Updates And Reminders From Cambridge Public Schools

Press release from Cambridge Public Schools:

December 7, 2020

Dear CPS Community,

"As we prepare for the shift to remote learning for all students, face colder weather, and read the daily news reports on the uptick in COVID-19 cases, it is easy to feel discouraged, even with a vaccine on the horizon. But now, more than ever, it is imperative to stay vigilant and work together to prevent the spread of this virus. While there are elements that are out of our control, it is our shared responsibility to continue to do everything we can to keep our CPS community safe, healthy, connected and learning together.

You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth saying again – now is not the time to let our guard down. Following public health guidelines and recommendations -- wearing a mask, frequently washing your hands, maintaining social distancing, getting a flu shot, and participating in COVID-19 testing -- will help protect you, your family, and our community.

We will continue to engage with students, families, and staff to discuss ways to improve students’ current experiences and to plan for a potential future expansion of in-person learning. This is important so that we have a plan we can implement when the public health situation allows us to do so.

See below for the following updates and reminders:

• Opt-In to Text Message Updates
• Give Feedback through the Family Survey
• Join a Family Listening Session
• Flu Shots Due December 31
• Key Dates & Upcoming Meetings/Events
• Important Resources"

Sincerely,

Kenneth N. Salim, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Details

1. Opt-In to Text Message Updates: If you are not already receiving text messages from CPS, make sure you have opted in. Send a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. This is one important way to stay connected and informed about important announcements, snow days, surveys and other important alerts.

2. Give Feedback through the Family Survey: One way to provide feedback on your family’s experience is via the family survey, which launches today and will be open through December 17. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and key takeaways will be shared with the community.

3. Join a Family Feedback Session: We are gaining valuable perspective through our family feedback sessions, hosted by Director of family engagement, Robin Harris. Join via zoom >>

• Tuesday, December 8 | 4PM: Grades 6-8
• Tuesday, December 8 | 7PM: Haitian Creole Speakers
• Thursday, December 10 | 11AM: Open to All Remote Learners
• Thursday, December 10 | 4PM: Grades 1-3
• Thursday, December 10 | 7PM: CRLS/Extension School
• Friday, December 11 | 11AM: Chinese Speakers
• Friday, December 11 | 4PM: Special Start, Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten
• Saturday, December 12 | 10AM: Grades 4-5
• Saturday, December 12 | 12PM: American-Born Black Families
• Tuesday, December 15 | 11AM: Bengali Speakers
• Tuesday, December 15 | 4PM: Spanish Speakers
• Thursday, December 17 | 11AM: Arabic Speakers
• Thursday, December 17 | 4PM: Open to All

4. Flu Shots Required by December 31: All Massachusetts public school students – including students learning remotely – are now required to get a flu shot by December 31, 2020, except for those with a religious or medical exemption. Students ages 12-22 years-old can receive a flu shot at the Teen Health Center located at CRLS. Call 617.665.1548 for more information.

5. Key Dates & Upcoming Meetings/Events

• December 8: 6PM: School Committee, Roundtable: Principals, Grades 6 - 12
• December 9 | 6:30PM: Mental Health First Aid training, with Aweh Support, LLC - registration required
• December 10: CPS shifts to remote learning for all students
• December 15 | 6PM: School Committee, Regular Meeting
• December 24 - January 1: Winter Break, no school
• December 31: State deadline for all students to receive Flu Vaccine

6. Important Resources

• CPS COVID-19 Data Dashboard
• “What Should I Do”: guidance on what to do if you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Housing Support: Cambridge residents experiencing housing instability can continue applying to the Housing Stabilization Program through December 15 (online or call 617.349.9797). A new application process will open on January 11, 2021.

This press release was produced by Cambridge Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.