MSN March Meeting Recap

​On March 4, the Middle School Network gathered for a dynamic meeting hosted at Cambridge Street Upper School (CSUS). We extend a sincere thank you to the CSUS team for warmly welcoming the network into their school and sharing valuable insight into their school community and practices. Opportunities like this help deepen understanding and collaboration between school-day staff and OST providers who are working toward the same goal of supporting young people.

Spotlight on the CSUS W.I.N. Block: One of the highlights of the meeting was learning about the W.I.N. Block at CSUS, which stands for “What I Need.” This dedicated time during the school day allows students to access additional academic support, enrichment opportunities, and personalized learning experiences.

CSUS shared an exciting invitation with the network:

OST programs with enrichment ideas are welcome to partner with the school by facilitating a workshop during a W.I.N. Block for a season. This opportunity could further strengthen connections between schools and community programs while giving students meaningful experiences during the school day. Programs interested in exploring this partnership are encouraged to reach out to the CSUS team using the contact information listed below.

The second half of the meeting shifted toward community-wide planning and youth-centered city design. The network connected with representatives from the Cambridge Public Health Department and the Family Policy Council to explore what it would mean for Cambridge to become a Child-Friendly City. Cambridge is preparing to apply for the 2027 Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) through UNICEF, and the discussion focused on both ways Cambridge is already uplifting and supporting youth and ideas for how the city can continue growing as a place where young people thrive. Participants shared perspectives from their programs and experiences working with middle school youth, helping shape what a youth-centered Cambridge could look like in the future.

If you’re interested in contributing to the planning process, you are invited to attend the next CFCI planning meeting:

April 8 at 3:00 PM
119 Windsor Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
2nd Floor Conference Room

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed their ideas and energy. The Middle School Network continues to be a space where partnerships grow, information is shared, and our collective work supporting young people becomes stronger.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Middle School Network meeting on April 1st at the Cambridge Community Center (CCC).

Contact information for presenters:

• Dyavana Howard, CSUS Family Liaison: [email protected]
• Christen Sohn, Principal at CSUS: [email protected]
• Nguyen Dorvilus, School Counselor at CSUS: [email protected]
• Sarah Lincoln, Youth Engagement Manager at CPHD: [email protected]
• Connor Epsteinkraus, Youth Wellness Coordinator at CPHD: [email protected]