Monthly Archive for February, 2009

World Languages Department

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on February 25, 2009
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The World Languages Department at Boston Latin Academy consists of a classics division and a foreign language section.

INTRODUCTION

The Classics Department offers a required 4 year sequence of courses for students entering in grade 7 and a 3 year sequence for those entering in grade 9. It also offers the possibility to all students of following an accelerated course of study (Honors) beginning in Grade 8 (Grade 10 for B students), culminating in Advanced Placement Vergil for Grade 11 (or 12 for B students) and Advanced Placement Latin Literature in Grade 12. Ancient Greek is also offered as a junior/senior elective.

Although the study of Latin is primarily concerned with language, the course offerings include units on Classical mythology, history and politics, geography, and culture. It is our belief that the study of Latin needs to be set in its context, and that the content of the assigned readings can best be appreciated through the development of an understanding of Roman society, history and habits of thought. Classicists have been pioneers in developing the Internet as a resource for information, so that students are able to carry out both web-based and text-based research for their projects on topics ranging from the Roman army to the study of language and literature, including Greek culture and society as well.

The study of Latin is rigorous, demanding time and effort from the students. However, the rewards are worthwhile. All Grade 10 students are best prepared to take the SAT II Latin achievement test at the end of that year. Students in Advanced Placement classes take rigorous examinations in May. The challenging nature of these courses, and our high rate of success, make our students stronger applicants to very selective colleges and universities. Sophomores and juniors should be aware as they select courses for senior year that, if they are performing well academically, the Advanced Placement course may be selected.

We administer the National Latin examination, National Greek Examination, the National Mythology Examination, and the Medusa Mythology Examination to selected students each year. High scores on these tests may qualify students for scholarships, prizes, and make an impressive entry on a college application. Educators and college admissions personnel know that the study of Latin helps students achieve higher language scores on the SAT I and develops overall intellectual skills and discipline.

What do we do for fun? Many things! We run a series of intramural clubs such as the Classics Club and Certamen Club in which we groom students for written and oral competitions. Students have been successful both at the state and at national levels. The school has a very large and active chapter in the Massachusetts Junior Classical League and the National Junior Classical League. In recognition of the fact that our students can compete successfully with anyone anywhere, and that competition and socialization are an important part of learning, we participate every year in state and national events. See the Classics Club website for more information.

Technology Department

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on February 25, 2009
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INTRODUCTION

Boston Latin Academy continually strives to provide every student with the best possible education, preparing all students to function effectively in the society in which they live. Therefore, we believe all students at Boston Latin Academy must develop competencies in using and applying a broad range of technologies to support lifelong learning.

Boston Latin Academy ’s vision is to aid its students in becoming skilled, knowledgeable, independent, and self-directed learners who are comfortable with and proficient in using technology in all its forms as information resources. Through the use of technology, with its varied aspects and applications, each student at Boston Latin Academy will be afforded opportunities and challenges that will allow them to successfully engage the future.

History Department

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INTRODUCTION

History is more than memorizing a list of names and dates. History is everything that has happened since the beginning of time; however, that definition is so broad it would make it impossible to tell the story. Therefore, our study of history considers the period, which began five to six thousand years ago, when people began to keep records and continues to the present time.

Today we consider the study of history and social sciences to be an academic discipline – a formal field of study of definite time periods that we teach as year-long courses as World History, United States History, Economics and American Government.

Our goal is to prepare students to think critically about the events and issues that have shaped our past. Therefore, students are expected to develop the critical thinking skills that will enable them to: use historical perspectives; gain a cultural perspective; compare and contrast; problem solve; identify cause and effect; analyze; distinguish fact from opinion; identify values; hypothesize; evaluate; synthesize; understand geography; assess consequences, and take a stand.

Critical thinking is the reasoned judgment of information and ideas. These skills are needed if our students are to become effective citizens empowered to exercise their civil rights and assume responsibilities in a time when they are experiencing history every day.

Science Department

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BLA PARENTS SCIENCE SUPPORT GROUP
Boston Latin Academy is in the process of forming a science-focused parent group to work with Science faculty members and students. The aim of the group is to expose students to the excitement of science through various school-sponsored programs and to provide access to scientific opportunities in the greater Boston area. Current proposals for the group’s activities include, but are not limited to, revising the science fair, judging the science fair, providing science mentors for interested students and brainstorming avenues for students exposure to the Boston scientific community. If you are a parent with interest or expertise in science or medicine, or if you have contact with members of the Boston scientific or medical community and are interested in joining this group, please contact BLA teacher Mr. David Barry (dbarry3@boston.k12.ma.us ; 617–635-9957) or BLA parent, Dr. Louane Hann (617-413-4897) by November 15.

INTRODUCTION

The science program at BLA is designed to produce specifically literate students who will understand the scientific method; engage in and become adept at theories of the various sciences.

The grade 7-8 science program focuses on the development of science skills and habits. Course content in these years introduces the student to the basic principles of the biological, earth and physical sciences. During grades 9-12, students elect courses which emphasize the three scientific disciplines of biology, physics, and Advanced Placement level science courses.

Eight grade students whose academic record is clearly superior will be invited to take Honors Biology in the ninth grade. The primary purpose of taking Honors Biology as a freshman is to prepare high achieving students for advanced level work in the sciences. Any ninth grade student in either Biology or Honors Biology class who excels in their course work will be invited to enter the Honors Chemistry program in grade 10. Students who perform well in Honors Chemistry will be eligible for AP level science courses beginning in grade 11.

There are there college-level science courses offered as electives to senior/advanced junior students: AP Physics, AP Biology, and AP Chemistry. Students planning to take AP level courses must have a B- or better average in prior math and science courses, be recommended by a current science teacher, and approved by the science department chairman.

Mathematics Department

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INTRODUCTION

It is the goal of the mathematics department at Boston Latin Academy to improve student achievement by developing logical reasoning and problem solving skills. We demonstrate how mathematics makes sense through a clear problem-solving model, examples and plenty of practice. We help all students connect to the content with rich data that demonstrates the real world of relevance of mathematics. We prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world by integrating the use of technology in visualizing mathematical relationships and solving real life problems.

Guidance

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INTRODUCTION

By definition, a guidance counselor’s job is to help people choose a job or career. At Boston Latin Academy, our guidance counselors help with many more decisions. Boston Latin Academy guidance counselors assist students and parents to determine the right path to success. Guidance counselors meet with students to help them make the right decisions and excel academically. They can also provide help in dealing with personal issues such as anger/conflict management, dealing with death, personal growth, relationships, and academic studies. A guidance counselor is a resource person, a coordinator, a consultant, a person who helps teachers, adults, and parents. When you are in need of any assistance, our guidance counselors are willing to help.

Bus Schedule

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The following is list of AM and PM supplemental MBTA service for Boston Latin Academy. Please make sure to be on time.

AM

* 6:25AM from City Point to Dudley Square
* 6:29AM from Oak Square to Dudley Square
* 6:30AM from Charles River Loop to Dudley Square
* 6:30AM from Dedham Line to Ruggles Station
* 6:30AM from Wolcott Square to Ruggles Station

PM

* 1:55PM Townsend St. @ Warren St. to Ashmont Station
* 1:55PM Townsend St. @ Warren St. to Watertown Square
* 1:55PM Townsend St. @ Warren St. to City Point via Andrew Square
* 1:55PM Townsend St. @ Warren St. to Fields Corner
* 1:55PM Townsend St. @ Humboldt Ave. to Charles River via Forest Hills
* 1:55PM Townsend St. @ Humboldt Ave to Dedham Line
* 1:55PM Townsend St. @ Humboldt Ave to Forest Hills
* 1:55PM Townsend St. @ Humboldt Ave to Wren St. via Monument

School Store

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The Boston Latin Academy School Store is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 7:30 A.M. Students can show their school spirit by purchasing their Boston Latin Academy agendas here. We also carry some school supplies and a variety of items, for your convenience. We have pencils, pens, rulers, and batteries for those savvy TI-83 calculators. If you want to express your school spirit, we have sweatshirts, t-shirts, and fleece jackets, all with the school logo or school symbol inscribed on them. Come visit the school store!

Cheerleading

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JohnLe
on February 25, 2009
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INTRODUCTION

Cheerleading is much more than just a sport. It is an expression of school spirit, team leadership, and working well with a team. It is requires a commitment of time and effort as well as learning how to interact with people. We cheer for the football team at every game. We also cheer in front of the whole school on Spirit Day. Cheerleading also makes you work at keeping up your grades because we are seen as a role model to the younger students. Cheerleading is fun, time consuming, and a lot of hard work but it is worth it.

History

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Boston Latin Academy was founded in 1877 as Girls’ Latin School . The founding of the school was the result of citizen and parent participation and the intention to establish college preparatory training for girls. A plan to admit girls to Public Latin School was formed by the Massachusetts Society for the University Education of Women and Henry Durant, president of Wellesley College .

A committee was formed to discuss the issue. A petition with a thousand signatures was presented to the School Board in September 1877. The board referred the question to the subcommittee on high schools.

Meanwhile a group of parents met with the headmaster of Public Latin School and asked that their daughters be admitted. Although the headmaster was willing to teach the girls, he thought it best to wait for the subcommittee’s decision. Ultimately the subcommittee recommended that a separate Latin School for girls be established.

Girls’ Latin School opened on West Newton Street in Boston ’s South End in 1878. The school had only 37 pupils in its 3 classes. The first class graduated in 1880 with 6 members. The number of students grew each year. When the number of students exceeded 350 in 1898, the school committee moved the first four classes to a building in Copley Square while the fifth and sixth remained in the old building. In 1907, Girls’ Latin School moved into a new building, shared with Boston New School located on Huntington Avenue in the Fenway.

The school remained there until 1955, when Teachers’ College expanded, forcing Girls’ Latin School to relocate to the former Dorchester High School for Girls building located in Codman Square.

In 1972, the School Committee recognized a state law that ended sex discrimination in the two Latin Schools. Soon after, boys were accepted into the school and the name was changed to Boston Latin Academy.

In 1981, Latin Academy moved back into the Fenway area, this time to Ipswich Street, across from Fenway Park. It remained there until the summer of 1991, when it moved back again, this time to its present location in the former Roxbury Memorial building, located on Townsend in Dorchester.