Boston students ready to cast their "votes"

Students throughout the Boston Public Schools are learning all about the democratic process as the nation gears up for the Presidential election on Tuesday. Many schools have mock elections, get-out-the-vote rallies, debates and other activities planned this week to help students get real-life lessons in Civics. Pictured here, students at the Haley Elementary School participate in a national mock election (Boston Herald photo / Lisa Hornak); read stories in the Boston Herald and the Boston Metro.

College begins in kindergarten at the Philbrick

To celebrate College Month in the Boston Public Schools, the Philbrick Elementary School has held a series of events and activities to get young students thinking about higher education. The school participated in "Represent Your Alma Mater Day" with a school-wide assembly at which all 154 students wore a T-shirt from colleges and universities throughout the country. (See coverage in the Roslindale Transcript.) Pictured here is fifth grade student Jeremiah Dungeniss, wearing a T-shirt from Fisk University, the alma mater of Superintendent Carol R. Johnson.

School officials earn Shattuck Awards

The Boston Municipal Research Bureau last night presented Henry L. Shattuck Public Service Awards to eight City of Boston employees who go "above and beyond" to serve the people of Boston. In a ceremony at the World Trade Center, the Bureau also honored three civic leaders from the private and non-profit sectors as City Champions. Pictured here with Superintendent Carol R. Johnson (far left) are three Shattuck winners who work in or with the Boston Public Schools: left to right, Richard Jacobs, BPS Director of Transportation; Martha Pierce, Education Advisor to Mayor Thomas M. Menino; and Robert "Doc" Handy, Community Field Coordinator at the Boston Arts Academy. Read about all of the honorees (PDF).

Everett community comes together for beautification projects

The Everett Elementary School recently held its Fall Green & Clean Day, with volunteers from UBS and Boston Cares joining parents, students and staff to complete a range of projects in and around the schoolyard. The team spent a Saturday building a new raised stone garden bed, decorating pillars with mosaic, planting trees and flowers, painting walls, and building classroom bookcases.

English High School joins the fight against breast cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and students and staff from the Engligh High School are doing their part to help find a cure. A team from the school recently participated in the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk in memory of a former EHS parent. So far the team has raised more than $700 (you can donate here). Pictured here from the English High School team are, left to right, Headmaster Jose Duarte, Txiki Rodriguez, Dr. Kristen Davolio, and Craig Belany.

"Clown-gratulations" to the Hale!

Students at the Nathan Hale Elementary School in Roxbury recently welcomed special surprise visitors – two performers from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Brandon of Clown Alley and Katya, who does a hand balancing act. The performers visited the school to congratulate Hale students on winning the annual ReadBoston / Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Read-a-Thon. More than 80% of Hale students completed the challenge of reading at home for at least 20 minutes every night for two weeks.

BPS in the News

Here is just some of the recent news coverage of Boston Public Schools students, teachers, schools and programs:

McCormack Middle School students "Discover America" with Driver Dave.

The Boston Banner profiles Boston Community Leadership Academy student Uniqua Mason.

The Roslindale Transcript covered the installation of a new sculptural fence at the Haley Elementary School.

A feature story in Education Week highlights the Boston Teacher Residency program as a national model.

The Boston Globe describes Superintendent Johnson's proposal to create a citywide high school marching band.

Read about the new outdoor classroom and garden at the Ohrenberger Elementary School in the West Roxbury Bulletin.

WHDH / Channel 7 aired a piece about school uniforms at the Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School.

WCVB / Channel 5 covered the O'Donnell Elementary School's participation in International Walk to School Day.

Urban Science Academy was featured in a Boston Globe editorial about Science education.

VLA seeks student art for holiday cards

BPS students in grades 7-12 are invited to submit entries for the annual Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts Holiday Card Contest. Young artists can win art supplies and up to $200 if their creation is selected to be featured on the cards this year. Download the flier (PDF) here. Submit artwork with an entry form by October 24. Pictured here is one of last year's winning designs by Boston Latin Academy student Mallory Pearson.

Hip-hop rally today; voter registration deadline tomorrow

Tomorrow is the deadline to register to vote in the Presidential election on November 4. Anyone who will be 18 years or older by that date must register to vote by October 15. Community members are invited to a "Hip Hop Voter Registration Rally" today from 2 - 6 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, featuring hip hop artists Bow Wow, Bun B, Joell Ortiz and Ahmir.

October is College Month in the BPS

Boston students of all ages will celebrate "College Month" throughout October, with activities, events and resources to encourage higher education after high school. In partnership with area colleges and universities, as well as community organizations, the district offers college access programs and services throughout the year, but the month of October is a particularly active and important time for students to learn more about the application process, financial aid, and academic expectations at the college level. What is your school doing to celebrate College Month? Post a comment here.

"Pathways to Excellence" would strengthen and reorganize Boston schools

Superintendent Carol Johnson presented details about her ambitious "Pathways to Excellence" plan to the Boston School Committee last night. The plan calls for expanding, relocating and consolidating various schools and programs in order to advance the Superintendent's academic agenda for all Boston Public Schools.

The outcomes would include 6,000 more students served in K-8 programs, nearly 2,000 new pilot school seats, and new secondary programs to eliminate the dropout rate. Confronting challenging economic realities, Dr. Johnson estimates that the plan would reduce costs by about $13.8 million over the next five years. Families and staff will participate in a series of community forums over the next four weeks to review and comment on the proposals.

Visit the BPS website to learn more.