We look forward to welcoming you to Putnam Ave. on Tuesday, September 6. Below are some reminders, tips and links for a smoother transition (back) to school!
ARRIVAL
- First day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 6
- School begins at 8:40AM
- All students will arrive at the Magee St. door by 8:40AM. Staff will greet students outside, and direct them to the appropriate class rooms.
- Students eating breakfast in-school can come to the playground outside the cafeteria by 8:25AM
DISMISSAL
- School ends at 2:55PM
- Walkers will exit via the main entrance on Putnam Ave. Bus students will exit to the Magee St. door to take their buses.
- To report your student late or absent, please call 617.349.7780 or email our school's interim clerk Ms. Gabbidon [email protected]
TRANSPORTATION
Please see below for info about getting to school, via bus and walking routes and more.
SCHOOL BUS:
- School Bus Information: Eligible Bus Students should receive an email and a letter in the mail CPS Transportation department with bus information for your student. Due to limited space on the bus, students are only allowed to ride their assigned bus.
- Eligibility for school bus is determined by CPS as: students who must walk 1.5 or more miles to attend school and those who must cross Fresh Pond Parkway, McGrath Highway, or Alewife Brook Parkway, or the railroad tracks at Sherman Street.
- Bus Stop Info: Download the App "Edulog Parent Portal" for the most up to date/real time information or look up via these links: Find your bus stop and Track the bus
WALKING & BIKING TO SCHOOL:
Please use the links to see the recommended Safe Walking & Biking routes to school:
STUDENT MBTA T-PASS:
- Students can request and pick up a T-pass from the main office.
- Please note that the T-pass is not pre-paid, but it will be a reduced fare for students.
BACK TO SCHOOL FORMS, PARENT SQUARE & ASPEN
- ASPEN: If you need your Aspen login info, or forgot your password, please contact our school's interim clerk Ms. Gabbidon [email protected] (please provide your student's full name and grade).
- ANNUAL FORMS: Please fill out your student's back to school forms, health forms and covid testing consent forms in the family portal
- Printed Copies of the health forms will be available in school starting Sept 6, that can be filled and should be sent back to school to be delivered to the School Nurse.
- ParentSquare: CPS has implemented the new school-to-home communications platform that is simple, engaging and intuitive. Along with improved communications in various languages of your choice and more. Please register, and stay up to date with communication from school.
- ParentSquare Links: Overview, How To Get Started, and Register (please register using the email you receive messages from CPS)
- ASSISTANCE WITH FORMS: If you need help filling out your student's annual forms, please contact Kunjal Shah, family liaison to set up a time to complete them with her assistance. [email protected] text or call 857.270.3365
GRADE LEVEL WELCOME LETTERS & SUPPLIES LIST
Last week, you received welcome letters (linked below) from your Grade Level Teacher Leaders. This included information about your student's teachers, their contact info, supplies and more. For further questions, please contact your student's Teacher Leader.
SCHEDULE
You can review your student's schedule by logging into Aspen.Please note that schedules for the first few weeks of school might be different than what appears in Aspen, in order to ensure that our students have a successful transition to their new grades/classes.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Please read the attached student handbook carefully with your student and sign and submit the form back to school, to let us know you received and reviewed it.
INFO FROM SCHOOL NURSE
- Our School Nurse who will care for your children is Nurse Rollins. She can be reached at 617.349.6563 for any urgent issues, however the best way to contact is through email at [email protected] or jrollin[email protected]
- Nurse Rollins is available for medication delivery today, 9/1 from 1:00-3:30, and Friday, 9/2 8:30-3:30. Don't forget to sign the parent portion of the accompanying medication consent form. On the first day of school, the nurse will be in the courtyard at 102 Putnam Ave from 8:40-9:00. Students are not allowed to bring any medication to school.
- Students who are new to the Cambridge Public Schools district are required to submit a current physical within the past year. Please submit a medical report to the nurse if you have not done this already. A vaccine record allows for enrollment, but a physical exam is also needed within 30 days.
- The Health History form is essential every year, as numbers change and having up-to-date information and emergency contacts is very important. Submit yours today or send a copy with your child on the first day of school.
- Health Form(also available with annual forms in the family portal)
SCHOOL MEALS
- We are excited to share that school meals will be at no cost for all students through the 2022-2023 school year! A complete breakfast and a complete lunch will continue to be served at no cost to all students.
- See the CPS school lunch website and food and nutrition website for menus and more.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT & COMMUNITY COOKOUT - Thursday, September 22nd from 5-7PM
We are excited to kick off the start of the school year with our school community on Sept 22nd, 5-7PM. You will have an opportunity to meet with teachers, caregivers, community partners, and enjoy some good food and entertainment. More information to follow.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
We welcome families and caregivers to connect and become a part of our thriving school community.
- Attend meetings, events, volunteer and participate in school and community led activities.
- Some of the ways to get involved is by connecting with Putnam Ave. Family Association (PAFA), our parent/caregiver organization, as well as our School Council. Info Sessions for both groups and the meeting schedule will be shared in a few weeks.
- To join PAFA, select your interests athttps://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/PAUSfamilyassociation or email putnamavefamily@gmail.com
We are here to help. If you need any assistance with your transition back to school, or other support please reach out to Kunjal Shah, Family Liaison [email protected] or call/text 857.270.3365