Family Folk Dance on November 18th
Thank
you to everyone who attended Family Folk Dance Night! What a great night of dancing and community. Thank you to Friends of Haggerty for funding our live musician Sammy (accordion and fiddle) to accompany our dances. First graders performed
the Swedish dance Fjaskern in a circle, and then everyone joined in. The second graders showed up and performed the English dance Noble Duke of York in a longways set (two lines facing each other).
To end the night, fourth grade successfully executed the Scottish sword dance, resulting in a star!
Thank you to Ms. Susie and Mx. Irvin for leading the dances, Coach Materazzo and Mr. Reynolds for attending and dancing with us, and Lissa for organizing the evening. Keep dancing!
Math Coach’s Corner
You might have been encouraged to read to your child everyday - that’s a wonderful way to encourage reading. But many caregivers wonder how to help their child love math. Bedtime Math to the rescue! They have a free app that gives you a new math story to talk about every day. This is a great way to start a playful conversation with your child that is about math. Check it out!
And if you want to know more about what your child is learning in school, go to the Family Support Hub for more information. Most grades are currently teaching
Unit 3, except for Kindergarten which should start Unit 3 in December.
Mathily Yours,
Nili Pearlmutter
Haggerty Math Coach
Literacy Coach
by Suzanne Russell
Dear Haggerty Caregivers,
1) Just a few quick reminders about the ELA curriculum and upcoming Reports Cards. First, there is an ELA Caregiver Website for families/caregivers. You can find many resources and information about the grades CPP-Grade 5 Curriculum. Please reach out if you have any questions or if you
are interested in learning more about your child’s ELA learning. Our Literacy Team is preparing a Winter caregiver event sometime in January, stay tuned for details.
2) Reports Cards: CPS is launching our new report card for grades CPP-Grade 5. Your child’s teacher will support you to understand the new report card. For many of you, it may look similar to year’s
past. Here’s a TIP about understanding the new report card: This report card will report on your child (children’s) progress throughout the year. If you see that your child is not yet meeting the grade
level expectations, Don’t Worry--students are expected to meet the grade level standards by the end of the school year. So, plan to see 1’s and 2’s on your child’s report. By the end of the year, students
will be achieving more 2’s and 3’s. As always, if you would like to learn more about the report card, keep an eye out for information from CPS explaining the new changes. If you have any questions about the
ELA portions, please contact me at [email protected].
This note is for CPP & Kindergarten Caregivers: Kindergarten students have just begun learning new skills in reading and writing. CPP & K students may have more 1’s and 2’s on their report cards
at the beginning of the school year. Our educators will explain more about this during upcoming conferences. Please sign up for conferences to make sure you can learn about your child’s progress and ways you can support our youngest learners in their literacy skills.
Grade 5 Poetry
Our 5th grade students are in the middle of their CKLA Poetry Unit. Students are learning a variety of poems, poems structures
and poetry styles. This week we feature Meklit’s poem about the EXCEL Afterschool Program. Way to Go Meklit for writing this motivating Math poem! Stay tuned for more original poems from
our 5th graders.
At our school, we do so well,
Math is fun — we love to excel!
Adding, counting, shapes galore,
There’s nothing math can’t help us excel for sure!
Times tables, graphs, and more,
We love numbers, we excel for sure!
Fractions, puzzles, we can tell,
At our school, we always excel!
Shine so bright — ring that bell,
Math is magic, we excel so well!
We solve problems, one, two, three,
At our school, we excel, you see!
Music Corner
Haggerty Annual Peace Concert
Friday, December 12, 2025
Please attend our Peace Concerts on Friday, December 12 in the gym. We’re trying a new model with two concerts. First, join Lissa and other caregivers in the cafeteria for coffee! Please let us know if you have any questions.
([email protected] / [email protected])
- 8 - 8:45AM | Preschool, kindergarten, third grade, and Haggerty chorus will perform
- 9 - 9:45AM | 1st grade, 2nd grade, 4th grade, and Haggerty chorus will perform
Ms Susie’s music classes are preparing their sets for our Peace Concert, December 12 in the gym. Students will demonstrate their dances and practice with our new ukuleles!
Library Corner
Cozy Reading Fort in the Library
Starting November 19, library classes will have the chance to read inside a delightful fort located in the picture book area of the library.
This cozy reading nook, offers a snug retreat for young readers to immerse themselves in their beloved tales. The soft fairy lights overhead cast a warm glow, sparking the imagination and creating an enchanting atmosphere. This activity
aligns with the Library Learning Expectations by encouraging students to be active learners and participants, fostering a passion for reading a variety of genres, and exploring diverse perspectives through stories.
Book Club Announcement for Grades 3 and 5
The Book Club for students in grades 3 through 5 will commence on Monday, November 24, 2025, during lunchtime. I will visit
the cafeteria to ensure students can grab their lunch before escorting them to the library. During our first meeting, we will discuss what everyone has been reading recently and fill out a feedback form to gather preferences for future
book club selections and brainstorm enjoyable activities. This activity supports the Library Learning Expectations by encouraging students to contribute to a reading and learning community, read widely, and explore diverse perspectives,
all while thinking critically about representation in stories.
Friends of Haggerty Corner
Help Friends of Haggerty in December at Shaw’s!
We
are excited to share that Star Market has selected Friends of Haggerty to benefit from the GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program throughout DECEMBER. The Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag
Program makes it easy for shoppers to contribute to their local communities.
Every time a $3.00 reusable GIVE BACK Bag is purchased at the Star Market located at 699 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA in DECEMBER, $1 will be donated to Friends of Haggerty. This is a great way to broaden awareness of our mission and
help our cause.
Haggerty Events
SAVE THE DATE: Haggerty Family Lantern Making
Thursday, December 18 | 5:30-6:30PM | Haggerty School - Art Room
Join us on Thursday, December 18th for a family lantern making event (open to all grades JK-5)! We will host a simple lantern making event and
light up our lanterns. Let's bring some light to these dark afternoons!
Please let us know if you can attend, so that we have enough supplies. This is not a drop-off event, so please plan to attend with your student(s). Thanks to Friends of Haggerty for funding this fun family event.
Questions? Ask Lissa!
Link to register >>
Community Resources
Free Food Markets
All families are welcome
to stop by our free, school-based food markets. They offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry items. Free Food Markets are on select days. Please bring your own bags.
Graham and Parks School
1:30 - 3PM
December 4 |
Fletcher Maynard Academy
2 - 3:45PM
December 10 |
Peabody School/ Rindge Avenue Upper School
3:25 - 5:15PM
December 18 |
Community Charter School of Cambridge
2:30 - 3:30PM
November 25 | December 17 |
As a reminder, all students have access to FREE breakfast and lunch every school day. View the daily menus here. Additional information on how to find food in Cambridge is available here.
Resources
Food, Nutrition, & Gardening
- SNAP funds have returned and are being distributed as normal. We are incredibly grateful to live and work in Massachusetts, where equitable and accessible nutrition and food security is a priority. While funds have returned, please
share the November SNAP Freeze Cambridge Resources for anyone who is still in need of additional support. Please also note that the handout
has officially been translated to the top 8 languages spoken in Cambridge.
- For November’s Harvest of the Month, we have - Kale!
- Norah’s Nutrition Nook
- A good source of insoluble fiber, kale can be a great food to support bowel regularity! Insoluble fiber does not digest nor does it dissolve in water, so it moves through your intestinal tract. As a result, this fiber bulks up
the stool and keeps bowel movements frequent and regular.
- We’ve heard kale is a superfood, and this is for many reasons! One of the reasons is that kale is rich in a compound called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane has been shown in research to potentially reduce cancer cell growth and
even support apoptosis.
- Recipes to try:
- Crafts, Stories, and Books, Oh My! Family Event | Friday, November 21 | 6-7:30PM
Join the Center For Families for Crafts, Stories, and Books, Oh My! Family Event. Children will have the opportunity to enjoy many
activities and get a free book!
Mind, Movement, & More
- Little Groove Music and Movement | Friday, November 21 | 11-11:45AM
Join the O’Connell Library’s Little Groove Music and Movement!
Families with children under 4 years old can join in play and activities.
- CPL Nature Club Morning Bird Watching Walk | Monday, November 24 | 10:15-11:30AM
Join the Collins Library for the CPL Nature Club Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery!
Please note registration is required.
- The Cambridge Council on Aging is expanding its programming at the
Russell Youth and Community Center! Every Thursday and Friday until January 16th, 2026, the following activities will be offered:
- Thursday
- 9 - 10AM | Tai Chi
- 10 - 11:30AM | Portrait Drawing
- 10:30 - 11:30AM | Yoga
- Friday
- 9 - 10AM | Dance
- 10 - 11:30AM | Origami
Upcoming Community Events
CPS Toy Drive
Monday-Friday, 8AM-4PM | Drop-off location: Cambridge Public Schools Lobby, 135 Berkshire St.
The CPS Office of Family & Community Engagement is hosting a toy drive! If you have any unopened toys, you can donate them at the following drop-off location and times. All contributions will be distributed to families through theSpot Questions? Email [email protected].
Free Holiday Events
Check out upcoming events at the New School of Music this holiday season. View upcoming events >>
Holiday Reading (With award-winning poet and writer, Charles Coe.) | Sunday, December 7 | 4PM
Holiday Sing-Along (Cider, snacks, and song) | Tuesday, December 16 | 6:30PM
Parenting Journey
Tuesdays, January 20 - April 28* | 5:30 – 7:30PM | Martin Luther King Jr. School (102 Putnam Ave.)
A free 12-week parenting group for Cambridge parents with children (birth - 8 years old). Childcare is available and dinner will be served. Registration is required. To register, contact Sierra Riley at 617.349.5522 or
[email protected]. *No sessions: February 17, March 24 & April 21.
Washington Health Care Behavioral
M-F, 9AM - 8PM & Sat. - Sun., 9AM - 3PM | 5264 Washington St. Suite 10, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Washington Health Care offers a wide range of supportive services tailored to the needs of children and families in the community. Available services include individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy,
and group therapy, Medication Management, Home Health Aide Services, Skilled Nursing Care, and Continuous Skilled Nursing Care. You can put in a referral online 24 hours or call the office. For information regarding specific services, accepted insurances, and languages we speak, please visit our website here.
Electric Safety Challenge for Students and Families
Resources on learning how to practice safety around electricity through Eversource. Learn more online >>
Cambridge Healthy Smiles
Healthy Snack of the Week
In Our District and Community
Visit Find It Cambridge for lots of great resources!
You can also call/text 617.686.2998 or email Andrew for help.
See a curated list of programs, events, and resources within our district & community! See list >>
Upcoming Haggerty Events
Early Release Day - Dismissal at 11:45AM
Wednesday, November 26
NO SCHOOL | Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 27 & Friday, November 28
Haggerty School Advisory Council
Friday, December 5 | 8-9AM | Conference Room and Google Meet
Haggerty Peace Day Concert
Friday, December 12
8-8:45AM | Preschool, kindergarten, third grade, and Haggerty chorus
9 - 9:45AM | 1st grade, 2nd grade, 4th grade, and Haggerty chorus
Caregiver Coffee
Friday, December 12 | 7:45 - 8AM | Cafeteria
Family Lantern Making Event
Thursday, December 18 | 5:30 - 6:30PM | Art Room
Early Release Day (Dismissal at 11:45am)
Tuesday, December 23
No School, Winter Break
Wednesday, December 24 - Monday, January 5
View full calendar >>
View district calendar >>