Cambridge Public Schools

Extra Curricula
Henna Club, Culture Shock Club, CRLS Softball, Hockey, and Kickboxing

Favorite Class at CRLS
1. Arabic 1-3, 2. HN Math Reasoning and Applications, 3. AP Computer Science

Arabic 1-3:
As a young Arab-American, Muslim woman, taking Arabic was a way of connecting to my culture, family and myself. The Arabic class is representative of all backgrounds, colors, creed, and ethnicities. We have a segment dedicated every Friday to “Share Your Findings” where students research a topic pertaining to the Arab world and present it before the class. They are informative, entertaining, and beautiful presentations of which my classmates and I loved. In Arabic, we discuss anything and everything – politics, food recipes, sports, architecture, beauty, pop culture, etc. You do not just learn the Arabic alphabet in this class –you learn about your peers and their cultures, the world, and even about yourself! Every Monday, the entire class would bond a little more as my classmates, teacher, and I conversed about our weekends and vacations. On many occasions, we had potlucks that were not inclusive to just the Arabic students. Mr. Dagher told us many stories that made some of us cry tears of laughter, often with underlying messages representative of his wisdom, knowledge, and experience. In Arabic class, I did not feel surrounded by just mere classmates and teacher—I was surrounded by family. Time will never change this.

HN Math Reasoning and Applications:
I have always enjoyed mathematics, but HN Math Reasoning and Applications put an exciting twist to the subject. It was interesting, fun, interactive, and applied to the everyday things we come across in life. We were assigned many creative projects that I loved doing, but what made this class special to me were my classmates and my teacher. I was the only junior in a class full of seniors; despite this, I did not feel excluded. If anything, I felt more included in this class than I could have imagined possible. My teacher, Mr. Kussner, was very understanding and dedicated to making sure that we understood the material. I loved this class because it was filled with students so eager to learn and understand, that were funny, relatable, and caring. It was the very first diverse class I attended at CRLS – I didn’t feel like the minority for once! However, many of the students in the class struggled with the material, as it did require a different way of thinking. Throughout my entire life, I aspired to help people for a profession, but I was never truly sure how I’d want to do that. It became my goal to help my classmates in that class, however, and I simply loved it. The way their faces lit up with understanding filled me with a joy I cannot describe. I will always remember this class, for it has fueled my passion for teaching – a passion I will eagerly pursue at Smith College!

AP Computer Science:
As a young Arab-American, Muslim woman, taking Arabic was a way of connecting to my culture, family, and myself. The Arabic class is representative of all backgrounds, colors, creed, and ethnicities. We have a segment dedicated every Friday to “Share Your Findings” where students research a topic pertaining to the Arab world and present it before the class. They are informative, entertaining, and beautiful presentations of which my classmates and I loved. In Arabic, we discuss anything and everything – politics, food recipes, sports, architecture, beauty, pop culture, etc. You do not just learn the Arabic alphabet in this class –you learn about your peers and their cultures, the world, and even about yourself! Every Monday, the entire class would bond a little more as my classmates, teacher, and I conversed about our weekends and vacations. On many occasions, we had potlucks that were not inclusive to just the Arabic students. Mr. Dagher told us many stories that made some of us cry tears of laughter, often with underlying messages representative of his wisdom, knowledge, and experience. In Arabic class, I did not feel surrounded by just mere classmates and teacher—I was surrounded by family. Time will never change this.

Favorite Teacher
I love all of my teachers, for each and everyone one has influenced me in all sorts of ways. I extend this love to Ms. Filomena Silva, Ms. Janani Nathan, Mr. Dan Weathersby, and Ms. Yvette Jackson. Ms. Rachel Otty, Mr. Sean Kussner, Mr. Doug McGlathery, Mr. Ibrahim Dagher, and Mr. Laurence Kimbrough.

Ms. Rachel Otty:
Ms. Otty, both my HN US History 1 and Homeroom teacher, is the kindest, most humorous, easygoing, and thoughtful person I have met in a long, long time. She cares deeply for the well-being of her students and is always there to listen to just about anything I have to say. She is an amazing, passionate history teacher that propels her students to dig deeper for the truth. She makes history more than just interesting – it comes alive in her class, an experience I am most grateful for. She is always ready to impart knowledge to anyone – even during homeroom. A conversation about iPhones v. Android usually turns into more of a discussion about politics, current events, and college – meaningful things that keep my mind buzzing long after discussion. She is my teacher and friend, an individual whom I trust, love, and respect. Homeroom may be just fifteen minutes long, but if you add those fifteen minutes up over the course of three school years, it is 8,100 minutes, which translates to a total of 135 hours of time in which we have bonded. That doesn’t even include the times we spoke after school just to catch up on life! Thank you, Ms. Otty, for making such a big difference in my life. You and your adorable little son, Micah, never fail to put a smile on my face.

Mr. Sean Kussner:
Mr. Kussner, my HN Math Reasoning and Applications teacher, is one of the most sincere, encouraging, caring, and eager teachers I have ever met. I remember my first day at school, when I spoke to him about a very important matter pertaining to the class. He not only accepted what I had to say, but worked above and beyond to help the people it affected and me. He trusted and took me seriously despite the fact that we had never even met before! I recall how rowdy the class was, and how despite this Mr. Kussner never missed a beat – he is as real as any teacher can get. He genuinely cares about the happiness and success of all of his students – and this is why the class respected him. I respect him. He treated me as an equal and trusted me to help my classmates without his supervision, often offering words of gratitude. We were a team; two partners in crime that both understood the love we share for helping people and the goal to make a difference in people’s lives. I cannot stress how he inspired me to become a teacher in the fields of math and science, and so I am honored to extend these warm words of gratitude in your direction, Mr. Kussner. Thank you.

Mr. Doug McGlathery:
Mr. McGlathery, my AP Computer Science teacher, demonstrates one of the most important philosophies of teaching: to help those that are struggling, and to help them well, constantly, no matter what. Without him, and the TEALS teachers as well, I would have never made it through computer science. It is such a fulfilling and enjoyable, but extremely challenging course that stumped me from the start. He made the class so much fun! He is such a kind-hearted person that sincerely wants all of his students to appreciate and understand the material he teaches, to the point that he stays hours after school to help. I often took advantage of this, from 2:30PM to 5PM without a break! I am truly indebted to you, Mr. McGlathery, for your generosity, understanding, and dedication to me. I will never forget how the compassion of one can change the life of another. Thank you.

Mr. Laurence Kimbrough:
Although Mr. Kimbrough isn’t currently a guidance counselor at CRLS, he will always be my most trusted, emulated, and loved guidance counselor of all time. I was introduced to him my junior year, and from the moment we conversed, a relationship was created – one that sparked with friendship. I could go to Mr. Kimbrough about anything – school, life, issues, sports -- everything! He has one of the biggest hearts I have ever encountered. When I first visited him in his office, I instantly felt welcome, cared for, and appreciated. He embodies the best of qualities – honesty, trustworthiness, compassion, amiability, and the list goes on. I truly miss him, and I wish he was here. He always encouraged me and reminded me that he was proud of me for the obstacles I have overcome. I will never forget that. Thank you, Mr. Kimbrough, for everything. I would not be the person that I am today without you. I certainly do not know everything, nor will I ever, but I do know two things: you will always be here at Rindge, in spirit and will forever remain in my heart.

Mr. Ibrahim Dagher:
My Arabic 1-3 teacher, Glocal Challenge mentor, long-lost Arab uncle, and friend. I have known him for three blessed years. I recall how excited I was to learn about the language so important to my culture, religion, and identity. Mr. Dagher, with his proud stature, sparkling, laughing eyes, ever-present smile, and wise, generous nature, harnessed this excitement and magnified it – and continued to do so on a daily basis. I can relate to him on a level I cannot with most, for he shares the culture in which I come from; this is a bond that cannot be severed. Mr. Dagher imparts wisdom and knowledge wherever he goes and is often followed by acute laughter, as he is quite the comedian. He is the most eloquent and cordial person I have come across in my life. He is a man of honor; a man that I have respected since day one. He has stood by me all of these years, through thick and thin—I consider him my family. He rekindled my love for and interest in the Arab culture – my heritage. Mr. Dagher, it is my honor to thank you for all that you have done. Thank you.

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
I love the opportunity to form strong bonds amongst a diverse body of students and faculty. CRLS is unique in many aspects, but never have I enrolled in a school so encompassing of each and every individual that walks through the front door. I hear students conversing in Hindi, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Urdu, German, and Russian – all on a daily basis! I have learned about many different cultures and histories, and I appreciate the beauty and attainment of knowledge that is everywhere at this school. My teachers are not only my guide, but they are my inspiration and my friends. They are so willing to learn about their students and their backgrounds. They are wise, engaging, knowledgeable, and humorous, but most of all, they care – A LOT. They have really made a difference in my life.

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
It is an environment brimming with talented students from all backgrounds, and the respect held for every member in the CRLS community and for what they have to offer is phenomenal.

Advice to Incoming Freshmen
Be who you are, and pursue your interests. CRLS offers so many opportunities – SEIZE THEM! Talk to your teachers and let them know what’s going on in your lives: they really, really care and want to listen. If you love dance, do it! If you love, science, take every science class you can squeeze into you schedule (don’t forget to complete your requirements, because it gets stressful if you don’t). Start on your college applications early! Take that challenging class – it can be scary, but it can be very rewarding in the end. Stay true to yourself and all the pieces will fall into place. You can count on it.