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Building Intentional Space for Connection & Collaboration We officially launched our first middle school-specific network meeting of the year. This new structure allowed attendees to choose their path and focus more deeply on the unique needs of middle school youth.
In this kickoff MSN session, we laid the groundwork for the year ahead. Together, we co-created the feel of the space by asking:
Here’s what emerged from the group: 10/1/25 MSN notes Next Meeting Preview Please bring a data point from your own program about middle schoolers, any insight, big or small, is valuable. We’ll dig into our collective data on how many priority students were confirmed for Summer 2025, and begin dreaming up what an ideal OST-school district partnership could look like. Let’s keep building a space that is rooted in connection, driven by purpose, and brave enough to make a difference.
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Thanks to everyone who came out to the Network Kickoff event we co-hosted with RAY at the Moore Youth Center on 9/10/25. With over 70 people in the room (actually, on the basketball court), we had the chance to connect, reflect on the impact of our work with young people and families, and ground ourselves in the shared values of ESON, MSN, and RAY. The room was full of energy as longtime Network members and new faces came together. Through activities like Bingo and a life-size map of Cambridge, we learned more about each other and the many programs represented across the City. One of the more powerful moments was when participants tied their contact information to colorful strings, creating a visual of our interconnectedness as a Network. We were thrilled to see the buzz and excitement as we kicked off the school and after school year and are looking forward to continuing our conversations at our next meeting on 10/1 at the Frisoli Youth Center. In case you missed the meeting, check out the community announcements below: Community Announcements Tyrique Kittrell (Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time) - Bridge Scholars is a tutoring and mentoring program led by CRLS students in its third year of serving the community; providing high school scholars the opportunity to support younger students across Cambridge. We are currently seeking program sites interested in hosting CRLS tutors. Does your program include homework time or free play? Would your students benefit from one-on-one or small-group tutoring, paired with the guidance of a mentor? If so, Bridge Scholars may be the perfect fit. If you’re interested, please complete this Bridge Scholars request form. For any questions, feel free to contact [email protected] Tagesech Wabeto (Cambridge Immigrant Commision) - The Civic Unity Committee is hosting a Community Connections event on September 19th, 4-6:30 pm. Also Danehy Park Family Day is coming up on Saturday, September 20th, 11am-3pm at Danehy Park (Rain Date: Sept. 27), [email protected]
Vanessa Fisher (Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time) - Let the Agenda team know if you want to recruit for your programs at the upcoming CPS back-to-school events (or email us program flyers so we can have them at our table at the events!). Also, ESON/MSN meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month, [email protected], [email protected] Jean Devine (Biodiversity Builders) - Our pollinator garden in Cambridge is available to tour, contact Jean for more information, [email protected] Jordan Harvey (Tutoring Plus) - Tutoring Plus has created and compiled Family Educational Resources to help families/caregivers be informed about their child's educational journey. Resources include understanding Aspen and ParentSquare, joining Parent Councils and Organizations, navigating school transitions, and more, [email protected] Emily St. Germain (Cambridge Public Library) - Puppetry Studio happening on Thursdays at main Library. Also, the HIVE can come out to your space to host workshops! [email protected] Jack O’Hearn (Community Art Center) - Next weekend CAC is taking over 1175 Cambridge St. as part of Cambridge Open studios, come visit! Flyer coming soon, [email protected]  Latifah James (Cambridge Community Center) - CCC is hosting their “Roast in the Coast” block party on Saturday, September 20th at the CCC, including food, games, a DJ, and dancing! We are looking for volunteers if you are interested, [email protected]  Carole Urbano (MIT Museum) - Cambridge Science Carnival is happening on Sunday, September 21, 12 - 4 PM, [email protected]
Last week, over 400 rising 9th graders joined us for the 5th annual Bridge to CRLS event, a fun and informative kickoff to their high school journey! With a class of about 500 students, the event was a strong showing of enthusiasm and readiness for freshman year.
Participants picked up their Chromebooks, met their Dean of students, and had a chance to get answers to their schedule-related questions, helping calm first day nerves. They also toured the building, learned about extracurricular opportunities, and explored valuable out-of-school time resources like teen internships, drop-in spaces, and health and wellness support throughout Cambridge. According to our exit survey, 57% of students reported feeling more prepared to face the challenges ahead, positioning them for a strong start to a promising academic year. We’re excited to welcome the Class of 2029 and wish them a fantastic freshman year!
 Thanks for joining us for our final Network Meeting of the year, hosted by The Robo Hub. This month’s meeting focused on reimagining how we use technology with young learners. "Robo" Rick, Director of Education & Community at The Robo Hub, kicked things off with a fun activity, challenging us to identify which images were real or AI-generated. It was a great way to highlight the importance of AI and technology safety, especially for our young people. We then explored a few AI tools including creating animations, coloring books, and self portraits. When used responsibly, AI can be a powerful creative tool for program providers. Throughout the meeting the group rotated through four hands-on activities, including:
During a share-out at the end of the meeting, the group reflected on their key takeaways:
The Robo Hub team closed out with a helpful reminder: When prepping for STEAM activities, try the activities yourself first. This helps you step into the young person’s shoes while also helping you think about how to support them. Also, consider how we can create more opportunities for young people to have STEAM experiences outside of the school day. To learn more about The Robo Hub or to collaborate with them, reach out! They offer after school programs at schools, field trips to The Robo Hub, training opportunities, and they can even help you start your own robotics team!  Before wrapping our last meeting of the year, we were honored to present the East End House Middle School Partnership Program with the Annie Leavitt School-Out-of-School Time Partnership Award, recognizing their dedication to participating in every summer workshop at CPS Upper Schools and attending every AFCOST Network Meeting this year. Marsé Romero, EEH Middle School Program Director, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the program. Marsé has shown a deep commitment to both her community and the program, where she has worked for many years. Congratulations East End House! A big thank you to the Robo Hub team, our amazing community partners and program providers–including Kids in Tech who joined us for the first time! Community AnnouncementsDemi - Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) Inclusion Initiative DHSP is hiring Inclusion Facilitators to work with students over the summer. The Inclusion Facilitator will provide direct support in adapting and modifying programs to meet the needs of a specific child or children enrolled in a DHSP After-School Programs. Interested? Click here to apply online or email Demi for more information, [email protected]  Emma - Cambridge Camping
Join Cambridge Camping for their upcoming NO COST Village Building Series events! Wednesday, May 28th, 5:15pm (Show at 7pm) A live theater performance of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at the Speakeasy Stage. Meet at the Cambridge Camping office at 5:15pm for pizza, then travel to the 7pm show together. Ages Recommended 12+ (The show has some mature themes). CCA provides dinner, transportation to the show, and theater tickets. Saturday, June 21st, at 7pm A performance by the Asian American Ballet Project, at Arrow Arts Theater. Meet at the Cambridge Camping office at 5:15pm for a meal, then travel to the 7pm show together. All ages welcome. CCA provides dinner, transportation to the show, and tickets. Visit their website to learn more and register. Khari - Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time The last CPS Community Social of the school year is happening on May 15th. Programs are invited to come and host a table at the end of the year Cambridge Kicks off Summer (Prevent the Summer Slide & Celebrate the School Year) event. This event provides valuable opportunities for CPSD families to interact with various CPSD offices and partners. It's a chance for them to learn more about the wide range of services/resources available in the community and gain access to essential resources. May 15th, 2025, 5:30-7:30pm (kindly arrive between 5-5:15pm to set up) King Open/CSUS Cafeteria, 830 Cambridge Street Click here to register for a table. Our April Network Meeting took us to the MIT Museum, a place filled to the brim with curiosity and wonder. It was a chance for network members to come together while stepping into the shoes of the young people we support. The theme for this month’s meeting was about inspiring kids to explore the world around them–the MIT Museum providing the perfect setting for this exploration. We kicked off the meeting with a quote that emphasized the importance of dreaming alongside young people: “If you want children to continue dreaming to the moon and back, then dream with them both by sharing your fervent dreams, and by diving heart first into their own.” - Vince Gowman After a brief discussion, the group took part in a creative activity, coming up with colorful stories based off of random photos placed on their tables. With everyone primed for exploration, Carole Urbano, Teen Programs Coordinator at the MIT Museum, alongside her team, led the group through the three remaining activities for the day. We used microscopes to explore little critters and other objects, got creative during a paper circuit activity at the maker hub, and went on a scavenger hunt through the Museum, much like the one the youth do on their visits to the Museum. Our visit to the MIT Museum not only brought our network together in a new place but also reminded us of the importance of inspiring curiosity and wonder in our young people. If you are interested in connecting with the MIT Museum and learning more about their work or partnering, reach out to Carole at [email protected]. Community AnnouncementsErica Cannon - WorkForce is recruiting incoming 6th graders to sign up for the WorkForce Program. If you have any one in mind, let Erica know! [email protected]
Earlier this month we were fortunate to host our March Network meeting at the Community Art Center (CAC) where the CAC team provided an immersive and transformative experience for our network members. We explored how art can nurture the well-being of those in the space while creating an environment that fosters strengthening our connections. After an overview of the history of the CAC, its community impact, and current offerings (Thanks Jada and Erin!), attendees had the opportunity to create an original art piece featuring one word to capture their feeling in the current moment. Check out the cool collage of all the pieces below!  Attendees were also able to engage with the CAC’s brand-new podcast studio. The thought-provoking prompt, "What message would you give to your younger self?" encouraged vulnerability and deep reflection. Many participants recorded their heartfelt responses and entered a recording studio for the first time, creating powerful and personal moments that truly showcased the spirit of connection and self-growth. Check out the recording below which includes visuals added by the Community Art Center.  Finally, a brief tour of the facility highlighted the many offerings at the Community Art Center. Thank you to the CAC and their outstanding team! In case you missed it, check out the community announcements from the meeting. Also, if you have program flyers you would like us to share, please let us know! Community AnnouncementsCarole Urbano - MIT Museum
The next Teen Science Cafe is happening on Saturday, March 22nd from 3-5pm. Teens are invited to hear from an MIT researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of AI and transportation, and participate in hands-on activities involving engineering and science. Registration required. Jordan Harvey - Tutoring Plus Tutoring Plus is hosting a CRLS Alumni Panel on Tuesday, April 29th. CRLS Alums are invited to join the panel. Reach out to Jordan for more information, [email protected] Sarah Lincoln - Cambridge Public Health Department Looking for one program to host a 45 minute focus group with their youth (ages 12-16). The topic is Physical Activity to help CPHD better understand the challenges and opportunities for improving physical activity in Cambridge. Each youth will receive a $25 gift card for participating. Contact Sarah if interested: [email protected], 617-468-8695 Demi Akins - Inclusion Initiative The Inclusion Initiative is hiring for an part-time Inclusion Facilitator to provide direct support in adapting and modifying programs to meet the needs of a specific child or children enrolled in a DHSP After-School Programs. To learn more or apply, click here. On Saturday, March 1st, 2025, more than 220 families (+ as many kiddos!) from across Cambridge came together for the fourth annual Rollin’ & Summer Resources event. Parents, caregivers, and their kids were able to explore a range of summer programs, including registering on the spot and speaking directly with summer programs and camps as well as other community service providers.
From the CitySprouts Green Team, to the Community Art Center ArtRocks! Camp, the event offered something for everyone. Kids tried out programs like Parkour and The Robo Hub, all while enjoying music, games, delicious food, and of course roller skating. For many kids, this event was their first interaction with Cambridge-based summer programs with 50% of them having never been to a Cambridge summer program before. To support Cambridge families in attending this event, shuttle buses were provided for transportation throughout Cambridge and the Family Liaisons and Community Engagement Team provided translations and interpretations to ensure access to summer program information. Also, thanks to The Spot, families were able to take home backpacks and coats! Special thanks to the Cambridge Public Schools Family Engagement Team and other staff, The Village, CPS Family Liaisons, the Community Engagement Team Outreach Workers, and The Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time staff and all of the partnering providers who tabled for making this event possible and a great success!  Thank you for joining us at our February Network Meeting at the YMCA. During this month's meeting we discussed the importance of communication, with a focus on practicing empathy. Below is a list network members created outlining how we communicate that our spaces are safe for youth, families, and staff. This is a great list to use with staff and build training around. Please review it, as it’s clear that everyone was considering the fact that each person’s beliefs are shaped by unique life experiences. Below you will also find the summer communications list. Thank you for holding empathy in your communication as our primary focus is on centering the experiences of youth and families. Also, please see below for community announcements! Ways we communicate to youth that our spaces are safe:
Ways we communicate to families that our spaces are safe:
Ways we communicate to staff that our spaces are safe:
Ways in which we shift gears into summer for families, youth and team:
Thank you for your participation and dedication to youth & families! -Greg Green and Vanessa Fisher Community AnnouncementsCCTV
Crystal Rosa - Language Access Manager, City of Cambridge
Ted Hirsch, CCSC
Rachel Kinch - CCC
Andrew Liedtka - Find it Cambridge
Nadia Davila - Office of Workforce Development
Connor Epsteinkraus - Cambridge Public Health Department
Katie Gladfelter - DHSP
Jordan Harvey - Tutoring Plus
Ariadne Bonilla - DHSP Youth Centers
On Tuesday, December 10th, more than 150 colleagues, including family liaisons, community outreach workers, school educators and counselors, and all types of Out-of-School Time (OST) and community program leaders came together for the second annual School-Community Partnership Gathering, which took place at The Foundry in Cambridge. This event, hosted by the Agenda for Children's Elementary School Out-of-School Time Network and Middle School Network, DHSP's Reaching All Youth Network and the CPS Family Engagement Team, centered on fostering collaboration between the elementary, middle, and high school providers, addressing shared obstacles while building sustainable solutions, and sharing tools and best practices to strengthen networks and connection. Interim Supt. David Murphy also came through to welcome folks, and affirm everyone’s essential support of our shared students and families.
After breakfast and networking, attendees joined grade-specific breakout groups. A big highlight of the event was the zipper activity where participants raised and lowered their arms to simulate a zipper as someone (such as the incomparable Ms. G, from the Cambridge Community Center!) ran through. The event concluded with topic-based breakout groups on subjects including Creating Community Culture, Getting the Word Out, Language Barriers, Let's Talk Timelines, Career-Connected Learning Opportunities, Mental Health and Wellness, Community Partners Portal & Demographic Dashboards, and All Things AI. The energy was electric as new connections were formed, knowledge was shared, and plans were made, all in support of our Cambridge youth. We asked folks to share something they took away from this gathering (If you haven’t had a chance to share your feedback yet, fill out the form here). Here is what they had to say:
And finally, our Winter Break slideshow is now available! Please share this with your families and youth who may be looking for fun programs and activities to do over December break. We are excited to continue this work together! What is a second home and what does it mean for our young people? This question was the focus of our November Network Meeting hosted by the Cambridge Community Center (Thanks, Latifah!). We started by asking everyone what they think makes an after school space safe or unsafe for young people. Here are some of the responses:
We then encouraged folks to get up and moving by asking them to position themselves on a physical safety spectrum based on their comfort level regarding certain topics, including AI and dodgeball. After a lively discussion, we asked: what are the key elements of a safe after school environment in your program? A few key themes came up: Celebration
Cleanliness & Organization
Names
Trust & Openness
Participants then visualized their version of a safe after school space by creating dioramas: Other participants had the opportunity to create sample support plans that promote a welcoming environment. Thank you to our network members for joining us! We hope this meeting inspired ideas on how to create safe environments for young people and how to implement these key elements in your after school programs.
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