Mayor Thomas M. Menino today joined students, parents and staff at the Winship Elementary School in Brighton to discuss the priorities and goals for the Boston Public Schools (BPS) on the day before students return for the new school year. Mayor Menino was joined by Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant, Boston Teachers Union President Richard Stutman, School Committee Vice-Chair Marchelle Raynor, Winship Principal Antonio Barbosa and Boston Museum of Science President Ioannis Miaoulis.
"Each September, we look forward to a new school year at the Boston Public Schools with enthusiasm and excitement," Mayor Menino said. "This year, we will continue to close the achievement gap and get more families and the community involved in the education of our children."
Mayor Menino highlighted Boston Public Schools' efforts to focus on science education, ensuring that students are prepared for the Science MCAS, which becomes a graduation requirement beginning with the Class of 2010, and can take advantage of science-related opportunities. BPS is working on several initiatives to improve science instruction, including expanded training for educators and significant grants from the National Science Foundation and other sources.
Boston Museum of Science President Ionnis Miaolis affirmed the museum's commitment to helping Boston students develop a passion for science. To reinforce that belief, Miaolis announced the awarding of one free pass for every student in the Boston Public Schools to visit the museum over the course of the school year.
Mayor Menino also discussed the importance of early childhood education, reiterating his pledge to work toward providing a free full-day seat for all 4-year-old students in the city. An additional 400 seats will open for these students this September with a commitment to expanding the program in future school years.
Another important goal for the 2005-2006 school year is to continue and expand the high school renewal work by expanding the options available to high school students. This year, seven new small high schools will open (four in the former West Roxbury High School and three in the former Hyde Park High School), bringing the total number of high schools from 21 in 1995 to 38 in 2005 (read more on this). And while the total number of high school students has increased, the percent of schools with 400 or less students has increased from 28% in 1995 to 71% in 2005.
Superintendent Payzant, while noting this will be his last year as Superintendent, said the laser-like focus on teaching and learning will not change.
"There will be no coasting this year," he said. "I want students, families, staff and the community to know that we are still committed to closing the achievement gap and to helping all students reach proficiency. I will be at work every day this year holding myself and the schools accountable for the education of our young people."
The first day of school for grades 1-12 is Thursday, September 8, while kindergarten students start on Monday, September 12.