The Digital Dragon




Student, Family & Community

*Scholarship and Career Opportunities found further down in the Newsletter*

BLA Jobs and Internships Website

  • We now have a Jobs and Internship website which is a great additional resource. This website is run by our PIC Counselor here at BLA. Questions? Email cupchurch@bostonpublicschools.org.

TAG | ALERTA, Gastón Institute at UMass Boston.


We are offering two four-day accelerated academies during your BPS vacation weeks for students currently in 5th-8th grade.

  1. February 21-24 (9AM-3PM)

  2. April 18-21 (9AM-3PM)


TAG | ALERTA's goal is to support Latinx and multilingual students through project-based classroom practices and a learning environment that fosters students' cultural pride, civic engagement, and STEM exploration. In each week-long accelerated academy, students will learn about the history of our community, discuss issues we currently face, share their own stories, and go on field trips around Boston. Through music and art, students will learn about self-expression, as well as engage in STEM activities and explore STEM careers. Students are welcomed and invited to participate in both academies (only one application is needed per student) but if they are only interested in enrolling in one academy and not the other, they can indicate that on the application.


To apply, especially for the February that is a month away, families will need to fill out the attached application and email it back to us. If they would like the application sent through DocuSign (the system we used last year), please let us know and we can communicate to send them the application electronically to sign via email. For more information, please review our attached flyer and application or visit our website.


Additionally, as a head up, our 2023 summer program this year will be from July 10-August 11th. We will share applications in the coming months, once it becomes available.


If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, feel free to email us, call us, or text us!


Best,

TAG | ALERTA Team

TAG | ALERTA Program


Hello Juniors, and Sophomores!

The National Honors Society is happy to be hosting peer support for Course Selection! If you want to have a senior perspective on what classes are fun, what classes are good for college applications, and other information about senior year courses please fill out the form linked!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJt-n_As3X1HmZd33a5n_v78UuAIi-IRX_IKmTKKR-IU0RDQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Thank you!

-NHS Membership


FAFSA Seminar: Preparing for the financial component of Higher Education.

Date: January 26, 2023

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Registration Link: Click HERE


Financial Literacy Workshop

This workshop will be presented by Shawn Judge who is the Financial Coaching Coordinator for Green Space/Metro Housing . The workshop is 90 minutes long and there will be an additional time available of 30 minutes for Q&A should attendees have additional questions related to the subject matter in the workshop.


If you are interested in attending, please be sure to register by clicking the link below and please be sure to join on time. Hope to see you there!

How Do I Stretch My Pay? Workshop Event

When: Feb 02, 2023 01:00 -3:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Please register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpdeiprjIuEtwJBd9COPWTtg4vNrKSuyyg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

*How to Develop a Practice Spending Plan

*Strategies for making choices based on priorities

*Learn how to prioritize spending

*Techniques for supporting long term success


CCUA Middle School Essay Contest

The Harvard University Credit Union is encouraging all 7th and 8th grade students to participate in the Cooperative Credit Union Association's (CCUA) annual Middle School Essay Contest! The prizes range from $50 to $500. The deadline is January 23rd, visit huecu.org/essay-contest for more information.



SuSHI

SuSHI is an after-school program for greater Boston high schoolers who are Asian/Asian American and are interested in learning more about health, wellness, identity, resilience, and other important topics and participating in group discussions in a supportive space. Please use this link to register: (https://tinyurl.com/sushispring).


Applications Open for Youth Advisory Board at Brigham and Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School

Our research team is currently accepting applications from Chinese heritage high school students (age 14-18) to serve as Youth Advisory Board members from June to November 2023 for the BOBA Project. The BOBA Project is our new-NIH funded research study about how Chinese American teens have conversations with their family and friends about important issues that affect Asian Americans (e.g., recent rise in anti-Asian discrimination) and subsequent impacts on mental health. Prior research indicates that Asian American youth are significantly less likely than other racial/ethnic groups to use mental health services while also being more than twice as likely to have unmet mental health needs. Our project is aimed at addressing these concerns.

Teen Central!

This is Chris Jacobs, your Teen Central Team Lead, back with some exciting event opportunities coming your way in our Copley Square location. Our upcoming offerings are focused on building confidence, skills, and self-reliance in 2023, and we would love it if you could spread the word to your students and teen organizations!

· Beginning January 19, BPL’s recently appointed Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dr. Allana Da Graca, graces the Teen Central Main Space for a series of workshops designed to help teens envision and achieve a variety of goals via high-quality crafts. We will be running these workshops again on Feb 2 and 16. Teens can drop in to any day in the series, but can also register for the whole shebang at bit.ly/bpldreambelieve4teens.

· Calling all performers! Teen Central Turns Art Café on Thursday, February 9, and we need rising stars and artists for our first of many Open Mic Nights! This teen-led evening of performance, live music, poetry, and more will feature a de-winterizing array of café-style snacks and ambience to support the warm glow of teen creativity! Please share with your teens! Teen performers must register by Friday, February 3 by emailing teencentral@bpl.org.

· Time to get testy…! Did you know that Teen Central has a full range of 2023 test prep materials for use ONLY by teen visitors…? These non-circulating materials are FREELY available to Teen Central visitors to be used immediately! We even have a FREE Princeton Review SAT course here at Central with open spots: learn more information and register here!

Boston Partners in Education

Boston Partners in Education will match academic mentors with your students to support them 1:1 or in small groups. Our mentors come directly to your classroom for 1 hour each week, for the duration of the school year. Students that may benefit from working with a mentor might: need additional time to understand concepts, lack confidence or motivation in certain subjects, need help following through to complete work, or need stronger organizational and study skills. If you have students that would benefit from an academic mentor, you can nominate them for support at https://bostonpartners.org/educators/. Teachers can also request online after-school tutoring for their students here: https://bostonpartners.org/ils-nomination/.

  • Fruta With Ms. Medina

    • Fruta with Ms. Medina the BLA Family Liaison. This will be a workshop that will take place twice a month in different neighborhoods. We hope to see families when we come to your neighborhoods and will be providing a wealth of resources for those who may need them. Please complete registration form.

Boston Partners In Education

Offers online mentoring takes place outside of school time. Parents/guardians can request support directly for programs. Here is some basic information that could be included.

Interact Boston Club

Want volunteer hours? Join Interact Club and interact with Boston. We will volunteer around Boston and help solve community issues! Questions? mpimentel18@bostonk12.org

  • Saturday School

    • Saturday school serves as a space where our students engage in activities they may not get to experience during the school day or week, and often features members of the community. Last year some of the highlights were DJing, poetry, etc. This month's Saturday school will be specific to 8th grade only. Please contact Ms. Manchester if you would like more information.


Upcoming healthy relationship academy

  • Is a paid opportunity for young people with the possibility of a job offer at the end of it. Please send out to anyone who works with youth who may be interested. Here is the application link.


CATIE'S CLOSET

  • We have partnered with Catie's Closet to end clothing insecurity. Feel free to bring any gently used or new clothes. We will have boxes on each floor (near front Office, rooms 242, 343 of the building). Questions? Contact Ms. White and Ms. Medina.


FRESH FOOD PICK-UP

  • This will be happening the 2nd Saturday of every month. The registration form will be sent out a week in advance for families to register to pick up a box of fresh food. Questions or interested in volunteering? Contact Ms. Medina at mmedina5@bostonpublicschools.org

BLA Operations

*If students are staying after school, please be sure that they scan the After School QR code*

Report Card Night/ Parent Teacher Conference

We will hold our report card night this year on February 15th, this will be in person and for a total of two hours.

New Grading Policy Key Highlights

Last year the School Site Council voted on the Grading and Assessment Policy. This policy was created with input from many stakeholders and will continue to be highlighted in our weekly memo’s. As part of the feedback there are a few really important shifts to be shared.

Under the new grading the following is the expectation:

  • Homework over school vacation periods will be limited to two subjects and homework should be designed to take 30 minutes or less. There will be no long-term project or large assignments will be assigned over school vacation weeks. *AP courses and summer reading assignments are an exception to this rule:

    • February break: Science and ELA

    • April break: Latin and Modern Foreign Language

Upon our return we will begin preparing for Midterms and completing MAP Assessments. Here is what was decided in regards to Midterms and Finals:

Mid-Year and Final Exams

  • Final and Mid-Year exams will contribute to the final course grade. Each exam will count as a summative assessment grade in either term 2 or term 4.

  • Mid-Year shall be a cumulative summative assessment that assesses what students have learned over the course of the first semester. Mid-year shall be aligned to the standards or course outcomes.

  • After reviewing the mid-year exam, teachers shall review the data and create appropriate action plans

D’s and F’s

Student Receiving Ds or Failing Grades

  • For students who have failing grades at the progress report period, teachers shall call home and communicate feedback to caregivers that outlines why the student is not demonstrating mastery and comment on the progress report

  • For students receiving Ds at progress report period, the teacher shall input a comment on the progress report that explains why the student is receiving.

  • That communication shall be logged in SIS.

BPS DAILY HOME HEALTH CHECKLIST

Please use the BPS daily checklist everyday. The checklist is available in many languages and found HERE

Please remember that we are still strongly recommending students mask up and stay home if they are feeling sick. Please reference my messaging last week particularly these points:

  • Wash your hands–Perform frequent hand washing and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

  • Don’t come to school if you’re sick–use our home health checklist to monitor your symptoms.

  • Get vaccinated and boosted! Visit the City of Boston’s Vaccine Clinics or your medical provider.

  • Wear your mask indoors! Wearing your mask is always a safe bet!

  • Use your free Covid-19 rapid test before you go to school–Use the free rapid antigen test provided to each student. Test even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms.

  • Call your student’s school to report a Covid-19 positive case–If your student tests positive for Covid-19, please report it immediately.

  • Refrain from sharing food and/or drinks with others.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES & SAFETY

  • Please have your child ready for the bus at their assigned pickup location ten minutes before the stated pickup time. Please also be prepared for bus delays. If you would like to know where your child’s bus is in real time, check out Where’s My School Bus online at schoolbus.bostonpublicschools.org.

  • If your child needs way-finding help, please encourage them to call the BPS Transportation Helpline at 617-635-9520. If your child becomes lost, they should call 9-1-1. The Boston Police Department's school unit coordinates with Boston Public Schools to locate missing children and return them to their parents and/or guardians or school as quickly as possible.


MORNING SAFETY

  • Please follow the signs posted near the school and watch your speed during school arrival times.

  • Please avoid blocking traffic by stopping in the middle of the road, parking in the spots designated for buses, making U-turns and dropping students off in the teacher parking lots.

Library Updates

  • The library has an ongoing Donors Choose project! The project is to purchase a 3D printer and Doodle Pens.The link can be found here: 3D printer and doodle pens. In addition, the library also has an Amazon wishlist, which can be found here. Thank you

  • We are starting a BLA Book Club! Book Club will meet every Wednesday afterschool from 1:50 - 2:30 in the library. Book Club will have a monthly theme, and students can read any book of their choice that connects to the theme. The first meeting of each month will be dedicated to discussing the theme and choosing books. Ms. Sweeney will have plenty of suggestions each month! The first Book Club meeting is on Wed., November 2nd. We can't wait to see you there!

  • Library Newsletter

  • Library Hours:

Mon-Thur: 6:30am - 3:30pm

Fri: 6:30am - 1:40pm

The after-school teacher in charge is Ms. Medina. If you have any questions, contact the librarians.

  • BLA's Hapgood Library is a place for students to visit during their study halls to complete work individually or in small groups. Research shows that listening to music while working or studying has many benefits, including boosting productivity, reducing stress, and improving focus. The library has a combination radio, CD, and record player, and we're looking to expand our music collection to play calm study music throughout the day! If you have any classical or easy listening music on CD or vinyl that you would like to donate to the library, please bring them in to Ms. Sweeney or Ms. Estrada.

  • BLA Be-Well Office Hours

  • If staff or students are traveling internationally and need to access their BPS email, call the Service Desk at 617-635-9200 to keep their access turned on

Nursing/COVID Protocol

If you are hoping to participate in a winter sports team, please be sure you have signed up on aspen ( directions included), talked with the coach and have submitted a valid in person Physical exam dated within 13 months. ASPEN directions provided down below.

If you test positive for COVID, fill out the google form (below) so we can correctly excuse this absence and record this illness. Please follow the directions for quarantine on the form, if you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to Nurse Conlin and Price. You may also visit this website for additional information.

  • If your student requires any medication during the school year ie: inhaler, epipen , please be sure to fill out the authorization for prescription medication paperwork and have it signed by both parent and MD. See nurse website for more information. If your student may require Ibuprofin/acetominophen/benedryl/ cetrizine, please fill out the OTC form also found on the nurses page. If your student had a Physical exam over the summer or during this school year, please be sure to forward a copy to our school nurses. Please visit our school nurses webpage for any information/paperwork you may require: https://www.latinacademy.org/families/nurses office

Google Form for reporting positive COVID case: HERE


Student Support

Academic Supports Available to Students:

Please see below for a list of academic supports available to all students.

  • Youth Virtual Learning Programs: Check out this spreadsheet which has over 200 programs available to students to support with academics in the virtual world.

  • Pie R Squared: Pie R Squared offers live math tutoring after school.

  • 826 Boston: 826 Boston’s after-school tutoring program operates Monday-Thursday for students ages 6-18. We serve the highest-need students in our community and give priority enrollment to students from low-income families and English Language Learners.

  • Academic Mentoring Program is now available for grades 6-12, where students are able to request a mentor for help and guidance with school (more information below)

  • Boston Public School District has partnered with Paper to provide ALL students with free, 1-on-1 tutoring and writing support. You can explore this incredible resource with your students right now! Tutoring and writing support in 4 different languages — English, Spanish, French and Mandarin. Interested in speaking to a member of the Paper team? You can reach them at parents@paper.co.

Upcoming Events

MONDAY

  • Academic: Science Tutoring ( Mr. Egbunike) UPPER LIBRARY

  • Academic/Enrichment: Resume Clinic & Job Readiness Application Support with PIC Counselor (Starting on Oct. 24)

  • Enrichment: Boston Debate League with Mr. Grannum and Ms. Walia (Room 317)

  • Enrichment: BLA Band with Mr. Smothers

  • Athletic: Fitness Session with Kev V (Gym)


TUESDAY

  • Academic/Enrichment: Finance for the Community by Northeastern University (Room 218)

  • Enrichment: Singer/Songwriting (Room 145)

  • Enrichment: Poetry by the Transformative Culture Project (Rm 220)

  • Enrichment: American Sign Language (ASL) classes with DEAFinitely (Room 222)

  • Enrichment: Rock the Street, Wall Street (Girl’s Financial Literacy Program) (Room 228)


WEDNESDAY

  • School Site Council 6 PM (Zoom)

  • Academic: Math Tutoring (Mr. Cao) (Room 108)

  • Academic: Latin Tutoring (Ms. Francois) UPPER LIBRARY

  • Enrichment: CPR/First Aid Health Mentorship (Room 222)

  • Enrichment: Expressive Arts by the Transformative Culture Project (Room 223)

  • Enrichment: GirlsLeap: Girl’s Self-defense and empowerment classes (Room 228)

  • Enrichment: Chorus w/Mr. Drisdom for 7th - 9th Graders

  • Athletic: Fitness Session with Kev V (Gym)


THURSDAY

  • Academic/Enrichment: Finance for the Community by Northeastern University (Room 218)

  • Academic/Enrichment: STEM Igniters (Exploring STEM careers with students of color) (Room 220)

  • Enrichment: Chorus w/Mr. Drisdon for 10th -12th Graders

  • Enrichment: BLA Band with Mr. Smothers

SCHOLARSHIP, COLLEGE, & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS


MIT MITES Saturday (formerly MIT SEED)

MIT offers a free program called MITES Saturdays. It is a term-long program that is STEM-focused.

"MITES (formerly the MIT Office of Engineering Outreach Program or OEOP) provides cost free, transformative STEM experiences for students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds-changing thousands of lives and the face of the STEM fields."

Application is due Jan 6th.

SuccessLink School Year Job Applications are NOW OPEN!

Looking for a job this school year? Between the ages of 14 to 18?

The application for the SuccessLink Youth Jobs program is now open! Click here for more information!


Artists for Humanity program:


Available to all currently enrolled 14+ students in BPS, the program does not require previous art experience, they are simply looking for individuals who have a passion for, and commitment to, art and design. The program has paid opportunities and built-in mentorship. The program does require a significant commitment and if students are interested in the paid opportunities they must meet the following prerequisites:

  • A high school attendee or at least 14 years of age and must be registered within the Boston Public Schools.

  • Able to attend every week during the program's regular hours (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the school year; Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. during the summer.

  • Able to complete an unpaid apprenticeship period of 36 hours, which doubles as community service hours, before becoming a paid employee

The link for the application is included, as well as a link that demonstrates some of the work they do.


SENIOR CORNER

FAFSA Seminar: Preparing for the financial component of Higher Education.

Date: January 26, 2023

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Registration Link: Click HERE

In-Person College Info Sessions

Please reserve your spot through Naviance.

Virtual College Info Sessions

There are many scheduled virtual college info sessions. Please make sure to reserve your spot on Naviance.

College Visit Sign Up Steps (In-person and virtual)

  1. Log in to Naviance Student.

  2. Navigate to Colleges > Research Colleges > College Visits or go to Colleges Home and find the College Visits card.

  3. Click Sign Up to sign up.

  4. Click the Sign Me Up button

  5. Need help with this? Contact your Guidance Counselor.


SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Red Pine Scholars Program is seeking its next class of students from low- to middle-income families in Massachusetts who have demonstrated academic excellence and are planning to attend competitive colleges as freshmen in the fall of 2023. This program is designed to support undergraduate students through tuition assistance, mentoring, and other flexible financial supports. The Red Pine Scholars Program is dedicated to making college affordable for Massachusetts families and helping students reach their full potential. The program is funded by an anonymous donor and administered by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI).

We invite you to share the Red Pine Scholars Program guidelines with students who will be entering college in fall 2023 and who meet this program’s criteria.

Information about the program, including guidelines and application instructions, can be found here.

While many students are deserving of this type of support during college, to be eligible for this program students must:

  1. Come from low- to middle-income families

  2. Live and attend high school in Massachusetts

  3. Have a strong academic record or demonstrate significant academic improvement over time

  4. Be planning to enroll as a freshman at a competitive four-year college in fall 2023

Applications must be submitted online – hard copies will not be accepted.

Applications must be completed online by February 15, 2023 at 5:00 PM EST.

The Red Pine Scholars Program is administered by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI). Please direct any questions to Ellie Galer at redpine@tpi.org or 617.338.5885.

Thank you in advance for your help ensuring as many students as possible learn about this important program.

Barmakian Scholarship

We are pleased to announce the 2023 availability of the Barmakian Scholarship. At his passing, Stephen H. Barmakian, created a very generous scholarship that is primarily for students who are Armenian and living in the greater Boston area; it’s called the Scholarship Fund of the Stephen H. Barmakian Family Foundation in Loving Care and Memorial Tribute to Armenhoohi H. Barmakian, Mother (1903-2002), Haroutune Kevork “Harry” Barmakian, Father (1891-1949), Haig George “Haigy” Barmakian, Brother (1922-1945) – or the Barmakian Scholarship!

The Barmakian Scholarship has more than $120,000 scholarships available, and has previously offered multiple awards up to $20,000, depending on the financial need of the applicant. It is for candidates who meet the below eligibility criteria.

  • Candidates must be pursuing or plan to pursue a four-year college degree program or its equivalent from a highly-recognized, well-established, nonprofit college or university in the U.S.

  • Candidates must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average (GPA).

  • Candidates must be U.S. Citizens or Resident Alien (U.S. National with Permanent Residency).

  • Very strong preference for students who are of Armenian descent.

  • Strong preference for students who are from the towns and cities in the greater Boston area centering around Watertown, to specifically include but not be limited to Watertown, Belmont, Waltham, Cambridge, Arlington, and Brighton.

The application for the scholarship is online, and we are looking for help in sharing this information with eligible candidates! https://cfprograms.smapply.io/prog/barmakian

The deadline for the scholarship application is April 1, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

For additional reference, you are welcome to contact Alison Ekizian, Executive Director, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston at office@htaac.org or 617/354-0632; or check out the Barmakian Scholarship on our website.


  • Eligibility:Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students

  • Amount: $10,000

  • Deadline: June 30, 2023

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Open to all high school students

  • Amount: $10,000

  • Deadline: May 1, 2023

  • Eligibility: Open to college graduates who are paying back student loan debt. Parents who took out student loans for their children who have graduated are also eligible!

  • Amount: $2,000

  • Deadline: End of each month

  • Eligibility: Current high school freshman, sophomore, or junior interested in attending a Protestant university or college.

  • Amount: $1,500

  • Deadline: May 31, 2023

  • Eligibility: Current high school freshman, sophomore, or juniors interested in attending a Catholic university or college.

  • Amount: $1,500

  • Deadline: May 31, 2023

  • Eligibility: Students in grades 3 up through age 25 who submit films of 3 to 8 minutes about our earth and sustainability

  • Amount: $200 to $2,000

  • Deadline: June 25, 2023

  • Eligibility: Residents of the United States (including D.C. and the U.S. Territories) who are 16+ years of age

  • Amount: $5,000

  • Deadline: January 31, 2023

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

*Flyers with more opportunities found below*

SuSHI

SuSHI is an after-school program for greater Boston high schoolers who are Asian/Asian American and are interested in learning more about health, wellness, identity, resilience, and other important topics and participating in group discussions in a supportive space. Please use this link to register: (https://tinyurl.com/sushispring).

Applications Open for Youth Advisory Board at Brigham and Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School

The Developmental Risk and Cultural Resilience Laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital & Harvard Medical School is currently accepting applications for Chinese heritage high school students who are passionate about issues that affect Asian Americans (e.g., mental health, racism, family dynamics, peer relationships, social media influences). Students will serve on the Youth Advisory Board for The BOBA (Building Our Bonds Authentically) Project, our new NIH-funded research study on the experiences of Chinese heritage youth.

The BOBA Project focuses on how Chinese heritage teenagers have conversations with their family and friends about current issues that affect Asian Americans and subsequent impacts on mental health. We are starting out with Chinese Americans but expect to expand the project to include other Asian American groups in the future. We envision that the BOBA Project will have a positive long-term impact on Asian American youth mental health and encourage teens to engage in important conversations with their loved ones. As such, youth voice is critical to this research having a broader impact on the community. Beyond providing their perspectives to our research, Youth Advisory Board members will meet regularly with our research team, learn directly about the research process, contribute to community outreach, and receive professional developmental opportunities. Youth Advisory Board members will receive a $500 stipend for their participation.

This is a great leadership opportunity for Chinese heritage high school students interested in psychology, research, and issues that affect Asian American youth.

All applicants must:

  • Be 14-18 years old

  • Identify as ethnically Chinese (biracial/multi-racial individuals must have at least one parent of full Chinese descent)

  • Live in the Greater Boston area

  • Be able to meet biweekly on Wednesdays after school from June 7 - November 29, 2023

    • Two meetings will be held in-person from 4-6 pm at Brigham and Women's Hospital: June 7 and Nov 29.

    • All other meetings will be held on Zoom from 4-5:30 pm: June 14, July 12, July 26, Aug 9, Sept 13, Sept 27, Oct 11, Oct 25, and Nov 8.

    • Note: All members MUST travel to Brigham & Women’s Hospital for the two in-person meetings and attend all Zoom meetings. Transportation costs (including parking) up to $30 will be reimbursed. Youth Advisory Board members will be responsible for notifying research staff if they will be absent due to an extenuating circumstance or illness.

Strong applicants will:

  • Have demonstrated initiative or leadership experience

  • Have strong interpersonal skills

  • Be passionate about issues that affect Asian Americans (e.g., mental health, racism, family dynamics, peer relationships, social media influences)

  • Have a strong interest in learning more about psychology and research on race, mental health, and/or Asian American families

For more information about the Youth Advisory Board, please see the attached flier and visit our website. Click here to apply! Applications close on Monday, February 13th, 2023 at 11:59 PM.

New Club!!: African Carribbean club

I am pleased to announce the new addition to the clubs at BLA; The African Carribbean Club has been established for all students to have a safe space to be themselves and embrace their cultures. Join now!! Questions? Email -Kuukuwa Darkwa (kdarkwa@bostonk12.org ) , Eryssah Joseph ( ejoseph31@bostonk12.org)

Yoga Club Dates Switched

Due to a scheduling conflict, Yoga Club will take place on the second Wednesday of every month. Therefore, the next club meeting will be on Wednesday, December 14th in Room 201 with Ms. Conway. Namaste. Questions? cconway2@bostonpublicschools.org

Knitting Club Startup

Community Service Opportunity here: The Knitting Club is restarting this school year. With this club, students not only get the opportunity knit crafts, but to also send their crafts to underprivileged communities for service hours. It is in room 326 (Mrs. MacIsaac's Room) after school with the first meeting being next Tuesday (11/22). There will be games and music! No experience is needed! To sign up fill out the attached google form: https://forms.gle/n82qSUNmisYXnHsBA

Interact Boston Club

Want volunteer hours? Join Interact Club and interact with Boston. We will volunteer around Boston and help solve community issues! Questions? mpimentel18@bostonk12.org

Knitting Club Startup

Community Service Opportunity here: The Knitting Club is restarting this school year. With this club, students not only get the opportunity knit crafts, but to also send their crafts to underprivileged communities for service hours. It is in room 326 (Mrs. MacIsaac's Room) after school with the first meeting being next Tuesday (11/22). There will be games and music! No experience is needed! To sign up fill out the attached google form: https://forms.gle/n82qSUNmisYXnHsBA


Ms. Upchurch's Resume Writing Workshops

  • Come join us after school on Monday's in room 110 to work on resume creation and editing! They will take place right after school from around 1:45pm - 2:30pm. This is a great way for students grades 9-12 to create their first resume, learn helpful resume tips and hear a bit more about the Boston PIC and our services. In addition, working with the PIC on your resume now makes it easier for you to get connected to various internship opportunities once the Private Sector Internship application opens up closer to March!

  • *Have you already attended a PIC resume workshop in the past? Just want someone to look over your resume and give suggestions? Share a copy of your resume to Ms. Upchurch today cupchurch@bostonpublicschools.org , in order to work with the PIC we have to have an updated copy of your resume in our system!*


  • Jr. Lifeguard Program offers Volunteer hours during the School and will be a paid job during the summer.


Book Club!

  • Do you love reading? Do you want to make friends, attend events, and meet authors? Do you not like reading, but want to get better at it? Join Book Club!

  • Meetings every Wednesday in the library from 1:50-2:30pm. Questions? Email Ms. Sweeney (msweeney5@bostonpublicschools)

Wrestling Team Meetings

    • All students interested in joining the BLA Wrestling team please come to our first team meeting after school on Wednesday October 19th in Room 234. If you are unable to make the team meeting, please see Mr. Valenzuela for more information. Students of all genders and all grades are welcome to join the wrestling team.

Monday After-School Math Club for Grade-7 & Grade-8 Math Enthusiasts


Join Seniors Kenny Mai & Symone Armstead on Mondays at 1:40 to 2:40 in Room 326 for fun & interesting math activities. Students will work on group problem solving, hands-on explorations, team competitions, and maybe create a Math Video or Animation Video for the MathCounts Video Challenge annual contest.


The MathCounts Club will begin on November 7th. Email Ms. Linda Coffey at blamathcounts@gmail, if you would like to join the group. Reach out to amacisaac@bostonpublicschools with any questions.


Fabric Arts Club

  • A fun and calm space to chill, relax, or hang out, no experience needed. Learn how to sew, embroider and customize your own clothes. Shannon MacIsaac - smacisaac@bostonk12.org


High School Band

  • Open to all students grades 9-12, regardless of musical experience. If they are interested, come by room 130 to speak to Mr. Smothers.

  • Beginning October 3rd, we will have after-school rehearsals on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:50pm-3:00pm and they are open to anyone who wants to be a part of the band, whether they are enrolled in the class or not.

  • Band this year will be about bringing us all together through music - regardless of any of the things that may separate us otherwise. We want students to make music and be proud of the culture we are trying to build here at BLA!

Want to become a Big Sister?

  • The High School Mentoring Program at Boston Latin Academy matches high school students (Big Sisters) from BLA with girls (Little Sisters) from Trotter Elementary in one-to-one mentoring relationships. The purpose of the program is two-fold: 1) to provide elementary school girls with the additional encouragement and caring needed to improve their self-confidence; school performance; and relationships with peers and other adults; and 2) prepare high school girls to become future leaders. Big Sisters spend time with their Little Sisters participating in a range of facilitated mentoring activities together. Girls Leadership Program is a unique experience that supports the development of both our Big and Little Sisters. Through the Girls Leadership Program, Big Sisters build leadership and life skills and develop a community of young women who support and empower each other through building healthy relationships. The weekly groups are conducted by staff members at Big Sister Association. The commitment is one day a week from 2:00-4:30pm during the school year. Want to apply or learn more? Please call/text Elizabeth Gregory at Big Sister Association at 1-617-236-5388 or email at egregory@bigsister.org and ask for an application today!

Greek Club!

    • Starting October 7th

    • Thursdays 1:50-2:30

    • Food, games, etc.

    • Join us to learn about amazing Greek culture and meet new people!

    • If you have any questions contact eapazidou@bostonk12.org

Recycling Club

    • Officially begins Friday, 9/23 at room 331 after school from 1:40-2:20 pm. Help recycle bins from classrooms and gain community service hours!

    • If you have any questions contact jjonah@bostonk12.org

Crochet Lunch Bunch!

  • Thursday 5th Period in the Lower Library

  • Join us for crocheting and camaraderie. No experience required.

  • Questions? Email: Eleanor Hendrickson ehendrickson@bostonk12.org


Join BLA Dragon Tales School Newspaper!

    • Want to learn about an exciting opportunity to write about and for the BLA community? Join BLA Dragon Tales, the longest-running publication and only student-led newspaper of BLA. Our first meeting will be Tuesday, September 27th in room 321 at 1:40 and we’ll determine our regular meeting date soon after. Reach out for to Amishai (agoodmangolds@bostonk12.org) or Mr. Mueller (emueller@bostonpublicschools.org) for more information !

Join The Academy Actors

    • BLA's Drama Club will hold its first meeting next Thursday, Sept. 29th from 1:50 - 2:30 in Carroll Hall. Anyone and everyone is invited to attend!

    • Questions? Email: Ms. Berinato - aberinato@bostonpublicschools.org

Join The Christian Club :

    • We meet in Room 336

    • Wednesdays 1:40pm - 3pm

    • If you're intrested, let us know by completed the form below.

    • Worrying about your past won't change your future, planning for your future will!

  • First Generation Investors (flyer down below): A nonprofit organization that teaches underserved high school students the power of investing and provides the students with real money to invest. Our mission is to provide underserved young adults the knowledge, skills and tools to thrive in the investment economy

  • Rock The Street, Wall Street: Looking for individuals that identify as she/her and/or non-binary who want to learn more about savings, investments, budgeting, and more.

  • Below is an Academic Mentoring Program flyer.

    • Students can complete this form to REQUEST a mentor.

    • Staff can coach and support the young people they are matched with in service of their mentees' self-identified goals.

    • Parent, caregivers, & teachers community partners complete this form to nominate a student.

  • SPEDPAC

Please review the Special Education Basic Rights (below)