Back to School Info SY24-25

Welcome to School Year 2024-2025! We hope this letter finds you well-rested and ready for the start of the school year on Tuesday, September 3.

At Putnam Ave Upper School, we cherish the relationships formed over the years with our students and families, and we look forward to forging new connections with those of you who are joining us this year.
Below are some important dates, details, and updates to be aware of.

Arrival and Dismissal

• The school day begins at 8:45 am and ends at 3:15 pm, (2:45 pm on Wednesdays).
  Students will arrive via the Magee St. entrance and report directly to their advisory for homeroom.

• If they arrive at school after 8:45, students must check-in with the main office before proceeding to class. to their first period class.

• Breakfast will be served each morning from 8:15-8:35 (students who wish to eat should arrive by 8:25 via the playground entrance).

• Walkers will exit via the main entrance on Putnam Ave. Bus students will exit to the Magee St. door to take their buses.

We commit to being a cell phone free community.
Cell phones, smart watches and wireless headphones and use of social media apps are not allowed during school hours (refer to the Student & Family Handbook for more details).

Transportation
Any questions about bus assignments should be directed to the Office of Transportation at 617-349-6862 or https://www.cpsd.us/departments/transportation

School Bus Tracking: Download the App "Edulog Parent Portal" for real time information or look up via these links: Find Your Bus Stop Track The Bus

Change Bus Form: If your student needs to take the school bus to or from another address in Cambridge, please the form and send to the school clerk. Transportation Change Form

Walking & Biking School: Walking Routes | Safe Routes to School
 Reduced fare MBTA (½ price) passes will be available at the main office.
   

• Please complete the important back-to-school forms by the first day of school. Log into the family portal to complete the forms online!

• If you haven’t already, create an account with ParentSquare and download the ParentSquare app which provides direct 1:1 communication with staff and receive school / district information.

• Your child should bring a backpack and refillable water bottle to school each day. Classroom teachers will distribute materials lists during the first week of school.

Back to School Celebration

We warmly invite all parents and caregivers to attend our annual Back to School Block Party on Wednesday, September 18th from 5:00- 7:00 pm. More information regarding Back to School Night, will be shared with you via the weekly Tuesday Take-Home email. We encourage you to sign up for Parent Square to receive updates about the Back to School Party and other upcoming Putnam Ave events.

• Elizabeth Cantor, 8th grade science

• Xavier Pierre-Jerome, 8th grade social studies

• Welsey Eghan, 8th grade math

• Jahaira Rosado, 7th grade math

• Nicole Gerardin, 7th grade english language arts

• Margaret Anderson,6th grade social studies

• Xuran Wang, Chinese & 7th grade immersion social studies

• Keely Danielson, math interventionist

• Nicole Doherty, math interventionist

• Sean Degan, strings & orchestra

• Deondre Starling, student support paraprofessional

• Aidysn Cadet, building substitute

• Marcello DeMiranda, multi-lingual learning teacher

• Sally Dewart, special educator

• Jennifer Townsend, special educator

These dedicated educators are excited to be a part of our school community and to contribute their expertise to the growth and development of all our students. Please welcome them to Putnam Ave.

Student Handbook
Attached is this year's Student and Family Handbook. We ask that you review it carefully with your student and sign the Acknowledgment page latest by Friday September 6, 2024.

Grade Level Welcome Letters
Please see the attached staff welcome letters with relevantgrade levelinformation for your reference:

• Grade 6

• Grade 7

• Grade 8

• Specialist

Schedules are available in Aspen, however, schedules are not considered final until Monday, September 16th. Given the extended school day and additional guidelines, we anticipate some changes during the week of September 9th. For new/incoming families, CPS IT Dept sent letters this week with unique Aspen Login Info to families. If you need assistance, please reach out to the family liaison.

Once again, welcome to School Year 2024-2025! We are honored to have you as a part of our Putnam Ave School Community, and we look forward to a successful year filled with learning and exploration.