Sportsmanship Award to Madison boys' volleyball

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) has selected the team from Madison Park Technical-Vocational High School (Roxbury) as the winner of the 2009 Boys' Volleyball Team Sportsmanship Award. The team received a standing ovation at a cermony in Ashland, Mass., during the state boys' volleyball championships last month. Led by coach Marcie Fiorini, the team includes Larry Williams, Elysander Plaza, Edson Barbosa, Elino DaSilva, Jonathan Deleon, Elly Escalera, Khayree Hudson, Vu Le, Juan Ocasio, Ivandir Resende and Dariano Pina.

New elementary literacy program: Reading Street

Superintendent Johnson today announced the adoption of a new elementary reading program for BPS students in kindergarten through grade 5: Scott Foresman Reading Street from Pearson. A thorough review process led local educators to select the program, in part because it includes a range of instructional materials for students with varying academic skills and needs, including children with disabilities and English Language Learners. Principals and teachers will be introduced to the program this summer, with training taking place throughout the fall.

To learn more about Reading Street, visit the website or watch the short video below about the use of the program in Revere, Mass.:

O'Bryant graduate earns Hispanic Heritage Youth Award

Massiel de los Santos, a 2009 graduate of the John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science, was honored earlier this month during the 12th Annual National Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Ceremony held in Miami, Florida. Read about her in the South End News.

Dorchester Academy set to open in former Dorchester High

When the new school year begins in September, the new Dorchester Academy will open in the former Dorchester High School. Dorchester Academy, whose official name was approved by the School Committee last week, is the merger of two former schools in the building: Noonan Business Academy and the Academy of Public Service. It will feature an academic and career focus on public service, business, and the law.

BPS teacher to lead visit to Kyoto, Japan

BPS teacher Timothy Nagaoka will lead a group of nearly two dozen local educators on a trip to Kyoto, Japan, later this month. The visit is part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the "Sister City" relationship between Boston and Kyoto. The Japan Society of Boston recently honored Mr. Nagaoka's leadership with the distinguished John E. Thayer Award.