"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.

On the school lunch menu: locally-grown corn on the cob

Students at the South Boston Education Complex enjoyed a rare treat in the cafeteria yesterday: fresh corn on the cob. To celebrate Massachusetts Harvest for Students Week, students helped organize a special lunch featuring fresh corn from Lanni Farms in Lunenberg, MA. Students also put their knowledge about our nation’s top crop to the test in a trivia contest all about corn. The lunch kicked off "Fresh Start Together," a pilot farm-to-school program designed to introduce local produce to students at ten Boston Public Schools that will feature a different locally grown fresh vegetable or fruit each month.

Boston continues improvement in MCAS Math

Boston Public Schools students continue to make significant progress in Mathematics, according to new MCAS results released yesterday. In almost every grade tested, Boston students made gains comparable to or greater than improvements statewide. However, like school districts throughout Massachusetts, Boston’s English Language Arts (ELA) scores remained flat or declined in most grades. Boston students continued to make some of the greatest improvements at the high school level, with performance in both Math and ELA outpacing State gains. Two Boston high schools -- Brighton High School and Madison Park Technical Vocational High School -- made double-digit gains in percentages of students scoring at the "proficient" level or higher. See coverage in the Boston Herald.

Have you visited the new BPS website?

Boston Public Schools started a brand-new school year with a brand-new website!

It offers many new and improved features, including:

• updated, dynamic content about schools and major education initiatives;

• “Welcome” pages in eight languages, with translations of publications;

• podcasts, video library and other digital media content;

• redesigned “Careers” section for on-line recruiting and hiring;

• new “School Choice” section for school selection and registration;

• email notification systems; and

• improved search capabilities.

Visit www.bostonpublicschools.org to test drive the new model. Then you can take a short survey to provide feedback and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Target gift card.

Three schools vie for "School on the Move" Prize

Three Boston Public Schools have been named finalists for the annual Thomas W. Payzant "School on the Move" Prize: Rafael Hernandez K-8 School, Samuel W. Mason Pilot Elementary School, and F. Lyman Winship Elementary School. EdVestors will announce the winner of the $100,000 prize at its annual gala on October 17. Read about previous winners: Sarah Greenwood K-8 School and Excel High School.

UPDATE: Congratulations to the 2008 winner, the Mason Elementary School!

Harvard Letter highlights BPS principal leadership

The current issue of the Harvard Letter features profiles of five former BPS principals who successfully led school transformation efforts. "Creating a Culture of Reciprocal Accountability" describes how these new school leaders engaged their faculty and students to institute change.

Four at BLS named National Merit semi-finalists

Four seniors at Boston Latin School have been named semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program: Juncheng Dong, Paul E. Kreiner, Yukun Li, and Hannah S. Mogul-Adlin. Students are selected based on their PSAT and SAT scores, academic record, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. They will compete with approximately 16,000 students from across the country for college scholarships.

O'Bryant graduates are ready for MIT

Bruno Piazzarolo (left) and Alban Cobi, 2008 graduates of the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, are beginning their freshman year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). They are featured in the MIT News section of the university's website.

Back-to-school in Boston!

Students in grades 1-12 begin a new school year today in the Boston Public Schools. (Kindergarten students begin on Monday.) Pictured here, principal Deb Socia (left) welcomes students back to the Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School in Dorchester. For more back-to-school information, visit the new BPS website.

A new beginning for the Burke High School

Teachers and other staff returned yesterday to the new Jeremiah E. Burke High School after a two-year, $50 million renovation. See coverage on New England Cable News and in the Boston Globe.

Come to the Back-to-School Jamboree!

More than 2,000 Boston Public Schools students, families and staff will gather on City Hall Plaza tomorrow for the first Back-to-School Jamboree! The free event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features fun and informative activities for the whole family. The first 1,500 BPS students to arrive will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies. Enjoy face painting, health screening, family fitness, and much more.

Boston Magazine commends BPS high schools

Congratulations to 14 Boston Public Schools included in Boston Magazine's list of the 141 best public high schools in the area, ranked both for academic performance and cost efficiency:

• Boston International High School
• Boston Latin Academy
• Boston Latin School
• Brighton High School
• Jeremiah E. Burke High School
• Charlestown High School
• Community Academy
• East Boston High School
• Excel High School
• Fenway High School
• Monument High School
• New Mission High School
• Odyssey High School
• Snowden International School

Boston Schoolyard Intiative earns national attention

Officials from cities across the country visited Boston recently to tour our unique outdoor classrooms: the schoolyards refurbished through the Boston Schoolyard Initiative. Since 1995, the program has helped reconstruct 71 schoolyards, with plans to invest in at least 16 more over the next two years. The Christian Science Monitor highlighted the initiative in a recent feature story, touting Boston as a national model for schoolyard design and construction. Pictured here, Isiah Davis (left) and Giovany Perez enjoy the refurbished schoolyard at John P. Holland Elementary School and Community Center (Photo by Ann Hermes for the Christian Science Monitor).

Shop at Whole Foods on August 20 to support kindergarten!

On Wednesday, August 20, the three Whole Foods Markets located in Boston will donate 5% of all net sales to Countdown to Kindergarten. Shop at the Whole Foods at 15 Westland Avenue (near Symphony Hall), 181 Cambridge Street (near Mass. General Hospital), or 15 Washington Street (Brighton), and a portion of your spending will support Countdown to Kindergarten's work to help families and students make a successful transition to kindergarten!

Boston principals gather for August Institute

The 143 principals and headmasters of the Boston Public Schools are gathered this week for professional development at the annual August Institute, held this year at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Superintendent Johnson addressed the group this morning, reflecting on her first year in Boston and outlining goals for the year ahead. For the first time this year, school leaders were joined by other members of their administrative team and some teacher leaders. During the spring and summer, Dr. Johnson announced the appointment of new principals and headmasters in 27 Boston Public Schools.

Financial aid workshops for BPS graduates

The City of Boston and Boston Public Schools, in partnership with the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA), are hosting two workshops for BPS families and students about financial aid for college. Details about the forums (to be held on August 11 and 18) are posted on the district's new web page, "Paying for College," which includes a variety of resources about financing higher education. The workshops will include opportunities for participants to have personalized assistance from counselors about financial aid options.

MWRA honors BPS students' posters and essays

Several Boston Public Schools students were honored recently for outstanding entries in the annual poster and essay contest sponsored by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Pictured here is a poster by Samantha To, a second grade student at the Bradley Elementary School, whose entry earned an Honorable Mention (click to enlarge). Other winners include students from the Warren Prescott K-8, Boston Latin School, and Quincy Elementary School.

Students dance their way through summer

BU Today profiles students participating in the REACH summer dance camp at the Boston University Dance Theater, including Boston Arts Academy students Julie Jean and Fernanda Novelle Ruddy. Students will perform in Central Square, Cambridge, next week.

Margaret Angell named a White House Fellow

Margaret Angell is one of only 14 professionals from around the country selected for the 2008-2009 class of White House Fellows. Margaret is a former Broad Resident working in the Boston Public Schools as Special Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer, most recently with the Early Childhood Education Department. The White House Fellows Program, founded in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, offers exceptional men and women first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal government.

Reuters highlights technology at the Frederick

The one-to-one laptop initiative and other technology innovations at the Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School are highlighted in a recent Reuters feature, "Technology reshapes America's classrooms."

See earlier post: "Frederick Middle School launches 1:1 Wireless Learning Initiative."

Mildred Avenue theater troupe wins a gold medal

The theater troupe from the Mildred Avenue Middle School in Mattapan recently brought home a gold medal from the Massachusetts Middle School Drama Festival. The troupe impressed the judges with their performance of The Dancers, a one-act play by Horton Foote, at the competition held at the school. Among the 27 participating middle schools from throughout the state, Mildred Avenue was one of only nine schools to earn a gold medal.

Four students from the school also won "Excellence in Acting" awards: seventh graders Julie Vo and Jahmar Lewis, sixth grader Keturah Brewster, all of Dorchester, and eighth grader Ayesha Butler of Roxbury. Pictured, from left to right: Bunnett Bain, Jahmar Lewis, Wilberson Altidor, Theater Director Stephanie Fredericks, Elgino Jean, Diamond Burwell, Keturah Brewster, and Ayesha Butler.

BPS alum reading at Borders this week

Boston Public Schools alumnus Raffi Yessayan will read from his first novel, Eight in the Box, at Borders Books in Downtown Crossing this Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. The West Roxbury native is a 1986 graduate of Boston Latin School who attended BPS from kindergarten through grade 12. He was recently featured on parkwayboston.

BLA student wins first Turner Broadcasting scholarship

Connie Y. Chan, who graduated this spring from Boston Latin Academy, is the first recipient of the City of Boston / Turner Broadcasting System Inc. Media Communications Scholarship. Ms. Chan, a graphic and web designer, earned $2,500 to pursue higher education at Simmons College in the fall. The scholarship is part of a citywide partnership with Turner Broadcasting to support media communications education in the Boston Public Schools. Pictured here, Mayor Thomas M. Menino (left) and Superintendent Carol R. Johnson (right) present the scholarship to Ms. Chan in a ceremony at City Hall.

School's out for summer!

The 2007-2008 school year has come to a close. Thank you to the students, staff and families for making the year such a success. The Family Resource Centers have begun operating on a summer schedule, and free summer meals for children are available throughout the city. Remember, classes resume for students in grades 1-12 on Thursday, September 4, and for kindergarten students on Monday, September 8. Continue to visit the blog throughout the summer for the latest news!

Congratulations, Boston Educators of the Year!

Fifteen remarkable educators were honored this week as the 2008 Boston Educators of the Year. Mayor Thomas M. Menino, School Committee Chair Elizabeth Reilinger, Superintendent Carol R. Johnson and Boston Teachers Union President paid tribute to these outstanding educators in a ceremony at the Taj Hotel, along with the honorees' families, friends, colleagues and students. Four other BPS employees also were honored at the ceremony with Service Excellence Awards.

Keyla Veloz wins Payzant Scholarship

Keyla Veloz, a recent graduate of Boston Community Leadership Academy, has been awarded the Dr. Thomas W. Payzant Public Service in Education Scholarship. The $2,000 prize, named in honor of the former Superintendent, is awarded annually to a student graduating from a Boston public high school with a record of academic progress who has made significant contributions to improving education. Keyla, who will attend Emmanuel College next year, has been teaching in the after-school program at the Gardner Pilot Academy. Pictured here, School Committee Chair Elizabeth Reilinger (left) and Superintendent Carol R. Johnson (right) present Keyla with a citation.

Harvard-Kent welcomes Dr. Johnson to a "Tea Party"

The Harvard-Kent Elementary School recently hosted a "Boston Art Tea Party" to acknowledge Superintendent Carol Johnson’s continued recognition of the importance of the arts in the Boston Public Schools. Over tea and scones, Dr. Johnson discussed the importance of art with students and teachers, and accepted a framed drawing, "Two Pears Stil Life," from Sophia Liu, a Grade 5 student. Student artwork from teacher Patricia Wilson's Grade 5 class is now on display in the Superintendent's Gallery. Pictured here (left to right) are Ms. Wilson; Sophia's mother, Ms. Liu; Sophia; Dr. Johnson; and Richard Martin, principal of the Harvard-Kent.

Mayor's School Awards honor top students

Nearly 300 Boston Public Schools students were honored with Mayor's School Awards in six ceremonies held recently at Faneuil Hall. Every school in the district was invited to select an academic award winner and a school spirit winner. This is the 24th consecutive year that Mayor Thomas M. Menino has hosted a school awards program, a tradition he began in 1985 when he was a district City Councilor. Pictured here from the Tobin K-8 school are, left to right, Evelyn Perez Landron (school spirit award), principal Cheryl Watson-Harris, and Pedro Pitre (academic award). The complete list of winners is posted on the BPS website.

Blackstone students get lessons in dentistry

Third grade students at the Blackstone Elementary School, including Valeria Alvarez (left) and Angie Carmen, became "Dentists for a Day" through a partnership with the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Learn more at Science Metropolis.

All-City Baseball Classic tomorrow

If the rain holds off, the all-stars from Boston public high school baseball teams will take to the field tomorrow at historic Fenway Park for the 6th Annual All-City Baseball Classic. The game begins at 3:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Enter at Gate D and take your pick of great seats behind home plate and the dugouts. Students will be honored with scholar/athlete and sportsmanship awards. Check this blog in the morning for news about the weather.

UPDATE: As of 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the game is still on!

Edutopia profiles visually-impaired BLS musician

Edutopia features a video about Boston Latin School student Albano Berberi, who is visually impaired but excels in academics, violin, and video gaming with help from assistive technology.

Harvard welcomes Conant Fellows

The Harvard Graduate School of Education has selected four Boston Public Schools educators as James Bryant Conant Fellows for the upcoming school year. The fellowship is named in honored of a former President of Harvard University. Every year, educators from the Boston and Cambridge Public Schools are awarded fellowships to earn full tuition scholarships during their one-year leave of absence from the district while pursuing advanced degrees.

Pictured here in a ceremony on campus yesterday, left to right, are Patricia Lampron, Murphy K-8 School; Eugene Roundtree, Madison Park Technical-Vocational High School; and Jalene Tamerat, Quincy Upper School. Not pictured is Kathryn Meyer, Hernandez K-8 School.

BDEA alum meets filmmaker Ken Burns

Kafre Nurse (right), a 2007 graduate of Boston Day and Evening Academy (BDEA), recently met Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. A professor at Bunker Hill Community College, where Kafre was enrolled this year, introduced the two as Kafre prepares to transfer to Mr. Burns' alma mater, Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. Kafre, who will enter the James Baldwin Scholars Program at Hampshire College in the fall, returned to BDEA to address members of the Class of 2008 at the school's graduation ceremony last night.

Schools raise money and have fun at the Nike 5K

Hundreds of Boston students, families and teachers participated in the second annual Nike 5K for Kids run/walk last Saturday at Franklin Park. Runners and walkers of all ages completed the 5K course and the 1-mile “Let Me Play” walk/run.

For the second year in a row, the Dearborn Middle School in Roxbury earned recognition for fielding more participants and raising more money than any other school. With 57 runners, the Dearborn raised $1,140 to support physical education programming at the school. Six other Boston Public Schools were among the top ten: Haley Elementary School; Fenway High School; Otis Elementary School; Irving Middle School; Roosevelt Elementary School; and Lee Elementary School.

Student volunteers from Boston International High School (BIHS) provided support at the event handing out water along the route and giving out medals and prize packs at the finish line. Pictured here, BIHS students take a break from their volunteer duties to pose with their teachers who completed the 5K.

Meet the Boston University Scholars, Class of 2012

Forty graduates from 13 Boston public high schools have been awarded four-year, full-tuition college scholarships through the Boston University Boston High School Scholarship Program.

BTR a national finalist for innovation award

The Ash Institute at the Kennedy School of Government has selected the Boston Teacher Residency (BTR) program as one of 15 national finalists for the Innovations in American Government Award. The district's teacher preparation program, a partnership between the Boston Public Schools and the Boston Plan for Excellence, had been named one of 50 finalists for the prize in April. A national selection committee will review the finalists and award $100,000 to each of six winners in September. BTR's innovative approach also has been recognized by Edutopia magazine and the Massachusetts Board of Education.

Elementary students enjoy Special Olympics at White Stadium

Nearly 500 students from 20 Boston public elementary schools participated today in the Special Olympics at White Stadium. The athletes included students with disabilities from special education programs as well as children from inclusion classrooms in early education centers. Pictured here, left to right, are Christopher Brum, special education teacher at the Richard J. Murphy K-8 school; Jeron Perez of Dorchester, third grade student at the Murphy; and Carolyn Riley, Senior Director of Unified Student Services, Boston Public Schools. See coverage on New England Cable News.

SBEC students honor veterans on Memorial Day

More than 40 Army JROTC cadets from the South Boston Education Complex spent Memorial Day helping members of the Saunders American Legion Post and the Fitzgerald VFW Post place over 1,100 flags on the graves of South Boston veterans at area cemeteries. This was their 11th consecutive year helping with this task. Cadets from the battalion also participated in other Memorial Day activities, including the Town of Rockland parade, the annual Dorchester Heights ceremony and several rededication ceremonies at squares in South Boston. Pictured here, left to right, Houng Nguyen, Yen Nguyen and John Gregorio place a flag at the headstone of a South Boston veteran.

Boston celebrates Class of 2008 Valedictorians

The top graduates of the Class of 2008 from 38 Boston public high schools were honored yesterday at the 10th Annual Valedictorians Luncheon at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Community leaders, educators and families gathered to pay tribute to the young men and women graduating at the top of their class. Pictured here, left to right, are School Committee Chair Elizabeth Reilinger; John Denzel Nwabugwu, Valedictorian of McKinley Preparatory High School; Mayor Thomas M. Menino; and Superintendent Carol R. Johnson.

In a first for the Boston Public Schools, siblings were named Valedictorians of two different high schools in the same year. See press coverage of sisters Faith Nwaoha (Burke High School) and Chioma Nwaoha (English High School), originally from Nigeria, in the Boston Herald and on New England Cable News and Fox-25 News.

ReadBoston selects best read-aloud book

ReadBoston recently held a competition for the 2007 Best Read Aloud Book Award. A panel of judges selected Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts. Pictured here, ReadBoston's Sarah Farbo reads The Jewel Box Ballerinas by Monique de Varebbes. Sarah is also the host of ReadBoston's "Read TV" program, produced by David Burt of Boston City TV. "Read TV" and "Cooking With Kirk" were nominated for Emmy Awards.

Holmes student's sculpture featured in national exhibit

"Spotted Cat," a clay sculpture created by Holmes Elementary School fifth-grader Kaitlynn Nee, is on display in the nation's capital. Kaitlynn's work was selected to represent the state of Massachusetts in the “All Kids Can…CREATE!” exhibition, which opened this week in Washington, D.C. The exhibit, organized by VSA arts and the CVS Caremark All Kids Can program, seeks to advance the role of the arts in inclusive education.

Students shine at TechBoston Robotics Olympics

Boston Public Schools students competed recently in TechBoston's annual Robotics Olympics at the Wentworth Institute of Technology. Pictured here, left to right, Kayla Mendez from Hamilton Elementary School watches future engineers Diana Long, Sylvie Stoloff, and Leila Erbay from the Josiah Elementary School as their robot successfully drops a tennis ball into a paper bag. For more photos, visit the slideshow.

Commissioner Chester sworn in at Hurley School

In a ceremony today at the Joseph Hurley K-8 School in the South End, Mitchell Chester was sworn in by Governor Deval Patrick as the Commonwealth's 23rd Commissioner of Education. Read his inaugural remarks.

School Committee nomination deadline extended

The Citizens Nominating Panel that recommends candidates for the Boston School Committee has extended the application deadline to Friday, May 30. The panel is seeking candidates to replace Michele Brooks, who resigned last month to become the district's Assistant Superintendent for Family & Student Engagement. Mayor Menino will appoint a successor from among the candidates recommended by the panel. Download an application online.

BDEA leader Meg Maccini wins national award

The MetLife Foundation has named Boston Day and Evening Academy (BDEA) Headmaster Meg Maccini an “Ambassador in Education” for her work to connect the school and community. Officials from the foundation will present Meg with the $5,000 prize in a special ceremony at the school tomorrow. The awards program recognizes the most collaborative public school principals in 25 cities. Meg, who has been Headmaster of BDEA since 2001, is stepping down from the position at the end of this school year to pursue a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology and Social Justice Education at UMass-Amherst.

Gardner Pilot Academy hosts Friendship Feast

The Gardner Pilot Academy recently welcomed families, staff and neighbors for a Friendship Feast to celebrate the school's new name and the opening of the Joseph Smith Health Center at the school. The school-based health center is one of two such clinics recently opened in Boston Public Schools (along with the Jackson-Mann School) in conjunction with the Joseph Smith Community Health Center. Learn more about the district's newest pilot school at the Friends of the Gardner website.

Vote for your favorite South End T-shirt design

CitySquares.com is sponsoring a "CommuniTee" Art Program to select the design for a T-shirt celebrating the South End. Students from the Hurley and McKinley schools submitted original art work for the contest. Proceeds from sales of the T-shirt will benefit art programs at the schools. You can vote on-line for your favorite among the ten finalists.

It's National Teacher Appreciation Week

May 4-10, 2008 is National Teacher Appreciation Week, a great opportunity to thank and congratulate the thousands of men and women who educate the children of Boston every day. The National Education Association has declared tomorrow (Tuesday, May 6) National Teacher Day, and invites students from across the country to participate by contributing to the giant thank-you card or sending teachers electronic greeting cards.

Boston schools ready for the Marathon

Tomorrow is Patriots Day in Massachusetts -- or "Marathon Monday." Students and staff from the Boston Public Schools are participating in the Boston Marathon in various ways -- running, volunteering and cheering on the runners. On Friday the Marshall Elementary School held its annual "Marshall Marathon" (pictured here), with more than 100 students and staff competing for the victory wreaths. Tommy Ozbolt, a City Year corps member at the James P. Timilty Middle School, is running his first marathon in memory of Steven Odom, a Timilty 8th grader who was killed in October while walking home from a basketball game. Ozbolt hopes to raise $12,694 (in honor of Steven’s birthday of January 26, 1994) to create two college scholarships for graduating 8th grade students this year.

Philbrick teacher surprised with $10,000 prize

When science teacher Erin Flynn reported to the Philbrick Elementary School auditorium on Friday, she thought she was on her way to a school-wide "Reading is Fundamental" assembly. Then principal Laurie Carr announced the big surprise: Ms. Flynn was the winner of a 2008 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence. The recognition earned the teacher $5,000 and another $5,000 for the school to advance science education. Officials from Amgen joined Ms. Flynn's colleagues, family and students at the assembly. The award commended her innovative approach to teaching science to elementary school students, including lessons at the Boston Nature Center. Pictured here are Ms. Flynn (left) and Ms. Carr.

McKay School to be featured on CBS Sunday Morning

Tune in to CBS Sunday Morning this weekend for a segment about the McKay K-8 School in East Boston. Students wrote to the show about their work with Wendy Booker, a woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) who is on a mission to climb the world’s Seven Summits, the highest mountain on each continent. (See earlier post: McKay students learn to "keep climbing" to reach their goals.) The story is scheduled to air this Sunday on WBZ-TV, Channel 4 in Boston, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

UPDATE: The segment aired on Sunday, May 4. Watch the video.

"10 Boys" groups gather from across the city

More than 900 Black and Latino boys from many Boston Public Schools assembled yesterday at UMass Boston for the "10 Boys Initiative Goes to College." Mayor Menino, Superintendent Johnson, UMass Boston Chancellor Keith Motley and other dignitaries honored the young men, as well as their principals and teachers, for their work to achieve proficiency on MCAS and to prepare for college. The initiative, providing additional support and encouragement to small groups of boys of color, began in Triad A schools but expanded citywide this year. Watch the event on BPS-TV!

Pictured here at the celebration are Dever Elementary School student Jose Morales and principal Guadalupe Guerrero. The boys from the Dever -- wearing team jerseys from the new elementary basketball league -- attended with their teachers Geoff Rose, Donnie Lucente, and Matt Hamilton, who volunteer after school to provide coaching, mentoring, tutoring and other supports.

Gardner students unpack the "Ultimate Science Classroom"

Students in Dean Martin's fourth grade science class at the Gardner Pilot Academy got a special treat recently, with the delivery of the “Ultimate Science Classroom.” Mr. Martin won the model classroom, which includes more $43,000 worth of science teaching materials, at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference on Science Education, held here in Boston last month. The conference featured workshops and presentations by dozens of Boston Public Schools science teachers, sharing their innovations in science instruction, as well as a performance by the Boston Arts Academy Jazz Ensemble. Read more at the National Science Teachers Association website.

* Akamai Technologies donates $6,000 to Madison Park's Robotics Team.

* Four Boston debaters compete in Chase Urban Debate National Championships in Chicago.

* Entire Quincy Elementary School marches from Chinatown to the Big Apple Circus at City Hall Plaza.

* Boston 8th Graders outpace urban peers on national Writing exam.

UPDATE: ETV wins the Fox25 newscast contest!

The on-line voters have spoken, and English High School's "ETV" was selected over nine other schools as the winner of Fox25's "My High School Newscast" contest. Congratulations!

See earlier post.

East Boston's Ventre commended for sportsmanship on the ice

East Boston High School's Christopher Ventre is the recipient of the 2008 Boston Bruins Ice Hockey Sportsmanship Award for the Boston City League. A senior left wing, Christopher served as Assistant Captain for the Jets this year. During his four-year career, Christopher has never received a major penalty or game disqualification. “Chris is one of the biggest supporters during the games and makes sure that players coming to the bench know they are doing a good job on the ice," said Coach Robert Anthony. "He is a team leader for the East Boston Jets. Chris is always the first person in line to shake hands after each game.”

ETV a finalist in Fox 25 "My High School Newscast" Contest

English High School Television -- better known as "ETV" -- is one of 10 finalists in Fox 25's "My High School Newscast" Contest. Viewers can vote online for their favorite entry until this Thursday, April 10, at 12 noon.

Male Engagement Conference this Saturday

BPS fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other adult male role models will gather tomorrow for the second Male Engagement Conference hosted by the Office of Family and Community Engagement. The "Rules of the Game" conference will provide men with strategies to support the academic success of children in their lives -- especially in the areas of character development, communication, addressing challenges and college access. The conference will take place at the Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School, 270 Columbia Road, Dorchester, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with breakfast and registration beginning at 9:15. For more information or to RSVP, call 617-635-9661.

Winter sports roundup

It's been an exciting winter sports season for Boston Public Schools teams and athletes. These are just some of the highlights. For complete tournament results, visit the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) website.

Student-athletes from many Boston high schools (some pictured above) participated in the All-City Basketball Classic on March 29 at Northeastern University, celebrating students’ achievements on the court and in the classroom. The South Division, led by New Mission coach Cory McCarthy, captured the girls’ title, beating North 68-58. Among the boys, Snowden coach Drew Hughes Brock led the North Division to victory, 97-94.

Congratulations also to the Middle School Basketball City Champions. In the girls’ division, the Timilty beat the Lewis, 17-10, and the boys from Orchard Gardens outscored the Edwards 55-47.

Two Boston players have been nominated for the “All FOX 25 Girls Basketball Team”: Bianca Flores from New Mission High School and Shari Martinez from Brighton High School. The results of an on-line poll will be announced tomorrow.

The Boston Globe has named the Winter 2008 All-Scholastics. O’Bryant’s Jose Ortega was selected Boys’ Track Coach of the Year. BPS student honorees include: Girls’ hockey: Kathleen Roche and Ann-Marie Elvin, both Boston Latin; Boys’ basketball: Gerard Coleman, West Roxbury, and Greg Hackett, Charlestown; Boys’ track: Omar Aden, Charlestown, and Enoch Mills, English.

At the State finals last month, the MIAA presented the Charlestown High School Girls’ Basketball Team with a Sportsmanship Award.

The MIAA also presented a 2008 Distinguished Service Award to Chris Lane, Chief Administrative Officer for the Hyde Park Educational Complex.

As a great winter of BPS sports comes to an end, the spring season now gets underway, with golf, tennis, baseball, softball, volleyball and track all beginning their schedules this month.