Happy Holidays!

Dear Community,

We do live in very interesting times!  The past two weeks have been challenging on some levels and down right frustrating on others.  I'm not alone in my belief that it is definitely time for a break.  The twelve-day vacation will do us all some good.

I have a couple quick items for your information before we break.  Believe it or not, we have reached the mid point of that quarter.  If you have access to the Student Information System, you may access your student's progress report for Quarter 2 now. Paper copies will be distributed when we return.   Winter vacation is under way.  It ends on January 5, 2015.  We expect all students to return on that day.  We have much to do.  That can't happen unless they're here.

We’re quickly rounding the corner to the end of 2014 calendar year.  One skill on which we work with students at BHS is reflection.  Reflection is one of those lifelong skills - those who do it well profit from it greatly.  At the end of each calendar year, I fall back on a sage quote as I look forward to and prepare for the next year.  It goes like this, “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.”  We have learned a lot, even within the past four months.  We’ll bring this to bear on the remaining six months school year.

Rest, relax and enjoy each other’s company.  We’ll come back together on the morning of January 5th.

Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,
Dr. T

Happy Friday!

Dear Community!

 One of the things that we educators love about  our profession is that we get to interact with and facilitate growth for really amazing and deserving young people.  There's no question that is top on every one's list.  The second item will depend on the person, but there are those who enjoy the fact that there is never a dull moment in the school.

 I can hazard a guess that the Connect Ed  phone call you received on Wednesday night was deeply concerning.   By way of reminder, we received an email threat on Wednesday afternoon indicating an individual's threat of violence to the school.  To be clear, the message did not specify a person or persons to whom harm was intended.   As you well know, in this day and age, we have to take each and every incident like this seriously.  We did so by immediately involving the Boston police and the school police.   The investigation is ongoing, but it was been determined that it was safe for students to return on Thursday.   I am pleased to report that Thursday and Friday were normal days.   We are continuing to take appropriate precautions in partnership with Boston police and school police.   Nonetheless, it is safe for your student to attend school.

Wednesday's incident aside,  there were some wonderful happenings this week.    A group of our aspiring engineers visited Olin College as part of  our deepening relationship with the engineering school, members from the chorus class sang carols for patients and staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, we hosted a alumni event focused on college life, and the boys and girls track and boys basketball all posted impressive wins this week.

By way of reminder, next week is short. School is in session on Monday and Tuesday (attendance is not optional).   We will then break for the winter vacation at dismissal on Tuesday.  Students will return on Monday, January 5th.

Best,
Dr. T
 

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

Today is basically cloudy and overcast – I like it! What a mess of a week this was weather wise.   We got wet as we moved from here to there, but I will take it over snow.

As has been the case for decades in the city of Boston weather tends to impact attendance at school. I noticed a slight dip and the number of students who attended school this week. I realize that most of the students who attend Brighton High come from not-so-close neighborhoods.  Despite the weather and the messy commute to school, students are expected to be here. Your help in ensuring that there are no gaps in your scholar's education is critical.   Not only do students miss the essential of reading, writing, and arithmetic, they also miss wonderful events. This week, the Health Careers pathway hosted the annual health fair, a huge event  focused on the health and well-being of our students. There was information on everything from stress relief, to dental care, to exercise and nutrition.   We had more than 10 partners on hand to support the effort as well.   It was a huge success!

Students would have also missed the annual trip to the statehouse sponsored by Generation Citizen. This was an opportunity for our students to present service community initiatives. We got glowing reports from State Representative Honan. Pic below.

Last, but certainly not least, the Madrigals were on campus today. This is a well-known a cappella group from Boston College.   Students in the arts classes were treated to a wonderful concert.

Bottom line, miss school, miss out!  As we head deeper into the throes of winter, please join our effort in ensuring that students are attending school on-time, every day.

My best to you for a wonderful weekend!

Best,
Dr. T


Invite for parents/guardians to 12/19 12:30-2pm Alumnae/Alumni Panel in the library attached in ms word.  Dr. Tutwiler, maybe this can be posted in your blog?

Plain text below:

"Throwback to the Future"

Life After Brighton

Learn about moving on from Brighton to Life in College or the Workplace.

Featuring

A Brighton High Alumnae/Alumni Panel- Recent Brighton High School Graduates will talk about life after Brighton. Some current Brighton High Juniors and Seniors will be in attendance with their class.

Friday, December 19th

from 1:00pm-2:00pm

in the Library 

***Parents & Guardians are Invited!***

Please join us before the talk at 12:30pm to meet

Ms. Pierre-Louis –College Advising Corp Representative
&  Pete from UASPIRE- an organization that helps students plan financially for college-- 

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

 It is my sincere hope that your Thanksgiving holiday was rich with family and food.   Welcome back! The students certainly transitioned back smoothly.   While it was only a four-day break, the way students greeted each other in the hallways made it seem as though the absence was much longer.   In any case, we are back and moving forward full steam.   We have only two weeks and two days before the winter vacation and we have quite a bit to accomplish in that time.

Winter sports are underway!  One can tell because of the winter track sprinters running here and there on campus and the sounds of bouncing balls in the hallway after school.   These are welcomed sounds to be clear.

Sports are not the only thing underway. The Brighton High School Burning Tigers Robotics Team will be kicking off next Friday. If your student is interested he/she should report to room 201 after school any day before the kick off.   Further, a brand new anime club will be starting soon. There are posters on the walls around the building for those interested.   There is no shortage of things to engage our young scholars.  Further, there's no excuse for not participating.   Talk to your student about joining something.  Doing so only guarantees better performance during the school day - that's what the research says.

I wish you a wonderful and warm weekend. More next week.

Best,
Dr. T


P.S.   A picture is worth 1000 words. I attached a few from recent college visits, the field the day we do in partnership with the local middle school, and students in the Boston Scholar Athletes Zone.  Enjoy!

Happy Friday!

FYI: We will release students at 11am on Wednesday for the Thanksgiving Holdiay.  There will no MBTA shuttles at dismissal on this day.

Dear Community,

Happy Friday!   In many ways, I would call this week a celebratory one. We held grade level assemblies on Thursday and today to celebrate the wonderful academic and attendance accomplishments during quarter one.    To be clear, each year at the close of quarter one we have the highest number of students who earn honor roll distinction.   The key is to keep it up for the remaining quarters!

Report cards are being mailed. You should receive them early next week if not sooner. You may also view your child's quarter one report card through the family portal  right now.

The FALL FLING is today!  Students will dance from 3-5pm.  There will be a community potluck immediately thereafter from 5-7pm.  Please come.  Bring a dish!

Lastly, there is a really wonderful door contest happening at Brighton high around our core values: respect, inclusivity, and rigor.  One of my favorites is below.

Next week is a short one. Monday and Tuesday are regular days. We will release students at 11:00 AM on Wednesday.

Best,
Dr. T

Happy Saturday!

Dear Community,

I'm back and excited to report all the good things happening at Brighton high school!   Let's start with the participation of our JROTC cadets in the Veterans Day celebration in Brookline.   To be clear, this is an annual event wherein our students present the colors and march.   We are truly proud of our students and our JROTC program! See the picture below.   Also, students were treated to two wonderful presentations this week.  First, students heard a wonderfully inspiring story of a young woman who fought her way back to life and success after a terrible car accident.  It just so happens that the presenter is daughter of a faculty member.    In many ways the message was one of working hard, sticking to it, and using your family and friends as resources.   What is more, this morning, we had a Holocaust survivor, Mr. Edgar Krasa,  share his experiences, which in many ways reflect the same values as the young woman's.

 I am pleased that our faculty goes to great lengths to bring inspiring stories such as these to our students.   Not only do they learn, they are presented with a roadmap for fighting through adversity.  I think this is extremely valuable.

On a separate note, please mark your calendars! The Brighton high school Fall Fling Potluck is next Friday at Brighton High.   Students will enjoy a dance from 3-5pm. A family potluck will happen immediately thereafter from 5 to 7 PM.  See below for details.

Lastly, grades for quarter one closed last Friday. We plan to get report cards in the mail next week. Keep an eye out. Also know that you may access your child's grades on the family portal.  Follow this link for instructions.

Enjoy your weekend!

Best,
Dr. T

Please join us for the Brighton High Fall Fling Potluck! 

WHO? Students and families who are a part of the Brighton High Community

WHAT? A dinner to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of Brighton High School

WHEN? November 21st

WHERE? Brighton High School Cafeteria from 5:00-7:00

Please bring a dish that will be shared with students and families

we ask that you make a $5 donation to the Senior Class.

If you have any questions please contact Ms. Lavorgna, Mrs. Valentin, or Ms. Dooling at

617-635-9873.


BHS Celebrates Veterans Day...

BHS Student with a Tuskegee Airman

Happy Friday!

Dear Community

Happy Halloween!   No matter how old the student,  this day is still an important and fun one.   While we do not allow costumes and such during the school day, student spirit was incredibly high.   That could be due to Halloween, for sure, but it could also be due to the excitement around the BHS football team. The team will play tonight at White Stadium at 6 PM, the first in the playoff series. Relatedly, special congrats to the football head coach, Randolph Abraham. He was  named New England Patriots head coach of the week.   We were visited by Hall of Fame New England Patriot, Andre Tippet for the honor (pic below).

 I'll keep my message short to allow you time to enjoy whatever Halloween festivities you plan in which you plan to engage.   Of particular importance is the fact that the first grading term ends on Friday, November 7th.   Now is the time to check in with your young scholar to ensure that he/she has everything in place and turned in to reflect the good work that he/she has done over the past 11 weeks.  You are welcome to reach out to his or her teachers if you have any questions. Don't have contact info? Call 617-635-9873.

 Most importantly, by now I'm sure many of you know that we lost former Mayor, Tom Menino, yesterday.   Without question, he was a champion for common folks, a hands-on, up close and personal leader,  and, above all, steady in his vision and values.   He will be sorely missed. Please see below for opportunities to pay respect for all that he has done for the city and our students.

Enjoy the weekend!

Best,
Dr. T


P.S.   A group of our students spent the day at Google in Cambridge. There are two pics for your viewing pleasure below. Also, there is a pic at the bottom of our freshman during the Harvard trip. Enjoy!

Paying Respect to Mayor Menino:

• Flowers and mementos may be left in City Hall, inside the main City Hall entrance (City Hall Plaza side). 
• By condolence books will be located in all neighborhood libraries (www.bpl.org/branches) and community centers (www.cityofboston.gov/BCYF/centers/). 
• Letters and cards may be sent to: Mayor Menino’s Office, Boston University, 75 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215. 
• Visit tommenino.org for complete information. This is where Mayor Menino's family will post funeral, visitation and other remembrance information as soon as it is available.

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

We are one step closer  to the end of the first grading quarter (November 7th, to be exact).   This is the point in time where in students should be checking in with teachers, making up missed assignments and/or assessments, and really putting the pedal to the metal.   The first quarter is really important. It's important to start strong and allow that momentum to carry through.   Please be sure to check in with your student on his or her progress thus far, or, feel free to reach out to his/her teacher directly.  If you don't have contact information, contact us (617-635-9873) and we'll get you connected.

 It was a gray and rainy week.  The  description of the mood at BHS was much more rosy.   We have 80 9th grade students spending the day at Harvard University today and  Group of seniors viewing MacBeth at Huntington Theater as well.   Match those fun learning activities with all of the fulfilling activities each day in classes, a successful Unity Day against bullying (pictures below), and the fact the BHS is playing Madison Park for the city championship tonight (6:30pm at Madison) and you have a complete, well-rounded high school week.

Enjoy your weekend!

Best,
Dr. T


 P. S. Today next week marks the end of college mom in the Boston public schools. The last week has a focus on career choices. Please take a look below. These are really helpful and informative sites. Might not be a bad idea to sit down with your student to have a discussion about where he/she is headed. Use these sites to help.

• Jobs and Community Services, City of Boston, includes Boston's living wage and the state's minimum wage
• City of Boston Youth Programs and Services with useful links to job resources and a "Building Futures" video
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers student and teacher resources for grades K-12 including games and quizzes, "Career Exploration," and "Economy at a Glance"
• Forbes' College Degrees with highest top job placement includes readable NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) statistics 
• Forbes' Degrees with the highest starting salaries focuses on NACEstatistics (National Association of Colleges and Employers)
• The United States Department of Education answers "Why Go to College?" using a college and career job earnings chart 
• The College Board answers "Why Go to College" using interactive tools, including videos
• The New York Times' "How to Get a Job at Google" explores the value of of a college degree, as well as 21st Century Soft Skills and offers an interesting point of discussion for high school students
• O-Net online, a partner of the American Jobs Center, offers acomprehensive database complete with job functions
• National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) offers career resources for teachers and students, including STEM career info graphics
• The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers Science and Engineering labor statistics, showing high growth in STEM fields 
• The Huffington Post's "The Truth Hurts: The STEM Crisis is Not a Myth" is a comprehensive article on the importance of STEM careers and interesting point of discussion for high school students
• "So You Want to Be an Engineer" is a comprehensive article offering practical advice to students regarding career-specific research 

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

Happy Friday!   First, allow me to extend to you a heartfelt thanks to those of you who were able to make it to the open house last night. We had a wonderful turnout!   If you couldn't make it, please know that you can contact your child's teacher at anytime if you have questions or concerns about progress or just want to check in. Call 617-635-9873 between 7:15am and 2:30pm or email the teacher directly.

This week was a busy one!  10th and 11th graders took the PSAT, seniors went on college visits, and today, a group of 9th graders went to the Museum of African American History (note that 9th graders will go on this trip this year).  Whew!  More of the same next week.  I have said it before and I'll say it again - miss school, miss out (I took this from the Burke).  We need all of our young scholars here everyday.

My best to you for a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,
Dr. T





On transportation:
Students with the M-7 cards can ride the purple line within the 2-zone limit free of charge.  Students with an S T-pass can ride within the 2-zone limit for half fare. This will indeed help students get to Brighton on time from Roslindale, Hyde Park, &  Mattapan (and other locales).

Rain...No Big Deal! Open House is ON Tonight!

Dear Community,

The weather service is calling for rain this evening.  Open house is still on.  Don't allow a few drops to get in the way of our partnership.  We'll see you this evening between 5pm and 7pm.

By way of reminder, parents/guardians of seniors, there will be a college financial aid session at 6PM in the library sponsored by uAspire.  Senior parents are the target audience, but all are welcome.

Best,
Dr. T

Open House is Tomorrow!

Dear Community,

I hope this message finds you well. By way of reminder We are hosting our fall open house tomorrow from 5 to 7 PM.

At this event, you will have an opportunity to meet with all of your child's teachers.  You will also be provided a progress report, as we are just beyond the midpoint of the first grading quarter.  This is an important opportunity for  you to learn about your child's progress thus far and us to partner for your child's benefit.   We hope to see you there!

Parents/guardians of seniors,  please note that there will be a special "paying for college" session at 6pm in the library during the open house.   This is sponsored by uAspire, a non-profit organization focused on helping families through the college financial aid process.

Best,
Dr. T

Happy Long Weekend!

Dear Community,

Happy long weekend!  I hope this message finds you well.  Lot’s happening at BHS right about now.  Quickly, yesterday marked the midpoint of the first grading quarter of the year.  We will distribute progress reports to students next week.  As was mentioned in last week’s memo, you can access the progress report through the Parent Portal.  We do not mail progress reports – only quarterly report cards.

As you will recall from the welcome back letter, tardiness to school is an issue we intend address this year and beyond.  You may view your student’s attendance and tardiness record through the parent portal.   There are significant consequences for failure to meet expectations.  If we have concerns, you will receive a phone call and letter in the mail.  If you have questions, I welcome you to call (617-635-9873).

We have a long weekend ahead of us.   Next week will be short, but busy.  We have the PSAT for students in grades 10 and 11 and college visits for seniors, in addition to all of the wonderful things that happen in classrooms everyday. Please enjoy the weekend and then plan to come to the open house next Thursday from 5-7pm.

Best,

Dr. T

P.S.  Brighton vs South Boston is the Mayor's pick of the week.  It will be televised this evening.  Tune it!

*******************************************************************************

From the Library:

The Boston Book Festival is right around the corner (Ocotber 23-25).  Follow this link for general information or link directly to the kids and teens section here.  Good stuff happening there!

Other notes:

Boston City Councilor LaMattina is hosting DACA Day (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) in partnership with The Mayor's Office of New Bostonians, The Student Immigrant Movement, Greater Boston Legal Services and the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)  

This clinic is geared for assisting both DACA renewal and first time applicants.  If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form here.

When: Wednesday, October 23rd from 4-8pm

Where: Boston City Hall, 5th floor, 1 City Hall Square,  Boston, MA 02201

On June 15, 2012 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made a change in federal immigration policy regarding deportation enforcement for young immigrants that meet certain criteria, known as DACA.  This policy states that the federal government will “defer action” or not prosecute deportation cases for qualifying individuals for a period of two years from the time their application for “deferred action” is approved.  If approved DACA beneficiaries will receive work permits in addition to deferred action status and will be eligible to apply for a driver’s license and in-state tuition.

Individuals may qualify for DACA if they meet the following criteria:

·         Be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012

·         Have come to the United States before reaching his/her 16th birthday

·         Has continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time

·         Is currently in school, has graduated from high school, has obtained a general education development (GED) certificate , or is an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States

Below is the registration link and some resources:

Click here to register for the Boston DACA Clinic

Step-by-Step Video on Gathering Documentation

DACA Renewal / DACA Eligibility tool

For any information please contact  either The Mayor's Office Of New Bostonians at 617-635-2980  or Cairo Mendes, cmendes@simforus.com