Information from the School Committee

To the Honorable, the City Council:

On Tuesday November 30, the School Committee’s School Climate Subcommittee met to discuss the results of the Spring 2021 Teen Health Survey. You can find the presentation here. It was reported that overall, mental health worsened during the pandemic, except for a decrease in reported self-harm. Additionally, there was a decline in meaningful connections with adults. Fewer students reported having a teacher/adult to talk to in 2021 compared to previous survey years.

There was also a decline in reported substance use across all commonly used drugs (alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, and electronic vapor products) but safety concerns were highest among students who identified as female, genderqueer, African American/Black, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino. Finally, the percent of students engaging in physical activity declined compared to prior years.

About 3,000 students took part across the middle and upper schools, or about 55 percent of high school students and about 75 percent of upper school students.

There is no doubt additional support for students is needed and Cambridge Public Schools has responded in several ways:

Referrals to School Student Support Teams and/or outside providers

Specialized programming

Looking ahead the district will be:

Hiring SEL Director

Review of professional learning Promoting supports available through Teen Health Center to students and families

Supporting School Committee policy reviews

CPHD / CPS campaign around mental health

The School Committee will be reviewing and updating our:

Wellness Policy

Student athlete waiver of course requirements

Teen Health Center Policy

Anti-bullying policy and anti-cyberbullying policy

Prior to the meeting, there was a walk out of over 400 CRLS students protesting a culture of sexual assaults and harassment. I am supportive of our students' voices and the district is going to respond with a comprehensive action plan to address the concerns that continue to arise so that we can center student voices and support them.

Superintendent Greer released the following statement regarding the action the district is taking following this walk out: “First, staff have been following up with individual students to provide support and take appropriate next steps. Second, we are working on a comprehensive plan for more immediate actions that include school, district, city community and stakeholders.

Third, we will be implementing a comprehensive, internal investigation led by a third-party into the ongoing allegations and concerns at the high school. We will continue to provide updates on our efforts.”

The School Committee’s next regular meeting will be held on December 7 at 6pm.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, suggestions, or concerns

Respectfully,

Mayor Siddiqui