DFSI: Building a Better Dorchester for Students, Families, and Schools

Welcome to the DFSI blog! To read about DFSI's Mission, Partners, and Services, click the corresponding links.

Join Our “Baby and Child Scientists”!

Submitted by colin h on Thu, 05/03/2012 - 11:56am

Submitted by the Division of Developmental Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston

ChildrensHow do babies recognize faces? Does musical training improve reading skills? Are ADHD and dyslexia related? To answer questions like these we need the help of families like yours. In the Division of Developmental Medicine at Children’s Hospital Boston, we are working to shed light on such questions by learning more about brain and behavior development in infants, children, and adolescents.  In gaining a better understanding of these processes, our goal is to contribute to the healthy growth and development of our children. >> Read More

LAST Monday Night Wine Club to Support DFSI | May 28

Submitted by colin h on Mon, 04/30/2012 - 12:05pm

Wine NightEvery Monday night in May, DotWell's school based youth programming will be the recipient of Ashmont Grill's Wine Club Organization of the Month. That means Dorchester FAMILY School Initiative (DFSI) will benefit this month! Sign-up today for one, two or as many as you can handle:

May 28th - Perfect for the Patio >> Read More

The 8th Annual Community Night Celebration

Submitted by colin h on Wed, 03/21/2012 - 11:18am

“What are you doing this summer?”  For many students and families in Dorchester, this is a difficult question to answer.  According to the National Summer Learning Association, lack of access to summer learning programs is responsible for more than half of the achievement gap between high- and low-income students.  >> Read More

DFSI Marathon

Submitted by colin h on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 3:31pm

Boston MarathonThe Marathon is almost here! Runners Gwen Stewart and Christy Rousch will represent the Dorchester FAMILY School Initiative (DFSI) in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16.

Both athletes have run marathons in the past and are committed to raising money to help DFSI’s goals of supporting schools and connecting families with the community.

You can support the DFSI team by contributing to the DFSI fundraiser, and by encouraging friends, family, and local businesses to donate! >> Read More

The Eliot School Arts Collaborative

Submitted by colin h on Wed, 12/07/2011 - 3:25pm

Holmes School Arts Program

Art is in at the Lee Academy, Holmes and Lee afterschool programs. Students have been learning about  poetry, painting, photography, and, most importantly, self-expression through the arts. As an artist, the students work together and as individuals to understand the large variety of ways to express themselves creatively.  Ms. Bridget is an artist herself. According to Bridget,"Art making around others takes trust and respect". Through the Elliot School of Fine and Applied Arts, Ms. Bridget visits these elementary school students and helps them understand the complexities and importance of being an artist for yourself. On a weekly basis, these students are producing masterpieces of their own.

For more on the arts initiative, check out the student blog at http://dorchesterartbridge.blogspot.com/

New DFSI AmeriCorps Member

Submitted by colin h on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:54am

Hello Dorchester!

DFSI Afterschool

I am Colin Hunt, the new SCI Americorps member at DotWell. This year I will be serving with the Dorchester FAMILY School Initiative (DFSI) to bring resources connections to community members. I am currently helping out at the Joseph Lee Complex and the Oliver W. Holmes School afterschool programs, facilitating connections and promoting community events. If you have any questions/comments about community resources in Dorchester, feel free to contact me at chunt@dotwell.org or at 617-474-1464.

And remember: "Live every day like its Shark Week!"

Still Looking for Youth Summer Programs?

Submitted by lsantel on Sat, 08/07/2010 - 1:16pm

The Dorchester FAMILY School Initiative can help.  Keep in mind, spots fill up fast, and scholarships and EEC income-eligible contracted slots fill up even faster! Here are some good places to start your search:

  • DFSI Summer and Out-of-School Time Resource Guide

    Summer and out-of-school time programs in Dorchester including up-to-date schedules, fees, and contact information. Click here to download a copy.

  • Boston Public Schools' Summer Stuff and Summer Stuff Jr.

    Catalogs of summer camps and programs throughout Boston. Download a copy online at www.bostonpublicschools.org/summer or ask your school.

  • MyDorchester Neighborhood Guide

    Searchable database of resources in Dorchester, including summer programs. Click "Dorchester Guide" above and under "Services" select "Summer/Vacation Programs."

  • BOSTONavigator

    Database of summer and out-of-school time programs in Boston. Visit online at www.bostonavigator.org.

If you need additional assistance finding a summer program or want a specific kind of program, contact DFSI Community Liaison Laura Santel at (617) 474-1453.

Parent University Session 3, May 1

Submitted by lsantel on Mon, 04/26/2010 - 11:08am

Mystified by the MCAS? Struggling to help your child with his math homework? Frustrated by your child's sometimes annoying behavior?

Being a parent, grandparent, or guardian is a tough job. Parent University is here to make it a little easier by helping you understand how your child learns and develops, what she should be learning in school, and how you can best support her.

Saturday, May 1, 8:30AM-3:30PM
Northeastern University Curry Student Center, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115

Raffle prizes; breakfast and lunch provided. >> Read More