Dear Morse School Community,
We had a short week full of learning and excitement! We wish everyone a wonderful April Break! Happy Easter to those members in our community who celebrate. Here is a look at what's happening at Morse...
DPW Day!
On Wednesday, our Preschool and Kindergarten students participated in the 3rd Annual Morse-DPW Day. This event is a culminating activity for the construction, building, and community curriculum units. Children got to explore tractors, backhoes, front loaders, sweepers, waste removal trucks, and many other vehicles. We sincerely appreciate this collaboration with our Department of Public Works and look forward to continuing the tradition next year!
3rd Graders at MIT
C4 students went to MIT yesterday to participate in an engaging, hands-on experience that introduced concepts in mechanical engineering using creative problem-solving and experimentation. Students need to design and build cars using LEGO® bricks, which were then tested on a ramp to measure distance traveled and on a tilt board to explore the center of gravity. Throughout the process, students are encouraged to change variables, weigh the trade-offs between design choices, and examine the impact of friction and balance. Our C2 third graders will be going next month!
Community Block Party!
Join us on Sunday, May 4 from 1-3PM on Granite Street for a joyful afternoon of fun, connection, and celebration! This block party is all about Celebrating Our Authentic Selves by building an inclusive, welcoming community where everyone belongs. Come experience exciting games, crafts, live entertainment with DJ Maverik, and a special tie-dye activity—just bring a clean white t-shirt or socks!
Food and refreshments will be available on a first come, first served basis. Activities will be facilitated by CPS staff and community members. Families and caregivers are responsible for the supervision of their children during the event.
Let’s come together to celebrate joy, inclusion, and each other. We can't wait to see you there! 
Morse School Name Update
Earlier this year we held a school community meeting and collected over 100 responses through online surveying about the Morse School name. Later, several representative groups – the Faculty Advisory Committee, School Council, and Equity Team – each analyzed the feedback about our school name’s connection to Asa P. Morse. After reviewing all of the data and responses, we determined it would be appropriate to create educational materials and a proclamation that reaffirms our school values and acknowledges their inconsistency with some of the values that have been publicly attributable to Asa P. Morse. Advocacy for a potential name change may be considered in the future so that we may prioritize more immediate equity concerns.
Both the Morse School and the larger CPS community are currently engaging in substantive, deep and meaningful equity work as we strive together to increase academic excellence for all of our students, particularly those who have historically been left the furthest from justice.
Tech Support for Families!
Our amazing Morse Instructional Technology Specialist, Jen Lavalle, helps our community use educational technologies to learn. As we approach Spring conferences, she is available to meet with you to talk about how to help your child access school learning resources online at home, such as iReady, Boost Reading, ST Math and others. She can also support you in setting up safety rules on your home devices. Ms. Lavalle is available to meet in person or online and will work to find a time that is convenient for you. Please reach out to Ms. Lavalle at [email protected] if you would like to connect!
Planning Ahead for SY 25-26
As we plan for SY 25-26 class rosters, we ask for your input in three ways:
1. If you are a parent of a fifth grader and your child will not be attending PAUS, please complete this form.
2. If you are a K-4th grade parent and your child will not be returning to the Morse next year, please complete this form.
3. If your child will be returning to the Morse and you would like to share any information about your child that you believe would help us in placing your child in a classroom community that would best support them, please complete this form. This form is due by Friday, May 16th, 2025.
Upcoming Events
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4/18 | No School - Good Friday
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4/21-4/25 | School Vacation Week
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5/2 | Read, Sing, Create - CPP Event, 5-6:30PM
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5/4 | Community Block Party, 1-3PM
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5/8 | Caregiver Workshop, 6-7PM, complete this short survey to share your needs.
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5/18 | FMS Spring Fair
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Stay up to date with our Morse Events Calendar.
Have a wonderful break!
Sincerely,
Samantha Headley