Raymond School Volunteers Honored During Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti honored five Raymond K-8 School early literacy volunteers April 9^th as part of the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service. The Mayor presented five members of Senior Corps, a division of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), with citations for their volunteer work as literacy tutors at the Raymond School.

Mayor Balzotti recognized Lucille Kirker, Lois Manion, Gladys Rysman, William Boles and Patricia Souza for giving their time to help younger students become proficient readers. The five honorees are members of Mayflower RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for Plymouth County and the local affiliate of the CNCS. Each of the volunteers works one on one with students in grades 1- 3 to help them achieve grade level reading. The volunteers were joined by the students they work with, who showered them with thank you cards and applause.

“Mayflower RSVP volunteers make a significant impact on the lives of the children they read with,” said Raymond School Principal Carol McGrath.

Mayflower RSVP has mobilized the Volunteer Reading Partners program through the organization’s Early Childhood Literacy Initiative each year since President Clinton’s 1997 State of the Union address announcing 40% of students in this country were unable to read at grade level by the end of 3rd Grade. Since the program was initiated approximately 15 years ago, Mayflower RSVP volunteers have contributed more than 15,000 hours of dedicated service to help 1,000+ students throughout Plymouth County improve their reading and achieve success in school and life.

“Volunteers are the backbone of so many of Brockton’s wonderful programs and services,” said Mayor Linda M. Balzotti. “National service highlights their efforts while also showcasing the best of the American spirit – people turning toward problems instead of away, working together to find community solutions.”

Laurie Mason Named Special Education Director

Veteran Brockton Public Schools educator Laurie Mason has been named the district’s new Director of Special Education. The School Committee voted unanimously April 9^th to appoint Mason to the post.

“Laurie Mason is a highly dedicated professional who cares deeply about our students and the Brockton Public Schools,” said Dr. Salvatore Terrasi, Ph.D., Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services. “There is no question in my mind that Brockton students will be well served under her leadership as Director of Special Education.”

Mason earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Westfield State College, a Master of Education Degree from Cambridge College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) in Educational Leadership and Management from Fitchburg State College. She also holds licensure for Principal/Assistant Principal and Special Education Administrator.

Mason, who had served as the Assistant Director of Special Education prior to appointment as director, succeeds Kay Seale, who took a similar role in the Worcester Public Schools. A 25-year employee of the Brockton Public Schools, Mason has held many teaching and administrative positions, including teacher of Moderate Special Needs, Substantially Separate Special Needs, Inclusion Facilitator (Elementary and Middle Schools), READ FIRST Specialist, and Special Education Department Head, K-5.

“I am very excited about my new position as Special Education Director,” Mason said. “I work with a great team of people in the Special Education Department and I look forward to continuing moving the department in positive direction.”

A highly respected Special Education leader, Mason has participated in and presented at numerous professional development activities for the Brockton Public Schools and surrounding districts. She has presented for BPS at the conventions of The Urban Special Education Leadership Collaborative and is actively involved with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).

Her past experiences and her latest assignment have more than prepared her for this appointment and the district looks forward to her leadership.

The Brockton Public Schools Special Education Department has been recognized throughout the state for providing comprehensive services to more than 2,000 special needs students in preschool through Grade 12. Approximately 13 percent of students meet eligibility criteria and receive specialized instruction and/or related services through the Special Education Department. Students receive excellent opportunities through a range of special programs including Inclusion/Co-Taught classes, Specific Learning Disabilities and Language-Based instruction, Adjustment/Therapeutic and Multi-Handicapped Services as well as programs for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorders.

BB Russell Alternative School Student’s Artwork Receives Statewide Recognition

Volunteers to wear shirts featuring design on April 27th day of service

BB Russell Alternative School student Faustino Mendes's artwork has been selected by the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship as the logo for their 2013 Opportunity to Serve Day of Service.

“This is an honor not just for Mr. Mendes, but also for all city youth and the work that the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship does in Brockton each and every day,” said Mayor Linda Balzotti.

Mendes, 18, has been drawing since fourth grade and used the ideas of opportunity, growing, and youth as an inspiration. With that concept, and support from B.B. Russell staff and Massachusetts Promise Fellow Katie Walper, assigned to the Mayor’s Office, he created a design.

His work was one of several submitted for consideration.

“From conversations with our Fellow (Katie Walper), we knew he had an investment in the Brockton community and wanted to share his talents with our broader youth network,” said Ceceila Auditore, the Evaluation and Volunteer Manager for the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship. “His design was chosen among other youth requests for its message and connection to Brockton’s community initiatives.”

BB Russell Alternatie School Assistant Principal Susan England pulled Mendes out of an English class to tell him he had won.

“I was happy,” he said of the conversation.

The Opportunity to Serve contest is only the second art contest Mendes has ever entered. The first time he considered it a few years ago, but he did not feel his skills – particularly drawing people – were developed enough.

Working with a friend he met at his church, he was able to learn how to draw facial features more accurately and realistically.

“I love what I do,” said Mendes, who is now working on some freelance artwork for clients. “I thank God. I’m appreciative of God for giving me the talent.”

In 2013, there are two Massachusetts Promise Fellows serving organizations in the City of Brockton, in the Mayor’s office and through the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office. The Mayor’s office has had a Promise Fellow for over a decade. Several AmeriCorps volunteers are serving other agencies throughout the city.

Brockton is one of four host sites participating in the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship Day of Service Saturday, April 27th. More than 200 volunteers are expected to participate in the event statewide, wearing t-shirts with Mendes’ design.

BHS EARNS TWO PRESTIGIOUS HONORS: US NEWS & WORLD REPORT BEST HIGH SCHOOL & ICLE MODEL SCHOOL AWARD

Brockton High School was named one of America’s Best High Schools for the 4^th time by US News & World Report and a Model School by the International Center in Leadership in Education for the 10^th year in a row

Brockton High School’s reputation as a leader in urban education was enhanced this week with the announcement of two prestigious honors for the 4,100-student school: US News & World Report named BHS one of America’s Best High Schools for the fourth time and the International Center for Leadership in Education named it a Model School for the 10^th straight year.

“This is national recognition of the impressive achievement levels our Brockton High School students have shown over the past decade,” said Interim Superintendent John R. Jerome. “These distinctions prove yet again that Brockton students – and urban students in general – can and do achieve as well as their suburban peers when provided with high quality instruction.”

US News & World Report named Brockton High School a Bronze Medal winner for the fourth time since 2008, a significant achievement for the state’s largest high school.   The highly-regarded weekly standard analyzed 21,035 public high schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia, then identified 4,805 for providing the highest quality education for all students. Brockton High School was among the 2,515 schools identified as bronze medal winners.

“Getting this kind of national recognition from independent research publications and educational think tanks like US News & World Report and the International Center for Leadership in Education is validation of what we know has been working,” said BHS Interim Principal Michael Thomas. “Both of these prestigious organizations are ranking Brockton High School among the best high schools in the country for the quality of our academics and our innovative approach to ensuring that all students succeed. I want to thank all of the teachers and administrators for their hard work and commitment to our students.”

US News & World Report worked with the Washington, D.C.-based American Institutes for Research (AIR), to measure the effectiveness of educational programs at high schools across the country based on a prearranged set of criteria. Brockton High School applied for the Model School designation from The International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) and was selected as one of 25 Model Schools that have proven success in student achievement and in implementing Common Core standards and Next Generation Assessments. BHS educators will present their strategies for school-wide improvement to thousands of other educators from across the nation at ICLE’s annual Model Schools Conference this summer in Washington, D.C.

“The school’s approach to empowering the entire Brockton team – focusing on literacy, implementing a comprehensive school-wide plan, and relentlessly monitoring progress – have made it possible for Brockton to sustain academic improvements for the past 12 years,” wrote ICLE’s founder and chairman, Willard R. Daggett, Ed.D. “We are confident that the story of Brockton High School – and the incredible impact the staff and school-wide initiatives have had on students – will be inspiring and informative to the thousands of educators who attend the Model Schools Conference.”

Sharon Wolder, Associate Principal for Curriculum & Instruction, said the repeated accolades Brockton High School has earned proves that systemic, school-wide approaches to literacy not only fueled the school’s turnaround, but continue to drive student achievement in measurable ways.

“These honors speak to the academic integrity of Brockton High School: regardless of how long a student has been in the country, regardless of need or their economic status, Brockton High School students are achieving at high levels and have done so consistently for years now. We believe that is because our faculty has stayed true to our school-wide literacy initiative and remained consistent in our approach to teaching,” Wolder said. “People ask us, ‘what are you doing new?’ We have opted not to just jump from trend to trend to trend, but to remain consistent and teach literacy in every subject area and in every elective.”

The state’s largest high school with more than 4,100 students, Brockton High School is also one of the most diverse schools – 75 percent of students are classified as low income, and more than a third speak a language other than English at home.   What sets it apart are high expectations and a keen academic focus, a strong sense of school spirit and community pride, and a tradition of excellence in academics, arts and athletics.

The school’s remarkable turnaround was highlighted in a groundbreaking study by Harvard University’s Ronald Ferguson and was the focus of a New York Times front page story in October 2010. And last year, 256 seniors scored in the top 25 percent of the district on the MCAS and were awarded the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, which provides free tuition to in-state colleges and universities. 

Thomas and Wolder credit school-wide literacy and math initiatives for unparalleled student success. When MCAS first rolled out in 1998, only 22 percent of Brockton High School 10^th graders were proficient in ELA, and just 7 percent were proficient in math. In the succeeding years, comprehensive reading, writing and math lessons became standard fare in all courses, regardless of subject; all students identified in need of improvement are now given individual education plans to tailor instruction to help them succeed; and teachers have focused on providing students with the tools they need to deconstruct questions or problems they don’t understand and then find the correct process to work them out.

BPS Hosts 2^nd Annual Special Education Resource Fair April 30^th; Focus on Transition Services & Community Resources for Families

Families of Special Education students ages 14- to -21-years-old are invited to attend the Brockton Public Schools 2^nd annual Resource Fair on Tuesday, April 30^th 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. “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 1,000 students ages 14- to 21, so the annual fair is a timely and informative way to reach out to families, Milano 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,” Milano 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 their child’s future.”

WHEN: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

WHERE: Brockton High School Red Cafeteria, 470 Forest Avenue

Informational flier

2013 BPS Administrative Internship Program

The Brockton Public Schools is committed to cultivating leadership from among its ranks, and the district’s Administrative Internship Program has proven to be a successful training ground for the administrators of tomorrow.

“The Administrative Internship program is a great opportunity for talented teachers to get a firsthand look at school and district operations and determine for themselves if these are paths they would like to pursue,” said Interim Superintendent John R. Jerome. “For more than 35 years, this program has helped us to develop talent from within.”

Overseen by Human Resources Executive Director Dr. Kathleen Moran, the program pairs interns with district administrators and principals, giving them a valuable day-to-day look at the functions of individual departments and schools. This year, 10 highly-qualified people were chosen from a field of more than 30 applicants and placed in high-level administrative positions.

“The administrative internship program is of tremendous benefit to both the interns and the district,” Dr. Moran said. “Interns shadow administrators, learn about programs throughout the district, and are afforded an inside view of the strong leadership that Brockton has. In addition, interns are asked to tackle projects that help further the district’s mission and support the learning and teaching efforts at all levels. It is an invaluable learning experience for all those involved.”

The 2013 Brockton Public Schools Administrative Interns are:

Dianne Alksninis began her career in the Brockton Public Schools in 2000 as a John Silber Literacy Grant Coordinator at the Downey Community School. In 2002, she was named as the Downey School’s Reading Resource Specialist, a position she holds to this day. During her tenure in the district, she has provided citywide trainings and building based workshops, and served on committees dedicated to developing curriculum for district use. Ms. Alksninis earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education in Reading from Bridgewater State College. She will be working with Dr. Julianne Andrade, Coordinator of Elementary Literacy and Social Studies, K-5.

Maureen Donaruma Carpentieri has been teaching for 24 years, the last 13 years as a 4^th grade teacher at the Kennedy School, where she also serves as a supervisor of the Community Schools After-School Programs. Mrs. Donaruma Carpentieri has served on many committees including the Positive Behavioral Intervention System (PBIS) Steering Committee, K-5 Math Committee, Kennedy School Council and the Brockton Education Association Representative Council. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and a Master’s in Education from Fitchburg State College. She will be working with the Community Schools Office during her internship.

Cristina de Novais joined the Brockton Public Schools in 1999 as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Brockton High School. Prior to that, Ms. de Novais worked as a Reading /Writing Learning Specialist at Massachusetts   Bay Community College.  She holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium, and a Master’s degree in ESL from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. She has served on the ESL Steering Committee at Brockton High School for many years and is primarily interested in curriculum development. Ms. de Novais will serve her internship under José Pinheiro, Director of Bilingual Education, and Anna Carreiro, Bilingual/ESL Department Head at Brockton High School.

Melanie Dobson has been employed by the Brockton Public Schools for the past four years as a School Adjustment Counselor through Therapeutic Support Services. Ms. Dobson currently works as a counselor for students with emotional impairments at West Middle School and Brockton High School. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Simmons College and received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She will be working with Ryan Powers, principal at the Mary E. Baker Elementary School and Dr. Salvatore Terrasi, Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services. 

George Donovan has been employed by the Brockton Public Schools for the past 15 years as an elementary school teacher. Mr. Donovan currently works at the Angelo Elementary School. He earned his Master’s in Elementary Education from Cambridge College and received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Saint Michael’s College. During his internship, Mr. Donovan will be working with Mary E. Baker Elementary School Principal Ryan Powers and with Dr. Salvatore Terrasi, Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services.  

Emily Flores has been an educator for 15 years, the last five of which have been spent teaching U.S. History in the Social Science Department at Brockton High, where she serves on the Social Science Steering Committee, school-wide Assessment Committee for Accreditation and the BHS Restructuring Committee. She received her Bachelor of Arts in History and Education from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, and a Master’s in Education from Capella University, where she is currently completing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. A strong advocate for making curriculum relevant and rigorous, Ms. Flores involves students in classroom projects which present them with the opportunity to connect classroom content to their personal experiences or those of their community. She will be working with Arnone School Principal Colleen Proudler on the sustainability of the school’s Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and with Human Resources Executive Director Dr. Kathleen Moran.

Nicole Ford began her career in the Brockton Public School system 16 years ago as a fourth grade teacher. For the last six years, she has been the Instructional Resource Specialist at the Hancock Elementary School, working with teachers on lesson planning, curriculum development and data analysis to improve student achievement. She is also a coordinator for the Smart Start Extended Day Program. Mrs. Ford holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Management Science, a Post–baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education from Lesley University. During her internship, she will be working with Heather Ronan, Coordinator of Mathematics and Science, PreK-5.  

Nicholas Lee, a lifetime Brockton resident, has been employed by the Brockton Public Schools for 11 years. He currently works as a Physical Education teacher at Brockton High School. In addition to teaching, he has also coached boys’ basketball at Brockton High for nine years and served as an assistant to the Athletic Director for the past three years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College and a Master’s in Education from Fitchburg State University. Mr. Lee will serve his internship under Executive Director of Operations Michael Thomas.

Jonathan Quint has been a math teacher at Brockton High School for the past 10 years, teaching all courses offered in the department at various levels. Prior to entering the teaching profession, Mr. Quint spent a dozen years in the private sector, doing project management, educational software development, curriculum development, and interface design. He has also taught web design and usability at Brandeis University and continues to teach mathematics at Bentley University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a Master’s degree in American History from Brandeis University, and a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, specializing in Technology in Education. He is also a Navy veteran. During his internship, Mr. Quint will be working under the direction of Ms. Joan Farrington, Coordinator of Mathematics and Science, Grades 6-8.

Kathleen “Casey” Wilkinson, has been a South Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) teacher for 12 years. Within her classroom, she is a strong advocate for collaborative teaching, building self-esteem and respect for others, and connecting her class to the real world. Mrs. Wilkinson creates an environment where students are encouraged to take risks, think critically, and apply what they know to new situations. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Union College and an administrative license through the Educational Leadership Program at Bridgewater State College. She is also currently working on a doctorate at Boston University. Mrs. Wilkinson serves on the district’s Middle School ELA Steering Committee and will serve her internship under the guidance of Eileen McQuaid, Department Head of English Language Arts, Grades 6-8.

18^th Annual BPS-Special Olympics School Day Games Held May 1^st

More than 400 students in Grades 1-12 competed in the region’s
largest district-wide Special Olympics competition

Rocky Marciano Stadium at Brockton High School hosted more than 400 Brockton Public Schools student-athletes May 1^st in the district’s 18^th annual Special Olympics School Day Games. One of the city’s premier events, the School Day Games highlight the best of the City of Champions, as special needs students and regular education students team up in athletic competitions.

“The School Day Games is my favorite day of the year,” said Special Education Director Laurie Mason. “All of the students are excited and happy, they are motivated and proud of their accomplishments, and we get to share that as a school community – among students, staff, parents and the many volunteers from Special Olympics and its sponsors.”

The day of track and field competition began at 9:45 a.m. with an emotional Opening Ceremony: students from each of the city’s elementary, middle and high schools processed into the 10,000-seat stadium behind their school banner as the Brockton High School JROTC provided a color guard and representatives of the Brockton Fire Departments Fife and Drum Band played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes. After the torch was run into the arena, everyone joined the BHS Boxer Buddies in singing the national anthem. The Davis and Brookfield singers teamed up for “God Bless America” and “This Little Light of Mine,” and then the games were officially opened.

“The School Day Games is one of the greatest events we hold all year, and you can see why when you see the faces of the kids marching proudly into the stadium,” said Interim Superintendent John Jerome. “It’s the joy of inclusion, of competition and recognition. Every student tries their hardest, and every student earns a medal for their efforts. It is a very special day.”

Students competed in a number of individual and unified events from shot put contests to 100-meter relay races. Some of the activities were tailored to children with specific disabilities, like wheelchair races and bean bag tosses. Special needs students train for the events in their Physical Education classes for weeks leading up to the event, and the day is a celebration for them, their teachers and their families.

“Every athlete competes in at least two events, and all of the participants go home a winner, with a medal around their neck,” Mason said. “This event takes an enormous amount of planning and coordination, and I want to thank the Special Olympics, the many businesses who sponsored the event and provided volunteers, Peter Caruso and the staff of the BPS Physical Education Department and all of the Special Education Department teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals and administrative assistants, who put their time, effort and energy into making sure that every child had a memorable day.”

RETIRING CHORAL DIRECTOR PENNY KNIGHT TO BE HONORED AT MAY 22^nd BHS POPS CONCERT

Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are now on sale for $3 in the main office of Brockton High School

Forty years after beginning her career in the Brockton Public Schools, Penny Knight, the city’s First Lady of Song, is retiring. Knight’s long and distinguished career as the leader of the Brockton High School Choral Program will be highlighted during the school’s annual Pops Concert on May 22^nd. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. show are now on sale in the school’s main office.

“Penny Knight is one of the most dedicated and giving teachers I’ve ever worked with; she has enthusiasm and passion and she brings out the best in kids,” said Music Director Vincent Macrina. “Her students and colleagues are really going to miss her.” 

Knight began her career as an elementary music teacher at the Franklin and Russell Schools in 1973. From 1976 to 1978, she taught music and guitar part time at Brockton High School before being hired as a full-time BHS music teacher in 1978. During her tenure as a teacher and choral director, Knight has been responsible for a very fruitful partnership with the Handel & Haydn Society, which has undertaken several joint performances with the BHS Concert Choir, and she led Brockton singers to a number of national awards at festivals and competitions around the country.

The Pops Concert features the BHS Concert Band, Advanced Concert Band, Repertory Chorus and Concert Choir. In addition to the tribute to Knight, the annual concert will feature light pops music, Dixieland tunes and several musical salutes, including a medley of well-loved movie anthems like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

“This is our last concert of the year – it’s light-hearted and fun and it always has a sampling of all different kinds of music, so that there is something for everyone,” Macrina said.

The Pops Concert will be held Wednesday, May 22^nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Nelson Auditorium at Brockton High School. Tickets cost $3 per seat and are available at the BHS main office from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, please call the BHS Music Department at 508-580-7656.

2013 BPS SUMMER RESOURCE GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

The Brockton Public Schools 2013 Summer Resource Guide is now available! The 73-page brochure provides parents with a plethora of information and ideas on summer camps, programming, day trips and upcoming events to make the summer months fun and exciting.

“The Summer Resource Guide is a tool for parents to plan valuable and engaging experiences with their children,” said Parent Engagement Specialist Jane Feroli, who puts together the document each year. “We tell you have to find fun, free, family activities; list the many day camps and programs available through Community Schools; outline job training opportunities for teens; and give you a list of fun places to visit in Brockton and beyond.   We want our students and their families to get out, get active and keep their minds sharp all summer long.”

The Summer Resource Guide is a must-have for all Brockton families – it is ripe with lists of event dates like the Mayor’s Concert Series, Free Family Movie Nights in Brockton, Farmer’s Markets at City Hall – and it gives info for parents about the BPS Summer Reading Program, Terrific Tuesdays events and calendars and dates for the upcoming school year.

To download your copy, click here.

116th Annual Huntington School Memorial Day Parade

May 23, 2013

For more than a century the Huntington School has celebrated Memorial Day with a patriotic parade in its Campello neighborhood, with children and their teachers marching through the streets, waving the American flag in step to the patriotic tunes of a number of local bands. The tradition was something that meant a great deal to former Huntington School Principal Edward Kelly, so it was only fitting that the 116th Annual Memorial Day Parade was dedicated to the longtime educator who died suddenly in April.

“We felt it would be a fitting tribute to a wonderful man who truly cared about the Huntington School and its students,” said current Principal June Saba. “Mr. Kelly made a difference in the lives of thousands of students during his long career in the Brockton Public Schools, and it was important that he be remembered during the parade that he loved so much.”

A special viewing section was set up in front of the school for Kelly’s family, and a banner in his honor was given to them. Mayor Linda Balzotti presented the family with a proclamation declaring it Ed Kelly Day in the city and the Brockton High School Marching Band, led by Kelly’s longtime friend Vincent Macrina, stopped in front of them to play “God Bless America,” the former principal’s favorite song.

Kelly began his career as an elementary classroom teacher at the Lincoln School in 1970. He later taught at the Raymond School and was an assistant principal at the BB Russell, Paine and St. Colman Schools before he was named principal of the Huntington School in 1998. He retired in June, 2005.

Begun in 1897 when then-Principal John Rackliffe began the time-honored tradition as part of a Memorial Day celebration, the Huntington School Memorial Day Parade is held in honor of fallen soldiers.

Each year, every Huntington School student marches behind a class banner, carrying flags and waving to the crowds while a number of bands from schools across the city play patriotic tunes.

“It is a tradition that means a lot to many, many people, and we are proud to be part of that tradition,” Saba said.

BHS Drama Club Earns 9 Nominations in Prestigious High School Musical Competition

Brockton High School Drama Director Bob Hogan admitted that as he sat with his 150+ students in the school’s Little Theater on May 23rd, watching a live stream of Broadway in Boston’s new High School Musical Awards, was a bit like watching the Tony Award nominations.

But it might just have been better, because Brockton High earned nine nominations – from best production to best actor to best choreography and lighting design for its production of “The Wedding Singer,” which was staged earlier this month.

“It was just amazing. We were all holding our breath,” said Hogan, who has led the BHS Drama Department for the past eight years as director, and who is a graduate of the program himself. “It’s such a validation of what we do here. We could not be more proud of our students – they excelled in acting, dancing, set design, lighting, stage management and direction, choreography and choral ensemble. It’s fabulous.”

Hogan said he was especially proud of his students because Brockton High School was the only urban school to be recognized.

“This is a very, very big deal, and to be the only urban high school participating in the finals is very important to us,” he said.

This year for the first time ever, the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, the governing body of high school theater in the state, has partnered with Broadway in Boston to recognize outstanding work in high school musicals. Throughout the year, the two organizations sent scouts to more than forty-five high school musical productions across the state and singled out the best of the best. An awards ceremony will be held June 11th at the Paramount Theater in Boston, and parts of the nominated productions will be staged.

“At Brockton High School, we pride ourselves on giving our students the opportunity to excel in all areas – academics, athletics and the arts. And even when times have been difficult, our community has always invested in its students, ensuring they had the best possible high school experience. These nominations prove that we have one of the best programs around, and we are all cheering for Bob Hogan and the Drama Club today,” said Interim Principal Michael P. Thomas.

More than 150 Brockton High School students participated in staging “The Wedding Singer,” a musical based on the 1998 movie starting Adam Sandler. There are 100 students in the cast – from the lead actors to dancers and choral members – and approximately 50 crew members who do everything from building sets to lighting, costumes and backstage management.

The Brockton High School musical is typically a hot ticket in town, as the size and scale of the production – this year’s show cost more than $50,000 to stage – puts it on par with many professional productions.

“Going to the Brockton High School musical is a rite of spring for many Brocktonians, even those who don’t have children in the program,” said Interim Superintendent John Jerome. “The work that the students and staff do is truly amazing, and it’s something the entire community can be proud of.”

The Brockton Drama Club received nine nominations in the following categories:

Best Lighting Design

Best Choreography

Best Choral Ensemble

Best Musical Direction

Best Stage Direction

Best Stage Management

Best Featured Actor – Andrew Cooper

Best Leading Actor – Derek Jackson

Best Production

To see the MET Musical Awards, Nominations, please visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-SG9-GJGLk&feature=c4-feed-u

SIGN UP FOR BPS WEB UPDATES

The Brockton Public Schools website provides up-to-the-minute information about academics, enrichment and athletic programs throughout the school and calendar year. Since its redesign in September 2007, www.brocktonpublicschools.com  has continued to grow and evolve in an effort to serve the needs of students, staff, parents and community members.

“The BPS website is an incredible resource: it provides information on academic programs, school-sponsored activities, upcoming meetings and enrichment programs,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone, Ph.D. “We are constantly updating and retooling our site to make it a better communication tool and we’re always looking to find areas to expound upon so that we can provide as much information as possible.”

Interested parties are invited to sign up for the site’s News and Calendar Feed options, which send updates directly to your inbox electronically. Simply click on the orange “Rss Feed” icon next to the News & Information and Calendar sections on the BPS homepage, and enter your contact information. The next time a new story or calendar event is posted, you’ll know immediately.

“Whatever vehicle you use to get your information – email, Google, Yahoo, Facebook – we can interface with and send you the latest news, including school cancellations and meeting dates,” said Webmaster Kathy Ettinger. “It’s a wonderful feature that we hope more and more people will take advantage of.”

BHS Graduation Guidelines for Spectators

May 28, 2013

To:       All Graduates, Parents, Family & Friends, 

Brockton High School Graduation is approaching quickly on June 8, 2013. It’s sure to be a cheerful and special event for all of you. To help us make your visit to Marciano Stadium a joyful one, please take note of the security protocol.

All guests, except students possessing and wearing their school ID, require a ticket to gain entry to the stadium. There is no reentry to the stadium should someone exit.

All guests, including children, may be searched. All persons must consent to a search of their person and anything they are carrying. Failure to consent to such search will result in denial of entry into the stadium.

Smoking is prohibited on all Public School property and will be strictly enforced.

Prohibited items will NOT be accepted at the stadium gates for safekeeping. Please leave all prohibited items secured in your vehicle. They are:

• Bags larger than a 12" x 12" x 12". Contents of all bags will be inspected. Exceptions can be made for guests with special medical needs.
• Any type of portable chair or seat other than those approved for persons with accessibility issues
• Tripods or monopods
• Flag poles over 2 feet in length
• Weapons of any kind, including pocket/utility knives
• Alcoholic beverages
• Illegal drugs and substances
• Umbrellas
• Fireworks, pyrotechnics, flares
• Laser pointers
• Animals other than service dogs assisting those with disabilities
• Strollers or baby seats
• Segways
• Noisemakers, bullhorns, air horns, vuvuzelas
• Helium balloons, beach balls

Stadium personal reserves the right to deem any other item inappropriate.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
Lt. Donald Mills
Brockton School Police

Help East Middle School Win $20,000 in the Lots2Give Contest!

East Middle School needs your support as it vies to win $20,000 in Big Lots’ Lots2Give 2013 national video contest. East Middle School is among 186 schools nationwide competing for a piece of the $120,000 cash prizes, and administrators plan to use the prize money to construct a state-of-the-art science lab for students to explore scientific concepts.

The polls are now open, so vote early and often!

“East Middle School is looking for the public’s help to build a state of the art Science Lab,” said Principal Kelly Silva. “A new Science Lab will be a powerful way to engage our students through hands-on experiences. It will also provide students the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge to better prepare them for high school and college, and help them succeed as leaders in the 21st century.”

The contest is part of the 6^th annual Lots2Give program launched by retail giant Big Lots to help schools in need of financial support across America.

Big Lots asked participating schools to put their creativity to the test by submitting a short video and brief essay explaining why their school is in need of financial support. Cash prizes include thirty $2,000 third place prizes, four $5,000 second place prizes, two $10,000 first place prizes and one $20,000 grand prize.

From June 10 through July 7, the public can vote for their favorite video entries up to three times a day by visiting www.biglots.com/lots2give. Those votes will determine the schools that will share $120,000 in cash prizes.

When you vote, click on the “Show videos from:” drop-down menu, then click on MA and select East Middle School. Remember: you can vote 3 times per day on every device that is connected to the internet – so if you have a PC, a tablet and a smartphone, you can vote up to nine times per day.

In addition to the Lots2Give video contest, participating schools will be the recipients of an in-store donation program. Customers can help selected schools by donating $5 or $1 at participating Big Lots stores through July 7. One hundred percent of donations will go to participating schools.

For additional information and to vote for your favorite video, please visit: www.biglots.com/lots2give. Winners will be announced on August 10, 2013 – Big Lots Teacher Appreciation Day.

SHARON WOLDER NAMED PRINCIPAL OF BROCKTON HIGH SCHOOL

The Brockton resident has 18 years of experience in teaching and administration and will bring knowledge, experience and continuity to helm of the region’s largest public high school

Interim Superintendent of Schools John R. Jerome is pleased to announce the appointment of Sharon R. Wolder as Principal of Brockton High School. The long-serving Associate Principal of Curriculum and Instruction will bring experience and continuity to the 4,200-student school, which has been heralded for its no excuses approach to urban education.

“Sharon Wolder has been an integral part of Brockton High School’s proven model of academic success,” Jerome said. “She was part of the leadership team that redesigned the school into smaller learner communities, has been a leader of the school’s award-winning literacy and math initiatives, and she understands the complex issues that our students face. I am pleased that she has accepted the position, and confident that she will continue the good work that made Brockton High School a model of urban education.”

The largest high school in New England with more than 4,100 students, Brockton High School is known nationally as a leader in urban education. The International Center for Leadership in Education, which each year recognizes 30 schools nationally that have met or exceeded the demands of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, has named BHS a Model School for 10 straight years. US News & World Report has identified BHS as one of America’s Best High Schools four times (2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013) and last year, 256 seniors scored in the top 25 percent of the district on the MCAS and were awarded the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, which provides free tuition to in-state colleges and universities.

A native of Iowa who lives in Brockton, Wolder joined the staff of Brockton High School as a history teacher in 1995. In 2002, she was named Social Science Department Head and from 2004 to 2010 she served as Housemaster of the Red House, before being named Associate Principal in 2010. As Principal, she will continue to oversee academic programs, manage operations, lead the transition to the Massachusetts Common Core standards and oversee the school’s upcoming reaccreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

“I am proud to go to work every day and I will continue to support the teaching and learning at Brockton High School in my new role as principal,” Wolder said. “Since I began my teaching career, Brockton High School has evolved into an award-winning school that has defied the odds. Our success is because of the hard work and determination of the faculty, leadership and because of the amazing students who consistently rise to and above the challenges before them.”

A member of the school’s Restructuring Committee, she has overseen school-wide curriculum development and worked with district-wide administrators to create a more cohesive academic transition from middle to high school. She has also handled staff development and reviews, served on the district-wide Road Map Team and led Brockton High School’s MCAS test administration program. In addition, she has proven experience in grant writing, budget development and schedule and calendar building.

“Sharon has clearly demonstrated her commitment to the students, staff and families of Brockton High School. Her experience and intimate knowledge of the school’s operational structure will provide a seamless transition and a smooth opening to school,” said incoming Superintendent of Schools Kathleen A. Smith, JD. “She will be another great educational leader and I look forward to working with her.”

A 14-member panel of parents, faculty and BHS and district-wide administrators selected 10 candidates from a pool of internal and external candidates. Four finalists were selected, and Jerome and Smith selected Wolder after an exhaustive screening and interview process.

Brockton High School is the state’s largest high school with 4,100 students, and it is also one of the most diverse schools – 75 percent of students are classified as low income, and more than a third speak a language other than English at home. What sets it apart is high expectations and a keen academic focus, a strong sense of school spirit and community pride, and a tradition of excellence in academics, arts and athletics.

The Summer of Work & Learning presents

SUMMER BLAST!

Come Join the Fun!

Summer Blast! is an outdoor carnival that offers Brockton youth and their families a way to enjoy the summer and simply have fun as they play games, get their faces painted, complete crafts, earn prizes and much more!  You don’t want to miss it!

Thursday, July 25th

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Brockton High School, near the Manning Pool area

Fun and activities for children of all ages!!!!

Act One, Scene 1 Presents “The Cat’s Meow” August 2^nd & 3^rd

Brockton Community Schools’ Act One, Scene I summer theater program presents “The Cat’s Meow” on Friday, August 2^nd and Saturday, August 3^rd at 7:30 p.m. in the Nelson Auditorium at Brockton High School. This original musical stars 112 young actors and singers from Brockton and the surrounding towns, and pulls feline-themes and songs from the Disney classic “The Aristocats.”

The longest running youth theater program in the area, Act One, Scene I is a four-week Community Schools summer program that teaches performers aged 10- to 16-years-old the fundamentals of staging a show, from dramatics and dialogue to set building, costuming, choreography and promotions. The show is staged by famed Brockton High School Drama Director-emeritus Carol Thomas and features wildly colorful and creative sets produced by students in the program.

“Act One, Scene I is a wonderful program that exposes children to all parts of theater –not just acting or singing, but also set design, building sets and choreography. For many of our children, it is the entrée into the fabulous Brockton High School theater program,” said Community Schools Director Maxine Richardson. “Audiences will be amazed by the quality of the show – the acting, singing, sets and production are astounding. For families, it’s a great show at a great price, and we hope the community will come out to see the great work our students are capable of.”

For the first time in its 38^th year history, Act One, Scene 1 will be presenting the “Midsummer Magic Award.” This special award will be given to the camper who embodies the spirit of youth theater. Named for the late Jean Herbert, a long-standing Brockton Public Schools administrative assistant who was part of Community Schools during its inaugural year in 1971, the award will celebrate a student who exemplifies hard work, a positive attitude and willingness to help others. The award will be presented during the Friday night program, and will provide the camper with a scholarship to attend next year’s program.

The public is invited to attend the productions. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the door.

BPS ANNOUNCES 2013-2014 TRANSPORTATION ROUTES

Link to School Bus Routes

The Brockton Public Schools announce the 2013-2014 school year transportation routes. The district’s transportation system consists of 48 buses and 48 vans.

“This is going to be a very exciting school year in the Brockton Public Schools and we look forward to welcoming our students back to school in September," said Superintendent of Schools Kathleen A. Smith, JD.  "We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and that they are ready to return to school refreshed and ready to learn."

The first day of school is Wednesday, September 4, 2013 for students in Grades 1-12; the first day of PreK and Kindergarten is Wednesday, September 18, 2013.

BHS Freshman Orientation - Friday, August 22, 2013

Brockton High School looks forward to welcoming the Class of 2017 for Freshman Orientation on Friday, August 23, 2013 from 9:00am – 11:00am.  During the orientation, students will meet school administrators as well as current students and teachers who will lead them ou on a brief tour of the school and answer questions.  Attendance is not mandatory, but encouraged.

Orientation will begin in the auditorium of the Fine Arts building (near the ice skating rink and the Manning pool).  The doors will open at 8:30 – please look for the large staircase and windows to enter the auditorium in Fine Arts. The school does not provide transportation for this event so students will have to make their own arrangements.  Parents are also welcome to attend the orientation.
We look forward to welcoming all BHS Freshmen on Friday, August 23rd.