Education

Freedom House is teaming up with Fourth Wall Project to host "The Bridge" — a networking party and fundraiser in support of Freedom House. Freedom House is a Dorchester-based charity dedicated to inspiring and teaching young people in under-resourced communities to succeed academically. "The Bridge" is designed to serve as a link between professionals from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds. The event sponsors are a network of professionals in ten different industries, so expect to broaden your network of contacts and meet new people. You will have an opportunity to hear about Freedom House's positive impact on the lives of teenagers!

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On November 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Freedom House will be hosting the first Annual Educational Policy Conference! The theme is college preparedness, and there will be some of the best leaders in the field to discuss education reform. At the conference, you will be able to see leaders in the field engage with the community in a conversation about reform. For parents and students with the goal of graduation, this venue provides an opportunity to ask questions and get resources that will help you on your way to high school, college, and career success!

The event will include keynote speakers: Secretary Paul Reville, Massachusetts Secretary of Education, and Dr. Ronal Ferguson, Senior Lecturer in Education and Policy at Harvard University. There will also be A Success Boston Panel with Freedom House, Inc, Hyde Square Task Force, ACCESS Boston, Bottom Line, Boston Private Industry Council (PIC), and the Education Resources Institute (TERI).

There will also be roundtable discussions for parents and community! Youth and families are encouraged to attend. The event will begin with registration and light breakfast at 8:30.

For more information, contact Marie Hovis by email or call 617.445.3700. Freedom House is located at 14 Crawford Street in Dorchester, 02121.

BPS Community Plan-It begins September 15! Have your voices heard as the district develops its new accountability system: from September 15th to October 20th, Community PlanIT will serve as a platform for the district’s first “virtual town hall meeting” - engaging BPS staff-people, parents, students and other members of the community on how we should rate our schools’ performance and the opportunities they offer. The exercise will culminate with a real face-to-face town hall meeting for all participants on October 20th at English High School.

Go to http://communityplanit.org and click on the Boston Public Schools link on the left pane to begin! Over 500 people are already registered, and groups of students across the district will play a more active role – producing video content and posing “challenges” to participants in the conversation. To get your students, parents, staff or partners engaged, contact Carl Allen in the Office of Accountability at callen2@boston.k12.ma.us – or send them straight to http://communityplanit.org.

Every School in Boston should be excellent and you can help make it happen! Learn more about becoming a member of your School Site Council. Parents, Students and Teachers, join your School Site Council! Did you know that School Site Councils: write reviews and comment on your school budget; develop the Whole School Improvement Plan; serve as "subjects" as interviews; and make recommendations for hiring teachers. Attend a workshop on Tuesday, September 20, 6:00 p.m. at Citywide Parent Council, 21 Deckard Street, Dorchester (Latin Academy Building). Food and childcare will be provided.

To RSVP or request more information please call Frank Hart, BPON, 617-522-2766; Beverly Mitchell, CPC, 617-635-9210, or voice mail 617-635-6612; or Fran Smith at 617-429-7106.
 

The Clemente Course, a comprehensive introduction to the humanities through the study of literature, art history, philosophy and American history, is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 season! During the course, students are coached in writing and developing critical thinking skills. The Clemente Course is accredited by Bard College and qualifies students for six college credits upon successful completion of the program. Accepted students receive the benefits of this wonderful program for free - please spread the word about this incredible opportunity for educational enrichment.

For more information, click here, view a program flyer, or download the 2011-2012 Clemente Course Application.