East Boston High School Program of Studies 2017- 2018 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Dear Student, My name is Phillip R. Brangiforte, and I am both honored and humbled to be able to address the parents and residents of this community as Headmaster of East Boston High School. Very often in the realm of secondary education, we speak of the word “identity” in relation to our students. Why? Because high school is the period when individuals truly develop lasting identities; when children become young adults; when career aspirations are instilled, and when choices both positive and negative can impact a lifetime. I would ask that you please allow me a brief moment to share my identity with all of you. I am, and will always be, a lifelong resident of East Boston. I could have moved anywhere, but I decided to live and raise my family in the city where my roots were planted. I could have sent my children to any school, but I chose East Boston High because my bloodlines run deep within these walls, as over 40 of my relatives, including my parents, sister, and children have proudly received diplomas from this great institution. As a child growing up on West Eagle Street, I often looked out of my bedroom window at the brick facade of East Boston High, yearning to be one of the kids who poured out of the green doors every afternoon, off to football or baseball practice. Eventually, I wore the blue and gold with such intense pride that after graduating college, I decided to dedicate my life to the betterment of this school and the surrounding community. That dream was fulfilled when I was appointed as East Boston High School's Headmaster. So as your children enter our beloved school and begin to mold the identities that will define their futures, I want them to understand that we share two common bonds: The first was forged in the classrooms and playgrounds of this great neighborhood. I have walked the same hallways, sat in the same seats, and played on the same fields as your sons and daughters. For them, my door is always open, and when they graduate, their identities will be solidified: they will join me as proud alumni of East Boston High: prepared to further their educations, embark on successful careers, and become role models to generations who will follow in their footsteps. The second bond lies even deeper, in the roots of our ancestors from all parts of the globe, to this land of opportunity. Our cultural backgrounds help define us as individuals, and I embrace those from all over the world who are as proud as I am to call East Boston their home. I believe that we are united, not divided by our shared history as pioneers to this great city. Like so many of you, I am the product of immigrants searching for a better life. My grandparents were Italian and Spanish, and despite speaking very little English, they worked hard, nurtured their children and grandchildren, and became symbolic of what makes East Boston a truly special place to live, a genuine Melting Pot, where people from all over the world can begin their journeys toward the American Dream. It is my hope that East Boston High can be an integral part of that experience. Our educational initiatives promote continued success not just in high school, but in all post-secondary endeavors. This is evidenced by a consistent stream of alumni who have returned as successful graduates of some of the most prestigious colleges in the world. Their journeys began with our rigorous curriculum, which currently offers 24 Advanced Placement and Honors courses and SAT Prep for almost every junior. We also promote over 20 sports, clubs and activities to ensure that every student feels not only academically challenged, but also socially accepted. I pledge to you that as Headmaster, I will work tirelessly to provide safety and security; to ensure high academic standards and rigorous instruction; to provide 21st Century skills and college readiness; to model self-respect and tolerance; to motivate and inspire every student who enters East Boston High School. I have fulfilled my American Dream. It is my turn to help our children discover theirs. Thank you for your trust and support. Sincerely, Phillip R. Brangiforte Headmaster East Boston High School Mission Statement We are committed to educating, caring for, and inspiring all East Boston High School students to have the capacity to be successful in their life pursuits. Our expectation is for all members of our school community to embody our legacy of “Class, Pride, Tradition.” Core 4 Values Embrace Excellence in Character “Class, Pride, Tradition” Be Passionate for Learning Inspire, imagine, and innovate Have Empathy and Compassion Care for self, others, and community Show Pride in our Community Celebrate, honor, and respect all in our community 21st Century Learning Expectations Academic 1. Technology / Media Evaluate media content and sources to convey ideas, observations, and information with clarity, while using current and emerging technologies. 2. Critical Thinking / Problem-Solving Apply critical thinking skills to analyze and solve real-world problems, independently and with others, in a culturally diverse and interconnected world. 3. Communicative Competence Communicate information clearly and effectively using all language domains in multiple contexts for a variety of audiences and purposes. 4. Self-directed, Independent Learners Monitor academic progress and performance through self-reflection. Social Act responsibly and collaboratively while considering the diverse perspectives and values of others. Civic Be a respectful, informed, and contributing member of the community who advocates for self and others. East Boston High School Organizational Chart of Administrators, Student Development Counselors, and Staff Assistants Phillip R. Brangiforte, Headmaster Judith Blanco, Assistant Headmaster Administrator Student Development Counselor Staff Assistant Grade 9 Michael Smith Teni Patterson Carmen Pittella [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ext. 30310 Ext. 30337 Ext. 30327 (Suite 164) (Suite 162C) (Suite 158A) (ELL 9th grade & newcomers grade10) Taryn Powers [email protected] Ext. 30335 (Suite 162B) (SPED, Reg ed & Repeaters) Grade 10 Jayson Smith Jackie Seda Lashawn Streater [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ext. 30307 Ext. 30343 Ext. 30340 (Suite 301) (Suite 225C) (Room 158A) Grade 11 Audrey Schindler Claudia Rodriguez Ricardo Perez [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ext. 30323 Ext. 30318 Ext. 30340 (Room 201) (Suite 225D) (Suite 158A) Grade 12 Theresa O’Neill Jo-Anne Themo & Noemy Vides TBA [email protected] [email protected] & Ext. 30327 Ext. 30308 [email protected] (Suite 158A) (Room 221) Ext. 30348 (Suite 225B) Grades Jaime Staraitis 9 – 12 [email protected] (ELL) Ext. 30309 (Suite 162A) Grades Melissa Curley Rosalia Bianchi (Grades 10-12) 9 – 12 [email protected] [email protected] Special Ext. 30305 Ext. 30328 Education (Suite 215) (Suite 225A) Christine Hanley Robin Delaney [email protected] [email protected] Ext.30339 Ext. 30320 (Suite 227) (Suite 223A) Main Office Main Office Main Office Administrative Support Support Staff Administrative 617-635-9896 • Ms. Laurie Murphy • Maura McCormack, Registrar Support and Main Office (fax) • Ms. Rita Eliot Jane Simpson, Nurse Main Office 617-635-9726 • • Ms. Jessica Saravia Numbers Tardy Desk • Ms. Cindy Gatta-Hurley, Nurse 617-635-9896 • Josephine Tescione, Librarian EAST BOSTON HIGH SCHOOL COURSE OF STUDY MASS CORE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Students must fulfill the following Mass Core College & Career Readiness requirements: •---––––4 ELA/ESL Courses + + + • 4 Math Courses: 1 Advanced Algebra + 3 Math Courses + + + • 3 Science courses total: Physics, Biology and Chemistry + 1 Science Course Elective + + + • 3 History courses: U.S. History 1 + U.S. History 2 + World History + + • 2 World/Native Language Courses in the Same Language + • 2 Physical Education/Health courses + • 1 Art Course 1 Computer Course + • 2 Career Technical Education courses + • 3 Mass Core elective courses + + • PASS ELA, MATH and SCIENCE MCAS GPA, AP, DUAL ENROLLMENT AND HONORS EXPLANATION GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS GPA (GRADE POINT AVERAGE) In high school, you are given letter grades on your report card, which are then converted into number grades. These number grades are averaged to calculate your GPA. The GPA is important because it represents the kind of student you have been in high school. It is based on a 4.0 scale. To calculate your GPA, you can convert the letter grade into the following numerical values: an A = 4 points, a B = 3 points, a C = 2 points, a D = 1 point, and an F = 0 points. The numbers are then averaged. The more A’s you get, the higher the GPA. What is an Honors course? An honors course is a class with more demanding college-prep coursework. Honors classes can cover advanced material and allow for more in-depth study than a standard course. Students must have 90% attendance rate, must receive a teacher recommendation in order to enroll and they must have a B or better in the content of the honors course they want to take. What is an AP course? An AP course stands for Advanced Placement. It is a course created by the College Board, which offers college-level content and exams to