Getting Their Zen On at Angelo In-Service

In-service at the Angelo School took a decidedly Zen turn on Thursday, January 28, 2016, when a yoga instructor who specializes in facilitating trauma and grief release came in to share techniques.

Adjustment Counselor Jenna McLaughlin said she learned of Yogi Sue Stevens of Monarch Yoga after seeking new and creative ways to assist students at the trauma-sensitive elementary school on North Main Street.

"We know that breathing is one of our go-to tools," McLaughlin said, but sometimes students need help to be able to move past painful situations. "Sue was in the national database and she was local."

Stevens said she discovered yoga after experiencing her own trauma and soon began studying for certification as a teacher. She began working with veterans but now assists all groups and ages.

About 80 members of the Angelo staff, including Principal Marcia Andrade-Serpa, were stretched out on yoga mats for the class that filled the gymnasium.

Baker Science Teachers Win Coveted Museum of Science STEM Scholarships

Mary E. Baker Elementary School science teachers Diane Tarbet and Katy Panock are among 100 teachers in 24 states to receive scholarships from the Museum of Science in a new effort to bring high-quality professional development in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to teachers at high-needs schools nationwide.

The scholarship program will help the pair integrate engineering in their classrooms using the Engineering is Elementary® (EiE®) curriculum developed at the Museum's National Center for Technological Literacy.

Both teachers said they are thrilled with the opportunity that includes a two-day workshop at the museum in March, and also a STEM curriculum unit to use in the classroom.

"We are looking forward to meeting and working with teachers from all over the country to learn about how they are incorporating STEM lessons into their classes," Panock said.

Panock said it can be challenging to teach your students a certain concept without the appropriate materials: "With these kits, our students will have a great hands-on learning experience the way science should be taught."

Panock and Tarbet said they are grateful to Heather Ronan, the district's Coordinator of Mathematics and Science PreK-5, for the nomination.

Ronan described the pair as true advocates and supporters of teaching science long before it was part of the accountability formula for the state.

"Baker has been partnering with Bridgewater State University and Professor Heather Pacheco on a number of science initiatives, so it made sense to nominate two outstanding science teachers at a school that is committed to improving science instruction," Ronan said.

Mary E. Baker School science teachers – and scholarship winners -- Diane Tarbet and Katy Panock.

BHS Concert Choir Chosen to Perform at 2016 American Choral Directors Association Eastern Division Conference!!!

It is with great pleasure to announce that the Brockton High School Concert Choir has been selected to perform at the 2016 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Eastern Division Conference. The four-day conference, entitled "Pushing Boundaries", will be held at the Sheraton Boston Hotel and various venues throughout the Back Bay area. ACDA is the professional organization to which choral directors from the elementary level through the college/professional level belong. Massachusetts is one of eleven states that are part of the ACDA Eastern Division. Brockton High School was selected through a blind audition process as the demonstration choir for the "Together We Sing" High School Reading Session, at which conference attendees will read and explore new repertoire. The Concert Choir will perform four pieces: "The Last Words of David" by Randall Thompson, "Famine Song" by Matthew Culloton, "Estrella e Lua Nova" by Heitor Villa Lobos, and "City Called Heaven" by Josephine Poelinitz. Their sessions are on Friday February 12th at 1:30pm and 4:00pm.

Additionally, four singers from the Brockton High School Concert Choir: Michelle Garcia, Alexis Kotsiopoulos, Nathaniel Smith, and Bryant Vasquez, have been selected to perform in the 2016 ACDA Eastern Division Honor Choir. These talented singers, along with many other high school singers from the eleven states in the Eastern Division, submitted audition recordings to ACDA back in June. Through a blind audition process, these four Brockton singers were selected be a part of the 2016 Honor Choir. From Wednesday, February 10th to Friday, February 12th, the students will rehearse at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, in the ACDA Honor Choir under the direction of renowned choral conductor, Jeffery Redding. On Saturday, February 13th, they will perform in a culminating concert at the famed Jordan Hall in Boston. This concert will be the highlight of the 2016 ACDA East Conference. All four students have participated in both the Southeastern Massachusetts Senior District Choir and the Massachusetts All-State Choir in the past, but this year will be taking their talents to the regional level, as well. It is indeed a huge accomplishment and a wonderful honor for these young Brockton musicians to be chosen to participate in such a prestigious musical opportunity.

BPS Hosts 5^th Annual Special Education Resource Fair April 6;

Focus on Transition Services & Community Resources for Families
Program Flyer Register Here

Families of Special Education students ages 14- to -21-years-old and beyond are invited to attend the Brockton Public Schools 4^th annual Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Brockton High School Red Cafeteria. Twenty local vendors and service agencies will be on hand to provide information and referrals for families of students with disabilities who are beginning to plan for their child's life after school ends.

"The Resource Fair is really a 'one-stop shopping' opportunity for families to get ideas and information about the programmatic opportunities that are available to students with disabilities after they age out of public education," said Brockton Public Schools Transition Specialist Laura Milano Albert."The three areas that the fair focuses on are future employment, education and community participation.There will be recreational, social and educational groups present, as well as groups that offer employment, college readiness and even financial planning."

The Brockton Public Schools currently provides special education services to roughly 1,300 students ages 14- to 21, so the annual fair is a timely and informative way to reach out to families, Albert said.

"We know there is a need for this type of information sharing in the community, and we want to make the transition as easy as possible for our students and their families," Albert said."Parents need to be thinking of their child's future at any age, and for special education families it can be daunting trying to access all of the services and opportunities on their own. The Resource Fair is really meant to be just that – a resource for families as they plan for their child's future."

WHEN: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Brockton High School Red Cafeteria, 470 Forest Avenue

50^{th Anniversary Children's Concert
3:00 pm
Brockton High School Auditorium}

^{Celebrating the music from the Sound of Music, Mary Poppins & the Carnival of the Animals}

^{Featuring:
Brockton High School Concert Band
Plouffe Academy Gold Band
South Middle School Jazz Choir
Brockton Symphony Players}

^{Free admission-children under 5 years}

<sup>$10.00 - adults ** $5.00 - students ** $20.00 - family (two adults max.)

Order tickets at brocktonsymphony.org or call 508-588-3841</sup>

^{Click here for Program Flyer}

Congratulations to Brockton High School DECA students who swept a regional conference competition on Jan. 28 and are moving on to DECA's 57^th Annual Career Development Conference on March 10-12.

Every BHS student who participated in the regionals qualified for the states.

DECA is an international association for high school business students that prepares them for the global workplace in marketing, finance, hospitality, entrepreneurship and management careers.

Here are the rankings from Jan. 28:

1^st Place Winners

Christopher Olcott and Michael Tully with their Business Innovation Plan

2^nd Place Winners

Kyle McGraw with a Business Growth Plan

Rosecela Semedo with a Start-Up Business Plan

Wajih Hassan with a Business Innovation Plan

Gavin Rocha with a Hospitality and Tourism Sales Plan

3^rd Place Winners

Jake Flanagan and John Cocco with a Sports and Entertainment Marketing Promotion Project

4^th Place Winners

Dan Murphy with a Start-Up Business Plan

Bianca Brunache, Priscilla Gaspard and Brittany Wagnoon with a Learn and Earn Project

5^th Place Winners

Makhari Smith in DECA Quiz Bowl

Olivia Hawes with an International Business Plan

Tim Price and Derek Routhier with a Learn and Earn Project

Zachary Clifford, Korey Paull and Brooke Ryan with a Fashion Merchandising Promotion Project

Pre-Registration at School Registration and Parent Information Center Now Available Online

The Brockton Public School District is pleased to offer a new Online Pre-Registration Program at the School Registration and Parent Information Center, 60 Crescent St., Brockton.

The new family-friendly service will ease the registration process just as Kindergarten Registration begins. Dates are February 29 to May 20.

This streamlined, easy process will lessen registration time for a good number of families since necessary information will be entered online before the parent arrives at the Center.

Online Pre-Registration also offers the opportunity to schedule an appointment to come in and submit documents.

We are very excited about this launch and are confident this will simplify registration for parents and students as we continue to look for ways to improve our partnership with Brockton families.

Please click http://www.brocktonpublicschools.com/page.cfm?p=38 to begin the process. The online registration information is on the right hand side of the page.

Davis School to Hold 1st Annual
Mattress Sale Fundraiser, Sunday, April 3rd

Joint Statement of the Brockton Superintendent of Schools, Kathleen A. Smith,
and Mansfield Superintendent Zeff Gianetti:

Brockton and Mansfield high schools' basketball teams played each other in a tournament on Friday night. During the emotionally charged game, it was perceived by Brockton players and their fan base that they were being taunted with racially-charged cheers.

Today there was ongoing dialog between the administrations of both districts to address concerns. Mansfield officials explained that chants of USA, USA and red, white and blue colors are part of the Mansfield athletic department's ongoing theme nights at games. But many of our players and fans, whose families come from other countries, felt targeted and uncomfortable.

Mansfield administrators explained that the theme night of USA was decided long before the Mansfield/Brockton game was scheduled and was not intended to target any students or families. Although perhaps not intended, many were still hurt.

We agree that this is a teachable moment for our students, families and community. Our athletic directors will check in from now on to be aware of any unexpected themes or plans. That way, perhaps our teams can join in, rather than feel they are a target.

It is incumbent on all of us to stress to our students and others that rivalry on the court, whether you win or lose, is healthy and part of the high-school experience. We both agree that taunting and jeering is not appropriate behavior at athletic events. We are meeting together tomorrow to further discuss the game and move forward to plan proactively for future events.

The Brockton Public School District is starting the FY17 budget season with a $10 million deficit, in part because of an unfair funding formula in the governor's budget.

While some communities are receiving more money for their kids, Brockton is receiving less!

Join us on Thursday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m., in the Arnone School Theater for the launch of the Brockton Kids Count Advocacy Campaign, a grass-roots community effort to demand fair funding for our close to 18,000 students.

Pick up a few lawn signs, bumper stickers and wear our Brockton Kids Count T-shirts and pins. Join with us to demand equity in education!

Interpreters for Spanish, French and Portuguese will be available. Baby-sitting will also be available.

Raise your voice to say Brockton Kids Count. Demand fair funding.

Governor's Office: 617-725-4005

Robert DeLeo, Speaker, House of representatives: 617-722-2500 or email: Robert.DeLeo@mahouse.gov

Stanley C. Rosenberg, President, state Senate: 617-722-1500 or email: Stan.Rosenberg@masenate.gov

Good afternoon,

The Community Schools Advisory Board is seeking nominations for the annual Baroncelli Award, an honor that goes to the person who goes above and beyond in a volunteer capacity with the Brockton Public Schools.

The list of recipients is legendary, as is the award's namesake, Albert N. Baroncelli, a former School Committee member and six-year Chairman of the Community Schools Advisory Board, in whose memory the award is given.

Mr. Baroncelli's dedication and commitment to the Community Schools Program over the years has set a standard that will long be remembered. This award has been established in appreciation of his efforts, and in honor of his memory. Any recommendation for this year's award winner should be a reflection of the unforgettable commitment he demonstrated.

Please see the attached nomination form. The deadline for submission is April 27.

Thank you very much.

NOMINATION 2016 BARONCELLI AWARD

Please enjoy our great pictures of Hancock Students and Parents taking part in the Kick Off of "Walk on Wednesday", with KO, Mascot for the Brockton Rox.

Brockton Public Schools has participated in this initiative for the past several years. It is a great way for kids and their families to share time that is usually spent apart and there is a healthy benefit to boot!!

Spring is here; let's start walking!

BROCKTON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

HALL OF FAME

Date: March 14,2016

To: BHS Hall of Fame Alumni

From: BHS Hall of Fame Committee

Re: Class of 2016

The 30th Brockton High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be

held Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Shaw's Conference Center next to the

Brockton Rox Baseball Stadium, 1 Lexington St., Brockton. The Class of 2016

inductees will include one coach, one citizen, and seven athletes. The inductees

are:

Coach:

Jack Olson- (Volleyball)

Citizen:

John Boutin- (Athletic Director, PE Director, Coach, Save Our Sports)

Athletes:

Richard Devin- Class of 1980 (Hockey, Football)

Tom Johnson- Class of 1988 (Football)

William McCoy- Class of 1989 (Wrestling, Football)

Ashley Bourne- Class of 2004 (Soccer, Basketball)

Robert Simpson- Class of 2004 (Indoor and Outdoor Track, Football)

Taryn Johnson- Class of 2008 (Basketball)

Morgan Thatcher- Class of 2010 (Volleyball, Basketball)

We hope you will consider joining us for the induction ceremony. Tickets are

$60.00 per person and can be purchased by contacting the athletic office at

Brockton High School (508-580-7540).

There will be a social hour beginning at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm, followed by the induction ceremony. We are also seeking donations to help us defray costs and maintain the integrity of your Brockton High School Athletics Hall of Fame.

We look forward to seeing you on April 30th.

Hello everyone!

There is a wonderful, new event taking place on Thursday, May 19, to bring together Brockton High School seniors who have been accepted to attend Bridgewater State University with BSU President Frederick W.Clark Jr., Esq.,'83, and fellow alumni and friends.

BSU alumni living or working in Brockton are invited to attend the 3:30 p.m. reception at the Shaw's Center, 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton, MA.

This is a unique opportunity to celebrate both a wonderful moment in our seniors' lives and a shared BSU tradition.

To register, please go to http://www.alumni.bridgew.edu/s/65/2014/index.aspx?sid=65&pgid=1835&gid=1&cid=4627&ecid=4627&post_id=0 or call 508-531-1287.

Guests are welcomed to attend.

Thank you!

April showers bring May ... Arts events! All month. Introducing ArtWeekX4, a full month of arts and cultural events to showcase Brockton's rich school and arts communities, a combined effort of arts organizations from all corners of Brockton. There's truly something wonderful for everyone.

For additional information on any of the events, please visit: www.brocktonarts.org

Check it out! And enjoy.

ART MONTH 2016 EVENTS

BPS Food Workers Return "Blessings" to Blessings in a Backpack

On Tuesday, Chartwell's food service workers presented a $2,000 check to Janet McDuffy, the Kennedy School's retired director of math and science curriculum.

She and her daughters Jami Milnamow, a Kennedy teacher, and Meg Schoenberg,founded Blessings in a Backpack in January 2014. The Brockton school-based program provides food for the district's neediest children to take home for the weekend when often the only hot meal they might see is served from Monday to Friday in school.

Food Services Director Tom Burke said the department's 155 workers saved the money over time by contributing $1 each every Friday in exchange for the opportunity to come to work dressed casually.

Those who prepare food and must wear uniforms kicked in a dollar anyway, Burke said: "Everyone here always steps up," he said. "It's amazing the things they do for kids."

Burke said some of his employees regularly travel around the yard sale circuit, filling vans with toys and other items which they also give away.

All have big hearts, he said: "And they never want to be recognized" for their kindness.

Brockton TITLE I in partnership with CFCE Presents

"Terrific Tuesdays"

2016 Summer Family Fun Nights

Arnone School ~ 135 Belmont Street ~ Brockton

June 21 South Shore Conservatory 5:30-6:30PM

This story-based event with Holly and the ImagineARTS All-Star Band,

will have the entire family up and dancing!

Interest level- preK-5

June 28 John McDonough's Pumpernickel Puppets 6:30-7:3PM

Interest level ~ Ages- 5 - 10

Limited to 100 children and accompanying adults.

July 5 Mr. DJ's Ultimate Kids' Party 6:30-8PM

Come ready for an evening of fun, music, line dancing, games, and more!

Mr. DJ will get everyone in the family up, laughing, and moving!

Interest level ~ Ages 4 +

July 12 Let's Gogh Family Art Night 6-8PM

Families will be able to move through 4 stations of arts & crafts, painting & creating.

Interest level ~ Ages 4+

Limited to 100 children and accompanying adult/s

July 19 Tommy James Magic Show 6:30-7:30 PM

Come see Tommy in his NEW, MAGICAL, and FUNNY program that

encourages all to turn OFF the TV and video games and turn ON to reading!

Interest level ~ ALL

July 26Science on the Go! Build It! 6:30-7:30PM

Sponsored by Easton Children's Museum

Experiment with different material to solve fun engineering problems and build simple, cool machines.

Interest level ~ K-5 Limited to 75 children and accompanying adult/s

Space is limited! Pre-registration is NECESSARY for all events through TITLE I Office~508-580-7561 or email lisazolga@bpsma.org.

An ADULT must remain with the children at ALL times.

Click HERE for printable flyer!

GOLD MEDALS AWARDED TO Three Teens Representing
Brockton Area Branch NAACP at the ACT-SO Local Competition in Brockton, MA

On Saturday April 30th, the Brockton Area Branch NAACP's ACT-SO Program hosted its local competition at the Messiah Baptist Church. 12 students competed in 13 different categories. 8 students were awarded medals.

The Gold Medal winners will go on to compete at the National ACT-SO Competition in July, all expenses paid. The National competition will kick off on Thursday July 14h in Cincinnati. Ohio.

First Place Gold Medal Winners:
Brendan Bienvenu, Brockton High School, for Photography
Chelsey Skeete, Boston Latin Academy High School, for Biology/Microbiology
Xavier Thomas, Innovation Academy Charter School, for Dance

Second Place Silver Medal Winners:
Mariah Brown, Brockton High School, for Physics
Brailynn Santos, Brockton High School, for Photography
Jalynn Siryon, Brockton High School, for Filmmaking

3rd Place Bronze Medal Winners:
Jaline Israel, Brockton High School, for Vocal
Dominic Rodrigues, Southeastern Regional High School, for Physics

In photo, left to right, Gold Medal Winners: Xavier Thomas, Chelsey Skeete, Brendan Bienvenu.

The Brockton Area Branch NAACP has been a leader in ensuring equal access for all residents in housing, economic opportunity, education, justice, legal support and media diversity since the 1950's.We promote civic engagement, we advocate for civil rights; we support and encourage the revitalization of downtown Brockton.

This paved the way for the Brockton Area Branch in the 1990's to establish a strong youth program called ACT-SO.

WHAT IS ACT-SO ?

ACT-SO – the Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, is a youth program under the administrative aegis of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program designed to encourage high academic and cultural achievement among underserved minority high school students. ACT-SO relies on community volunteers and business leaders to serve as mentors and coaches in promoting academic and artistic excellence among African-American and Hispanic students. By providing an arena where students strive to excel in the sciences, arts and humanities, ACT-SO equips its participants with the skills to live meaningful lives.

In 1977 Vernon Jarrett of Chicago, a renowned author, civil rights activist and journalist, initiated the idea of a program that would promote and reward young academic achievers the same way sports heroes are honored. The first national ACT-SO competition was held in 1978 in Portland Oregon.

"We must never write off the potential for greatness among any of our beleaguered youth. Never!"
Vernon Jarrett, ACT-SO founder (1918 – 2004)