Schools and Youth

There will be a public hearing on the FY 2014 Somerville Public Schools budget at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 28th in the Somerville High School library. Anyone who wishes to will have the opportunity to speak for a couple of minutes about the budget or related issues.

SCATV received a Local Cultural Council grant to run a youth media program in the Summer of 2013 that involves producing a short film based on an original story written by a Somerville teen. In…

Somerville Library as a digital laboratory, community service, and creative resource to both city and national users.

Are you a teen who likes to write stories about aliens, blogs, flash fiction, or poems? Are you interested in becoming a novelist, short story writer or poet?

The Committee to Elect Mark Niedergang invites you to enjoy delicious free food from Redbones, Taco Loco, and Gauchão , fun entertainment, good company, and provocative discussion at a party and fundraiser to kick off Mark’s campaign for Ward 5 Alderman. Alex the Jester will entertain. State Representative Carl Sciortino (Somerville/Medford) will speak.

Well over 100 Massachusetts professors and researchers have signed a statement against high-stakes standardized testing. The four initiators of the petition include two from Somerville: Lesley University early childhood education expert Nancy Carlsson-Paige and Harvard Graduate School of Education instructor Chris Buttimer. Here’s their press release: …

Reposted from the Somerville-4-Schools email list, a message from School Committee Chair Paul Bockelman about the process that the School Committee agreed to use to fill the Ward 1 School Committee seat. The seat is…

What I don’t understand is we have a culinary arts in our school with amazing ingredients and deliciously made food. Why can’t we have some of that in cafeteria instead of JUST being sold in the restaurant. They are supposedly “trying” to get kids to shape up and eat healthier. There is a difference between getting kids to be healthy and starving them like they are slaves.

Remaining Spots for Scholars in Somerville CDF Freedom School Program This Summer

Scholars completing kindergarten through eighth grade will learn to make a difference through reading this summer at no charge to parents.

More than 50 Somerville parents and other community members crowded into a church room Sunday to make a start toward answering an important question: What will their organization, Progress Together, work on next?…

A reception, with light refreshments, starts at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by a ceremony to honor 12 Somerville owners for their award winning preservation work on the exterior of their properties. The properties include both historically designated homes and older houses in the City.…

What should be the next big push by parents to improve Somerville schools?

Steps to improve communication between parents and teachers? More community volunteers in the classrooms? Academic program changes?

Parents and community…

Texas leads the way!

Mass. Citizens for Public Schools, FairTest, and other groups are circulating a “National Resolution on High-Stakes Testing” modeled on a resolution passed by over 300 school boards in Texas…

A few years back in a race for Somerville School Committee, I was called from the phone bank of a candidate. I listened to the pitch, and then I said I had a question. The…

Save Our Somerville is running a soccer tournament on Patriots’ Day Monday, April 16th (rain or shine). The tournament will be held at Glen Park (Glen St. next to the Capuano School). Middle School sign-ins will be…

This afternoon, a good group of Somerville parents, educators and administrators chose to forego the amazing weather and meet at the Argenziano School cafetorium to talk about our schools. There was a panel of speakers…

The Annual Pancake Breakfast is a great way to see old friends and meet the DEI supporters, as well as financially support the work of drop-out-prevention programs in the Somerville Public Schools. (3/31 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. in the parish hall of the First Congregational Church, 89 College Avenue)

Somerville students face Rockport students for a spot in the High School Quiz Show quarterfinals Sunday March 4th @ 6:30 on WGBH TV. High School Quiz Show is a fairly new and quite…

I hope you enjoy (and share!) this Xtranormal animation from Citizens for Public Schools about the Stand For Children’s ballot initiative:

Stand’s proposal is now before the legislature. If the legislature doesn’t…

The School Committee voted to explore introducing Innovation Schools in Somerville. To learn more, we invited two experts who have direct experience with Innovation Schools.

Public Meeting on East Somerville Community School: A meeting about design changes to the ESCS are coming up. Tues., Jan. 10, 6:30-8 p.m., Capuano School, 150 Glen St. Project Designers & School and City officials…

There is only one High School and if the things that need to be fixed are not fixed this school will crumble down and every one would have to move to Medford or some other high school. Somerville High should be treated with respect.

Perspective on the proposed charter by Stephanie Hirsch, a Somerville parent and Director of SomerPromise, a joint effort of the City, Schools, on-profit providers, residents, Tufts, and the Somerville Housing Authority to increase coordination and to use data-informed decision-making to improve life outcomes for children in Somerville.

Somerville-4-Schools and other Somerville email lists are buzzing with debate over a new charter school proposal that could, if successful, force big cuts in the school budget including closing a school.

The state Board…

Do you like music? Dancing? and free Concerts? Well! On Saturday November 26, 2011, come on down to Davis Square for the benefit concert fundraiser to support the Somerville Music Department.…

Over 80% of Somerville’s new sidewalks and curb cuts, installed since 2004, are hazardous for people with various types of disabilities (one-in-five). These infrastructure improvements don’t even adhere to basic, standard building code. See a listing of the first 50 locations that the City of Somerville promises to re-do, equalling about $500K wasted the first time around- for starters.

If there were a listing of  ”100 Worst Communities for Young Residents With DisAbilities,” Somerville would be at the top of the list.

The Mayor’s Young Somerville Advisory Group end-of-year meeting and presentation…

Somerville Community Access Television is offering a fun and creative 8-session media production workshop for Somerville students ages 11 to 14. The classes will be held on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30pm at the SCATV…

The Community Access Project did a reality check of the 2010 East Somerville Safe Routes 2 School Map. We found that less than 20% of the pedestrian features are even up to basic standard code. “Safe” is a misnomer.

These streets ain’t fit for walkin’.

Ward 7 Alderperson Candidate Joan Whitney Puglia is proving to have a keen awareness of conditions around town.  Her mention of Dilboy Field‘s tot lot and baseball field has the Community Access Project members…

So a few days ago I decided to stop by the high school with my friends to check out the auditorium. It looks so beautiful. The stage wood is much bright and nicer than the…

A whole summer of invention and creation!   We’ll have our art / electronics workbench, a bunch of hand-tools, building supplies, scrap materials, air pumps, hot glue, duct tape, etc. Things will be attached to wheels…

OPENAIR CIRCUS CLASSES START NEXT WEEK!

This is a great summer program for kids as young as three through teens and adults.  Tumbling for two is for parent/child teams.  It’s local, affordable, and fun. …

These notes are partly for myself, since I’ll have another child graduating from Somerville High in a few years…

The auditorium was unusually sparkly for Class Day. Each senior stood for applause as their achievements were named. Up…

If you think there’s already too much focus on test scores in our schools, you should know it’s about to get worse.…

Wednesday, June 8th from 1:00-3:00 PM at Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue)

The First Annual Somerville Public Schools Choral Festival featuring the Grammy award winning Swingle Singers from London, The Spivey Hall Childrens…

Join us for an evening of festivities, fun and film as we kick off our new campaign
to get 350 NEW actions to make Somerville a cleaner, greener, healthier place to live

A2Empowerment will hold a phenomenally fun benefit event featuring Boston’s fantastic, one-and-only all-women swing orchestra, The Mood Swings.  Join us June 18th, 2011 at the George Dilboy VFW Post in Davis Square, Somerville, from 7-11…

Three winners, in fact.

First place, $100, goes to Francesca Zimmerman for her post on the need to renovate the high school

An exploration of the talented students at Somerville High and the amazing work they have done.

We got only two entries by yesterday’s deadline for our “This Happened In Somerville” high school contest, but they are both excellent! There’s one on the spectacular rise of girls’ soccer and one on the state of the SHS auditorium.…

At Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue), String Spring Fling – an annual concert featuring most students learning violin and other stringed instruments in the Somerville Public Schools…

“Bringing Children and Stories Together” a workshop to help parents of young children learn strategies for sharing stories with their children to nurture creativity and other important developmental skills. This will take place at the…

“Bullying: A Community Training” – featuring opportunities for families to ask questions about the bullying law and the District’s bullying plan will take place at the Argenziano School (290 Washington Street)…

Somerville High School Scholarship Night where scholarships are awarded to students in the Class of 2011 are announced and celebrated. Come join us in congratulating everyone!…

Somerville is a tight-knit community, and when one succeeds, all succeed.  A great example of this happened back in 2008, and it happened to the Somerville High School girl’s Varsity Soccer team.

Boy’s soccer…

In the next several weeks, specifications and architectural plans will be sent out as a bid package for contractors to price. As someone familiar with the design of the green roof planned for the building…

Inspired partly by Somerville data walls, I’ve made this animation about high-stakes testing and NCLB.

Save Our Somerville is running a soccer tournament on Patriots’ Day Monday, April 18th (rain or shine). The tournament will be held at Glen Park (Glen St. next to the Capuano School). Middle School sign-ins will be at 8:00 AM. High School and Adult sign-ins will be at 10:30 AM.…

Somerville Voices is sponsoring a high school story contest with a prize of $100.

Deadline:
May 1, 2011

The topic:
“This happened in Somerville.” (True stories, not fiction.)…

The Somerville Little League board is looking for volunteers to coach and assistant coach teams at all levels.  College age kids, retirees, and working moms and dads are all strongly encouraged to volunteer.  Time commitment…

Portfolios change the way we think about school, students, and college. School and College are no longer barriers, but tools with which the young build a future for everyone.

The following email was just sent out to the mayor’s Young Somerville Advisory Group :

——————————

Hey Young Somerville –

A quick reminder that our next formal meeting will be this Wednesday…

The STA Annual Meeting
March 15, 2011 (3:15 PM)
Capuano School

As announced today by @somerteachers on www.SomervilleTeachers.com

Are e-portfolios for everybody, all the time? What do they REALLY do? And how can they be useful? to whom? when? and why?

All are welcome to attend the Somerville High School ePortfolio Project Final Presentations and Pizza Party on Monday 7 March from 5-7pm at the Somerville High School Library. Come see the accomplishments of our youth…

Flatbread @ Sacco’s Bowl Haven in Somerville’s Davis Square is sponsoring a charity event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester . Flatbread will donate $3.50 for every large and $1.75 for every small…

After Bucking National Trend in 2010, Aiming for Even More participation in 2011

Somerville Little League registration for the Spring season is open.  …

Do students do better if their teachers look and sound like them?

Data walls are number 2 on the agenda of the School Committee’s Education Programs Subcommittee meeting Tuesday, Feb. 8, 7 pm, 42 Cross Street. …

I read in SomervillePatch that parents spoke out against classroom “data walls” at a recent school committee meeting, including one who said her daughter concluded from the chart in her classroom that she was stupid.…

Kevin was 11 when he arrived in the United States. Dimas was 13. Both are candidates for the DREAM Act, and told their stories at an event organized by Centro Presente and the Welcome Project. …

Come hear about the Healey School – and see if it is good fit for your child and family. Teachers, students, the principal and parents will speak about the Healey School, how we teach and learn and how the redesign process is going.

In the first week of 2011, City of Somerville Mayor Joseph E. Curtatone and Somerville School District Superintendent Pierantozzi signed a Final Resolution Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), to voluntarily come into compliance regarding inaccessible public school facilities and programs. In addition, Somerville will redraft its policies regarding relocation and other accessibility accommodations.

Presented by RCS Behavioral Educational Consulting, Special Education SPED PAC

Register by 1/27/11

Location: Kennedy School

For more information please visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/families or call 617-625-6600 extention 6966…

Presented by Margie Daniels, Director, Middlesex Partnerships for Youth

Location: Somerville High School Auditorium

For more information please visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/families or call 617-625-6600 extention 6966…

Presented by Susan Senator, author of The Autism Mom’s Survival Guide, Special Education SPED PAC.

Register by 2/21/11

Location: Kennedy School

For more information please visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/families or call 617-625-6600 extention 6966…

Presented by Honey Schnapp and Nomi Davidson, from Somerville Family & Community connections.

March 14, 6:30 to 8 pm. Register by 3/9/11

Location: Argenziano School

For more information please visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/families or…

Presented by Honey Schnapp from Somerville Family Community Connections.

Register by 3/21/11

Location: Argenziano School

For more information please visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/families or call 617-625-6600 extention 6966…

All Somerville families are welcome to sign up for playgroups. Enrollment is limited to one playgroup per family throughout the city so that we may provide playgroups to as many Somerville children as possible. Registration from Monday, February 7 – Tuesday, February 8.…

You’ll see a lot of “best of” lists this week. At The Welcome Project, we”ve compiled our own list. Times remain tough for immigrant families, but with support from the community, we accomplished a lot in 2010. We have chosen 5 highlights from our work this year.

Come enjoy and appreciate the hard work and talents of the student performers from Somerville High School and Somerville’s elementary schools as they put on their annual production. This year they will be presenting “Willy…

The following programs are available at the Veterans Memorial Rink in Somerville.

Saturday, November 13th, 2010, 3:30 – 7:00 pm
Location : Johnny D’s Uptown Cafe (17 Holland Street)…

Last night, I was the only member of the public to attend a City planning meeting for the renovation of the North Street Playground.

Here’s a radical idea for the Somerville schools: Stop trying to boost MCAS scores. Except in high school.

I don’t mean stop teaching, but let’s turn off the laser focus on raising scores.…

News from The Welcome Project: After weeks of testimony, advocacy and hard work, the youth of the Welcome Project and Centro Presente took a breath to celebrate Thursday night after the Board of Aldermen voted…

The Capacity to Live a Full & Creative Life: this is what we want for our children, our youth, and ourselves! Come to a community-created art exhibit featuring art created by Somerville artists ages 8 to 88.

[10/26/2010]

Join hosts Joe Lynch and KyAnn Anderson as they talk with Somerville resident, Lesley University professor and author Nancy Carlsson-Paige.  Carlsson-Paige is the author or co-author of five books on childhood learning.  Tonight she discusses her latest, “Taking Back Childhood: A Proven Roadmap for Raising Confident, Creative, Compassionate Kids”.

Visit: http://www.nancycarlssonpaige.org/

The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan of the Somerville Public Schools, due to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on 12/31, is open for public comment online at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/no_bullying.

We invite…

Preparing our children for college and more!

Please join School Committee members Christine Rafal

and Adam Sweeting along with Mr. DeFalco and the Healey

staff/students and Mr. Ciccariello (SHS headmaster) and the…

Have you seen the new report card?  If you’re a parent of a child in grade 1 to 5 in Somerville Public Schools you won’t see it till the end of the first quarter, or…

Somerville schools would like your questions, comments and ideas about how we can all say “no” to bullying so every student can be excited about coming to school to learn.

Visit our calendar, www.somerville.k12.ma.us/events, for details on any of these events.…

THE KENNEDY POOL IS CELEBRATING OUR 10TH BIRTHDAY BY GIVING AWAY SWIMMING LESSONS!

First, James Madden with the Campaign to Protect Affordable Housing discusses campaign initiatives, November’s ballot Question 2 concerning 40B affordable housing, and whether or not it should be repealed. In the previous episode, Joe and KyAnn interview Jed Lippard, Head of School at Prospect Hill Academy Charter School. Only on Greater Somerville

Weather Advisory

Due to the projected weather forecast the following changes have occurred in the Highlander Athletic schedule on Friday, 10/1:…

You can subscribe to the calendar of the Somerville Public Schools to receive emails announcing events coming up in the following week. It’s easy! Here’s how!

After 37 years of serving youth in Somerville, there’s now a large FOR SALE sign on the former Somerville Boys & Girls Club at 181 Washington Street. Why did this happen?

This Thursday, September 30, at 6 pm, Villens and others will have the opportunity to hear the voices of youth members from Centro Presente and The Welcome Project, who are working to support the Dream Act.

From School Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi:

It is my hope that every school in Somerville is a place where students feel a sense of belonging, where students are excited to come to school because they…

…elementary auditions for the role of oompa loompa in the February 2011 Somerville High School production of Willy Wonka: The…

If you would like to receive weekly announcements of events in the Somerville Public Schools please visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/events. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the envelope icon to “subscribe” to…

An Open Invitation to All:

Do you care about the public schools of Somerville? Do you want to support quality, innovative programs in our schools? Would you like to eat a tasty dinner prepared by your favorite local politician?

The Duhamel Education Initiative (DEI), a local foundation that supports innovative classroom initiatives in the Somerville Public Schools, cordially invites you to attend its 15th Annual Fall Fundraiser, a delicious community dinner prepared and served by the Somerville Board of Aldermen!…

As the City continues to move ahead with the focus group meetings, our community meetings are vital to ensure that our neighborhood works together so that the site of the Powderhouse Community School is reused in a way that is most beneficial to our neighborhood AND to our city.

School’s open. How did it go at your school? Well organized? Disorganized? Friendly? Cold? How did your child do?

Feedback, positive or negative, can help the schools do more of what’s working and improve…

The Capuano Center is opening on time for the first day of Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten. Opening day is Monday, September 13th.

Please visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/capuano_faqs to review a list of frequently asked questions about…

Dear Parents,

Charlestown Lacrosse will be holding Sunday clinics/games this fall.  These practices/clinics/games are for new players to learn the basic skills

We’re excited about getting back to school at the beginning of next month! …

Somerville Community Access Television is starting a 12-session Next Generation Producers afterschool media club for Somerville middle school students.  The club will meet on Wednesdays, beginning on September 21, from 3:30 to 5:30 at 90…

Starting this Friday (August 6), four rising seniors from Somerville High’s Track and Cross Country teams will “trek” from a spot near the Quabbin Reservoir to the Aquarium Wharf (approximately 80 miles) to raise funds to support the Somerville Homeless Coalition.…

Kids, Clowns, Talent, Crazy Fun.

Harvard and Tufts try to help solve Somerville organizing and calendar problems

Somerville Youth Hockey is seeking energetic men & women (ages 25 +)  to be good teachers and be willing to develop, mentor and administer our growing program for our Mites, Squirts, Pee Wee, Bantams &amp…

Welcome to the 2010-2011 SYHA Season. We are very excited about the upcoming season and look forward to the opening of our new rink. Somerville Youth Hockey is always looking for more players.…

If you run a blog or email list (sometimes called a listserv) or distribute information on Facebook or YouTube that supports kids and families, you’re invited to the OneVille Project’s Online Media Meetup on Thursday…

Somerville student work is on display in the Department of Education’s virtual art galleryhttp://www.doe.mass.edu/resources/kidart.aspx?page=51! See samples of youth art made in schools. Are you there? Is your child or teen’s work there?

For…

The entire public, and particularly the neighbors and members of the East Somerville Community School community are invited to the next public meeting to discuss/learn about the progress of the renovation of the East Somerville…

Enter your guess online at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/contest. The person who comes closest to guessing the total amount by Thursday, 7/15 at 5:00 will win a Borders Gift Card.

You can also tweet your guess…

Environmental and safety concerns haunt this lovely park. Joe’s Astroturf and Streetscape SNAFUS don’t help, either…

Here are the complete texts of selected posts to the Somerville-4-Schools email list about the merging on the Choice and Neighborhood programs at the Healey School. These posts are excerpted in a comment on “6/21/10…

The Somerville School Committee decided in a 5 to 3 vote on Monday, June 21, 2010 to unify the Healey School and charge the School Improvement Council with creating a school redesign plan. This plan will use the Choice program educational practices and governing document as a starting point for discussion. In a second action, the members of the School Committee voted 6 to 2 to define a set of guiding principles to help the School Improvement Council with their Fall 2010 planning work.

There was some good news tonight for school custodians, at the city budget hearing at City Hall. It was announced that the mayor and the custodians’ union is in negotiations, and so it’s possible that the layoff of 49 custodians and outsourcing of their jobs may be avoided.

At this discussion we will review the DRAFT bullying plan, data that points to strategies for improving the implementation of the District’s award-winning Wellness Policy, and the plan for improving the implementation of the District’s Safe and Drug Free Schools Plan.

Due to numerous recent inquiries about the sport, The Somerville Recreation Department is attempting to determine the level of interest for the sport of Lacrosse in the City of Somerville

The Somerville Public Schools’ Food Services provides free breakfasts and lunches at Somerville playgrounds, fields, parks and pools.  Let them eat picnic!  Here are the particulars:

FREE Breakfast will be distributed to any Somerville…

I would like to let people in Somerville and anywhere else know about a rally against the mayor and his wrong budget choices.

WHEN:  June 22, 2010 6 pm

WHERE:  City Hall, 93

FREE MEALS ALL SUMMER FOR ALL YOUTH STARTING JUNE 28TH.

FREE Breakfast for ALL Somerville youth on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning on June 29th in Albion Park and Grimmons…

Books of Hope’s

Mystic Ink Tour is keepin it live and rollin as it moves through New England bringing poetry performances by today’s youth and books that they’ve written to communities near you!…

The Parts and Crafts Collective is running a girls invention week as part of our new summer program in Somerville. Our program is about “making things and making things happen” — building light sabers, making…

I am a school custodian for the City of Somerville.  I see a Boston Herald article that Boston is cutting 83 school custodians.

Reading the comments ( there are 249 comments so far!) I see that many of what these other people are saying is true…

Dear Friends of Somerville Schools,

I want to update you on the school budget process and to alert you to slight change of dates.…

FY11 Budget Update, School calendar, Bullying prevention, Summer reading, Summer activities, SPS on Twitter…

SOMERVILLE YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE

TRAVEL TEAM REGISTRATION INFORMATION – FALL 2010

FIELD EVALUATIONS – SUNDAY JUNE 13

All players who attend evaluations will be placed on a team.

Somerville Community Access Television’s Next Generation Producer’s youth media program is offering an eight-session workshop in July for Somerville students ages 11 to 14. The workshop will be fun, educational, and creative.…

Registration is now OPEN for the TOPSOCCER SUMMER PROGRAM!

Saturday June 19th – July 31st

10:00am – 11:00am

Capuano Field – 150 Glen Street, Somerville

Dear Friends of Somerville Schools,

I want to let folks know that documents relevant to the budget planning process for our schools for the next fiscal year are now available on the School Department website. I have pasted the link here

All Spring debate has raged both within and outside of the A.D. Healey School about how to resolve the severe income gap between the two K-6 programs in the school, Choice (38% low income) and Neighborhood (90% low income).  Last night the school committee heard the Superintendent’s long-awaiting recommendation on the future structure of the school and people were invited to speak.  Over 60 parents, teachers, and community members spoke.  My comments are below.

Do you know a child who struggles with reading or writing? The Donald D. Durrell Reading and Writing Clinic, located at BU’s School of Education, has a few spaces remaining for its second summer session…

The Paul Duhamel Education Initiative, in its 14th year, will be holding its 5th annual “Walk to Keep Kids in School,” walking for 2.5 miles along the Somerville Bike Path starting at Davis Square on…

Dear Friends, As you probably know, in May and June the School Committee enters the height of the budget season as we make plans for the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1. This is always a complicated process and one best conducted with the public fully informed of the process.

The time/location of this meeting is still to be determined. Please visit the “events” page of the Somerville Public Schools’ website, http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/events, or the “School Committee” page of the site, http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/school_committee, for additional…

The time/location of this meeting is still to be determined. Please visit the “events” page of the Somerville Public Schools’ website, http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/events, or the “School Committee” page of the site, http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/school_committee, for additional…

Join your neighbors to learn how the City is moving forward with its plans for the disposition of the Powder House Community School property. Discuss how we can keep our concerns about the reuse of this property at the forefront of the decision making process.

“I hope you all get some power someday, so you’ll know what it’s like to have to satisfy your constituents’ demands with a limited budget.”

Somerville, MA May 3rd 2010 – Somerville “mompreneur” Kerri Friedlander and husband Lucas today announced their intention to hold a Grand Opening sale at the Upland Road location of “TwinkleStar Boutique” in Porter Square on…

This May, local Haitian youth living in Somerville’s Mystic Housing Projects set off on a 10-stop book tour, called the Mystic Ink Tour, to bring their stories to communities across New England. The DIY tour will take the teens out of their economically-challenged neighborhood and bring them to some of the most celebrated spoken word venues and bookstores in the region. www.booksofhope-ma.org

The Somerville Public Schools are OPEN all day tomorrow, May 3rd – and expect to be open throughout the water emergency. Students and staff are asked, if able, to bring their own safe, packaged beverages…

Come join other parents to talk about the kind of education we want at the Healey School and the future of the Choice and Neighborhood programs. Parent’s input will be collected and presented to the School Committee.

The Somerville Public Schools will conduct a public hearing to determine participation in the school choice program for the 2010-2011 school year. *This is NOT a public hearing about the Choice program at the Healey School.*

PARTICIPATE IN POWDER HOUSE COMMUNITY SCHOOL REUSE FOCUS GROUP: The City of Somerville is seeking community volunteers to participate in a Powder House/Teele Square Focus Group. The Group will be led by City staff to…

Training for Healey parents that want to participate in online discussions about the future of the Healey school.

Books of Hope (a teen literacy and empowerment program based in the Mystic Housing Project) is presenting a poetry workshop and youth poetry slam featuring poet Everett Hoagland, Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, from 6-8PM at…

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010, 7:30 >
Location : Somerville High School Auditorium (81 Highland Avenue…

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010, 5:00 &gt…

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
Location : Healey School (5 Meacham Street)…

Monday, June 7th, 2010, 6:00 >
Location : Dilboy Stadium…

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Location : Healey School (5 Meacham Street)…

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010, 6:30 >
Location : SHS Auditorium…

Monday, May 24th, 2010, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location : Kennedy School, 5 Cherry Street
Presented by Amy Bamforth, MS and MSW, from the Somerville Community Partnership for Children.

At this workshop we will…

Thursday, May 20th, 2010, 7:00 >
Location :
The Somerville High School Auditorium is located at 81 Highland Avenue…

Save Our Somerville is running a soccer tournament on Patriots’ Day Monday, April 19th (pending permit approval, rain or shine). Even if you don’t play soccer, please come out and learn more about SOS events and spread the word.

The all City K-8 Art Fair Located at Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School, Lincoln Park, 3rd Floor
Opening Ceremonies
Tuesday, April 13th
5:30- 7:30 PM

Musical Performances
5:30- 7:30 PM…

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010, 6:30 >
Location : SHS Fieldhouse…

Thursday, May 6th, 2010, 7:00 >
Location : Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue)…

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010, 6:30 >
Location : Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue)…

Monday, May 3rd, 2010, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Location : Cummings gym
The “Getting Ready for Kindergarten” Workshop is am opportunity for new Kindergarten parents/guardians to get tips on preparing their child for Kindergarten from…

All-Day
Location : District-wide…

Thursday, April 29th, 2010, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Location : Capuano Cafeteria and Gym
Prekindergarten children and their parents/guardians will participate in activities that demonstrate math and literacy activities they are learning in class…

School is closed…

Are you a parent/guardian of a grade PK-8 student in the Somerville Public Schools? Look for your complimentary copy of the first edition of Chop Chop, a new healthy cooking magazine for families, in…

On Thursday, April 8th please join students from each of Somerville’s seven K-6 or K-8 elementary schools for a concert featuring songs celebrating spring and global community. The concert starts at 7:00 PM, is free…

Have you downloaded your copy of the amended 2009-2010 school year calendar?

If you haven’t please be aware that Wednesday, April 7th is now a 1/2 day for all students. The last day…

The Somerville Youth Soccer web team has been working on a new site for the league. It is up and running and we hope you will find it useful. Log onto www.somervillesoccer.us

Tufts Kids’ Day
Tufts Medford Campus
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (registration 8:50-10:00 AM)
Kids’ Day features amusement park rides, magic shows, chemistry shows, carnival booths, and exciting performances. Kids’ Day is open to children…

On Saturday, April 10, 2010, more than 800 youth will attend the fourth annual Somerville Youth Peace Conference at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Avenue in Somerville, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.…

A town cannot set its tax rate until it has received the Cherry Sheet. But what does it mean?

YOU MIGHT HAVE ALREADY HEARD…
• Somerville High School’s drop-out rate continues to be on the decline. Get details in the press release issued by the Office of the Superintendent on Tuesday, March 16th, online…

What’s Next For the Powder House Community School?

WHY :       The City is moving ahead with plans to rezone and sell the Powder House School property.

WHAT :    Join your neighbors to…

Somerville Little League

2010 online Registration is now open

Register today at:

The Somerville Public Schools invites you to tell your stories about learning and teaching in Somerville in our Spring 2010 Digital Photography contest. Complete submissions received by April 5th will have the chance to win…

What a price for tenure? And how can you tell your professor is crazy!

According to this post on the ResiStat blog in answer to my question, the Mystic Children’s Zone will use college enrollment as the final measurement of its success.  Perhaps this, and not high school graduation, should be used to measure the performance of our school system over all.…

The Somerville Youth Hockey Association is holding tryouts on Saturday Feb 20th offering it’s 10 and under girls-only try out!

This is for our first time players age 10 and under (birth year 2000 or…

Free Parent/ Guardian Workshop offered by the Somerville Public Schools on Bullying in Schools Today

Monday, May 24th- 6:30-8:30pm, at the John F. Kennedy School
5 Cherry Street
Learn about school interventions to create…

Free Parent/ Guardian Workshop offered by the Somerville Public Schools on Bullying in Schools Today

Monday, April 26th- 6:30-8:30 pm at the Capuano Early Childhood Center
150 Glen street
Featuring a screening of the…

Free Parent/ Guardian Workshop offered by the Somerville Public Schools on Bullying and Cyberbullying

Wednesday, March 10th- 6:30-8:30 Pm at the West Somerville Neighborhood School
177 Powderhouse Boulevard
Featuring experts from Middlesex Partnerships for…

It was a quintessential Somerville night at the theater for “Beauty And The Beast” at the High School this evening.  Promoters Gretchen Kinder and Rosemarie Sears must have outdone themselves packing the house because I…

The District is trying to improve the efficiency of our online calendars. In order to do this we need to make improvements to the calendar filters used online. …

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/71V12zS7nQU" width="350" height="344" allowfullscreen="true" fvars="fs=1" /]

A friend told me about this tv news story on Shape Up Somerville. The intro is annoying but the story is interesting.

So here’s a question…

School Improvement Councils at each of the Somerville public schools will present their annual School Improvement Plans to the School Committee beginning on January 27, 2010. Members of the public are invited to attend these…

“I don’t really know that much about myself. Isn’t that sort of the point of being a teenager? (At Somerville High School) you get to explore different things through AP classes, vocational classes and every…

Right here in Somerville you can learn to paint with watercolors, improve the efficiency of your home energy systems, make handcrafted furniture, and enhance your ability to speak Spanish or Portuguese with your neighbors. These…

The Brown School (201 Willow Ave.) will have an informational coffee on Monday, January 25th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. upstairs in the Brown School Library.  Teachers, staff, current parents and former students will be…

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Visioning Meeting

Tues., Jan. 26, 6:30 PM

Upper Hall
Greek Orthodox Church
29 Central St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the last Visioning meeting…

Why Commissions Can Improve Our Community

Sat. Jan. 30 1:30 PM

Somerville Library
79 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This is a workshop from the “How to”…

Thinking about which school is right for your child? Or just interested in learning more about Somerville’s public schools?…

OneVille.org just launched today with a message that begins:
We’re writing to introduce a new community project in Somerville called OneVille. OneVille is working to unite people in our vibrant, diverse city around one goal: pursuing the success of every young person in Somerville.…

The Somerville Community Partnerships for Children and the Parent Information Center have put together a list of agencies that work in Haiti, as well as advice on responding to the needs of children and families…

The sixth annual Massachusetts College Goal Sunday will provide information on college financial aid and free on-site help to complete the FAFSA. At 26 locations across Massachusetts, College Goal Sunday’s team of volunteer financial aid and higher education experts will offer information on the many viable post-high school options. Locations are listed at www.MassCollegeGoalSunday.org.

My wife saw this message on the Somerville Moms Yahoo list.

Barry

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Information Night for the Choice Program will be held next Thursday, January 21, at the Healey School (5 Meacham…

My wife saw this on the Somerville Moms group:

Barry

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Learn about the Argenziano School from other Parents!

As you explore your options for public schools in Somerville, make sure…

Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) is going to be hosting a Presentation of the Student Health Survey Results.  It will be held Thursday January 21st, 2010 from 6PM – 8PM.  The Presentation will be held…

This was posted to the Somerville-4-Schools list on Monday by Consuelo Perez:

—————————————

Would you like a weekly Drop-in Playgroup for your child, aged 0-3?

Come to the next Somerville…

2010-2011 School Calendar: It’s official! September 8, 2010 is the first day of school for students after the 2010 summer vacation. Download the 2010-2011 school calendar online at http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/calendar. The calendar is available online in…

OFFERED BY THE SOMERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SOMERVILLE PTA
For
SOMERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FAMILIES and COMMUNITY MEMBERS

• Youth Alcohol and Drug Use/Social Host Liability*
Wednesday, January 13th – 6:30p.m. – 8:00 PM in the…

SOMERVILLE WINS AWARD FOR EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP ON SCHOOL SAFETY: Martin T. Meehan Educational Leadership Award presented to Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi on 12/10/09. A copy of the press release is available in the News Section of our website, www.somerville.k12.ma.us/news. …

PLEASE JOIN students and families from the John F. Kennedy School in visiting the Porter Square Pizzeria Uno on Wednesday, December 16th to help students raise $5,000 to build a library at their Ethiopian Sister School, the Gordama School, and fill it with books.…

SCAT is hosting Santa Claus in the TV studio on Tuesday, December 15 from 6:00 to 7:00pm. This event is free. Children may come up to tell Santa what they want for Christmas in person…

Pittsburgh floats a sales tax on college tuition!

We are writing to ask you to support the February 2010 Somerville High School production of Beauty and the Beast by purchasing an ad in the program book. You can find details on the range…

NEWS STORY:
• The Christmas trees are coming! The Christmas trees are coming! Students at Somerville’s Full Circle/Next Wave Alternative School are gearing up for their annual Christmas tree and wreath fundraiser. 300 Nova Scotia…

Kicking off on Wednesday, December 9 from 3:30-5:30, SCAT’s Next Generation Producers After-School Film Production Club offers students the opportunity to create their own video projects, learn state-of-the-art television production skills, and work alongside other…

Dear Friends,

Please join us for an informal gathering for parents and guardians interested in discussing the kindergarten and early-childhood opportunities available in the Somerville Public Schools. We will be meeting next Saturday, November 21, from 3:00-5:00 pm at Bread & Company at 349 Broadway (located near the top of Winter Hill).…

Students in Somerville High School’s Culinary Arts program have baked for Governor Patrick. Now let them bake for you! The annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale has started. For only $9 per pie students will prepare a…

Celebrating the spirit of winter and winter holidays are the themes of the winter concerts in the Somerville Public Schools. Elementary students will perform on Thursday, December 10th, and high school musicians and singers will…

More than 40 actors, musicians and technicians from Somerville High School will stage Disney’s Beauty and the Beast February 4-6, 2010 in the auditorium of Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue). Show times are:
Thursday…

I encourage community members to learn about Somerville High School’s Center for Career and Technical Education during the 12th Annual Vocational Fair… [Sat, Nov 7, 9am-2pm] where students from the various vocational shops demonstrate their expertise. This year’s event will include a pancake breakfast and several interactive displays.

The city elections are Nov. 3.

Here are the three SCAT-sponsored televised debates of the School Committee and Ward Alderman races.…

Each year, this event attracts over three thousand visitors.  All proceeds benefit the girls’ and boys’ cross-country and track teams at SHS, including the awarding of college scholarships each June.

This is the eighteenth…

State Representative Carl Sciortino and Ward 7 School Committee Representative Mary Jo Rossetti will be hosting a film screening and discussion about the impact of MCAS and high stakes testing on Tuesday, October 13 at…

While this meeting will be of particular interest to parents and guardians of 6-8 graders, we invite anyone interested in learning more about what our High School has to offer. Headmaster Mr. Anthony Cicciarello will facilitate the discussion.

Join the Family Fun Day at the Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School at Lincoln Park this Saturday, October 3 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Everyone is invited for this community celebration of the school. Bring the…

Did you know instrument lessons for youth in grades 4-12 (strings) and 5-12 (band instruments including drums) are free in the Somerville Public Schools? Community donations have helped create a low-cost instrument rental program for…

Attention Future Somerville Hockey Stars! Visit Conway Park’s outdoor hockey rink on Sunday Sept. 13 from 3-5pm to learn about the game of hockey, how to measure for equipment and try your hand with a stick against members of the BU Terriers Men’s and Women’s 2009-1010 Hockey teams.

The Somerville Public Schools is celebrating local farms and farmers on Thursday, September 24th with fresh corn on the cob served at lunchtime.

Volunteers are sought to visit elementary schools between 7:30 and 8:00…

Cuba. What did you just think of? Communism, Fidel, the revolution? Many people believe things in Cuba are being run wrong and should be changed. I, however, disagree. When I think of Cuba I think of kindness, generosity, and community. It didn’

t used to be this way.…

Please join the Mayor of Somerville, the Honorable Joseph A. Curatone, the Superintendent of Schools, Tony Pierantozzi, and representatives from the Board of Aldermen and Somerville School Committee for the dedication of the Brian Higgins…

On Monday, August 31, 2009 beginning at 6:45 p.m., the Somerville School Committee will conduct a public hearing on the issue of participating in the inter-district-choice program for the 2009-2010 school year. …

Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi provides advice to families as they prepare for the new school year on Wednesday, September 2nd (Grades 1-12) or Tuesday, September 8th (Grades PK-K).

Read it online at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/administration

Join the Progressive Dems at the kick off of one of their endorsed candidates for School Committee!

Christine Rafal will be kicking off her campaign for School Committee on Sunday, September 13th from 3pm to 5pm at the Paddock Rest at 249 Pearl Street in Somerville. Suggested donation is $50.…

Bullying, is it a problem in Somerville-Why or why not? Prevention and how to deal with bullying in school.

Improve Family Bonding and Reduce Risk of Teenage Drug Use, Violence and Teen Pregnancy.  Register now.  See how below.

Guiding Good Choices is an interactive program for all parents of pre-teens and teens, children…

Whoda thunk that a simple sign could be a liar?  Here’s a photo essay of some misleading signage in three City of Somerville facilities.

1.  Somerville Schools Administration Building, 181 Washington Street:   At…

Our friend reports that her son (22 months) fell while walking on bricks at the Walnut Street Park, fractured his right femur, and is in a cast for four weeks.  She says that…

The Prospect Hill Academy Charter School enrolls much smaller percentages of special education and limited English proficient students than the two districts where it is based.

Last night’s performance by Project Star at the Somerville High auditorium was a lot of fun.  Jimmy DelPonte’s original musical showed his talent as a storyteller, humorist, and song writer.  He can be forgiven as…

Crossing guard posts have been announced.

Please visit the Somerville Public Schools’ website to download a copy of the crossing guard list and see a google map of posts.

Or browse the…

Information about the new and improved elementary after-school programs offered by the Somerville Public Schools will soon be available in print copy and online. We apologize for the delay and have been waiting for funding…

Many Somerville residents are not aware that the City manages 46 parks, playgrounds and ball fields for residents. With this astonishing number comes certain responsibilities on the part of the city, such as upkeep and accessibility.

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a FREE community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, age 7-18, who have a mental or physical disability.…

Are you, your friends, or your children being affected by bullies?
A discussion for YOUTH, PARENTS, AND SOMERVILLE RESIDENTS to discuss
• What is Bullying
• Types of Bullying
• Tips for youth to assist them with bullying
• Tips for parents to assist youth with bullying…

Today at 2 pm, a bunch of kids and grownups laughed, danced, clapped, sang, screamed with laughter and marvelled in unison. The OpenAir Circus is again in Somerville- and you’ve got one more day to catch it! (with pics)

For the sixth consecutive year, Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) will partner with the City of Somerville and the Somerville Police Department to host the local celebration of the National Night Out Against Crime and Drugs.…

Somerville High School Freshman Barbeques

*  Tuesday, August 25 from 5:00-7:00 PM: Students and families in Beacon House (students whose last names start with the letters A-DOQ) and Elm House (students whose last…

In partnership with Primary Source, Kennedy School Principal Anne Foley is in China for the next two weeks. Read the trip blog to learn more about what Dr. Foley and her colleagues are…

The renowned Extraterrestrial Circus Experiment will perform their unique and astonishing show, “People” for one night only on Friday, July 10 at 7 pm. The show, at the Armory Center for the Arts, 191 Highland Ave. in Somerville, will benefit the OPENAIR Circus.

The Somerville Youth Soccer League is putting together a Somerville Youth Soccer Fundraiser Night! … On Behalf of myself and the Somerville Youth Soccer League – we thank you for your support! Best, John Teves – Somerville Youth/Recreation Commissioner

This Somerville ARRA Funding Watch is gleaned from the Massachusetts Area Planning Council’s Municipal Resource Guide on the Federal Economic

On Monday the 22nd of June at 7:30 at the Somerville High School the School Committee approved the Welcoming Massachusetts pledge. All the members said “Yes” to the pledge with great enthusiasm…

Come out to the next Progressive Democrats of Somerville Meeting!
When: Tuesday, June 23rd, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: VNA, 259 Lowell Street, Community Room

Please join us for a meeting of the Educational Programs Subcommittee on Wednedsay, June 17 at 7:30 pm in the School Department Central Office, 181 Washington Street. The main agenda item will be a discussion of the District’s Middle Grades Initiative, which the School Committee has identified as one of its top priorities.

The Friends of the Community Growing Center will be hosting an all-ages community sing along on Saturday, June 20th from 5-7.

We will be singing traditional and contemporary songs from a variety of genres…

The message below was sent by Richard Saunders, Director of Music for the Somerville Public Schools. He is rightfully outraged by a bill currently being considered by the House of Representatives, (Bill H111)which would require school music department to sterilize instruments. Here’s a Globe article about it. …

[kml_flashembed movie="http://blip.tv/play/AYGC4AqD4zE" width="320" height="270" wmode="transparent" /]

I thought it was strange that Boston was closing schools. I hadn’t heard of any cases in Somerville since that first lady that got it a couple of months ago. So, then when I heard…

Please join The Welcome Project on June 7 for a graduation celebration for some special people from cultures and countries all over the world. These are the students in our youth language interpretation and adult language learners programs who have just completed a year’s worth of learning as language interpreters and English language learners.

Sorry about the cross-posting, but:

as some of you may know, the Agassiz Cooperative Preschool has been trying to find a home in Somerville since losing its lease in Porter Square after 34 years…

Change for a 10 Spot
Wednesday, June 3, at Johnny D’s from 8-11 pm
With a little help from our friends

We couldn’t do our work without friends like you! Join us on Wednesday…

From a flyer of The Welcome Project:

Join us at the Welcome Project for our Graduation Celebration!

Show your support for our Youth Interpreters and Adult English Language Learners!

The event will…

From the SPS homepage, entitled “A message from Tony Pierantozzi, Superintendent of Schools”
… The extent of the impact of the current financial crisis on fiscal year 2010 remains unclear. We do know…

My life in school has been very fun so far. Mainly because my senior friends were around me and hanging out with me. Certainly I have more friends than them but I have more fun when I’m with them. But sadly,…

Celebrate student musicians in the Somerville Public Schools at the Spring String Fling on Thursday, June 4th. This free concert featuring student performers in grades 4-12 will begin at 7:00 PM in the Somerville High…

The Somerville Public Schools offers free developmental screenings for 3 and 4 year olds not yet enrolled in the public schools. The next screening date is June 24th. Screenings are free but must be scheduled…

…about the proposed FY10 budget of the Somerville Public Schools? …about art and music instruction in the public schools? …about efforts by the schools to prepare students to succeed when they finish high school? These are the next three topics of discussion on the Superintendent’s cable access television show, Our Schools – Our City, broadcast regularly on local cable channel 15.

Learn more about the recent trip to China taken by Somerville High School teacher Mark Quinones over April vacation week. Quinones visited one of the nation’s largest trading partner as part of a teacher study team organized by Primary Source. Dr. Anne Foley, Principal of the John F. Kennedy School will take a similar teacher/study trip to China over the summer.

You are invited to attend a public budget hearing on Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:00 PM in the Somerville High School Library (81 Highland Avenue) to discuss the proposed FY10 budget for the Somerville Public…

the Somerville Public Schools would be grateful for a letter of endorsement from you to include with our application to become an approved Supplemental Education Services provider with the Commonwealth. If we are successful in this application the district could potentially recoup up to $100,000 in elementary academic tutoring funds now distributed to outside vendors.

As announced in the Somerville Journal : What should happen with the former Powder House Community School?

I live outside Davis Square and every time I ride the T, I stop and look at the tiles that line the entrance to the station. I grew up in Somerville at the same time as many of the people who made these tiles, so I usually look for someone I know, and I often wonder what they’re all doing today. …

This week, Craig Leach’s media class at Somerville High broke into four groups to discuss their use of social media. In this class, Facebook reigns supreme. MySpace is losing out. YouTube is very big. Twitter hasn’t caught on except for a few. …

With summer just around the corner and tens of thousands of young people entering the workforce in Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick has proclaimed May “Safe Jobs for Youth Month” to focus attention on preventing workplace injuries and deaths.…

Somerville Public Schools wants to hear from you!
Please join community advisory groups on Strategic Communications or After-school programming
Call 617-625-6600 x6013 or Email gkinder(at)k12.somerville.ma.us.
Opportunities for virtual feedback provided for Advisory Group members who cannot attend meetings.
Everyone welcome!…

From Mark Niedergang… The Board of Aldermen and School Committee together will be holding a public forum on the FY 2010 budget this Tuesday, April 28th, at 7 PM in the Aldermen’s Chambers in City Hall. This is an opportunity to get an update from the Mayor and the Superintendent of Schools on the City and School budgets for next year and to share your concerns, ideas, and suggestions about priorities and ways to make the FY 2010 budget stretch further.

The City will be hosting our first annual Shape up the Old Somerville Road Race, a 2.7 mile race/walk beginning and ending on the City Hall concourse. A children’s “Fun Run” will begin from the…

Mayor Curtatone and Ward 7 Alderman Trane invite all interested individuals to attend Somerville’s Arbor Day celebration on Friday, May 1st at 10:00 a.m., at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powderhouse Boulevard. The event…

The Somerville High School Art Fair starts on Wednesday, April 29th and runs through Friday, May 1st. Special opening reception will be start at 6:30 PM on the 29th. Student work is on display throughout…

Autism and Special Education Law is the title of the Monday night workshop being hosted by the Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Council and Massachusetts Advocates for Children. This event, hosted at the Kennedy School…

Somerville Open Studios will get a boost on May 2 and 3 with the addition of participants from of Somerville High School students in the PAL Program who will be displaying and selling hand-crafted jewelry and note cards from their booth at the Center for Arts at the Armory. …

There are new bloggers on the block and they’ve joined me at a 21st Century Club after school program at the Kennedy School.   Students are writing about things that they find interesting, including the MCAS…

My school, Lynn Classical High School, is not so good right now. The people who built the school built it on a swamp.

An all-ages fair of forward-thinking fun. Get your spirits up and your footprint down!

UPCOMING EVENTS
April 16th is the date of the Somerville High School Spring Concert, hosted beginning at 7:00 PM at Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue). Student musicians will be showing off their…

If you could change Somerville High, what would you do? Craig Leach’s SHS media class opens a debate this week:

“The kid” hates the lunches but loves the wide variety of teachers. “…

How would I change the school?…

Being as student at Somerville High School and seeing how things are run and the curriculum that is followed makes me think about how I would change if I had the chance.  Although I love…

The absolute first thing I would change about school would be the time. I would push back the time by a few hours. I think if students weren’t half asleep for the first few classes…

Day by day, our schools narrow our mind of being wide and free. “I’m bored”, that is what teenagers say the most and me myself being a teenager think it is true. Things are getting…

Education is great and I believe every person needs it. If I could change the way school is taught then I would. Most academic classes (english,history, math, etc…) are all basically alike and it just feels like every…

If I was in charge of my school, there would be a few things that I would change. One thing that I would change would be to make school more interactive and fun. I would…

Currently i dont think anyone can say they like school. People think school is too boring because its all work and academics and what not. School can be more interesting if it has something to…

          my dream school is the best. a place where kids aren’t criticized about what they read, their smartness, or even color. all classes are fun, meaning activities are played and planned, students have opportunities…

“School is boring,” and “I hate school”  is what I often hear from friends. Honestly, I agree! Change the way we learn! Change the fact that what we study today will be forgotten after the…

Some kids do well in school all their life, others are late bloomers, and some are strange as in they do well, then badly, then well again. I am one of those strange ones. Here’s my story.

~ Enjoy ~

Save Our Somerville is running a soccer tournament on Patriots’ Day Monday, April 20th (pending permit approval, rain date of Tuesday, April 21st). The tournament will be held at Glen Park (Glen St. next to the Capuano…

I wake up at 6 am. Then I go take a shower, get dressed, and then my cousin’s mom picks me up at 7 am to take me to school. When I reach my school, I talk to my friends and socialize until 7:45 am, when I go to my first class. School is over by now. School is okay. I like it because my friends are there. If they weren’t there,

On Friday I was a guest at the high school’s Multicultural Fair. It was the most dramatic and most successful cultural event I’ve ever seen – beating everything from Lincoln Center to the MFA…

Craig Leach’s Somerville High School media and TV production students this week explained what they’re learning and why the class deserves taxpayer support. And they posted “digital books” they created. Take a look!

“Jerry617″…

I’ve been meaning to show up here since last week when I read the posts by the Somerville high school students to thank you all for adding a genuine diversity — and democracy — of…

Help the Department of Education assess the quality of district programs! Sign up to be interviewed as part of the District’s Coordinated Program Review taking place the week of April 27th. Call 617-625-6600 x6028 before April 3rd and ask to be put on the list of members of the public to be interviewed by the Department.…

Nutrition and Your Child @ Winter Hill Community School Library, 3/16, 6-8pm
preparing for the college admissions process @ SHS Auditorium, 3/23, 7-8:30pm
impact of family violence on learning workshop @ Kennedy School, 3/31, 7-8:30pm

Students in the Class of 2009 at Somerville High School are invited to apply for any one of many college and technical school scholarships available through local scholarship funds.…

On Wednesday of May 21, 2007 around 12:30 P.M, I decided to skip school and go home. It had been the worst day for me.…

The following writings were submitted today by students in a media class at Somerville High School.…

Somerville writer Doug Holder presents a workshop on the Small Press and Independent Publishing to Books of Hope youth and the community on Monday, Feb 23rd, 7-9 pm at the Mystic Activity Center, 530 Mystic…

Will your child be 3 by August 31, 2009? Are you interested in having your child be a typically developing peer in the Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP?)…

They wanted to publish under pseudonyms, so the following stories are by “Gori” and “Hector.”

Do any of these issues concern you?

The Foreign Language Study Committee Report will be presented to the School Committee this Wednesday, February 11th, at 7:00 PM in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of the SPS Administrative Headquarters, 181 Washington Street (in…

$80 for four days of fun! Breakfast and pizza included.

The days are lengthening and the sap will soon begin flowing. That’s right, it’s Maple Syrup Time! The Somerville Maple Syrup Project will be kicking off the 2009 season this Saturday, January 31st at 12pm!…

I want to share with you a call I received this week from an 80-year-old Somerville woman. Olga is a retired math teacher who is recovering from hip replacement surgery. After hearing President Obama’s Inaugural Address and his call to service, she picked up the phone, saying she was moved to “give back any way I can.” Olga will be tutoring math at Somerville High School three hours a week. I know that there are many more Olgas in Somerville and beyond who are searching for meaningful ways to connect with and give back to their community.

Dear colleagues and neighbors,

At least three times a week I get email from members of our community offering advice on ways the website of the Somerville Public Schools can be reorganized to better meet their information needs.…

Somerville Adult Evening School Winter 2009 Classes start the week of February 3.

Whether you long to learn to ice a cake like a pro, play an African drum, speak Portuguese, deliver CPR, design a web page, do your own home improvements, or simply cut your home energy costs, Somerville Adult Evening School has an affordable course for you. Weekly classes are held at Somerville High School and cover everything from mastering pastry dough to learning to create architectural plans with AutoCAD.…

This event is an opportunity for Somerville youth and community partners to meet in person, build community, and discuss how Somerville can become a safer and welcoming place for everyone. At the event, our youth members will present personal stories, and sit in small dialogue groups with adults.

Learn more about the Unidos program at the February 3rd Open House/Tour at the Capuano Early Childhood Center (150 Glen Street).  The Open House starts at 8:30 am.

Families of children who will be 5 by August 31, 2009 are invited to learn more about the Unidos program at this open house. Unidos is a bi-cultural/bi-lingual program  where students in Grades K-8 learn core content in both English and Spanish.

Click “Read more” to learn about:

- College Goal Sunday on January 25th
- Kindergarten registration paperwork help, January 26-29
- Bye Bye Birdie at Somerville High School February 6-8
- Student art on exhibit at the Nave Gallery
- Somerville Special Olympics Swim team

The Food Services Department is starting a Student Advisory Board in February to give students the opportunity to voice their thoughts about school meals.  Students will meet with the Food Service Director and Nutrition Outreach Coordinator on a monthly basis to advise on the school breakfast and lunch program through the rest of the school year.  All interested students should contact Charlotte Stephenson, Nutrition Outreach Coordinator, at (617) 625-6600 x6095 or cstephenson(at)k12.somerville.ma.us.

Read more information here

I’m helping the School Department with publicity for College Goal Sunday, on January 25 at 2:00, in the Somerville High School cafeteria. Please pass this information on to students who could use some help completing the FAFSA financial aid form.

I want to tell you about Pintamos Nuestro Mundo (We Paint Our World), which is the youth group of Centro Presente. …

The Benjamin Brown School, a Somerville public school located at 201 Willow Ave (corner of Kidder), will hold its Open House week the same hours as the rest of the district’s schools, with the addition of open house hours on Tuesday, January 20th, starting at 8:30 a.m and ending at 1:30 p.m.  Open House will continue Wed, Jan. 21, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Thursday and Friday, Jan. 22 and Jan. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The period after the December break is always a time of high activity in the schools.  What follows is a list of events and activities which might be of interest to all residents, business owners and others across the city:

The Early Childhood Festival celebrates young children and families, and provides families with the opportunity to learn more about early childhood education programs and resources in Somerville. Hosted by the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC), an award-winning collaboration between the Somerville Public Schools and all of the city’s early childhood programs…

ECIP is an integrated early childhood program with a mix of standard and special education children ages three and four. Classes meet four days per week for 5.25 hours per day. There is one teacher and one paraprofessional in each class for a maximum of 15 children.…

Students who will be 5 by August 31, 2009 are eligible for free, full-day kindergarten in the Somerville Public Schools. Kindergarten registration begins in January! Registration materials will be mailed home to the parents/guardians of every age eligible child born in Somerville.

Pleasant Auto School and Somerville Adult Evening School have teamed up to provide a 5 week driver’s education course for any teens or adults with a learner’s permit. Students receive 30 hours of classroom instruction, twelve hours of Road Lessons, six hours of observation time.

Congratulations to Laxmi Spearing, Charlie LoBrutto, Sofia Carafotes and Lynn Soyring – all of whom won a gift in the raffle held at the All-City Elementary Winter Concert last night, 12/11, at Somerville High School. Raffle prizes were donated by Porter Square Books, Performance Music Center, and Target.

Julia’s drawing entitled Red Sails at Sunset by Julia J won third prize in Crayola’s “Art of Childhood” online exhibit!

More than 35 student actors, musicians, stage and costume designers, and production engineers are working on the 2009 Somerville High School production of Bye Bye Birdie. Scheduled to launch its three day run on Friday, February 6th, Bye Bye Birdie tells the story of Conrad Birdie…

The District is rich in activity throughout the early part of December. Highlights include…

I don’t agree with his accusatory tone–I think most people voted for Obama with their eyes open–but Sam Smith has “listed nearly three dozen things that Obama supports or opposes with which no good liberal or progressive would agree.” Most prominent among them to my perspective:

“Klass Klownz” auditions are open to any Somerville resident in Grades 7 through 9, and will be held Wednesday, December 10th at 6:00 p.m. in West Somerville Neighborhood School at 177 Powderhouse Boulevard. Performers should prepare a one-minute skit that can take the form of a funny song, an impression, or a parody of a TV ad or character. A CD player will be provided for those auditioners that have their own music.

Spread Christmas cheer and support alternative education by buying a Christmas tree or wreath from Next Wave and Full Circle Alternative Schools, which provide high quality instruction in a therapeutic setting for up to 104 Somerville youth in Grades 6-12.

When I play, I feel concentrated and sometimes nervous. I get motivated by my team mates. When I step on the field, I feel like everything around me is like a perfect dream. I can hear my heart beat. …

Do you want to learn more about schools in Somerville? Did you miss the last forum, or want another opportunity to ask questions? Many of us have babies or toddlers and haven’t

I like to play video games that have to do with music or creating music. Like DDR (Dance Dance Revolution): you play with a mat that has 4 arrows, one pointing up, down, left and right. On the screen, you press the arrows with your feet by dancing along with the music that you’re hearing on the game. That is one music game that I love to play. …

No school on November 4th; Vocational Fair on November 8th; School Improvement Council Training on November 10th; Parent/Guardian Focus Group on Middle Grades Learning on November 13th; District-wide open house and information session on November 18th

There was another Long Range Planning meeting for the School Committee Thursday night. I won’t have a lengthy report this time because they got a late start and didn’t have handouts to help me out. The reason for the late start was the meeting for School Committee members from throughout Massachusetts with Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester beforehand. We were allowed to sit in on a little of that while we waited, and it was a bit interesting.

Somerville Youth Hockey Association provides an instructional level program for youth from ages 3-8 years old at Somerville’s DCR Rink on Saturday mornings for the entire season. This is a great opportunity to put on…

Join the Boston University Women’s Ice Hockey Team as they host a FREE hockey clinic for girls 8th
Grade and under (because of NCAA rules, they can not be in high school yet)

More than most cities and towns, the city of Somerville and its public schools rely very heavily on state aid. In fact, this year, state aid makes up more than half (58 percent) of the Somerville schools’ budget. This much-needed money would be cut drastically if Question 1 passes, eliminating the state income tax. According to one estimate by groups including the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, our schools could lose as much as 90 percent of its aid if Question 1 passes, and our city could lose 65 percent.

Just in case you do not have time to read through all of the notices posted on the video bulletin board on local cable channel 16, here is a preview of some of the interesting events happening in the Somerville Public Schools. All events listed here are free and open to the public.

The Somerville Public Schools, inspired by the long range goals set by the School Committee, is hosting a series of community discussions about the possibility of expanding available learning time through the Massachusetts

Thursday night, amid the sounds of the stock market crashing down around us, there was an oasis of optimism in a most unusual place—a school committee meeting! The Committee was getting an overall update on progress toward our 5 long-term goals…

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville Youth Soccer League invite all to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new James McCarthy Field located at the Michael E. Capuano Early Childhood Center on 150 Glenn…

Regional news media continues to report on communities around the Commonwealth which are faced with financial squeezes that negatively impact local education. One way some communities manage the squeeze is by instituting or driving up extracurricular activity fees. In the Somerville Public Schools the commitment to providing equal access to important enrichment activities remains strong.

There are several noteworthy events happening in the Somerville Public Schools in the upcoming weeks.

With test scores so low and not improving in so many schools, our drop out rates going up not down, and compassion and sustainability seemingly weak or hidden traits in American society (if not in the global community on a whole), it might be time to re-look the United States’ school system’s focus on standardized testing and the classroom climate and teaching styles which it necessitates.

There’s been a fascinating discussion among Yahoo group members of Somerville-4-Schools. It started with a new parent complaining about back-to-school communications being lacking in some respects, but lead to some encouraging words from parent Melissa McWhinney (see below), and finally this great endorsement of the School Council’s efforts at Somerville High by Joe Beckmann

Crossing guards are posted at the following corners every school day to make help students safely walk or bike to school. Each corner is staffed from approximately 7:30-8:30 AM and again from 2:25-3:00 PM.

The Somerville Public Schools is looking for businesses, non-profit partners, volunteers and community experts to work with us planning and running afterschool activity clubs for students in Grades K-8 across the City. This is why we are inviting you to an Afterschool Activity Club Bidders’ Conference hosted by the Somerville Public Schools on Thursday, September 4th from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the SPS Central Office (181 Washington Street – in the same building as the Boys and Girls Club).

Hello everyone, Due to the overwhelming success of the initial sale of tickets to the October 4th Somerville Youth Soccer Family Night, the New England Revolution have made additional tickets available, so if you missed the August 1st deadline – no worries! Tickets are now available until August 29th!

This is the question we will ask students of all ages at the National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5th. Join us at the National Night Out begining at 5:00 PM in Foss Park – not just to be interviewed for TV, but also to enjoy an evening of family fun and a celebration of peace and community.

The OPENAIR Circus is an amazing phenomenon with an improbable history. If you’ve got kids, take them this weekend and think about joining. After this weekend, the next major performance will be in Boston’s First Night parade.…

Join The New England Revolution as they take on their eastern rivals D.C. United on WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20TH – Game Time 7:30PM @ Gillette Stadium. Sponsored by the New England Revolution Soccer Team and The Somerville Youth & Recreation Foundation

Please support our Somerville High School Soccer Team! Somerville Recreation Department is offering the following Soccer Clinics for the week of August 11th – August 15th @ Dilboy Stadium

Just passing this along:
The city will be holding a meeting about Albion Park Monday, July 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the VNA Building, 259 Lowell Street.

SOS members will be at the event to support keeping activities for young adults and teenagers. There have been several parks such as Perry Park and the Kemp Nuts site…

Somerville Youth Soccer Family Night!!!

REVS vs. Real Salt Lake

Saturday, October 4th @ 7:30

REVS vs. Real Salt Lake, Saturday, October 4th @ 7:30 PM in Gillette Stadium, Parking is FREE, lots open at 5:30 PM, Enjoy Soccer Celebration before the game & Autograph Alley after the game!!! Payments due Aug 1st. Read on for ticket information…

This is Joanna Stenning posting on behalf of Beyond the 4th Wall Theater and Creative Arts Studio in Central Square, Cambridge. We are excited to announce that we still have room for more participants in our upcoming summer programs for children and teens, and would love to open registration for these classes to the Somerville community.

Come see the power of words and the power of girls join forces at Teen Voices’ annual Pens of Power Conference! Join over 100 Boston teens for a Saturday devoted to the power of the written word. Local female poets, novelists and journalists will lead exciting workshops and talk about what motivates them to write. Enjoy free lunch, prizes and beats from DJ D’hana.

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is gathering public input for a study of emerging issues and trends affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Information gathered will be used in the development of NCD’s next annual progress report to the President and Congress, “National Disability Policy: A Progress Report,” which is required by Section 401(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The Sunsetters are a group of preteens and teenagers who sing and
dance to Broadway tunes. Check them out at the fireworks celebration, June 26 at 6PM.

Another of the city’s popular family events, Family Fun Day includes a variety of activities for residents of all ages. Obstacle courses, games, watermelon eating contests, dancing, and a dunk tank are only a few examples of the day’s events! Dunk the Mayor! Dunk your Alderman! Eat your weight in watermelon! Bring your children, your parents, and your friends.

The Turbulent Tween Years

Communicating with your 8-13 year-old daughter

a facilitated discussion to help parents understand the unique challenges associated with growing up in today’s environment. Sponsered by Big Sister Association of Greater Boston.

Somerville families don’t have to run away to join the OPENAIR Circus. The Circus is offering its 23d year of summer circus workshops for children, teens, and adults. Classes will run June 24th through July 24th. Performances will be August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.under the big top at Nunziato Field near Union Square in Somerville.

For those of you who may not know, Governor Patrick filed the environmental bond bill (H.4446) this past December. Open space for outdoor recreation (as we all know) is extremely limited in Somerville. These funds can be used to develop Foss Park into the Urban Oasis we so desperately need in Somerville. There is tremendous potential to significantly upgrade the park for all who utilize the area. We must maximize this critical moment by taking advantage of these opportunities.

When school’s out, it can be hard to find enough good things for your kids to do. Here’s a local guide that several of us have put together.…

Beyond the 4th Wall is dedicated to providing children and teens with an affordable outlet for theater, visual, and performing arts. Students ages 9-15 are encouraged not only to develop as performers, but also to build self-confidence, learn how to work as a team, and to practice creative thinking–and to have a GREAT time while doing so! We would like to invite children and teens from the Somerville area to participate in our Summer 2008 classes, camps, and events.

The Youth Media program at Somerville Community Television is hosting a free screening of short films shot by the youth members of THE NEXT GENERATION PRODUCERS. This screening will be at 6pm Tuesday June 3, at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square.

It seems that a good deal of energy and money could be saved if these lights were turned off during off-hours. Particularly the one on Spring Hill at Summer St. Lots of these lights blink, even in the Summer. Small and simple, but helpful…

Folks, This unfortunate series of events was extremely complicated and will be impossible to unravel and understand. This concert could have been a very positive event and the intentions of Centro Presente — to promote support for immigrants and peace among youth — are exemplary.

The following letter was released by Centro Presente yesterday regarding the cancellation of their hip-hop concert scheduled for Friday of last week at the Somerville High School.

It is one of our School Committee’s Long Range goals to consider extending the school day. There is a big push for this gathering on the state level as well, and schools are beginning to take advantage of grant money offered to give $1,300 per student for 300 hours of additional instruction/enrichment hours. I found…

Do you want to help set the direction for Somerville’s anti-poverty agency? The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) is seeking candidates—and voters—for its Board elections, coming up the week of May 19th at two locations in Somerville.

It’s great that people have been responding to Linda Conte’s post proposing a parent-made directory of summer camps and other summer educational activities.…

This speech about Somerville young people killed by drugs, made the front page of the Globe’s City section. But publicity’s not enough. What should Somerville do about it?…

Having toddlers kind of put the kibosh on my favorite summertime activity—reading at the beach. Still, when they would eventually exhaust themselves with swimming, shell collecting, and digging to China, we could stay on the beach a little longer if I pulled out some read-aloud material.…

Here’s a fascinating forum on MCAS and what it really means on the ground level, inside our schools.…

Is high-stakes testing “the civil rights issue of our time” or a strategy for avoid the hard steps we need to take to improve education? See what you think.…

Somerville Teachers Association President Linda Vitiello (an elementary school teacher) tells a story about a child, a mural, and what paper-and-pencil tests don’t measure.…