Celebrations and more!

Team,

I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits.  My spirits are high (I'm healthy too in case you were wondering).  So many good things are happening this week and it's only Tuesday.  Our JROTC team shined again this past weekend, taking 3rd place at the drill competition at Lawrence High School.  What is more, I'm sure folks have heard that the football team claimed city champs honors after defeating Madison Park last Friday night (thanks to all who gave of their personal time to support the team).  

Thanks to the efforts of City Councillor Mark Ciommo, our playoff game on Friday night (7pm) will be played right here in Allston...at HARVARD STADIUM.  Here comes the favor request: we need your help at this event.  The MIAA requires that we have school personnel on hand to assist with managing student spectators.  We also need two folks who would could help collect the ticket fee at the door. The latter is a paid position.  Interested parties for either role should contact me asap.   

A gentle reminder, please do not change rooms without informing an administrator.  Many thanks on that piece.

Sending best wishes along to Ms. Thorne-Allison who went on maternity leave at dismissal today. Luis Hernandez will take her place during the leave.

Best,

Pat

Other Important Notices:

STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

Please be advised that the Student Leadership Team representatives will be visiting all homerooms this Thursday (31st)  and Friday (Nov 1st). The visits should not last more than 5 minutes.  The purpose is to introduce and explain the Student Leadership team and to encourage students to attend after school meetings on Mondays. They will be visiting 9th and 10th grade homerooms on Thursday and 11th and 12th grade homerooms on Friday.

Thanks,
Siobhan and Vanessa

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TECH GOES HOME...

Hello Everyone,

This year I am running the Tech Goes Home program with Ms. Parry. We currently have 10 students signed up and we need at least 15 families to be able to run the program at Brighton High School. Our goal is to have 20 families.

What is awesome about the Tech Goes Home program is that after attending 6 trainings the student is eligible for a laptop. The laptops are ACER laptops and only cost $50 to the student. Trainings will begin January 9^th from 5:30pm – 7pm and the trainings will go over technology and computer skills.  

Some students have mentioned to me that their parents cannot attend the trainings because they work. With that said, please inform your students that they can bring anyone as long as they are 18+ (i.e. mentor, cousin, uncle, teacher, guidance counselor etc.). Tech Goes Home likes to refer to these adults as an “adult of consequence.”  

If you have any questions please feel free to email me ccorrea2@boston.k12.ma.us.      

Sincerely,

Caroline Correa

Good Afternoon Brighton High,

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Biggest Loser

We are starting a Biggest Loser contest starting Friday November 1, 2013 until February 7th 2014.  There is a $50 admission fee due on November 1 2013.  Weigh-in is in the nurses office on Fridays and we will track our progress through percentages.  The individual that loses the largest percentage takes the pot on February 7th, 2014.  This is a fun way to get us through the Holidays!

10.24.13 School Site Council Minutes

SSC Minutes 10/24/13

1.     Introductions

2.     School Site Council Role and Responsibilities

·      A representative decision making body (budget, Quality School Plan, program or school changes, recommendations from ILT, develop and improve plans for increasing parent involvement, out of district policies)

·      Meetings will be 4:30-6:30

·      The first Thursday of every month unless the school is not opened in which case the meeting is postponed

·      Next week Nov 7, Dec 5, Jan 9, Feb

·       

3.     Role Assignments

·      Roles – Secretary = Dooling

·      Hiring – Subcommittee – Dooling, Gheridian (Tolbert, Fife – Ford as alternates)

·      Co-Chair (Tutwiler, Ruby Francis)

4.     Check-in

a.     Senior Dilemma

·      Currently a good number of seniors do not have a full schedule, some have 5 classes, some have 4

·      After lunch block students are leaving (some have jobs, some have dual enrollment)

·      Finding a productive place for students to be is a work in progress

·      The shift in 4 to 6 periods and cuts in staff have created this issue

·      These students would benefit from additional class time,

·      Many students leaving after 4^th period influences the entire school culture in negative ways

·      When students leave they are disruptive

·      A study hall has been created so students have somewhere to go

·      Gretchen Lahey (Dual Enrollment coordinator at Bunker Hill) will be working with Brighton for Spring Semester opportunities

·      Long Term – when budgeting process begins we need to look at staffing to find out how we can accommodate full schedule for all students

·      Students want computers – is there a place that they can go to and use computer?

·      Move study hall to Mr. Z’s room?

·      Col. Fife will accept 12^th graders to his room during 5^th and 6^th period? – it would likely be no more than 12 students – he could start this the week of Nov. 4^th

·      OIT and Brian will meet with Col. Fife

·      Tomorrow’s meeting will address opportunities for the spring as well as for next year

·      Master schedule should be built much earlier – done before the summer.

b.     Teacher course load – maximizing possibilities

·      There are some teachers who have class size max. with a disparity in skills and language

·      Can we find an ESL SPED teacher who has a free period who can teach ESL 3?

·      Needs to be RETELL/ESL certified

·      Some students are getting more English hours than they need with students in the room who are significantly below their level (in terms of English skills)

·      Next Steps – Administration will work with the ESL & SPED Dept. to look into changing schedule

5.     Teacher Evaluation

a.     There has been a shift in who is evaluating which teachers

b.     The vast majority of people have same evaluator as last year, some people have new evaluators

c.      Teachers now have primary and secondary teachers so that at least one teacher has background in subject area

d.     Every administrator now have minimum of 4 visits for experienced teachers (6 for new)

e.     Evaluations are supposed to be growth oriented – small visits over time in order to give multiple opportunities to get a sense of the classroom and to give feedback on it

f.      This is a growth model – Dr. Tutweiler is considering talking to the teachers to explain this to them

6.     Teacher course load

a.     We’re experiencing many issues as a result of master schedule not being done in a timely manner

b.     We have teachers who do not have full teaching loads

c.      We also have extremely unbalanced classes (some very small, some at max)

d.     Short term solution  - it’s being addressed by Guidance and Admin team

7.     School Site Council

a.     Mr. Prieto read a letter regarding concerns about last year’s headmaster decision

b.     Any written document shall have all individual signatures of School Site council Members

8.     SSC focus for the school year –is there a project/task this group would consider?

a.     More Parent and Student Involvement – in School Site Council and throughout the whole school community

b.     More family important

c.      Fundraising to help with burden of graduation costs & senior activities

Happy Thursday

Team,

Almost everyone with whom I interacted today seemed spry and energetic - which is the case everyday.  I thought I might observe a few more yawns given the Suowcks (Boston for "Sox") game last night.  Perhaps most folks went to bed on-time or early with confidence they would win.  Here's to another good night's sleep...

We're in full swing here - lots going on.  Forgive me for the communication format.

Reminders:

•  Evaluation...We intend to approve goals and action steps on or before 11/1.  If you have not already, please enter your action steps in EDFS.  See the admin with whom you are working if you have any questions.  I am available too.
• The term ends 11/8. Historically,  grades have been due five school days thereafter.  I just want to keep that on your radar.
• School Site Council is at 5pm in the library.  All are welcome.  The agenda can be found on the main office door.

At ILT on Tuesday, it came to be known that there were plans for a Dean's after school detention.  To be clear, this is part and parcel of a developing plan closely in line with progressive approach to discipline.  Frankly, we're not quite ready to launch this.  The district is currently offering ("mandating" might be more accurate) training on the new code of conduct.  Some members of the Admin team are currently attending.  I am attending the week of 11/4.  I would prefer to complete the training and the engage a process through which you have an opportunity to opine before we proceed.  More on that in short order. 

Finally, a hearty "Thank You" to yesterday's best practice presenters.  I was only able to spend time in one, but I heard really good things about the others as well.    

Be well.

-Pat

P.S. The building will be open on Saturday from 7am until noon or so.  If you plan on coming in, please do not prop open the back door.  Just an fyi.

Other matters of importance:

Congratz-o-gram goes to:
The BHS  JROTC program.  Our Cadets were recognized by the U.S. Army Cadet Command as being among the best!  Our Cadets were awarded the recognition of being an "Honor Unit of Distinction".  This means are students are able to wear the Gold Star on their uniform. There are only two other schools in Boston with this honor.  


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
http://www.brickhousegrille.com/
Amy Thorne Allison



October is Our Teacher Appreciation Month!  We're giving free books to our favorite educators!
Description:
http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif

Description:
http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs166/1101271623765/img/824.jpgFor the rest of
the month of October, we're giving away free books to teachers! Come in and
show proof that you're an educator (your MTA card or a copy of a paycheck),
and help yourself to as many free green labeled books as you can carry!
That's right; any of the over 15,000 green labeled books in the store! Grab
some kids' books for your classroom, or treat yourself to some reading
material for yourself. We have tons of green labeled books spread throughout
our store, in every section, but they're sure to go fast. So, stop in soon,
and let us say thanks for all you do!


As some requested,  BHS Debaters:

Tiffany Diaz

Auris Garcia

Dawrin Gerlado

Jose Rodriguez

William Soto

Tishanny Adorno

Kelly Salazar

Manuela Diaz

Cristhin Cruz

Marleny Francisco

Ayanna Hedgepeth

Luis Bautista

Jason Diaz

Guillermo Gonzalez

Leritza Ruiz

Edward Velazavez

Dayshawna Westperry

Lorena Lapaz

Sadiya Gurhan

Richard Davis 

Eden Gebeyehu

Eddie Pagan

Evaluation Help is Here!

Team,

Happy Monday!  I hope this message finds you fresh off a restful fall weekend and successful transition back to the school week.  I am writing with a quick update on the evaluation action steps process.  At present, if you have not already, you will be meeting with your evaluator to discuss goals and action steps for the year.  We want to ensure that you have plenty support on this piece.  The BHS Lead Teachers, Carline Kelly and Brooke Levine-Adler, are available during 3rd and 6th blocks each day to assist you with that piece and any other piece of the process on which you would like support (artifacts, meeting expectations on or understanding the rubric,  classroom observations and etc.).

Lastly, an observation:  there are a number of young scholars in the hallway during class - almost all of them with a pass.  Students are allowed to use the restroom during class.  Not a problem.  However, when the same student(s) are leaving class, some for long periods of time, it becomes a problem. They're missing precious minutes of instruction.  Solution - we could all be a bit more judicious about how often students are leaving the class and keeping closer watch on how long a student is gone.  This situation will improve.  I appreciate your help.

Lastly, lastly, the staff ID's have arrived.  If you have not already, please come get yours in the main office.  These keys will allow you gain entry to the back door.  Going forward, please do not prop the back door open (an action I was guilty of on a nearly daily basis).

This story ran a couple of weeks ago, but I thought I'd send it along anyway. Enjoy!

Best,
Pat

P.S.  Forgive me for the issue around the lunches today.  Lunch was not ready on time which caused a delay on the distribution.  Class time is precious and I go to great lengths to protect it, but I know that, for many, this meal is the only hot, prepared one they will get for the day.  We are working to ensure that this does not happen in the future.  Thanks a million for your cooperation.

BPS Office of Human Resources

BPS staff members interested in applying for the fall/winter Moderate Disabilities Pathway are urged to attend ONE of the following information sessions:

Monday, October 21 – 2:30-3:30 pm  or  4-5 pm

Wednesday, October 30 – 2:30-3:30 pm   or  4-5 pm

         

Location:  Newcomers Assessment and Counseling Center

on the Madison Park Campus

(entrance on Malcolm X Blvd between flagpoles and O’Bryant entrance)

Registration required on My Learning Plan

The Pathway Program is an intensive, 70--100-hour programs of professional development conducted by the BPS Office of Human Resources. In addition to the license, program completers earn up to 6 in-service credits or up to 9 graduate credits.  

Deadline for submission of applications—November 8, 2013

?s:  617-635-9036 or bpspathways@gmail.com

Open House Tomorrow and more...

Team,

First and foremost, allow me to express my sincere appreciation for the work you're doing.  Of course, I am pleased to announce that we had nearly 100% completion of the progress reports on or before the deadline.  The late submissions, which were few in number, were due to Aspen issues.  Thank you!  Equally important (or more, depending on one's perspective), I have observed a number of classes since September 4th.  I continue to be thoroughly impressed with the lengths you go to engage our young scholars and facilitate growth.  Keep on keepin' on!

Tomorrow is Open House.  I have had the pleasure of speaking to a few parents about the event - they know about it and are planning to attend.  I'm hoping for a strong turn out.  Much of the approach will resemble that of previous years.  One change -  I am planning to call a community meeting at 5:30pm.   The Community Meeting is a brief (I'm thinking 10-15 minutes tops), but substantive gathering wherein I will introduce myself and attempt to get volunteers for the elected positions of the Parent Council.  It would be greatly appreciated if, when you hear the announcement, you would send parents to the Library.  I would like for all parents in the building to come to the meeting.

Lastly, if you are interested in signing up to judge at a debate tournament, please indicate your interest to me via email by day's end tomorrow.  I can't think of a better triple dinger:

• Watch the kids debate
• Earn PDP's
• A chance to win $7500 in technology 

More below.

Best,

Pat

P.S.  Bulletin Board Challenge is TOMORROW (in prep for the Open House)!  If you plan to enter, please let Awilda know asap.

P.S.S.  There will be a New Teacher Meeting tomorrow from 2:15-3:15pm in room 121.

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

Judge on 11/15 and 11/16

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) 

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!

Updates and More...

Team,

Happy Thursday!

A couple of quick items to share on this beautiful fall day.  I mentioned at the beginning of the year that feedback-rich organizations are the most successful.  We received some feedback...and responded.  The hallways are a concern.  Students are not moving along to classes quickly enough and there are a handful of students who spend more time in the halls than in class.  The lunch block and passing periods after 4th and 5th are the most concerning   We are addressing the identified handful directly. Yesterday we "gathered" (don't love the "sweep" terminology or the resulting mental picture) students who were in the halls during after the bell during the passing periods to 5th and 6th.  As you might imagine, all of these students were seniors who were done for the day.  We assembled in the auditorium where options were clarified and expectations communicated (including the consequence for not meeting expectations).  We will do the same today.

Your continued help by actively encouraging students to move along during passing is greatly appreciated.  Remember, change is a process, not an event.  We have to stay with it.  Start strong, stay strong.

I am mindful of the "pile on" feeling. Nonetheless, there a few important administrative things that need attention.  They are as follows:

• Progress reports are due in Aspen today.  System closes at 11:59pm. 
• At present, we are missing sub folders from 23 folks.  Please help us escape the mad scramble to get subs and kids settled and squared away when there is a teacher absence.  
• If you haven't already, please complete the blood borne pathogen training.  See below.

With deep appreciation for all you do,

Pat

 

 

Notices:

The blood borne pathogen section contains a PowerPoint and a brief post test. The test can be placed in my mailbox or e-mailed.  Follow this link: http://bpshealthservices.org/2013/09/09/stafftrainings/
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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

************
Interesting Documentary...
39% the students who dropout at BHS are Latino.  This documentary might be helpful in understanding some of the issues and providing a foundation to think about solutions.  Special thanks to Celeste for the recommendation.

http://www.voxxi.com/graduados-latino-high-school-dropout/

From the CB's (Community Builders.. Linda, Lou and Kathy)

1. Kudos to Kathleen Ross for the fantastic New Teacher Breakfast hosted in the library today. A wealth of information was shared. Many attended. This was a first time ever event. WOW.
2. " Prime Parking Spot Raffle" a huge success. We collected $140+ in the raffle. The winners were Miguel Prieto and Carol Ann Litster.  They have exclusive parking rights until the end of 1st term and then we'll raffle the spots again for Term 2. Carol Ann graciously gave her parking rights to Sara Bouvier. Kindness.
3. The "Bulletin Board Challenge" is ON. Flyers are on their way to all mailboxes. Bulletin boards will be be judged during the Open House on October 17th by our  Art Department Teachers: Pattie Kelliher and Chris Plunkett. The winner will receive acomplimentary class taught by our  

Headmaster Dr. Tutwiler.

4. Our next New Teacher meeting is Thursday, Oct. 17th. from 2:15-3:15.  Please note the change in date. We scheduled it the same day as the Open House so folks could have a free Tuesday.

5. Plans for our Bowling Bonanza are in the works. Stay tuned. The date/place/

time/ cost to be announced shortly.

Welcome and Alas...Aspen Training

Team,

Allow me to be the first to extend a warm welcome to two new members of the team.  Carol Melanson is the food services manager.  She is coming to us from Westie.  Welcome!

Chris Plunkett is the new art teacher.  If you haven't already, take a look at the mural that he painted on the art room wall two weekends ago.   Chris is coming to us from Orchard Gardens.  We're lucky to have him.  

A good number of folks indicated an interest in Aspen training. Help is on the way!  Ed Considine, our OIIT liaison, has offered to do a training for us.  As we're are at the midpoint of the 1st grading term and progress report grades are due (hint, hint), this training is timely.  The training will happen on Wednesday, October 9th, at 2:45pm.  Room TBD - I will make an announcement toward the end of the department meetings.

To structure the training a bit, Ed would like for participants to identify focus areas.  Please follow this link to do so..  All are welcome to attend.

Best,
Pat

RETELL...

Team,

I know that a number of you are currently engaged in the Rethinking Equity and Teaching For English Language Learners (RETELL) training right now.  Others are signed up for courses set to begin later in the year.   I am writing to remind you of the importance of signing up for and completing this training during our cohort assignment, which ends 8/31/14.  A few things to keep in mind:

• Educators who do not earn the SEI Endorsement within the time period designated for their cohort will have to earn the SEI Endorsement at their own expense.  To reiterate, our district- assigned cohort year is our opportunity to take this training at no cost. 

• Educators assigned to a cohort must meet the requirements for an SEI Endorsement within the time period designated for their cohort. Educators who fail to earn an Endorsement by the time designated for their cohort, shall not be eligible to advance or renew their educator license under 603 CMR 7.00 and 603 CMR 44.00 until such educators earn an SEI Endorsement….

• We are required to obtain the SEI Endorsement by the August 31, 2014 deadline. You have the option of applying for the hardship exception if you believe that it applies to you. 

Bottom line…this is really, really important.  At a minimum, I strongly suggest that you sign up for a course right away.  The deadline for spring courses is 11/15 and they’re filling up fast. If you have not signed up already, please follow this link to get the ball rolling.

Best,

Pat