Happy Friday!

Team,

Just a quick note to inform you that the building will be open on Saturday between the hours of 7am and noon.  There is a hard closing time at noon.

Lastly, Wednesday night's meeting on Daly Field went swimmingly.  Assuming all goes according to plan, we will break ground later this spring.  Needless to say that this will be an incredibly positive boost for Brighton High and the Allston/Brighton Community.  I'll keep you posted.

My best to you all for a restful weekend!  We'll do it again next week.


Best,
Pat

P.S.  Fyi, everyone can access Youtube on campus through this link. (I realize that it's not "full" access).



Special Education Update...
We are currently fully staffed and the paraprofessionals have their schedules.  As for the master schedule, the structure seems to be complete. However, we are consistently receiving new students and as IEP meetings occur, student schedules will need to change. If any other major move will need to occur, we will inform you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Google and more...

Team,

Happy Thursday!  I have a few pieces of info to share and please take a look at the info below.  Quickly, tomorrow is the last day to express interest in Aspen training.  There is a sign up sheet in the main office.   A training date is forthcoming.   Also, please be mindful that evaluation goals must be submitted by 10/1.  A few have inquired as to who is evaluating whom.  The vast majority of the assignments are the same for those who were here last year.  Assignments will be communicated early next week.

Oh, and....tomorrow is Friday - not that you needed that reminder...   Wear BLACK and Orange!

With appreciation for all you do,
Pat

******

GOOGLE IS COMING!
From Mark Racine:
I'm very excited to announce that our "Early Adopters" program will be starting in just over one month and it's time to get your school involved! We are going to have early adopters in every school so that you will have experts who can help staff when the full migration occurs on December 9th. We have a full description of the early adopters and what the requirements are that you can read by clicking this link:

"Early Adopters" Description: http://goo.gl/TxA0Qj

If you're interested, please send an email to Pat T. right away.  There are only 4 slots available.

*****

Attention Staff,
1-1-3 Delivery is returning to Brick House Pizza in Brighton.  Orders can be placed through our email at 113delivery@gmail.com or in the main office.
Please place all orders by 8:00am Friday morning for delivery at 11:30 on Friday.

Thanks for your support!
1-1-3 Delivery Staff
http://www.brickhousegrille.com/
Amy Thorne Allison

**********
Tomorrow, welcome back party for all BPS staff is happening at the BTU building from 3-8PM. It would be good to get a good turn out. Free food, cheap drinks, and usually a great DJ.

From Dianne...

Dear Brighton High School Family,

I wish to thank you for welcoming me so warmly, offering your support and truly making me feel part of the Brighton High School community. These past six months have at times challenged me, yet more importantly, have contributed to my professional growth.  I have met some very special people here and will remember the unconditional support and care they have shown me.

However, after twenty years working in a school environment I felt it was time to further expand my professional experience.  I have accepted a position in the Human Resource department of Boston Public Schools.  This Friday, September 27^th will be my last day at Brighton High School. This decision truly feels bittersweet and change is never easy.  

I hope if you should ever find yourself at the central office in Court Street that you will stop by and say hello. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish you all a great school year. Go Bengals!

Warm Regards,

Dianne

Important Updates...

Team,

Quickly, if you have not already, please submit your sub folder.  Of course, we hope not to access sub folders often, but when we do, the morning sub assignment process is much smoother when they're in place. Also, it has come to my attention that students are arriving to their 6th period class with their book bag in tow.  The "bags in locker" rule is a safety feature.  If/when a student arrives to your class with his/her book bag, please ask him/her to return it to his/her locker.  Much appreciated!

Tomorrow, we shall meet as a team in the library at 1:10pm.  There will be a data presentation followed by goals work in department teams.  We have much to do. Please make every effort to be on time.

Please see below for some important updates, and event remembering the life of BHS alum, Waymond Pearson, and a neat PD opportunity.

Best,
Pat

P.S. Some good news - the evaluation goals are not due 9/26, they're due 10/1.

************************

Waymond was born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Boston,Ma.
September 30,1984-Septmeber 14, 2003

Waymond was a tough All-City Running Back and Middle Linebacker player For the Brighton Bengals. He had a heart so big he once gave his shoes to a homeless man and walked to his home barefoot.  Unfortunately, Waymond was tragically murdered on September 14, 2003 as he was coming to the aid of his friend.

Ten years have passed and we want to celebrate Waymond’s life.  His talent on the field was remarkable. He was a joy to Watch and planned to attend Curry College after he graduated from Brighton High. His dreams were cut short for being a loyal friend.  We would like everyone to come out to Brighton High’s first home game of the season to retire Waymond’s Jersey #35  of the Bright Bengals.
Please join our celebration.
Saturday 9/28/2013 as the Brighton Bengals face the Charlestown Townies
White Stadium @ 1:00 PM.

www.facebook.com/RestInPeaceWaymondGPearsonJr
http://primaryresearch.org/dedication-waymond-g-pearson/

***************************************************************************
Good Morning Staff,

I have been asked by BPS Health Services to make available to all the Blood Borne Pathogens and Life Threatening Allergies Trainings.

The blood borne pathogen section contains a PowerPoint and a brief post test. The test can be placed in my mailbox or e-mailed.

The LTA section contains a training module and a quiz. Once staff members complete the quiz they will receive a Certificate of Completion that can be either printed or e-mailed to Nurse Dujour. I will attend the October 9th Department meeting for demonstration of Epi-Pen administration for interested staff members.

Please complete trainings by October 11, 2013

Thank You for your cooperation.

********

The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross is a new 6-part documentary series on African American history, in which Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. guides viewers on an engaging journey across continents and centuries to shed new light on the experience of being African American.

To coincide with the broadcast of this series, WGBH will host a workshop that will introduce middle/high school history and social studies teachers to a suite of new and engaging resources designed to enhance the teaching and learning of African American history.

The workshop will include a keynote address by series host Professor Gates, a screening of clips from the series, a tour of the educator website, and a presentation of the teachers’ guide, lesson plans and other classroom supports. Educators who attend this workshop will receive the following free resources:

• Many Rivers to Cross teachers’ guide and classroom resources
• Many Rivers to Cross series poster
• A free 1-year membership to WGBH
• Educator resources and information from our partner organizations 

Please join us for this exciting opportunity!

When: Monday, October 28, 2013, from 4:30 to 8:00 PM (dinner included)

Where: WGBH Studios, 1 Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135

Audience: Middle/high school history and social studies teachers, curriculum directors

To register and for more info, please visit: http://www.wgbh.org/manyriversworkshop

Opportunity Knocks!

Team,

See below for a some great opportunities!

Job Postings for Brighton High School PULSE afterschool program

Hello BHS staff,

Once again our after school MCAS prep program will begin running Monday, September 30th. The program is held from 2:10-4:10 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. PULSE is an after school program that helps our students work on improving their math, ELA and science skills. Our MCAS boot camp for our 11^th and 12^th grade students prepares them to pass the ELA and math MCAS retake in the fall and spring, the biology in the winter and spring and our 10^th graders to prepare for their ELA MCAS in March and their math MCAS in May.

This year the PULSE program will be supporting the ninth grade academy by providing homework help three days a week and a physics MCAS boot camp from April to June.

I am looking to fill several instructor positions. Depending on the number of students enrolled, instructors may choose to co-teach their class. Teachers are paid the hourly BTU rate of $42.31. All stipends include an extra day for a 3 hr field trip. The ratio of planning/recruiting to instruction time is 45 min planning/recruiting: 1 hr 15 min of instruction each day. Instructors may choose a classroom to run their MCAS session in or one can be assigned to them.

The following positions are currently available to start Monday September 30th:

Two Math MCAS retake boot camp instructors from 9/30-11/8. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 2:10-4:10 for a total of 18 days (includes a 3 hr field trip). $1,565.47

Two ELA MCAS retake boot camp instructors from 9/30-11/5 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 2:10-4:10 for a total of 17 days (includes a 3 hr field trip). $1,480.85

ELA, history, math and physics instructors for the 9^th grade homework help sessions. We will be running an ELA/history and a math/science homework room concurrently to cover all content areas on a daily basis. The commitment can be flexible based on how many teachers apply and what their schedules allow. The stipend will vary depending on how many days a week a teacher commits.

Please contact me at sarabouvier@gmail.com if you are interested in applying for a PULSE instructor position or if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Sara Bouvier

PULSE Coordinator

Room 112

********************************************************************

JUDGE at a debate tournament and we can win $7,500.00 for Brighton High School PLUS teachers can earn 10 PDPs!

October 11th-12th and/or October 18th-19th

http://www.bostondebate.org/get-involved/volunteer-to-judge

1. Teachers can earn 10 PDPs for judging at any 3 sessions this year (i.e. any combination of 3 - Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening) a

2. For the school with the highest % of their staff (admin and support staff included) that attend T1 or T2 will receive a $7500 technology grant to be used however the school wants.

Go to http://www.bostondebate.org/get-involved/volunteer-to-judge to sign up!

From Gov. Patrick

September 20, 2013

Dear Teacher, Principal or Superintendent,

Earlier this week we learned that Massachusetts students improved their performance again on the MCAS, setting new cumulative records.  I wanted to thank you personally for delivering those gains.

No other state in America comes close to the bragging rights we have in public education.  On the front lines in classrooms across the Commonwealth, your hard work, creativity and dedication is inspiring young people and making a difference in their lives.

This year’s MCAS results show that 10th graders across the Commonwealth are performing at higher levels than ever before, students of color are closing the achievement gap in all subjects, and fourteen of the original thirty-four Level 4 or “turnaround” schools will exit that status this year after meeting their goals.

None of this is happening by accident.  It is because of our collective investment in our students and their future -- teaching young people how to look up rather than down, and to say about themselves, their circumstances, and their future, “yes we can."  For that, you make me incredibly proud.

One of my favorite things to do as Governor is visit schools.  During my seven years in office, I have been to every type and size of school – district schools, innovation schools, charter schools, vocational technical schools, urban schools, rural schools and everything in between.  Across the board, what I have recognized as the catalyst for success is devoted and loving teachers and school leadership.  The meaningful interactions I have witnessed between young people and caring adults in the classroom is where the real magic of learning happens.  

There is more work ahead, of course.  There always is.  But on this important milestone, I wanted to pause and tell you directly that I appreciate you and what you do.

Sincerely,

Deval Patrick 

Wear Black and Orange Tomorrow!

Team,

I am participating in a national study concerning principal use of time. I endeavor to make instructional work my priority.  This study and the accompanying program is a support toward that end. A data collector will be shadowing me next week. Every five minute my "shadow" will take data on what I am doing. The data collector can't talk to me, or anyone else. The data collector will carry a clipboard with a stopwatch and will try to be as "invisible" as possible and not disrupt our work.

I will receive the results of the data collection ten days later and will work with my team to increase the percentage of time I spend on instruction.  Just an fyi...

Lastly, tomorrow is Friday --wear BLACK and ORANGE!

Best,
Pat

*****


Attention Staff, 
1-1-3 Delivery is returning to Brick House Pizza in Brighton.  Orders can be placed through our email at 113delivery@gmail.com or in the main office.

Please place all orders by 8:00 Friday morning for delivery at 11:30 on Friday.

Thanks for your support!

1-1-3 Delivery Staff
Amy Thorne Allison

*****

From Tim Klein of Summer Search:

Hello Brighton Team,

I wanted to give a brief updates of the schedule for Summer Search Recruitment this year with deadlines.

October 18^th: Deadline for nominating sophomores. Feel free to email me or pass along your list of nominated students to John Travers. The earlier we get the lists the better!

October 28^th:  Nominated students will come to a student presentation and then an application help session throughout this entire week. More details to come.

November 8^th: Student applications will be due!

Happy Wednesday!

Team,

Happy Wednesday! I have a couple things to share.  Forgive me for the format...

1. Need a projector?  See LtC Fife in the JROTC office (basement) before school.
2. The deadline to sign up for the SIOP training is 9/20.  I'm doing it.  Join me.  See below
3. Please continue to request the $5 locker fee from those who have not paid...It's important.
4. Need Aspen training (on the grade book feature)?  A sign up sheet is in the main office.  The date is forthcoming.

More below.  Be well.

-Pat

SIOP Training

On Saturday, Oct. 5^th we will have a Blended Model Training  from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Dorchester Academy for teachers that were not SIOP trained last year. There are 3 subsequent one-hour virtual sessions and assignments that teachers will need to complete online. 

*****

Notice for Teachers hired after August 21^st:

Teachers hired after August, 21, 2013 are invited to attend the Effective Teaching Seminars on September 25^rd or October 9^th at English High School from 4-7pm.

We will be distributing all resources shared at the August New Teacher Institute and providing onsite support to teachers in accessing MyLearningPlan.com and other district professional development. For more information, contact Tamika Estwick at testwick@boston.k12.ma.us or 617-635-9203. Sign up on www.mylearningplan.com –Effective Teaching Seminars

Contact:  Tamika Estwick, 635-9203, testwick@boston.k12.ma.us
*****

Hello Brighton High Staff, 

Yes the rumors are true, we are starting a Fantasy Football league for any teacher who wishes to participate. The first 8 to 12 teachers who respond to this email (michaelnickersonpower@gmail.com) will be invited to join the league. Space is limited so this will work on a first come first serve basis. there is a $20 buy in. Thank you!

Michael Power 

SEI History

RM 212

On Advisory and more...

Hello everyone--

As you know, students were reassigned to new advisory groups over the summer and the plan was to keep groups and teachers together.  It has been a challenge to fix that, but we are continuing to work on it.  Groups will be put back with their old advisors and new students will be assigned to fill in.  In order to make sure this is done right and to get off to a good start, we are going to cancel the advisory session next week on 9/18.  Instead,we will follow a regular Wednesday schedule.

Now, our first advisory meeting will be 10/2.  The first lesson now will start with setting discussion norms for the group which is a great place to start.  The initial lesson that we are removing was on getting to know the resources of the building.  Instead, I will share those lesson resources with Grade 9 ELA teachers and with ESL teachers who can work with our new students on that lesson.  

Thanks for your patience.  I think it is great news that kids were coming and asking teachers if they could be back in their old advisory group, that means we are having some success!  So much hard work went into setting this up over the past year that we want to make sure we start strong in order to stay strong.  

If you have any questions, please see me.  

Thanks,

Karen Coyle Aylward

Literacy Coach

****Also, everyone is reminded to complete the yellow personal interest sheet distributed at the meeting on 9/4.  Copies are available in the main office.  New teachers, the first new teacher meeting is 9/17 from 2:15-3:15 in room 121. 

Reminders and Looking Ahead

Team,

Happy Tuesday!  I had an opportunity to sit on a few meetings this afternoon and, I must say, the sharp focus and the depth of the conversations was really inspiring.  Kudos.

Quickly, we have scheduled the first Back to School Night for October 17th (5-7pm).  This is a bit of a departure from the approach in the past in that it's happening earlier in the year.  In fact, it's happening just after midpoint of the first grading quarter.  It seemed prudent to invite parents/guardians sooner for us to make connections and apprise them of their student's progress rather than later.  This and other important staff dates can be found in the calendar on the right ( it needs work - I will have it fully updated by Monday).

Your continued help during the passing periods and with collecting the $5 locker fee is greatly appreciated.  Both have far-reaching benefits.

By way of reminder, you can alert Brian Goolsby, the BHS technology support professional, by completing the form through this link.  I recommend bookmarking it for later reference.

Lastly, a number of folks have made appointments to chat per my request in the "welcome back" letter.  If you have not, please do.  I would like to hear from you.  Please see Dianne in the main office.

Best,
Pat

Aspiring Principals Program:

Now Accepting Applications

The Aspiring Principals Program invites strong educators to learn content and skills specific to becoming a principal/headmaster in the Boston Public Schools.  During the seminars, you will engage with district and school leaders to focus on the power of school leadership in improving teaching and student learning.  This is an opportunity to explore and deepen knowledge of the Standards for Effective Leadership through discussion, group problem solving and school visits.  The outcome of this program is the development of a portfolio used to demonstrate proficiency in the four Standards of Effective Leadership.  These work samples will help prepare candidates for interviews for principal/headmaster positions in the Boston Public Schools.

APP Website: http://boston.schoolwires.net/app

Apply online: http://bit.ly/Fall2013APP

Early Release Tomorrow and SIOP Training

Team,

Just a reminder that tomorrow is an early release day.  Please consult the early release bell schedule provided in the "welcome back" folder.  

About 22 of us are trained on and have been involved in the  Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP).  The powers that be are offering a new, blended training model. See the note below for a description.

On Saturday, Oct. 5^th we will have a Blended Model Training  from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Dorchester Academy for teachers that were not SIOP trained last year. There are 3 subsequent one-hour virtual sessions and assignments that teachers will need to complete online. 

Interested parties should send an email to me on or before 9/20.

Best,
Pat

Tomorrow and a few additional notes..

Team,

I'm going to try this approach to sharing info. It's easier to work with and easier on the eyes.  I'll try it out for the time being.  One quick reminder, the $5 locker fee is extremely important.  The fees go to support a number of important events later in the year.  Your help in collecting the fee is greatly appreciated.  Below, please see a few notes passed along by colleagues.   All very good stuff!

Be well.

-Pat

*******
Hello everyone,
Just a quick reminder that we will have our first ILT meeting of the year tomorrow in room 212 from 2:20-3:20.

We are going to start by reevaluating our mission and norms and then we will work on suggestions for improving Academic Case Management for this year. 

All are welcome and we would love to see new faces.  I promise some good snacks!

Thanks,
Karen Coyle Aylward
Literacy Coach

**********
Attention Staff,
Did you forget your lunch today?  No time to get delivery?  Let us get
lunch for you!

The students of classroom 113 offer a lunch delivery service every Friday
from Brick House Pizza in Brighton.  Staff members can place a lunch order
with us before 8:00 a.m. on Friday morning.  Order forms are in the main
office starting Thursday's or anytime via our email 113delivery@gmail.com
Lunch orders are placed on Friday and delivered to your classroom at 11:30
a.m. We are happy to calculate your order total and provide any required
change.  There is a $2.00 delivery fee for each order.
We hope that you will use our services this year.
Thanks for your support!
1-1-3 Delivery Staff
113delivery@gmail.com


***************
On Saturday 9/7/2013 The Brighton High School football team in partnership with the Oak Square YMCA & the Boys & Girls Club organized and participated in a football clinic for Allston/Brighton children ages 4 to 11 years of age. The team did an amazing job of coaching and teaching these small children about the meaning of team work, good sportsmanship and hard work.

Led by:
Jalen Apperwhite
Andy Gomes
Richard Marrero
Edward Daniel Henderson
Ricardo Edwards Jr.
Brendon Alford
Matthew Johnson
Hakeem McKoy
The Football team is working hard to earn your support and look forward to seeing everyone at the games!!
Thank you,

Coach Abraham


*******
Hello Folks,

We desperately need your community support at these next 2 Daly Field Meetings!  We need to demonstrate a much stronger representation from Boston Public Schools, Community Based Organizations, and Allston/Brighton residents!  Please save the dates below;

When:
Tuesday, September 10, 2013 6:30 PM-8:00 PM.
Where:
Community Rowing Boathouse - 20 Nonantum Road, Brighton, MA

When:
Wednesday, September 25, 2013 6:30 PM-8:00 PM.
Where:
Community Rowing Boathouse - 20 Nonantum Road, Brighton, MA

Thanks for your support!
Dan Cuddy
Brighton High Schools
Friends of Daly Field
(617)438-5451