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Hi Cambridge OST Providers, We are reaching out to share some messages, information and resources affiliated with the recent and tragic loss of an 8th grade CPS student. Please be aware that all CSUS students as well as others may be aware and impacted by what has happened, now and into the future. We hope that our programs can serve as the sources of support, love and healing that we always strive for -- especially during this difficult time. The following is being reposted from communications that have gone out from Cambridge Public Schools, and includes information about an upcoming webinar happening on the evening of 10/23/24, as well as additional resources. This message is primarily for programs serving upper school students, but also for those with elementary and/or high school students who might have older or younger siblings and/or heard about what happened. Dear CPS Community: The last few days have been extremely difficult for our school district. On Friday the Cambridge Street Upper School suffered an unimaginable loss when we learned of the unexpected passing of an 8th grade student. Our team has been in contact with the student’s family as well as officials from the Cambridge Health Alliance to ensure coordinated supports are in place to assist CSUS as well as the extended CPS community during this painful period of time. Our thoughts and prayers are and will continue to be with the student’s family and friends. We know that a loss like this may evoke various emotions, concerns, and questions among our students. Please note that our schools are staffed with counselors, psychologists, and other caring adults who are fully committed to the well-being of all students. In lieu of our normal collection of newsletter resources, please see below for details related to a virtual information session that will be convened on Wednesday evening focusing on grief, loss and supporting children during times of crisis. This program has been recommended by experts in the field of grief counseling and crisis management. We are providing this resource to the community at-large because we know the impact of a tragedy like this can be both widespread and dangerously silent. CPS will continue to work to identify any resources we can leverage on behalf of our school communities and make them available to all who need support. To the staff, students and families of the Cambridge Street Upper School, I want to offer both my deepest sympathy for the grief you are experiencing and gratitude for the steadfast grace you have demonstrated in recent days. The professionalism and dedication being exhibited by the teachers and staff at CSUS in support of their students is inspiring, and on behalf of the community I extend my most heartfelt thanks. There will be additional resources deployed to CSUS and elsewhere in the days ahead. If your child is in need of mental health support of any kind, please contact your school’s main office or the district’s crisis coordinator, Kim Huffer, at [email protected]. Thank you. Sincerely, David Murphy Interim Superintendent Webinar Information & Additional ResourcesVirtual Webinar: How to Discuss Suicide and Support Youth Through Loss
Riverside Trauma Center will host a virtual webinar in partnership with school administrators focusing on how caregivers can support youth in navigating conversations about suicide as well as how support youth through feelings of grief. When: This Wednesday, October 23 | 7 - 8:15PM Where: Virtually on Zoom Access the webinar here. Attendees will learn:
Finally, I am also re-sharing some information that may be helpful to you in discussing suicide with your child:
Note that children who are already vulnerable may be at greater risk due to exposure to the suicide of a peer. If you or your child needs help right away, call 911 or take your child to the nearest crisis center or emergency department. Additional options for support include:
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 During this month’s Network Meeting, we focused on the meaning of quality staff and its importance for our programs and the communities we serve. Breaking out into four groups, we asked each group what key attributes they believe define a high-quality youth worker. The groups also had the chance to discuss:
Based on these colorful conversations, network members had the opportunity to create a visual representation of their quality team members. From stethoscopes to duckfeet, the drawings represented each group's unique vision of a quality team member. Check out the drawings below!
Finally, we reviewed a few antiracism scenarios and discussed the key attributes that would help our quality team members respond effectively and appropriately to the situation. Community AnnouncementsConnor Epsteinkraus - The Cambridge Public Health Department and Family Policy Council are forming a Youth Wellness Working Group to develop policy and program recommendations and a plan to ensure every young person in our community has the skills, supports, and opportunities they need to thrive. All the details are in this proposal and slideshow. They are hoping to get a diverse group of people with multiple perspectives to join us. If you or anyone you know might be interested, fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/dXgZuDsqrmiCyGTy9 Puja Kranz-Howe - The YWCA’s GOLD and GEY programs for 12-18 year olds are starting at the end of October at CRLS. The programs run once a week until May. Drop-ins are okay! See the flyers for more information. Participants can receive a $100 stipend or community service hours.
Jordan Harvey - Tutoring Plus has put together a monthly math digest for grades 4-8 to illustrate what’s happening in math classrooms. Contact Jordan for more information: [email protected] Carol Urbano - Welcome Carol! Carol is new to the Network having recently been hired at the MIT Museum as the Teen Programs Coordinator. Feel free to reach out to Carol: [email protected]
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