Tess E. Sumner
Latest Articles
Staffing Shortages, Limited Capacity Strain Cambridge Afterschool Program
More than 200 Cambridge children remain on the waitlist for the city's afterschool programs as the school year begins — and some parents say the wait has pushed them toward costlier or less convenient care.
As Students Face Another Year of Bus Delays, Parents Detail a ‘Broken System’
For years, Cambridge Public School parents have described the same issues as students return to school: late buses, unreliable tracking systems, and a lapse in communication from the district.
Cambridge School Committee to Consider Three Options for Kennedy-Longfellow Building
The Cambridge School Committee narrowed their sights on three possible uses for the former Kennedy-Longfellow School building — marking the most concrete step to fill the facility since the district closed it two years ago.
Cambridge Schools Ban Smart Glasses and Other Wearable Recording Devices
Cambridge Public Schools banned the use of smart glasses across the district — prohibiting students from carrying them on all school property as district officials move to regulate emerging technology before it becomes a classroom issue.
Cambridge School Committee’s Literacy Proposal Renews Debate Over Retention
Nearly 30 percent of third grade students in Cambridge fell short of meeting grade-level reading standards last year. Now, a School Committee proposal to hold back struggling students is dividing parents and educators over whether the policy would actually help.
Graham & Parks Principal Set to Return Next Year as Discrimination Suit Proceeds
Cambridge Public Schools renewed Graham & Parks Elementary School Principal Kathleen Smith’s contract, a district spokesperson confirmed Friday, extending her tenure amid renewed scrutiny over her leadership and an ongoing disability discrimination lawsuit.
Cambridge Schools Adopt $290M FY27 Budget After Months of Revisions
The Cambridge School Committee on Tuesday approved a nearly five percent increase to the district’s budget, adopting a $290 million plan for fiscal year 2027.
Cambridge Public Schools to Hold Classes on March 18 Following Four Winter Cancellations
Cambridge Public Schools will hold classes on March 18 — reversing a previously scheduled day off for students — in an effort to make up for weather-related cancellations this winter, Superintendent David G. Murphy announced Wednesday.
Cambridge School Committee Passes Motion To Expand Principal Evaluations After Leadership Controversies
The Cambridge School Committee passed a motion on Tuesday to expand the evaluation process for school principals across the district, requiring Superintendent David G. Murphy to regularly collect feedback on principal performance from parents, students, and staff.
Down the Mountain
On skis, there’s no room for spiraling. You don’t get to overthink your next move when gravity is already making it for you. There’s only balance, pressure, focus, and breath.