Linda Nathan's new book highlights Boston Arts Academy

Beacon Press tomorrow will release a new book written by Linda Nathan, founding Headmaster of the Boston Arts Academy. The Hardest Questions Aren't on the Test: Lessons from an Innovative Urban School describes the approaches that have led to the success of the city's pilot high school for the visual and performing arts. Royalties from sales of the book will benefit the school.

Everett Elementary honors the memory of Kathleen Flannery

The school grounds of the Edward Everett Elementary School in Dorchester was a sea of purple this morning - the favorite color of former principal Kathleen Flannery. Ms. Flannery died shortly before her scheduled retirement in 2006, and today, the school community honored her legacy with the dedication of the Kathleen S. Flannery Memorial Fence. Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Councilor Maureen Feeney, and Superintendent Carol Johnson joined students, staff, families and community supporters for a ceremony today celebrating the new fence and outdoor classroom.

Edwards Middle School earns national media attention

The extended day program at the Edwards Middle School was featured in newspapers all across the country this weekend. An Associated Press story about President Obama's call for a longer school day and year featured student Domonique Toombs describing the benefits of the extended day at the Edwards. The story appeared in the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and dozens of other media outlets.

MassArt helps build new Carter School bus shelter

Graduate architecture students from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design donated their time and expertise this summer to help a special group of BPS students. Last week, City and school officials joined families and staff to dedicate an artistic new bus shelter, designed to protect students at the Carter School when boarding wheelchair buses during inclement weather. See coverage in the Globe, Herald, and South End News.

Two more schools earn NAEYC accreditation

The Warren/Prescott K-8 School in Charlestown and the F. Lyman Winship Elementary School in Brighton recently earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Six BPS schools now have earned NAEYC accreditation, widely seen as the mark of quality in early childhood education.

Apply to serve on the Boston School Committee

Mayor Menino is seeking nominations for Boston residents to serve on the Boston School Committee. The application deadline is November 12. UPDATE: Deadline extended to Monday, November 30, 1:00 p.m.

BPS launches Management Institute

In partnership with the District Management Council, BPS has launched the Management Institute to provide professional development and establish performance goals for senior and mid-level operations and finance managers.

AWC and exam school eligibility tests coming up

Boston families are invited to apply for Advanced Work Class (AWC) and the city's three exam schools.

Get involved in decision-making at your child's school...

The BPS Office of Family & Student Engagement is hosting two training sessions next week (Tuesday and Thursday) to help parents and staff learn more about elections for School Site Council and School Parent Council Executive Committee.

Superintendent celebrates MCAS gains at the Eliot

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released school and district MCAS scores today, as well as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) accountability results. The Eliot K-8 School in the North End was one of only three schools in the Commonwealth to move from "restructuring" into good standing, thanks to two years of significant gains in English and Math performance. Pictured here, Superintendent Carol Johnson (right) surprised principal Traci Walker Griffith (left), students and staff at the school with a delivery of balloons to celebrate the achievement. Visit the BPS website for additional information about Boston's MCAS and AYP results.

Jamboree kicks off another exciting school year

BPS students and their families packed City Hall Plaza on Saturday, September 5 for the second annual Back-to-School Jamboree. Guests enjoyed performances, refreshments, resources, gifts and prizes to help get the school year off to a fun start. Watch the slide show and video below.

Boston schools are ready to reopen!

Boston Public Schools teachers reported to school today to prepare their classrooms for the return of students on Thursday (grades 1-12) and Monday (kindergarten). Today, Mayor Menino joined BPS officials for a back-to-school news conference at the new middle school campus of the expanded TechBoston Academy in Dorchester.

Watch Superintendent Johnson's back-to-school video message to BPS staff:

Superintendent Johnson on Fox 25 morning news

Kim Carrigan interviewed BPS Superintendent Carol Johnson on Fox 25 morning news today about preparations for the start of the school year.

200 students earn diplomas in summer graduation ceremony

The graduating class of 2009 grew last week, when 200 more students earned diplomas at a special summer commencement ceremony at White Stadium. The students, from 24 Boston public high schools, completed their high school requirements through credit recovery and other programs during the summer months. Surrounded by their families, friends, teachers, Headmasters and other City and school officials, the graduates proudly accepted diplomas in cap and gown. Pictured here (left to right) are student speaker Jonathan Rodrigues, a graduate of Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy, parent Bertha Frazier, Mayor Thomas M. Menino, and Boston School Committee member Alfreda Harris.

Ready for Kindergarten!

Mayor Menino, the Boston School Committee, Superintendent Johnson and partner organizations recently hosted the 10th annual "Countdown to Kindergarten" celebration at the Children's Museum. The event welcomes and helps new BPS kindergarten families prepare for a successful start to the school year. Pictured here, four-year-old Liam Rousmaniere of Hyde Park, who is entering K1 at the Franklin D. Roosevelt K-8 School, practices boarding a yellow school bus. See the photo gallery, and visit Countdown's new website! Kindergarten students begin school in Boston on Monday, September 14.

Health Careers Academy seeks renaming after Ted Kennedy

The Boston School Committee has approved a request from Health Careers Academy to rename the school in memory of the late Senator Ted Kennedy. The school, located on the campus of Northeastern University, will now seek permission from State officials to become the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers: A Horace Mann Public Charter School to honor the legislator’s lifelong commitment to health care and public education. Mayor Thomas M. Menino suggested the name change in a letter to the school’s Headmaster and Board of Trustees last week.