During her time in the Harvard Radcliffe Emerging Leaders Program, she examined the differences between Cambridge and Boston Public Schools and explored ways to align policies for greater fairness and opportunity.
As Student Representative, she hopes to amplify student voices, advocate for equity, and help create opportunities so every Cambridge student can succeed.
Eva Asraf is a senior at CRLS and a graduate of the Maria L. Baldwin School and Rindge Avenue Upper School. At CRLS, she is active in leadership and service organizations, including the Cambridge Youth Council, where she collaborates with city leaders on youth-focused initiatives, and Club 4, one of the school’s largest volunteering clubs. She is also President of the South Asian Club, helping plan cultural events and community-building activities. Beyond school, Eva fences with the Olympia Fencing Club and competes on the CRLS tennis team.
Eva is passionate about elevating student voice and ensuring all students feel heard and represented. As Student Representative, she hopes to work toward practical solutions to the challenges students face so the school community can continue to grow and improve.
Afterschool Opportunities
The Cambridge Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time (OST) has assembled a complete guide to afterschool opportunities in and around the city for Kindergarten - Grade 8. The Out-of-School Time One Pager includes links to the following resources.
District Happenings
Save-the-Date: First Community Social of the Year
You’re invited to join the Family and Community Engagement Team and our community partners for our first Community Social of the new school year. The theme for this event is Rhythms of Community: Dance, Drum, and Togetherness.
The event will feature West African dance and drumming for all ages and abilities. Come and join the festivities, indulge in delicious food, participate in our raffle, and take home some swag! Check out the Community Social flyer here.
- When: Saturday, October 25 | 10:30AM - 1PM
- Where: Morse School (40 Granite Street)
- Registration is helpful but not required.
- Questions? Contact Mia Ferej or call 617.349.9786
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Updates
Thank you to all of the CPS staff and families who shared feedback over the last few months about the district’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. This plan outlines the district’s comprehensive approach to reducing bullying/cyberbullying and protecting and supporting those targeted in Cambridge Public Schools. The updated plan is currently being reviewed by the School Committee. Last week, district administrators shared an overview of the feedback we received during the regular School Committee meeting. You can view the presentation here.
We look forward to working with you as we continue to build welcoming and safe schools.
Strategic Spotlight: Districtwide Curriculum Implementation
CPS is engaged in a multi-year process of implementing aligned curriculum across our schools in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Aligned curriculum provides a consistent experience for students regardless of their school and allows educators to build and leverage expertise with colleagues across the district.
In ELA, we are in year 2 of implementing the CKLA curriculum in our elementary schools, year 3 of implementing the Fishtank curriculum across our upper schools, and year 2 of using common ELA assessments at the high school. This fall, our students are already diving into their curriculum across grade levels, and have been reading, writing, and thinking about rigorous and engaging texts.
In Math, we are in year 3 of implementing Illustrative Mathematics in elementary schools. Our upper schools now offer accelerated curriculum pathways across grades 6-8, with Algebra Concepts and Skills now taught at all upper schools. At the high school, we have been implementing Illustrative Mathematics for 6 years. Students have been immersed in problem-based learning across math classes, and have been deeply thinking and talking about math with their peers.
Objective 1: Deliver Ambitious Instruction & Effective Supports
In the District
Superintendent Search: Community Forum
Thursday, September 25 | 5:30 - 8:30PM
Location: To be Announced
Public forum with the finalists for CPS Superintendent. The form to submit questions in advance will be shared soon!
Superintendent Search: Public Interviews
Tuesday, September 30 | Time: To Be Announced
Location: To be Announced
Finalists will participate in interviews with the School Committee. All interviews will be open to the public and will be broadcast live.
Tobin Montessori/Darby Vassall Community Complex Grand Opening
Saturday, October 18 | Time: To Be Announced
181 Vassal Lane
Celebrate the opening of the new Tobin Montessori and Darby Vassall Upper School Community Complex. The event will include tours for all interested community members. Details coming soon.
Community Social
Saturday, October 25 | 10:30AM - 1PM
Morse School (40 Granite Street)
Join CPS and our community partners for our first Community Social of the year. Enjoy
West African dance, drumming, and unity! Lunch is provided. Registration is helpful for planning but not required.
Back-to-School Events
Each school has put together some details for their back-to-school events. Check out the calendar and save-the-date for your child’s school celebrations!
See the calendar for school events here
District Calendar
Visit our digital calendar for upcoming events here.
In the Community
Rail Innovation in Action Program
Application Deadline: Monday, September 22
Online
Students in grades 9 - 12 are encouraged to apply for the
Rail Innovation program in partnership with Lemelson-MIT and the California State Railroad Museum. This online eight-week, interactive program focuses on innovation to create community impact. Applications close Monday, September 22.
Virtual: Cambridge Volunteer Fair
Thursday, September 25 | 12PM - 1:30PM
Zoom (link to be provided through registration)
Connect with local non-profits and find opportunities to support organizations and your community at the
Cambridge Volunteer Fair! Register to attend here.
Cambridge Preschool Program Enrollment Fair
Saturday, September 27 | 10AM - 12PM
Cambridge Rindge and Latin Main Cafeteria (459 Broadway)
Learn more directly from the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) providers during the
CPP Enrollment Fair. There will be activities, entertainment, and ice cream.
Parking is available at the CRLS parking lot under the tennis court at 90 Ellery Street.
Virtual CPP Information Session
Monday, September 29 | 7-8PM
Learn more about eligibility, program options, and the application and matching processes for the
Cambridge Preschool Program.
Register for the virtual CPP information session here.
Celebrating Disability Pride 2025
Saturday, October 4 | 11AM - 2PM
Joan Lorentz Park Location, Cambridge Public Library (449 Broadway)
Celebrating Disability Pride is a festive event for the whole community that aims to increase visibility, dignity and inclusion of people with disabilities while raising awareness and reducing stigma.
Webinar: From Conflict to Connection: How Families and Schools Can Work Together to Break the Cycle of Bullying
Wednesday, October 8 | 12PM
Join Cartwheel and bullying prevention expert Fabian Ramirez to learn about the hidden impact of bullying and how parents and educators can foster empathy, resilience, and healthier school communities.
Register for the webinar here.
Science Club for Girls
Date & Time Varies
Virtual and In-person
Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in this
free after-school program for girls and gender-expansive youth (kindergarten - grade 8)
Apply for the Science Club for Girls here.
District & Community Resources
CRLS Nationally Recognized by Special Olympics as Unified Champion School
CRLS has received National Banner recognition as a
2024-25 Special Olympics Unified Champion School from Special Olympics North America for demonstrating excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect.
National Banner recognition requires participation in Special Olympics Unified Champion School ® programming, which provides inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities to train and compete as teammates. 10 national standards of excellence must be met to merit National Banner recognition.
The three core components of these standards include sports, leadership, and whole school engagement. This designation is made possible by the everyday actions of our community, by choosing to include others, celebrating our differences, and demonstrating respect for your peers each day, you are playing a part in creating an authentic feeling of belonging for all.
Read the full press release here.