Weekly Bulletin September 11 - September 15, 2017 | Week 3 |
MESSAGE FROM BAA HEADMASTER, MS. CLARK |
Thank you all for a strong, positive opening to the 2017-2018 school year! We had a great couple of days. I want to especially compliment the new students. You have made a very positive first impression...keep it up! Next week is our first full week of school. This first full week, it's very important to set ourselves up for success. Students, please think carefully and plan: What are your organizational systems? When is your homework time each day (remembering schedules change during the week)? How are you making sure that you are getting enough rest during the week? One of our core values is "Passion with Balance," which means, in part, balancing your passion for everything you do with your schedule. Graduates often tell me that the most important skill they gain at BAA is time management. Please be purposeful in your time management this week so as midterms and honor roll assemblies come along, you're happy with your results. Have a great week! |
CONGRATULATIONS AND SHOUT OUTS |
Shout out to Romilza Rosa, Ricky Pate, and Ashawn Dabney Small for their participation in theatre summer arts programs. Shout outs, also, to Jonathan Elliott, Jonathan Lopez, Jaleel Sanders, Lucie Tremblay, and Madelyn Wernig who participated in the Brighter Boston summer program, which was a collaboration with ZUMIX. Those students did lighting for music videos including two for the band Wild Painting, which includes BAA alum Mario Duenas and current student Angelina Botticelli. |
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS Please also see the appropriate section below for information specific to your art major. |
School doors will open every morning at 7:30am; breakfast will be available starting at 7:45am. If you come to school after 8:45am, please sign-in in the main office so you are not marked absent for the day. If you are absent, a note must be brought to the main office within 5 days of the absence. Asian and Asian-American students are invited to discuss their reactions to the book, American Born Chinese, as Asians and Asian-Americans. Please meet in the Assembly Hall on Monday, September 11 during lunch. Posse Interview Reminder: The students listed below have been assigned their first-round Posse interviews. Interviews will take place on Monday, September 11, 3:30-7:30pm at Shawmut Design & Construction | 560 Harrison Ave, Boston. Students, you must attend this interview to be considered for the Posse scholarship. Please bring your photo ID, dress comfortably, plan to stay the entire time, and most importantly, plan to be yourself!
**If you have not completed the documents that Posse emailed to you, please see Ms. Hairston.
Daniela Alarcon-Diaz Paola Almonte Tajazziah Booth Tamysha Carrasquillo Sydnie Cooper Diamonte Darbouze Johnny Del Jesus Annalise Englert Kevin Fernandes Valeria Gerena Dominic Glaude Kylie Grossman Siobhan Hayes Sydney Hershberg Djara Luis Tyler Luong Karla Mendoza Sierra Morgan Madeline O'Brien Rosely Polanco THOMPSON ISLAND FIELD TRIP FOR ALL 9TH GRADE STUDENTS On Tuesday, September 12, all 9th grade students will take part in a community building event on Thompson Island. Students will get to Thompson Island via ferry. This ferry will leave from the dock promptly at 8:00am. To ensure that students do not miss the ferry, we ask that they arrive at the Silver Line Terminal in South Station by 7:15am – Teachers will meet and direct students from there. In order to participate in this event families must complete Medical and Liability Release forms. Students without these forms will not be allowed to participate in the event. Please complete these forms and return them to the main office by Friday, September 8. A water bottle, appropriate clothing (for being athletic and outside), and closed-toed shoes are mandatory. It is also recommended that you bring a backpack with extra layers of clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a raincoat. Summer Reading assignments are due on Tuesday, September 12 at the beginning of Seminar class. (9th grade summer reading assignments will be due on Wednesday, September 13, as all 9th grade students will be on Thompson Island on Tuesday, September 12.) If you do not submit your summer reading assignment by the deadline, you will get a zero and may be required to attend a make-up session. Students who are required to attend a make-up session will be notified. On Friday, September 15, we will have a special schedule that will include an Opening Assembly at MassArt for our entire school community. Students are encouraged to wear BAA clothing on this day. SPECIAL SCHEDULE 8-9am: Advisory 9:05-10:30am: Lit Circles 10:30-11:00am: Transition 11am-12pm: Opening Assembly at MassArt 12:15pm: Lunch (if needed) 1:10pm: Staff Meeting The BAA Student Handbook is an important resource for the BAA community as it includes information about our schedule, courses, school policies, and community standards. This handbook is available on our website. If, however, you or your family would like a physical copy of the handbook, please see Ms. Gomez in the main office. Schedule changes: Students’ schedules can be seen in students’ ASPEN accounts this week, but there may be changes before the first day of school. If you feel you are scheduled for the wrong class, you can request a schedule change with your advisor using the schedule change form. All schedule changes must be signed by the advisor, and turned into Ms. Bautista’s box for academic classes, and Ms. Marsh’s box for arts classes. You must continue to go to the class on your schedule until you receive a paper copy of the new schedule from Ms. Chourafa or you can see it on Aspen. Please note that no schedule changes are made because of teacher preference. New this year, the Boston Public Schools is encouraging families to view the annual “Guide to the Boston Public Schools” and fill out the necessary back-to-school forms by accessing the BPS website at www.bostonpublicschools.org/familyguide. The Guide is available in English, Arabic, Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. This helpful guidebook contains summaries of many of the district’s policies, programs, and services. A separate booklet contains forms that need to be completed by parents, or students 18 or over. A limited number of the printed guides, as well as booklets containing the forms, will be available at our school office for the families of students who are new to the district or do not have access to the Internet. The online form is available at www.bostonpublicschools.org/contact. We encourage you to go online to complete the form for each of your children as soon as possible. We thank you for your cooperation. The Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Cultural Council have partnered together to offer discounted admissions to many of the Commonwealth’s best museums and cultural institutions. Because of the generosity of the participating organizations, DTA clients can receive discounted admissions by showing their EBT card. Please click here for more information and to see a list of participating organizations. For answers to frequently asked questions, click here. MassArt offers classes throughout the year to 4th-12th graders, many with scholarships available. Take a peek at the fall Saturday Studio classes and check-out other vacation week Youth Programs too! Marty Walsh for Boston and BAA alum, Peter Li, are seeking organizing interns to join the campaign and learn cutting-edge organizing techniques. Interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable skills in direct voter contact and community outreach. Organizing interns will be responsible for:
Ideal applicants should:
This is an intensive program that is designed to develop the next generation of organizers. Interns will be based in neighborhoods assigned, but will have opportunities to work across Boston. Applicants will be accepted into the program on a rolling basis. We strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, those with disabilities, and those with working class backgrounds to apply. Please send your resume and cover letter to Peter Li, peter@martywalsh.org. (**Please note that the sharing of this opportunity is not an endorsement of the candidate. BAA does not endorse this or any other candidate.) Are you interested in working as a Teen Arts Council member at the Museum of Fine Arts? The Teen Arts Council (TAC) is the MFA’s leadership development program and paid job opportunity for Boston-area teens. The TAC offers participants the opportunity to engage with art, culture, and history; develop workplace and team building skills; and learn about a range of professional options and career paths. Participants create and implement programs and events for their peers and the general public, and advise the MFA on engagement strategies for local teens and their families. The TAC is currently accepting applications for Fall 2017. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Application deadline is September 22, 2017.
Schedule: During the school year (Oct-June): Wednesdays, 4–7 PM The MFA TAC is looking for teens (age 15–18) who:
Apply here: http://www.mfa.org/node/525746 Fall Teen Night at the ICA. Join the ICA Teen Arts Council for an unforgettable Teen Night! Friday, October 13, 6-9pm. Organized by teens for teens, the evening features teen-led art tours, art-making activities, and youth performances in the coolest theater in Boston, the Barbara Lee Family Theater. Visit icateens.org for more details on activities. |
SAVE THE DATES |
For additional details, or for a listing of all events for the school year, please check our website calendar here. Sunday, September 17 Boston National College Fair - Offered by NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) - September 17 from 1-4pm at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 617-954-2000 or go to www.nacacfairs.org. Monday, September 18 The National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) is pleased to announced its 2017 Boston Performing and Visual Arts College Fair on Monday, September 18, 6:30-8:30pm at Emmanuel College - Yawkey Center (400 The Fenway, Boston). This program is an important resource for students interested in pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs of study in the areas of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, graphic design, film production, and other related disciplines. More information can be found on BAA’s website calendar, or on NACAC’s website. To register, please visit: www.gotomypvafair.com. Tuesday, September 19 Back-to-School Night for Gr. 9-11 Families. Families are valued members of the BAA community. BAA understands that families need to be as informed as possible about their student’s educational world in order to provide the support and guidance students need to be as successful as possible. This event will provide you with this information while giving you a chance to meet and connect with other BAA families. Thursday, September 21 Senior Family College and Career Night, 6-8pm at BAA in the Assembly Hall. Representatives from area colleges and universities will be presenting information on applying to college, definitions of admissions options, what colleges look for in an applicant, and scholarships. Parents and students will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive valuable information on the admissions process. **RESCHEDULED** Wednesday, October 11 Junior Families MEFA College Admissions Seminar An experienced Massachusetts Education Finance Administration representative will provide an overview of college admissions, including building the college list, the college application process and basics of financial aid. This seminar is geared toward juniors and their parents. The goal of the seminar is the prepare juniors for their senior year. The seminar will also include information on testing, admissions trends, additional resources and tools to assist you in the admissions process. Saturday, November 11 Senior Dance Project at Boston University Dance Theater. Showtimes are 3pm and 7pm. Tuesday, November 14 Family Conference Day. There will be no classes on this day. Families and students are expected to attend. |
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FAMILIES Please also see the appropriate section below for information specific to your student's art major. |
THOMPSON ISLAND FIELD TRIP FOR ALL 9TH GRADE STUDENTS Attention 9th grade families: On Tuesday, September 12, all 9th grade students will take part in a community building event on Thompson Island. Students will get to Thompson Island via ferry. This ferry will leave from the dock promptly at 8:00am. To ensure that students do not miss the ferry, we ask that they arrive at the Silver Line Terminal in South Station by 7:15am – Teachers will meet and direct students from there. In order to participate in this event families must complete Medical and Liability Release forms. Students without these forms will not be allowed to participate in the event. Please complete these forms and return them to the main office by Friday, September 8.
Family Council Kick-off Meeting: The first Family Council Meeting of the 2017-18 school year is on Tuesday, September 12, 6:30-8pm. This meeting will take place at the Haymarket Fund Community Room, 42 Seaverns Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. Come meet other parents/caregivers and learn how to get involved in supporting the BAA community. The BAA Student Handbook is an important resource for the BAA community as it includes information about our schedule, courses, school policies, and community standards. This handbook is available on our website. If, however, you would like a physical copy, please contact Ms. Gomez in the main office at mgomez@bostonartsacademy.org or 617-635-6470. New this year, the Boston Public Schools is encouraging families to view the annual “Guide to the Boston Public Schools” and fill out the necessary back-to-school forms by accessing the BPS website at www.bostonpublicschools.org/familyguide. The Guide is available in English, Arabic, Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. This helpful guidebook contains summaries of many of the district’s policies, programs, and services. A separate booklet contains forms that need to be completed by parents, or students 18 or over. A limited number of the printed guides, as well as booklets containing the forms, will be available at our school office for the families of students who are new to the district or do not have access to the Internet. The online form is available at www.bostonpublicschools.org/contact. We encourage you to go online to complete the form for each of your children as soon as possible. We thank you for your cooperation. Important information regarding reduced T Fares and Department Fees On the first day of school in advisory, BAA students were issued M7s or S-Cards. M7s allow unlimited travel on Bus, Subway, Express Bus, and Commuter Rail Zones 1A, 1, and 2 from September 1 to June 30; S-Cards allow students to travel on Local Bus, Subway, Express Bus and Commuter Rail at a ‘Pay As You Go’ 50% reduced rate. In the past, as an acknowledgement of BAA’s curriculum which asks students to go to exhibitions and performances all over the city, the Boston Public Schools has issued all BAA students M7s. This year the Boston Public Schools has changed its policy, and students who live close to BAA will be issued S-Cards. We understand that this is an additional cost for BAA’s families. To support families, we will not be asking students who receive S-Cards to pay department fees this year. Rather than dedicating $30 to department fees, we ask that families of students with S-Cards load $30 over the course of the year to cover the cost of transportation to exhibitions and performances. For students who receive an M7 card, please submit your arts department fee by Friday, September 15. School supplies: Teachers will pass out syllabi the first few days of school that include school supply lists; students are asked to have materials by the second week of school. When a student is absent, the parent/guardian must send a note explaining the reason for the absence within five days of the absence. Notes sent after five school days will not be honored. Please make sure your note includes: student name, student ID #, date of absence, reason for absence, and parent/guardian signature. The Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Cultural Council have partnered together to offer discounted admissions to many of the Commonwealth’s best museums and cultural institutions. Because of the generosity of the participating organizations, DTA clients can receive discounted admissions by showing their EBT card. Please click here for more information and to see a list of participating organizations. For answers to frequently asked questions, click here. Upcoming events for families, sponsored by the Boston-Suffolk County Family Resource Center. Activities and opportunities include: Family Paint Night, Family Science Night, Resume Writing Support, and yoga for children. Click here for more information or to register. $20K for 20 Campaign Chaired by Talia Rivera and Tonya Todesco, Caregivers Class of 2019 The 2017-18 school year is Boston Arts Academy’s 20th! As part of our year-long celebrations, the Boston Arts Academy Foundation is challenging the Boston Arts Academy community (caregivers, students, faculty, friends, and staff) to raise $20,000. It would be a great honor to be able to announce during our 20th Anniversary Weekend celebration scheduled for May 18 - 20, 2018, that this community has come together to support the school in such a meaningful way. Each year, the BAA Foundation raises between 35% and 40% of the school’s budget from private sources, or $5,000 per student. The BAA Foundation helps bridge the gap between the school’s allocation from the Boston Public Schools, and the true cost of a high-quality education that is both arts-intensive and college preparatory. Full details on how you can support this campaign will be released soon. We look forward to your support! |
DANCE These are announcements that are specific to the dept; for performances see “SAVE THE DATES.” |
Dance clothing is available for purchase in the dance office on Mondays during lunch. There is a limited supply, so students should also purchase dance attire online. See BAA Handbook for details. October 7th & 8th - Dancing Through College and Beyond. Seniors interested in majoring in dance in college should visit http://dancewave.org/DTCB Senior Dance Project - Saturday, November 11th at Boston University Dance Theater. Performances at 3PM and 7PM |
FASHION TECHNOLOGY These are announcements that are specific to the dept; for performances see “SAVE THE DATES.” |
Reminder to all families to bring in $30 departmental dues. |
MUSIC These are announcements that are specific to the dept; for performances see “SAVE THE DATES.” |
If you have not done so, please bring in your $30 departmental dues as soon as possible. You can give your $30 to your advisor during advisory. All vocal music students will have our annual back to school meeting on Tuesday, September 19th from 3-4pm. At the meeting, juniors and seniors who participated in summer performance programs will be performing and sharing what they learned from their summer experience. Reminder to 9th graders: Turn in your summer practice assignment (from orientation) to your Technique teacher ASAP. We are excited announce that we now have a Women’s Choir, taught by Ms. Rivelli, which meets during H block on Thursdays. |
THEATRE These are announcements that are specific to the dept; for performances see “SAVE THE DATES.” |
9th grade theatre students, this week’s homework will be due on Wednesday, September 13th and not Tuesday, September 12th because of the trip to Thompson Island. Auditions for the first Main Stage Show in Theatre will be held the week of September 25th from 3-6pm. Details about the play and audition requirements will be distributed during theatre classes. All Theatre Students please remember to have theatre uniforms for class. Parents and caregivers please remember to bring in $30 theatre dues for this year. |
VISUAL ARTS These are announcements that are specific to the dept; for exhibitions see “SAVE THE DATES.” |
Are you interested in working as a Teen Arts Council member at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston? The Teen Arts Council (TAC) is the MFA’s leadership development program and paid job opportunity for Boston-area teens. The TAC offers participants the opportunity to engage with art, culture, and history; develop workplace and team building skills; and learn about a range of professional options and career paths. Participants create and implement programs and events for their peers and the general public, and advise the MFA on engagement strategies for local teens and their families. They are currently accepting applications for Fall 2017. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Application deadline is September 22, 2017. Apply here: http://www.mfa.org/node/525746 VA Summer Homework assignments will be on display in the 2nd floor gallery during the week. All VA Advisories will take part in and departmental Art Share during Advisory the morning of Friday, September 15th. Senior Visual Artists will be visiting art galleries in the South End of Boston on Wednesday, September 13th. They will be dismissed from Harrison Street at approximately 4pm. Reminder to all families to bring in $30 departmental dues. |
Questions or Concerns? For artistic concerns, contact Artistic Dean, Kathleen Marsh: kmarsh@bostonartsacademy.org For academic concerns, including special education and support for English language learners, contact Academic Dean, Joy Bautista: jbaustista@bostonartsacademy.org For safety and school culture concerns, contact Dean of Students, Edgar Vasquez: evasquez@bostonartsacademy.org For health concerns, contact Nurse Jocelyne Aboujaoude: jaboujaoude@bostonartsacademy.org For admissions information, contact Admissions Director, Blanca E. Bonilla: bbonilla@bostonartsacademy.org For any concerns, feel free to contact Headmaster, Anne Clark: aclark@bostonartsacademy.org Helpful Links: School Calendar, SIS Login |