The Boston Educator, Spring 2004

◆ Vol. 5, No. 1 SPRING 2003 Vol. 1, No. 1 Winter 2009

Q. Why is education Turn to Page 3 for Mayor Menino’s Q. such an important A.A. answer to this and other questions priority for you? asked by BPS students.

Students Ciara Martinez, left, and Sarah Blanchette interview Mayor Thomas M. Menino for The Boston Educator. PHOTO: DON HARNEY SUPER WOMAN Johnson has big plans for Boston Schools BY MEAGHAN CASEY The award is given annually to a In her second year as “ superintendent who has superintendent of the Carol Johnson has demonstrated a quality of Boston Public Schools, demonstrated leadership that resulted in Dr. Carol R. Johnson that she was the significant positive has maintained that she outcomes for student expects nothing less than right choice to achievement. the best from the lead the Boston Johnson was appointed district’s students. Public Schools. superintendent by the It seems as though she Boston School applies the same Dr. Elizabeth Reilinger, Chair Committee in June 2007. standard to herself. Boston School Committee During her first year in Johnson was recently the BPS, Johnson honored with the Joseph presented her E. Hill Superintendent of the Year Acceleration Agenda, a set of Award by the National Alliance of Black recommendations to improve the School Educators (NABSE). She was academic achievement of all students recognized at the 36th annual NABSE conference, held last month in Atlanta. See SUPERINTENDENT Page 12

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol R. Johnson greets East Boston High School freshmen Areli Navaro, left, and Laury Sanchez. PHOTO: REBA SALDANHA 2— The Boston Educator Winter 2009

City of Boston Renewed energy for the new year Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

Boston School Committee Dr. Elizabeth Reilinger s we begin 2009, we look forward to getting these programs off to I also am impressed by parents’ and Chairperson forward to another year of a successful start. volunteers’ active participation in our providing the families of our We must also be mindful, however, Rev. Gregory G. Groover A classrooms and our schools’ efforts to Vice Chairperson city with a first-rate education in of the economic realities in which we offer every child enrichment and Boston Public Schools. At the same live and work. Throughout our nation support beyond teaching and learning – Helen M. Dájer Alfreda Harris time, our nation is undergoing a new – from households to major including arts and music, sports and Claudio Martinez beginning as well, with the corporations – individuals and recreation, and so much more. I am Michael D. O’Neill inauguration of a new president this institutions are confronting incredibly confident that together we are Marchelle Raynor month. We approach this new year challenging financial constraints. In developing young men and women to with great hope and optimism, and with every sector, costs continue to rise become scholars, artists, poets and Moriah Smith Student Representative renewed energy to make a difference in much faster than the resources leaders. Dr. Carol R. the life of every single student, while available to meet them. Without I am grateful for the opportunity to Published by: Johnson recognizing that there are significant question, this economic climate forces lead Boston Public Schools to the next Boston Public Schools challenges ahead. all of us to make difficult choices, and level of excellence. The Boston Dr. Carol R. Johnson January also marks an important the school district is no exception. Foundation recently released “Boston’s Superintendent milestone in the school choice process, As we undertake the budget process Education Pipeline: A Report Card,” when families across the city will begin for the 2009-2010 school year, we will which provides a comprehensive Submit story ideas to: registering their children for September identify strategies to control spending picture of both our successes and the Christopher Horan Chief Communications Officer 2009 school assignments. This is an and make reductions in every school work ahead. Our Acceleration Agenda Boston Public Schools exciting time for families – including and central office, while at the same is designed to close achievement gaps 26 Court St. those new to the district and those time remaining focused on creating and ensure significant improvements Boston, MA 02108 Tel: 617-635-9265 already enrolled – to choose from the even better schools. Underlying every across the board, and with your help, I Fax: 617-635-9568 wide array of schools and programs one of these choices is an unwavering have no doubt that we will make [email protected] available. commitment to providing every child in remarkable progress. Schools opened their doors last fall Boston an outstanding education. Mayor Menino, the Boston School Produced by: during School Preview Time to attract After 16 months as your Committee and I thank you for all that GRANT COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING GROUP and welcome prospective families. As superintendent, I continue to be you do on behalf of the students of Boston ◆ New York a result of the Pathways to Excellence inspired by what I see in schools and Boston. We wish you the very best for 781-598-8200 plan, there are new options available to classrooms throughout the city. From a great year ahead! [email protected] families next year, including new K-8 pre-school to high school, teachers, Funded by: programs, new pilot schools, and a administrators, support staff, parents Montessori program at the East Boston and students are working hard every Dr. Carol R. Johnson is Superintendent Early Education Center. We look day to improve academic performance. of Schools in Boston.

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EE112-1208 The Boston Educator Winter 2009 — 3 Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino The following interview was conducted hopes to pursue journalism in college next fall. Foundation and WriteBoston, T.i.P. was for The Boston Educator by Boston Public Martinez, a Mattapan resident, is a junior at founded to improve writing skills among local Schools students Sarah Blanchette and Ciara Health Careers Academy. Both are on the staff students. More than 300 students have been Martinez. Blanchette, a South Boston resident, of Teens in Print (T.i.P.), Boston’s citywide published since the first issue in May 2004. is a senior at Odyssey High School. She was a newspaper for high school students. Born out Blanchette is a senior editor and Martinez is a Caroline Knapp Summer Journalism Intern and of a partnership between the Boston Globe peer leader at T.i.P.

What were you most excited about What are your hopes for the Q at the start of this school year? Q future? I saw new energy in the schools, With Superintendent Carol new enthusiasm. It’s Johnson leading the schools, we A Superintendent Johnson’s second A need to continue to progress in year and she’s gotten parents as well as sending students to college and ensure that students involved and engaged in school. they graduate in four years. We want them to get in and stay in. I want colleges to reach What can BPS students do to out and help our urban students. Q make the schools better? What are your highest priorities in I want students to be achievers, to the next two years? work hard. I want them to be Q A active after school as well. That helps you mature and grow — to be in Students Ciara Martinez, left, and Sarah Blanchette interview Mayor Thomas M. Menino Every student is special. We have extracurricular activities. You network with for The Boston Educator. to educate every student. Our goal other people in the city. There are great A is to teach every student to the resources are out there for students, like What are some important changes What was it like to see the best of his or her ability. My goal is for when you’re involved in the Teens in Print in the schools that you’ve seen in transformation of the Burke? people to say “Wow — what an exceptional newspaper at The Boston Globe. It’s a great Q your tenure as mayor? Q urban school system Boston has.” paper. We have more books in the It’s very special to me. Did you What are your proudest Why is education such an classrooms; the schools are wired know I once was in the old accomplishments? important priority for you? A for internet (we were the first A building and almost got hit in the Q Q urban school district to do that); we have head with a ceiling tile? The new school has more permanent, quality teachers in the everything in one building, everything you The Broad Prize for best urban Education is the most important classrooms; the janitors keep the schools need to grow physically, mentally, and A school district; continuous thing in our society. A high school clean. The stars are in alignment right now emotionally. It’s an education portal, improvement in school test scores; A diploma isn’t enough, and we need to make sure every child in Boston has a community center, library, all in one building and the general physical appearance of the to help students be prepared for success in good education. ... all aspects of learning in one building ... schools. We invest in our future and we college, too. teaching the whole child. invest in our children. My six grandchildren are all in the Boston Public Schools. Boston plans school reorganization

BY MEAGHAN CASEY Pathways to Excellence addresses changing demographic and ◆ TechBoston Academy, currently a pilot high school, will economic realities, most notably a decline in the school-age expand to a grade 6-12 school, with middle school grades Sometimes, on the road to excellence, leaders must be able to population as well as decreasing state, federal and private opening at the Wilson Middle School building in Dorchester. effect change. In Boston, Superintendent Dr. Carol R. Johnson is resources. The recommendations are estimated to reduce ◆ The new Edison K-8 School in Brighton will host students doing just that – driving a comprehensive reorganization plan to spending over five years by approximately $25.4 million. from the Hamilton and Garfield elementary schools. strengthen Boston Public Schools (BPS). Included is the cost-savings from the closing of six schools: ◆ The current Lewis Middle School building will house a new In November, the Boston School Committee approved most Dickerman Elementary School; the former Fuller Elementary Higginson / Lewis K-8 School in Roxbury, adding students from of the recommendations in Johnson’s Pathways to Excellence School (currently housing Boston International High School); the nearby Higginson Elementary School. plan. As a result, the BPS will undergo an Hamilton Elementary School; Higginson ◆ Students completing grade 5 at the Grew Elementary internal makeover, with several schools closing Elementary School; P. A. Shaw Elementary School in Hyde Park will be guaranteed assignment to the and others merging or expanding to create K-8 “ School; and Stone Elementary School. nearby Rogers Middle School, as they become a “feeder pair.” and 6-12 feeder systems. The plan also calls for The approved recommendations include: ◆ The King Middle School in Dorchester will return to its the expansion of Boston’s pilot schools, with This plan is all ◆ Two high schools at the Dorchester space as the new Martin Luther King Jr. K-8 School, along with three new schools scheduled to open next year. about providing all Education Complex – Noonan Business students from the neighboring Dickerman Elementary School. “This plan is all about providing all of our of our students an Academy and the Academy of Public Service – Most recently, the School Committee also approved Johnson’s students an outstanding public education,” said will merge into a new high school, Edward G. recommendations to open three new pilot schools in September: Dr. Johnson. “We’ve heard from families across outstanding public Noonan Academy for Business, Public Service ◆ The Boston Teachers Union (BTU) Pilot School will open the city about the programs they want for their education. and Law. in Jamaica Plain with kindergarten through grade 2, as well as children, and these proposals enable us to offer ◆ The new Mildred Avenue K-8 School in grade 6 classrooms, eventually becoming a full K-8 school. ◆ more of what parents are asking for. Above all, Dr. Carol R. Johnson Mattapan will serve students currently enrolled at The Mary Lyon Pilot High School in Brighton will serve we are striving to make the Boston Public Superintendent of Schools the P. A. Shaw Elementary School in Dorchester. high school students beginning with the addition of grade 9. Schools every parent’s first choice for their By 2012, the Ellison/Parks Early Education ◆ The Dennis C. Haley Elementary School in Roslindale is children’s education.” School will establish a feeder pattern with the converting to a pilot school. “The superintendent’s plan seizes the opportunity to bring Mildred Avenue School to offer K-8 continuity. The School Committee approved the changes prior to the about significant improvements to our academic programs by ◆ Boston International High School will relocate and expand, school choice process, which includes open houses and School making better use of the resources available to us,” said Dr. and a Newcomers Academy for late-arriving English Language Preview Time activities. Registration begins in January for Elizabeth Reilinger, Boston School Committee chair. Learners will open at the former Thompson School building. students entering kindergarten, and grades 6 and 9 in September. 4— The Boston Educator Winter 2009 Leaving a legacy Holland retires from Boston Public Schools after 30 years’ service BY MEAGHAN CASEY greatest experiences I could have imagined.” facilitate the transition, becoming an administrative assistant During his distinguished 30-year career in Boston Public Holland retired from the BPS in August as headmaster and to the superintendent. “It was something I’d never seen before Schools, Albert Holland has guided generations of students in executive director of Health Careers Academy (HCa). – police escorts and metal detectors. It was a very difficult South Boston, Dorchester and the Fenway. He has been an Though he no longer holds an official title, he will forever time in Boston’s history.” advocate for anti-violence, a leader in public school- remain an educator, dedicated to the advancement of Boston’s Holland spent seven years at South Boston High, leaving university partnerships and a motivator for students in the youth. as assistant headmaster. From there, he served as headmaster pursuit of college and career aspirations. “I understand how important public education is, and how at the Jeremiah E. Burke High School from 1982-93. Throughout it all, he has never critical it is to the health of our city and our community,” said “Those were some of my most challenging and most lost an ounce of passion. Holland. “I understand the urgency that exists right now to rewarding years,” Holland said. “My life has been blessed to make sure our schools are performing at their full potential so At the Burke, Holland worked to improve academic have worked in Boston Public that our students can reach their full potential.” standards, prevent gang violence and create a safer learning Schools,” said Holland. “It’s “Al Holland is an educator of the highest caliber,” said environment. He also sought out new partnerships and been one Superintendent Dr. Carol R. Johnson. “His service to students resources with community organizations and businesses. of the and families is immeasurable; we are all in his debt.” After more than a decade at the Burke, Holland went on to Born and raised in Boston, Holland become an assistant superintendent in charge of high schools. graduated from the James P. Timilty He also worked with the Boston Police Department to install Middle School in Roxbury and the violence-prevention programs and initiate dialogue between former Jamaica Plain High School. The students and authorities. He later helped launch the Boston education field was not originally in Pilot Schools Network. In 2001, Holland returned to the high the cards for Holland, who was school environment, accepting the position at HCa. pursuing a different career as a “It was time to go back to what I enjoyed most,” he said. juvenile probation officer. However, Located on the campus of Northeastern University, HCa is when Boston was facing its second a Horace Mann Charter School founded in 1995. The school year of court-ordered provides a supportive learning environment and strong busing to achieve academic curriculum for students exploring careers in the school health professions and related fields. desegregation in “The school is meeting its mission,” said Holland. “We’re 1975, Holland sending more kids to college and we’re paving the was called opportunity for students to go into the medical field. MCAS upon to scores have risen every year, with more and more students scoring in advanced and proficient. Since 2006, the graduation rate has been between 95 and 100 percent.” Students have access to university science and computer labs, libraries and other resources. They also have the opportunity to participate in diverse job shadowing, internship and summer work experiences in health care. Partners include Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Harvard Pilgram Health Care, Harvard University School of Public Health, Massachusetts General Hospital and TJX Companies, in addition to Northeastern – Holland’s alma mater. Holland currently serves on the HCa board of directors and is still active within the BPS.

Al Holland visits with HCa seniors, from left, Stephanie Martinez, Victor Gonzalez, and Jessica Restrepo. Schools offer online courses to help students graduate BY JESSICA BENSON light schedule makes it easier to justify supervision of teachers. The courses, which high school. Schools are currently looking dropping out altogether, Scott noted. are all based on state curriculum for good candidates for the program. High school students on the verge of “They’re sort of in a limbo area. The frameworks, were offered at five different The number of sites hosting the program dropping out are now getting another chance tragedy of these students was that they locations last summer. will also be doubled, to a total of 10. to graduate. needed only one or two credits to graduate,” At the end of the six-week course, a Scott said he hopes it helps more students Last summer, Boston Public Schools he said. “What do you do with a kid like graduation ceremony was held for the 80 finish high school and earn their diplomas. began offering online correspondence that? How do you build a schedule for that graduates, along with other students who And with studies showing that “dropping courses to students who were just a few kid?” finished high school by taking more out” is still a problem for high schools credits shy of qualifying for graduation. By It can also be frustrating for the student. traditional summer-school classes. A total of everywhere, the program is needed as much August, 80 of them had earned their “The further they get behind in the race, 127 students received their diplomas during now as ever. diplomas. the more discouraging it gets,” Scott said. a special ceremony in August. “It allows students who are failing courses “It was a very successful program,” said That’s why the Credit Recovery Program According to Scott, with the online and getting further and further behind to take High School Academic Superintendent Irvin was started earlier this year. Students must program, students are able to work at their courses in an accelerated way and be Scott. “We were able to have a graduation.” be close to graduating, with passing MCAS own pace — something they couldn’t do in a successful in those courses, so they don‘t Without the program, some students would scores, in order to participate. regular summer school. eventually drop out,” Scott said. “Credit have ended up going back to school in Though the classes are taught through the Now, the school system is looking to offer recovery is a way for students to catch up, September with class schedules revolving Internet, the students work on the computers another session of the program over the get back on track and finish the race.” around only a class or two. Having such a at a centralized location, under the winter, to help even more students finish The Boston Educator Winter 2009 — 5 Tuning in to education

Tim Murnane, Comcast Vice President of Government and Community Relations, and Principal Vivian Swoboda drop in on students at the Dever School. Comcast executives participate in Principal for a Day program

BY MEAGHAN CASEY come back from the experience with stories to Stepping out of the corporate office for a day, share. That’s why two of my team members Comcast Metro Boston Regional Vice President signed up this year.” Paul D’Arcangelo walked in the shoes of fellow Across town, Comcast Metro West Area Vice Northeastern University alumnus Simon Ho, President Vic Pascarelli visited Principal Eileen principal of the Guild Elementary School in Morales at the John F. Kennedy Elementary East Boston. School in Jamaica Plain, while Comcast Vice Both men pursued similar educational paths President of Government and Community — D’Arcangelo earning his degree in technical Relations Tim Murnane visited the Dever communications, and Ho in economics — but Elementary School in Dorchester, shadowing answered different callings in the private and Principal Vivian Swoboda. public sectors. Despite their diverging career “There were a lot of similarities to the paths, the parallels in their day-to-day corporate world with respect to managerial responsibilities are easily recognizable. issues,” said Murnane, who was participating “The business aspect is very similar,” said for the first time. “We started the day with three D’Arcangelo. “In both fields, you’re managing staff meetings where department heads people, working together and sharing ideas.” discussed their specialty areas. Then we visited “A school administrator is very much like a the classrooms to see what happens day-to-day manager,” agreed Ho, who is in his 16th year at between teachers and students.” Guild. “You have to be able to recognize Murnane has been with Comcast for 11 years, opportunities and seek out resources and but has experience in the education field. For partnerships. You also have to be able to seven years, he oversaw external relations for a communicate well and act as a team player.” quasi-public agency of the Commonwealth For the fifth year in a row, D’Arcangelo focusing on education technologies. participated in Boston’s Principal for a Day “Although I previously had spent time in an program. The annual event, co-sponsored by the educational environment, I gained new insights Boston Plan for Excellence, Bank of America, during my day at the Dever School,” he said. the Boston Public Schools and Mayor Thomas “A principal carries all the management M. Menino, paired 136 leaders from business, responsibilities of a leader in the corporate government, media, non-profit, arts and culture, setting, with people and issues to attend to both education and other sectors with principals and inside and outside the school.” headmasters in the BPS. The event is designed Based on the experience, Murnane hopes to to expose corporate and civic leaders to the joys form a partnership with the Dever School, and challenges of working as a public school encouraging Comcast employees to visit the principal. school and read to students. He understands the Comcast Metro Boston Regional Vice President Paul D’Arcangelo, left, and “It’s my favorite day of the year,” said significance of bridging the corporate world and Principal Simon Ho talk with students at the Guild Elementary School. D’Arcangelo. “It’s very insightful. I always the public schools. 6— The Boston Educator Winter 2009 Reaching the stars BY MEAGHAN CASEY ExxonMobile’s Jimmie James First African-American to walk in space visits Curley echoed Harris’ sentiments, putting in In 1993, Dr. Bernard Harris perspective how STEM skills are accomplished his childhood dream, applied in everyday life. becoming the first African-American “Things we take for granted – cell to walk in space. phones, microwaves, Nintendo, Today, Harris is traveling the digital cameras – weren’t around country, hoping to inspire students to when I was growing up,” said realize their own dreams. On the James. “In another 25 years, there’ll ninth stop of his Dream Tour, be a whole new group of inventions, presented by and the ideas for all those inventions ExxonMobil, are right here. We believe in you and he visited with know you’ll make a difference.” Curley K-8 “You can make all of your dreams students. come true by studying the STEM “When we subjects,” said Bell. “Whether it’s talk about designing the next Jordan shoe or America’s PlayStation feature, you’ll need future, we’re those skills in the future.” Dr. Bernard Harris talking about Bell also drew a comparison you,” said between Harris and President-elect Harris. “Believe in yourself and Barack Obama, who most recently believe in those who believe in you.” made history as the first African- A trained aerospace flight American to be elected president. surgeon, Harris rose from humble “If you still don’t believe after beginnings to pursue his education Nov. 4 that you can do anything, as a physician and later as an believe it,” said Bell. astronaut. At the time of his Former astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris simulates flight during an assembly with Curley School seventh- In addition to the inspirational retirement from NASA in 1996, he graders Xavier Wooten and Isabella DosSantos. program by Harris, the Dream Tour had completed two space missions, offers an interactive Web site, logged more than 438 hours in space possibilities. You can do anything bachelor’s degree in biology from that haven’t even been created yet,” enhanced curricula, engaging and traveled more than 7.2 million you want to do in life.” the University of Houston and later said Harris. “The Dream Tour is one classroom activities and miles. During three separate assemblies obtained a doctorate from Texas way to open their eyes to the scholarships. “I made it to this level because of at Curley, Harris talked about his Tech University School of Medicine. limitless possibilities they have in The Curley School was one of 10 my dream and determination,” adventures in space and about the He also holds master’s degrees in their hands as long as math and stops along the tour. Northeastern Harris said. “Be willing to work importance of science, technology, medical science and business science education is part of the University was instrumental in hard and take some time to figure engineering and mathematics administration. equation.” bringing the tour to the Curley out what your talents are. You are (STEM) education in helping him “America’s students have Dream Tour emcee and radio through Mayor Thomas M. infinite beings with infinite get to that point. He earned his incredible opportunities in careers personality Ken Bell and Menino’s Step Up Initiative. (100) Grand plan: Mason rewarded for MCAS success

BY JESSICA BENSON Partnerships with area schools, including Wheelock and Boston University, have allowed the school to The group of teachers and parents from the Mason put more teachers and assistants into the classroom Elementary School couldn’t contain their joy when they found — each class has two adults assigned to it. This has out their school won the $100,000 grand prize. helped it keep class sizes low — 15 to 20 students Shouts and cheers erupted from their table when the winner of per class. The internship programs also promote the the Thomas W. Payzant School on the Move Prize was school’s teacher mentoring program, Bowden noted. announced at a gala hosted by EdVestors. “This school operates like a learning community,” But Mason Principal Harolyn Bowden said her own joy was she said. not so much from winning the prize as it was from seeing her As its reward, the Mason will be given $80,000 of staff earn such a prestigious recognition. the $100,000 prize. The rest of the money will pay “I just have the greatest staff. They really work hard,” she for the Rennie Center for Education Research to said. “I just felt like they really deserved this. I was so proud.” conduct a case study on the school to document the The Mason School, located in Roxbury, was one of three successes at the Mason. finalists chosen for the prize because of the significant Eventually, EdVestors hopes to put together a improvement on students’ MCAS scores. The other finalists library of case studies about the winners of the Mason administrators, teachers and parents celebrate the School on were the Hernández and Winship schools. School on the Move prize. That way, other schools the Move Prize. This is the third year that the award has been handed out by throughout the city and state can use them as a tool to EdVestors, a non-profit organization that drives change in urban improve their own teaching techniques, Perille said. principal Janet Palmer-Owens, now academic superintendent for schools. Since its launch in 2002, EdVestors has raised more Bowden is now trying to figure out how to spend the prize pilot schools. than $4 million to fund school improvements in Boston and money. She’d like it to go toward more training for teachers and “It really has to be a collaboration. That’s what made Mason Lowell. paraprofessionals in her building, as well as to provide stipends successful,” she said. “Even other people on the staff — the Laura Perille, executive director of EdVestors, said the Mason for teachers to provide additional tutoring for students. She also secretaries, the custodians — everyone is invested in the stood out due to the way the teachers and staff take ownership of hopes to build up the school’s reading program and explore children.” their school. ways to use technology to improve education for special needs Eight people from the school, including teachers and parents, “It’s really about the adults in the school,” she said. “It just students. joined Bowden at the EdVestors dinner gala. They didn’t know sets up the school to keep moving to high levels.” Bowden admits that she shares the success with all of the ahead of time that they would be pronounced the winner of the With just 210 students, the Mason is a small school. teachers, staff and parents at the Mason, as well as former prize, though they did realize that they were a finalist. The Boston Educator Winter 2009 — 7 STUDENT PROFILE In the zone

Moriah Smith is serving a two-year term on the Boston School Committee. Smith is the voice of BPS students

BY MEAGHAN CASEY Boston Latin Academy senior Moriah Smith is serving as the voice of thousands — 55,000 to be exact — as the student representative to the Boston School Committee. Elee Hart works on writing during class at the West Zone Early Learning Center. Smith is serving a two-year term, which began in September 2007, as a non-voting member of the committee. Her student activism took root in eighth grade, West Zone Early Learning Center earns accreditation when she was elected homeroom representative. She then became involved with Student Forum and the Boston BY ALEXIS MALPICA Specialist for Boston Public Schools quality program,” which makes sure Student Advisory Council (BSAC), on which she is (BPS), says the standards are a schools, “provide quality education for currently serving as president. As the leader of this Tucked inside of the Hennigan compilation of “all of the knowledge early childhood.” citywide elected student body, two of Smith’s main School in Jamaica Plain is the West of all of the experts from around the Dr. Jason Sachs, BPS Director of responsibilities are to represent the student perspective on Zone Early Learning Center — a country, their information and their Early Childhood Education, calls the issues facing the school district and to serve as the agent of small, research-based school serving feedback as to what constitutes a accreditation for West Zone ELC information between the School Committee and the Boston children from preschool to first grade “quite an accomplishment,” while Public Schools student body. — which has now become the fourth praising Principal Eunice Fernandez “We are the Boston Public Schools,” said Smith. “We’re Early Learning Center in Boston to and her staff for having completed an what everyone is working so hard for. Our voices should gain accreditation from the National extraordinary task. be the most important.” Association for the Education of “West Zone ELC created an Through her presence at every meeting, Smith hopes to Young Children (NAEYC). environment where children can learn prevent the concept of “adultism,” or overlooking the “NAEYC accreditation represents in small settings,” said Sachs. voices of young people. the mark of quality in early childhood With an 11:1 student-to-staff ratio, “It’s definitely really important,” said Smith. “Students education,” according to the NAEYC. as well as Internet, computers, and are always facing issues specific to them and they want to “To achieve NAEYC accreditation, hands-on learning materials in every get their ideas out there.” early-childhood education programs classroom, “a lot of the curriculum One of her priorities this year is to create a district-wide volunteer to be measured against the focuses on exploring educational homework policy. most robust and rigorous national materials instead of sitting and “We want to recommend a 2½-hour homework standards on education, health and listening in large groups,” Silver requirement, but it should be for effective and productive safety.” added. homework, not busy work,” she said. In order to gain accreditation from West Zone ELC is not the only Smith is also attempting to promote involvement in the NAEYC, West Zone ELC had to school to take on this rigorous task. student government and engage students in the interview first complete a self-evaluation, before Currently, three other schools—the process for new teachers. tackling the 10 standards, 50 topic East Boston Early Education Center, A Dorchester resident, Smith began her BPS career at areas, and more than 400 criteria the Haynes Early Education Center, Dickerman Elementary School. Her goal in her last year in required by the NAEYC. These and the Baldwin Early Learning Center the BPS is to maintain academic excellence. She is standards range from health and safety — have already been accredited, while enrolled in a number of challenging courses, including assessments, to community relations, 12 more schools that are a part of the Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History, AP English leadership, management, and child Accreditation Pilot Project are all Literature, and Honors Calculus. She in also learning Latin progress assessments. scheduled to have completed the and is a member of the Swim Team and Classics Club. Karen Silver, Accreditation Misael Melendez listens along as process by 2011. “Between sports and the different activities, there’s so he reads during class. much to get involved in,” she said. 8 —The Boston Educator Winter 2009 The Boston Educator Winter 2009 —9 Extreme Makeover The bulldog is a prominent feature in the new gym at the Burke High School. Burke Edition BY MEAGHAN CASEY Serving as a gateway to social mobility and The Boston Public Schools is building a college access, the newly renovated high legacy of learning in Grove Hall with a new school is divided into three small learning chapter of opportunity and state-of-the art communities with the following academic and technology at the Jeremiah E. Burke High career themes: Arts and Humanities, School. Information Technology, and Health and The Burke underwent a two-year, $49.5 Human Services. The building features 244 Bruce Cramer works with Ludovico Gomes in the new media center at the high school. million overhaul and now features a new new computers and SMART Boards in gymnasium, school library, cafeteria and computer and science labs, qualifying the kitchen, visual and performing arts wing, Burke as a computer magnet school. family center, and renovated classrooms, “It’s been extremely positive,” said Moore, science and computer labs, and offices. The who is in her eighth year as headmaster. “The project, funded in part by the Massachusetts lightness and brightness and the 21st-century Teacher Erin McNeil works with Luis School Building Authority, also includes a new Ramos in French class at the Burke. look of this magnificent building make a Grove Hall branch library and community difference. Students are encouraged; they want center scheduled to open in 2009. school’s academic programs, the Burke to be here.” “Today, we reopen the doors to one of the regained accreditation from the New England “The new building is giving us centerpieces of the Grove Hall community, Association of Schools and Colleges opportunities we never thought possible,” said Rebecca Etienne and Kitwana Grant work in an art class at the Burke. and a great symbol of a new era for the Boston (NEASC) in 1998, becoming a promising student Shakeeda Bartee. “We have the Public Schools,” said Mayor Thomas M. symbol for a successful new era in the BPS. confidence to do well, academically and in Menino at the grand re-opening event. “The “The community was truly upset the school sports.” City’s investment in this innovative project – a lost its accreditation, but it had become clear The gymnasium now features a regulation public high school, library and community that was the only way there would be change,” basketball court with seating for 250, as well center all under one roof – is an investment in said Pamela Gray Bennett, director of the as dance and exercise spaces and a weight the people of this neighborhood, especially the Commission on Public Secondary Schools for room. The former gymnasium has been young people who represent the future of NEASC. “The mayor worked closely with the transformed into arts wing, with a dance studio Boston.” administration and systematically addressed and classrooms for visual and performing arts. “Today is truly amazing,” said Burke the concerns.” “We’re all in one space now,” said visual Headmaster Carol Bradley Moore. “It’s the “The Jeremiah Burke High School has arts instructor Kilola Maishya. “It’s so culmination of a dream of this community and always held a special place in my heart,” said convenient to be able to meet with each other the opportunity to provide students with the Menino. “I’ve always been impressed by the and support one another in different ways.” educational resources they deserve.” spirit of the students and staff. I’m thrilled to The school library includes a main reading The high school first opened in 1934 and be standing in the modernized high school, room, computer room, media center, career was named after the former superintendent of with state-of-the-art facilities.” center and planning center for teachers. It also schools, who died in 1931. It initially catered “This is really symbolic,” said Dr. Elizabeth has direct access to the public library branch, to girls in grades 9-11, but became Reilinger, chairperson of the Boston School which will offer a continuum of services coeducational in 1972. After the school lost its Committee. “The changes are reflective of the beyond the traditional day. The community accreditation in 1995, Menino delivered his larger changes going on in the Boston Public center will provide neighborhood residents 1996 State of the City address in the Burke Schools. It wasn’t only a matter of bricks and office space, a meeting room and access to the auditorium, pledging to transform the school mortar, but a matter of making sure the athletic facilities when school is not in session. and the entire district. Thanks to a major resources were in place to create a culture of “It still feels like home, but this building is Mayor Thomas M. Menino gave a speech at the Burke’s grand re-opening event. investment in both the building and the high standards and accountability.” just amazing,” said 1992 grad Julienne Carty. The high school features a new weight and exercise room. 10 — The Boston Educator Winter 2009 It’s ‘Comcastic’ Madison Park benefits from partnership with Comcast

BY MEAGHAN CASEY education, government, labor, and community organizations to create Thanks to a $5,000 grant from Comcast, innovative workforce and education students at Madison Park Technical solutions. PIC initiatives thrive when Vocational High School will again have the business and community needs overlap. opportunity to apply their academic and The result is a win-win situation: vocational skills in a real-world setting. businesses develop the workforce they “This is a dream,” said Headmaster need, and Boston youth gain access to Charles McAfee. “It’s not about the money; career opportunities. it’s about the partnership.” At Madison Park, Harris hopes to place Comcast has partnered with Madison more students in the Comcast program this Park for at least 15 years. The grant year. The students are selected based on funding assists students who are applying attendance and grades. Entering the for candidacy in Comcast’s co-operative program, they are already well-equipped program. Last year, four Madison Park with the skills they need to succeed. students participated in one of Comcast’s “Before they step foot in the workplace, electronics or electricity programs. they’re fully prepared with resume and “This partnership is good for the students interview training and dressing for in terms of dealing with customers and success,” explained Harris. developing communication skills,” said Generally, students begin with Doreen Harris, co-op placement exploratory activities such as job coordinator at Madison Park. shadowing, field trips, and even unpaid Comcast Senior Manager of Government rotations through various departments. The and Community Relations David Green paid co-op begins during the second presented the check and was joined by semester of senior year and continues Susan Margiloff, human resources through high school graduation and, in consultant at Comcast. many cases, into college. The goal is for “I’m proud to be here on behalf of the co-op experience to develop into a full- Comcast,” said Green. “Madison Park is a time career, which is the case for a number shining example of the work being done to of Madison Park graduates now working develop jobs in this city.” for Comcast. The Comcast-Madison Park co-op “That’s the ultimate offer, but at the very program is coordinated through the Boston least, they come out of the program more Private Industry Council (PIC), a public- qualified and prepared for the workforce,” private partnership that connects business, said Harris. the Boston Public Schools, higher Madison Park Headmaster Charles McAfee, left, accepts a check from Comcast Human Resources Consultant Susan Margiloff and Senior Manager of Government and Community Relations David Green. Boston students cover events via the Internet

BY JESSICA BENSON technology. This Several dozen students During the summer, BPS-TV commitment from Turner have now been trained in Producer/Director Seth Pfeiffer conducted a With the latest technology in hand, Boston Broadcasting puts Boston PlayON, and student citywide work/study program to train more public high school students are preparing to children on the cutting crews have filmed students in PlayON. become the next generation of television edge.” We certainly“ want to give football, basketball, “We’ve made a great start,” Horan said. broadcasters. Media Communications students exposure to a lot volleyball and soccer “We look forward to seeing it grow.” Last year, Mayor Thomas M. Menino Technology High became of different college and career games, as well as student The partnership has evolved into a long- initiated a partnership with Atlanta-based only the second high options. This is one more forums, arts performances term relationship between the City of Boston Turner Broadcast Systems (TBS) to bring school in the country to and other events. opportunity for them to learn and Turner Broadcasting. TBS now funds an state-of-the-art technology and training to the use the technology. Since Broadcasts are streamed annual $5,000 college scholarship for a BPS Boston Public Schools. then, the program has new skills that may serve them on the Web at www.bps- graduate with interest and skill in The program began with students at the expanded to include well after high school. tv.org. broadcasting and media technology. Last Media Communications Technology High Madison Park Technical- Superintendent Carol R. spring, Menino presented the first School in West Roxbury last fall. TBS Vocational High School Christopher Horan Johnson noted the added scholarship to Boston Latin Academy executives provided the district with several and the English High Chief Communications Officer value to families and the graduate Connie Y. Chan to help her pursue PlayON kits — portable equipment for School. Students serve as community. “Our families studies in Graphic Design and Media producing high-quality coverage of sporting directors, producers, lead busy lives and are not Communications at Simmons College. events and other activities. camera operators, announcers, and more. always able to attend every baseball game or “We certainly want to give students “This new partnership will help our “It’s been impressive to see how excited school play,” said Johnson. “This student- exposure to a lot of different college and students understand the media in a new students are to use the equipment and how produced programming gives parents and career options,” Horan said. “This is one way,” said Menino. “Our students have the quickly they become skilled in using it,” said others in the community a chance to see — more opportunity for them to learn new opportunity to build the skills needed to Christopher Horan, BPS Chief and sometimes to enjoy again — the skills that may serve them well after high pursue careers in the growing fields of Communications Officer, who oversees of wonderful activities that take place during school.” broadcasting and communications the program as part of BPS-TV. and after the school day.” The Boston Educator Winter 2009 — 11 Civic action Pilot course inspires students at English High, Madison Park

BY MEAGHAN CASEY increased civic engagement of young adults through a mandatory civics curriculum. Yes we can. The motto so eloquently Their efforts were rewarded this year, with established by President-elect Barack four sections of the class being offered to Obama, rings true in Efrain Toledano’s seniors at the two participating high Civics in Action class at the English High schools. School. In the first semester of the pilot course, “It’s rewarding to see these kids getting content focused largely on the electoral involved and starting to care about making process. At English High, students held a change,” said Toledano. their own election for Civics in Action class The Civics in Action pilot course was president, electing senior Jonathan Rivera. introduced this year as a means of Rivera, who last summer interned at the empowering youth with the knowledge, John Adams resources and tools to be able to understand Courthouse, hopes to their rights and responsibilities as members pursue a career in law of a society. The curriculum examines the or criminal justice. purpose and structure of U.S. government, The students also Civics in Action seniors, from left, Jasmine Cazeau, Ashton Bennett, and Christian Jamison politics and legal system. Both English actively followed the at work at the English High School. High and Madison Park Technical U.S. presidential Vocational High School are piloting the election, gathering at IN THEIR OWN WORDS course. City Year headquarters BPS students discuss the election of Barack Obama as president of the U.S. “The goal is to build a community of Efrain Toledano on Nov. 4 to watch as individuals who have the background Obama was elected the country’s 44th Hilda Baez, Madison Park become a reality. I hope that this election knowledge and the ability to make a “Obama promises a lot of changes and will be a start of a big change for many president. what I care about is what he can do for people in America and the world.” difference, and realize the potential of At Madison Park, students held a voter the U.S. I don’t care about the ethnicity living in this country,” said Shannon Snow, registration drive, which was jointly or race. I like to see and hear that change Jason Marin, Madison Park Civics in Action teacher at Madison Park. coordinated with the League of Women is going to be made, that he does what he “From the beginning I was more The concept for the course was Voters. Approximately 50 students promised.” interested in this election than any one developed by the Hyde Square Task Force registered to vote. Students also held a before. At first it was only because (HSTF) in Jamaica Plain and inspired by a mock election through the John F. Kennedy Jathniel Cardona, English High Obama was a black candidate. After guest editorial written in 2003 by HSTF Library and Museum, which addressed “This election showed me that we (the learning more about the issues and the youth leader Maria Padilla that was questions about war, health care and Boston Globe people) could make big changes in history candidate’s positions, I felt like I was a published in the . Mayor education. The votes were included in a if we get involved. It showed me that more educated voter.” Thomas M. Menino was also involved in nationwide tally of youth voters. people could still make a big difference in the early discussions. In the fall of 2007, Next semester, coursework will focus today’s society.” Chris Oller, Madison Park HSTF Youth Community Organizers largely on the judicial system. Toledano “Obama gives me hope. Now that we attended a hearing with the Boston City plans to bring his students on a field trip to Lourtchina Limage, Madison Park have a black president, I believe that we Council to explore the possibility of adding witness a mock-trial. Students will also “Obama believed he could make a change could also have a Spanish president. I civics as a required class in all BPS high debate a Supreme Court case, as well as and he fought for it. Now his dream has wouldn’t mind being president one day.” schools. Several HSTF youth testified about more current issues such as the legalization their positive experiences and the need for of marijuana and gay marriage.

Lilla Frederick students kept close eye on presidential election Through a curriculum developed with the Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library, Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School seventh- and eighth-graders kept a watchful eye on the presidential election this past fall. Students tracked candidates on a map; debated issues; analyzed the key battleground states for the electoral college; and wrote letters to themselves, which they will open when they turn 18. Additionally, MassVOTE provided two trainings to students on the importance of voting and on the voter registration process. Students were given voter registration cards to take home to their households, and also visited the Grove Hall Shopping Center on two occasions to advocate for the importance of voting. 12 — The Boston Educator Winter 2009 U.S. Secretary of Education visits Charlestown High

BY MEAGHAN CASEY nationwide initiative that would aims to ensure that every student strengthen math and science instruction graduates from high school with the On a mission to equip students with and encourage high schools to offer skills and knowledge to succeed in the tools they need to aspire to and more rigorous and advanced college or other post-secondary succeed in college, U.S. Secretary of coursework. She has worked to education. Education Dr. Margaret Spellings visited implement grants that are providing Another reason Spellings came to with students at Charlestown High millions of dollars to low-income Charlestown is that Steven Berbico, who School. students who major in math, science or teaches Arabic, U.S. and world history Joined by Massachusetts critical foreign languages. She has also and AP Government and Politics at the Commissioner of Education Dr. Mitchell proposed a landmark plan for higher school, has been appointed to a Teaching Chester, Superintendent Dr. Carol education that would improve Ambassador Fellowship (TAF) position Johnson and Headmaster Margaret accessibility, affordability and with the U.S. Department of Education. Bledsoe, Spellings toured the school, accountability. Boston Community Leadership taking in forensics and Arabic lessons. While in Charlestown, Spellings Academy history and social studies “I was very impressed with the kind presented on the U.S. Deptartment of teacher James Liou was also selected. of rigor here, and I hope that’s Education’s new interactive Web site, The newly created fellowships offer something you take advantage of,” www.college.gov, which offers highly motivated, innovative public Spellings told students at an assembly. inspirational, real-life stories to motivate school teachers the opportunity to “The opportunity to take Arabic at the and encourage young people to go to contribute their knowledge and high school level is rare; it’s one of the college. It also provides information experience to the national dialogue on few programs in the country.” about preparing, planning and paying for public education. The Classroom During her tenure, Spellings has been college. Fellows will remain in their classrooms a leader in reform to make education Spellings’ presentation aligned with and participate in the program through U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Margaret Spellings more innovative and responsive. She is one of Johnson’s major initiatives, part-time projects throughout this school visits with student Ahmed Ali at Charlestown High coordinating the effort to pass a Graduation for All. Launched in 2007, it year. during Steven Berbico’s Arabic class.

Superintendent has big Sybertz receives lasting plans for Boston Schools praise for 30-year career

SUPERINTENDENT: from Page 1 to Excellence includes a variety of SYBERTZ: from Page 16 our kids do well,” he said. “It overwhelms strategies to ensure high-quality schools me.” and to strengthen operations to support the throughout the city that prepare all on to play in the NFL, one with great He also paid tribute to two of his academic priorities of the district. children for academic and career success. distinction. Tackle Ron Stone played in the longtime football assistants: John Conley “Clearly, Carol Johnson has Johnson has a wealth of experience in NFL for 13 years, four times being picked was also the school’s baseball coach until demonstrated that she was the right choice public education as a teacher, principal, for the Pro Bowl. 2001, when Sybertz took over, and Kevin to lead the Boston Public Schools,” said and administrator. She previously served Sybertz remembers he had to coax Stone Gadson is now the very successful head School Committee Chair Dr. Elizabeth as superintendent of the Memphis City onto the football field, and he didn’t play football coach at O’Bryant High. Reilinger. “We are most Schools in Memphis, until his junior year. When Sybertz had the horses, his teams impressed with her Tenn. During her tenure, “I harassed him until he came out,” could play with anyone. In 1995, West energy, passion and bold she successfully removed Sybertz said. “I think he came out just to Roxbury played perennial Catholic academic vision. During more than 100 schools get the crazy guy off his back.” Conference Division I power BC High and her first year, she worked from the state’s No Child Stone starred at Boston College before whipped the Eagles, 33-12. tirelessly to reach out to Left Behind “high going to the NFL, where he played for the He said kids have changed through the all sectors of the priority” list, reducing the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Giants, the years but his relationship with them is one community and establish number of schools on the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland thing that never changed. strong relationships with list by more than half. In Raiders. “Any time you coach you love your students, educators, 2007, the Tennessee When Stone returned from California to kids,” he said. “I loved them like they were families and the Parent Teacher be inducted into the Boston College on my own. They’re on my side. I’m on community. She also Association named Athletic Hall of Fame, he invited Sybertz their side.” proposed thoughtful, Johnson Tennessee to share the weekend with him. “It has always been about the kids with creative, comprehensive Superintendent of the “He always made it a point to thank me Leo,” said Ken Still, director of athletics strategies to improve the Year. Prior to her for everything I did for him,” said Sybertz. for the Boston Public Schools. academic performance of Dr. Carol R. Johnson appointment in Memphis Duke Pettitjohn starred at Syracuse and While he was teaching his players all students throughout the in 2003, Johnson had went on to play for the Jacksonville football fundamentals, he was also teaching city and to ensure that our young people been superintendent of Minneapolis Public Jaguars; he now plays in the Arena them fundamentals of life, which is why so graduate from high school with the tools to Schools, where she was named Minnesota Football League. many of them turned out to honor him. succeed.” Superintendent of the Year. But Sybertz is just as happy about the “There are a lot of lessons to be learned More recently, Johnson presented Johnson serves as chair-elect of the former players who have gone on to from football,” he said. “The importance of Pathways to Excellence, a set of proposals board of directors for the Council of the success in other fields. Take Patrice Oneal, hard work and perseverance. You only get to strengthen and consolidate the BPS in Great City Schools, and on the Spencer for instance, a teammate of Pettijohn’s who out of it what you put in. And the most order to carry out the district’s ambitious Foundation Board, the Harvard University is a successful comedian and has appeared important of all: be the best you can be and academic agenda. Adopted by the Boston Urban Superintendents’ Advisory Board, on late-night TV. have some fun out there.” School Committee in November, Pathways and she has served on the College Board. “It does my heart good that so many of The Boston Educator Winter 2009 — 13

identify schools across the country and managing your money; GED programs; starting best in the country. The study, which examines a Elementary/ Early Childhood recognize extraordinary teachers for their your own business; and raising financially variety of factors about a school’s performance dedication and innovative approach to education. responsible children. The first 50 families to and ability to prepare students for college, ranks and K-8 Schools Teachers selected were honored with a gift arrive received a copy of “We Beat the Street,” BLS No. 27 out of more than 21,000 high donation from OfficeMax for their classrooms a true story about three young men from schools nationwide. Emerson Elementary valued at more than $1,000, which includes a Newark who became doctors. swivel chair and box of classroom supplies. Carter Development Center Students participated in a special art class, when Bonnie Paton, a first-grade special education Young Achievers School The William E. Carter School won a national award renowned Israeli artist Hanoch Piven visited the teacher at the Manning, was chosen as one of Young Achievers School inaugurated its new Arts for its innovative Sensory Garden and Outdoor school to conduct a hands-on workshop. Piven these select teachers. Annex with a ribbon-cutting event. About 75 Classroom. The American Horticultural Therapy showed the students how to create portraits and people attended, including parents, students, Association recognized the garden with the other three-dimensional works using everyday James Otis Elementary teachers, staff and city officials, to formally open Therapeutic Garden Design Award at its national objects. Piven’s colorful and witty collage The Otis outdoor classroom is in its final stages. the new classrooms for the school’s music and conference in Lexington, Ky. Mayor Thomas M. portraits have appeared throughout the last 14 Students from the Pulse Program at Boston visual arts programs. The school will lease the Menino and Boston Public Schools officials years on both sides of the Atlantic – in most College are a wonderful help in the lower grades. space from a neighboring church for one year. joined families and supporters of the school to major American magazines and newspapers and The Otis School faculty has voted to partner dedicate the 16,450-square-foot garden. It was in many European publications. Since 1999, with the Harvard University Graduate School of designed to create sensory appeal and learning Piven has been conducting Drawing with Objects Education’s Pre-K to 3 initiative which looks to High Schools and motivation for students who are educationally workshops for children and adults in many improve the family school partnership. challenged by severe cognitive and countries. Special Programs Preparations for the spring production of High developmental disabilities. The garden, funded Nathan Hale Elementary School Musical are under way. The school also through public and private sources, features wrapped up a very successful Technology Goes Boston Day and Evening Academy wheelchair-accessible pathways through tall Two performers from the Ringling Bros. and grass, plants and flowers, leading to interactive Home Program through which parents learn Boston Day and Evening Academy celebrated its Barnum & Bailey Circus — Brandon of Clown basic computer skills and have the chance to installations, swings, and water features. Alley and Katya, who does a hand-balancing act fourth graduation ceremony of 2008 by honoring purchase a brand new computer for less than 21 new graduates (bringing this year’s total to — visited the Nathan Hale Elementary School to $100. The science club is doing amazing projects Community Academy congratulate students on winning the annual 83), and welcoming them to the ranks of BDEA with robotics and Lego engineering. The Otis On Nov. 14, Community Academy held the first in ReadBoston/Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey alumni. In addition to passing MCAS, all grads Family School also has 20 families improving a series of roundtable discussions focusing on Circus Read-a-Thon. The competition is held also meet 600 benchmarks, and research and their English skills for two hours a day every day creating a systems approach to removing the every year for elementary and early childhood present Capstone projects as part of after school. barriers to learning. Specialists from an array of students in Boston Public Schools as a way to demonstrating competency. This year, all organizations sat on a panel that was moderated motivate students to read at home. Students students have also benefited from the school’s Winthrop Elementary by Dr. Alice Frye, a scientist from Wellesley must read for at least 20 minutes each night first Enrichment Program, which features painter Centers for Women who works with Boston and track their reading for two weeks. The On Nov. 13, students and parents at the Winthrop and sculptor Nora Valdez, as well as a schools to research coping mechanisms in school with the highest rate of student School reported to school for a special event photographer, choreographer, a Spoken Word African-American youth. The discussion was an participation wins. With 80 percent of students designed to help prepare them for a bright coach, and cooking classes taught by organic overwhelming success, focusing on topics from completing the challenge, the Nathan Hale was future. Thinking About the Future offered chef and cookbook author Didi Emmons. teen parenting to unemployment to teacher this year’s winning school. Students also workshops to help children and adults prepare training. Parents, students, and community received free tickets to the circus. for college, career success, and financial stability. Boston Latin School members were an integral part of the roundtable Speakers from area colleges, corporations, In its annual ranking of the 100 Best High Schools and they posed a series challenging questions to public agencies, community-based organizations in America, U.S. News & World Report magazine Joseph P. Manning Elementary the panel. and other partners led sessions about a variety recognized Boston Latin School as one of the OfficeMax partnered with Adopt-A-Classroom to of topics, including: getting ready for college; Students are Adams’ chief concern

BY JESSICA BENSON But she needed to be near the her dissertation, which is about how principals and teachers ocean, and would eventually find handle leadership within their schools. She started out as a special education teacher, working herself in California, the halfway She is living in the heart of the city, and because she left with learning-disabled children. They were “tough” students. point between Hawaii and her her car at home, is learning her way around on the T. Still, she loved seeing their eyes light up with excitement husband’s home in Pennsylvania. Though she enjoys being closer to her grown daughter, who when they learned something new. In California, Adams worked lives in New York City, Adams admits that the climate does Now one of the top administrators in Boston Public in some difficult schools, mostly take some getting used to. Schools, Barbara Adams says she still loves witnessing those in urban systems in the northern “I can’t believe it can get this cold,” she said. magical moments in the classroom. part of the state. Despite the weather, Adams is happy in her new home. “That’s where the action is,” she said. “That’s why I find Today, she remembers how “Boston’s a great city to live in,” she says. this still exciting after all these years.” hopeless it would seem It’s also a great place to be an educator, according to Last spring, Adams was named the chief academic officer sometimes, working in buildings Adams. She’s found an unusual amount of support for the for the BPS, where she is overseeing employees involved with bars on the windows, and school system among the community, with various with curriculum and professional development. She was Barbara Adams mourning students killed in foundations and business leaders taking an active role in recruited for the position from the West Coast by shootings. But she always found helping the district. Superintendent Dr. Carol Johnson. inspiration in the students who kept coming to school and “The commitment of this community is actually quite “The superintendent just really cares for people and cares trying to do well, despite all the odds against them. amazing to me. It‘s unlike any other, really, that I’ve seen,” for kids,” Adams said. “She’s very passionate and Through those years, Adams worked her way up the she said. “You’ve got a community that tries very hard to convincing.” ranks, going from teacher to the principal of a small school, wrap its arms around schools.” To take the job, Adams had to move from her home in and eventually into a central office position. When she was Yet there are still many challenges facing Adams in her California, where her husband still lives while the couple promoted, she found she missed being around the students. new position. She’s determined to make gains in literacy, waits for the real estate market to improve so they can either She still tries to make time for visiting schools so she can ensuring that all children are reading by the third grade. She sell or lease their home. And she had to move even further be around children again. also wants to see more English language learners performing away from the place where she was raised — Maui, Hawaii. “I really enjoy that part of it,” she said. “I need to do far at the highest levels. Adams is the daughter of immigrants from the Philippines more of it.” “We are so fortunate to have Barbara Adams leading our who worked on plantations in Hawaii. When she grew up, Adams first came to Boston in 2003 to work on her academic team,” said Dr. Johnson. “I am confident she will she left home to attend Loyola University in Chicago. doctorate at Harvard University. She is currently working on help take us to the next level of excellence.” 14 — The Boston Educator Winter 2009

Chittick Elementary School Hale Elementary School Mather Elementary School Taylor Elementary School Early Learning Centers Michelle Burnett-Herndon, Principal Sandra Mitchell-Woods, Principal Emily Cox, Principal Elie Jean-Louis, Principal 154 Ruskindale Road, Mattapan 02126 51 Cedar Street, Roxbury 02119 1 Parish Street, Dorchester 02122 1060 Morton Street, Mattapan 02126 Baldwin Early Learning Center 617-635-8652 617-635-8205 617-635-8757 617-635-8731 Graciela Hopkins, Principal Clap Elementary School Haley Elementary School Mattahunt Elementary School Trotter Elementary School 121 Corey Road, Brighton 02135 Mary Tormey-Hamilton, Principal Ross Wilson, Principal Gloria Woods, Principal Mairead Nolan, Principal 617-635-8409 35 Harvest Street, Dorchester 02125 570 American Legion Highway, 100 Hebron Street, Mattapan 02126 135 Humboldt Ave., Dorchester 02121 East Boston Early Education Center 617-635-8672 Roslindale 02131 617-635-8792 617-635-8225 617-635-8169 Olga Frechon, Principal Condon Elementary School McKinley Elementary School Tynan Elementary School 135 Gove Street, East Boston 02128 Ann Garofalo, Principal Hamilton Elementary School Christine Stella, Program Director Carlene Shavis, Principal 617-635-6456 200 D Street, South Boston 02127 Yolanda Burnett, Principal 90 Warren Avenue, Boston 02116 650 E. Fourth Street, S. Boston 02127 East Zone Early Learning Center 617-635-8608 198 Strathmore Road, Brighton 02135 617-635-9978 617-635-8641 617-635-8388 Corrinna Horton, Principal Conley Elementary School Mendell Elementary School Winship Elementary School 370 Columbia Road, Dorchester 02125 Kathleen Armstrong, Principal Harvard/Kent Elementary School Karen Cahill, Principal Antonio Barbosa, Principal 617-635-8604 450 Poplar Street, Roslindale 02131 Richard Martin, Principal 164 School Street, Roxbury 02119 54 Dighton Street, Brighton 02135 Ellison/Parks Early Education 617-635-8099 50 Bunker Hill St., Charlestown 02129 617-635-8234 617-635-8399 School 617-635-8358 Nora Toney, Principal Dever Elementary School Mozart Elementary School Winthrop Elementary School Vivian Swoboda, Principal Hennigan Elementary School James Brewer, Principal Emily Shamieh, Principal 108 Babson Street, Mattapan 02126 325 Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester 02125 Eleanor Kearse-Perry, Principal 236 Beech Street, Roslindale 02131 35 Brookford Street, Dorchester 02125 617-635-7680 617-635-8694 200 Heath Street, Jamaica Plain 02130 617-635-8082 617-635-8379 Haynes Early Education Center 617-635-8264 Valerie Gumes, Principal Dickerman Elementary School O’Donnell Elementary School Jessica Bolt, Principal Higginson Elementary School Robert Martin, Principal 263 Blue Hill Avenue, Roxbury 02119 K-12 Schools 206 Magnolia Street, Dorchester 02121 Joy Salesman-Oliver, Principal 33 Trenton Street, East Boston 02128 617-635-6446 160 Harrishof Street, Roxbury 02119 617-635-8253 617-635-845 Carter Development Center West Zone Early Learning Center 617-635-8247 Marianne Kopaczynski, Principal Eunice da Silva Fernandes, Principal Ellis Elementary School O’Hearn Elementary School Carlos Gibb, Principal Holland Elementary School William Henderson, Principal 396 Northampton St., Boston 02118 200 Heath Street, Jamaica Plain 02130 302 Walnut Avenue, Roxbury 02119 Michele O’Connell, Principal 1669 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester 02122 617-635-9832 617-635-8275 85 Olney Street, Dorchester 02121 617-635-8257 617-635-8725 Counseling & Intervention Center 617-635-8832 Emerson Elementary School Ohrenberger Elementary School Stephen Squillante, Program Director Elementary Schools C. Sura O’Mard-Gentle, Principal Holmes Elementary School Stephen Zrike, Jr., Principal 515 Hyde Park Ave., Roslindale 02131 6 Shirley Street, Roxbury 02119 Catherine Constant, Principal 175 West Boundary Road, 617-635-8123 40 School Street, Dorchester 02124 West Roxbury 02132 617-635-8507 Horace Mann School for the Deaf Adams Elementary School 617-635-8681 617-635-8157 Everett Elementary School Jeremiah Ford, Principal Margarita Ruiz, Principal Nicole Mack, Principal John F. Kennedy Elementary School Otis Elementary School 40 Armington Street, Allston 02134 165 Webster Street, E. Boston 02128 71 Pleasant Street, Dorchester 02125 Eileen Morales, Principal Leo Flanagan, Jr., Principal 617-635-8534 617-635-8383 7 Bolster Street, Jamaica Plain 02130 218 Marion Street, East Boston 02128 617-635-8779 McKinley Schools Agassiz Elementary School 617-635-8127 617-635-8372 Farragut Elementary School Bonnie Miller, Headmaster Maria Cordon, Principal Rosemary Harmon, Principal P.J. Kennedy Elementary School Perkins Elementary School 90 Warren Avenue, Boston 02116 20 Child Street, Jamaica Plain 02130 10 Fenwood Road, Boston 02115 Marice Diakite, Principal Barney Brawer, Principal 617-635-9976 617-635-8198 617-635-8450 343 Saratoga St., East Boston 02128 50 Burke Street, South Boston 02127 Alighieri Elementary School 617-635-8466 617-635-8601 Fifield Elementary School K-8 Schools Anthony Valdez, Principal Craig Lankhorst, Principal Kenny Elementary School Philbrick Elementary School 37 Gove Street, East Boston 02128 25 Dunbar Avenue, Dorchester 02124 Suzanne Federspiel, Principal Laurie Carr, Acting Principal Curley K-8 School 617-635-8529 617-635-8618 19 Oakton Avenue, Dorchester 02122 40 Philbrick Street, Roslindale 02131 Jeffrey Slater, Co-Principal (Upper) Bates Elementary School 617-635-8789 617-635-8069 Gardner Pilot Academy Mirna Vega-Wilson, Co-Principal Kelly Hung, Principal (Lower) Erica Herman, Principal Lee Academy Quincy Elementary School 426 Beech Street, Roslindale 02131 493 Centre St., Jamaica Plain 02130 30 Athol Street, Allston 02134 Genteen Lacet Jean-Michel, Principal Suzanne Lee, Principal 617-635-8064 617-635-8176 617-635-8365 155 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester 02124 885 Washington Street, Boston 02111 Beethoven Elementary School 617-635-6619 617-635-8497 Eliot K-8 School Garfield Elementary School Eileen Nash, Principal Traci Walker Griffith, Principal Louise Kuhlman, Principal Lee Elementary School Russell Elementary School 5125 Washington St., W.Roxbury 02132 16 Charter Street, Boston 02113 95 Beechcroft Street, Brighton 02135 Kimberly E. Curtis, Principal Tamara Blake, Principal 617-635-8149 617-635-8545 617-635-8351 155 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester 02124 750 Columbia Road, Dorchester 02125 Blackstone Elementary School 617-635-8687 617-635-8803 Sarah Greenwood K-8 School Elihu Greenwood Elementary School Mildred Ruiz-Allen, Principal Isabel Mendez, Principal Ida Weldon, Principal Manning Elementary School Shaw Elementary School 380 Shawmut Avenue, Boston 02118 189 Glenway Street, Dorchester 02121 612 Metropolitan Ave., Hyde Park 02136 Sara Stone, Acting Principal Maudlin Wright, Principal 617-635-8471 617-635-8710 617-635-8665 130 Louders Lane, Jamaica Plain 02130 429 Norfolk Street, Dorchester 02124 Bradley Elementary School 617-635-8102 617-635-8719 Hernández K-8 School Grew Elementary School Anne Kelly, Principal Margarita Muñiz, Principal Ronald Jackson, Principal Marshall Elementary School Stone Elementary School 110 Beachview Road, E. Boston 02128 61 School Street, Roxbury 02119 40 Gordon Avenue, Hyde Park 02136 Teresa Harvey-Jackson, Principal Patricia Niles-Randolph, Principal 617-635-8422 617-635-8187 617-635-8715 35 Westville Street, Dorchester 02124 22 Regina Road, Dorchester 02124 Channing Elementary School 617-635-8810 617-635-8773 Hurley K-8 School Guild Elementary School Deborah Dancy, Principal Marjorie Soto, Principal Simon Ho, Principal Mason Elementary School Sumner Elementary School 35 Sunnyside Street, Hyde Park 02136 70 Worcester Street, Boston 02118 195 Leyden Street, East Boston 02128 Harolyn Bowden, Principal Lourdes Santiago, Principal 617-635-8722 617-635-8489 617-635-8523 150 Norfolk Avenue, Roxbury 02119 15 Basile Street, Roslindale 02131 617-635-8405 617-635-8131 The Boston Educator Winter 2009 — 15

Jackson/Mann K-8 School Edison Middle School Boston Community Leadership Greater Egleston Community High Joanne Russell, Principal Mary Driscoll, Principal Investing in students Academy Julie Coles, Headmaster 40 Armington Street, Allston 02134 60 Glenmont Road, Brighton 02135 Nicole Bahnam, Headmaster 80 School Street, Roxbury 02119 617-635-8532 617-635-8436 20 Warren Street, Brighton 02135 617-635-6429 617-635-8937 Kilmer K-8 School Edwards Middle School Health Careers Academy Boston Day & Evening Academy Jerome Doherty, Principal Jeffrey Riley, Principal Caren Walker, Headmaster Beatriz Zapater, Co-Headmaster 35 Baker St. (grade K-3) 28 Walker Street, Charlestown 02129 110 The Fenway, Boston 02115 Caren Cowan, Co-Headmaster 140 Russett Road (grade 4-7) 617-635-8516 617-373-8576 20 Kearsarge Street, Roxbury 02119 West Roxbury 02132 Frederick Pilot Middle School 617-635-6789 Madison Park High School 617-635-8060/ 617-635-6855 Debra Socia, Principal Charles McAfee, Headmaster Boston International High School Lyndon K-8 School 270 Columbia Road, Dorchester 02121 75 Malcolm X Blvd, Roxbury 02120 Oscar Santos, Headmaster 617-635-8970 Sherry Brooks-Roberts and Kate 617-635-1650 25 Glen Road, Jamaica Plain 02130 Johnson, Management Team Gavin Middle School McKinley Preparatory High School 617-635-9373 20 Mt. Vernon St., W. Roxbury 02132 Alexander Mathews, Principal Joseph Brown, Program Director 617-635-6824 215 Dorchester St., S. Boston 02127 Emerson School student Janice Brighton High School 97 Peterborough Street, Boston 02215 Lyon K-8 School 617-635-8817 Alves hugs David Ware of Toby Romer, Headmaster 617-635-9907 Fidelity Investments, which Deborah Rooney, Principal Harbor School 25 Warren Street, Brighton 02135 McKinley South End Academy donated school supplies to 617-635-9873 50 Beechcroft Street, Brighton 02135 Amy Marx, Principal Emerson students. Christine Stella, Program Director 617-635-7945 11 Charles St., Dorchester 02122 Brook Farm Business & Service 90 Warren Avenue, Boston 02116 Career Academy 617-635-9976 McKay K-8 School 617-635-6365 Wilson Middle School Irving Middle School Claudette Mulligan-Gates, Principal Edmund Donnelly, Headmaster Media Communications Marco Curnen, Principal 1205 V.F.W. Parkway, W.Roxbury 02132 James Watson, Principal 18 Croftland Ave., Dorchester 02124 Technology High School 122 Cottage Street, East Boston 02128 617-635-6956 105 Cummins Highway, Roslindale 02131 617-635-8827 Sung-Joon Pai, Headmaster 617-635-8510 617-635-8072 Burke High School 1205 V.F.W. Parkway, W. Roxbury 02132 Mission Hill K-8 School Grade 6-12 Schools King Middle School Carol Bradley Moore, Headmaster 617-635-8935 Ayla Gavins, Principal Ruby Ababio-Fernandez, Principal 60 Washington St., Dorchester 02121 Monument High School 67 Alleghany Street, Roxbury 02120 100 Maxwell Ave., Dorchester 02124 Boston Latin Academy 617-635-9837 Nadia Cyprien, Acting Headmaster 617-635-6384 617-635-8212 Maria Garcia-Aaronson, Headmaster Charlestown High School 95 G St., 1st floor, South Boston 02127 205 Townsend St., Dorchester 02121 Murphy K-8 School Lewenberg Middle School Margaret Ranny Bledsoe, Headmaster 617-635-9865 Vera Johnson, Principal 617-635-9957 Andy Tuite, Principal 240 Medford St., Charlestown 02129 New Mission High School 1 Worrell Street, Dorchester 02122 Boston Latin School 20 Outlook Road, Mattapan 02126 617-635-9914 Naia L. Wilson, Headmaster 617-635-8781 Lynne Mooney Teta, Headmaster 617-635-8623 Community Academy 67 Alleghany Street, Roxbury 02120 78 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston 02115 Orchard Gardens K-8 School Lewis Middle School Lindsa McIntyre, Headmaster 617-635-6437 617-635-8895 Norman Townsend, Principal Ronald Spratling, Principal 76 Shirley Street, Roxbury 02119 Noonan Business Academy 906 Albany Street, Roxbury 02119 131 Walnut Avenue, Roxbury 02119 O’Bryant School of Math & Science 617-635-7734 Kwesi Moody, Headmaster 617-635-1660 617-635-8137 Joel Stembridge, Headmaster Community Academy of Science 9 Peacevale Road, Dorchester 02124 55 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury 02120 and Health Perry K-8 School McCormack Middle School 617-635-9932 617-635-9730 Mary Jane Dotson, Principal DaQuall Graham, Principal Linda Cabral, Headmaster Odyssey High School 745 E. Seventh St., S. Boston 02127 315 Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester 02125 Quincy Upper School 655 Metropolitan Ave., Hyde Park 02136 Bak Fun Wong, Headmaster Virginia Ordway-Macrina, Headmaster 617-635-8840 617-635-8657 617-635-8950 20 Church St (grade 6) 95 G St., 3rd floor, S. Boston 02127 Roosevelt K-8 School McKinley Middle School 900 Washington St. (grade 7-8) Community Transition School 617-635-9860 Emily Glasgow, Principal Joseph Brown, Program Director 152 Arlington St. (grade 9-12) Habiba Davis, Director 50 St. Mary Street, Boston 02215 Boston 02116 Parkway Academy of Technology 30 Millstone Road (grade K1-1) 7 Palmer Street, Roxbury 02119 and Health 95 Needham Road (grade 2-8) 617-635-9853 617-635-8940 617-635-1295 Pamela Hilton, Headmaster Hyde Park 02136 617-635-8676 Middle School Academy East Boston High School 1205 V.F.W. Parkway, W.Roxbury 02132 Yvonne Vest, Program Director Tobin K-8 School High Schools Michael Rubin, Headmaster 617-635-6732 2 McLellan Street, Dorchester 02121 Cheryl Watson-Harris, Principal 86 White Street, East Boston 02128 617-635-1534 Snowden International School 40 Smith Street, Roxbury 02120 617-635-9896 Gloria Coulter, Headmaster 617-635-8393 Mildred Ave. Middle School Engineering School 150 Newbury Street, Boston 02116 Kris Taylor, Principal Academy of Public Service Warren/Prescott K-8 School Mweusi Willingham, Headmaster 617-635-9989 5 Mildred Avenue, Mattapan 02126 Rudolph Weekes, Headmaster Domenic Amara, Principal 9 Peacevale Road, Dorchester 02124 655 Metropolitan Ave., Hyde Park 02136 617-635-1642 Social Justice Academy 50 School Street, Charlestown 02129 617-635-8910 617-635-6425 Rogers Middle School Winston Cox, Headmaster 617-635-8346 Another Course to College English High School Andrew Bott, Principal 655 Metropolitan Ave., Hyde Park 02136 Rachel Skerritt, Headmaster Jose Duarte, Headmaster Young Achievers Science & Math 15 Everett Street, Hyde Park 02136 617-635-6960 20 Warren Street, Brighton 02135 K-8 School 617-635-8700 144 McBride St., Jamaica Plain 02130 TechBoston Academy 617-635-8865 617-635-8979 Virginia Chalmers, Principal Timilty Middle School Mary Skipper, Chief Education Officer 25 Walk Hill St., Jamaica Plain 02130 Boston Adult Technical Academy Valeria Lowe-Barehmi, Principal Excel High School 9 Peacevale Road, Dorchester 02124 617-635-6804 Sheila Azores, Headmaster 205 Roxbury Street, Roxbury 02119 Ligia Noriega, Headmaster 617-635-1615 75 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury 02120 617-635-8109 95 G St., 2nd floor, S. Boston 02127 617-635-1542 Urban Science Academy Middle Schools 617-635-9870 Umana Middle School Academy Boston Arts Academy Rasheed Hakim Meadows, Headmaster José Salgado, Principal 1205 V.F.W. Parkway, W.Roxbury 02132 Linda Nathan, Co-Headmaster Fenway High School Dearborn Middle School 312 Border Street, East Boston 02128 617-635-8930 Carmen Torres, Co-Headmaster Peggy Kemp, Headmaster Carroll Blake, Acting Principal 617-635-8481 174 Ipswich St., Boston 02215 174 Ipswich Street, Boston 02215 35 Greenville Street, Roxbury 02119 617-635-6470 617-635-9911 617-635-8412 16 — The Boston Educator Winter 2009

THE BOSTON EDUCATOR

Coach wins lasting praise Sybertz honored for 30-year career marked by excellence

BY RICH FAHEY in 1976. from the rest, one despite its lack of success. Leo Sybertz was anxious to get his message out to The former West Roxbury High teacher spent 31 In 1977, the second year of the school’s existence, the many friends, former students, players, teaching years as the school’s football coach. He also coached he had a squad of 21-22 players that was small in colleagues and administrators who turned out to honor baseball, first as assistant and then as head coach for stature and not very fast. The team finished 1-9, but him at the halftime of the Latin Academy-West eight years. Sybertz said the group got all it could out of its talent Roxbury High football game at White Stadium. Sybertz and his teams set standards for excellence and then some. “I never got a chance to speak on the mike that day. during his tenure as football coach at the school, “We gave up only 12 points per game,” he said. “We If I had, this is what I would have said. ‘I love you all, including: 13 league championships; 10 Super Bowl didn’t have athletes, but the kids played their hearts I thank you all and may the good Lord bless you all.’” appearances, with five victories; undefeated teams in out every game and everyone showed up to practice on Sybertz has always measured his success as a 1983, 1987, 1988 and 1995; and winning streaks of 22 Monday. We lost to a good Malden Catholic team 12-8 football coach not in the number of players he sent to games and 16 games (twice). He won 202 games along in a game we should have won and were beaten 8-0 on college programs or the NFL, but by the number of the way, all despite having only two paid assistant Thanksgiving by Hyde Park, a team that was 40 points future cops, firemen, and teachers who came through coaches. better than us.” the program. At the White Stadium ceremonies, Sybertz received He also praised the 1983 undefeated team, which he He started his coaching career at Roslindale High citations from the School Committee, the Governor’s said wasn’t the most talented, but came to play every and then took over the football program at West Council, and the Boston City Council, and there was week. Roxbury when the school opened an award presentation from the BPS athletic Two of his players have gone department. During Sybertz’s long tenure, two teams stood out See SYBERTZ Page 12

Officials Chris Clemente, Gerry Morrissey, Angelo Scaccia and Ed Shanahan wish Leo Sybertz well at the ceremony honoring him. PHOTO: PAULA MULLER