Boston Latin Academy school library awarded prestigious federal grant

BOSTON – The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services has presented a prestigious $5,000 grant to the Hapgood Library at Boston Latin Academy in Dorchester.

The “History Revised @your library” grant, awarded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, supports teacher planning and student learning in the area of United States History.

History teachers at the school will assist librarians Marta Estrada and Mary Moniz in the selection of new U.S. History books to expand the library’s collection.  More than 500 Boston Latin Academy students take U.S. History courses each year, including many juniors and seniors enrolled in Advanced Placement U.S. History and “Facing History and Ourselves.”  The grant also will support a project to develop research and writing skills for more than 300 ninth grade students taking American History courses. 

“It is essential for every Boston high school student to develop rich knowledge and critical thinking skills in U.S. History,” said Superintendent Carol R. Johnson.  “This grant will support the fine work of librarians and teachers at Boston Latin Academy to help students deepen their study of our country’s great history.”

Boston Latin Academy is one of three exam schools in the Boston Public Schools, serving more than 1,600 students in grades 7-12 from all neighborhoods of the city. Its mission is to prepare students for a successful college experience and to ensure that they have the tools to become independent learners and contributing members in a diverse society.