Elementary & Middle School Out-of-School Time Networks

December 2024

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Upcoming ESON, MSN & RAY Meeting

School Community Partnerships Gathering Flyer

We are excited to bring together family liaisons, community outreach workers, school personnel, and community programs for the 2nd annual School Community Partnerships Gathering!

 

When: Tuesday, December 10th, 9am-12pm (Breakfast provided!)

Location: The Foundry (101 Rogers street). Limited street parking (but no street cleaning this year!) 

 

Building off our first convening, the goals of this gathering are to:

  • Foster Collaboration: Build on current relationships and establish new partnerships between elementary, middle, and high school providers.
  • Address Shared Obstacles and Build Sustainable Solutions: Encourage open discussions among providers to recognize successes and common challenges, while also celebrating the unique strengths of the age groups they serve.
  • Participate in a Collaborative Learning Hub: Share resources, tools, and best practices among providers.
  • Strengthen our Networks and Coalitions: On behalf of our shared goals, children, youth, and families.
  • Elevate our Voices!

 

Please RSVP so we can include you in our meeting directory distributed during the event. RSVPing will also let you choose break-out groups and add other topics that you would like to be addressed. Click here for the participant guide!


Reach out to Nadia Davila (ndavila@cambridgema.gov) or Greg Green (ggreen@cpsd.us) with any questions!



Please note: This is our last Network Meeting until February 2025.

RSVP for Dec. 10th Meeting

Voices From Our Network: Youth Impact

During September's Network Meeting, we asked for your thoughts on the impact of your work on young people. Each month, we'll be featuring one your powerful responses!


The highlighted quote for December is:



“We give young people a place to go after school where they can be themselves, develop friendships, and work on skills not always available to them during school hours.”


Stay tuned for more of your impactful quotes in our upcoming newsletters!

Opportunities & Resources for You

Take a Field Trip to The Robo Hub

Looking for a new and exciting field trip idea for your program? Check out The Robo Hub!


The Robo Hub is an intergenerational community space focused on STEM education, events and families. They offer:

  • Advanced technology including LEGO® robotics, drones, and AI tools
  • Professional maker equipment: 3D printers, laser cutters, and programming platforms
  • Expert instructors from the tech industry
  • Project-based learning that mirrors real innovation practices


Connect with Mary (mary@therobohub.com) to learn more about scheduling your field trip!

Video tour of Robo Hub

Cambridge School Volunteers is Looking for Tutors

Cambridge School Volunteers Recruitment LC & HS Tutoring

Tutors can work with 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to help with homework, provide social and emotional support and mentoring in weekly after-school CSV Learning Centers in one of the 5 Cambridge Upper Schools.


Trained volunteers can also serve as one-to-one tutors and mentors with high school students of all levels and needs, providing individualized help to improve students’ skills and knowledge in specific subjects. Tutoring takes place in the library at the Cambridge Rindge & Latin School.


For more information or to sign up as a tutor, click here!

Hosting a Drive for In-Kind Goods This Season?

Cambridge Non-Profit Coalition is partnering with Cambridge Volunteers to assist your organizations with your material aid campaigns and help you find volunteers this season.


If your organization is looking for gifts-in-kind, gifts for clients or other material aid, click here to be listed in the Guide to Cambridge Holiday Donations.


You can preview the published list here.

Do You Offer Programming During Winter Break?

Every winter, the Agenda for Children OST puts together a slideshow for students and their families that lists a variety of programs, events, and activities for Elementary/Middle School students that are happening during December/January vacation in Cambridge and surrounding areas.


Want to make sure we include your program? Email Zeena Brown (zbrown@cpsd.us) with your winter break program info!

Submit Your Program Info for 2025 Summer Opportunities Guide

Photo of Summer 2024 Resource Guide

It may be hard to believe but we’re already planning for Summer Programming!


Action Requested: Please fill out this 2025 Summer Opportunities Guide Intake Form. We want to include your info in our materials about summer programs in Cambridge. Parents & Caregivers will see your info in these materials about summer programs:

  • Our upcoming 2025 Summer Camp Registration Timeline (for K-5)
  • The Agenda for Children OST's 2025 Summer Opportunities Guide for K-8th Graders. Paper copies of this guide are handed out to hundreds of families at the annual Rollin' & Summer Resources Event in March
  • Your program info will ALSO be updated or added to FindItCambridge.org, the website for all things Cambridge 

Opportunities & Resources for Youth & Families

Winter Sing-Along

NSM Winter Sing Along Flyer

Join the New School of Music for a free Winter Sing-Along: an evening of song, community, and cheer.


Pianist and NSM instructor Joe Reid will lead festive tunes to celebrate the upcoming season. It promises to be a feel-good event for all ages! ALL are welcome. Cider and snacks will be served.


Thursday, December 12th from 6:00-7:30pm


New School of Music

25 Lowell Street, Cambridge


For more info, click here.

MIT Museum: Genes and Machines

MIT Genes and Machines Flyer

You're invited to the next Teen Science Cafe, an event planned by MIT's Teen Programming Council specifically for teens.


Hear researchers share their experience and insight into how bioengineering can impact innovation in medical applications. Engage in hands-on activities stretching your understanding of bioengineering and its real world applications. Meet fellow curious high school students, enjoy free food, and engage in fun and interactive learning.


Saturday, December 14th, 3-5pm


MIT Museum

314 Main Street, Cambridge


Click here to learn more!

Join The Robo Hub For Winter Open House

Kids can try out all of their robotics activities and parents can check out the space. 


Saturday, December 7th, 10am-12pm


Robo Hub

86A Sherman Street,

Cambridge, MA


Learn more and reserve your spot here.

Save The Date For Upcoming Community Social

CPS Community Social Flyer

You’re invited to join the Family and Community Engagement Team and community partners for the December Community Social. The theme for this event will be “Color Your World with Joy! Come and join the festivities, indulge in delicious food, participate in a raffle, and take home some swag!


Thursday, December 19th, 5:30-7:30pm


Cambridge Street Upper School Cafeteria

850 Cambridge Street


Questions? Contact Mia Ferej (rferej@cpsd.us) or call 617-349-9786

Friday Night Roller Skating

All Cambridge middle schoolers (6th, 7th, and 8th graders) are invited to enjoy a free night of roller skating, food, crafts, music, and fun!


Friday, December 13th, 6:15-9:30pm


Frisoli Youth Center,

61 Willow Street, Cambridge


Register and sign-up at your local Youth Center. For more information, contact Patricia Bradshaw (Ms. B), Special Projects Manager, 857-259-0933, 617-349-1725 or pbradshaw@cambridgema.gov


Permission Slip due by Wednesday, December 11th

Interested in continuing your conversations from Network Meetings or want to establish better connections with the OST community, check out our OST Networking Contact Form!


To submit your contact information, please fill out your contact details here. Click here to see the current submissions on our expanding network contact sheet.

The Middle School Network (MSN) and Elementary Out-of-School Time Network (ESON) are programs of the Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time that aim to ensure equitable access and engagement of elementary and middle school youth in out-of-school time experiences in Cambridge. Agenda for Children Out-of School Time is a citywide intermediary situated in both the City’s Human Services and School Departments.

Greg Green

ESON Coordinator

Cambridge Public Schools & Agenda for Children OST

857-235-2946, ggreen@cpsd.us

Position Vacant

MSN Coordinator

Cambridge Public Schools & Agenda for Children OST

Check our Events Calendar for all other professional development opportunities and links to virtual meetings.

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