Children in migrant and other families staying at the temporary overnight shelter at the Registry of Deeds building in East Cambridge will be able to enroll in Cambridge Public Schools starting this week.

We all have many other ways of demonstrating our skills, creativity and ability to deeply understand and interpret our world beyond the MCAS test.

Changes that could be accepted as soon as Tuesday affect how kids get into and transfer within programs throughout elementary school. While current students will be exempt from the changes, it could mean fewer choices and less flexibility for students arriving in the fall.

Community members are criticizing the Cambridge school district’s hiring of a highly paid chief strategy officer who is 25 years old, graduated from college two years ago and has no experience in the field of education.

Public meetings this week look at school district plans and finances and a middle-income homeownership proposal by the city’s Redevelopment Authority.

A special meeting finished up business from last week’s School Committee inaugural, swearing in two members unable to attend Jan. 1 and electing a vice chair.

The King Open School saw math success in the 1990s for students – especially Black, brown and poor – after discussions among and organizing by its community. 

After a year of controversy over math standards and educator contract negotiations, the new School Committee term got off to a sweetly quiet start Monday with songs, speeches and family.

Public meetings this week include swearing-in ceremonies for the new City Council and School Committee, the start of work for committee members and Historical Commission consideration of homes being partially demolished or relocated near Harvard Square.

The first “state of the schools” address in Cambridge was called a moment to reflect, and uplift meaningful work and communicate district challenges.