Students, parents, teachers, city and school leaders prepare for first day of school

BOSTON - In a Kindergarten classroom in the new Lee Academy Pilot School, Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined School Committee Chair Elizabeth Reilinger, Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant and Boston Teachers Union President Richard Stutman to kick off the upcoming school year which opens on Thursday, September 9.

School leaders said that this year there will be renewed efforts to help all students achieve at a higher level with a concentration on closing the gaps between students of different genders, races and education programs. The BPS will also devote resources to strengthening the entire K - 12 system, with the goal of helping all students reach proficiency. Strategies range from the expansion of school seats for the youngest students to continuing the work with high schools to additional support and training for teachers and principals. (A set of fact sheets regarding the on-going and new strategies is attached.)

Mayor Menino thanked the principals of the two schools and talked about his excitement for the new year.

"Each September, we greet the school year with enthusiasm about what lies ahead and with a commitment to helping all students succeed," he said. "This year, the school department is even more focused on closing the achievement gap. The City of Boston and our community and business partners are here to support them."

School Committee Chair Reilinger said the policy work of the School Committee over the last year reinforces the school department's efforts to improve instruction and student performance.

"We are focused on ensuring that students receive a high quality education in a safe and supportive environment," she said. "The Boston School Committee will continue to work with Superintendent Payzant and his staff on strategies to close the achievement gap so that our students will graduate and be successful after high school."

Superintendent Payzant outlined the main strategy for closing the achievement gap, which has three main components: relationships, curriculum and instruction.

"I have made the work to close the gap a priority this year because our students deserve an education that allows them to access opportunity when they leave our schools," he said. "In order to obtain this goal, we must all share the conviction that all students can and will achieve. We must also develop the skills to tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of our students."

The first day of school for students in grades 1 - 12 is tomorrow while students in Kindergarten start on Monday, September 13.

Read the BPS Back-to-School packet for important information.