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