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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

The Brockton Community Schools Advisory Board, in compliance with its bylaws, is presently seeking applications from Brockton residents for five (5) At‐Large positions. The selected candidates will serve a two‐year term. The Advisory Board, which is the governing arm of the Community Schools Program, meets monthly and makes its recommendations to the Brockton School Committee.

Any person interested in serving on the Board should send a letter of application and resume to:

Jean Mech, Community Schools Advisory Board Chair
c/o Kathleen A. Smith, JD
Director, Brockton Community Schools
43 Crescent Street
Brockton, MA 02301

Letter of application and resume must be received no later than Friday, May 31, 2013.

                       
Brockton High School Senior Kevin Francois has won a prestigious national award for his photography skills. The 18-year-old is a Silver Medalist in the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition for his photo of his brother, “Shock and Awe.”

“This is a huge honor, because Kevin was competing with the top artists among the state and then at the national level. We are so proud of him,” said Sarah Richards, Coordinator of Art K-12. “Kevin is self-motivated, he experiments with new methods on his own. He’s got a great eye and tremendous talent.”

This year, 230,000 works were submitted for review by professionals in visual and literary arts, of those submitted only 1% received national recognition. Kevin also won a Gold Key and two Honorable Mentions for his photographs at the state finals. The National Scholastic Award Medalists will be honored in New York City on May 31^st and June 1^st. We are proud to have Kevin Francois represent Brockton High School in this year’s National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

“I started photography about a year ago,” Kevin says. “When people look at my photographs, I want them to see the world the way I see it and notice the details and light that I notice. I am very proud to share my photographs and I feel a great sense of achievement.”

Kevin fell in love with photography when he signed up for Kate Bowen’s class during his junior year, and the rest is history. He showed a natural aptitude and followed his passion: last summer, he took part in a summer photography program and one of his pictures currently adorns the outside of Joe Angelo’s Café at 214 Main Street, as part of a downtown photo mural project.

Brockton High School students are often recognized for their artistic skill: last year, senior Chris Bolivar won a National Silver Key for a self-portrait collage called “Torn Apart.”

“We have some very talented students in Brockton, and we are incredibly fortunate that this is a city that celebrates and supports the arts,” Richards said. “We judge ourselves on the awards that our students win in contests and to have two national winners back-to-back demonstrates the high quality teaching we have in Brockton.”

Kevin Francois plans to attend college next year, and study electrical engineering and photography.

During a visit to the Huntington School April 3^rd, Bridgewater State University President Dana Mohler-Faria committed to enhancing the university’s partnership with the Brockton elementary school, promising additional resources and assistance. The university supports the Huntington School’s innovative turnaround plan by providing student teachers, mentors for students and additional professional development for staff.

After touring the school April 3^rd, Mohler-Faria met with Principal June Saba and her staff and recommitted the university to assisting the Huntington in its three-year-old turnaround plan.

“This is a place where there is a clear sense that there is focus, commitment, passion for creating an exemplar of what education can be for this district and this Commonwealth,” said Mohler-Faria, who serves as education policy advisor to Gov. Deval Patrick. “There is no question we need resources (in public schools), but more than resources, we need that kind of energy and commitment that we see in this school.”

During a meeting with Huntington staff, Mohler-Faria promised to launch a free, two-week Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) –focused summer program for Huntington School 4^th graders this summer, and to purchase school uniforms next year for any Huntington student who needs one. He also praised Huntington Principal June Saba and the school staff for their efforts to find new and innovative ways to improve student achievement.

In 2011, the Huntington School was identified as a “Superintendent Priority School” by the School Committee and then-Superintendent Matthew H. Malone, Ph.D. Armed with this designation and the promise of additional supports to address academic underperformance, Saba and the staff began designing a dynamic turnaround plan that would transform the Warren Avenue school into a center of academic excellence. By the spring, MCAS scores were on the rise and officials hope for more gains this year.

“We have been incredibly fortunate that our School Committee, district leadership teams and community partners have all recognized the need at Huntington, and committed their time, energy and support to helping us succeed,” Saba said.

Since the launch of the school turnaround plan in 2009, the school has adopted a longer school day, revamped schedule, school uniforms, character and community service curriculums, targeted interventions and a menu of enrichment programs that focus on 21^st century skills and enhance school day learning. The school also works with the nationally-recognized Pearson Learning company and has piloted Pearson Learning Teams, a Professional Learning Community (PLC) that improves teaching and learning, develops teacher leaders and involves all teachers in a collaborative, team approach to academic success.

Last spring, the Huntington School won a coveted Extended Learning Time (ELT) grant from the state Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. The three-year, $700,000 grant funds an additional 50 minutes of instruction time added to the Huntington School schedule this year. The grant also supports continued work with Pearson Learning, free evening English as Second Language courses for parents, and the ability to hire student mentors from BSU, Brockton High School, and other community programs.

“Our Huntington students face many challenges in their lives – we have high percentages of English language learners, low-income students and students who face difficult circumstances in their daily lives – but the connecting factor for them is school,” the principal noted. “The students know, and their families know, that when they come to the Huntington School we are united in our efforts to give them every advantage, to provide every support and material that we can so that they can and do succeed and achieve at the same levels as students across the Commonwealth.”

The partnership with Bridgewater State University is a major component of the school’s turnaround, Saba said. The Huntington is considered a BSU Professional Development Site and as such, Bridgewater’s College of Education & Allied Studies assigns more than 25 student teaching interns to work in the school each semester; the students gain on-the-job experience leading lessons and interacting with students, and they work under the direction of an on-site BSU faculty member who provides them and Huntington teachers with professional development.

BSU students also work in the school as “book buddies” or literacy coaches for struggling readers and during the elective block, they assist with and sometimes lead lessons in a variety of courses ranging from cooking to dance and gardening. Finally, Huntington teachers are provided with professional development workshops from Bridgewater education professors.

“It is an incredibly rewarding partnership,” said Marybeth O’Brien, the Huntington’s Expanded Learning Time Facilitator. “Wherever we have identified need, our Bridgewater partners have offered opportunities: this week, they are sponsoring a field trip for all 4^th and 5^th graders to visit the campus, to take part in STEM lessons and to expose them to the campus, to get them thinking about and planning ahead for a college education.”

It was clear during the tour how much Bridgewater State University officials value their working relationship with the Huntington faculty and students. In addition to the president, Executive Vice President Fred Clark and Dr. Lisa Battaglino, Dean of the College of Education & Allied Studies, shared their commendations.

Clark, a Huntington School alumnus, said he was proud to be associated with a school that is so clearly focused on meeting the needs of students.

“Our shared commitment is to helping the next generation of students, and I’m happy to help in any way I can,” he said.

President Mohler-Faria echoed his words, promising “we will do everything we can to partner with this school. We believe in what you are doing, and this is what higher ed should be doing – working with K-12 schools.”

Brockton Public Schools students and staff are again among the Brockton Youth Foundation’s honorees at its 5th annual Breakfast with Champions fundraising event April 7th. Brian Rogan, Principal of the John F. Kennedy Elementary School will be honored alongside community organizer and Plouffe School paraprofessional Jean Mech and the Brockton High School Peer Mediators, students who strive to assist their classmates in resolving difficulties.

Brockton Arts Founder and President Arnie Danielson and Old Colony YMCA Director of Community Development Vivian Rene will also be honored at the breakfast, which will be held at 10 a.m. at the Shaw’s Center, One Lexington Way, Brockton, MA. The event will include a special ceremony to highlight their extraordinary leadership to support Brockton youth.

The non-profit Brockton Youth Foundation was formed by involved parents and civic leaders to provide funding, leadership and programs to support out-of-school activities as well as increased access and lower fees for all programs serving Brockton youth. The Foundation is using this year’s event to build support and community partnerships that recognize the value of Brockton’s youth as the city’s next generation of champions and leaders.

“While most families and businesses are struggling with a difficult economy, our youth need the community support more than ever,” said Bill McGauley, president of the new foundation. “It is our hope that the community can find a way to support us and help continue the work of the past generation to champion and fund programs like the Brockton Community Schools and the Mayor’s Youth Fund.”

Kennedy School Principal Brian Rogan has devoted more than 28 years to the children and families of the Brockton Public Schools as Principal, Assistant Principal, Grade 6 Teacher, Moderate Special Needs Teacher, and Community School Supervisor at the Kennedy School. He strives to create a thriving learning community in a nurturing and caring environment, so that students consider the Kennedy School to be their second home. The unity of students, parents and staff is a priority of the Kennedy School.

Brian has worked to create a strong Kennedy Community School Parent Advisory Council to involve parents and community members in activities that bring students and family members together. Brian's feeling is "Once a Kennedy Kid, Always a Kennedy Kid" which is evident in the connection with students while at the Kennedy and then with students and families that stay connected to the Kennedy School. This was evident in the creation of the Kennedy School Playground Committee and its work to bring this project to a reality.

Brian also served as a member of the Mayor's Task Force on After School Programs, had the Kennedy School benefit from support from the Brockton Cultural Council and is Chair of the Little Red Schoolhouse Scholarship Committee.

Jean Mech has made improving the lives of children in her community a priority for most of her adult life. A Rhode Island native, she began her volunteer work in her home state as soon as she returned home from basic training with the US Navy in 1986, spending several years with the Junior Naval Cadets teaching children between the ages of 8-18 about the military.

An Operation Desert Storm veteran, Jean and her husband, Joe, became parents to twins Matthew and Linda, who became Jean’s priority. As soon as the twins entered the Davis School kindergarten in 2002, Jean joined the Davis PTA. She has served on the Davis School Improvement Council, on the School Improvement Councils of the Plouffe Elementary School, Gilmore Academy and Plouffe Academy, and she is an active member of the Community Schools Advisory Board. She currently volunteers for the Brockton High School Band Boosters, Brockton High School Council, Community Schools Advisory Board and the Brockton Summerfest Committee.

Jean believes in the old adage “it takes a village to raise a child,” and loves helping to provide opportunities for children and families of Brockton. She is also a paraprofessional at the Plouffe Academy in Brockton.

BHS Peer Mediation Program and Advisors Cheryll Leach and Julie Gordon

Launched in 1994, the Brockton High School Peer Mediation program helps students to work out a resolution to their disputes with the help of trained mediators. The project was developed by the Attorney General’s office and was initially funded by The Drug Free Schools grant.

Conflicts that occur over rumors, relationship issues, and misunderstandings are all common situations, which, if left unresolved, can lead to more serious problems like absenteeism, violence, and dropping out of school.

The mediation process recognizes that conflict is better approached with communication than avoidance. Mediation, with its emphasis on listening to other’s points of view and the peaceful resolution of differences, assists in developing students’ communication skills. These skills can be critical for success in their future relationships, both personally and professionally. Hearing both sides of the story allows each person a chance to be heard. Brainstorming solutions together empowers everyone by actively contributing to a real solution.

Mediation referrals come from teachers, counselors and assistant housemasters. Students also come directly for advice by requesting mediation for themselves or a friend. The Peer Mediation Office has an open door policy and its services are available all day for students.

The School Committee voted 7-0 tonight to hire the Community Schools Director and
city resident as Brockton’s first female Superintendent of Schools

The Brockton School Committee voted 7-0 tonight to hire Kathleen A. Smith as the city’s next Superintendent of Schools.  Smith, who currently serves as Director of Community Schools, is Brockton’s first female Superintendent and the first internal candidate to rise within the ranks to the Superintendent’s Office in 18 years.

“In choosing Kathy Smith as our next Superintendent, we are selecting a woman who knows and understands the Brockton Public Schools,” said Mayor Linda M. Balzotti, who also chairs the Brockton School Committee. “From her work in our schools and with our students and families for over three decades, Kathy has a unique, ground-up knowledge of our school district. Her proven commitment to the City of Champions and the achievement of all of our students is a tremendous asset. As the first female Superintendent in the Brockton’s history, Kathy serves as a role model for young women across the city, and I look forward to working with her.”

Smith has served as the Director of Community Schools in Brockton since 2001, overseeing all summer and before- and after-school programs, including curriculum development, staff development and program evaluation.  She has been employed by the Brockton Public Schools for 36 years, beginning as an elementary school special education and Title I teacher.  She has also served as a school adjustment counselor for nine years, as Communities and Schools for Career Success entrepreneur from 1999-2000 and as MCAS manager from 2000 to 2001.  Mrs. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education from Westfield State College, a master’s degree in guidance counseling from Bridgewater State College and a juris doctorate from New England School of Law.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Brockton Public Schools, a district I have been proud to be part of for more than 35 years. This is a school district where our teachers and administrators lead the way in education reform, are dedicated to improving student achievement and committed to ensuring that every child gets the highest quality education,” Smith said. 

“I look forward to working closely with our teachers, administrators and support staff to continue the good work we have been doing.  This is a district where there are no excuses; there is hard work to be done, but I know the players and the needs of our community, and there will be no honeymoon period.”

Working with Glenn Koocher, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, the School Committee voted to conduct an internal search after Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone, Ph.D. was named the state’s Secretary of Education in January.  An invitation to apply for the position was sent to all Brockton Public Schools staff.  Smith, who was also a finalist for the position in 2009, appeared before the special meetings of the School Committee on March 26^th and 28^th to outline her educational experience and explain her outlook and vision for the future of the Brockton Public Schools. 

Smith thanked the School Committee for their support and recognized the hard work and mentoring she received from many of her predecessors.

“Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me to lead the Brockton Public School Community.  I am humbled and proud to walk in the footsteps of former Superintendents George, Jones and Bage,” she said. “I will continue the efforts and hard work of Secretary of Education Malone, Interim Superintendent Jerome and our leadership team.  I commit to giving 100% of my time and energies to create a dynamic environment where our teachers engage our students in rigorous study to prepare them for college and career success.”

School Committee Vice-Chair Thomas J. Minichiello, Jr. of Ward 1 said he looks forward to working with Smith, who is a strong advocate for children and a well-known member of the Brockton community. 

“Mrs. Smith has the experience, credentials and has always displayed professionalism throughout her career in the Brockton Public Schools.  She has proven her ability to build consensus, to work with stakeholders throughout the city, and she has demonstrated time and again that she listens with a careful ear,” Minichiello said.  “She believes in Brockton and all of its unique characteristics, which will serve to enhance her ability to lead the district.”

In addition to being the city’s first female Superintendent, Smith will also be the first Superintendent in 18 years who has come from inside the district, a quality the School Committee felt was an important consideration, Minichiello said.

“The district has experienced superintendents from the outside for the last 15+ years.  Having an internal candidate, I believe, promotes stability and confidence,” Minichiello said.  “Her familiarity with the system is most certainly an asset that will provide a seamless transition - she knows the players, the programs and the city, and she has already built lasting relationships throughout the community.”

The School Committee voted to offer the position subject to a mutually acceptable contract for employment.  John R. Jerome will continue to serve as Interim Superintendent until such time that Smith and the School Committee agree upon a start date.  The public will be informed as to all of the details as soon as the parties complete negotiations.

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Brockton High School was abuzz with scientific discovery during the school’s 20^th annual Science Fair February 26^th. More than 500 students took part in the fair, testing hypotheses, conducting experiments and sharing their findings with students and teachers who turned out to take in the spectacle in the school’s Green and Azure Cafeterias.

“The Science Fair is vehicle for students to explore science in a hands-on and in-depth way. The hope is that students learn to be passionate about the process of discovery and learning. We are providing them with an opportunity to feel that excitement,” said BHS Science Department Head Jonathan Shapiro. “I was very happy with the results.  I think the students did an excellent job and it reflected the work of the teachers in leading this effort.”

The excitement was palpable, as students shared information about their research and discovery with judges and fellow students alike. The Science Fair is a requirement for all students in full-year science classes, including every 10^th grade student, Honors Physics Students and all Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate students. This year, more than 200 projects were entered, representing more than 500 students in all levels and classes, from the Earth Sciences to Biology and Physics, including Special Education and regular education classes.

Although the requirements for Science Fair entries vary by teacher, most students were required to conduct experiments that follow the scientific method (question, hypothesis, procedure, data collection and analysis, conclusion) and write a paper about it.  They were also required to create a presentation board that would accurately convey their findings to a casual observer, and be able to explain their project to Science Fair visitors. Shapiro said the exercise is a good way to prepare students for college.

“The goal is for students to learn how to develop a complete story that starts with identifying and conducting background research about an issue to developing a question and possible answer to it.  They should then be able to devise a way to answer that question and test to see if their initial answer to the question, their hypothesis, was correct and, if incorrect, change their perspective to be consistent with the data. This is the process of discovery and the very nature of science,” Shapiro said. “These are skills that will be beneficial to students throughout their lives as they encounter problems and need to develop innovative solutions.  Some will have to figure out how to get an oven to work while others will have to figure out how to grow enough food to feed over seven billion people.”
 
Students who excelled in the BHS Science Fair were entered into the regional fair at Bridgewater State University on March 9^th. BHS students Judith Foos and Condrea Zhuang earned Honorable Mention at the Regional Fair. The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair is held in May at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where organizers award more than $500,000 in scholarships to budding young scientists. State winners will move on to the International Science & Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, PA May 12-17^th.

The Brockton School Committee voted to accept the recommendations of a subcommittee and move the 2013 Brockton High School graduation from a Friday evening to Saturday, June 8^th at 2 p.m. in Marciano Stadium.

“The members of the Safety, Security & Transportation Subcommittee, school administration and the School Police agreed that moving graduation to Saturday afternoon would make the ceremony safer and more orderly,” said BHS Interim Principal Michael Thomas, who also serves as the district’s Executive Director of Operations. “We see this as a win-win; we will cut down on security concerns while also making it easier for parents and family members to attend the ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of our BHS graduates.”

Last year, seven men were arrested after two fights broke out in the end zones at the Friday night graduation. This year, all graduates will be provided with six tickets to give to family and friends, with the option to purchase two more tickets at $10 apiece. Current Brockton High School students will be admitted when they show their school ID card.

Thomas said officials expect this will limit the number of spectators admitted to the ceremony to family and friends only, and security personnel will not allow spectators to congregate in the end zones and aisles.

“Graduation is for the graduates and their loved ones. We want this to be an opportunity for them to shine, and for their families to see them receiving their diplomas,” Thomas said.

Saturday graduations, long a BHS tradition, were moved to Friday night in 2011 to provide more contingency options for weather conditions; with more than 800 graduates walking in each ceremony, administrators do their best to hold the ceremony in the 7,000-seat Marciano Stadium, so that students are not limited to just the few tickets they would be allotted if the graduation were held in the 1,500-seat Nelson Auditorium.

“This is an important milestone in our students’ lives. We want them to be able to have as many family and friends as possible there to see them walk across the stage,” Thomas said.

Brockton Public Schools officials were encouraged by Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester’s decision not to favorably recommend to the Board of Education a charter school proposed for Brockton.

“The Commissioner agreed with us that this was not the right time nor the right fit for Brockton,” said Interim Superintendent John R. Jerome. “Brockton is a very diverse school district – both in student body and programming. We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to meet the needs of our students, and I think the Commissioner recognized the good work we are doing and saw that this for-profit charter school did not offer anything that was not already in place in the Brockton Public Schools.”

On Friday, February 15, 2013 Commissioner Chester announced his recommendations to the Board of Education on 11 pending charter school applications. The International Charter School of Brockton, which would have been overseen by a board of governors and operated by the for-profit Sabis International Corporation, did not receive Chester’s endorsement. In 2008, Sabis also tried to win a charter for the City of Champions, but was denied by the board.

The Board of Education will make its final vote on February 26.

“The Commissioner recognized the excellence that is taking place in the Brockton Public School and did not feel that the charter school was necessary. Brockton provides so many alternatives for our students and we are pleased that we will be able to build upon our progress and continue to provide the highest quality education to our students,” said School Committee Vice-Chair Thomas J. Minichiello, Jr. of Ward 1.

The charter was first proposed last summer and was vetted in a number of hearings held throughout the state in November and December. In Brockton, scores of people turned out at a hearing at the Brockton Public Library to assail the proposal, which they argued failed to provide adequate accommodations for special education students and English language learners.

Opponents to the charter argued that the Brockton Public Schools is a district on the move, with a proven track record of success. Brockton High School is held up as a national model of urban education, having three times been named one of America’s Best High Schools by US News & World Report. BPS has been successful in addressing performance issues through innovative in-district turnaround programs like the Huntington School and East Middle School redesigns plans, including extended learning time, school uniforms and character education. And the charter’s major claim, that the district lacks choice, was roundly refuted: Brockton has a myriad of choice programs for talented and gifted, English language learners, Special Education and alternative education students already in place, as well as a number of charter, private, school choice and parochial school options throughout the city and the region.

Kimberly Gibson, President of the Brockton Education Association, which represents the district’s 1,300 teachers, said that the proposal was a boilerplate application that modeled its programs on existing Sabis-run schools in Springfield and Holyoke.

“Commissioner Chester's decision to not recommend a charter school in Brockton is an affirmation of our hard work to be innovative and meet the needs of all students in our school,” Gibson said. “In the city of Brockton there has always been a culture of pride in the Brockton Public Schools so this news will be welcomed throughout the community.”

The Commissioner’s recommendation is a key to the Board’s decision-making process, but the Board can still decide to grant the charter.

“We are gratified that the Commissioner has faith in the Brockton Public Schools, and we are very hopeful that the Board will follow his guidance and not approve the charter,” Jerome said.

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Memo to:          Principals, Faculty and Parents

From:                Mr. George Bezreh

Reference:        Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)

On October 22, 1986, President Reagan signed into law an amendment to the Toxic Substance Control Act requiring schools to determine the presence of asbestos containing building materials in all school buildings. That amendment, called the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) required that all school buildings be visually inspected by accredited inspectors and that bulk samples of suspected materials are taken where the material was not assumed to be asbestos. It further required that management plans be created for each individual building and that the maintenance and custodial personnel receive training. The plan must be implemented and the training must be completed by July 9, 1989. This document is the Asbestos Management Plan which provides the means and the methods to effectively deal with asbestos containing building materials.

All phases of asbestos inspection and management planning are reported in this plan including: response action strategy, priorities, scheduling of abatement activities coordination of personnel and evaluation of results. The plan has an additional function as a reporting document to that State. At the local level, the plan must be made available for general review by school district.

The AHERA management plan for each school building is complete. The Brockton Public Schools have also completed all three (3) year re-inspections.

All asbestos containing materials are kept in good condition and the school department has taken all necessary actions to insure the safety of all buildings occupants.

Please feel free to call me if you have any question regarding this memo.

Christopher Watkins was getting ready to leave for the Army recruiter’s office to enlist one Saturday this fall, when a letter arrived in his mailbox and changed the course of his life. Watkins, a Brockton High School senior, received word he had earned a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship that provides free tuition to any state college or university.

“It made a difference in my whole entire life. Without this, I wouldn’t be able to go to college,” Christopher said.

Christopher Watkins is among 264 Brockton High School seniors who earned the Adams scholarship this year, the largest group at any high school since the Commonwealth of Massachusetts instituted the program in 2004. The Adams Scholarship program provides free tuition to state colleges and universities to Massachusetts high school seniors who have tested among the top 25 percent of their class on the MCAS exam.

On November 22nd, the Brockton High School Auditorium was packed with Adams Scholars, their parents and teachers, and members of the class of 2014, which will be taking the MCAS test in the spring.

Michael Watkins, Christopher’s father, was in the audience to see his son walk across the stage to receive his scholarship. He said he was proud of his son, and was looking forward to meeting with state college and university recruiters, who were on hand in the lobby to provide materials and applications to students.

“When I opened the letter, I thought it was just another announcement from the school. It was a really exciting and proud moment,” he said. “This is based on his merit, his hard work and determination, and it has given him so many more opportunities.”

During the 90-minute assembly, the students were congratulated by Mayor Linda M. Balzotti, a Brockton High School graduate, Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone, Ph.D., and by keynote speaker Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, president of Bridgewater State University.

“You are the best of the best … you will do great things,” Mohler-Faria said. “Do not ever let anyone tell you you cannot achieve something.”

BHS Principal Dr. Susan Szachowicz opened the program by pointing out how Brockton High School and its students have consistently defied demographics and earned accolades for academic distinction: the school has twice been named one of the best high schools in America by US News & World Report; has been named a Model School by the International Center for Leadership in Education for the past eight years; won the National School Change Award in 2006 from the American Association of School Administration, Fordham University Graduation School of Education and Pearson Education; and last year was spotlighted on the front page of The New York Times for its success.

During the assembly, Dr. Szachowicz shared her own story – of a Brockton student who worked hard in high school and went to Bridgewater State College, where she applied herself in class and worked extra jobs to pay the tuition. Szachowicz, who went on to earn a Master’s in Education from Bridgewater and a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, encouraged the students to make use of the scholarship.

“The state college and university system in Massachusetts is one of the best in the nation and it’s a bargain,” Szachowicz said. “It’s not about where you went to college; it’s about what you make of that education.”

BHS Guidance Counselor Teresa Mascarenhas said the cost of college can be overwhelming for many families, even with loans. The Adams Scholarship translates to a roughly $10,000 savings over a four-year college career.

“Every little bit helps. The cost of higher education is very high, and whatever students can get diminished from their bill can be a big, big help,” Mascarenhas said. “I believe that for many families, the Adams Scholarship can make the difference.”

For Rose Aris, the scholarship is a dream come true. Rose plans to become a pediatrician, and hopes to attend UMass Boston or UMass Dartmouth next year as a pre-med student. She said the scholarship was a huge motivator.

“I am so happy! I wanted to get it and worked very, very hard and I achieved my goal. This is going to be a lot of help for me,” she said. The scholarship program “gives you hope that when you work hard, you get rewarded and people notice.”

Christopher Watkins is now preparing his applications to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Fitchburg State College and Bridgewater State University. He plans to study business management and graphic design, thanks to the Adams Scholarship program.

“I’m very proud of this accomplishment. I’m so excited to go to college,” he said.

2011 Brockton High School John & Abigail Adams Scholars list

MARCIANO STADIUM REFURBISHMENT RECOGNITION

The City of Champions will celebrate students and community this Friday with a Marciano Stadium Refurbishment Recognition ceremony beginning at 6:15 p.m.

Members of Boxer nation are invited to an opening reception at 6:15 p.m. at Marciano Stadium, where they can enjoy refreshments, music and see the recently refurbished stadium, which underwent $1.2 million in improvements, including:

• New artificial turf
• A new track, which will allow BHS to host its first track meet in four years
• Lighting & fencing upgrades
• New goal posts and soccer goals
• Freshly painted Field House, Concession Stands and Ticket Booths
• Security cameras
• Sealcoating throughout.

Mayor Linda Balzotti, Superintendent Matthew Malone and BHS Principal Dr. Susan Szachowicz will cut the ribbon on the new field before the 7 p.m. coin toss. The games pits the Boxers against the Hilltoppers of Durfee High School on the new Armond Colombo Field.

At half-time, Maestro Vincent Macrina and the BHS Marching Band will debut their new uniforms – the first in 20 years – and a new “Rocky”-themed halftime show.

The Marciano Stadium Refurbishment Project was funded with local monies committed by the City Council and approved by the School Committee. The stadium, which is often the first place visitors see when they come to Brockton, is a world-class facility, said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone, Ph.D.

“The stadium is the first impression we make on many out-of-towners – it is the venue we use to showcase the talents of our athletes, musicians and performers,” Malone said. “Our city leaders have shown that they believe in our students and are willing to support them in their academic, athletic and artistic endeavors.”

Brockton Public Schools PreK and Kindergarten teachers and students participated in Jumpstart's 5th annual Read for the Record campaign this fall, helping to break the Guinness World Record for the number of adults and children reading the same book on the same day.

On Thursday, October 7th, 1,519 Brockton PreK and Kindergarten students were among 2,057,513 students nationwide who read The Snowy Day, the Caldecott-winning story by Ezra Jack Keats.

"The Read for the Record event showcases the importance of reading to young children and its fun too!" said Dr. Julianne Andrade, Coordinator of Elementary Literacy K-5 and Social Studies K-8. "Reading to young children promotes vocabulary development, provides exposure to print, and fosters high order thinking. Reading researchers agree that the single most important activity for reading success is reading aloud to our young children. Most importantly, parents and adults who read to children are reinforcing the value of books and spending time together. "

The non-profit Pearson Foundation, which sponsors Jumpstart Read for the Record, is donating new copies of the 1963 story to every participating teacher in the Brockton Public Schools as part of the campaign. Pearson and Jumpstart, its early education arm, also provided literacy development activities.

October 7th was an exciting day at Gilmore School Early Childhood Center, where more than 250 students took part in Read for the Record. Principal Helen Virga, Ed.D. said the day was a wonderful way to celebrate reading with students.

"Reading is a fundamental part of every child's educational development, and we are always looking for ways to show children how important reading is as a lifelong activity. When they see that adults love to read and make it part of their lives, they learn by example," Virga said. "We look forward to Read for the Record every year, the love of literacy is contagious."

Read for the Record was launched in 2006 as a means of promoting early literacy. Last year, the campaign shattered the world record when teachers, parents and caring adults read Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar to 2,019,752 children around the globe. Organizers hope this year will break that record, and plan to kick-off the daylong event on NBC's TODAY show with Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera.

In October 2010, Superintendent of Matthew H. Malone, Ph.D. presented a report, Strategy Development in the Brockton Public Schools, to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.  The report outlines how Dr. Malone and a cross-functional team of stakeholders from across the Brockton Public Schools developed "R3: Realigning Resources for Results, A Five-Year Plan."

Brockton Public Schools parents will be able to manage their child's school lunch purchases online through a partnership with Mealpay Plus, an online prepayment system that offers parents a safe, easy and convenient way to prepay for students' school meals.

"We see this as a convenience for parents, and also a way for them to monitor their child's purchases and help them make healthy food choices," said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone, Ph.D.

Chartwells School Dining Services, the international school food corporation that operates Brockton Public Schools cafeterias, has been working to improve food choices, cafeteria operations and convenience since it became the district's food service vendor in 2006. Chartwells commitment to nutrition is evidenced through its exhaustive menu options, use of fresh and local produce, and its use of trained chefs and nutritionists that plan and execute the healthiest meals for our students.

Last year, Chartwells introduced a new point-of-sale system district-wide, whereby students use their ID numbers or ID cards to expedite meal service in the cafeterias.

"We are always looking for new ways to improve our meal choices, our service delivery and convenience for students and families," said Tom Burke, Chartwells Brockton District Manager. "We often hear from parents wondering why their child is spending a certain amount of money, now those parents can view their child's account and see how much their student is spending on meals versus ala carte items."

Parents can log onto the student's account any time at www.MealpayPlus.com and view what their child has purchased on a specific day. The software allows parents to view the balance at any time, as well as to check payment history. In addition, parents can choose to have email confirmations of payments and low balance reminders sent, and payments can be made quickly and easily using a credit card or check online or via telephone. Optional Wallet and Auto-Replenish features enable parents to set a low balance amount that will automatically replenish the account when it drops to a specified balance, if they choose.

For additional information about MealpayPlus, please visit www.MealpayPlus.com.

Chartwells, a division of Charlotte, NC-based Compass Group, provides dining services to more than 500 public school districts and private schools, comprising over 4,000 separate elementary, middle and high schools nationwide. For more information about Chartwells School Dining Services, visit www.eatlearnlive.com. Based in Charlotte NC, Compass Group North America is the leading foodservice and support services company with more than $9 billion in revenues in 2008. With 388,000 associates worldwide, its parent company, UK-based Compass Group PLC had revenues of ₤11 billion in the year to September 30, 2008. For more information about Compass Group, visit www.cgnad.com.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/28/education/28school.html

Brockton High School is being heralded as a model of public school success in a Page 1 feature in the New York Times. The September 27, 2010 story outlines how Principal Dr. Susan Szachowicz and the faculty and staff of New England’s largest high school radically changed the school’s culture and turned it into one of the nation’s top performing high schools.

“Ours is a story that proves that with determination, hard work and a focus on literacy, all students can and will achieve at high levels,” Szachowicz said. “I am so proud of our students for how they have defied the demographics, of our faculty who teach with great skill and passion, and of our administrative leadership team for their commitment to excellence. Our success has truly been a team effort!”

The story follows a recently-published Harvard University research report, “How High Schools Become Exemplary,” by Ronald F. Ferguson. In that report, Ferguson, an economist, identifies BHS as the counterpoint to arguments that large high schools, particularly those in low income and minority communities, cannot compete with wealthier suburban communities. BHS was one of 15 public high schools in the country that were featured at the 5th annual Conference of the Achievement Gap Initiative at Harvard, and BHS students are featured in a photo on the cover.

“Brockton High School is the flagship of our school system, and it has proven to the critics that public schools are providing the highest quality education available,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone, Ph.D. “Our students have shown impressive academic performance, and that is because Brockton is a community that values education. Brockton students – from PreK through adulthood – benefit from an experienced, dedicated and professional faculty and staff who are always looking for new and better ways to motivate students to help them succeed.”

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti, a Brockton High School graduate who chairs the School Committee, praised students and staff alike for their tremendous success.

“The success we are seeing in our schools didn’t happen overnight; it has taken years of hard work. Our parents, faculty and staff, our city leaders and our business community have all committed to supporting our schools, and our children are demonstrating that they can compete on a national stage,” Balzotti said.

The largest high school in New England with more than 4,400 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 seven straight years. US News & World Report has twice identified BHS as one of America’s Best High Schools (2007 and 2009) and last year, 252 seniors scored in the top 25 percent of the district on the MCAS and were awarded John and Abigail Adams Scholarships, which provide free tuition to in-state colleges and universities.

Brockton High School is the state’s largest high school with 4,400 students, and it is also one of the most diverse schools – 70 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 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.”