High School Renewal Newsletter | ||||
Boston Public Schools Office of High School RenewalThis month's newsletter highlights activities that engage students in business, technology, health care, writing and more. The Resource Shelf provides links to many different professional development opportunities for teachers and staff. Share news about high school renewal in Boston by forwarding this newsletter to co-workers and friends. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, contact Mary Ellen Bower at bowerme@aol.com. We welcome you to add your voice to the newsletter! Teachers, students, parents and community partners are invited to email news items or suggestions for the resource shelf to Mary Ellen Bower. The next newsletter will be posted on June 15th. Materials for that publication can be submitted starting now.
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Office of High School Renewal | |||||
Barbara Locurto Honored as Civic Educator
At the 38th Opening Reception of the Northeastern Regional Council on Social Studies (NERC) on March 12, 2007, Barbara Locurto was honored with the Donald V. Salvucci Award for Citizenship Education. NERC President-Elect Roger Desrosiers said it all: "Whenever I meet Boston teachers at a conference and mention Barbara's name, a smile comes to their faces." In describing Don Salvucci, the man behind the award, Desrosiers told how this member of the Massachusetts Council of Social Studies and 39-year veteran at Brockton High is remembered for his emphasis on civic education, his professional involvement, his strong mentoring of teachers, and his efforts to promote civic involvement in students. It's no coincidence that these qualities exactly depict Barbara Locurto, who was introduced by Kathi Mullin, Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools and High School Renewal Director. "I first met Barbara on a basketball court," recalled Mullin with a smile. "I was a high school player. She was a referee with a whistle and fouled me out. " Years later, the referee came to work for the high school player then Director of School to Career. Since then, Locurto has been a "loyal and honorable" colleague beloved by her teacher teams. Among Locurto's several awards are the national Spirit of Service, Shattuck Public Service (of which Mullin is also a recipient), Virginia M. White Award for Service & Support to Girls & Women's Sports, and Freedoms Foundation George Washington Honor Medal. Mullin related how Locurto has shared national and local programs and projects that have encouraged thousands of BPS teachers and students to learn and serve, how she has shared more than two million dollars of public and private monies to fund CASH grants supporting classroom teaching and learning. She lauded her production of more than a thousand Service Learning web pages for Boston Teachnet at http://www.bostonteachnet.org/, involvement with civics related projects like KidsVoting, First Vote, Women's History Institutes, and most recently her leadership of the Community, Higher Education, School Partnerships (CHESP) Advisory Council and the Boston Student Advisory Council (BSAC). No wonder an enthusiastic audience responded with a standing ovation. Known for snappy one-liners, Locurto began "I may be short but never brief," But she was brief, articulate, and to the point. "I'm grateful for the many connections and partnerships that have provided me with opportunities to help teachers help students become responsible, caring citizens." Acknowledging her 20-year partnership with Teachers Network IMPACT II, she saluted Boston Women's Heritage Trail (BWHT) as the organization that "recognizes a women's place is in the curriculum." She also thanked the Presidents' Heritage Foundation that has "funded trips for thousands of BPS students to visit the J.F. Kennedy Library and the Adams National Historical Park, home of 2 presidents, and, of course, Abigail." Displaying a BWHT flyer on its latest publication, Locurto invited NERC visitors to "walk around the corner to Commonwealth Avenue and Fairfield Street, visit the Boston Women's Memorial, and say hello to Abigail, Lucy Stone, and Phillis Wheatley." Citing another connection Locurto credited The Center for Civic Education with "writing the book" on Citizenship Education and reminded everyone about free books provided to participating teachers by We the People…The Citizen and the Constitution. Then, she traced how shortly after the Bicentennial, helped by a Department of Education grant from (now) Learn & Serve America in partnership with Tufts University, she discovered Community Service-Learning. "Service Learning gave a name to my own classroom teaching beliefs, and 10 years ago, led me to School to Career, now High School Renewal, where Kathi Mullin's leadership has given a great home to Service-Learning, the Boston Student Advisory Council, and much more." In conclusion Locurto thanked her "colleagues and all the teachers who've given me so much support" while wishing the audience "as many wonderful connections, partnerships, and opportunities to promote Citizenship Education." Like so many of her more than 150 events, conferences, and awards orientations, the reception ended with Teacher-to-Teacher congratulations, hugs, and pride in our profession. That's what 40 years of service to Boston Public Schools has meant to Barbara Locurto - a true practitioner of Democracy in Action. | |||||
Academy of Public Service | |||||
| APS Students Debate the Value of High Stakes Testing At TuftsOn March 9, 2007 thirty Academy of Public Service students attended a conference specifically designed for them at Tufts University in Somerville, MA. Students discussed and presented their ideas about the role of high-stakes testing in education. Students were divided into small groups to talk about how schools prepared students for the MCAS. All the participants presented posters on the advantages and disadvantages of taking the MCAS. Some of the students who rarely speak in class were given the opportunity and experience of speaking in front of a large group and projecting their voices. A sense of community among the students grew as they presented their thoughts and a clearer understanding of the testing became evident. This was the first time this event was held for sophomores and first-year students at Tufts. We are hoping that these conferences will become annual with different topics each year. The conference at Tufts followed a long-standing model created for juniors and seniors by APS and the Kennedy School of Government. | ||||
Boston Community Leadership Academy | |||||
| BCLA D-TerminatorsBy Sammy Gutierrez, BCLA math teacher and robotics mentor This year Boston Community Leadership Academy took part in the FIRST Robotics Competition. FIRST offers challenging game designs to students in a 6-week competition of building a robot, where the true goal is not to defeat other teams, but to work with each other and learn about mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer programming, and many more aspects of building your very own robot. Armed with a box full of materials and tools that were provided from the Smith Family Foundation, BCLA's students began a new education in robotics. It was not unusual when the students would work past 8pm on school days and still travel over an hour to get back home. We commonly worked without complaint on Saturdays, too, to build the robot. However, it was not the number of hours the students dedicated to this process that impressed me. What was impressive about the students was that even though they were being led by a mentor that had no robotics/engineering experience, the students gathered together to research and truly learn while doing. In my time working with the students I can recall multiple times when we spent work sessions doing nothing more than opening the materials, laying them out on the tables, clanking pieces together, and returning them into the box. For 3 weeks we would continue this until we finally began to process the next steps and make progress. Once we were able to get our hands on an engineering mentor, the students plucked his mind and began to make strides in completing the robot. If ever I got frustrated because I didn't see the robot progressing quickly enough, the students would be the first ones to show me that the progression is not always in the robot but in themselves. I began my mentorship thinking that my goal was to help build a robot for my school and the students. Yet, the true goal was to get the students to work with each other, to teach them how to seek help when needed, to work with them through the tough times when things looked helpless, and most importantly to help give something to the students they themselves owned and could be proud in accomplishing. Throughout all the problems that our team faced in the 6 weeks, I am proud to say that we accomplished the goal of successfully building a working robot. In the end BCLA was able to make its mark in front of 50 other competing schools. Although we may be one of the smallest schools and also a rookie team, the students earned the respect of the other teams and showed what it meant to be a BCLA Eagle. Our team name sums up who our robotics team is: The D-Terminators. Not only are we ready to "terminate the competition" in a competitive way, but we are a team, a school, that is determined never to give up. We are indeed determined to stay together and determined to lead. | ||||
Boston Day and Evening Academy | |||||
| Dresden Dolls Drummer Runs Clinic at Boston Day and Evening AcademyFifty high school students spent a few hours with the Dresden Dolls drummer Brian Viglione as he blended classic beats with rock and rap. He truly showed them how to play! Brian is on a six-month hiatus from the Dresden Dolls but is making himself available so he can encourage creativity and help people "focus on things beyond what they think they can achieve." His clinics take place mainly in schools that lack music programs. "I had a lot of fun - we really learned how to play the drums. When opportunities like this come up, we have to take advantage of them and that's a good thing!" said Trehmayne Wilder, a first-year student. "By bringing the arts into our school, we are building a culture of learning that incorporates a different perspective, engaging our students on many creative levels", says Joseph Boulanger, Chairman of the Humanities Department. Boston Day and Evening Academy is the BPS's only 12-hour school and the first to serve over age and at-risk high school students who have not been successful in other schools. The academy currently serves 350 students using an innovative curriculum, preparing them for a bright and productive future. | ||||
Brook Farm Business and Service Careers Academy | |||||
A Look at The Academy of Finance (AOF) and Entrepreneurship CurriculumAn Interview with Kevin Mc Gonigle, John Zappala (business teachers), and Kathleen Dawson (Assistant Headmaster) What is the Academy of Finance? McGonicle: The Academy of Finance (AOF) is one of the career academies offered by the National Academy Foundation, a national organization that works with schools to create career academies. At Brook Farm Academy AOF provides the curriculum for our business themed electives. During the junior year, students take Financial Accounting, Banking and Credit, and Securities. Senior year courses include Economics, Financial Planning, and International Finance. AOF also offers opportunities for students to participate in Job Shadowships and Paid Internships with businesses around the Boston area. What partnerships does AOF have with the academic and business community? Dawson: AOF is partnered with Bank of America, Mellon Financial, Fisher College, Babson College, and Benjamin Franklin Institute. Our business partners help us secure placements for job shadow days and paid summer internships. The colleges provide dual enrollment, giving students the opportunity to take college courses during high school. Brook Farm also has a school store run by the Entrepreneurship class, how does that work? Zappala: The National Federation of Teaching Entrepreneurship supports Brook Farm in developing curriculum for the Entrepreneurship course taken by seniors. Students utilize what they are learning in the classroom to help them price inventory and create marketing plans. Creative ideas are expressed and teachers can use those ideas as an avenue to teach different concepts. Many students work at the school store during their periods off. They learn things that can't be taught from a textbook. What would you say is the goal of allowing students to take business courses at the high school level? Mc Gonigle / Zappala: It's good preparation for college courses in business and to encourage the students who might want to start their own business. In addition to the school store, two students have started hair grooming and catering business. Ashley Cotton, 18, a senior from Jamaica Plain, has started Sinclair Promotions, specializing in catering and party planning. Edwin Carrasquillo, an 18 year old senior, has started a hair care business. | |||||
Brighton High School | |||||
| Giving Back at Brighton High SchoolBy James Guaragna, Brighton High School student Kamran Pathan, Brighton High alumnus and class of 2002 valedictorian entered the Brighton High School library on a day of joy and happiness for 85 high achieving students in Small Learning Community (SLC) A. Kamran filled our young minds with positive insights on the life of a busy college student, and reminded us of how Brighton High School paved the way for his future. Kamran recently graduated from Boston University, and now has a job at one of the top four accounting firms in the country, Ernst and Young. He had much to share with Brighton High school students who have had similar experiences. Although accounting was not his plan for college, he knew that keeping an open mind and putting in one hundred percent effort would somehow pay off in the end. "I took accounting with Ms. Smalls in 10th grade, and didn't even know what it was," he said. As a college freshman, he was still excited and ready to pursue something new that he could learn from. All of this ambition and pride carried on to a graduation speech and a diploma, with scholarships and other awards for the many things he accomplished during his four years at our beloved high school. After his successful journey at Brighton High, Kamran knew not to panic about the road ahead, and he walked into Boston University for another four year journey. Staying focused on the long math problems, ten page essays and rigorous science equations, this valedictorian knew that he needed more experience to pursue a career, even if he ended up being a professor himself. "I did not know what I wanted to be," he said. He began internships to boost up his resume, but also to gain a deeper understanding of his career goals. "When I discovered how many science courses I would have to take, I changed my mind," he said. Kamran soon learned that Engineering required a heavy chunk of E=MC2's and test tubes. He figured out what he wanted out of life, and he told us that we eventually would too. SLC Leader Ms. Campbell had some feedback after the assembly ended, about her thoughts on Kamran's visit. "I was very happy to have a former Brighton High student, Kamran Pathan, (brother of senior Noman Pathan), speak to the honor recipients. His advice, to work hard and take advantage of every opportunity, was a great message for everyone." This assembly had an impact on students and Kamran should be proud of his achievements. His words inspired our students in a positive way, and for that we thank him. | ||||
Brighton, East Boston and Charlestown High Schools | |||||
NFTE ConferenceStudents from three Boston high schools: Brighton, East Boston and Charlestown, attended the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) conference at Babson College. C-Town Spirit, Inc. won the bid to produce T-Shirts for the NFTE conference and one of the Charlestown students won the design award for the shirts. The t-shirt design had the word "entrepreneur" spelled out in black block letters with a large arrow pointing up. | |||||
Charlestown High School | |||||
Charlestown High School Students Form Non-Profit Business
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The focus of the business is to have students of Charlestown High School design and sell a line of promotional products within the community and then donate their profits to support school spirit through events, give-aways, and scholarships. Already, in their first few months of operation, they have sold C-town H20 water bottles to address a lack of access to cups at the water coolers in the school. They have also designed and produced a t-shirt for their first large customer, the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). The t-shirt was distributed at a recent business conference.
"These milestones were the result of six months of planning by students, teachers, and business professionals dedicated to taking high school entrepreneurship education to the next level. C-town SpiritTM is being run by 12th grade students enrolled in Entrepreneurship II," said Lama Jarudi, Charlestown High teacher and program founder. "The majority of them have previously been taught how to write individual business plans during their 11th grade Entrepreneurship I course, sponsored by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). Now, as seniors in C-town SpiritTM, these students are learning to operate a real business as a team and under the same pressures that any other business might encounter."
The business, which started as C-Town GearTM, was conceived as a senior class project in 2004. It was originally modeled after the Babson first year curriculum, whereby students receive seed money from Babson and operate their own small business under the supervision of a professor. The students in the class of 2004, especially CEOs Vincent Rogers and Kenisha Jackson, combined their passion for urban clothing and school spirit to create a school clothing line. In 2004, C-town GearTM sold men's and women's t-shirts and drawstring bags. With support from businesses in the Charlestown community, including Charlestown MGH and Citizens Bank, C-town GearTM also set a tradition of distributing a free Spirit Shirt to all the graduating seniors. The Class of 2004 started making an impact.
Now, the Class of 2007 will be taking it to the next level. The business was resurrected and developed into a NFTE business plan by Charlestown High student Mavrick Afonso in 2006. C-Town GearTM, the clothing line, then became a fundraising division of C-Town SpiritTM, and the students made a decision to pursue non-profit status. On December 21st 2006, C-town Spirit and Entrepreneurship Education Foundation, Inc. became a Massachusetts non-profit. The organization is currently in the process of filing for its federal non-profit status under section 501(c)3 of the IRS Code. Students, meanwhile, have interviewed and been assigned to positions such as President, Director of Sales, Director of Administration, Controller, and Graphic Designer. These students will train their successors when the Class of 2008 takes over the business operations next year.
The business purpose was always to generate school spirit in a public school where graduating seniors, who are often the first in their families to graduate high school or go to college, were given diplomas and an opportunity to walk the stage-but little else in the way of celebration. The students in C-town SpiritTM hope to support school activities such as pep rallies, dances, a music program, performances, field days, dress-up days, a graduation party or senior banquet. This year, they will choose to sponsor one school event in the spring. They will also distribute a calendar and t-shirt at graduation, and give a scholarship to a graduating senior. In the long term, the students want to get involved in the Charlestown community by one day giving to local organizations such as the Charlestown Boys' and Girls' Club.
C-town SpiritTM has a Board of Directors consisting of business professionals who will advise and supervise student activities. The students will receive job training from Bain & Company, which is donating time. C-town SpiritTM has also formed partnerships and received generous support from Vitale Caturano and Company and Henderson Associates. While this endeavor, like any new organization, will take time to mature, it will always be run by the students. While improving their school, their goal is to learn entrepreneurship and to run this business according to corporate standards. This is not just your school store anymore!.
By Jeanette Sanchez, The English High School, Class of 2007
The English High School in Jamaica Plain converted its tired, old, underutilized theater into an intimate French cabaret, Café Anglais. As the play began, it was "Jazz Nite" and the action was as hot as the tunes being turned. The ever-so-suave owner of the club, K.J., was known to chase the sexy skirts that frequented the club. When his beautiful "Main Squeeze" found out, that was the end of the sultry red-hot crooner, Ms. B. K.J. eventually finds the love of his life right in front of him, the Mop Lady, who becomes the singing bombshell, M'Lady. The singing was blistering, and the dancing torrid. The evening ends with patrons and staff alike thinking of other theme nights: Salsa, Hip Hop, Swing, even Country. I guess this means the lights of Café Anglais are only dimming for now.
This show would not have been such a success if it were not for the students' involvement both on and off stage. The beautiful gowns, sparkling makeup, luminous lights, and the flowing sounds (Kudos to J.R.O.T.C.), were all designed and created by the students of the Executive Team and their crews. The set was built by the students, with the oversight of teacher volunteers. The choreography, being one of the biggest highlights of the night, was created by the actors and singers involved and an intern volunteer from Harvard University. Café Anglais was given life by a group of hard-working and talented students from The English High School, and we could not be prouder.
This premiere offering of The English High Schools' newly-formed Theatrical Production Team was sensational. This extra-curricular Theater Arts initiative is already working on its spring production, a rewrite of Aristophanes' Lysistrata, called A Coercive Conception, which will be staged in May.
To complement the after school program, an Introductory Theater Arts course with an emphasis on Commedia Dell' Arte (Italian Comedy) was introduced into The English High School curriculum. Fifty students have worked on improvised scenarios with stock characters such as Harlequin, Colombina, Pantalone, and Pierrot.
A grant from the Gates Foundation/High School Renewal and CHESP has provided financial support for such items as masks, makeup, and other necessities needed to establish a quality, comprehensive, inclusive Theater Arts program. Next year we hope to see the addition of a Theater Arts II curriculum offering. The emphasis on Shakespeare will only add to the students' fine-arts experience at English High School.
Our long range goal will be a third course for advance students in theatrical production, light and makeup design, marketing, script writing, etc., and a separate course offering in Art History. This will complete a basic fine arts experience open to the entire student population at The English High School.
May is a very busy month at Health Careers Academy (HCa). In addition to MCAS testing, students at HCa will host the fourth annual Pilot/Horace Mann High School Youth Leadership Conference on May 3rd. HCa will also host its fifth annual Community Health Fair and its fourth annual Walk-A-Thon, on May 17 and May 19.
Pilot/Horace Mann School Youth Leadership Conference
Four years ago the Pilot/Horace Mann high schools started hosting a yearly youth leadership conference. This year Health Careers Academy, a Horace Mann Charter Public School in Boston, is honored to be the site host. The conference will include various workshops and guest speakers where pilot /Horace Mann students in grades 8-12 will be able to learn more about topics related to health awareness; nutrition and fitness; after-school programs and services; and community advocacy. It takes place on May 3, 2007 between the hours of 9 am - 2:30 pm at Northeastern University's Curry Student Center.
HCa's Annual Community Health Fair and Walk-A-Thon
It seems like just yesterday, but it was five years ago that the students at Health Careers Academy realized that, beginning with their hallways, one need only walk the corridors of any school in Boston to see the effects of physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the epidemic of obesity is surpassing smoking-related illness as the leading preventable cause of death in our nation.
Seeking to become the next generation of health care providers, the students of HCa took a leadership stance in helping to develop a more informed and active community, in the hopes of decreasing the growing number of health related issues that exist within the community. Five years ago, in partnership with Northeastern University and the MBTA the students sponsored a now annual community health fair, "Health Express Day - Take the Orange Line to better Health". Held on the promenade level of the Ruggles "T" station, this year's health fair will take place on Thursday May 17 from 4-6 PM. Aimed at the riders of the MBTA and the surrounding communities, participants will be provided information and free screening on health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes or prostate cancer.
Feeling that the health fair did not do enough to bring attention to the rising health problem of obesity, in 2004 the students added the "Teens Stepping Forward" Walk-A-Thon, a nice, leisurely walk around the Fens. Join the students of HCa this year on Saturday May 19, 2007 as they "Step Forward" to bring their message of fitness and awareness to their community. Registration begins at 9:00 AM, followed by a warm-up with Brandy of "Body by Brandy" at 9:30 AM and the step-off at 10:00 AM. Funds raised as a result of the walk-a-thon will provide scholarships to graduating seniors and a portion will be donated to a local community organization to help in their work of stemming the violence within our communities.
You may call 617-373-8576 for additional information or to receive a walk registration form. You can also visit us on the web at http://www.healthcareersacademy.org to download a registration form or get more information about the school.
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Seventh Annual Health Careers Expo, March 28, 2007
Elizabeth A. Buckley, Health Industry Cluster Coordinator, High School Renewal
How great is this! Once again I had the opportunity to hear health care professionals from all over the Greater Boston area say wonderful things about our students who attend our Health Careers and Science themed high schools.
This is what I heard over and over -
Over three hundred young men and women attended this year's Annual Health Careers Expo, which was held at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center. The students who participated in the Expo attend one of the following schools: Health Careers Academy, Parkway Academy of Technology and Health, Community Academy of Science and Health, Monument High School, Odyssey High School, Brighton High School, East Boston High School, J.E. Burke High School and the Health and Human Services Academy of Madison Park High School.
The day before the Expo I had the opportunity to meet Miguel, who is a freshman at Madison Park Technical/Vocational High School, when I did an Expo orientation in his classroom. On Monday he had just begun his rotation through the Health and Human Services Academy to explore Health Professions and be better prepared to make an informed decision about which career area he will focus on for the rest of his high school years. Miguel asked some questions about what the Expo was like and how he should get prepped for it. We talked about how he could start networking for his future. When he arrived at the Expo the next morning, Miguel was "dressed for success." He had on a shirt and tie and a pair of dress pants. He had spent some time thinking about his patient and which health-care professionals he should talk to. We also had a chance to sit and talk about some options he might want to think about for the summer. By the time he left the Expo, it looked like Miguel was seriously considering a focus in Health Careers.
Every student who attended had the opportunity to discuss their "mock patient" with over fifty health care providers, college representatives, and college students. All professionals who attended volunteered his or her time for the day. They came from a number of organizations such as Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, Hebrew Senior Life, the Boston Public Health Commission, Children's Hospital of Boston, the American Red Cross, Harvard Medical, Boston University School of Medicine and Dental Medicine and Boston Medical Center.
This experience is just one example of the exciting opportunities available for Boston's students who are enrolled in our small high schools and small learning communities that focus on health careers.
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Madison Park Technical Vocational High School recently inducted 36 students into the school's chapter of the National Honor Society. After welcoming remarks from Mayor Thomas Menino, who also attended last year's induction, 34 juniors and two seniors received their NHS pins and certificates from City Council President Maureen Feeney. Rev. Gregory Groover, newly appointed Boston School Committee Member, addressed the graduates. Rev. Groover urged the new inductees to continue to do well and inspired others to follow them on the road to excellence. Superintendent Michael Contompasis joined all in applauding the success of these students and spent time talking to the new NHS members about their post secondary plans. Immediately following the ceremony, the Culinary Arts and Hotel/Hospitality Programs hosted a reception for students, their families and friends followed in the Madison Park College and Career Center.
For more information about the Madison Park National Honor Society Chapter, please contact Jim O'Brien, Media Specialist at 617-828-0270, Email: jobrien5@boston.k12.ma.us.
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This program is a Massachusetts Tech Prep articulated course between Madison Park and Benjamin Franklin. Students who successfully complete the course will be able to apply the four credits towards a certificate or associate's degree in Automotive Technology at Franklin.
For more information about this and other Tech Prep articulated programs between Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and local colleges, please contact Susan Lambert, Career Transition Specialist, at 617-719-6151, Email: slambert@boston.k12.ma.us .
By Eddy Metellus, TV-3 Public Relations Manager
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As if this were not enough of a career pathway connection, WFXT is looking for high schools to get into a contest for the best five-minute high school newscast. The Good News crew put together their product working up to deadline with four Media CTHS stories on testing, a new extracurricular club, a student spotlight and baseball. They also created a one-minute teaser for this newscast entry. The winner will be determined by the audience who can vote on line at
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On Friday, March 30th, Monument High School ninth graders from Mrs. Wise's English class conducted a mock trial at the J. Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse to decide who was responsible for the death of Romeo and Juliet. While the students conducted the mock trial, the jury, bailiff, and judge were lawyers from Robinson and Cole LLP. The students presented thoughtful, carefully crafted and provocative arguments, leaving the jury with some difficult decisions. In the end, all characters were found innocent, except for Friar Lawrence.
The mock trial was a culminating project for the Monument High School e-Pal Program, a tele-mentoring program in which students correspond about classic novels via email with Boston area professionals. Currently, 60 MHS ninth grade students are matched with 50 professional e-Pals from Robinson and Cole LLP and Old Mutual Asset Management. Through these weekly email exchanges between students and mentors, students have deepened their literacy and writing skills while they worked with their e-Pal to craft their arguments that they used during the mock trial.
After the trial, a Robinson and Cole LLP lawyer remarked "I saw none of the it's-not-cool-to-be-smart syndrome, but only a bunch of kids who cared about doing well and "winning" their trials. The students wanted everyone in the courtroom to see how hard they were trying."
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Noonan Business Academy juniors just completed two days of "Business Basics" at the TJX Headquarters in Framingham MA. On Day #1, they attended hands-on workshops in Marketing, Merchandising, and Finance. Day #2 was devoted to Human Resources and Systems Technology. These day-long field trips are sponsored by the employees of TJX, who devote a combined total of hundreds of hours to fun, engaging, informative, and challenging workshops on all the important aspects of running a business. The eleventh graders will then use this information to write their own business plans, to be presented before a panel of professionals in May. One student was asked, "So, what new thing did you learn today that you'll be able to incorporate into your business plan?" She answered, "I hadn't planned a website, but they taught me today how to get a domain name and service provider, so I'm definitely going to set that up."
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This time of year, we test all the Juniors and Seniors at Noonan Business Academy on the nationally utilized College Placement Exam called the Accuplacer. This is our second year of testing. The online exam is taken at our school, requiring three days and several hours for preparation and completion. Students find out, on the spot, how they did. The results tell them whether they are ready for college level courses or, instead, will they be assigned to expensive, non-credit-bearing remedial courses instead? This has been big wake-up call for our students! In the same way that the MCAS gradually grew in importance 5-10 years ago, students are now looking far more closely at this test, for they understand that successful completion can save them hundreds of dollars.
We have adjusted our curriculum accordingly and found ways to better prepare students Gratefully, this year's scores were much better than last year's for the seniors. Our seniors are encouraged; our rising seniors are now challenged!
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TechBoston Academy held its first ever talent show, "TBA Idol." The school community gathered before to celebrate each other's talents outside of the classroom. Students from all grade levels competed in comedy, poetry, dance and other performances while a panel of "judges" from each grade ranked their favorites. There was a tie for the top spot! Maryam, a junior, held the audience's attention with her dance performance to an instrumental of "In the End" by Linkin Park. And the dance group The Rising Dragons got the crowd on its feet for their high energy routine! Congratulations to both winners and to ALL performers in the first but certainly not the last "TBA idol."
On Monday, February 12, 2007 Urban Science Academy staff voted to expand the way instruction can be delivered to students.
Over the past several months the staff spent numerous hours investigating and learning about various inclusion models so that they could best serve the students. The Inclusion models that made the most sense for this school were found to be "authentic co-teaching" and the "push-in support" models. The staff consulted with other administrators and educators at the Boston Arts Academy (a Boston pilot school) and Leominster High School (a public school in central Massachusetts). Teachers and administrators spent time at both of those schools observing and interviewing staff to gather information about the models and the processes through which the schools went to establish strong teaching teams and supports for students and staff members. After gathering the information, the Urban Science Academy staff then began discussing their questions, concerns and possibilities in very open and honest ways.
Staff expressed pride in the fact that the decision was made collaboratively. The current process was very different from a traditional "top-down" decision making process in that both teachers and administrators came to the table to collaborate and discuss needs that had to be met in order for the expanded inclusion model to work. It was a very different feel for most who were involved, but the very process set the foundation for what should establish precedence for how the Urban Science Academy moves forward.
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2006 - 2007 Participants
High Schools
College Partners
Practice, practice, practice writing. Writing is a craft that requires both talent and acquired skills. You learn by doing, by making mistakes and then seeing where you went wrong.
- Jeffrey A. Carver
It is by sitting down to write every morning that one becomes a writer.
- Gerald Brenan
Writing can teach us the dignity of speaking the truth ..."
- Natalie Goldberg
This month, the HSR newsletter invited teachers to send some examples of student writing to the newsletter. This month's newsletter includes several articles written by students, as well as this gallery of student writing. Click the links below to view a variety of writing by students.
From Madison Park, Sample #1 | From Madison Park, Sample #2 | From Charlestown HS, Sample #3 | From Charlestown HS, Sample #4 | From Charlestown HS, Sample #5 | From Charlestown HS, Sample #6 | From BSAC, Sample #7 | From BSAC, Sample #8 | From BSAC, Sample #9 | From BSAC, Sample #10 | From Academy of Public Service, Sample #11 | Illustration by Alantis Perkins, APS Student
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A Music PartnershipThe Bose® In Harmony With Education® Program is an Interdisciplinary Science, Math, and Music Program that teaches Middle and High School students about the beauty and the science of music. Bose Corporation and MENC: The National Association for Music Education has collaborated to produce the program that makes essential connections between music, science, and math. The program takes students through exercises that lead them to listen closely to musical sounds and to engage in hands-on exploration and scientific investigation of the very nature of sound. The program consists of an in-class curriculum downloadable at www.bose.com/inharmony. It includes a 40-page teacher's guide that consists of standards-based lessons that integrate math, music, and science, 20 handouts that instruct students on how to build musical instruments with simple materials; and a Field Trip Experience where students watch Musically Speaking, a multi-image show that touches on the emotional power of sound, investigate sound using an oscilloscope, and play instruments. The field trip is available through Berklee College of Music at no charge. To learn more about these opportunities contact Ronit Carter, Program Manager (Northeast), at 508-766-1144 or James McCoy at Berklee College of Music 617-266-1400 who can also give you information on Berklee's Urban Outreach Performance and City Music Programs. Submitted by Tessil J. Collins. Industry Cluster Coordinator for Arts, Media, & Communications TEACHBoston Summer ProgramThe TEACHBoston Summer Academy is designed for rising high school sophomores and juniors interested in exploring early childhood or elementary education, and BPS graduates who have been admitted to Wheelock College for the fall 2007. Students will have the opportunity to serve as mentors and teaching assistants for elementary-age students, while engaging in the academic study of urban teaching on the Wheelock College campus. Students will receive a stipend of $1000 for full participation and successful completion of the Academy. Visit http://www.highschoolrenewal.org/teachbostonsummer07.htm for applications and more information. Massachusetts Annual Statewide Community Service-Learning Conference
"Service-learning is a teaching and learning approach that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities." Students, teachers, educators, and community partners are invited to a day of sharing strategies to implement, improve and embed service-learning practice in Massachusetts' schools. Workshop and plenary sessions will focus on project sharing, skills and tools for improving practice, strategies and policies for institutionalizing CSL, and ideas for collaboration and linkages with other educational and service initiatives. To register visit: http://www.doe.mass.edu/conference/?ConferenceID=270. In the Spirit of Service Principal Patricia Haggerty and the students of the Bryn Mawr Elementary School in Auburn have helped to organize our service project for this year's conference. The students will collect items from a list of identified supplies needed by students and teachers of New Orleans still struggling to get back to normal after Hurricane Katrina. The suggested conference "registration fee" is at least one item from this list to be posted at http://www.doe.mass.edu/csl/pd.html. At the conference, we'll write notes to the teachers and students we're supporting to include with care packages put together from the collection. Thank you for your generosity! CSL Showcase All attendees are invited to display service-learning success stories! Project displays will be scattered around the conference center for viewing throughout the day. Displays should reflect elements of high-quality service-learning including: academic connections, service that meets real community needs, youth voice and reflection. To sign up to display a showcase at the conference, please email Kristen McKinnon at kmckinnon@doe.mass.edu. Thanks! We the People WorkshopFor TEACHERS of United States History, Humanities, and other constitution related courses: We the People... *** Free Workshop ~ Free Books***
To Pre-Register, complete attached form and FAX by April 12. Any questions, call Barbara Locurto, 617 635-9440. ***We the People... The Citizen and the Constitution, nationally acclaimed program, addresses Mass. History & Social Studies Curriculum Framework and Standards. *** Free Books - Complimentary We the People... Classroom Set includes: 30 Student Textbooks; 1 Teacher's Guide & Instructional Packet: Certificates, Tests, Guidelines, and more. Universal Design for LearningThe Pilot Schools Staff Network and the Center for Collaborative Education are hosting a Technology Mini-Workshop by Kristen Eichleay, "Universal Design for Learning," for BPS teachers and staff on Wed., May 16th, 4:15-6:00 at Madison Park. Attached are fliers with more information about the workshop and the Pilot Schools Staff Network. Registration for the workshop is limited to 25 people so please RSVP now! Please contact Mary Doyle at mdoyle@ccebos.org for more information and to register. CCE Staff NetworkStaff members at the twenty pilot schools and Horace Mann charter schools are invited to consider joining a staff network -- read CCE / Staff Network Flyer for more information. CCE Summer Institute 2007Teaching and Leading for Achievement: Equity and Excellence in Practice Educators serving students in grades 6-12 are invited to this exciting institute for teachers, school administrators, and district administrators. School and district teams are strongly encouraged to attend! Conference themes include:
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