Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

....And I thought we would make it through the school year with minimal snow days.  How quickly things change!   While this was an oddly short week, student showed up today rich with snowstorm stories, but ready to learn.

 As is the case each and every time, snow-related cancellations impact the school calendar. There are two things about which you should be aware:

• Term 2 will now conclude on Wednesday, February 4th.  We hope to distribute and mail report cards on or before Friday, February 13th.

• The last day of the school year for students in grades 9-11 is  now June 25th.  The last day for seniors remains May 22nd.    

Parents of students in grade 9^th grade students are reminded that, at the midpoint of the school year, students who had history during the first semester will switch to wellness and visa versa.  This will happen on Monday February 9^th.   An all call will go out in advance of the change and students will receive their new schedules on Friday, February 6^th.  As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact the 9^th grade guidance counselor, Ms. Linso (klinso@bostonpublicschools.org).

In the short term, we have two events coming up.  Juniors and seniors who have signed up with Dan Cuddy, our Private Industry Council specialist, will participate in job shadow day on February 6th.  A list of the participating companies/organizations is below.   Be sure to inquire with your young scholar.  Also,  Parent Shadow Day is scheduled for February 12th. This your opportunity to spend a little time walking in the shoes of your student.  It is also an opportunity to connect with his/her teachers.  All are invited! 

Super Bowl weekend!  Enjoy and be safe.

Best,

Dr. T

Job Shadow Day Sponsors:

-  WGBH

-  Harvard

- Vinfen

- Boston University

- Boston Fire

- Boston Police

- Newbury Comics

- Harvard Medical School

- St. Elizabeth's Hospital

- Brighton Marine Health Center

- Genzyme

- MBTA

- Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

- Local Politicians

- West End House Boy's & Girl's Club

- Oak Sq YMCA

-  Jackson/Mann CC

Happy Friday!

 Dear community,

I'm certain that somewhere, sometime in the recent past, I have commented on the fact that four-day weeks  never really feel like four days.   Rather then fill the space with a long narrative, I will let the pictures below tell the story.   I do need to inform you that the second grading term ends on Friday, January 30th.   The coming days are as good as any for students to check in with their teachers to complete any missing work and/or make up missed tests or quizzes.  Also, looking ahead, the MCAS biology retest is February 2nd and 3rd.   Review sessions are happening currently on Monday Tuesday and Thursday after school.   If you have any questions, please contact your student's guidance counselor or call the main office (617-635-9873).

Enjoy the pictures...

Best,
Pat

MCAS Prep Sessions

Who: 11^th and 12^th grade students & students new to the district or country who

            need to meet the Massachusetts English and/or Math MCAS Benchmark

What: PULSE English MCAS prep for the ELA MCAS on March 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th                 PULSE Math MCAS prep for the Math MCAS on March 5^th and 6th

When: ELA MCAS January 20th-February 26^th 2:00-3:15 Mon, Tues, Thurs

             

              Math MCAS January 20th-March 3^rd 2:00-3:15 Mon, Tues, Thurs

Where: ELA MCAS tutoring room 304           Math MCAS tutoring room 109

Why: You’ll receive English instruction from Ms. Driscoll and Ms. Kelly and outstanding Math instruction from Mr. Wilson. This will prepare you to pass the English and Math MCAS and graduate on time with your peers

REWARD: At the end of the session students who attend 90% of the days will go on a fun field trip J

Contact Ms. Bouvier for more:

617-635-9873

sbouvier@bostonpublicschools.org

9th Grade Physics Fair - "Physics...It's a Force"

Project 351 Volunteer Day

Learning in and around the community

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

Ah, back to the five-day week.  That makes me happy!   This week was busy. I mean that in the most positive way.   We have begun the English language proficiency assessment for those who are identified as needing to take it.   (If your child is required to test, you should have received a letter from me).   What is more, the preparation work for the transformation to the walls of the building got underway.   I referenced this work in last week's message.   On Saturday, BHS will be a host site for Project 351.   This is a service initiative in which one eighth grader from each town/city in Massachusetts will come together to do service project.   At our school, we are painting a "Bengal Orange" stripe along the walls on each floor in the building.   Further, several murals are being painted reflecting the school's core values: Respect, Inclusivity, Rigor.  Our school will also be the place where care packages and school supplies packets will be assembled for students in underprivileged schools.  In total this is a wonderful service event, one that truly reflects the spirit of Dr. King.  We're privileged to be a part of it.

I'm not sure what is in the plans for your family during the long weekend.  I have a couple suggestions below.

Enjoy!  Classes will resume on Tuesday.

Best,
Dr. T

MLK Weekend

Celebrate MLK at the MFA: Free admission to MLK Day Open House filled with activities, presentations and more  http://www.mfa.org/programs/series/martin-luther-king-jr-day-open-house

9th Grade Students can see Selma for Free this Weekend - Check Out http://selmastudenttickets.com/

It is almost time for the Brighton High School Science Fair!

On January 22 we will hold our annual Freshman Science Fair at the Brighton High School Library. 

We have all been working diligently making scientific discoveries and conducting interesting experiments.  Parents are most welcome.  We would love it to see you here! Students will be presenting their projects during their normally scheduled Physics Class period, so be sure ask them when that is so you can catch them when they shine.

If you would like to participate as one of our celebrity judges, just drop an e-mail to Mike McKittrick (rmckittrick@bostonpublicschools.org ) and write “I want to be a Judge” in the tag line.

See you there!

Help Your BHS Scholar get ready for the Physics Fair 01/22/15

 Parents/Guardians of 9th Grade and SEI Physics Students:

1. Many students have been using www.sciencebuddies.com  to work on their projects. The site has many links to help with the science fair project process.

2. Students who need extra support making their APA reference (bibliography) page can go to: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_apa_format_examples.shtml for examples.  The Website to make Reference Page: http://www.noodletools.com/noodlebib/express.php

3. We look forward to seeing you at the fair on 1/22/15 during your child's Physics class. 

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

Well, there is a first time for everything.   In my years as an educator, not once do I recall a closure for cold weather.   Truth be told, I was a bit grumpy about the cancellation until I stepped outside.   Suffice to say that I desperately looked forward to the 30° temperatures today.

That aside, Happy New Year!   It is my sincere hope that your winter vacation was family-centered, restful, and relaxing. As I moved about the building and spoke with students this week, that seemed to be the case for the most part.   While it didn't appear that they were happy to be back in the routine of waking up early and tending to homework,  they appeared genuinely happy to be in the company of one another again.  Welcome back!

We are rolling up our sleeves to get work done.   There are only six short weeks between the vacation that just ended and the February Vacation.   Lots will happen in the intervening time.   Below is a quick bullet list of events and assessments coming up:

• ACCESS assessment for English Language Learner (a letter has been mailed) - January 13- Feb. 6th
• Senior Event at Game On (near Fenway Park), January 16th
• 9th Grade Science Fair - see below
• Project 351, January 17th - More on this next week
• January 30th, Quarter 2 marks close
• MCAS Biology Retest (2/2 and 2/3)

Hold on to your hats friends!

Be well.

-Dr. T

It is almost time for the Brighton High School Science Fair!

On January 22 we will hold our annual Freshman Science Fair at the Brighton High School Library. 

We have all been working diligently making scientific discoveries and conducting interesting experiments.  Parents are most welcome.  We would love it to see you here! Students will be presenting their projects during their normally scheduled Physics Class period, so be sure ask them when that is so you can catch them when they shine.

If you would like to participate as one of our celebrity judges, just drop an e-mail to Mike McKittrick (rmckittrick@bostonpublicschools.org ) and write “I want to be a Judge” in the tag line.

See you there!

Help Your BHS Scholar get ready for the Physics Fair 01/22/15

 Parents/Guardians of 9th Grade and SEI Physics Students:

1. Many students have been using www.sciencebuddies.com  to work on their projects. The site has many links to help with the science fair project process.

2. Students who need extra support making their APA reference (bibliography) page can go to: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_apa_format_examples.shtml for examples.  The Website to make Reference Page: http://www.noodletools.com/noodlebib/express.php

3. We look forward to seeing you at the fair on 1/22/15 during your child's Physics class.