Happy Holidays!

Dear Community,

The first "real" vacation is upon us.  Upon dismissal today, students were sent home with strict instructions: rest, recharge, and stay safe over the next 13 days.  Simple, yet important.  When your young scholar arrives home today, be sure to ask him or her for the progress report we distributed today.  The grades on this report indicate how your student is doing at this point - the midpoint of the second grading quarter.  This is a good time to have a conversation about what's going well and where improvement is needed.  If you want to login and see it yourself, follow this link to set up an account (I know I sound like a broken record on this point).

School is officially closed for the vacation.  Remember, there is no school on Monday.  Students return on Friday, January 3rd.  This is a rather odd day to return, but an important one anyway.  We have several assemblies happening that day (see below).  This day will be fun and informative for sure.

Please accept my best wishes for wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,
Dr. T


1/3/13 Assemblies:

2^nd period 8:30 am

9^th Grade- Tim Klein from Summer Search- Doing the Right Thing

3^rd period 9:30 am

   12^th Grade- Ben Franklin - Charlie Cremens and Roxbury Community College – Charles Diggs on The Advantages of and Programs offered by a Technical School and/or Community College

5^th period Noon

          11^th Grade- How to pick a college(Guidance)/ How to pay for college (UAspire)/Fisher College on Dual Enrollment

         

6^th period 1 pm

10^th Guest speaking panel on the Path to Success

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

We're quickly rounding the corner to a much-deserved vacation.  By way of reminder, at dismissal next Friday, winter vacation will officially begin.  There is no school on Monday, December 23rd.

Lots happening on the campus this week.  This week played host to the first official winter athletics games/meets.  To be clear, BHS offers boys and girls basketball and winter track.  There are also intramural leagues sponsored by the Boston Scholar Athletes.  I was able to lay eyes on just about all of the athletes, preparing for or engaging in official contests.  They looked great!  For the record, participation is a good thing.  Student-athletes tend to have higher grade point averages (GPA's) than those who do not.  Yesterday morning, our HOSA (Health Occupation Student Association), put on an incredible Health Fair.  I'm not sure how many students attended, but I'm certain that it was in the hundreds.   Lastly, approximately 75 BHS students were treated to a wonderful holiday concert this morning.  Musicians from Boston College gave of their time to put this on.

If you're still waiting for a report card to arrive in the mail, forgive me.  It's coming.  In the meantime, please know that you can set up an account Student Information System to see your child's grades for the first quarter or real time in the second quarter.  Follow this link.

Have a great weekend!  Stay warm!

Best,
Dr. T
 

Welcome Back!

Reminder - there is no school on December 23rd.  Students will return from winter vacation on Friday, Jan 3rd.

Dear Community,

I hope this message finds you well after the Thanksgiving Holiday!  Our transition back to classes was seamless.  Hold on to your hats though.  We have only two weeks before the winter vacation.

Good news!  The Bengal football squad prevailed in their game on Thanksgiving Day giving them the distinction of City Champs!  We're incredibly proud of the team.  An additional congratulations to Jalen Applewhite who earned Boston Herald All Scholastics honors.  Jalen is the third BHS quarterback to earn this distinction in six years!  If know him and you see him, congratulate him!

More good news - we have more then 100 seniors signed up to take the Accuplacer exam before the winter vacation.  The Accuplacer is an exam that colleges use to determine if a student is ready to take college-level courses.  Seniors who are inclined can take a course at Bunker Hill Community College this spring FREE OF CHARGE.  The Accuplacer is a requirement for this opportunity.  The early returns are great!  If you would like more information, don't hesitate to contact me (ptutwiler@bostonpublicschools).

BPS is going Google!  Next Monday the district will shift to the gmail platform.  I share this with you because there are a number of teaching opportunities this technology presents.  Bottom line: we're getting better everyday.  More soon!

Lastly, we lost a true champion of human rights causes this week.  Nelson Mandela will no doubt go down as one of the most influential figures in history.  He touched the lives of millions.  His inspiration hit very close to BHS.  Follow this link to see how he inspired Mr. Depina, a 9th grade history teacher.

Have a great weekend!

Best,
Dr. T


P.S.   On Facebook?  Like BHS: facebook.com/bhsbengals  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Community,

I will keep my comments short and sweet this go 'round. Please read and then proceed with the business of enjoying your holiday.  Quickly, this week began with a wonderful celebration of our students.  As quarter one is done and behind is us, we thought it important to celebrate the many things students did well.  Not everyone got recognized, but I expect to offer a congratulatory handshake to many more young scholars when we do this again in February.   Report cards were distributed on Monday.  I will mail a copy home as well.  Keep an eye out.  Lastly, BHS will play O'Bryant tomorrow morning at 10am Madison Park High School field.  Admission is $2 for students and $5 for adults.  Please come...wear black and orange.

Please accept my best wishes for a restful, family-centered Thanksgiving.

Best,
Dr. T

Happy Friday!

Reminder - there is no school on December 23rd.  Students will return from winter vacation on Jan 3rd.

Dear Community,

I have lots of good news to share.  First, a hearty congratulations again to the Brighton Debate team! We had some 35 debaters participate in last weekend's event.  We performed masterfully, claiming top honors in several categories.  Kudos!  We  also learned this week that Brighton High School WILL have a Thanksgiving game.  The Bengals will square up against O'Bryant at the Madison Park field.  Kick off is 10am.  This game carries much importance as it will determine the Boston City champion - both team won their section in the city.  Should be exciting!

Report cards will be distributed on Monday.  We will also mail a copy home.  Lastly, by way of reminder, next week is a short one (you already knew that).  Students will be dismissed at 11am on Wednesday.

Have a great weekend!

Best,
Dr. T

P.S.   On Facebook?  Like BHS: facebook.com/bhsbengals



Notices:

Low-Cost Internet for BPS Families...Read on!

Overview of the program

http://www.internetessentials.com/sites/internetessentials.com/files/reports/ie-fcc_trifold-2013_fall_fnl.pdf

How it works

http://www.internetessentials.com/how-it-works

To Sign Up

Families can call 1-855-8-INTERNET or visit www.internetessentials.com

Happy Friday and Important Calendar Change

Dear Community,

I hope this message finds you well and celebrating successful management of the first cold snap of the season.  Winter is near - that is much is for sure.  Well, we successfully managed another good week at BHS.  Among the many happenings was a momentous field trip.  Two of the Facing History classes, an elective for seniors, went to hear a Holocaust survivor speak (pic below).  This is a special opportunity, as the number of survivors of this tragic historical event is quickly waning.  For our students, this was an opportunity to interact with history, up close and personal.

I have one important announcement and a request then I'll let you get on with the business of enjoying your weekend.  This week, the Superintendent announced a calendar change.  There is no school on Monday, December 23rd.  The last day of school has been pushed back to June 20th (weather permitting).  

The request - come see a debate tournament.  Brighton High has one of the largest debate teams in the city and is a perennial powerhouse.  There is a tournament this weekend at English High School - Brighton has 31 students debating.  Come check it out!  Drop in this evening from 4pm-8pm or Saturday, 8am-3pm.

Have a nice weekend!

Best,
Dr. T

****************
Foundation Year 

Admissions

Information Session

Tuesday, November 19

6:00-8:00 pm

Northeastern University

Churchill Hall

Room 103

All students, families, guidance counselors & community organizations are welcome.

Directions and registration online at www.northeastern.edu/foundationyear/

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

I am writing on this fine fall Friday (say that three times quickly) feeling energized and inspired.  We are fresh off off a strong week, rich with ideas and enthusiasm.  We had a wonderfully positive School Site Council meeting last night during which our student leaders presented some genuine insight into the day-to-day experience for students as well as some solid ideas around parent events.  More to come there.  School Site Council meetings are open to the public.  Please see the calendar on the BHS website for upcoming meetings - the next is Dec. 7th at 4:30pm.

Today marks the end of the first grading quarter.   We plan to mail the first quarter report cards home the week of 11/19.  No need to wait for the mail.  You may view your student's performance on the student information system.  You can also view other information involving attendance and discipline.  Follow this link for information signing up.

Lastly, we're going to Harvard!  58 deserving freshman will visit Harvard University next Friday. They will tour the campus, visit the natural history museum, and eat lunch in the dining hall with current Harvard freshman.  This is all part our partnership with Harvard and a program called Project TEACH.  Kudos to our young scholars!

Enjoy the long weekend!  Happy Veterans' Day!

Best,
Pat

P.S.  Tomorrow is the deadline to sign up for the December SAT.  A final reminder.

Happy Wednesday?

Dear Community,

Spirits are high at Brighton High!   Lots happening...today!  We had advisory today.  Nominated 10th graders interviewed with Summer Search, three colleges (Simmons, Quinnipiac, and Worcester State) were on campus today.  Busy day!

Our young scholars are shining in more ways than one.  I am writing a bit earlier than usual as there a couple of logistical items about which you should know.  First, a hearty congratulations to the BHS JROTC drill team.  They took 3rd place at the drill competition at Lawrence High School last weekend.  By now, you might have heard that the BHS football team claimed city champs honors after defeating Madison Park last Friday night.  Thanks to the efforts of City Councillor Mark Ciommo, their Friday night playoff game (7pm) will be played at HARVARD STADIUM.  Come out support the Bengals.  Tickets are $3 for kids and $6 for adults.  Parking will be tight (and expensive - $10).  Public transportation is strongly recommended.  The stadium is on the 66 and 86 bus lines.

A reminder - there is a Halloween dance tomorrow afternoon from 3-8pm.  School-appropriate costumes only.  

Lastly, deadline to sign up for the December SAT test is 11/8, next Friday. I recommend acting sooner rather than later.  

Happy Halloween!  Go Sox!

Best,

Pat

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

Happy Friday!  I hope this message find you in good health and spirits.  My spirits are certainly high. This week has had a real theme of partnerships.  Along with the Private Industry Council (PIC), coordinator we played host to nearly 40 guests representing companies and organizations that support our young scholars through internship opportunities, job shadow, and mentoring.  This  annual Advisory Board meeting has a simple focus.  It's about renewing our collective pursuit to level the playing field.  We seek to provide experiences and opportunities for deserving urban youth who would not have access were it not for the partnership.  Very good stuff indeed!

This morning we also held a meeting with a dual enrollment coordinator from Bunker Hill Community College.  Dual enrollment is a program through which high school students take college courses and receive credit for both.  Much more to come on that front.  Stay tuned. 


There is a senior class sponsored Halloween dance next Thursday from 3-8pm in school cafeteria.  We look forward to this spirited and safe event.  Kindly remind your young scholar that this is a school function and thus only school-appropriate costumes will be allowed.   Any student dressed in appropriately will not be allowed to enter.  By way of reminder, costumes are not allowed during the school day.

Have a great weekend!  Go Sox!

Best,
Pat

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

I want to thank those of you who made it to Tuesday Night's meeting.  Again, one of the most important partnerships is that between the educators and parents/guardians.  If you were unable to attend, please know that you can contact your student's teachers at any time.  Call the main office (617-635-9873) or follow this link to the BHS website to find teacher email address.

The college process is heating up.  We want to ensure that our senior leaders are provided with any and all resources to help with the process.  Two really good ones are below.  Please take a look.  Keep in mind that this can be a very stressful experience for students.  Approach with care.

Have a great weekend!

Best,
Dr. T

Get help with your college applications!

Come to our annual College Application Completion Day!

What: Work one-on-one with a volunteer to revise your college essay, research schools, fill out applications, and look for scholarships.

When:  Saturday, October 19, from 10:30-3:00

Where:  Boston Non Profit Center (89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111--right near South Station on the red line).  For directions, click here.  If you live outside of Boston and want to attend, a limited number of travel scholarships may be available.

Why:  Deadlines are coming up soon!  Even if you feel confident, it always helps to get some more feedback.

How:  Register here: http://bit.ly/15uxdJG

Please fill out the registration as soon as possible!  We'll use this information to pair you with the perfect mentor for the day.

Oh, yeah: lunch will be provided!

Other:  Bring all of your application materials (essay, list of schools, any applications you've started).  If you have a laptop, you can bring that.  We'll have a limited number of extra computers, so if your applications are online bring your usernames and passwords.  If you email your essay ahead of time to swaniak@letsgetready.org, we will have a copy for you at the event.  Food will be provided.  We do have spots left, so feel free to invite friends, even if they didn't take LGR.  Send them the registration link or have them email me.

Let me know if you have any questions, and I hope to see you on the 19th!

College Conversations at the Ed Portal
What:  A conversation with Harvard undergraduates about everything you need to know about applying to college.
Various topics will be talked about, including how to find the school for you, how to write an application essay, how to apply for financial aid, and how to apply as an undocumented student.  Whether you're just starting to think about college or you're already applying to schools, come to learn more about the process and get your questions answered.
Who:   High school students (Parents are also welcome to attend)
When: Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 7-8 p.m.  Pizza will be served!
The Harvard undergraduate mentors will host optional follow-up one-on-one sessions for attendees on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 2-4 p.m. at the Ed Portal.  You can sign up for these individualized sessions at the event on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Where: Harvard Allston Education Portal, 175 North Harvard Street, Allston, MA.  Free parking available.  Located on MBTA bus routes 66 and 86.
RSVP online:  https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8632079783
Questions: Email or call the Ed Portal at allston_edportal@harvard.edu<mailto:allston_edportal@harvard.edu> or 617-496-5022

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

We're rounding the midpoint of the first grading term of the year.  In my humble opinion, we've settled into routines quite nicely and we're cruising right along.   This week was a busy one for sure.  I'll leave commentary on the bus driver situation to the politicos.  Suffice to say that strike did little to deter the learning at Brighton High!

As we are at the midpoint of the 1st grading term I would like to remind you of the BACK TO SCHOOL event next Thursday (details below).  In short order, you will be able to see a mid-quarter grade for your student on the Student Information System.  Don't have an account?  Follow this link to learn more. 

Next week has a college theme (actually, every week does - this one is a bit more formal though).  10th and 11th graders will be taking the PSAT and Seniors will be doing prearranged college visits next Thursday.  All very good stuff.  As always, should you have questions about the college planning process don't hesitate to contact your student's guidance counselor.    

Reminder: no school on Monday for Columbus Day.  Enjoy the long weekend!

Best, 
Dr. T 


Notices:

Back to School Night

October 17^th 5pm-7pm – Brighton High School

This event is happening at the midpoint of the first grading quarter.   This is as the ideal time to connect with you and provide feedback on your child’s progress so far.   There will be a number of our partners present who can provide information on the multitude of services available to our students and their families.   
***********
Notice from CityStep:

Hello, 
My name is Indrani, a student at Harvard College and one of the coordinators for the Harvard Dance Intensive. Harvard Dance Intensive is a one-day workshop designed for high school students to experience different styles of dance and grow in their capability to create expressive choreography. Students will participate in dance workshops in the morning and create original choreography in the afternoon, culminating in a performance in front of the group and an ice cream social at the close of the day. We'd love to have Brighton students get involved and learn from the many resources we have at Harvard. 

All funds raised will go to CityStep, an undergraduate public service organization that teaches dance to at-risk students in Cambridge Public School classrooms. The workshop fee is $50. By next week you should be able to register, pay online and learn more about HDI athttp://harvarddanceintensive.wordpress.com.

Cheers, 
Indrani Das 
Harvard College Class of 2016 
Production Board for Harvard CityStep

Important Events Upcoming Events...

Dear Community,

This week carried with it a theme of connections and celebration of the arts.  Wednesday played host to the first day of Advisory.  Simply put, this twice monthly event has two goals -- to help students and teachers connect in a supportive way and to help build new skills to reach academic and social success. We're excited about this feature and the first session of the year was quite successful.  I'll keep you posted on these important sessions going forward.

Be sure to ask your student about the arts events this week.  Yesterday, students were treated to a presentation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.  This morning, select classes were invited to see a Latin Music celebration.  The arts are alive at BHS!

There are two important parent events happening in the coming weeks:

Meet the New Headmaster

Next Tuesday!  6pm – The Epiphany School (154 Centre St.  Dorchester, MA )

This meeting is long overdue!  I am proposing this meeting to introduce myself to you and to hear from you about your child’s experience at BHS.  The more I know, the better job I can do on making sure every student succeeds at Brighton High School.   I would also like to use this time to develop the Brighton High School Parent Council.  This meeting is happening at the Epiphany School due to its convenient location.

Back to School Night

October 17^th 5pm-7pm – Brighton High School

This event is happening at the midpoint of the first grading quarter.   This is as the ideal time to connect with you and provide feedback on your child’s progress so far.   There will be a number of our partners present who can provide information on the multitude of services available to our students and their families.   

Have a great weekend!

Best,

Dr. T

Happy Fall!

Dear Community,

And just like that we're rounding the final corner in September.  Despite a few bumps in the beginning, we're off to a strong start. Speaking of strong starts, I just go word that some 40 BHS students landed jobs with one of our strongest partners, Boston College.  I'm thrilled!  The benefits of this situation are many in number and deep in nature.  Yes, students will be paid.  Additionally, I see the kind of structure students experience in holding a job as having a huge impact on academics (from a research standpoint, the same holds true for any extracurricular activity).  Kudos to our students!  A special shout goes to Mr. Cuddy, our Private Industry Council (PIC) coordinator.   He plays a big role in developing and maintaining our partnerships and works extremely hard to get students job-ready.  All very good stuff!

Please be reminded that the Fall Open House is on October 17th from 5-7pm.

My best to you for a wonderful fall weekend!

Sincerely,
Dr. T

Happy Friday!

Dear BHS Community,

We wrapped up another good week at Brighton High School!  This week, I spent a good bit of time in classrooms - observing the thing core and fundamental to this organization – teaching and learning.  I saw incredible discussions on current events, deep thinking about complex concepts, reflective writing, and work in pairs and in small groups.   I was impressed both by the creativity and careful thought the teachers dedicated to the learning activities and the students' demonstration of commitment to their own learning.  We have much work to do - no question.  Nonetheless, we're moving steadily in the right direction.

A couple pieces of information/reminders:

• If he/she has not already, please remind your young scholar to pay the $5 locker fee.
• The district-wide college and career fair is on 9/28.  Follow this link for details.
• Please know that you can access information about your child's grades, attendance, and testing information whenever you please.  Follow this link to set up your account. 

My best to you for a wonderful fall weekend!

-Dr T.

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

One full week down.  Things could not be better.  Well, actually they could. They always could.  Nonetheless, I am thoroughly impressed with the way your sons and daughters and the professionals here have ushered in the new school year.  Most of our fall athletic teams have already had at least one contest. Clubs are beginning to reconnect and organize for the school year.   Further, today is the first of many school spirit days.  I love seeing all the orange and black around campus. The big bus Brighton High is rolling forward!

Next week is a busy one.  Among many other things, 9^th graders will in engage in predictive assessments.  This process allows us to determine students’ strengths as well as the areas in which they need improvement.   Further, the staff will have its first academic case management meetings.  These are meetings wherein teachers of the same grade level come together share ideas about how to help individual students succeed.  I share these two features with you to underscore just some of the efforts in which we engage to help our learners grow.  This is a partnered effort.  I welcome you to contact your student’s teacher if you have any particular questions or concerns.

Mark you calendars, the first Brighton High “Back to School Night” is on October 17^th from 5-7pm.

Have a great weekend!

Best,

Dr. T