Welcome Back!

Dear Community,

Finally - a five-day week!  Hopefully, we can string a few together.  In any case, we came back this week in great shape, ready to tackle the learning challenges before us.  'Twas a good week, indeed.

Parents/guradians of juniors, please know that we are working in overdrive to ready your young scholar for the college application process.  They can help themselves by taking full advantage of the Let's Get Ready SAT preparation program.  These sessions got underway on Monday, but it's not too late.   Students may see their guidance counselor for more.

Parents/guardians of seniors,  your young scholars have been informed of the "On the Spot College Acceptance" event at the John D. O'Bryant School of Math & Science this weekend.  At this event you can:

1. Meet with a College Planning Adviser to complete applications for admissions.
2. Speak with Admissions Representatives and possibly receive an immediate acceptance decision to their institution.
3. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal student Aid) with a financial aid expert.
4. Sign up to receive more information about transitional coaching supports through Success Boston 

This an awesome opportunity.  Follow this link to register or just show up.  A list of partner colleges is below.

Lastly, parents/guardians of 10th graders, the English Language Arts section of the MCAS is quickly approaching.  At this point, the best way to support your student in performing well is to ensure that he/she attends school each and every day.  Miss school, miss out.

Best,
Pat 

P.S. Today is the last day to vote for BHS to win $25,000 to update the weight room. Follow this link to vote (then share with everyone you know).


"On the Spot" partner colleges:
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
Brandeis University
Bunker Hill Community College
Endicott College Boston
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Quincy College
Roxbury Community College
UMass Boston
UMass Dartmouth
UMass Lowell

Happy Vacation!

Dear Community,

Happy Friday!  Although this was yet another, and hopefully the last, short week, we got some things done.  Unfortunately, we had to postpone Parent Shadow Day and our assemblies. Simply put, there were too many obstacles to making both as successful as we would like.  Both will happen on the other side of the vacation.  Stay tuned for more on those, but mark your calendar for the Spring Open House - March 19th, 5-7pm.

As it relates to calendar items, please prepare for school to be in session on March 17th and June 17th to help meet the state's 180 school day requirement.  This is not yet official.

Despite the cancellations and transportation challenges, we were able to usher in the 3rd quarter successfully.  Students were provided their report cards for quarter two today.  You may access them on SIS if you have an account. If not, please contact us.  We want you to have one.  We will mail report cards on the other side of the vacation.

Dismissal today marks the beginning of the February vacation.  Please enjoy and remind your young scholar to read, read, read over the break.

Best,
Dr. T

P.S.  It's never too early to begin thinking about summer plans.  See below.

African American History Month at BHS

Historically Black College or University Info Session in the LibraryFebruary 23rd- 9th, 10th and 11th graders
Thinking about applying to a Historically Black College or University?  
Come to the library on 2/23 during all three lunches. Mr. Tolbert and Mr. Aziz will be in the library to share their experiences and help you learn more about HBCU’s

Brown Bag Lunch: Straight Outta Compton...
In the Library February 24th, 2015  
Learn from Mr. Tolbert and his educational experiences on his journey from Compton High to Oakwood University to Harvard University to Brighton High.  Learn about some of his African American Role models and how they inspired him.  Faculty/Staff, students and parents are invited to join us in the library during all three lunches. Dessert provided.

Black History Month NBA/Basketball Trivia
In the Library - February 27th
Think you know Basketball? Test your knowledge off the floor....in the library. Join us on 2/27 during all three lunches.  Bring your lunch and you might win some candy for dessert!!!


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Register Your Child Now for STEM in the City!

This fun, innovative summer camp will enhance students’ knowledge about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects, STEM careers, and educational paths needed to attain their goals.

Each camp day includes a trip to a Boston-area STEM organization and a related hands-on science activity. Students will also explore college life and academics through campus tours and discussions with college students and staff.

When: July 6-10, 2015, 9AM - 4PMWho: Rising 8th and 9th graders
Where: Wheelock College in BostonCost: $400 (includes lunch and snack)

Learn more and register at wheelock.edu/stemcamp

Parent Shadow Day Postponed

Dear Community,

 I am writing to inform you that we have decided to postpone parent shadow day, which is scheduled for tomorrow, February 12th.   This pains us to do,  but there are a number of challenges resulting from the recent snowstorm.  Keep an eye out for information on the next event.   Also, mark your calendar for the spring open house. This  event is scheduled for March 19th from 5 to 7 PM

Best,
Dr. T

Happy Friday!

Dear Community,

...And yet again, a short week. I agree with those who suggest that experiencing winter makes one appreciate spring that much more.   Needless to say I'm ready to stop experiencing winter. Bring on the sunshine and warm temperatures, please.

Onto official business.   The second grading quarter ended on Wednesday of this week. Teachers will finish assessing student work and submit grades over the coming days.   We expect to have report cards ready for distribution late next week. We will mail them to boot.  If you have created an SIS account, you can login as soon as Wednesday to see quarter 2 grades.   The end of this quarter marks the midpoint of the school year - can you believe it?   This is as good a time as any to engage your young scholar in conversation and reflection on the first half of the year.   If you have questions about strategies or need help in anyway, don't hesitate to contact us at 617-635-9873. Your student's guidance counselor is a good place to start.

Next week is a busy one!   In addition to the daily activities around learning, we will celebrate the efforts of our students at honor assembly is Thursday and Friday.   Please also remember that Thursday, February 12, is parent shadow day. Details are below. We would love for you to join us on this day.

Last Sunday marked the beginning of Black History Month.  See below for a list of activities happening at BHS in addition to focused lessons/activities in class.

Lastly, as I am sure your student has informed you, dismissal on Friday, February 13th marks the beginning of the February vacation.  Classes will resume on February 23rd.

Stay warm this weekend!

Best,
Dr. T

Parent Shadow Day

Have you ever wondered what your son/daughter does all day at Brighton High School?  Join us for Shadow Day to find out!

WHO:  Any adult, age 18 or older, who is important in the lives of our BHS students

WHAT:  Shadow Day, follow your student’s class schedule, including after school programs

WHEN: Thursday, February 12th, 2015.  Stay for the whole day or come for part of it.  School starts at 7:30am.

WHERE:  Brighton High School

This will be a regular school day in the life of your students.  Teachers will be teaching and students will be learning.  Throughout the day, there will be time for parents to talk with teachers and school leaders.  Shadow Day is a great way for you to be a part of your child’s high school experience.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided!

If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Valentin at 857-829-0509 or Ms. Dooling at 617-635-9873.

Brighton High welcomes you!



Black History Month at BHS

"Straight Outta Compton..."February 10th, 2015  Brown Bag Lunch: 

Learn from Mr. Tolbert and his educational experiences on his journey from Compton High to Oakwood University to Harvard University to Brighton High.  Hear about some of his African American Role models and how they inspired him.  Faculty/Staff, students and parents are invited to join us in the library during all three lunches. Dessert provided.

Thinking about applying to a Historically Black College or University?  

February 23rd, 2015 during all three lunches. Interested in learning more aboutHBCU's? Mr. Tolbert, Mr. Aziz and other HBCU Alums will be in the library during all three lunches to share their experiences and help you think about your future...

Faculty/Staff:  please help us identify students who might be interested.  Thank you!

African American History Month Performance- 

February 24th Join us in the library during lunch as Ms. Cunninghams students perform August Wilson Monologues and African American themed selections. Students and faculty invited!

Black History Month NBA/Basketball Trivia 

Think you know Basketball? Test your knowledge off the floor....in the library. Join us on February 27, 2015 during all three lunches.  Bring your lunch and you might win some candy!!!

Check out the Black Is Booklist: a list of recent books concerning the African American experience published as part of the Boston Public Library’s observance of Black History Month each year.

 Events at the Boston Public Library Branches
The BPL  honors Black History Month through a variety of themed programming, including film series and presentations. Highlights include:http://www.bpl.org/press/2015/02/01/celebrate-black-history-month/

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.