The Boston Educator, Spring 2004

SPRING 2003 X Vol. 1, No. 1 Vol.3, No. 3 Winter 2006-07 BestBest inin thethe U.S.U.S. Boston makes a super choice BY PAUL HALLORAN

The next superintendent of Boston Public Schools is keenly aware that it is not exactly a restoration project he is taking on. “The system has been improving and it is at a very good point as far as urban From left, Eli Broad, Dr. school systems go. We’re not Elizabeth Reilinger, Dr. going to have to start from Michael G. Contompasis, scratch,” said Dr. Manuel J. Mayor Thomas M. Rivera, who takes over in Menino and Dr. Thomas Boston in July 2007. W. Payzant check out “There are many Boston’s prize. successful programs and practices,” Rivera added. “Boston is much further Dr. Manuel J. Rivera ahead in some areas.” Now, for the rest of the story. that honors the country’s urban “At the same time, there are challenges that Boston In a competition less steeped school districts that are making the Boston Public Schools are facing that need to BY MEAGHAN CASEY than a Red Sox-Yankees game, the greatest improvements in be addressed,” he said, quickly listing a few: “to but far more advantageous to student achievement while eliminate the achievement gap; reduce the schools win When the name “Boston” rang Boston students, Boston Public reducing the achievement gap. dropout rate; have highly effective high schools out across the New York Schools emerged as the winner of The prize is the largest across the city; address the needs of English $500,000 for Museum of Modern Art, Hub the Broad Prize for Urban education award given to a single Language Learners; reduce the number of representatives erupted in Education. Started in 2002 by Eli school district, and includes See SUPERINTENDENT Page 12 applause, reveling in the sweet and Edythe L. Broad, the Broad $500,000 in college scholarship achievement victory of success on rival turf. Prize is an annual award For more information on See BROAD Page 12 Boston Public Schools, visit www.bostonpublicschools.org inside PLAY TO LEARN Pilot program teaches success at an early age Page 5 A SOLID ARGUMENT Dorchester debaters make their points Page 7 2— The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007

City of Boston Science is an exciting challenge Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

Boston School Committee The Massachusetts science, BPS has sought to supplement our provide graduate-level science courses for Dr. Elizabeth Reilinger Board of Education lessons with more supplies and resources. We teachers and support for students for advanced Chairperson recently voted to add started in 2001 to align our local curriculum placement science classes. Marchelle Raynor the 10th-grade MCAS with the new state standards that were released Since 2001, BPS has received an annual Vice Chairperson exam in science as a that year. Since then, we have worked with grant of $45,000 from the Merck Institute for graduation requirement classroom teachers and others to purchase new Science Education for the development of William Boyan Michele P. Brooks starting with the Class materials that will allow the lessons to come to teacher leaders and science leadership. We will Helen M. Dájer of 2010. This means life. Science projects are no longer just found continue to utilize these grants, and pursue Alfreda Harris that students currently at the high school level. Elementary and others, as we continue to improve our science Dr. Angel Amy Moreno in ninth grade will have middle schools are using kits that allow instruction. Michael G. to pass the MCAS in students in the early grades to test out their The Boston Public Schools recently received Published by: Contompasis English, math and own theories on a wide range of subjects. our results on the 2005 National Assessment of Boston Public Schools Superintendent science to meet the state In addition to the materials for classroom Educational Progress (NAEP) and they Michael G. Contompasis requirement for high experiments, we have purchased and confirmed what we learned from the MCAS Superintendent school graduation. This move will bring a distributed classroom workbooks to exams: We have more work ahead of us in renewed focus on science instruction across complement the curriculum and increased our science. Submit story ideas to: the state and the Boston Public Schools is training for teachers. We ask a lot of our We will use the data provided at the student Jonathan Palumbo Office of Communications ready to meet the challenge. elementary school teachers, that they be able to level from the MCAS exams and at the district Boston Public Schools Science has always been a focus in BPS, a instruct students in reading, writing, math, level from NAEP to find the areas and 26 Court St. fact I can attest to given my experience as a history and science. We want to make sure that disciplines in science where we need to Boston, MA 02108 Tel: (617) 635-9494 science teacher at the outset of my career. we’re supporting them in all of those subjects strengthen our approach and lesson planning. Fax: (617) 635-9568 However, science is an ever-evolving topic, and are providing more focused training in Science education will continue to evolve [email protected] and while the basics are still the basics and each of those subjects. and BPS will continue to work with our formulas will never change, recent innovation Much of our work in science is guided, and partners, such as the Museum of Science, Produced by: has made teaching and learning science more funded, by a $12.5 million Math Science which has provided free passes for our GRANT COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING GROUP complex. Partnership grant we received from the students in the past, and our local college and Boston X New York Science education provides students with an National Science Foundation in 2004. The universities, which have provided everything (781) 598-8200 exciting, hands-on opportunity to “learn by grant helped form the Boston Science from access to laboratories for students to [email protected] doing.” Much more so than any other subject, Partnership (BSP). The BSP brings together tutoring for classes. Boston is a city rich in science requires students to be active three core partners — Boston Public Schools, science resources and we’ll continue to Funded by: participants in their learning and provides Northeastern University, and the University of leverage that and improve our instruction so many of the “ah-hah” moments that educators Massachusetts Boston as the lead organization, that we’re preparing our students for college cherish. along with two supporting partners, Harvard and career. In order to foster the love of learning for Medical School and the College Board, to Hi-tech services are our job. Community service is our responsibility.

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G21-052505-v1 The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007 — 3 Comcast connects with Boston students

BY MEAGHAN CASEY

In a war of words, so to speak, Richard Goggin, a 17-year old junior at Boston Latin Academy, battled through synonyms, antonyms and definitions to become the city’s first-ever vocabulary champion. Goggin outperformed 74 other local vocabulary scholars, winning the Boston Citywide Vocabulary Championship, sponsored by Comcast Cable. The event was held in November at the Northeastern University Curry Student Center ballroom. Students from 12 Boston Public Schools high schools competed, and the runner-up was Kadian Simmonds, a senior also from Latin Academy. The competition is a nationwide educational initiative, dubbed “Win with Words” and Above left, Richard Goggin is presented a check for $5,000 by Comcast Senior Manager for Government and conceived by the cable Game Show Network Community Relations David Green after winning the Boston competition of the National Vocabulary Championship at (GSN), that aims to promote the importance of Northeastern University. Above right, shown at the event, are, from left, Vic Pascarelli, Area Vice President, Comcast; vocabulary skills in school, at work and at play. David Green; National Vocabulary Championship Host Dylan Lane; Alan Claremont, Director of Marketing,Comcast; and The Boston event featured Dylan Lane, who Ray Boller, Director of Distribution, GSN. also serves as host of the GSN series “Chain Reaction.” Boston City Councilor John Tobin high school students to expand their vocabulary perspective of the city’s classrooms. Now in its parallels between the functions of a principal served as a judge of the competition and Vic and, in turn, their opportunities in life. The fourth year, the event is organized by BPS and and a general manager of a business, dealing Pascarelli, area vice president of Comcast’s company also promoted the event within the the Boston Plan for Excellence. with administrative issues, customer service – Boston system, served as a pre-competition high schools. “I was very impressed with the enthusiasm students and parents in this case – and staff emcee. “It’s very exciting to be able to combine the and engagement of the principal and teachers, development. The teachers and the principal As the local champion, Goggin earned community, education and our cable products and their commitment to the students,” said were also very focused on results, and proud of $5,000 toward a higher education savings plan for such an enjoyable educational event,” said Pascarelli, who visited the Mary Lyon K-8 the incremental increases in student and qualified to compete in the National Pascarelli. School in Brighton. “It was easy to draw performance on the MCAS exams.” Vocabulary Championship finals in March in Pascarelli, along with Paul D’Arcangelo, New York City. He will compete with 49 Comcast regional vice president of the metro- Comcast has been generous in its support of the BPS and in the funding other students for a $40,000 prize. Boston region, also participated in this year’s of The Boston Educator. The company is also an employer partner of BPS Comcast has lent its support in the Principal for a Day event in November. They School Preview Time, allowing employees who live in the city to take up to competition since August, airing “Win with were two of approximately 100 CEOs, four hours of paid time off to visit schools. School Preview Time is taking Words” public service announcements that university presidents, nonprofit directors and place now through Jan. 19. Schools are hosting open houses, school tours feature celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, elected officials who spent the day shadowing and other activities to welcome prospective families. Jeff Probst and Tom Bergeron encouraging BPS principals and gaining a first-hand Boston high schools show dramatic MCAS improvement BY MEAGHAN CASEY said Centeio. “I speak on behalf of all the teachers, students, administrators, juniors when I say that I couldn’t have community members and parents is Three years ago, TechBoston Academy done it without the teachers and students paying off,” said Mayor Thomas M. junior Jason Centeio never would have here, who work together to form a family Menino. expected to be standing in front of a of support.” District-wide, the percentage of grade packed auditorium at the Dorchester “TechBoston has changed my life in so 10 students scoring at the advanced or Education Complex, addressing student many ways,” he added. “I’ve grown both proficient levels has increased achievement. as a student and as a person. I realize now dramatically since the first administration Yet, in October, he did just that. that if we put our minds to something and of the test in 1998. This year, 51 percent “It was a pretty bumpy ride getting to actually try, we can achieve anything.” of grade 10 students scored proficient or where I am today,” said Centeio. “My Centeio was one of three student advanced on the English exam, up from freshman year, I did absolutely nothing all speakers at the Massachusetts Dept. of 38 percent last year and only 18 percent in year and got held back, but TechBoston Education MCAS results press conference, 1998. On the math exam, 53 percent didn’t give up on me.” hosted by the Dorchester Education scored proficient or advanced, up from 40 In his second year at TechBoston, Complex. The others were Richard Wiley percent last year and 13 percent in 1998. Centeio’s grades improved to a C average. of Noonan Business Academy and The district’s gains outpace the state rate “That’s when I realized school was for me Ke’Aira Oliver of the Academy of Public of improvement of six percent in both – not for my teachers, not for my mom, Service. The three small high schools that subject areas. but for me,” he said. “I promised myself make up the complex were all among the “It’s a tribute and a testament to all that in 10th grade I’d do my very best.” top five schools statewide for increasing those who made a commitment and And that he did. As a sophomore, the percentage of grade 10 students developed a vision to create a culture of Centeio achieved honorable mention and scoring proficient or advanced. The other learning, of community and of scored advanced in the MCAS two of the five most improved in the state achievement,” said Superintendent mathematics exam and proficient in the are also BPS schools: New Mission High Michael G. Contompasis. “These scores From left, Jason Centeio, Ke’Aira Oliver and English language arts exam, which School and Boston Community tell us that everyone can be successful, Richard Wiley celebrate the MCAS success of the qualifies him for an Adams Scholarship. Leadership Academy. now, and later on in the pursuit of higher schools at the Dorchester Education Complex. “I’ve never seen my parents so happy,” “All of the hard work on the part of education and careers.” 4— The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007 BPS-TV keeps you tuned in to city schools Cable programs tout district’s education-reform efforts

BY MEAGHAN CASEY

Lights. Camera. Action. Thanks to a new series of cable television programs, called BPS-TV, Boston Public Schools is welcoming the spotlight. Airing on the City of Boston’s public-access cable television channels (Comcast channel 24 and RCN channel 13), BPS-TV highlights education reform and provides opportunities for high school students to gain BPS-TV producer Jovia Leveille, right. and Anthony Smith, School Committee secretary, pose on the set. insight into critical educational policy issues and practical experience in television broadcasting. students. The channel will also BPS-TV schedule schools have innovative programs to get The launch of BPS-TV is part of the district’s ongoing broadcast Boston School Committee young people excited about careers in Programming began Oct. 9 on the city’s efforts to increase communications and to reach broader meetings, in efforts to make the public-access cable channels television broadcast, and BPS-TV creates audiences. school board’s proceedings and (Comcast channel 24 and RCN chan- valuable learning opportunities to “We can’t rely on the same old ways of getting out the decision-making more accessible to nel13) as follows: complement their studies.” message about what’s happening in our schools,” said families and the public. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Six of the district’s high schools now Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “BPS-TV is one of many BPS-TV is produced and directed Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. offer media and communications exciting ways that we are using technology to inform the by Jovia Leveille, who is devising Thursday, 4-6 p.m. pathways that prepare students for higher people of Boston about issues that matter to them.” strategies to engage young students Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon education and careers in broadcast Programming will include instructional programs and in the process. For a complete schedule or more television and media fields. The program teacher professional development by Annenberg Media. “Boston’s high school renewal information, visit also offers additional opportunities for Other programming will include school and district events, efforts are focused on providing www.bostonpublicschools.org/bps-tv. other students and alumni. Aubrey Ortiz, messages from the superintendent and other school students with the academic and a graduate of Boston Latin Academy, officials, student performances, trainings and workshops technical skills to succeed in college and beyond,” said designed the BPS-TV logo though the TechBoston for parents and staff, and educational activities for Superintendent Michael G. Contompasis. “Some of our Consulting Group. We want to communicate with you BY MEAGHAN CASEY continue the positive gains that have been capacity among school and central staff to a communications policy and is creating a In efforts to further engage the made.” improve communication through district- communications handbook for staff. The community in Boston’s educational “It’s important to emphasize in schools, wide policies and procedures and ongoing communications office is now conducting success, the Boston Public Schools has central offices and the community that training and technical assistance. Number school visits and department briefings, undertaken an ambitious Strategic efforts to improve communication are not three is to measure and track public sending regular e-mail bulletins, providing Communications Initiative. apart from the educational agenda, but perception and satisfaction through market training to principals, headmasters and Calling for a more systematic, long-term rather, critical to the success of that research, focus groups and surveys. other staff members, collaborating with approach to meaningful engagement, the agenda,” said BPS Chief Communications “This initiative is a multi-year effort to key departments to advance district initiative is designed to strengthen the Officer Christopher Horan. “When families create a more robust and aligned approach priorities, tracking and reporting media district’s communications, internally and and the community are more informed and to communications as well as resource coverage and building stakeholder database externally, with a goal of improving public engaged, they’re better prepared to support development so that we may strengthen our and mailing lists. involvement and support. The BPS hopes schools in improving student outcomes.” capacity to meet the educational needs of Through the initiative, the BPS has also to increase awareness about the positive The initiative focuses on three key our students,” said Dr. Elizabeth Reilinger, developed a school-year calendar, “We Are impact of reform efforts on the district and strategies. One is to improve the delivery chair of the Boston School Committee. Boston Public Schools,” which features a to generate support for the education of of news and positive messages to families, Launched in September 2005, the first series of 13 photographic portraits by local Boston’s children. staff and the community, through phase of the initiative appointed Horan as artist Mori Insinger. The images, depicting “When I visit schools, I see so much publications such as The Boston Educator, chief communications officer, led a supportive teacher-students relationships, good work that doesn’t get nearly enough improved technology and use of the BPS citywide School Choice communications will be featured not only in the calendar, positive attention,” said Mayor Thomas M. Web site (www.bostonpublicschools.org), campaign, supported new teacher but on the BPS website and in marketing Menino. “We are recognized nationally for and the expansion to new media outlets recruitments and expanded materials and other publications. The BPS our work, and it’s important that we such as BPS-TV. communications office staff. Now in its also has developed a new blog, communicate locally as well in order to The district’s second strategy is to build second phase, the initiative has established www.allaboutbps.blogspot.com. The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007 — 5 Playing plays a key role in learning

BY MEAGHAN CASEY Hosted by the West Zone Learning Center in Jamaica Plain, It’s never too early to plant the seed for educational success. sessions are held Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Already at In Boston, families are learning just that, thanks to the Play to full capacity, the play groups are serving 42 families. Parents Learn Group – an innovative new pilot program for children age 1 and primary caregivers are encouraged to participate in the to 3 and their parents. sessions, discovering with their children the importance of “The Play to Learn Group concept is an excellent expansion on play in the learning process, developing motor skills, the district’s effort to engage Boston’s families with young children reading, and promoting social skills necessary for school and encourage their partnership in their child’s education right from readiness. the start,” said Superintendent Michael G. Contompasis. “We’re “It’s all about play,” said coordinator Mary Elaine delighted to host these groups, both in terms of extending learning Anderson. “That’s how children learn, emotionally, opportunities to our youngest children and by providing the physically, mentally and socially. We help them through necessary parent supports critical to the role of parent as a child’s transitions, taking turns and sharing toys, but ultimately it’s first teacher.” fun. It’s an opportunity for them to get creative and have A collaborative effort among Boston Public Schools, Countdown fun finger painting or making macaroni art with other kids to Kindergarten, the Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts and their age. And for parents, it’s a chance to talk to other ReadBoston, the program is funded by Children’s Hospital Boston. parents, to share ideas and to get involved in the BPS early on.” The Play to Learn Group complements the district’s efforts to strengthen and expand early childhood education. In 1998, Boston became one of the first districts in the state to offer guaranteed full-day kindergarten to every five-year-old in the city. In recent years, the district has focused on kindergarten for four-year-olds, expanding from only 700 K1 seats in 2004 to more than 1,700 this year. Seventeen new K1 classrooms opened this fall. The BPS additionally created the Department of Early Childhood Education to strengthen educational offerings in kindergarten classrooms. Together with Countdown to Kindergarten – a non-profit collaborative, now in its seventh year – the department will produce a school readiness DVD for parents, featuring important information about BPS kindergarten programs and useful activities for parents to help their children prepare for Above, children finger-paint during the West Zone Early school. Learning Program. At right, Annika Epstein focuses on her artwork. Early education center named for civil-rights heroines

BY MEAGHAN CASEY subsequent arrest sparked a 381-day bus boycott, followed by Over the last half-century, two heroines of civil rights have sit-ins and protest marches that resulted in a Supreme Court stood up for their beliefs, opening the doors to fairness and decision outlawing segregated buses. She continued to advocate equality during our nation’s turbulent years. for civil rights and founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Today, students, educators, community members and city Institute for Self-Development, a nonprofit youth organization. officials are standing up in their honor, applauding their courage, She died in 2005 at the age of 92. grace and resolve. To pay tribute to Dr. Catherine Ellison and “Both women demonstrated their commitment to the civil Rosa Parks, the Mattapan Early Education Center now bears rights struggle for equality and justice,” said Ellison-Parks their names as it ushers in the city’s youngest learners. Principal Nora L. Toney. “Because of their historical In June, the Boston School Committee voted to rename the contributions, the students of the Ellison-Parks Early Education center the Dr. Catherine Ellison-Rosa Parks Early Education School, and all students, are better able to exercise their civil School, following requests from parents, students, residents, rights and experience greater opportunities.” elected officials and other community members. The change Opened in 1998 as a child-centered community, the Ellison- became effective July 1, and the school held a dedication Parks Early Education School serves approximately 200 ceremony in October. City and school officials, Mattapan students in pre-K through first grade, some as young as age 3. residents and members of Ellison’s family came out to celebrate Mayor Thomas M. Menino speaks at the The school is part of the BPS’ continuing efforts to expand its the lives of the two remarkable women and to unveil the new dedication ceremony in October. early childhood offerings and to provide all students with the school sign. Health Center. She also served as executive director of the highest quality learning facilities. “There is nothing more important in my administration than Department of Implementation from 1977 to 1986 when that “Over the past few years we’ve built six new schools in the education of our young people,” said Mayor Thomas M. office existed to oversee desegregation of the BPS, and was Boston – brand new, state-of-the-art schools in Dorchester, Menino. “And I can think of no more fitting tribute to two senior officer of desegregation from 1986 to 1994. She passed Roxbury, East Boston and Mattapan,” said Menino. “I was women who devoted so much to improve the lives of future away in 2005 at age 76. thrilled to be there eight years ago when we first opened the generations than to dedicate a school in their honor.” Parks, known for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated school as the Mattapan Early Education Center, but I’m even Ellison was active in the Mattapan community and a long- bus in Montgomery, Ala., in 1955, is credited with launching prouder to name the school after two remarkable and term supporter and fundraiser for the Mattapan Community the civil rights movement in the U.S. Her actions and inspirational civic and community leaders.” 6— The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007 Guild thrilled to have Milken Award winner BY CAITLIN BOWLER G. Contompasis, and an unrestricted recognized nationwide presented award. transitioning into English classrooms. She $25,000 check from the Milken Family Each year, the Milken Family Foundation teaches her students to speak, read and At an assembly at the Curtis Guild Foundation and you have a recognition awards teachers committed to furthering write in English, but as a fluent Spanish School in East Boston in October, second- assembly that surpasses a teacher’s wildest excellence in education and who use speaker, Sequin is available to clarify grade sheltered English teacher Amanda dreams. innovative and effective ways of helping concepts or provide examples for them in Sequin was honored for receiving the “I was so excited, but practically students learn and grow. Spanish. Milken Family Foundation National speechless,” Sequin said, after realizing Sequin is only 29, but she already has “I absolutely love working with these Educator Award. that she was the one being honored at the eight years’ experience and a master’s students,” said Sequin. “They are very This public recognition, in front of her surprise assembly and that the award degree in child development from Tufts smart kids who are in the process of peers and students, for years of hard work included a $25,000 bonus. University. She has always been interested learning a second language. We give them and dedication to students would be honor School administrators had kept Sequin in in bilingual education, having first taught the right environment, so they can make enough for most teachers. Now add to that the dark about the award nomination, her at a bilingual school in Connecticut, and huge strides in language and in learning an audience including Mayor Thomas selection by the foundation and the basing her master’s thesis on transitional the new concepts that they’ll need to M. Menino, Senate President schoolwide assembly, so all aspects of the bilingual classrooms. progress in the future.” Robert E. Travaglini, and event were a complete Now, in her fourth year at the Guild Superintendent of surprise to her. School, Sequin teaches 18 students Schools Michael Sequin was one of who are native Spanish speakers nearly 100 teachers working towards

Milken Award winner Amanda Sequin leads class at Guild Elementary School in East Boston. Schools improve proficiency through technology

BY MEAGHAN CASEY of our classrooms for the Internet,” said doctorate in African American studies Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “Now, we and political science at Harvard At 8:30 on a Saturday morning, are again at the forefront of technology University, is also a technology analyst hundreds of eager members of the in schools as we lay out a plan that for CNN, NBC and the Oprah Winfrey Boston Public Schools community ensures all students not only have Show. fought the urge to sleep in, and came access to the most up-to-date After delivering the keynote address, together for the LINC III: Pillars for technology, but that their teachers are Wasow participated with students on a Success technology conference. trained in how to best utilize hardware panel, “To Block or Not to Block?” The conference, held at the Hyatt and software to help increase student moderated by BPS Chief Information Regency in late October, highlighted learning and achievement.” Officer Kimberly Rice. Conversations how Boston plans to use technology to Nearly 500 teachers, students, about social networking and community support student proficiency and to close families and staff attended the event, sites included information on the the achievement gap with the launch of which featured workshops on Digital district’s Internet Safety Campaign, the Learning & Information Network Learning Tools for the Net Generation; which is launching this year with the for the Community (LINC) III Plan. Anytime, Anywhere Learning; Wireless help of the BPS Cyber Super Heroes — A three-year strategic technical Boston; Preparing Boston’s Students for characters that were designed by BPS blueprint for 2006 to 2009, LINC III is Cyber Citizenry; Engaging Parents with students Phoebe Mei of Charlestown designed to keep the district in line with Technology; and Data-Driven Decision High School and Jason Quarrles, a changing technologies by addressing Making to Close the Achievement Gap. graduate of TechBoston Academy. issues regarding access, information Omar Wasow, the co-founder of For more information about LINC and innovation. BlackPlanet.com, an online community, III, visit “Boston was one of the first was the keynote speaker at the www.boston.k12.ma.us/linc3/plan. Mayor Thomas M. Menino spoke at the technology communities in the country to wire all conference. Wasow, who is pursuing a conference at the Hyatt Regency. The Boston Educator Winter 2006 -007 — 7

BPS EXAM SCHOOLS Diversity on the rise at city’s exam schools

BY FRANK FAHEY three, with more than 2,400 students in grades 7-12. Efforts to increase the number of Part of the increase can be minority students at the city’s three attributed to BPS initiatives, which exam schools are paying off. have included improved outreach This year’s acceptances at to schools and families, as well as Boston Latin School, Boston Latin academic-preparation programs to Academy and the John D. ensure students’ acceptance and O’Bryant School of Mathematics success at the schools. It is also a and Science saw notable increases product of the overall closing of in the percentages of black and the achievement gap between white Hispanic students invited to attend. and minority students. The results are as follows: “It is a priority of mine that In total, 41 percent of all grade 7 every student in Boston receive a exam school invitees were black or quality education so these results Hispanic this year, up from 33 are very promising,” said Mayor percent last year. Thomas M. Menino. “While there At Boston Latin School, the is still work to be done, this shows percentage of black and Hispanic that the great work the Boston invitees rose from 18 percent to 24 Public Schools is doing to help percent in one year. close the achievement gap is Boston Latin Academy’s invitees beginning to take hold.” included 47 percent black and “We want to ensure that all Hispanic students, up from 40 students have full access to the percent last year. opportunities that the exam schools At the John D. O’Bryant School provide,” said School Committee of Mathematics and Science, 62 Chair Dr. Elizabeth Reilinger. “We percent of invitees were black or are pleased to see progress with Hispanic, compared to 50 percent Xavier Miranda works during class at the O'Bryant School of Math & Science. these efforts and to see more last year. invitations extended to under- In addition, the percentage of represented groups, including grade 7 invitees who are currently currently enrolled in the BPS, up factor. In that period of time, black all three exam schools, Boston students of color and students enrolled in a Boston Public School from 53 percent last year. enrollment at the school had reserved 35 percent of seats for currently in our public schools.” also increased in total and at The increases reversed the trend declined by more than 42 percent. black and Hispanic students. Now, Boston Public Schools Boston Latin Academy and that had taken place in the six years The number of Hispanic students Boston’s exam schools admit spokesperson Jonathan Palumbo O’Bryant, but declined slightly at since a federal court ruled that at Boston Latin had dropped by 32 students based solely on scores on said the BPS is committed to Boston Latin School. Among all Boston Latin School could not percent during the same period. an entrance exam and grades. The vigorously enforcing the residency new invitees, 56 percent are consider race as an admissions Before the ruling, which covered Latin School is the largest of the requirement to make sure that all No arguing: Academy of Public Service debate team is a winner BY FRANK FAHEY compete at the junior varsity level, with 18 education, and even a student who had to down to it, aren’t much different from any The debate is over. The fledgling debate debaters in all. choose between basketball and debate. other competition, even basketball or program at the Academy of Public Service And while success is the goal of the team, Bryan said it was an uphill task at first on football. in Dorchester is a rousing success. both Robbins and APS staffer and debate selling students on the virtues of debating. “I “You have to stick with it and not give Last year, in its first year of competition team coach Locksley Bryan, a lawyer by basically sold the kids on old-fashioned up,” said Robbins. in the Urban Debate League, teams from the trade, say there are other things more ideas about the intrinsic value of the Academy of Public Service finished first and important than success. program,” he said, while also noting that second in the junior varsity division of the “Students learn how to be tenacious while colleges see such things as a plus. competition, held at Boston College. facing substantial challenges,” said Robbins. Along the way, the team had another point Even Mayor Thomas M. Menino has “They have to plan and prepare for a to make. “Our goal is to change the taken note. He visited the school on Oct. 26 competition and that takes discipline.” perception and reputation of what African- to congratulate the students and watch them Bryan said the students took their lumps American students from Dorchester can put on a demonstration debate. against more experienced debaters earlier accomplish,” said Bryan. Headmaster Zachary Robbins, in his last year. That slowly changed, as the Last year, the debate topic was the Patriot second year, said starting a debate team was students learned from their losses and the Act; this year, it concerns funding for one of the first things he wanted to do when feedback from judges and other teachers service programs such as AmeriCorps. he came to the school. Another is entering who watched the matches and offered Students have to absorb the material in about the statewide mock trial program, which he advice. By the end of the year, their 1,200 core files that will be at the heart of hopes will happen this year. performances were more polished and they the debate. By the end of the last school year, the had bonded as a team. Another side effect of the reading and APS debate team was 14 students strong. Both Robbins and Bryan say the debate debating is that “students are being exposed This year, some of the experienced debaters team has attracted a cross-section of to viewpoints they hadn’t heard before,” said Freshman Tyrell Carter and senior from last year’s team have moved up to the students, including one student who is in Bryan. Charlene Tate enjoy working together varsity level while first-year debaters will foster care, another who is in special The keys to success, when you come on the debate team. 8 — The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007 — 9 TThhiinnggss aarree llooookkiinngg uupp aatt HHuurrlleeyy

Left, second- grade teacher Sofia Chaparro Above, Mayor Thomas M. participates in Menino attended the exercises with Hurley library ribbon School to convert to K-8 next year students, from cutting ceremony. Right, left, Josie Ortiz the mayor takes some time BY FRANK FAHEY 10 years, depending on if they begin in write Spanish as they are learning subject and Raquel to distribute library cards Coronado. kindergarten or pre-kindergarten. That’s a matter, and vice versa for native Spanish to students. These are exciting, yet stressful times for big plus.” speakers. Left, first-grade Hurley School teacher the Hurley Elementary School in the South One of the worries that parents have with While there may be bumps in the road Team effort leads to new library Mary Shetterly leads class. Above, first- End and second-year Principal Marjorie a K-8 configuration is possible interaction early as students struggle to absorb the cur- graders Rhomani Rhodes, left, and Justin Soto. between the youngest and oldest students. riculum which is being taught at least part It opened, appropriately enough, on “Parents came together and raised Laboy start the day with a handshake. The School Committee has approved the The Hurley’s physical layout will allow the of the time in a language not their own, International School Library Day, Oct. funds for a part-time librarian,” said Hurley becoming the system’s 20th K-8 students from K-4 to have their own dis- Soto said research shows that after 5-7 23. Soto. program, and changes will begin with the tinct area, apart from grades 5-8. years of being taught in both languages, The Hurley Elementary School has The new library – the first real one 2007-2008 school year, when grade 6 will Soto said the Hurley parents are on board students routinely score as well or higher its first real library, thanks to a the school has ever had – was be added. Soto, a former middle school with the decision, knowing that while the than their counterparts in standardized tests. collaborative effort between staff and dedicated in the memory of late teacher, is aware of the transition problems older and younger students will have their The program means recruiting staff who parents, aided by generous donations Hurley teacher John Dones. students have when they come to a middle own areas of the school, that’s not to say have the necessary skills to teach in both and grants. Students have been brought in on a school. The K-8 configuration, which is they will never interact. languages. The Hurley works with the other The opening of the library was the rotating basis when the librarian is catching on nationwide as well as in “We want our older students to act as bilingual schools in that regard. “We work culmination of planning that began a available to tour the library and learn Boston, allows students to stay in an envi- leaders for our younger students,” she said, with both of the other two-way schools to year ago. “The parents and I cleared how to check out books. Teachers can ronment where they are already comfort- adding that older students may serve as align our curriculums,” said Soto. out a room that looked like it hadn’t reserve the library to do research able, they know the teachers and their fel- mentors and help younger students with They also help each other find the quali- been used in 30 years,” said Hurley projects –the computers are wired to low students, and they feel safe and valued. reading and other subjects. fied staff with the bilingual skills needed to Principal Marjorie Soto. “Now it’s a the Internet – and there are works in Often, students from several different The Hurley also happens to be one of teach at the school. “There’s several ways lovely space.” both English and Spanish, befitting the schools have problems melding together at three bilingual/two-way language schools we do it,” said Soto. “There’s word of That was only the beginning. Hurley’s status as a bilingual school. the middle-school level. in the district, along with the Hernandez mouth, staying in contact with local col- Donations were sought from book Soto said the new facility is an “We find parental involvement is highest and the Sarah Greenwood. That means sub- leges and universities to see what students companies and grants were obtained inspiring reminder of what can happen at the elementary-school level,” said Soto. jects are taught in both Spanish and might have those types of skills, and get- from such disparate sources as the with a “group and community effort. “It dips when students get to middle school. English. Students who are native English ting references from current teachers.” Laura Bush Library Fund and a It’s easy to have a vision but you get K-8 allows parents to stay involved for 9- speakers are learning to speak, read and Jewish literacy advocacy group. The there a lot faster when you have furniture chain Ikea donated furniture people willing to pitch in and do the and Soto and the parents had an work.” Left, student Michael Ejim assembling party to put it all together. The new library is part of ongoing answers a question. Right, Soto took some of the computers efforts by Neighborhood Parents for Stephen Thompson, a Verizon had donated as part of The Hurley School to enhance the consultant from Urban Voices, Hispanic Heritage Month and school, build corporate relations and leads teacher Sofia Chaparro’s assigned them to the new library. improve the facility. second-grade class.

PHOTOS: REBA SALDANHA 10 — The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007 Health Careers Academy benefits from allall thatthat jazzjazz

BY MEAGHAN CASEY School, Ward epitomizes what the event was all about – a celebrated passion for It was a night of good jazz for a good both music and education. cause, as nearly 350 guests gathered for “We have such great local talent the fifth annual Health Careers Academy here,” said Holland. “Athene is a fundraiser, “To Your Health Jazzfest.” fantastic vocalist who works at Dana The event, held at Northeastern Farber (Cancer Institute), Leon also University’s Curry Student Center, works for the school department, and of raised $16,000 for Health Careers course Andre teaches, but he’s had Academy (HCa) after-school programs, international success. We’re very student support services and fortunate.” scholarships. Founded in 1995, HCa is The Jazzfest was co-chaired by a Horace Mann charter school and Northeastern Vice President for Public college preparatory high school, located Affairs Robert Gittens and Dr. Judy Ann on the campus of Northeastern. Bigby, medical director of community “As a charter school, we’re required health programs at Brigham and to do our own fundraising each year,” Women’s Hospital and associate said Executive Director Albert Holland. professor of medicine at Harvard “We send 90 to 95 percent of our Medical School. The event was attended Above, Mayor Thomas M. graduates on to college each year, and by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and his Menino, right, speaks at that extra funding helps us give them wife, Angela, Northeastern President the “To Your Health that extra encouragement and support.” Joseph E. Aoun and Superintendent of Jazzfest” fundraiser while The evening featured jazz and R&B Schools Michael G. Contompasis, Health Careers Academy artists, including Ray Greene, Leon among others. Executive Director Al Beal, Athene Wilson and Orpheus “So many people came out to support Holland looks on. Right, recording artist Andre Ward. Ward, who the school,” said Holland. “It was a Health Careers Academy attended Berklee College of Music on a good feeling to have the mayor, the Headmaster Caren Walker music performing scholarship, has superintendent and people in the and Boston radio gained recognition around the world, community such as the Rev. Dr. Michael personality “Coach” Willie from the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Haynes and (School Committee Maye was the master of Switzerland to the Performing Arts Tour members) Alfreda Harris and Michele ceremonies. in Africa. Yet, here in Boston he is Brooks there. Having them, along with known for more than his chart-climbing the number of educators, hospital albums and musical collaborations. Also supporters and parents made for a a teacher at the Patrick Lyndon K-8 wonderful event.” Greenwood School moves to the head of the class BY MEAGHAN CASEY concert with our whole school- at a rate three times faster than the district In 2005, the Greenwood School was improvement plan, to help our students average in English language arts, and twice named a Compass School by the Awarded the largest single school- learn and achieve at high levels.” as fast as the district average in math, Massachusetts Dept. of Education and a improvement prize in the country, the Selected for their accelerated academic compared to other K-8 schools. Title I Distinguished School by the Sarah Greenwood K-8 School is at the top achievement in the MCAS exams, “Over the last four years, each of our National Association of State Title I of its class. approximately 25 schools were invited to three finalists has demonstrated consistent Directors, for both its tremendous academic The school was honored with the apply for the prize last spring. The improvements in the quality of educational progress and its outstanding results in inaugural EdVestors Payzant School on the Greenwood School was chosen as one of programming, the depth of parent and closing the achievement gap. Move prize, which highlights the ongoing three finalists, along with the Dennis C. community involvement and the results of work of improving urban schools. The Haley Elementary School and the Boston their students’ MCAS scores,” said Laura prize was named in honor of former Boston Community Leadership Academy (BCLA). Perille, executive director of EdVestors. Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Payzant, A team of education, business and “The Sarah Greenwood School who retired in June. philanthropic professionals visited each of demonstrated that its approach to The Greenwood School received the three schools, interviewing staff, improving performance in English $100,000, of which $80,000 will be used students and parents, observing classrooms language arts – with a large number of toward school improvements and $20,000 and analyzing teaching and learning students for whom English in not their first will be used to support sharing its best practices. language – is a strategy that can be practices with other urban schools. The The Greenwood School, which has replicated and embraced by other public funds were raised through EdVestors – a evolved from an elementary school to a schools.” nonprofit organization aimed to level the K-8 model, from traditional bilingual “There was a lot of intensive work from playing field for urban schools in their instruction to a dual language program, staff, looking at data and curriculum, pursuit of private investment. and from substantially separate to inclusive learning to adapt lessons to advance “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this instruction of students with special needs, achievement and spending extra time award,” said Principal Isabel Mendez, who emerged as the winner. As runners-up, the identifying individual needs,” said Mendez. Ed Vestors Award wining school has led the Greenwood School for the past Haley and BCLA each won $10,000. “It was very exciting for staff, students and Sarah Geenwood K-8 principal 18 years. “These funds will be used to Since 2002, the Greenwood has been parents to see how their hard work reached Isabel Mendez and 7th grade continue the work we’ve been doing, in able to accelerate its students’ performance this level of recognition.” classmates. The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007 — 11

BPS PRINCIPAL PROFILE BPS students win Adams Scholarships in record numbers

BY FRANK FAHEY

Passing the MCAS exams is now a must if students want to graduate from a Massachusetts public high school. Doing well on the tests can have other benefits. For instance, 899 Boston Public School students have now qualified for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, which provides four years of free tuition to any state college or university in Massachusetts. That number was up from 724 last year; statewide, 16,169 students qualified for the scholarships. Last September, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Superintendent Michael G. Contompasis joined Gov. Mitt Manning Elementary principal Genteen Lacet Jean-Michel works with student Jamine Velez. Romney, Education Commissioner David Driscoll and Chancellor Jean-Michel graduates to Our teachers and of Higher Education administrators work very Patricia Plummer for a “ press conference at the hard every day preparing John D. O’Bryant principal role at Manning School our students for the School of Mathematics BY CAITLIN BOWLER challenges and rigor of & Science. The Manning community, learning how O’Bryant School was Jamaica Plain’s Manning School the school functions from the inside college. We are pleased picked because of the received a fresh dose of knowledge, out, and identifying its strengths and that so many of our increase in the number commitment, compassion, and weaknesses. students will now also be of students scoring in enthusiasm this fall when former “This is a school that is doing prepared for some of the the top two categories elementary school teacher and really well. My job is to figure out (advanced and Boston Principal Fellow graduate how we make it do even better,” she costs associated with that proficient) in the Genteen Lacet Jean-Michel assumed said. “The main question is ‘What do college education. MCAS exam. the principalship. we need to do to change it from “We are truly Jean-Michel spent 12 years really good to great?’ ” Michael G. Contompasis humbled and most teaching in Boston Public schools, The partnerships Toward this end, Jean-Michel is Superintendent proud of all the efforts first at the Condon Elementary “that have been created committed to supporting all students, ” of both our students and School teaching second grade and as well as the teachers and parents our faculty,” said Joel then at the Rev. Dr. Michael E. over time within the whose hard work and involvement Stembridge, O’Bryant headmaster. “It’s terrific that these Haynes Early Education Center in Manning community, has helped the Manning achieve its students will now have the opportunity to attend and graduate Roxbury, where she taught between families, current success. from our outstanding public colleges and universities.” kindergarten and first grade. She teachers, administrators “I have a lot of respect for “Our teachers and administrators work very hard every day applied for a Boston Principal children, so making connections with preparing our students for the challenges and rigors of Fellowship at the Boston School and outside support them as individuals is one of the best college,” said Contompasis. “We are pleased that so many of Leadership Institute, now led by organizations are aspects of being an educator,” she our students will now also be prepared for some of the costs Jean-Michel’s predecessor at the amazing. said. “Part of my work is to connect associated with that college education.” Manning Casel Walker. what they are doing in their every There are 131 students from O’Bryant who have met the “I love teaching, especially day lives with what we do in here. Genteen Lacet Jean-Michel three requirements to receive an Adams Scholarship: teaching young students to read and Manning School principal There is a purpose to everything we Scoring in the advanced category in either the write. It’s really my passion,” said ” do here and it is important for us to mathematics or English language arts section of the 10th Jean-Michel. “But I’ve always be transparent and clear, so that each grade MCAS test; known I wanted to be a principal, so Like all good leaders, Jean-Michel child understands that.” Scoring in the advanced or proficient level in the other I decided to go for it and apply to the has a vision for the Manning. As a lifetime resident of Boston section of the test; institute.” “The partnerships that have been and a graduate of Boston Public Having a combined MCAS score that is in the top 25 Jean-Michel returned to the created over time within the Schools, Jean-Michel’s mission to percent of their district. Condon School for her fellowship Manning community, between make the Manning a safe, The scholarships provide a waiver of tuition for eight year, where she honed her skills as families, teachers, administrators and supportive, and effective community semesters at the University of Massachusetts, seven other an administrator under the guidance outside support organizations are of learning has a personal aspect as state colleges, and 15 community colleges. Students must of Principal Ann Garofalo. amazing. These self-built resources well and is definitely an additional keep a grade point average of 3.0 and finish in four years to “It was a great experience and nice are going to be critical to closing the motivator. remain eligible for the scholarship. They are also responsible to go back to Condon where I had achievement gap, which is my “We have progress to make, but I for paying fees and room and board, if applicable. gotten my first professional ultimate goal,” said Jean-Michel. live for this kind of challenge,” she experience,” said the 34-year-old Jean-Michel has spent the fall said. Jean-Michel. meeting individuals throughout the 12 — The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007 Boston schools earn $500,000 Broad Prize

BROAD: from Page 1 Dade County (Fla.) Public Schools and the New York City Dept. of Education. money for BPS students. Boston, a finalist for the Teams of educational researchers conducted site previous four years, has earned a total of $1 million in visits at each of the five districts, interviewing scholarship money since 2002. administrators, conducting focus groups with teachers “Finally,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “The and principals and observing classrooms. The BPS School Committee, Superintendent Michael was unanimously selected for its unwavering focus on Contompasis and his staff have been working hard to teaching and learning, and its strong foundation of accelerate the improvement in all of the city’s partnerships within the city and community. schools. This award could not have been “In Boston, they’ve got an integrated model for accomplished without the hard work of the staff in collaborative teaching, increased levels of student schools and of the students and families who make achievement, the highest performing school district in the Boston Public Schools an exciting place to be and the country,” said Eli Broad, founder of the Broad a great place to learn. We are also tremendously Foundation. “For the citywide partnership between grateful for the 11 years of leadership provided by the mayor and the school district, the Boston Public retired Superintendent Thomas Payzant, who helped Schools is a model for how accountability and stable design and implement the reform plan that guides the leadership translates into very solid results and BPS today.” student performance.” “In Boston, we sometimes have trouble getting the Broad also credited the district’s work to close the Grew Elementary student Maria Francisco makes use of the balance right between impatience and patience,” said achievement gap and increase advanced placement renovated library. Payzant. “Many of us are long-time Red Sox fans. (AP) participation in mathematics and English. When we get it right, it’s called perseverance. And Broad cited a 237 percent jump in AP participation indeed, the fifth time’s the charm, and for that we’re among Hispanic students in the BPS, as well as a 78 most grateful.” percent increase among black students. Grew and Grew More than 100 urban districts nationwide were “The leadership of the mayor in putting education eligible for the Broad (rhymes with road) Prize this as a top priority and the school committee in year. The four other finalists, selected based on a continuing to help guide the education reform agenda rigorous review, included Bridgeport (Conn.) Public in Boston are both major factors in the improvements form a firm partnership Schools, Jersey City (NJ) Public Schools, Miami- we’ve seen,” said Contompasis. BY FRANK FAHEY Loud Day; refurbishing the school library and Boston makes a super choice The relationship between Grew and the teachers’ lounge; Grew grew and grew. organizing a book drive to provide SUPERINTENDENT: from Page 1 been happy to participate, it isn’t necessarily the best Now the partnership between the library with $5,000 worth of books way to go about it. Meredith & Grew, one of Boston’s donating 15 new IBM computers; students referred to special ed.” “A process that yields 2-3 candidates can leading commercial real estate firms, sponsoring performances such as His background indicates that Rivera is the right potentially be divisive. Factions can develop before and the Henry Grew Elementary puppet shows, ballet, storytellers and man for the job. A veteran educator with more than 30 someone starts,” he said. “People want what’s best for School in Hyde Park, which serves 270 author readings. years’ experience, Rivera, 54, is in his second stint as the students in Boston Public Schools to continue to students from kindergarten to grade 5, Grew Principal Ronald Jackson superintendent of Rochester (NY) City School build on their successes.” has won an award. credited Tom Hynes, president of District. Last April, he was named National Rivera has had a few opportunities to meet with The Boston Business Journal named Meredith & Grew, and Browne for Superintendent of the Year by the American Boston students, parents, administrators and Meredith & Grew as Education Partner their leadership in forging and Association of School Administrators. He has drawn community members. “I have been so keenly of the Year, one of two firms picked by sustaining the relationship. widespread praise for improving student achievement impressed with the enthusiasm and excitement about an independent panel of judges from “We are very grateful to Meredith & and an inclusive leadership style. Boston Public Schools and what has been among 90 nominees. The award was Grew for all they are doing to support Rivera was chosen in late September by a search accomplished and the belief in what can be done in featured in the Sept. 8 edition of the our school,” said Jackson. “Certainly committee co-chaired by school Committee Chair Dr. the future,” he said. BBJ and presented at its Corporate their financial support has been a Elizabeth Reilinger and Cleve Killingsworth, Dr. Thomas W. Payzant has been credited with Philosophy Summit. tremendous help, but the hours their president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of bringing Boston Public Schools to a new level in his The partnership dates back to 1998 employees have spent with our Massachusetts. The School Committee unanimously 11-year tenure, which culminated with Boston when the school, named after the father students have an even greater impact in approved the recommendation Oct. 4. winning the Broad Prize this year as the top urban of one of Meredith & Grew’s founding the long run.” Rivera said the School Committee’s willingness to school system in the country. Michael G. members, contacted the company to wait until July for him to start was very important in Contompasis has stepped in to guide the system ask for support. Since then, the firm “We’re glad to be able to help the his decision to seek and, ultimately, accept the job. “I through this transition period and it has not missed a and its employees have contributed school in whatever way we can,” said was not ready to leave Rochester right away,” he said. beat. Rivera is aware that the bar has been set high. time and money to improving the Browne. “Having the students around “But if they were willing to wait and I would have a “There are very high expectations and in a way that school, working closely with the reminds us of what’s really important chance to exit gracefully and return to a great city, I does create an even bigger challenge,” he said. “What principal on where and how resources in life.” decided this was the right move for me.” are we going to do different that’s going to take should be spent. “Partnerships with local companies Two meetings with Mayor Thomas M. Menino student performance to another level? It’s going to “Obviously, this is an important and organizations are an important helped convince him. “I found the mayor has an mean breaking new ground in some areas.” affiliation for us,” said Melissa means of bringing resources into incredibly genuine commitment to public education,” Rivera, a Brandeis graduate who earned a master’s Browne, Meredith & Grew senior vice schools to support learning and Rivera said. and doctorate at Harvard, is up to the task. “We need president and director of marketing and teaching,” said Michael G. After the original search process stalled when a to do whatever it takes to make Boston the first research. “This is something all of our Contompasis, superintendent of Boston Boston newspaper published a story – identifying district to eliminate the achievement gap. I want to see employees could rally around.” Public Schools. “I congratulate finalists – that included inaccurate information, Boston be the place that everyone in the country Among the list of Meredith & Meredith & Grew and the Grew according to several people involved with the process, wants to see how we have made a difference serving Grew’s investments in the school are: Elementary School on working the committee went back to work and focused on all children regardless of their race of economic status. tutoring students in mathematics; together successfully for nearly a Rivera. Some questioned the lack of public input in The pressure and expectations are high.” serving as guest readers on the decade to improve student the process, but Rivera said, though he would have And he can’t wait to get started. school’s annual Community Read Out achievement.” The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007 — 13

Rafael Hernández Two-Way professional networking, and civic through a collection of photographs. demic and extra-curricular activities. Elementary and K-8 Schools engagement. The volunteers cleaned The class is learning about topics such Burke High School students will once Bilingual School up the Murphy school yard in as Gross Domestic Product and fertili- again participate in the Students William Blackstone Elementary Jennifer Barefoot Smith taught her stu- October. ty rates by studying extra-large pho- Taking Action for Nursing Diversity dents from a research boat in the tographs of families from around the (STAND) program in which 9 mem- On Oct. 17, the Blackstone School cele- Amvrakikos Gulf in Northwestern Patrick O’Hearn Elementary world, their homes and possessions to bers of the class of 2006 successfully brated Keeping Kids Warm Day. Six Greece this fall. Barefoot Smith, of The O’Hearn School received a $5,000 make the connection between policy completed the dual enrollment pro- hundred children received a new coat, Jamaica Plain, traveled to Greece on gift in memory of Mark Charbonnier and practice. Students then dig deep- gram, and are currently enrolled and hat and gloves from Charm Shoppes. Sept. 19 to join the Earthwatch by his family and friends. A er; looking for statistical indicators of attending Bunker Hill Community This was many months in the making Institute research expedition Dolphins Dorchester native, Mark was a nation’s development and construct- College full-time. A number of stu- and it is something that the school is of the Ionian Sea. She spent nine Massachusetts State Trooper who ing meaning around their visual obser- dents participated in the National tremendously grateful for. days assisting scientists with data col- was killed in the line of duty in 1994. vations of the photographs. Vocabulary Championship and four lection on the migration patterns, The school celebrated Family Math The gift will be used to purchase students of the class of 2007 are feeding habits, and social interactions Night on Nov. 30. The Blackstone’s instructional materials for the kinder- Boston Community Leadership Adams Scholarship recipients. of bottlenose dolphins in the annual holiday concert for families and garten classroom, as well to as pur- Academy Students are continuously enhancing Amvrakikos Gulf to better understand friends will take place Dec. 12 and 13. chase technology for students with their skills with a variety of learning their role in their ecosystem and to BCLA continues to strengthen its mis- The first Holiday Fair for Families is disabilities. experiences including taking on the scheduled for the evening of Dec. 19 identify the main threats affecting the sion of creating scholar leaders by role of scientists in the study of evolu- from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Staff and animals. During her time in Greece, developing a senior capstone course tion, demonstrating their knowledge children are preparing special cultural Barefoot Smith kept in contact with Middle Schools in which all twelfth graders combine of math vocabulary by building three presentations for families, and there students and staff at the Hernández history, research, and community ser- dimensional models, and writing and will be food and door prizes for through an interactive Web site, video vice. The new course, entitled Lead, publishing “The Burke Banner” our guests. conference calls, and assignments Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle Act, and Change: Youth school newspaper. The Burke boys posted on the Web site and given by Empowerment and Possibility in a The monthly Parent Alliance Workshop soccer team won the city champi- the middle school team at home in School Democratic Society, will develop stu- for families will take place on Friday, onship. Boston. The Lilla Frederick School just complet- dents’ capacities for leadership, Dec. 15, from 9-11 a.m. Families can ed its preparation process for the roll encourage contributions to the com- visit and observe their child in their Carter Developmental Center out of laptops for all students! munity, promote academic scholar- classroom for 30 minutes. Higginson Elementary The Carter School held its second annu- Administrators and teachers planned ship, and stress the BCLA habits of The Higginson Elementary School spon- al Sibling Night on Oct. 25. Students’ thoughtfully, prepared carefully, and mind. Humanities teacher James Liou sored a “Salute to Veterans Day” on brothers and sisters, from ages 7 to Channing Elementary are ready to begin the process of designed this exciting new course Nov. 8. This celebration included mid-twenties, came to school for an Principal Deborah Dancy is a 2006 teaching using this powerful tool. The with support from the Boston Plan for poetry, songs and a special tribute to evening of education, information, Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund process involved determining what Excellence. Iraq war veterans, as presented by sharing, pizza and prizes. Everyone (JFMF) participant. Dancy traveled to student outcomes should be, what school students. This event was coor- In October, the capstone seniors were had the chance to visit their siblings’ Japan for three weeks where she vis- teacher and administrator expecta- dinated by Derrick Ciesla and Renee treated to four powerful presentations classrooms, meet their teachers and ited schools in Tokyo, Kyoto, tions should be, and what the initia- Craigwell, Higginson staff members. all designed to revolve around case see what kind of work they do. After Hiroshima and Shizuoka to learn tive should look like. Once the bids studies of young people in the Boston the classroom visits, participants about the Japanese education system from several computer companies Kenny Elementary area — their lives, the forces that broke down into groups, sharing sto- and to share information on the poli- came in, a team of teachers, parents, shaped their lives, and the ways in ries, information and feelings. cies and practices of Boston Public Twenty fifth-grade students spent a and community members selected the which they organized and stood up for Schools. week at the Farm for City Kids in MacBook. Teachers have recently themselves. In the spring, students Woodstock, Vermont. They harvest- Madison Park Technical In November, Consul General of Japan received their computers and are will conduct their own community ser- ed vegetables, collected eggs, milked Yoichi Suzuki visited the Channing busily planning classroom experiences vice learning through participatory Vocational High School cows, and cleaned the barns. They School. for their students. Student computers action research projects. Students from the Automotive were accompanied by teachers Cathy are due soon. At the same time, the Technology Program at Madison Park Clap Elementary Durham and Michele Papile. school is working hard to provide fam- Boston International High School Technical Vocational High School ilies with computers and wireless In technology, Grade 4 students are Students at Boston International High were invited to attend Massachusetts The Clap Elementary School Grade 3-5 access at home through the Mayor’s using Microsoft PowerPoint and School are organizing a trip to Port Authority’s (Massport) Aviation students will travel to the Technology Goes Home and WiFi ini- Publisher to develop presentations, Honduras to assist with the building and Transportation Education Expo at Sportsmen’s Tennis Club once a week tiatives. The process has been a col- Web sites, and brochures for the unit of a family’s new home as part of the Boston Logan International Airport. for tennis lessons during the months laborative effort - involving many par- on animal studies. Habitat for Humanity Home Building The students visited interactive dis- of December, January and February. ents, students, teachers, administra- The Kenny Elementary School Marching Project. Headmaster Oscar Santos plays, a wide range of aircraft exhibits tors, community members, and elect- Band will perform at the BPS celebra- says the 15 students will learn valu- and a variety of informational presen- David A. Ellis Elementary ed officials. tion for the Broad Prize on Dec. 15. able life skills while experiencing first- tations designed to raise participants’ Science specialist Michelle Teleau start- hand the power of leadership through awareness of career opportunities in ed the Ellis School Newspaper and McKay K-8 Timilty Middle School service and commitment to others. aviation and other related transporta- would like to congratulate all the stu- Jessica Penchos, an 8th grade science Additionally, the lessons they learn in tion industries. This annual event is dents who have been selected for The McKay will host a Multicultural teacher, traveled to Belarus this past Honduras will be shared with their co-sponsored by the Federal Aviation their hard work. The students actual- Festival Dec. 11-14, as well as a holi- summer through a grant from the classmates upon their return, allowing Administration (FAA), United Airlines ly had to fill out an application — just day sing-along on Dec. 20. Grade 8 Earthwatch Institute. She was part of students to become teachers as well. and Massport and is in its 13th year like a real job — and on the applica- students will be attending a diversity a research team there that collected The school is not alone. Since of providing career awareness oppor- tion had to submit what position they conference in Waterville, NH in samples on bogs. The wetland areas September 2005, 186 BPS students tunities to Boston Public School stu- were applying for and also write a January. are difficult to explore but are essen- from 12 schools have traveled to 12 dents. short essay explaining why they would Parent Council meetings are held the tial to understanding global warming. countries through exchange, language be an ideal candidate for the position. second Wednesday of every month. This year, her students are studying and other learning programs. Media Communications The newspaper had positions for writ- global warming and its effects on Technology High School ers, editors, publishers, reporters and Richard J. Murphy K-8 ecosystems throughout the world and photographers. The response was Burke High School During a four-day urban expedition A group of about 30 parents, students she’s using her firsthand experience overwhelming. Students were select- Burke High School Spirit and Bulldog (Nov. 19-22), humanities teachers and teachers, as well as volunteers to help bring the lessons to life. ed based on their essays and then Pride are alive and well as staff and Elexia Reyes-McGovern and Marc from ONEin3 Boston turned their interviewed for their prospective posi- students settle into their temporary Antone took 60 juniors and seniors to attention to the Murphy School as tions. Some even came dressed for new home on Lawrence Avenue. The Washington, D.C. In support of the part of the first ever Boston Schools their interviews. The newspaper has school is especially grateful to the Humanities Genocide curriculum, stu- Shine event. Building on success of a staff of 26. It is a work in progress; High Schools and Mayor’s Office, the Boston Police dents visited the Holocaust Museum the Boston Shines program, which students are very aware of the work Department and School Department and the new Native American has been operating in many neighbor- Special Programs they need to do. The goal is to help personnel for assisting with the mas- Museum in the Smithsonian complex. hoods across the city, Boston Schools students become computer savvy, sive move from 60 Washington, which Students have been learning about Shine is a new collaboration between enjoy writing, and most of all have Boston Adult Technical Academy is undergoing a substantial renovation the complex issues of genocide, past the BPS and ONEin3 Boston, a pro- fun. The group hopes to have its first project. The Burke started off the and present. While in D.C., students gram that serves the one-third of At Boston Adult Technical Academy, paper published before the winter year with a Community also made four college visits, toured Boston’s population that is between students in the World Issues class are break, and then again in March and Housewarming and the Fall Open the monuments at night, and enjoyed the ages of 20 and 34, by connecting learning about population, education, June. House and Potluck Dinner. a performance at Ford’s Theater. young adults with resources related to healthcare and other issues that home buying, business development, affect the quality of life in a country Students have been very busy with aca- 14 — The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007

Elementary, Early East Boston Early Education Center Haley Elementary School Lee Elementary School Ohrenberger Elementary School Olga Frechon, Principal Ross Wilson, Principal Kimberly Curtis, Acting Principal Anita Moore, Principal Childhood and K-8 135 Gove St., East Boston 02128 570 Am. Legion Hgwy Roslindale 02131 155 Talbot Ave., Dorchester 02124 175 W. Boundary Rd., W. Roxbury 02132 (617) 635-6456 (617) 635-8169 (617) 635-8687 (617) 635-8157 Adams Elementary School East Zone Early Learning Center Hamilton Elementary School Lyndon K-8 School Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School Grace Madsen, Principal Ben Russell, Acting Principal Ruby Ababio-Fernandez, Principal Kate Johnson, Teacher-Coordinator Yolanda Burnett, Principal 165 Webster St., East Boston 02128 370 Columbia Rd., Dorchester 02125 198 Strathmore Road, Brighton 02135 20 Mt. Vernon St., W. Roxbury 02132 906 Albany St., Roxbury 02119 (617) 635-8383 (617) 635-8604 (617) 635-8388 (617) 635-6824 (617) 635-1600 Agassiz Elementary School Eliot Elementary School Harvard/Kent Elementary School Lyon K-8 School Otis Elementary School Alfredo Nunez, Principal Antoinette Brady, Principal Richard Martin, Principal Deborah Rooney, Principal Sunny Bianca Astorga, 20 Child St., Jamaica Plain 02130 16 Charter St., Boston 02113 50 Bunker Hill St., Charlestown 02129 50 Beechcroft St., Brighton 02135 Acting Principal (617) 635-8198 (617) 635-8545 (617) 635-8358 (617) 635-7945 218 Marion St., East Boston 02128 Alighieri Elementary School Ellis Elementary School Haynes Early Education Center Manning Elementary School (617) 635-8372 Anthony Valdez, Acting Principal Carlos Gibb, Principal Valerie Gumes, Principal Genteen Lacet Jean-Michel, Principal Perkins Elementary School 37 Gove St., East Boston 02128 302 Walnut St., Roxbury 02119 263 Blue Hill Ave., Roxbury 02119 130 Louders Lane, Jamaica Plain 02130 Barney Brawer, Principal (617) 635-8529 (617) 635-8257 (617) 635-6446 (617) 635-8102 50 Burke St., South Boston 02127 Baldwin Early Learning Center Ellison-Parks Early Education School Hennigan Elementary School Marshall Elementary School (617) 635-8601 Graciela Hopkins, Principal Nora Toney, Principal Eleanor Kearse-Perry, Principal Teresa Harvey-Jackson, Principal Perry Elementary School 121 Corey Rd., Brighton 02135 108 Babson St., Mattapan 02126 200 Heath St., Jamaica Plain 02130 35 Westville St., Dorchester 02124 Mary Jane Dotson, Acting Principal (617) 635-8409 (617) 635-7680 (617) 635-8264 (617) 635-8810 745 E. Seventh St., S. Boston 02127 Bates Elementary School Emerson Elementary School Hernandez K-8 School Mason Elementary School (617) 635-8840 Catherine James, Principal C. Sura O’Mard-Gentle, Principal Margarita Muniz, Principal Janet Palmer-Owens, Principal Philbrick Elementary School 426 Beech St., Roslindale 02131 6 Shirley St., Roxbury 02119 61 School St., Roxbury 02119 150 Norfolk Ave., Roxbury 02119 Stephen K. Zrike, Jr., Principal (617) 635-8064 (617) 635-8507 (617) 635-8187 (617) 635-8405 40 Philbrick St., Roslindale 02131 Beethoven Elementary School Everett Elementary School Higginson Elementary School Mather Elementary School (617) 635-8069 Eileen Nash, Principal Nicole Mack, Principal Joy Salesman-Oliver, Principal Alenor Abdal-Khallaq Williams, Quincy Elementary School 5125 Washington St., W. Roxbury 02132 71 Pleasant St., Dorchester 02125 160 Harrishof St., Roxbury 02119 Acting Principal Suzanne Lee, Principal (617) 635-8149 (617) 635-8779 (617) 635-8247 One Parish St., Dorchester 02122 885 Washington St., Boston 02111 Blackstone Elementary School Farragut Elementary School Holland Elementary School (617) 635-8757 (617) 635-8497 Mildred Ruiz-Allen, Principal Rosemary Harmon, Principal Michele O’Connell, Principal Mattahunt Elementary School Roosevelt Elementary School 380 Shawmut Ave., Boston 02118 10 Fenwood Road, Boston 02115 85 Olney St., Dorchester 02124 Gloria J. Woods, Principal Emily Glasgow, Acting Principal (617) 635-8471 (617) 635-8450 (617) 635-8832 100 Hebron St., Mattapan 02126 95 Needham Road, Hyde Park 02136 Bradley Elementary School Fifield Elementary School Holmes Elementary School (617) 635-8792 (617) 635-8676 Anne Kelly, Principal Craig Lankhorst, Principal Catherine Constant, Principal McKay K-8 School Russell Elementary School 110 Beachview Rd., E. Boston 02128 25 Dunbar Ave., Dorchester 02124 40 School St., Dorchester 02124 Almudena Abeyta, Principal Norman Townsend, Acting Principal (617) 635-8422 (617) 635-8618 (617) 635-8681 122 Cottage St., East Boston 02128 750 Columbia Rd., Dorchester 02125 Channing Elementary School Gardner Extended Services School Hurley Elementary School (617) 635-8510 (617) 635-8803 Deborah Dancy, Principal Erica Herman, Principal Marjorie Soto, Principal McKinley Elementary School Pauline A. Shaw Elementary School 35 Sunnyside St., Hyde Park 02136 30 Athol St., Allston 02134 70 Worcester St., Boston 02118 Christine Stella, Program Director Maudlin Wright, Principal (617) 635-8722 (617) 635-8365 (617) 635-8489 90 Warren Ave., Boston 02116 429 Norfolk St., Dorchester 02124 Chittick Elementary School Garfield Elementary School Jackson/Mann K-6 School (617) 635-9978 (617) 635-8719 Michelle Burnett-Herndon, Principal Victoria Megias-Batista, Principal Joanne Russell, Principal Mendell Elementary School Stone Elementary School 154 Ruskindale Rd., Mattapan 02126 95 Beechcroft St., Brighton 02135 40 Armington St., Allston 02134 Vera Johnson, Principal Patricia Niles-Randolph, Interim Principal (617) 635-8652 (617) 635-8351 (617) 635-8532 164 School St., Roxbury 02119 22 Regina Road, Dorchester 02124 Clap Elementary School Elihu Greenwood Elementary School John F. Kennedy Elementary School (617) 635-8234 (617) 635-8773 Mary Tormey-Hamilton, Principal Ida Weldon, Principal Eileen Morales, Principal Mission Hill K-8 School Sumner Elementary School 35 Harvest St., Dorchester 02125 612 Metropolitan Ave., Hyde Park, 02136 7 Bolster St., Jamaica Plain 02130 Ayla Gavins, Principal Lourdes Santiago, Principal (617) 635-8672 (617) 635-8665 (617) 635-8127 67 Alleghany St., Roxbury 02120 15 Basile St., Roslindale 02131 Condon Elementary School Sarah Greenwood K-8 School Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School (617) 635-6384 (617) 635-8131 Ann Garofalo, Principal Isabel Mendez, Principal Marice Diakite, Principal Mozart Elementary School Taylor Elementary School 200 D St., South Boston 02127 189 Glenway St., Dorchester 02121 343 Saratoga St., East Boston 02128 Albert Taylor, Principal Elie Jean-Louis, Principal (617) 635-8608 (617) 635-8710 (617) 635-8466 236 Beech St., Roslindale 02131 1060 Morton St., Mattapan 02126 Conley Elementary School Grew Elementary School Kenny Elementary School (617) 635-8082 (617) 635-8731 Kathleen Armstrong, Principal Ronald Jackson, Principal Suzanne Federspiel, Principal Murphy K-8 School Tobin K-8 School 450 Poplar St., Roslindale 02131 40 Gordon Ave., Hyde Park 02136 19 Oakton Ave., Dorchester 02111 Mary Russo, Principal Cheryl Watson-Harris, Principal (617) 635-8099 (617) 635-8715 (617) 635-8789 1 Worrell St., Dorchester 02122 40 Smith St., Roxbury 02120 James M. Curley Elementary School Guild Elementary School Kilmer Elementary School (617) 635-8781 (617) 635-8393 Mirna Vega-Wilson, Principal Simon Ho, Principal Mairead Nolan, Principal O’Donnell Elementary School Trotter Elementary School 40 Pershing Rd., Jamaica Plain 02130 195 Leyden St., East Boston 02128 35 Baker St., West Roxbury 02132 Robert Martin, Principal Corrinna Holloway, Principal (617) 635-8239 (617) 635-8523 (617) 635-8060 33 Trenton St., East Boston 02128 135 Humboldt Ave., Dorchester 02121 Dever Elementary School Hale Elementary School Lee Academy Pilot School (617) 635-8454 (617) 635-8225 Guadalupe Guerrero, Principal Sandra Mitchell-Woods, Principal Kyle Dodson, Principal O’Hearn Elementary School Tynan Elementary School 325 Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester 02125 51 Cedar St., Roxbury 02119 155 Talbot Ave., Dorchester 02124 William Henderson, Principal Carlene Shavis, Principal (617) 635-8694 (617) 635-8205 (617) 635-6619 1669 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester 02122 640 East Fourth St., S. Boston 02127 Dickerman Elementary School (617) 635-8725 (617) 635-8641 Jessica Bolt, Principal 206 Magnolia St., Roxbury 02121 (617) 635-8253 The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007 — 15

Warren/Prescott K-8 School Lewenberg Middle School The Engineering Academy Domenic Amara, Principal Myrtlene Mayfield, Principal Mweusi Willingham, Headmaster 50 School St., Charlestown 02129 20 Outlook Road, Mattapan 02126 CollegeCollege MonthMonth (617) 635-6425 (617) 635-8346 (617) 635-8623 Madison Park Technical Vocational High West Zone Early Learning Center Lewis Middle School Charles McAfee, Headmaster/Director Eunice Da Silva Fernandes, Principal Ronald Spratling, Principal 75 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury 02119 200 Heath St., Jamaica Plain 02130 131 Walnut Ave., Roxbury 02119 (617) 635-8970/635-9802 (617) 635-8275 (617) 635-8137 Roland Hayes School of Music Winship Elementary School McCormack Middle School George Simpson, Director Antonio Barbosa, Principal Jane King, Principal (617) 635-8973 Horace Mann School for the Deaf and 54 Dighton St., Brighton 02135 315 Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester 02125 Hard of Hearing (617) 635-8399 (617) 635-8657 Jeremiah Ford, Principal Winthrop Elementary School McKinley Middle School 40 Armington St., Allston 02134 Emily Shamieh, Principal Joseph Brown, Program Director (617) 635-8534 35 Brookford St., Dorchester 02125 50 St. Mary St., Boston 02215 McKinley South End Academy (617) 635-8379 (617) 635-9853 Christine Stella, Program Director Young Achievers K-8 School Middle School Academy 90 Warren Ave., Boston 02116 Virginia Chalmers, Principal Yvonne Vest, Director (617) 635-9976 25 Walk Hill St., Jamaica Plain 02130 2 McLellan St., Dorchester 02121 McKinley Prep High School (617) 635-6804 (617) 635-1534 Joseph Brown, Program Director Mildred Avenue Middle School 97 Peterborough St. Boston 02215 Kennietha Jones, Acting Principal Murphy School eighth-graders participated in early-college Middle Schools (617) 635-9907 5 Mildred Ave., Mattapan 02126 awareness discussions during the “Get Ready for College” program, facilitated by TERI College Access. The program New Mission High School Cleveland Middle School (617) 635-1645 was part of the district-wide College Month, which also fea- Naia Wilson, Headmaster Andy Tuite, Acting Principal Rogers Middle School tured college and career fairs, free PSAT tests, “Represent 67 Alleghany St., Roxbury 02120 11 Charles St., Dorchester 02122 Andrew Bott, Principal Your Alma Mater Day” and the release of the first BPS (617) 635-6437 (617) 635-8631 15 Everett St., Hyde Park 02136 Career and College Guide. The guide is available online at John D. O’Bryant High School of Mary E. Curley Middle School (617) 635-8700 http://boston.k12.ma.us/bps/CollegeGuide.pdf. Mathematics & Science Michelle Madera-Cepeda, Timilty Middle School Joel Stembridge, Headmaster Acting Principal Valeria Lowe-Barehmi, Principal 55 New Dudley St., Roxbury 02119 493 Centre St., Jamaica Plain 02130 205 Roxbury St., Roxbury 02119 Boston International High School Noonan Business Academy (617) 635-9932 (617) 635-8176 (617) 635-8109 Oscar Santos, Headmaster John Leonard, Headmaster Josiah Quincy Upper School Dearborn Middle School Umana/Barnes Middle School (617) 635-9730 25 Glen Road, Jamaica Plain 02130 Bak Fun Wong, Headmaster Teresa Soares-Pena, Principal Jose Salgado, Principal TechBoston Academy (617) 635-9373 152 Arlington St., Boston 02116 35 Greenville St., Roxbury 02119 Mary Skipper, Chief Education Officer 312 Border St., East Boston 02128 (617) 635-1500 (617) 635-8412 Boston Latin Academy (617) 635-1615 (617) 635-8481 Snowden High School Edison Middle School Maria Garcia-Aaronson, Headmaster East Boston High School Wilson Middle School Gloria Coulter, Headmaster Elliot Stern, Principal 205 Townsend St., Boston 02121 Michael Rubin, Headmaster Claudette Mulligan-Gates, Principal 150 Newbury St., Boston 02116 60 Glenmont Road, Brighton 02135 (617) 635-9957 86 White St., East Boston 02128 18 Croftland Ave., Dorchester 02124 (617) 635-9989 (617) 635-8436 Boston Latin School (617) 635-9896 (617) 635-8827 South Boston Education Complex Edwards Middle School Cornelia Kelley, Headmaster English High School 95 G St., South Boston 02127 Michael Sabin, Principal 78 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston 02115 Jose Duarte, Headmaster High Schools and Excel High School 28 Walker St., Charlestown 02129 (617) 635-8895 144 McBride St., Jamaica Plain 02130 Ligia B. Noriega, Headmaster (617) Brighton High School (617) 635-8979 (617) 635-8516 Special Programs 635-9870 Toby Romer, Headmaster Fenway High School Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School Monument High School Debra Socia, Principal 25 Warren St., Brighton 02135 Peggy Kemp, Headmaster Another Course to College Jonathan Pizzi, Headmaster 270 Columbia Road, Dorchester 02121 (617) 635-9873 174 Ipswich St., Boston 02215 (617) 635-9865 Gerald Howland, Headmaster (617) 635-1650 Jeremiah Burke High School (617) 635-9911 Odyssey High School 20 Warren St., Brighton 02135 Gavin Middle School Carol Bradley Moore, Headmaster Greater Egleston Community High Virginia Ordway-Macrina, Headmaster (617) 635-8865 Alexander Mathews, Principal 77 Lawrence Ave., Dorchester 02121 Julie Coles, Headmaster (617) 635-9860 Boston Adult Technical Academy 215 Dorchester St., S. Boston 02127 (617) 635-9837 3134 Washington St., Roxbury 02119 West Roxbury Education Complex Rachel Bonkovsky, Headmaster (617) 635-8817 Carter Developmental Center (617) 635-6429 1205 V.F.W. Parkway, W. Roxbury 02132 Madison Park Complex Harbor Pilot Middle School Marianne Kopaczynski, Principal Health Careers Academy Brook Farm Business and Service 75 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury 02119 Career Academy Amy Marx, Principal 396 Northampton St., Boston 02118 Albert D. Holland, Executive Director (617) 635-1540 Edmund Donnelly, Headmaster 294 Bowdoin St., Dorchester 02122 (617) 635-9832 Caren Walker, Headmaster Boston Arts Academy (617) 635-6956 (617) 635-6365 Charlestown High School 360 Huntington Ave., Linda Nathan, Co-Headmaster Media Communications Technology Irving Middle School Michael Fung, Headmaster 502A Hayden Hall, Boston 02115 Carmen Torres, Co-Headmaster High School James Watson, Principal 240 Medford St., Charlestown 02129 (617) 373-8576 174 Ipswich St., Boston 02215 Sung-Joon Pai, Headmaster 114 Cummins Hghwy, Roslindale 02131 (617) 635-9914 Hyde Park Education Complex (617) 635-8935 (617) 635-6470 (617) 635-8072 Community Academy 655 Metropolitan Ave., Hyde Park 02136 Parkway Academy of Technology and Boston Community Leadership Acad. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Lindsa McIntyre, Principal Community Academy of Science and Health Nicole Bahnam, Headmaster Audrey Leung-Tat, Principal 76 Shirley St., Roxbury 02119 Health Barbara Ferrer, Headmaster 20 Warren St., Brighton 02135 100 Maxwell St., Dorchester 02124 (617) 635-7734 Linda Cabral, Headmaster (617) 635-6732 (617) 635-8937 (617) 635-8212 Dorchester Education Complex (617) 635-8950 Urban Science Academy Boston Day and Evening Academy 9 Peacevale Road, Dorchester 02124 Social Justice Academy Rasheed Hakim Meadows, Margaret Maccini, Headmaster Academy of Public Service Winston Cox, Headmaster Headmaster (617) 635-8930 20 Kearsarge Ave., Roxbury 02119 Zachary Robbins, Headmaster (617) 635-6960 (617) 635-6789 (617) 635-8910 16 — The Boston Educator Winter 2006-007

The Boston Educator

Tigers earn and he’s thrown a TD pass for good measure. Philip said Reid and the other backs league crown, have benefited from an improved offensive line, which includes center Dane Daguilar, guards Kyle Nedd and Fidius playoff berth Pina, tackles Taidge Mitchell and Kareem James, and ends Kariym Azeez and Alan BY PAUL HALLORAN Williams. Reid leads a cast of six Ten years ago, they were forced to play “interchangeable” running backs, Philip a junior varsity schedule just to keep the said. Manny Boria and Jamil Sanders are program alive. Last year, they won only the other wingbacks, while Louis Hill, two games. This year, they are champions. Carl Williams and Renel Jean have all So goes the improbable journey the contributed at fullback. Junior quarterback Brighton High Tigers took to the Boston Kameel Lashley is a three-year starter. South title and their first-ever berth in the “Most of these kids have not grown up MIAA Div. 4 playoffs. with football,” Philip said. “There has The architect of this gridiron always been a learning curve as they learn resurrection is Coach James Philip, who the intricacies of football.” has been with the program for 25 years, Junior fullback Carl Williams breaks away from a tackler. Philip said a large portion of credit for including the last 11 as head coach. Philip PHOTOS: STAN LITCHMAN this year’s success goes to his assistant said he was fairly optimistic heading into overall), outscoring their league opponents started teaching in Boston in 1974, the coaches: Randolph Abraham, a 2000 this season, thanks to a good mix of by an average of 26 points per game. They first year of court-ordered desegregation. Brighton grad who played for him; Gilbert returning players and new faces. were set to take on either West “They like each other. They pick up their White, a disciplinarian at the school; Jim “I thought we’d be good,” the coach Bridgewater or Marian in the first round teammates after a mistake.” Unis, a student-teacher who earned a said. “We had a lot of returning players, of the playoffs, with a Super Bowl berth at Leading the way for the Tigers has been scholarship to play at Boston College mostly on offense, but we had experienced stake. senior wingback Dolan Reid, who was before having his career ended by defensive players as well.” “These kids listen and work well third in scoring in Div. 4 with 97 points. recurring concussions; and William Jones, The Tigers rolled through the Boston together,” said Philip, a Washington, D.C. Reid has scored in every way imaginable: who played for Brighton in the early South with a perfect 5-0 record (7-3 native who moved to Boston in 1972 and rush, reception, kickoff return, punt return, 1980s when Philip started coaching.