Office of Specialized Services (OSS) Newsletter
July 24, 2024
Read the OSE newsletter online here and click the translate button on our website.
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The Office of Specialized Services (formerly the Office of Special Education) Boston Public Schools' vision is that students with disabilities will have equitable opportunities to engage in innovative, high-quality instruction in the least restrictive environment (LRE) as appropriate to meet individual needs, empowering each student to achieve high levels, leading to post-secondary success.
Our aim is to provide you with information on upcoming events, updates, and resources.
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Summer Learning at Boston Public Schools | |
Horace Mann Extended School Year (ESY) | |
Our recent trip to the Museum of Science was a day to remember! The students had an amazing time exploring exhibits and engaging in hands-on activities. They especially loved building and racing bobsleds against each other, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. |
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The highlight of the day was the "Deafinitely Dance" performance, the main reason for our visit. It was a wonderful experience that left everyone inspired. | |
Back at the ESY program, the students presented what they learned to their peers, practicing their ASL presentation skills and sharing their enthusiasm for the day. It was a fantastic blend of learning, fun, and community building.
We can't wait for our next adventure!
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McKay Extended School Year (ESY) | |
McKay ESY students earned a visit to the school store as part of the School-wide Rewards Program. Developed by the program’s directors, School-wide Rewards is designed to help students improve their academic, social, communication, self-regulation, life skills, safety, and vocational learning opportunities during the school day. | |
This is an activity that brings joy to the students while they learn. One student appears to have decided on the sunglasses - a wise choice! | |
Fifth Quarter: Courageous Sailing | |
Courageous Sailing is a Fifth Quarter program that combines environmental science-themed reading, writing, and math with sailing lessons and boating on Jamaica Pond, swimming instruction, and hands-on science. | |
Our fifth-grade campers showcased their impressive sailing skills, doing most of the work on the boats themselves. The program also brought in representatives from organizations like Boston Water and Sewer to teach about environmental safety, adding another layer of valuable learning on top of sailing instruction. | |
The You Got It Girl program is designed for our young girls and women, featuring an all-girls camp with all-woman staff. | |
Last week, we welcomed nearly 100 girls each day. In addition to basketball, Double Dutch, and yoga, our campers participated in social skills groups and mindful resilience working sessions including crazy hair day. | On Friday, we were joined by the Girls Reflecting Our World (GROW) program, whose peer leaders supported our programming through mentorship. | |
BSAC Summer Leadership Program | |
The Boston Student Advisory Council (BSAC) is in the midst of their six week Summer Leadership Program. Students from all across various BPS schools have come together for Community Building trips to New Hampshire, volunteered at local non-profits, and participated in various Career-Readiness workshops. | |
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BSAC students are also in the process of creating a mural in hopes displaying their art across different BPS locations.
If you have any questions or would like more information from BSAC, please reach out to BSAC Coordinator, Tewahedo, at thaimanot@bostonpublicschools.org.
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Exam School Initiative (ESI) | |
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The Exam School Initiative (ESI) is a positive step towards achieving racial equity by expanding access to Boston's prestigious exam schools for historically underrepresented students. Over the last two years, the program has grown to include a 4th grade cohort, further widening its reach.
Since 2016, the Office of Opportunity Gaps has led the program, implementing crucial changes to better serve underrepresented students at Boston Latin Academy (BLA), the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science (O’Bryant), and Boston Latin School (BLS).
| The Office of Opportunity Gaps recruits culturally responsive instructors who believe in the talent and potential of ESI students, advancing the program's mission of racial equity. ESI teachers provide rigorous instruction during the four-week program while fostering positive relationships with students and families, ensuring a supportive and enriching learning environment. | |
Community Meeting at ISBCC | |
The Office of Specialized Services and the Office of Language Access recently had a warm and productive meeting at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC) to discuss community concerns and provide important updates about Extended School Year (ESY). It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, listen, and ensure that all students and families receive the support they need for a successful school year. | |
Upcoming Events & Updates | |
- Wednesday, July 24, 5:30-7 pm | RCD: Paraprofessional Virtual Job Fair
See below to learn more!
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Office of Specialized Services Updates | |
Important Reminder: Submission of Signed IEP/504 Plans for 2024-25 School Year | |
In preparation for the start of the school year 2024-2025, if you have not yet signed your students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans we kindly remind you to submit them to the Office of Specialized Services at the Bolling Building. Please note that these signed documents are crucial for ensuring that your student receives the appropriate educational support and services outlined in their IEP/504 We appreciate your help in providing a smooth transition for your student into the next school year, including school assignment and transportation.
Please ensure these documents are signed and received by Wednesday, August 7, 2024, to guarantee your student receives appropriate transportation as identified on their IEP including any necessary accommodations and/or services on the first day of school.
You may sign the documents electronically via EdPlan. For more information, view the User Guide for more information or email the documents to specialeducation@bostonpublicschools.org.
Alternatively, please send the signed IEPs or 504s to:
Office of Specialized Services
2300 Washington Street
5th floor
Roxbury, MA 02119
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to call (617) 635-8599 or email us.
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Department of Transportation | |
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New School Bus Parent App!
BPS Transportation is transitioning to a new parent app, Zūm. Zūm will provide BPS families a new and improved platform to view their student’s:
- bus assignment
- track their student’s school bus
- and communicate with Transportation
More information about the Zūm app will be coming to you in August!
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Office of Human Capital: Recruitment | |
Department of Social Work | |
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Mental Health Support for Students & Community Resources (during school break)
As we approach school vacation, it's important to ensure our students have access to mental health support. Here are some essential resources available:
In Case of Emergency:
- Call 911 for immediate danger.
- Contact your child's primary care doctor for additional support.
Walk-in Services:
- Visit your local Community Behavioral Health Center. Call 617-414-5470 ahead of your visit.
Behavioral Health Helpline:
- 833-773-2445 (available 24/7 for clinical guidance and resources, including Mobile Crisis Intervention if appropriate).
Local Resources:
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Greater Boston Families: BEST Bay Cove, Solomon Carter Fuller, 85 East Newton St, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02118, 800-981-4357.
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East Boston/Charlestown Families: North Suffolk Community Services, Community Behavioral Center, 14 Porter Street, East Boston, MA 02128, 888-309-1989.
BPS Helpline:
- 617-635-8873 (Social Workers on call Tuesday-Friday during school vacation and Monday-Friday during summer from 8:00 am-3:00 pm).
Additional Community Resources:
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Food: Call 311 (Boston) or 211 (State).
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Healthcare: Mayor’s Healthline, 617-534-5050.
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Unemployment: MA Department of Unemployment Assistance, 877-626-6800.
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Housing: Office of Housing Stability, 617-635-4200. For more support, contact BPS Homeless Education Resource Network, 617-635-8037.
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Immigration: Office of Immigrant Advancement, 617-635-2980.
Emergency Hotlines:
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National Suicide Hotline and Crisis Lifeline: 988 (Text or Call)
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DCF: 800-792-5200
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Domestic Violence: 800-799-7233
Flyers:
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