Weekly Bulletin September 18 - September 22, 2017 | Week 4 |
MESSAGE FROM BAA HEADMASTER, MS. CLARK |
We are excited to welcome families to our annual "Back to School Night," this coming Tuesday, September 19th, from 6:00-7:45pm. This is a night where you will get information that connects to your student's major and your student's grade. Traditionally, families have said that this evening is very helpful...but I want to make sure everyone understands that it's not the traditional "5 minutes in every classroom" Back-to-School Night. Families will go to two separate meetings, first by by major and then by grade. Arts departments will make the major presentations, explaining how the arts curricula develop over four years at BAA. Administrators will make the grade-level presentations, providing an overview of academic curricula and assessments and answering any questions that you may have about the school in general. For even more of a sense of what your student's life is like at Boston Arts Academy, we invite you to join us for Open House, Thursday, October 5th during the school day. That's a day where family members can shadow students and visit all of their classes. Many parents and caregivers tell us they wish they could have the Boston Arts Academy experience. October 5th is your chance! Have a great week! |
CONGRATULATIONS AND SHOUT OUTS |
A shout out to all of BAA community for a great first full week of school! Shout out to all the ninth graders and staff who made Thompson Island such a memorable experience. |
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS Please also see the appropriate section below for information specific to your art major. |
National Honor Society will meet on Thursday, September 21st in room 216 during lunch. 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 22nd, 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 Is a career in science in your future? The Health Professions Recruitment & Exposure Program (HPREP) is a free 10-week program that takes place at Harvard Medical School (Boston location) on Saturdays (9am-4pm) from November to February. The program consists of interactive lectures and labs on topics such as cancer, vaccines, health disparities, and leadership as well as college prep workshops. The mentoring component pairs each student with a Harvard student (doctoral, master’s, or medical), who works closely with them to develop a research project leading to an oral presentation at our closing ceremony. For more information, please click here or visit https://hprep.wordpress.com/. And if interested, apply here! Applications are due Sunday, October 1st. Urban Improv’s after-school program, Youth Unscripted, is recruiting 9th-12th graders for its 2017-2018 program. You don’t need to be an actor to join Youth Unscripted. They’re looking for young people who are excited to try new things, explore social justice issues and meet other high school students from around Boston. Plus participants receive a stipend! There will be two info sessions on October 5th & 12th for students interested in learning more and seeing the program in action before committing. Students who are interested can fill out an online application here (paper copies will be available during info sessions), or email Jamie Ullrich, Program Manager, for details. Students may also click here for additional details. Fall Teen Night at the ICA. Join the ICA Teen Arts Council for an unforgettable Teen Night! Friday, October 13th, 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. Library Raffle: The library is hosting a raffle. Earn tickets by helping the librarians or helping other students. See Ms. D or Ms. Marz for details. Tutors: Need help with an assignment? Tutor available in the library on Tuesday and Thursdays 3-5pm by sign-up only. Please see or email Ms. D to sign up (read@bostonartsacademy.org). 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. 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. |
COLLEGE AND CAREER dates and deadlines |
College Visits during lunch @ BAA in the College & Career Center (Ms. Hairston’s Office): New School - Monday, September 18th Temple University - Tuesday, September 19th Rochester Institute of Technology - Friday, September 22nd SENIORS: All seniors are invited to an informational session about the Common App, hosted by Ms. Lobrutto and Ms. Mandell. The Common App is an online college application, where seniors can send ONE college application to multiple schools. The info session will be held three times, so please come to whichever one you are able: Tues 9/26, Wed 9/27, or Thur 9/28, all from 11:45-noon in room 221 (Flaherty's room). The National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) is pleased to announced its 2017 Boston Performing and Visual Arts College Fair on Monday, September 18th, 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. On Thursday, September 21st we will hold our Senior Family College and Career Night, 6-8pm at BAA in the Assembly Hall. This event is mandatory for seniors. Representatives from area colleges and universities (including Colby-Sawyer College and University of Massachusetts, Boston) 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. Attention SENIORS: You will be registering for the November SAT during Seminar class on Monday, September 25th. Please recall your CollegeBoard.com username and password by then. Boston National Portfolio Day is Sunday, October 22nd @ Hynes Convention Center (900 Boylston Street, Boston). This event is from 12-4pm. National Portfolio Day is an annual event, held in multiple locations across the United States and Canada, produced specifically for emerging visual artists and designers. It is an opportunity for those who wish to pursue an education in art and design to meet one on one with professional representatives from colleges and universities who are accredited. For more information or to register, click here. |
SAVE THE DATES |
For additional details, or for a listing of all events for the school year, please check our website calendar here. Saturday, September 30 2017 BPS City-wide College & Career Fair. Boston Public Schools invites all middle and high school students to begin preparing to take the next step toward their future, by attending this city-wide college & career fair. The fair will take place on Saturday, September 30, from 10am-1pm, at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA 02120. Participating colleges and universities throughout the country will be available to share information about their school’s programs. There will also be a number of local career agencies and college access organizations on site. For a listing of all participating exhibitors, please click here. **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 “Save the Date” section above for upcoming events, and the appropriate section below for information specific to your student's art major. |
Back-to-School Night for Gr. 9-11 Families, is on Tuesday, September 19th, 6-8pm @ BAA. 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. On Thursday, September 21st we will hold our 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. The next Family Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 2nd from 6-8pm at Boston Arts Academy in the first floor conference room, room 133. Elections will be held for Family Council positions and other school-wide family engagement related leadership roles. Come and self-nominate for a leadership role, vote and make your voice heard, and enjoy dinner while meeting other BAA families. The first meeting for the elected family representatives to the School Site Council/Board of Trustees will be held on Thursday, October 12th at Boston Arts Academy from 6-7:30pm. 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. 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. 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. $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.” |
Ms. Tighe will be holding an informational meeting on Monday, September 18th at 3:30pm in room 144, for any senior who plans on auditioning for college or conservatory in Theatre or Musical Theatre. 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. Ms. Tighe will be holding an informational meeting on Monday, September 18th at 3:30pm in room 144, for any senior who plans on auditioning for college or conservatory in Theatre or Musical Theatre. 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. 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.” |
Ms. Tighe will be holding an informational meeting on Monday, September 18th at 3:30pm in room 144, for any senior who plans on auditioning for college or conservatory in Theatre or Musical Theatre. 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 22nd, 2017. Apply here: http://www.mfa.org/node/525746 Boston National Portfolio Day is Sunday, October 22nd @ Hynes Convention Center (900 Boylston Street, Boston). This event is from 12-4pm. National Portfolio Day is an annual event, held in multiple locations across the United States and Canada, produced specifically for emerging visual artists and designers. It is an opportunity for those who wish to pursue an education in art and design to meet one on one with professional representatives from colleges and universities who are accredited. For more information or to register, click here. 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, BAA Handbook for Students & Families |