Mississippi sends their regards to BPS

The Washington School in Greenville, Mississippi created a Banner for their “America themed middle school dance after the Boston Marathon bombing. After the dance the students sent the banner to BPS middle schools with their regards, prayers and love. 

 Mr. Glinner's 5th and 6th grade ELA class at the Eliot K-8 School in the North End responded to The Washington School with “Thank You” cards.

O'Donnell at Sea

Yesterday on a rainy day the O’Donnell 5th grade class went on a 3-hour oceanography tour of the Boston Harbor with their Science teacher, Chris Leonard. They arrived at University of Massachusetts at 10:30am to set sail on the Columbia Point boat. While on the boat they pulled up some interesting things from the harbor – big crabs, jellies, a lobster, and even a skate (the living kind).

There were also six staff members from the Earth and Ocean Sciences Dept. at UMass Boston who taught during the 3 hours at sea. “I was so happy to see the excitement and joy on the faces of the students as they picked up a jelly or stuck their hands into the dark muck that we scooped up from the bottom,” said Mr. Leonard.

I asked Mr. Leonard to tell me why he decided to bring the students to sea and he noted, “It seemed a shame to me that our students live in an area practically surrounded by water but few had ever been out on a boat and most know little about the ocean.  So when I saw that Target was giving field trip grants I knew that was the ticket.  Because they funded over half the cost, we were able today to give our O’Donnell 5th graders a great send-off to 6th grade.  Although we do some good science in class, I think this is what they’ll remember most in their later years.”

Thanks Mr. Leonard for giving BPS students real life learning experiences!

To learn more about the opportunities "at sea" you can contact Chris Sweeney, Marine Operations Director, at UMass Boston:  chris.sweeney@umb.edu

Boston Debate League is a hit with students

 The Boston Debate League is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the Boston Public Schools. The partnership began in 2005, with 25 students and has now expanded to nineteen schools servicing 600 kids. Steve Stein, Executive Director of Boston Debate League has been with the program for 5 years. He worked as a BPS high school teacher before heading the Boston Debate League in 2008. “The Debate League has greatly impacted our students,” he says. “They are more engaged in the classroom, especially our Black and Latino males.” He noted that males who join the debate league are 70% more likely to graduate. “Students are excited about the league. Debating harnesses energy that they have, especially in young boys,” says Mr. Stein.

 Four BPS students, Henry Chaves and Michael John from Boston Latin Academy, and Ted White and Darien Amado from New Mission High School, will compete at the national tournament this April. They will represent all of New England and Boston amongst the other 19 Urban Debate Leagues from across the nation. This is the second year that Boston has qualified for the National Publics Debate in Washington D.C.

I recently spoke with senior Darien Amado about his experience with the Debate League. “Being part of this team has allowed me to articulate my thoughts and has allowed me to become a better writer,” says Amado. “How do you prep for a tournament?” I asked him. “Typically my partner and I would prep by listening to music—it gets me pumped up,” he says with a smile. “I always try to think of what the other argument could be. I also use my study notes from my last competition to see where my strengths and weakness were.” “This is your senior year. What is the next step-college?” I asked. “I definitely will be attending college,” said Amado. “It actually helped influence my decision about college. At first I wanted to be a football player, but now I think I want to be a sports broadcast commentator.”


 The Debate League hopes to expand to even more schools. “We want students to understand how to express themselves,” says Mr. Stein. “By providing students the opportunity to be a part of this rigorous program, we are helping to develop a culture of critical thinkers!” To learn more about the Boston Debate League check out: http://www.bostondebate.org

Charleston High promotes authentic learning

On February 2 I sat in on a  workshop held at Charleston High, which featured breakdancing, poetry readings, singing, and West African drumming. This was part of a weeklong workshop known as “Art of Agency.” Charlestown High School headmaster William Thomas noted as he watched students perform their spoken word poetry, “This is exactly the kind of thing that makes a school great.”

The workshops developed after surveying students, which determined that classes needed to be more energetic and relevant to issues concerning them. The weeklong workshops replace regular academic classes and allow students to attend various art sessions.  Students in Diploma Plus begin and end each day by gathering in “talking circles,” which is a time of reflection for the students. “So what did you learn?” asks Director of Diploma Plus Sunny Pai. “How did today make you a stronger student?

“Art for Agency” is one of three workshops held at the school.  The first workshop, ”A Third Eye Opening: A Conference on Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation,” took place in October with topics of discussion including ethnic identity, gender, bullying, and homophobia.  The workshops are led by Sung-Joon Pai, Director of Diploma Plus SLC, with funding from Nellie Mae Education Foundation. Diploma Plus is a program that started at Charlestown High in 2009, which re-engages students who are 16 yrs. or older and 2 years over grade level with few credits.

I asked junior Brianna Boyd for her thoughts on the weeklong workshop and she said, “It’s been an incredible week. We don’t get to do this often and it’s nice to see art in many forms. Senior Paul Homes chimed in, “This is my third year in DP, and it’s great to see an organized event at the school. I’m into art and it inspires me to see something like this. It’s also cool to see your peers share a piece of themselves with you.” I asked Mr. Pai for his thoughts on the workshop and he responded, “This is what schools should be like all the time--engaging students and communities, while also inspiring them. This is authentic learning that we need!”

A third workshop will be held in April. If you would like to learn more about Diploma Plus check out: http://www.diplomaplus.net

Michele Brooks

Boston Parent Turns Frustration into 'Engagement Power':

//blogs.edweek.org/edweek/parentsandthepublic/2013/02/boston_parent_turns_frustration_into_engagement_power.html

Boston Green Academy goes to D.C

30 Boston Green Academy students and staff members made an overnight bus trip to D.C for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. 

Six of the students were interviewed for a feature on NPR's Here & Now!  Listen here" http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2013/01/21/students-obama-inauguration

The Murphy Family

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I visited the Murphy school as they were prepping for the holidays. As I walked into the building I was warmly welcomed by a staff member and then directed to the principal ‘s office. As I sat on the bench waiting for principal Karen Cahill, I watched as many parent volunteers were packaging coffee cakes that were ordered by BPS Families – with all profits benefitting the school.

“Ms. Cahill is ready to see you,” said Caroline Cahill (no relation), a staff assistant at the school. While I gathered my things and started to walk towards her office, a mom with two of her kids was walking out the door with smiles and wishing everyone a happy holiday. 

“Hi, Thelma,” said Ms. Cahill. “Thanks for visiting our school. Have a seat.” As I sat down she offered me water and chocolate. I asked her about some of the great things happening at the Murphy.  Ms. Cahill started by saying that the Murphy has a strong sense of community.  “We all really enjoy working together, and we are very much like a family.” I noticed a cute holiday card on the desk written by a student for Ms. Cahill. It read:

A Poem For You

You keep me safe

You love me like no other

Are you sure you are not related to my mother?

You are very pretty

And wicked smart too...

When I get older

I am gonna marry you.

But for now I am little

That much is true

But my very big heart

Sure does love you !

“This card is from a student that attends the school. They were the ones meeting with me before you came,” noted Ms. Cahill.

Ms. Cahill then told me a story of how people at the school came together in time of need.  George Daukantas is a paraprofessional who has been working at the Murphy for 14 years. “George is part of the Murphy family. We value all that he does for the school and students. He has a great work ethic and loves being a valued member of the community,” said Ms. Cahill.

When staff members heard that George lost his sister (his only living family member) and could not afford to ship her body or bury her in Massachusetts, they were there to lend a helping hand. Staff members Susan Faherty, Anne Cuddy, Caroline Cahill, Janice Tkacik, and  Christine Feeney initiated a donation fund to help George. George was able to give his sister a proper burial service.

I asked if I could meet George and the staff members who had helped him. Principal Cahill called them all into the office and said, “I just told Thelma how the staff at the school helped you and she asked to meet you and the staff.” George turned towards me and said, “Yes, I can tell people in Washington or New York how much they have helped my sister and me. I am deeply grateful.”

I then asked George if it was okay to take a picture of him and the staff, “Yes, I would like to be between the Cahills,” said George with a smile. Everyone started to laugh.

When I finally left the principal’s office, I noticed that I, too, was walking out with a smile. I was touched by the generosity and great hospitality at the school.

St. Paul makes a connection

For 14 years, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Lynnfield, MA has helped to make memorable Christmases for many BPS families. Ms. Jonna Casey, Director of Special Education at the Murphy Satellite, has been a longtime member of the congregation. When she first informed the church of the need of some of her students, the congregation went above and beyond to help the school. Their contributions have continued since. Today hundreds of toys, clothes, and other gifts have been delivered to BPS Families. It started with a handful of students and now there are 93 families that benefit from the generosity of St. Paul.

A student who was a recipient of the many gifts donated to the families was sitting on a bench in the school’s office. Ms. Casey approached the little girl and asked her whom she was waiting for, and she said, “Ms. Casey.” “ Well, I’m Ms. Casey. How can I help you?” “Ms. Casey, I wanted to thank you for the best Christmas I’ve ever had!”

“It is awesome to see communities making connections with other communities,” says Ms. Casey. “I am grateful for St. Paul’s kindness, but there are many others like them who are willing to help when they know there is a need. We have good, kind-hearted people!“

Ruth has faith

Ruth Wong, Community Liaison for Boston Public Schools'  Office of Community Engagement and Circle of Promise, is helping to create partnerships with faith-based organizations.  Ruth started with the BPS in July due to a partnership between the Emmanuel Gospel Center and the Boston Public Schools. Currently there are more than 30 schools that partner with faith-based organizations and Ruth looks to expand the partnerships to other schools.

Recently, one of the partners, Roxbury Presbyterian Church, was honored by the White House as a school improvement champion for the Dearborn. “Faith communities have an extraordinary ability to help educate our children,” said White House Executive Director for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Rev. Joshua DuBois.  “Together, these schools, these programs can help take the country where it needs to go!”

Faith-based partnerships have greatly benefited BPS families.  Roxbury Presbyterian Church’s partnership with Dearborn Middle School is helping the school to expand to a 6-12 Early College STEM Academy.  One of the students who participates in an after-school program provided by the church says, "Before Saturday School I didn't know how to divide.  Now I totally get it!" Another partner, City Mission Society in partnership with Citizens Bank gave away about 400 coats to the Russell School families.

I asked Ruth what are the goals for the coming year and she  said, “ The faith communities in greater Boston are resources and community assets who are eager to support and partner with our schools.  My goal is to help align more faith-based and community-based partners who can help students, families and schools thrive. With the help of faith-based organizations, I am confident that we will be able to contribute to increased student achievement and family engagement in our schools.”

To learn more about faith-based organizations you can contact Ruth Wong, rwong@egc.org

We are Boston!

The 2012 We Are Boston Gala, a celebration that recognizes immigrants from diverse backgrounds that have contributed greatly to the city of Boston, recognized two BPS students with the School and Youth Action Award: Boston International student,  Sherley Belizaire and Charlestown student, Yi Ming Yu.

This award is given to those that have made significant contributions to his/her community, while demonstrating and promoting cultural pride.


Congratulations!

To learn more about the We Are Boston Gala: www.cityofboston.gov/weareboston/

Master Hans focuses on children

Recently I visited the Higginson/Lewis and the King, two K-8 schools that have added tae kwon do to their curriculum. As I enter the gymnasium, third graders run for their uniform and once dressed form a line. Master Hans then request silence and ask them to take position. The class then begins with segments of jumping jacks and tae kwon do forms. Master Hans has been teaching tae kwon do for more than 3 years as part of a funded program provided by the U.S. Tae Kwon Do Education Foundation (U.S.T.E.F.).

 After one of the sessions at the schools, I asked Mr. Hans, how the program started at the school. He responded, “Mr. Tito Jackson referred us to the Higginson/Lewis, which was our first school in Boston area. Then, through principal Ms. Oliver's recommendations, we were able to teach in two other schools, the McKinley and the King.” The students take part in a 10 week session and then a graduation ceremony takes places where they are presented their yellow belts.

Last night I attended the graduation ceremony that took place at the Madison Park High School gymnasium. Many parents were in attendance to watch their children demonstrate all that they learned in the program. Master Hans made sure to get the parents involved in the ceremony. Some were asked to stand by their children and do some of the routines with them, and while the children shouted “Yes Sir” after each move, he asked parents to cheer.

Ms. Lena Reddick, Director of Partnership and Community, said “[in her role] I am always looking for alternative ways to get parents involved-not just socially, but academically- and tonight’s program demonstrate how tae kwon has been able to do that-not only tonight, but in the classroom.” Mr. Hans affirms that by saying, “Positive thinking, good focus, and good attitude is what I strive for in the class sessions. We want all the students to get general benefits through tae kwon do and to incorporate this not only in school, but also at home.”


Master Hans looks forward to expanding the program to other schools and hopes to get more families involved. For those who want to learn more about the program visit:http://www.ustef.org/xe/

Dever-McCormack votes early!

Mock voting took place today at the Dever/McCormack, with all of the students participating. Neema Avashia, the 8th grade civics teacher, thought it would be a great way to get students involved and informed. The civics department has a curriculum on voting. Thus, students have been learning the history of voting and also about the candidates.

When I asked Ms. Avashia what she hopes to accomplish with this mock voting, she said, “I want kids to be more informed and engaged from an early age. The students have been super excited about this process, and its awesome! It is evident that the students are making their own decisions and taking the time to learn about all the candidates. “We even had some vote for green party candidates and libertarian candidates!” says Ms. Avashia.

All students that participated received free iTune download for up to 30 songs. A big thumbs up for the Dever-McCrmMack for voting early!

Winship science

Last year students from the Winship School were introduced to their outdoor classroom. Since then, it has become an integral part of the school. Science teachers have started to utilize the space more, and a solid outdoor curriculum is in place.

During a recent visit to the school, I found Ms. Walker’s kindergarten class outside learning about leaves. “What color is the leaf?” she asks, and hands are raised. She then instructs the students to look and see what other colored leaves they can find in the area. All the children run to get the task done.

 The students are not only learning about life cycle of trees, but also about decomposition. There is a leaf cage in the outdoor classroom, in which raked leaves are placed. The students watch as they decompose overtime into compost and soil to feed the plants.

The outdoor classroom includes meadowlands and a vegetable garden. Parents and staff help tend the garden throughout the year. This past Saturday, students planted lots of bulbs, as parents raked, picked up trash, and  built new raised beds for planting. “There is a high level of collaboration between teachers and families," says principal Louise Kulman. " Working in teams is a hallmark of instruction in this school! ”

Unity at the Hennigan!

Great things are happening at the Hennigan under the leadership of Maria Cordon. The school has adapted a whole school approach, which means support services are provided to students for their emotional, academic, and social needs.

 The Hennigan responds to the cultural needs of its Somalian students, who make up 200 of the 600 students at the school. In order to meet their cultural needs, the school teams up with ACEDONE ( African Community Economic Development of New England), an organization that provides extra services and programs to families. "Parents are responding very well to this partnership," says Ms. Cordon.

A grant from Target, which has been in place for two years, allows the school to host a monthly food bank. Parents can receive up to thirty-five pounds of food. Over 200 parents utilize this service, which is coordinated by Janet Iraola, The Family Outreach Coordinator. "The School's pantry has been a tremendous resource for our families at the Hennigan. With the cost of food rising everyday the food pantry makes healthy food available to our families on a monthly basis," says Ms. Iraola.

The school is always looking for ways to work more closely with families and the community. For example, Monthly Family Fridays invites families to come to the school and have coffee with the principal and discuss the expectations for the school and the principal addresses any concerns and questions parents may have. Parents also visit classrooms and learn teaching strategies to use with their child at home. Ms. Iraola says,"The focus of Family Fridays is to build relationships between home and school."

 These small steps taken by the Hennigan earns them the title “ A Unity School.”

The Chittick success

The James J. Chittick Elementary School has a dedicated principal, faculty, and an engaged community committed to the success of the school.

Over the last few years, the school has acquired an autism program and increased the number of early childhood classrooms. The dedicated teachers have also worked diligently to obtain national accreditation from The National Association for the Education of Young Children and recently obtained a grant from The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation to establish a new school library.  Furthermore, the teachers organize the “Annual Chittick Gala” to raise funds for programs for the children.  “We want everyone to know how invested our teachers are in the entire Chittick community,” says principal Michelle Burnett-Herndon.

Another exciting program taking place at the school is the The Chittick Players. This is an after-school theater program that produces and performs an annual school play for the school community. The program was organized and operated by two outstanding teachers, Ms. Eddington and Ms. Czaja. The Chittick Players have starred in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland and Annie. Students in grades K-5 have participated in the productions.

This fall a full time physical education teacher and a full-time visual arts teacher were added to the staff. The school also hopes to implement PLAYWORKS, a program that encourages positive behavior, teamwork, mutual respect, and fun during recess and playtime; and plans to adopt The Ten Boys Club to support male students.

“Families who choose to send their children to our school send all of their children to our school and are very happy with the positive environment,” says Ms. Burnett- Herndon.  “We are working to collaboratively ensure that every child achieves at high academic levels.”

Japanese for all at the Timilty

The Timilty Middle School won a $30,000 grant from the Japan Foundation to initiate a school-wide Japanese language program. The grant will allow the school to hire a new full-time Japanese language teacher.
 Timothy Nagaoka, a teacher at the Timilty Middle School, has taught Japanese to sixth grade Advanced Work Class (AWC) for the past ten years and is very excited about this opportunity.  

Nagaoka says, "With the money from the grant, the school will be able to offer Japanese language to all Timilty students. Dr. Yu-lan Lin, the Director of World Languages, Ms. Valerie Lowe-Barehmi, the Principal of the Timilty and I have worked very hard to get this grant, and we are all delighted that our hard work paid off."  

Nagaoka points out that the Timilty Middle School is the third BPS school to have a school-wide program along with Boston Latin Academy and Snowden International, and the only middle school in Boston to offer Japanese to ALL students!


To learn more about the grant: http://www.jflalc.org/grants-jle-courses.html

Terrick's semester at sea

On Saturday July 14, a former student of the Haley Elementary School ( he now attends the Rogers Middle School), Terrick Beazer left Boston to board the schooner Roseway as part of the Summer Ambassador Program.  This program sends students ages 12-16 to Halifax Nova Scotia for 20 days. While at sea students learn and practice seamanship and navigation.

You can find regular updates, reports, and photos of Terrick’s experience here: http://worldoceanschool.org/ships-log

Terrick was sponsored by Boston Family Boat Building, a BPS partner. Family Boat Building has worked with the Haley Elementary School for 5 years. It looks to expand to other BPS schools in the future.

To learn more about Boston Family Boat Building and The Summer Ambassador Program:

http://www.bostonfamilyboatbuilding.com

http://www.worldoceanschool.org/our-programs/summer-ambassador-program

"Lady Gaga" milks the cow!!

Last fall, Barry Tatelman from Jordan's Furniture challenged Roger Clap Innovation School students to read 10,000 books by June 1st as part of the school’s “We’re booking It” program. Principal Vernon promised to dress as Lady Gaga and milk a cow if the students read more than 10,000 books. Today principal Justin Vernon from the Roger Clap Middle School made good on his promise after students surpassed the goal-13,000 books were read by 168 students!

A healthy school champion!

In 2010, 36% of the students at the Trotter school were identified as asthma students. Margaret Rocchio, a nurse at the Trotter school was able to create a healthy school environment with the strong support of the school principal.

Trotter was able to remedy asthma triggers by establishing an environmental committee. The committee, which included teachers, parents, custodians, nurses, and community organizations identified and reduced asthma triggers.


The committee had staff fill out surveys, do walk-throughs, develop an action plan, request assistance from BPS facilities and community groups. They also communicated with all staff and parents about the conditions and progress of the initiative.

The school concluded that it needed a serious clean out.  Rugs were replaced with washable mats, new blinds were installed in all windows, chemical cleaners were removed and replaced with “green cleaners,” and all clutter was removed from the classroom.

Trotter has become a  “ Healthy School Champion” by taking small steps for change.  Margaret celebrates their hard work but recognizes that more work is required.  She is confident that it will get done with the continued support from the school and community.

She encourages others who work for a school to get involved and “not to get trapped in thinking that you can’t change things! ”

To learn more about promoting good health at schools visit: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/

BLA PRIDE

Angela Gentile has been teaching at Boston Latin Academy for five years. She is currently teaching 9th grade college English and also coaching JV girls’ basketball and has been for the past four seasons. Recently, Ms. Gentile ran the Boston Marathon because she wanted to build community and school spirit at BLA. She also ran to raise money for the school. She partnered with Boston Rising, which is an antipoverty fund that partners with others, including educators, to reduce poverty in Grove Hall. Boston Rising matched the first $5,000 Ms. Gentile raised with another $5,000 for the school.

This is not her first marathon-she ran in 2006 in Vermont. “But running in Boston is something to aspire to!” says Ms. Gentile.


During a phone interview with Ms. Gentile, I asked her how she felt when she crossed the finish line. She said, ”At first I just wanted to reach Kenmore, but when I saw the students cheering for me, it motivated me to push harder and finish.” This was an incredible experience for her she felt a great sense of accomplishment.  I asked her if she felt she had built school spirit and community. “Definitely!” she said. “The students understand that they are part of a community and learned that a small step goes a long way. Just by the students being there and supporting me shows how one can contribute in a big way.”

Anders Kirleis, a freshman at BLA and a student of Ms. Gentile said that Ms. Gentile’s story has inspired her. “She trained hard to run this race,” said Anders. Ms.Gentile kept a chart in class that showed how many miles she ran a day.  “She has shown us how schools can partner with the local community and help make a change.” 

I asked if she would run the marathon again. “Maybe,” she said. ”It involves a lot of training, but then again, who knows, ask me in January.”


Congratulations to Ms Gentile on her run and her great accomplishment!