News

State of the Schools 2026: Meet Deaf Student Journalist Carlos Rodriguez

New AP Cybersecurity Class Prepares Students For Success In Digital Economy

Albert Holland School of Technology ESL and Spanish Teacher Yolanda Depalo

Profesor Escribe Libro Bilingüe Y Conecta Con Estudiantes De Herencia Hispana

School Custodian Appreciation Day 2026: Meet Miguel Diaz

Events

Nov 4

Boston School Committee Meeting (Hybrid)

6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Nov 11

Veterans Day

all day

News

State of the Schools 2026: Meet Deaf Student Journalist Carlos Rodriguez

The Horace Mann School for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Grade 12 scribe will serve as a student journalist at Mayor Michelle Wu’s 2026 State of Schools address.

State of the Schools 2026: State of Schools 2026: Meet Deaf Student Journalist Carlos Rodriguez

Jean Carlos Rodriguez will have the scoop on the latest news that will impact the next generation of Boston students.

The Horace Mann School for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Grade 12 student will serve as a student journalist Monday, October 19, at the second annual State of the Schools Address. Rodriguez will be part of the press scrum that will take place following Mayor Wu’s speech.

Rodriguez is one of the founding members of the Horace Mann school newspaper, The Cougar Times. He covers stories on a variety of topics – ranging from news to human-interest – that impact members of the Horace Mann community. In addition to his editorial roles, he mentors students who are in their first year on the newspaper staff.

“I love journalism because it's wonderful to hear other people's stories and share them,” said Rodriguez. “Also, it's a great way to call out issues/problems or to bring exposure to something.”

The 2026 State of the Schools event will highlight the City of Boston’s ongoing work to make Boston Public Schools (BPS) the first choice for families. Mayor Wu and BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper will share updates on progress across the district, and outline academic and partnership priorities for the year ahead.

Mayor Wu will deliver the 2026 State of the Schools Address on Monday, October 19 at UMass Boston. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the program will be streamed live on Boston.gov.

“As a BPS mom, I’m determined to continue investing in our schools and school communities so we make Boston Public Schools the first choice for all our families. As we continue to build on our progress in student achievement, graduation rates, and advanced coursework, we are focused on expanding opportunities and investing in our young people, educators, and families,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “At our second annual State of the Schools address, we will report out on our work, highlight our school communities, and bring partners together to make Boston the best city for families.”

“The progress we continue to make as a district reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality learning experiences that strengthen outcomes for students across Boston,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “We are excited to once again host the State of the Schools, bringing our community together to recognize the dedication of our educators, the engagement of our families, and the many partners who contribute to our students’ success. Alongside the City of Boston and Mayor Wu, we will continue this work to ensure every student has access to the rigorous, culturally affirming education they deserve.”

Stream the 2026 State of the Schools

New AP Cybersecurity Class Prepares Students For Success In Digital Economy

AP Cybersecurity, a new Advanced Placement course, equips students with hands-on technical skills, problem-solving strategies, and a strong foundation in digital safety and network security.

New AP Cybersecurity Class Prepares Students For Success In Digital Economy

As technology continues to shape how we learn, work, and communicate, cybersecurity knowledge is becoming an essential skill for success. Boston Public Schools (BPS) is helping students prepare for that future through AP Cybersecurity, a new Advanced Placement course offered at the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK) and the John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science.

Part of College Board's AP Career Kickstart initiative, AP Cybersecurity combines rigorous, college-level learning with practical skills that can open doors to higher education and future careers. Through hands-on, scenario-based activities, students explore digital safety, network security, and strategies for addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Students who earn a qualifying score on the AP exam are eligible to receive college credit and an employer-endorsed credential, giving them a head start as they explore postsecondary education and career options. They also develop transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, that can benefit them across industries.

At EMK, where many students prepare for careers in healthcare, cybersecurity has a direct connection to protecting patients and sensitive information.

“For these particular students who are going into the healthcare field, it’s really important in order for them to safeguard their future patients,” said AP Cybersecurity teacher Roger Rios.

Students recognize that cybersecurity knowledge benefits everyone, not just those pursuing technology careers.

“It’s important for everyone to know (cybersecurity) so that they could pass it on to family members because they could target anyone,” said AP Cybersecurity student Branyelis Ramirez.

Jamilson Mendes, an AP Cybersecurity student at the O’Bryant, agreed, noting that “almost everybody has access to technology and the risks that technology comes with (it).”

By sharing what they learn, students can help family members and community members recognize online threats and protect their personal information. The course empowers students to become informed digital citizens while exploring skills that may lead to future opportunities in technology, healthcare, business, and other fields.

AP Cybersecurity also reflects BPS’s commitment to expanding access to challenging coursework. According to the College Board’s 2026 AP Score Reports, 4,069 BPS students took 7,277 AP exams this year, with 64 percent earning qualifying scores of 3 or higher. Since 2022, the number of qualifying scores has increased increased from 50% to 65%.

Through AP Cybersecurity, BPS is connecting classroom learning to real-world needs, helping students build confidence, protect their communities, and prepare for success in college, careers, and an increasingly digital world.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, BPS is also reinforcing digital safety districtwide through student password resets and mandatory cybersecurity training for staff and faculty.

Profesor Escribe Libro Bilingüe Y Conecta Con Estudiantes De Herencia Hispana

Albert Holland School of Technology ESL and Spanish teacher Yolanda Depalo published "Nuestro árbol de tamarindo." Students have reacted to the book with enthusiasm during her classroom visits and readings across BPS.

Profesor Escribe Libro Bilingüe Y Conecta Con Estudiantes De Herencia Hispana

Mientras las Escuelas Públicas de Boston celebran el Mes de la Herencia Hispana entre el 15 de septiembre y el 15 de octubre, nos enorgullece destacar los logros de la educadora y autora Yolanda Depalo, cuyo nuevo libro infantil bilingüe está creando conexiones significativas con los estudiantes a través del lenguaje, la cultura y el poder de las experiencias compartidas.

Depalo, profesora de inglés como segunda lengua y español en la escuela Albert Holland School of Technology, publicó su primer libro ilustrado, "Nuestro Arbol de Tamarindo / Our Tamarind Tree", en mayo de 2026, con ilustraciones de Fernanda Monteiro. Escrita tanto en español como en inglés bajo su seudónimo, Yolanda Montás, esta emotiva historia se inspira en sus recuerdos de infancia en la República Dominicana. A través de la historia de un querido árbol de tamarindo, los jóvenes lectores se encuentran con temas de familia, resiliencia, imaginación, esperanza y los lugares que ayudan a moldear quienes llegamos a ser.

Para muchos estudiantes de las BPS (Escuelas Públicas de Boston), el libro ofrece algo especialmente significativo: la oportunidad de ver reflejados en la página sus propios idiomas, culturas, familias y experiencias de infancia. Cuando Depalo visita escuelas y lee el libro en voz alta, los estudiantes responden con entusiasmo, demostrando la poderosa conexión que puede surgir cuando los niños se encuentran con historias que resultan familiares y personales.

"Los libros tienen el poder de recordar a los estudiantes que sus lenguas, culturas e historias familiares pertenecen al aula y al mundo de la literatura", dijo Depalo. "Cuando los niños se ven a sí mismos en un libro, pueden experimentar una sensación más profunda de pertenencia y posibilidad."

Nacida en la República Dominicana, Depalo se trasladó a Estados Unidos en 1991 para estudiar en la universidad y se graduó en Queens College. Ha pasado más de 21 años como educadora bilingüe, trabajando estrechamente con estudiantes y familias, incluidos los recién llegados que se están adaptando a una nueva escuela, un nuevo idioma y una nueva comunidad. También es madre de dos hijos.

Su compromiso con la alfabetización va más allá de la ciudad de Nueva York. Cada verano, dirige un programa de lectura en un orfanato de una zona rural de la República Dominicana, fomentando el amor por la lectura a través de la narración, la conexión y la alegría. También colabora con la Fundación Las Margaritas, un campamento de verano que ayuda a niños de escasos recursos de San Cristóbal (República Dominicana) a convertirse en líderes capaces de generar cambios positivos en su comunidad.

Durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, “Nuestro Árbol de Tamarindo” es un hermoso recordatorio de por qué la representación es importante. La historia de Depalo celebra la riqueza que los estudiantes traen consigo y muestra cómo un solo árbol, un recuerdo de la infancia, y un libro bilingüe puede ayudar a los niños a sentirse comprendidos, conectados e inspirados.

Compra“Nuestro Árbol de Tamarindo / Our Tamarind Tree.”

School Custodian Appreciation Day 2026: Meet Miguel Diaz

Mildred Avenue K-8 School runs under the expertise and guidance of Day Sr. Custodian Miguel Diaz. From cleaning, managing contractors and understanding building systems, Miguel always keeps a cool head under pressure.

School Custodian Appreciation Day 2026: Meet Miguel Diaz

Friday, October 2, is National Custodian Day and School Custodian Appreciation Day.

It’s time to recognize the dedicated professionals who help make our schools clean, safe, welcoming places to learn and work.

Our Boston Public Schools Custodians do far more than keep our buildings tidy. They help ensure that facilities are running smoothly, identify and communicate maintenance needs, coordinate with contractors and staff, and play an essential role in creating healthy, supportive learning environments for students and staff.

One of the many outstanding custodians who embodies this commitment is Miguel Diaz, Day Senior Custodian at Mildred Avenue K-8 School.

Throughout the year, Miguel helps keep Mildred Avenue K-8 running smoothly through his knowledge of the building, attention to detail, and calm leadership. From cleaning and maintaining the school to managing contractors and understanding the many systems that keep a school building operating, he is ready to tackle whatever the day brings.

Miguel leads a team of one during the day and five custodians at night, working together to ensure that Mildred Avenue K-8 is ready to welcome students and staff each day.

"I do this important work so kids can have a welcoming and safe environment to come to school," Diaz told BPS Communications in August. "Kids learn more when the environment is safe, clean and organized. That's why I do it."

His work is often behind-the-scenes, but its impact is felt throughout the school community. A clean, safe and well-maintained school provides an important foundation for teaching and learning—and Miguel and his fellow custodians help make that possible every day.

Thank you, Miguel, and thank you to all of our Boston Public Schools custodians for the care, dedication and expertise you bring to our school communities. We are grateful for all that you do!

Be sure to give your school custodian a shout-out the next time you see them. Their work matters, and so do they.

Events

Sep 19

Saturday Recreational Tennis

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Sep 19

College Counseling Fair with State University and Community Colleges

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Sep 20

Spirit Day

all day

Sep 21

Parent, Teacher, and Community Association Meeting

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

mobile-menu

trigger-news

district-nav

menu-trigger-container

mobile-main-nav

mobile-header-portals-nav

mobile-translate-container

custom-headline

header-container

logo-container

trigger-search

logo-image

menu-trigger-container

right-container

right-top-container

header-portals-nav

translate-container

search-container

trigger-search

trigger-news

State of the Schools 2026: State of Schools 2026: Meet Deaf Student Journalist Carlos Rodriguez

New AP Cybersecurity Class Prepares Students For Success In Digital Economy

Profesor Escribe Libro Bilingüe Y Conecta Con Estudiantes De Herencia Hispana

School Custodian Appreciation Day 2026: Meet Miguel Diaz

district-nav

nav-district-menu

Select a School

Kindergarten

Elementary

High School

right-bottom-container

nav-main

fixed-header

logo-container

logo-image

nav-main

In This Section

Title IX Training

2025

2026