The Digital Dragon
Student, Family & Community
SENIORS: new scholarship!
The Girls’ High School Association (not the same as the GLS/BLA Association) offers scholarships of usually $500-1000. Female seniors are encouraged to apply. The GHS Association is a local organization that has been very generous to BLA students! See the application here: Deadline is May 1st.
BLA VACCINATION CLINIC
BMC will be hosting our Spring Vaccination clinic on Wednesday April 13th 1-4:30p and Wednesday June 8th 1-4:30p in the lower cafeteria. This is open to the PUBLIC.
Parent Council
We only have three Parent Council meetings to go before the school year ends. As such, we encourage you to join as many of these meetings as you can beginning with the one this Wednesday, April 13 from 6-7:30. Please see the agenda here at SPC agenda April 13 22
As you can see from the agenda, Tyrone Sutton will be our guest speaker on Wednesday. Mr. Sutton is at BLA courtesy of the principle-in-training program and has been tasked with, among other things, coordinating the input on school assessments (e.g., grading, homework coordination, tests, etc. ) from families, students, teachers and administrators. He will be updating the parent council as to the status of these discussions.
If you would like to attend, please fill out the RSVP form here by 4:30 on April 13 and we will e-mail you the zoom link for the meeting. RSVP SPC April 13 2022
Also, don’t forget, we will have translators in Spanish, Cantonese and Vietnamese.
We looking forward to seeing you this Wednesday.
Karen, Kelsey, Jill and Natasha
ACCELERATION APRIL ACADEMY (AAA) for 7th-10th graders
Interested in attending April Break's Acceleration academy? Sign up HERE.
BLA Operations
BPS DAILY HOME HEALTH CHECKLIST
Please use the BPS daily checklist everyday. The checklist is available in many languages and found HERE
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.
HAPGOOD MONTHLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Please check out this month's library newsletter
COVID Protocol
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
Google Form for reporting positive COVID case: HERE
Student Support
Academic Supports Available to Students:
The third academic quarter ends April 19. Please see below for a list of academic supports available to all students.
Math Center: Sign up for the math center during Support Block or go after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 108 from 1:50-2:30.
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.
SCHOLARSHIP:
the MIT AgeLab has a 2022 OMEGA Scholarship for high school students engaging in intergenerational work.
The MIT AgeLab’s Opportunities for Multigenerational Exchange, Growth and Action (OMEGA) initiative is proud to offer five scholarships to recognize the efforts that teens are making to create multigenerational connections. Each award will include a $5000 college scholarship to the winning student and $1000 to the winning student’s intergenerational initiative to support its activities. High school juniors and seniors in the U.S. are eligible to apply. Both a completed application and a recommendation letter are required to apply for the scholarship. Applications are due May 15, 2022. Please visit https://agelab.mit.edu/omega-scholarship to learn more and apply!
Any questions can be directed to omegamit@mit.edu.
Upcoming Events
TUESDAY
Grief Group ran by School Based Health Center at BLA 1:45-2:45 Sign Up
WEDNESDAY
Covid Pool Testing
THURSDAY
Teacher Vs Student Dodgeball Game 2:00-2:45 sign up: https://forms.gle/yGMdJknb4VZv58S39
FRIDAY
NO SCHOOL: Good Friday
BLA Spotlight and Shout Outs
Hello everyone,
As you may know there was a feminine hygiene drive taking place at Boston Latin Academy. The drive has come to an end and we want to thank everyone for their contribution and donations. We were able to raise 1000+ products to date to the Women’s lunch place here in Boston! A special shoutout to BLA student, Faduma Abdikadir, for her amazing efforts in mobilizing the community for such a cause as this. Thank you for your help BLA, in giving back to the community!
Saturday April 2nd 16 of our students (range of grades 7-12) participated in the Junior Classical League State Convention. We had two students win election to state office:
Mistchnache Prinston ('23) - Secretary
Megan Tran ('25) - Publications Editor
We placed third overall as a school.
We had several students place in academic contests:
David Thomas ('27) - 1st place in Grammar
Daniel Thomas ('27) - 3rd place in Grammar
Sara Rhouate ('22) - 1st place in Mythology
Jireh Thomas ('25) - 3rd place Mythology and 5th place Pentathlon
Beatrix Shippy ('25) - 4th place in Derivatives
Alexa James ('24) - 5th place Roman Life
Athena James ('24) - 3rd place in Phrases, Mottos, Abbreviations, and Quotations
Creative Contests:
Athena James ('24) - 3rd place in Dramatic Interpretation
Megan Tran ('25) - 1st place in Black and White Stylus, 1st place in Jewelry, 5th place in impromptu art
John Macchi ('23) - 2nd place in computer enhanced photography
Athletic Contests:
Beatrix Shippy ('25) - 1st place Girls 400, 4th place Co-Ed Relay
Athena James ('24) - 5th place Girls 400, 4th place Girls 200, 4th place Co-Ed Relay
Sara Rhouate ('22) - 2nd place Co-Ed Relay
Lia Van Der Linde ('22) - 2nd place Co-Ed Relay
Alexa James ('24) - 5th place Girls 200, 5th place Co-Ed Relay
Jireh Thomas ('25) - 5th place Co-Ed Relay
Joel Taylor ('24) - 5th place Co-Ed Relay
Beatrix Shippy ('25) - 3rd place in Mosaics
Boys Chariot - 3rd place
Girls Chariot - 1st place
Finally Megan Tran won 4th place overall for her graphic arts contributions.
Feel free to share this info or a condensed version if you prefer.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
City Opportunity for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & and People of Color) Boston youth
The Boston Planning & Development is keen to help create a “pipeline” of opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & and People of Color) Boston youth to become future planners and leaders in the City.
As one step in this direction, in April 2022, the BPDA staff will be holding an event to bring together BIPOC high schoolers (primarily 9th and 10th graders) to interact directly with professional planners from the BPDA to learn about the work that they do, including neighborhood planning, transportation planning, urban design, climate change planning, and public engagement. In this highly interactive event, students will be able to talk to planners, ask questions, participate in activities, and otherwise have fun learning about city planning and design.
Basic Info About this Event
Date: Tuesday, April 12 (or Wednesday, April 13)
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 am
Where: This will be a virtual event: {Zoom link)
What to bring: Curiosity!
Why This Will Be Valuable for BPS Students
This event directly supports the high school curriculum in that it will:
Acquaint students with aspects of local government whereby city planners work with local citizens and residents to improve their lives and neighborhoods
Show how specific public participation strategies can engage residents in democratic policy and decision making
Reveal practical applications for public speaking, writing, math, graphic art, and design skills.
Educate students about future careers in City planning and design
BPDA is very fortunate to have the following local partners on this project and they are as follows:
Boston Society of Architects (BSA): One of the oldest and largest chapters of the American Institute of Architects, the BSA is the Boston is a Boston based nonprofit organization committed to architecture, design and the built environment. The BSA runs the Architecture and Design Bootcamp in partnership with the Sasaki Foundation.
Boston Architectural College (BAC): Founded originally in 1889 as a professional club, in 1971 BAC became the first accredited architecture program with a work component in the US. Since then, BAC has introduced programs in interior architecture, landscape architecture, and design studies. The BAC runs the Mobile Maker and Summer Academy programs for Boston youth.
Urban Land Institute (ULI): ULI claims to be the oldest and largest network of cross-disciplinary real estate and land use experts in the world. Through its members and their shared expertise, ULI sets standards of excellence in real estate development practice. The ULI runs the UrbanPlan program for Boston youth.
Sasaki Foundation: A nonprofit corporation established in 2000 by Sasaki, a multidisciplinary design firm, the Sasaki Foundation works at the intersection of research, practice, and community to advance the value of design, inviting diverse partners to co-create change. Sasaki Foundation runs the SEEDs summer program for Boston youth.
ACE Mentors: Founded in 1994, the ACE Mentor Program of America (ACE) is a free, award-winning, after school program active in 38 states designed to attract high school students into pursuing careers in architecture, construction and engineering, including skilled trades. In Boston, ACE Mentors will be offering ______
Digital Ready: Digital Ready activates the creative potential of high school students, especially underrepresented young people, to build tangible pathways to economic opportunities in Boston’s innovation economy. Digital Ready wants its students to become artificial organ designers, ethical hackers, 3D printed building designers, biomimicry engineers, quantum computer programmers, bio fabricators and more.
Boston Planning & Development Agency: The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) is the planning and economic development agency for the City of Boston. With over 200 professionals serving the City in a variety of ways—from urban planners, transportation planners, urban designers, architects to housing specialists and projects managers who review new development proposals–the BPDA plays a far reaching role in shaping the future of Boston. This BPDA is spearheading and leading the Pilot Speaker Program for BIPOC Youth event in April 2022.
For more information contact: 267-632-1234.
BC Splash is a 1-day event held at Boston College each semester where students in grades 7-12 can take fun, engaging classes that are taught and designed by our undergraduate and graduate students!
This semester, our program is back in-person on the BC campus, and we have put together a great day and fantastic lineup of classes over zoom for the students. They can take classes such as The Mathematics of Voting, Little Women 101, Learning to Love Yourself and Life, and many others!
BC Splash will be held on BC's campus on Sunday, April 10th from 10am - 4pm.
Our program costs $10 to attend, but we have extremely generous financial aid for any students for whom this is an issue. We do not want students to not come because of cost.
Students can register at our website, bcsplash.learningu.org
Project Success/Opening the Door to Biomedical Careers is a program for BOSTON and CAMBRIDGE high school students only, particularly underrepresented and/or disadvantaged students, to participate in paid, mentored, summer research internships at Harvard Medical School and its affiliated institutions. The program is augmented by seminars and workshops given by faculty and administrators, site visits, and career counseling.
Eligible participants:
● Must have a home address in Boston or Cambridge, Massachusetts
● Are currently in grade 11 or 12 with a minimum 2.70 Grade Point Average (GPA)
● Are at least 16 years of age by June 24, 2022
● Have completed algebra, biology, and chemistry by program start
● Must be able to provide documentation that they are allowed to work
● Must provide current high school transcript beginning with 9th grade
Due to the variants of Covid-19, this program will be in a virtual space. Students meet Monday-Friday for four (4) weeks in the month of July (July 5th-29th). For application, contact Projectsuccess@hms.harvard.edu. Applications are due April 29, 2022 by 5:00 p.m.
Apply to Minds Matter Boston
Are you a 9th and 10th grader that wants to go to college? Then Minds Matter is a great program for you. Minds Matter Boston connects driven and determined students who want to go to college with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world.This program will provide you with two mentors and give you access to free ACTprep, writing instruction and free tuition and board to a summer program at a top tier university in the US or abroad. For more information and to apply, please click here. Applications are due April 24, 2022
Artward Bound Applications Open- due May 22
Artward Bound mission is simple: bring local voices of color to the forefront of the art industry. Artward Bound is a free 4-year program that prepares 9th - 12th-grade students interested in visual arts and design with the artistic and academic skills needed for admission to and success at an art/design college. Artward Bound is currently accepting applications for current 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students to start this summer. Apply by May 22nd at massart.edu/artwardboundapply.
Boston University’s Upward Bound Program
Are you a BLA freshman or sophomore who is Interested in taking classes at Boston University this summer? Are you also interested in getting paid to participate in a program during the school year that increases your preparedness for college and future years of high school? Please apply to BU’s Upward Bound program here. To be eligible you must live in one of the following neighborhoods: Roxbury, Mattapan, Dorchester or East Boston.
Youth Action Team
The Y.A.T. is for incoming public high school juniors who seek to improve their leadership skills through creative producing. Applicants should be willing to engage in personal reflection and to respect others whose ideas and perspectives are different from their own, be able to follow through on goals and commitments, and have an interest in theater, although no theater experience is necessary. Up to twelve applicants will be selected from various Greater Boston Public Schools. Boston and Cambridge students are particularly encouraged to apply.
You are invited to come learn about biomechanics and celebrate National Biomechanics Day with Harvard’s Biodesign Lab!
This hands-on educational event will include:
Touring state-of-the-art motion capture labs in Harvard’s new Science and Engineering Complex!
Learning about your body mechanics and muscle physiology, and the wearable sensors that make this possible!
Building and testing your own wearable device!
Discussing responsible research with current Clinical Research Managers!
Lunch with current graduate students!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday April 23rd, 2022
Time: 10am-3pm (Lunch will be provided)
Location: 150 Western Avenue, Boston, MA 02134
No prior experience needed and all are welcome!
Females and non-binary students are especially encouraged to sign up!
Check out the event webpage here for more information!
Questions? Email nbd.harvard.biodesign@gmail.com
Free COVID-19 Home Test Kits Available for City of Boston residents
Boston residents can now pick up free rapid at-home test kits at designated sites around the City, while supplies last. Each person will be able to pick up a kit for each member of their immediate household per visit. There are two tests in each kit.
Please help us get the word out about these kits along with guidance on how to use them:
BPHC’s fact sheet provides guidance on how to use these home test kits, including what to do if you test positive. These are currently available in English and Spanish.
Mass DPH provides detailed instructions for using a home test kit, as well as graphic instructions available in several languages.
More detailed guidance on using the kits is available directly from the vendors, currently iHealth or QuickVue.
Middle School Updates and Information
Opportunities for 7th graders:
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship: The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need. Educational advisers help Cooke Young Scholars maximize the high school experience and prepare to thrive at the nation’s top-performing colleges. For more information click here. DUE May 9
Academic Supports Available to Students:
The third academic quarter will run from February 3rd - April 19th; please see below for a list of academic supports available to all students:
Boston Public Library Homework Assistance Program: The Homework Assistance Program (HAP) is a free after-school service led by Harvard University trained teen mentors that offers homework help, mentorship, and activities for students in grades K–8. Join online for a space to work on homework with peers and extra guidance on assignments in any subject, from sciences to humanities. Bilingual help in English and various languages is available. There will not be any in-person HAP in the branches from January 4 until February 1, 2022. Join Virtual HAP online on Zoom at the following link: https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/my/bplhap - Sessions take place Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5:30. More information can be found here: https://www.bpl.org/homework-help-for-grades-k-8/
Acceleration Academy: This academy will be held during April break. Interested in attending April Break's Acceleration academy? Sign up HERE. For more information, please contact Ms. Karen Clark or Ms. White.
Summer Programs
Summer Stuff: The time to make your summer plans is now! BPS Summer Stuff has information on summer schools, camps, programs, activities & jobs! The website will be constantly updated, so check back often!
Thompson Island Outward Bound's Summer Learning Expedition: The Thompson Island Outward Bound Summer Learning Expedition is a 3-week overnight summer learning experience (July 3rd to 23rd) to help students grow as individuals, scientific thinkers, and stewards of the environment. Through backpacking, kayaking, camping, and hands-on field activities on the island, students will gain expertise living and learning in an outdoor environment and in community with one another. The program dates are July 3rd to July 23rd, 2022 and the program is FREE to rising 7th and 8th grade BPS students. Registration will open on April 1st with limited spots available! More information available at Summer Learning Expedition
Community Boat Building Summer Program: Summer programs feature different building projects, such as a Wooden Rowboat. In addition, participants spend time outside playing games and rowing on Fort Point Channel. For ages 7-18. Some financial aid is available. Programs start in July but fill up fast! Learn more and register here!
City Spotlights Summer Leadership Program is a summer youth employment program that will hire up to 30 Teen Leaders. City Spotlights is a 6-week program where Teen Leaders will work collaboratively developing skills to succeed as community leaders through advocacy, college and career readiness, and performing arts in acting, music, and dance. While earning minimum wage for up to 25 hours per week, teens design and facilitate interactive workshops for peers in the Boston community. Teens also work collaboratively to create an original Final Showcase performance to be presented at the end of the summer to the public.
WHEN: Teen Leaders will meet Monday-Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm The program runs July 5-August 12
WHERE: Boch Center Shubert Theatre 270 Tremont Street, Boston
APPLY HERE AND SELECT YOUR AUDITION DATE
Interested in working in a hospital this summer? Are you in the 9th grade? Please read!
Project T.E.A.C.H (Teen Education About Careers in Health) is a summer program for rising 10th grade students. Students selected for Project T.E.A.C.H spend 6 weeks in July and August in the hospital setting as a paid Brigham and Women’s Hospital employee. While students are being exposed to the many possibilities of health or science related careers, it is our goal to further develop characteristics of responsibility, discipline, maturity, communication and work ethic.
Project TEACH is looking to recruit 9th grade boys from BLA for their summer internship program! If you are interested and would like to apply, please reach out to me ASAP through email (catie.sirois@bostonpic.org).
GROW (Greater Boston Research Opportunities for Young Women)
• Dates: June 29-30 (orientation) and July 5– August 12, 2022 M-F from 9:30-4:30
• Grade Level: Young women who attend greater Boston high schools and will be entering their senior year in fall 2022
• Must be 16 years old by July 1, 2022
• Must live within 30 miles of Boston and be able to commute to BU every day
• Deadline for Applications: April 15, 2022
GROW is a six-week paid research internship for young women who are seriously interested in STEM careers. Participants can earn a stipend of up to $1500 for completion of all program requirements. Accepted students will be placed in a biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience or engineering lab where they will participate in cutting edge research in a collaborative group session. Participants will be part of a cohort that meets several times a week with a Program Manager who will coach them on how to reach their research goals and help prepare them to present their research at a summer symposium. Participants will also hear from guest speakers and learn about careers in STEM fields. Please note: Accepted Students must be able to attend all program dates. For more information and to apply, go to: www.bu.edu/lernet/grow.
