Madison students earn vocational honors

Eight students from Madison Park Technical Vocational High School earned medals in the recent SkillsUSA District Competition, which tests vocational students' knowledge of their trade area, employability and understanding of Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) procedures. The eight medal winners were among 22 Madison Park students who competed against students from 12 area vocational high schools. The winners (listed below) will compete at the State tournament in April.

• Jennifer Pena of Roslindale, Gold Medal in Dental Assisting
• Melvin Colon of Brighton, Gold Medal in Collision Repair
• Gerson DePina of Dorchester, Silver Medal in Dental Assisting
• Wilber Calderon of East Boston, Silver Medal in Internetworking
• Natasha Rivera of Roxbury, Silver Medal in Collision Repair
• Jessica Dormeus of Roslindale, Bronze Medal in Dental Assisting
• Chany Peguero of Roxbury, Bronze Medal in Web Design
• Carlos Ramirez of Jamaica Plain, Bronze Medal in Web Design

Dr. Johnson goes to Washington

Superintendent Johnson this week joined urban school district leaders from across the country in a meeting with key Obama administration officials about public education. The Council of the Great City Schools, the coalition of the nation’s largest urban public school systems, led some 30 urban school superintendents and board members to a roundtable discussion with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (pictured here) and other Obama administration officials at the White House to discuss how best to use the economic stimulus package to improve and advance urban public education.

Edison School students celebrate "Pi Day"

The entire sixth grade class at the Thomas A. Edison Middle School in Brighton today celebrated the eve of “Pi Day” with a special assembly to demonstrate their learning in mathematics. Students created a “living Pi,” lining up in matching T-shirts, each with a different digit, to represent the irrational number Pi (3.14…) to nearly 125 digits. Led by math teacher Alice Ruais, the students created colorful posters, recited facts, and performed songs and poems to demonstrate their knowledge of Pi. After the assembly, students joined staff and special guests for a celebration in the cafeteria featuring, of course, fresh-baked pie!

Grant supports international writing projects

Primary Source has awarded the Boston Public Schools a grant to develop model college preparatory writing assignments that integrate international topics. Superintendent Johnson said, "In a world that demands 21st century skills and global literacy, our students will benefit greatly from this opportunity."

Communications Office welcomes BCLA intern Shawn Wiggins, Jr.

The BPS Communications Office is hosting a student intern this week. Shawn Wiggins, Jr., of Dorchester, is a senior at Boston Community Leadership Academy (BCLA). The internship is part of a capstone project in which all BCLA students compile research, gather data, and conduct interviews to complete a 40-page paper about subjects of concern to students. Shawn is examining the role of the achievement gap in the school choice process. Shawn is also the captain of the school's Debate Team and a self-taught alto saxophone player. He aspires to attend college next year and become a high school English teacher. In his first day of the internship, Shawn met Superintendent Carol R. Johnson and will meet other central office leaders throughout the week.

"Mass High Tech" features Tech Apprentice program

The latest edition of Mass High Tech: The Journal of New England Technology features a story about TechBoston's Tech Apprentice program, which places BPS high school students in paid internships with local tech employers.

Winter Sports Roundup

Another exciting season of winter sports is coming to a close, and once again, Boston public high school student/athletes have demonstrated hard work, skill and sportsmanship. Congratulations to the players, coaches and supporters, and best of luck to the teams continuing into post-season competition. The New Mission High School girls' basketball team competes this Saturday in the Division 4 North State Championship game against Georgetown High School. The game takes place at Emmanuel College at 4 p.m.!

City Champions:

Boys' Basketball - Madison Park

Girls' Basketball - New Mission

Girls' and Boys' Indoor Track - O'Bryant (pictured here, Jade Arnold-Scott)
Boys' Hockey - Latin Academy
Boys' and Girls' Swimming - Latin Academy

Special congratulations to Charlestown High School, Division II State Champions in Indoor Track!

Win a trip to Cape Cod!

Hostelling International USA invites Boston-area high school students to enter the “Your Community, Your World” contest. Submit entries by April 15 in writing, art, or multi-media that answer the question, "What are you doing in Boston or beyond to promote a greater understanding of the world and its people?” Winning students and their teacher will win a trip to Cape Cod and the Islands. Download application materials here.

Dr. Johnson's video message to the community

Superintendent Carol R. Johnson describes the district's academic goals and priorities in the context of fiscal challenges.

BLA library wins prestigious federal grant

The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services has presented a prestigious $5,000 grant to the Hapgood Library at Boston Latin Academy. The "History Revised @ your library" grant, awarded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, supports teacher planning and student learning in the area of United States History. Funds will be used to expand the library's collection and strengthen students' skills and knowledge in History research and writing.

Submit school improvement projects for Boston Shines

On April 24 & 25, thousands of Boston residents will once again roll up their sleeves to help beautify the neighborhoods during Boston Shines, a two-day service event. Coordinators invite school communities to suggest projects on school grounds -- such as a schoolyard garden or a colorful outdoor mural. If you have an idea and are looking for volunteers and resources, contact Allison Rogers: allison.rogers@cityofboston.gov or 617-635-3251.

McKinley students honor Harlem Renaissance

Students at the McKinley Preparatory High School are paying tribute to artists of the Harlem Renaissance in a special exhibit this month. Now through February 27, student work is displayed in Sparring Partners Window Gallery at the Massachusetts College of Art & Design, 635 Huntington Ave. Pictured here is "Harlem Jazz," created by Damien Jones, a ninth grade student at McKinley Prep.

On February 27, the student artists will be featured in a special exhibit, along with an art auction and reception, at the college. At the event, students will be selling a music CD, featuring original positive rap songs. Proceeds from CD sales will benefit the restaurants that were destroyed in the recent Fenway neighborhood fire, located across the street from the school.

New investments in BPS arts education

City and civic leaders yesterday released a new report yesterday, "The Arts Advantage: Expanding Arts Education in the Boston Public Schools." The report examines current arts offerings in schools and includes recommendations about expanding arts programming.

A new $1.5 million Arts Expansion Fund will direct private dollars to schools and community organizations to serve more students. The fund recently awarded grants to 18 schools and 8 arts partners. Guidelines for a second round of funding will be released in March.

NEA advertisement: Schools need more federal money

The National Education Association (NEA) has produced a short television advertisement urging Congress to provide additional resources to cities and towns to invest in public education.

Channel 5 gives Risa McKenzie an "A+"

WCVB News recently featured English High School senior Risa McKenzie in its A+ Student segment. Risa is at the top of her class, President of the National Honor Society, Co-Editor of the school newspaper, and Executive Producer of the school's award-winning television program, ETV.

Debaters face off in city championship

More than 60 students from eight Boston public high schools participated this weekend in the 5th annual Boston Debate League City Championship. A team from the Academy of Public Service successfully defended its championship title, with runners up from the Urban Science Academy. See coverage in the Boston Globe.

More students graduating in four years

A new report shows Boston Public Schools outpacing statewide gains in the percentage of students graduating from high school in four years. Boston's 59.9% rate is a 2-point increase over last year, with improvements in nearly every student subgroup.

BPS striving to close $107m budget gap

Superintendent Carol R. Johnson this week presented a preliminary budget to the Boston School Committee for the 2009-10 school year, including major reductions to schools and central offices in order to close a $107 million gap between revenue and expenses. Citing rising costs and declining state and federal resources, Dr. Johnson presented an initial plan that exceeds the $787 million target by more than $24 million.

She and the School Committee echoed Mayor Menino's call for all BPS employees to accept a one-year wage freeze next year to reduce the need for teacher layoffs. The Superintendent also proposed changing the student assignment plan from a 3-zone to a 5-zone model in order to reduce transportation costs while preserving school choice. For updated information about the budget, as well as a schedule of public hearings, visit the BPS website.

Watch the Superintendent on Fox 25 morning news describing the challenge:

Student Assignment Task Force Co-Chair: "End busing"

Ted Landsmark, former co-chair of the BPS Student Assignment Task Force, calls for an end to busing in a guest column in today's Boston Globe.

Lyndon school nurse donates hair to "Locks of Love"

Cathryn Stein, school nurse at the Patrick Lyndon K-8 Pilot School, selected three students yesterday as winners of the "Hair today... gone tomorrow" raffle. In front of a school-wide assembly, the students won the opportunity to cut Nurse Stein's hair to donate to "Locks of Love." See photos in today's Boston Metro and Boston Globe newspapers.