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Updates | February 15, 2024

Table of Contents

Dear Families,


Please see below for the announcements for this week’s family newsletter!


  1. (DESE) Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Report Card

  2. SY24_25 Enrollment Applications

  3. Snow Days

  4. Q2 Report Card Conference Night Update

  5. Videographer On Campus 2/26

  6. The Toast - Celebrating 20 Years of the Phoenix!

  7. Chronic Absent Notice

  8. Enrollment Canvassing Support

  9. Athletics Corner

  10. Nurses Corner

  11. Middle School Corner

  12. High School Corner

  13. CCO (College Counseling Office) Corner

  14. Family Resources



Sincerely,


Madelyn Ruizdeporras
Family Operations Manager

1. (DESE) Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Report Card

We are pleased to include an overview of our school’s “report card” provided annually by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Report cards provide answers to questions about a school's overall performance and contain specific information about student enrollment and teacher qualifications, student achievement, accountability, how our school is performing relative to other schools in the district and the state, and the progress made toward narrowing proficiency gaps for different groups of students.

2. SY25 Enrollment Applications

The Boston Prep application for enrollment is currently open for grade 6-10. If you have a student at Boston Prep with a sibling entering grades 6-10 for next school year, apply TODAY at: www.bostonprep.org/enroll. We also encourage you to spread the word and mention it to friends and families! Deadline to apply : Thursday, February 29th Lottery will be in March 2024.

Don't miss this opportunity!


For families who applied for sibling preference, if you have not done so already you MUST provide a copy of the birth certificate for both the current student and applicant to either: enrollment@bostonprep.org, drop off at the main office or text a picture to: 617-910-5333.


If you have any questions about the application process or enrollment, please reach out to our Family Operations Manager, Ms. Ruizdeporras at 617-910-5333 or email us at: enrollment@bostonprep.org

3. Snow Days

Boston Prep follows Boston Public Schools (BPS) in terms of school cancellations for inclement weather. When school is canceled, all after-school programs/clubs, Boston Prep athletic events, evening classes, and events are also canceled.


In the event of school cancellations due to weather, Boston Prep will directly notify families and students as soon as the decision by BPS has been made.


Check out cancellations here: https://www.boston25news.com/weather/school-closings/

4. Q2 Report Card Conference Night Update

Quarter 2 Report Card Conference Night was a huge success and we want to thank all families who joined!

We value and honor your voice and therefore wanted to share some feedback we received from families here regarding this evening:


  • Families expressed wanting to partner more frequently with advisors and teachers in order to support their child’s academic progress.

  • Families requested bi-weekly phone calls for updates.


We will be working hard to make sure this feedback is implemented consistently moving forward. Please always feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with us. Here are just some different ways you can reach out:


  1. Reach out to your child’s advisor and or teacher directly via email/phone

  2. Reach out to Ms. Ruizdeporras (Family Operations Manager): mruizdeporras@bostonprep.org 617-910-5333

  3. Attend our monthly Family Committee Meetings via zoom or in person.

  4. Attend our monthly Family Town Halls led by our Middle and High School Principals.


We appreciate your support and collaboration.

5. Videographer On Campus February 26th

There will be a videographer at Boston Prep on Monday, February 26th. The videographer is here to capture footage for our annual Toast gala video. While the videographer will not disrupt or interfere with class time, we want to remind families that all students should arrive to school in their proper Boston Prep uniform.

6. The Toast - Celebrating 20 Years of the Phoenix!

WE'RE CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF BOSTON PREP!


Join us on April 5th at Artists for Humanity for Boston Prep's Annual Toast Celebration. We are celebrating 20 YEARS of Boston Prep excellence!


Boston Prep families and alumni can buy tickets at a special discounted rate of $25.


Get your tickets today! https://bptoast2024.givesmart.com/

7. Chronic Absence Notice

Let’s keep up this incredible momentum with consistent attendance. We are writing to invite you to join your school, your district, and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in a campaign to improve student attendance.


A couple of reminders: Doctor’s notes are required to Excuse all Absences in Massachusetts school districts. We fully understand that it is not convenient to make an appointment every time your child stays home, but Absences do accumulate quickly. It is strongly recommended to have your child’s Absences Excused by visiting their pediatrician or making a Telehealth appointment if they have been out for multiple days in a Quarter. Students are considered “chronically absent” by the state if they exceed these minimum attendance requirements.


We truly appreciate all of your support in this city-wide endeavor and if you have any questions please reach out to High School Assistant Principal, Brian Heshion, or School-Wide Family Operations Manager, Madelyn Ruizdeporras. You can reach us both regarding attendance at: attendance@bostonprep.org.


Thank you and have a wonderful week!”


Please take some time to carefully read this important notice regarding the issue we face with chronic absenteeism and attendance.


8. Enrollment Canvassing

Boston Prep enrollment department could use your support! If you would like to help out this is how you can:

  • Request fliers from our enrollment department

  • Pass out fliers at (church, work, clinic, your community etc.)

  • Tell a family or friend that Boston Prep’s application for enrollment for 2024_2025 year is now open!


This will hopefully generate more families and our community to find out about Boston Prep and apply for student enrollment for this upcoming year. Currently we are accepting applications for students entering grades 6-10 for the school year 24-25.


If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to (Family Operations Manager) Ms. Ruizdeporras at: enrollment@bostonprep.org

9. Athletics Corner

If any students are interested in participating in athletics, families must create a family ID account on arbiter sports. Families that have students that participated in fall/winter athletics MUST log on to their family ID account and re-submit an application for any upcoming sports students are interested in playing.


Families should register on family ID here:: https://students.arbitersports.com/boston-prep-athletics/sy-2023-2024-winter-athletics-registration

Questions regarding winter sports or any athletics? Reach out to Mr. Henry at: athletics@bostonprep.org

10. Nurses' Corner

REMINDERS FROM THE NURSES

It is that time of year when we start seeing more illness including cold, flu, and covid.

Please remember:

  • FEVER: Keep your child home until his/her fever has been gone WITHOUT fever-reducing medicine for 24 hours. Returning to school too soon may slow recovery and make others sick.


  • Please notify the Nurses of any positive Covid tests as soon as you are aware. They can be reached at 617-910-5364 or 617-910-5310, or by email at nurses@bostonprep.org

  • COLD/COVID/FlU-LIKE symptoms: We recommend that students wear masks if they are experiencing cold/COVID/Flu-like symptoms. Masks are available, for use in school, at the front desk and/or the nurses office. Students are allowed in school as long as they have not tested positive for COVID (stay tuned for updated details at our next newsletter regarding this)

11. Middle School Announcements


  • Learn about the Achieve program for current 6th graders
    • Achieve partners with families from Boston to empower motivated students and close the opportunity gap. They provide transformative academic and enrichment programming from middle school to their first year of college. Achieve fosters enduring confidence and agency in our scholars through a supportive and joyful environment. To qualify for the Achieve program, students must be current 6th graders, attending a public school (BPS, Charter, or METCO), and be a resident of Boston.
    • To learn more about the program, Achieve is hosting a Family Info Session on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 10:30am – 11:30am at the Mattapan Public Library (1350 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan). RSVP for session online at this link. If you have questions, contact Achieve at achieve@nobles.edu.

  • Artemis Project, 5-Week Summer Program for Current 8th Grade Girls (Reoccurring through April 2024)
    • The Artemis Project is a five-week summer program for current 8th grade girls (rising 9th grade girls) focused on computer science. Participants learn computer languages such as Scratch, AppInventor, HTML, CSS, and Python. They also are introduced to cryptography, robotics, artificial intelligence, and circuits. In addition, participants learn how computer science is applied in the real world by hearing from guest speakers. BU undergraduates and/or graduate students lead the program.
    • A nonrefundable registration fee of $100 is required of all participants once they are accepted into the program.

    • The deadline to apply is May 1, 2024.

    • Dates: July 8th – August 8th, 2024 (M-F from 9:30AM to 12:00PM and 1:00PM - 3:30PM)

    • Where: BU Campus

    • Grade Level: Young women who will be entering 9th grade at a school in greater Boston area in fall 2024


You can find more information about the program and how to apply at this link.


  • Grades 3-8: Enroll in Camp Beyond for an amazing summer experience!
    • We’re excited to announce that enrollment is now open for Camp Beyond—where adventure and fun meet for the summer! Camp Beyond is a 2-week sleepaway summer camp exclusively for students currently in grades 3–8. Camp Beyond provides students with an enjoyable, exciting summer experience that motivates them to approach the future with confidence, curiosity, independence, and responsibility.
    • At Camp Beyond, students have the opportunity to build long-lasting friendships in a safe setting that allows for exploration, learning, and joy! There are two options to attend in summer 2024:
      • Session 1: July 1–July 13, 2024
      • Session 2: July 15–July 27, 2024
    • Learn more about this transformative summer experience:
      • Click here to RSVP for an upcoming Family Information Session
      • Click here to enroll today!
      • Availability is limited, and tuition is discounted for those who enroll by February 29, so don’t wait to reserve your camper’s spot for this summer!

12. High School Announcements

  • High School Yearbook
    • This year, the high school will be having a yearbook and we need your help. There are 3 ways that you can support our 2024 yearbook.
    • Using this school code: 720554 and link below you can:
      • Order and pay for a yearbook ahead of time
      • Purchase advertising space in the yearbook
      • Most importantly - you can upload photos that you have on your phone or device for us to use in the yearbook!! If you have photos of your student, sports, or events, you can use the link and code below to upload them and our yearbook club will review your submissions.
    • To share photos use the link and school code below. You will also have to create a login with the website.
    • Link: https://buytheyearbook.pictavo.com/PictavoSchool/FindSchool
    • If you have any questions please reach out to Mr. Clark, Ms. Desmarais or Ms. Valdez! Looking forward to seeing your amazing photo submissions.


  • MIT Saturday Program, HSSP for 7th through 12th Graders
    • The MIT Educational Studies Program, a student-run organization at MIT, is running the annual Spring HSSP. For five Saturday afternoons from March 2nd through April 6th (except March 16th), they’ll have classes on a wide range of topics, including abstract algebra, cryptography, astronaut health, and more, taught by MIT students and community members!
    • This year, the program will take place on MIT campus and is open to 7th graders through 12th graders. Classes are either 1 or 1.5 hours long and will take place from 1 PM - 4 PM each Saturday. Student registration is done through a lottery system, where students indicate their preferred classes and classes are then assigned by lottery. Registration is open at and can be completed through Tuesday, February 20 at this link.


  • Youth Ages 14-24 Looking for a Summer Job? Attend the City of Boston 2024 Youth Jobs & Resource Fair! (Reoccurring through March 2024)
    • Date & Time: Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 11am - 3pm
    • Location: Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center | 1350 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120
    • About the Event: The City of Boston's Youth Jobs & Resource Fair serves to equip Boston’s youth with workforce readiness skills. This free event aspires to connect you to onsite summer workforce development opportunities through engaging with employers, onsite job placement, career development workshops, youth and family resources, free food, giveaways and more! Register here.


  • High School Summer Enrichment Requirement Reminder
    • It may not feel like it outside, but summer is just around the corner—and it’s never too early to start planning for summer enrichment! Boston Prep's high school graduation policy requires that high school students participate in a summer enrichment opportunity each summer of high school, for a total of 3 summer enrichment credits. Students earn one summer enrichment credit per year, the summer after 9th, 10th, and 11th grade after participating and providing proof of your summer enrichment activity to Ms. Fontes via email.
    • Examples of summer enrichment opportunities include:
      • Enroll in a pre college program
      • Enroll in leadership training institute
      • Complete an internship program
      • Obtain summer employment through SuccessLink, ABCD, or other organization
      • Volunteer a minimum of 40 hours
    • Ms. Fontes will provide students with information about summer enrichment opportunities by email weekly. Summer enrichment opportunities are listed on the Enrichment Opportunities Sheet (linked here). Please know that students and their family are exclusively responsible for finding and enrolling in a summer enrichment opportunity. Some programs (pre college programs, summer camps) will have an associated cost. Boston Prep does have a scholarship fund for summer enrichment programs that provide students with valuable experiences on a college campus; students may apply for this scholarship to be considered for assistance with these costs. This scholarship fund is limited so students are encouraged to apply early. Students can access Boston Prep's Summer Enrichment Scholarship Application from the link. For questions about summer enrichment, please email Fina Fontes at ffontes@bostonprep.org


  • Youth Ages 14-24 Looking for a Summer Job? Attend the City of Boston 2024 Youth Jobs & Resource Fair! (Reoccurring through March 2024)
    • Date & Time: Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 11am - 3pm
    • Location: Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center | 1350 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120
    • About the Event: The City of Boston's Youth Jobs & Resource Fair serves to equip Boston’s youth with workforce readiness skills. This free event aspires to connect you to onsite summer workforce development opportunities through engaging with employers, onsite job placement, career development workshops, youth and family resources, free food, giveaways and more! Register here.

13. (CCO) College Counseling Office Corner

None at this time

14. Family Resources

For information about resources, please familiarize yourselves with our boston prep resource page: https://www.bostonprep.org/resources


If you need further assistance, please reach out to our Family Operations Manager, Ms. Ruizdeporras @ mruizdeporras@bostonprep.org or call 617-910-5333

APPENDIX: FAMILY QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Upcoming Dates:


  • Monday, February 19 - Friday, February 23: February Break - No School
  • Wednesday, February 28: Family Committee Meeting (zoom or in-person)
  • Wednesday, March 6: Family Town Hall (via zoom)
  • Thursday, March 7: Whole School MLK Potluck
  • Saturday, March 9: Student Bingo Day from 3-5pm
  • Friday, March 29: Good Friday - No school
  • Friday, April 5: Quarter 3 Ends




Have questions?

Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out with questions! You can contact your child’s advisor or utilize any of the emails/websites below.





Boston Prep