Embedded Files
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 as well which is a great additional resource. This website is run by our PIC Counselor here at BLA. Questions? Email cupchurch@bostonpublicschools.org.
BLA School Site Council
The BLA School Site Council will meet on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 5:00-6:30 pm.
Please register no later than 4:00 pm on Tuesday, January 10th to receive the Zoom link for the meeting. The registration form is available here. The agenda is available here. If you do not receive the zoom link by 4:45 PM on Tuesday, January 10th, please email parent co-chair Mario Delci at mdelci@yahoo.com. We hope to see you at the School Site Council meeting! If you need a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this meeting please contact parent Mario Delci (mdelci@yahoo.com) in advance of the meeting. Automatic closed captioning will be available through Zoom.
School Parent Council (SPC) Meeting: Wed, Jan 11, at 6:30 p.m. by Zoom
Please join us to: connect with families; provide feedback; participate in Q&A with Head of School Gavin Smith; and more!
Submit a question in advance: https://forms.gle/Z7Z6vKgFLRG3oU9p9
Questions? SPC Officers: blafamilies@gmail.com
If you've already RSVP'd for past SPC meetings you will get the Zoom link automatically for this one.
If you haven't yet filled out a sign up form or want to submit a question in advance, RSVP today: https://forms.gle/Z7Z6vKgFLRG3oU9p9!
Fruta With Ms. Medina
This will be taking place on Thursday from 10 AM- 12:30 PM. Location to be determined.
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.
Frozen Fenway
This week both our girls and boys hockey teams will be participating in the Frozen Fenway Hockey matches at Fenway Park.On Tuesday, January 10th, the BLA girls hockey will be facing Latin School at 8pm and on Friday the 13th the boys will also be playing Latin School at 8pm. Tickets and Information can be found here
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)
National Latin Exam
The National Latin Exam is a 40 question multiple choice exam on Latin grammar and translation and Greco-Roman history, culture and mythology. The exam is administered to students across the United States and around the world. The registration deadline is January 10th and the cost is $6.50. Please see your Latin teacher asap to sign up. We encourage all Latin students to take the exam. Special certificates, ribbons and awards are given to students who perform well on the test. The exam will be administered during one period of the school day in March 2023.
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
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!*
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. We are running a clothing drive starting Friday, October 7. 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? Contact Ms. Medina at mmedina5@bostonpublicschools.org
BLA Operations
*After School Programming will resume this week. If a student is staying after school, please be sure that they sign in at the desk next to the library.*
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.
BLA Foreign Travel Update **France**
BLA's next foreign travel destination is Paris in 2025. Families with students currently in grades 8-10 are welcome to attend a Zoom informational meeting on January 18, 2023. Please click this link to register for the meeting. Merci beaucoup
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 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.
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
College Essay BootCamp with Ms. Prass in the Upper Library @2 PM
College & Career Choice w/ Mr. Smith in the Conference Room @2 PM
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
School Site Council @5 PM
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 Parent Council @ 6:30 PM
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!
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
College Essay Bootcamp
Need help finalizing your college essay? Our AP Literature Teacher, Mrs. Prass is hosting a 5-Week College Essay Bootcamp on Mondays in the Upper Library. Drop-in to get valuable feedback on your essay--whatever stage of the process you are! Many Early Action/Admissions deadlines are approaching so don't miss this opportunity!
College & Career Choice
Our Head of School, Mr. Smith, will be hosting a 5-week College & Career Choice Series. If you want some insight on the college process, need to finalize your reach, safety and target schools, and need important information that will be helpful as you plan your postsecondary education, then this is for YOU! Meet or Drop-in the Conference Room (Main Office) on Monday, starting on October 17, at 2pm.
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)
Log in to Naviance Student.
Navigate to Colleges > Research Colleges > College Visits or go to Colleges Home and find the College Visits card.
Click Sign Up to sign up.
Click the Sign Me Up button
Need help with this? Contact your Guidance Counselor.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
*Flyers with more opportunities found below*
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)
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