January 15, 2025 update
September 14 update
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Weekly Update | January 15, 2025
Dear Boston Prep Families,
Our family newsletter has tons of important information for our families. It is our main source of communication with families for critical announcements & recent updates. Please take some time to carefully read our weekly Family Newsletter.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
Snow Closures
Open Enrollment for 2025-2026
Boston Prep Yard Signs
The Toast - Save the Date
Family Town Hall Update
Upcoming Testing
Ethics Class Can Drive
Attendance Policy
School Breakfast and Lunch Menu
Middle School Specific Announcements
High School Specific Announcements
Support Services Corner
Athletics Corner
Enrichment Corner
Nurses Corner
CCO (College Counseling Office) Corner
Hyde Park Neighborhood Community Events
Family Resources
Sincerely,
Madelyn Ruizdeporras
Family Operations Manager
π€ 1. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Boston Prep will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
β 2. Snow Closures
Boston Prep snow cancellations are announced on television and on the Internet βwww.boston.com or Boston Public School website. If βBoston Public Schoolsβ is listed, that means Boston Prep is canceled. If not, that means school is open. Here is a list of reliable news sources for information on school closings, cancellations, and delays.
https://www.wcvb.com/weather/closings#mid=17993890
https://whdh.com/storm-closings-delays/
π₯ 3. Open Enrollment SY2025-2026
Boston Prepβs application for enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! We accept applications for students entering grades 6-10!
To apply:
Applications must be submitted through the Boston Charter Public Schools Application System.
We encourage families to review our website to learn more about our school, visit our student enrollment page, email enrollment@bostonprep.org with questions or call our Family Operations Manager, Ms. Ruizdeporras at 617-910-5333.
All students in Boston Public Schools βincluding English language learners, limited English proficient students, and students with special education are welcome to apply! There are no admissions tests or interviews, and there is no tuition fee. Boston Prep Charter School is a tuition-free, charter public schools providing an academically rigorous education to students from the Boston area. Admission is based on a random lottery.
Information for Current Students:
Existing students do not need to reapply.
Siblings of existing students do need to apply. Siblings receive preference, but are not automatically guaranteed a spot in our admissions lottery (cousins DO NOT receive preference).
Please submit sibling verification to Boston Prep by February 28th, 2025. You can apply today: https://bostoncharterschools.schoolmint.net.
2025-2026 enrollment dates
2025-2026 Application Opens: Tuesday, 10/1
Application close date: Friday, 2/28
SY25-26 Application Lottery Date: Thursday, 3/6
Snow Date: Friday, 3/7
π 4. Boston Prep Yard Signs
Seeking enrollment support: Boston Prep has extra enrollment yard signs. We know that word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to attract new families! If you are willing to display one in your yard, please email enrollment@bostonprep.org and we will send one home with your child!
π₯ 5. The Toast - Save the Date
Join us for Boston Prepβs Annual Toast!
Boston Prepβs Annual Toast is a cherished tradition where the Phoenix community gathers to celebrate and support Boston Prep. Featuring student performances, inspiring keynote speakers, and a night filled with joy, laughter, and dancing, itβs a true statement to our shared commitment to education.
Take advantage of our early bird ticket price! Visit TheToast2025.givesmart.com to secure your ticket today!
π 6. Family Town Hall UPDATE
On a side note, if you are interested in joining a monthly committee, please reach out to our Family Operations Manager, Ms. Ruiz de Porras for information on how to join Boston Prep's Family Committee!
Upcoming Meetings:
Quarter 3: Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 from 6 - 6:45pm
Quarter 4: Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 6 - 6:45pm
π 7. Upcoming Testing
If you have any questions, please reach out to Tori Riley (vriley@bostonprep.org)
π₯« 8. Ethics Class Can Drive
Boston Prep's Ethic Class is looking for people to donate canned goods for our school project to give to families in need. If you are able to bring in a boxed or canned item, please drop it off at the boxed near the lost and found by the front office on the first floor.
β 9. Attendance Policy
Doors open for breakfast: 7:15am
Class Starts promptly at: 7:45am
Please ensure that your student in one time each day!
For any attendance related matters, please email us at: attendance@bostonprep.org
π₯ͺ 10. School Breakfast and Lunch Menu
π 11. Middle School Specific Announcements
Right to Know Notification:
As part of our commitment to transparency and in compliance with state regulations, we are required to notify families when any teacher or staff member working with your child does not currently hold a st.ate teaching license. Please rest assured that we are fully supporting all Boston Prep educators as they work toward completing their licensure requirements. These teachers bring valuable skills and passion to their roles, and we remain dedicated to ensuring your child receives a high-quality education.
Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we continue to prioritize the success and well-being of our students. The list can be viewed HERE.
Staffing Updates
Welcome Ms. Marcano (Ms. M) to the team as our Maternity Leave support for ELD!
- Fun fact - she loves Chocolate desserts from Cheesecake factory! π«
1.9.2025 Family Town Hall Notes found here: Town Hall.
MS dates to note:
Jan. 17- Phoenix Odyssey Round 3 Trip
Jan. 29- W.E.B Du Bois Award Announced
Jan 29- Spelling Bee Qualifying Round
Feb- Black History Door Decorating
Feb 12- Homeroom Spelling Bee
Feb 10-14- Spirit Week (details coming soon)
Feb 14- Friendship day (gift bag orders to send to friends/teachers due)
Feb 26- Spelling Bee Championship
Keeping warm during recess: Even when it is chilly outside, we take our students outside for recess. Fresh air does us good! Please send your student to school with a coat or a jacket. Only when it is raining, extremely cold or there are other poor weather conditions will we be inside for recess. All students must bring their coats or jackets with them to recess.
- There is No recess when the temperature is at 15 degrees or below or snowing out/inclement weather.
- When there is recess, students MUST wear a coat
Leading Ladies Group: is a mentoring girl's group that is led by women who work in social work (Ms. Mimi) and culture (Ms. AP). The groups focus is women empowerment and life outside of the academics.
This month's focus was about goals and empowerment where we complete visions boards for 2025 and talked about the importance of holding each other accountable and completing goals. Last week they made body scrubs! They learned the importance of self-care, regimen and products. They received goody bags with facial products to complete their facials.
π 12. High School Specific Announcements
Late Arrivals: We have seen an increase in students arriving late to school. Please check in with your students to make sure they are arriving on time (no later than 7:45am) every day so they arenβt missing class!
iReady Testing: Thank you for an excellent round of iReady testing. We are excited to review the results and make adjustments to our pedagogy and Targeted Intervention classes based on the new data we receive.
Upcoming Assessments
Week on Jan 20th and 27th - Interim Assessments (IAs)
Interim Assessments, similar to final exams, are a chance for students to show what they have learned so far this year and for teachers to then adjust their lesson plans accordingly.
Week of January 27th - WIDA Access Testing
This round of testing is required by the state to see the growth of our English Language Learners. It consists of four rounds: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Only our English Language Learner students will be taking this test. We will send the results home later this year when we receive them.
Week of February 1st - Science MCAS Make Ups
The week of February 1st will be when our students take their makeup Science MCAS if they havenβt passed the test yet. While MCAS is no longer a requirement for graduation in Massachusetts, we know that the test still opens up pathways via scholarship opportunities so we would like all of our students to still take the test. More information will be sent to students soon.
π€ 13. Support Services Corner
(ELPAC) English Learner Parent Advisory Council meeting: ELPAC is open to family members of current and former English learners. We will meet regularly to improve educational opportunities for our multilingual students. Please contact Ms. Kranick jkranick@bostonprep.org 617-391-9597 or Ms. Hernandez jhernandez@bostonprep.org 617-910-5645 with any questions.
(SEPAC) Special Education Parent Advisory Committee meeting: If you are interested in joining our SEPAC, please reach out to Danielle Buskey, dbuskey@bostonprep.org, or Victoria Lamp vlamp@bostonprep.org.
Upcoming meetings for ELPAC and SEPAC will be shared soon!
π₯ 14. Athletics Corner
Stay Tuned for more details regarding our Spring Sports Season! Try-Outs begin week of March 17th.
Baseball
Softball
Flag Football
Track
Boys Volleyball
Please continue to use this link to register for sports: https://students.arbitersports.com/boston-prep-athletics.
An updated physical MUST be submitted to the school nurses to participate in sports. Please make sure we have an updated one on file.
For upcoming games please click here and visit our website for the schedule.
π 15. Enrichment Corner
YODA: Empowering and Inspiring Youth for STEM: Your child is invited to apply for the YODA program, an innovative STEM initiative held on Saturdays for students in grades 6 through 12. Operating from 10 AM to 2 PM throughout the academic year, the YODA Program offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields like drones, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, as well as essential 21st-century skills that prepare students for academic and career success.
Application Requirements
Students interested in joining YODA are asked to complete the following:
1. Fill out the application linked here
2. Submit a letter of recommendation from a math or science teacher.
3. Provide a recent report card.
4. Write a 250-word essay on βHow YODA would benefit your academic success?
Boston Prep Enrichment Opportunities: Students can learn about enrichment and extracurricular opportunities ranging from pre-college/academic, employment/internships, community service, and community-based programs from this Enrichment Opportunities sheet (updated weekly).
Clubs: You can find a list of this year's after school clubs, description, meeting times, and the teacher/club advisor on here: SY25 Boston Prep Clubs_ Public.
π©Ί 16. Nurses Corner
Out Sick? A doctorβs note should be given to the school within 10 school days of a studentβs absence. The school will not go back more than 10 school days to excuse any absences unless it is deemed a unique and unforeseeable situation by Nurses, Social Worker, and/or Principal or Principal Designee.
Updated physical and Immunization Record: An up-to-date physical exam and immunization record for your student must be submitted to the school. It is a yearly requirement that must be completed for every student! Students will not be able to participate in a fall sport if their physical is not up-to-date.
Please submit documents to: our front office or email nurses@bostonprep.org or fax to 857-520-0836.
π 17. College Counseling Office (CCO) Corner
For Seniors: Scholarship season is here! While Mr. Canto will be sending out certain scholarship opportunities periodically, the CCO wanted to share this event with all seniors interested in taking more control of their scholarship search.
On Saturday, January 25th from 12pm - 2pm, the Boston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta is hosting a scholarship workshop. The event will take place at BU. More details in the link below - please make sure to RSVP here: Scholarship Workshop
π 18. Hyde Park Neighborhood Community Events
Beyond the practical benefits, such as boosting morale or networking, community events are important for many other reasons. Firstly, community events help to bring communities together. When people join in celebration or even just talk about common interests, it helps create bonds and foster a sense of belonging.
Keep in mind that these events are not led by Boston Prep. They are held by different organizations throughout Hyde Park and surrounding areas. We hope you enjoy!
A Bunch of Dads Meet Up: Join a fun gathering of dads at the Hyde Park Branch of the Boston Public Library. This is a great opportunity to meet other dads in the community, share stories, and maybe even pick up some parenting tips along the way.
Whether you're a seasoned dad or a newbie, all are welcome to attend. Bond over shared
experiences and enjoy some quality time together. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with
other dads in the area!
Date: January 25, 2025
Time: 12-2pm
Location: Hyde Park Branch of the Boston Public Library
Reserve a Spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-bunch-of-dads-meet-up-tickets-1139238626399?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
πͺ 19. Family Resources
For information about resources, please familiarize yourselves with our Boston Prep resource page: https://www.bostonprep.org/resources
APPENDIX: FAMILY QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King Day - No School
Friday, January 24: End of Q2
Wednesday, February 12: Q2 Conferences
Monday, February 17 - Friday, February 21: February Break - No School
Friday, March 7: One Team PD Day (No School for Students)
Have questions?
Please donβt ever hesitate to reach out with questions! You can contact your childβs advisor or utilize any of the emails/websites below.
- To check out our School Calendar click here
- To check out our Student and Family Handbook click here
- For questions about buses, MBTA passes, and transportation: transportation@bostonprep.org
- To report an absence or tardiness or any attendance related matters: attendance@bostonprep.org
- To submit a physical exam record or to discuss health-related topics: nurses@bostonprep.org
- For questions or documents related to enrollment: enrollment@bostonprep.org
- For information about resources, please familiarize yourselves with our Boston Prep resource page: https://www.bostonprep.org/resources
- For other questions: info@bostonprep.org
