year end report
2008-09
Table of Contents
B oston A rts A cademy
is a collaborative project between the
Boston Public Schools and the ProArts
Consortium, an association of six
internationally-known institutions of
higher learning.
Each specializes in the visual arts,
performing arts, or architecture: Berklee
College of Music, Boston Architectural
College, The Boston Conservatory,
Emerson College, Massachusetts College
of Art and Design, and the School of the
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Boston Arts Academy
A Boston Public Pilot School
Honorable Thomas M. Menino
Mayor, City of Boston
Dr. Carol R. Johnson
Superintendent
2008-09 Boston School Committee
Rev. Gregory G. Groover, Sr., D. Min, Chair
Marchelle Raynor, Vice-Chair
Helen Dájer
Alfreda Harris
Claudio Martinez
Michael D. O’Neill
Elizabeth G. Reilinger, Ph.D.
Mission
3
From the Co-Headmasters
4
From the Board of Trustees
5
Goals & Values
7
Schoolwide Highlights
8
Admissions
11
Meet Three Alumni
12
Students 2007-08
14
Benchmarks
16
Equity & Access
18
Arts Departments
19
Dance
Visual Arts
Music
Theatre
20
23
26
29
Gordon Gallery
31
Academic Departments
32
Humanities
World Languages
Science
Mathematics
33
34
35
36
College & Career Center
38
Technology
40
Retention
41
Family Involvement
41
BAA Board of Trustees 43
ProArts Consortium
44
Community Outreach
45
Community Partnerships & Relationships
46
Facilities
47
Council of Advocates
48
Student Support
49
Senior Institute
53
BAA/Fenway Library
54
Faculty & Staff
56
BAA Foundation
57
2008-2009 Year End Report
1
artists scholars citizens
•
•
BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY
2
Boston Arts Academy
Our Mission
Boston Arts Academy, a pilot school within the Boston Public
Schools, is charged with being a laboratory and a beacon
for artistic and academic innovation. Boston Arts Academy
prepares a diverse community of aspiring artist-scholars to
be successful in their college or professional careers and to be
engaged members of a democratic society.
2008-2009 Year End Report
3
From the Co-Headmasters
Dear Members of the BAA Community,
The dominant discourse in education these days is all
about counting and measuring. We see this in high stakes
standardized tests. BAA stands for something more
complex, more nuanced, and we believe, more exciting. We
witness this through the accomplishments of our creative
and imaginative faculty and students. One of our joys is the
opportunity to help lead this pace-setting community.
In May we were honored to bring Jorge Matta from Lisbon,
Portugal, for the American premiere of Vilancicos Negros
Co-Headmasters Linda Nathan and Carmen Torres
from the Monastery of Santa Cruz de Coimbra. Linda heard
this music performed by the Gulbenkian Choir in Lisbon
in 2005 and was determined to bring it to BAA. The music was completely captivating and relevant to our
students – representing a crossroads of cultures of the African and the Iberian peninsulas and the heritage
of so many BAA students. Faculty member Beth Willer’s creativity and hard work brought this dream to
the stage. BAA’s costume teacher, Seth Bodie, worked with students to design costumes that reflected the
cultural intersections. The students learned all of the dialects that the music required. Those days leading up
to the performance were harried and harrowing, but when Jorge stepped on stage to conduct we knew we had
marked a major milestone. BAA students were professionals. The world knew it too. Students (and faculty
as well as professional musicians from Emmanuel Music) performed this piece at Trinity Church to stunned
audiences. Thanks to the hard work of our Foundation president, Richard Grubman and his wife, Caroline
Mortimer, the world premiere of Vilancicos highlighted our 12th Benefit and raised significant dollars to
support our work.
Although the financial support is essential, even more critical was the certainty of the entire faculty and
student body about our ability to take a world stage. When young people have excellent teaching and
appropriate resources, anything is possible—including an American premiere of music from the 17th century
in another language!
In addition to our music department taking center stage, our entire Visual Arts department was honored
for excellence in art education by Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) at their graduation.
We are so proud of the accomplishments of our colleagues. Many BAA graduates have entered (and now
graduated from) MassArt. This year, our dance faculty had the opportunity to premiere their choreography
thanks to the generous support of the Surdna Foundation. For the first time, we had alumni dancing with
our current students in a piece choreographed by Artistic Dean Fernandina Chan. William McLaughlin also
premiered his piece Speak, that had emerged from his Surdna fellowship at Jacob’s Pillow, featuring an
all-male cast.
On page 12 of this Year End Report, we are profiling a few of our alumni. Now that we have a few years
of alums finishing college, we are taking stock of what our graduates tell us and how we can continue to
improve our core areas: arts, academics, and what we call wellness or citizenship.
We continued to examine various sites for the development of our grade 6-12 campus. We are hopeful that in
09-10 our Mayor will be able to designate a site for us to expand. All of our planning indicates the necessity
of starting earlier with young people and also of expanding our outreach work through our Center for Arts in
Education.
Finally, last year we not only re-affirmed and articulated the meaning of a scholar-artist-citizen at BAA, we
also improved our communication and decision-making structures throughout the organization. The ability
to be self-reflective as well as self-critical continues to be one of our greatest strengths. We hope that you
find this Year End Report filled with what we have done well and where we can do better. We invite your
responses to this report. Our interactions with you, our larger community, refine our work, invent new ways
of solving problems, connect to our core mission of educating our students, and create real ownership of what
we do.
Thank you for all that you have done to make this year a wonderful one.
Linda Nathan, Co-Headmaster
4
Boston Arts Academy
Carmen Torres, Co-Headmaster From the Board of Trustees
To the BAA Community:
As current Chair of the BAA Board of Trustees, I am delighted to reflect on
the past year’s many accomplishments. First, I would like to thank outgoing
Chair David Eppstein for his caring leadership of the Boston Arts Academy
Board of Trustees over the past three years. The school grew a great deal
during his tenure, and we are all grateful to him for outstanding service to
BAA.
The 2008-09 school year marked the beginning of BAA’s Act II. No longer
a new school, BAA is ready to continue accepting new challenges – most
notably planning for a middle school for the arts – and is embracing its role
as a “beacon for artistic and academic innovation” within the Boston Public
Schools. Through its Center for Arts in Education, BAA welcomes educators
from across the United States and from numerous foreign countries who
come to learn from our teachers and students as they search for new models
for their own schools. The 6th annual BAA Summer Institute for Arts in
Education, held in July, served 51 educators from such diverse places as
Boston, Missouri, New Jersey, and even Germany!
Kay Sloan presenting Linda Nathan
with the Morton R. Godine Medal.
BAA’s “beacon” work upholds the mission of pilot schools to function as a laboratory for innovation within the
Boston Public Schools. The unique dual curriculum, extended school day, and focus on school-wide literacy
work are just a few of the characteristics that make BAA a leader in urban education. But BAA never loses
the feel of a small school that nurtures and challenges its young artist-scholars to set high expectations for
themselves and their fellows students, both in the academic classroom and in the studio, practice room, or on
stage.
In recognition of BAA’s leadership both in the classroom and as an institution, it was my honor to present
Co-Headmaster Linda Nathan, Ed.D. with the Morton R. Godine Medal at the Massachusetts College of
Art and Design’s 2009 Commencement. MassArt awards the medal in recognition of the importance of an
individual’s part in expanding the role that art and design play in our communities. Linda continues to bring
what she terms, “the hardest questions” that educators must ask themselves to the forefront of the discussion,
and seeks to speak openly about issues such as race and achievement. She also champions consistent
professional growth and development among her faculty members, looking for ways that she can help foster
their improvement along the way.
The faculty at Boston Arts Academy is a remarkable group of educators both academically and artistically.
It was my added pleasure to present the Visual Arts Faculty of Boston Arts Academy with MassArt’s
Distinguished Educators of the Year Award, also during Commencement 2009. Founding faculty members
and MassArt alumnae Kathleen Marsh (Chair of the Department) and Beth Balliro were honored alongside
other MassArt alums Barrington Edwards and Guy-Michel Telemague for their dedicated service to Boston
Arts Academy and their students.
The Visual Arts faculty is not alone in its impressive and innovative work. BAA boasts numerous Teachers
of the Year, and Academic Dean Anne Clark is a recipient of the prestigious Milken Family Foundation
National Educator Award. But the heart and soul of Boston Arts Academy is its remarkable students. Their
sense of purpose and passion in the hallways is always palpably electric, and I look forward to deepening my
connection to the next classes of artist-scholar-citizens moving through the school during my term as Board
Chair.
With thanks and hopes for a successful 2009-10 school year,
Kay Sloan
Kay Sloan
President, Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Chair, BAA Board of Trustees
2008-2009 Year End Report
5
Our understanding of the importance of supporting one another in our artistic
endeavors and academic pursuits and through personal problems creates a spirit of
solidarity and cooperation that binds us together as a family.
6
Boston Arts Academy
—Gabriella silva
2009 RICO SPEAker
Goals & Values
2008-09 Schoolwide Goals
Seriousness of Purpose
1. We will better articulate the three core areas of our Boston Arts Academy sets high standards for how
program–Artist, Scholar, Citizen–and the culture
students approach their work. High standards for
and pedagogy that support these three areas.
arts and academics are not easy to maintain. In
order to develop the appropriate orientation towards
2.We will improve our communication and decisionlearning the Habits of a Graduate (RICO), students
making structures throughout the BAA community.
must learn to take their own education seriously.
Seriousness of Purpose is a phrase used to remind
Habits of the Graduate: RICO
students about the Habits of the Graduate.
Students and families will hear an ongoing refrain
throughout their time at BAA: How does my work
Dominant Ideologies
connect to the Habits of the Graduate? These
Dominant ideologies are bodies of ideas held by
habits are akin to the Habits of Mind described
cultural groups in political, social, racial and/
by the educational philosopher, John Dewey - the
or economic positions of power. Members of these
orientation towards learning that we wish our
groups are able to impose on the greater society
graduates to demonstrate. These habits also form
particular traditions, bodies of knowledge, discourse
the intellectual framework that our students and
styles, language uses, values, norms, and beliefs.
staff use in every classroom, arts and academic.
Often, these dominant ideologies are imposed at
They represent the best aspects of both the artistic
the expense of other values or beliefs, though these
and academic processes. We refer to them by the
situations are not openly acknowledged nor deeply
acronym “RICO”: Refine, Invent, Connect, and
understood.
Own.
• Refine Have I conveyed my message?
What are my strengths and weaknesses?
• Invent What makes this work inventive?
Do I take risks and push myself?
• Connect Who is the audience and how does
the work connect? What is the context?
• Own Am I proud of the work I am doing?
What do I need to be successful?
Shared Values
As an arts high school within the Coalition of
Essential Schools, BAA promotes and engenders:
• Passion with Balance
• Vision with Integrity
• Diversity with Respect
As a highly diverse community, Boston Arts
Academy is deeply committed to examining issues of
dominant ideologies as they pertain to curriculum,
teaching practices, and personal interactions
between students and among faculty, staff, parents,
and trustees. Boston Arts Academy recognizes that
issues of race, class, language, sexual orientation,
gender, or gender identity inevitably impact how
students learn, and how well they succeed while they
attend the school and after they graduate.
The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its
non-discrimination and zero tolerance policy, does not
discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment,
and educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age,
disability, sex, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation and
does not tolerate any form of intimidation, threat, coercion and/
or harassment that insults the dignity of others and interferes with
their freedom to learn or work.
• Community with Social Responsibility
2008-2009 Year End Report
7
Schoolwide Highlights
The graduating class of 2009 received $1,615,000 in college scholarships and
financial aid. This year 96% of our graduating seniors were accepted to college.
Boston Arts Academy music students, with members
of the Chorus and Orchestra of Emmanuel
Music, performed the North American Premiere
of Vilancicos Negros at the BAA Benefit in May.
This beautiful piece of 17th century music was
performed at Trinity Church under the direction
of Portuguese conductor Jorge Matta. One of the
highlights of the year, this performance was made
possible by generous support from NBT Charitable
Trust and The Gulbenkian Foundation. Thanks
as well to our partners: Emmanuel Music, The
Boston Symphony Orchestra Educational
Resource Center, Trinity Church, Trinity
Boston Foundation, and Centro de Estudos de
Sociologia e Estética Musical. BAA’s Center for Arts in Education administered
the 2009 Teachers as Artists program in the
Boston Public Schools. Eight arts teachers were
chosen to receive fellowships for summer study
through a competitive proposal process. The
fellowships, which were made possible by grants
from the Barr and Surdna Foundations, provide
funding for the individual teachers and for the
teachers’ schools.
BAA hosted the 2009 Pilot School Youth
Leadership Conference at Massachusetts
College of Art and Design along with the Center
for Collaborative Education. BAA Student
Government facilitated a dynamic conference
around the theme of Art is Action. Twenty-one
schools, 250 students, and four non-profit
community art centers participated.
In an effort to improve the quality of school lunches,
Student Government organized a closed campus
campaign for two weeks in February. By increasing
the number of lunches served, BAA began to
negotiate with the school district for improved
school lunches with more choices, increased
nutritional value, and better taste. Thanks to
Project Bread, Chef Kirk Conrad, a professional
chef with years of experience, now cooks lunch at
BAA once a week. Students are enjoying Chef Kirk’s
delicious and nutritious meals!
Co-Headmaster Linda Nathan and science
teacher Ramiro Gonzalez traveled to England
with students Michael Casey (theatre), Amaly
Miranda (music), Reno Rosales (visual arts), and
Sharon Frometa-Sanchez (dance) to participate
in the Human Scale School Conference. BAA was
the only school invited to the conference, which was
sponsored by the Gulbenkian Foundation.
BAA vocalists in costume at the premiere of Vilancicos Negros.
8
Boston Arts Academy
Mark Ludwig, Boston Symphony Orchestra violist
and founder/director of the Terezín Chamber
Music Foundation, led an interdisciplinary
project, studying the life and music of Czech
composer Hans Krása, a promising musician
who died in the Terezín concentration camp. The
project culminated in a concert at Symphony
Hall, which featured the Hawthorne String
Quartet and the BAA Lyric Choir, directed
by Jeff Colby. During the moving performance,
12 BAA visual arts students, led by Kathleen
Marsh and Katie Osediacz, painted along to the
music. Special thanks to the Boston Symphony
Orchestra Department of Education and Community Programs, composer/musician Thomas Oboe
Lee, and artist Jim Schantz for facilitating this
remarkable collaboration.
Visual Arts faculty members Kathleen Marsh, Beth Balliro, Guy-Michel Telemaque, and Barrington Edwards received
Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s Distinguished Art Educator Award.
Teacher and Leadership Awards
World Languages teacher Cara Livermore received
the Boston Educator of the Year Award.
Music Department Chair Greg Holt completed
the Principal Residency Network program.
Boston Arts Academy was honored at the
Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s
commencement ceremonies with two prestigious
awards. Visual Arts faculty members Kathleen
Marsh, Barrington Edwards, Guy-Michel
Telemaque, and Beth Balliro received the
Distinguished Art Educator Award, and
Co-Headmaster Linda Nathan was awarded
The Godine Medal, in recognition of her efforts
to expand the role that art and design play in our
communities.
Twelve teachers attended this year’s Faculty Artist
Retreat in Northampton, MA. Teachers from arts
and academic disciplines used their three-day
retreat to focus on their individual development
as artists. Thank you to the Surdna Foundation
for sponsoring this unique opportunity for our
artist-teachers. Humanities teacher Abdi Ali’s play
To Kill A Man, premiered at the BAA Theatre
Festival in November. The play was developed in
collaboration with theatre teacher/playwright John
ADEkoje and visual arts teacher Barrington
Edwards at BAA’s faculty artist retreat.
Artistic Dean Fernadina Chan was BAA’s
Artist-Teacher Fellow for 2008-09. During her
“mini sabbatical”, Ms. Chan re-choreographed her
2002 work Sleeper and Dream for the Rebound
Dance Festival in New Haven, Connecticut, and
created a new work entitled Jia Zi. The BAA
Artist-Teacher Fellowship Program is funded by
generous grants from the Surdna Foundation and
Barr Foundation.
Cara Livermore accepts her 2009 Boston Educator
of the Year award from the Honorable Mayor
Thomas M. Menino.
2008-2009 Year End Report
9
Student Highlights and Awards
Congratulations to the Underground Trio of Chris Juris, Max Ridley, and Gustavo Hernández who were
one of four Boston Public Schools acts selected by Fidelity FutureStage and The Boston Pops to perform
before a live audience at the May 20, 2009 Boston Pops concert at Symphony Hall. The young men were the
picture of professionalism, and several musicians in the Orchestra asked if they were really students. Bravo!
Jay Cottle received the 2009 Massachusetts Arts Education Collaborative’s Outstanding Student
Advocacy Award during a ceremony at the State House in May.
As the winners of an essay competition, Celine Berthaud, Katie Fornaro, Herline Louisia, Damon
Mallory, and José Rosado were selected for a special trip to Washington, D.C. They were accompanied
by humanities teacher Monika Aldarondo. While there, they visited Georgetown University, George
Washington University, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts,
toured the White House, and visited many of the city’s most famous landmarks. This trip was made possible
by a generous contribution from Costa Littas and Mimi McDowell, who accompanied the group on their
trip.
Peter Li, a 10th grade music major and Student Government member, testified on behalf of the state’s
Extended Learning Time Initiative, which supports BAA’s lengthened school day. Staff from Mass 2020,
which administers the initiative, noted that Peter spoke “passionately” about Boston Arts Academy, as
he told the committee that students are so connected to their teachers that they often don’t want to leave
school.
Ashwa Marshall won the School Spirit Award, and Student Government presented the first Annual
“Living the Shared Values” award to Kiara Thomas.
Student Body President Ashwa Marshall and Zakkiyah Sutton (class of 2008, former Student Body
President and Wellesley College freshman) traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Inauguration of
President Obama. The young women were invited to sing at the Greater DC Cares Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day of Service. BAA thanks The Charlotte Foundation for the generous grant that made this once-in-alifetime trip possible.
Costa Littas, Mimi McDowell, Damon Mallory, Katie Fornaro, Celine
Berthaud, José Rosado, and Herline Louisia in front of the U.S. Capital
Building.
10
Boston Arts Academy
Ashwa Marshall and Zakkiyah Sutton at the Presidential
Inauguration in Washington DC.
Admissions
Recruitment
Boston Arts Academy seeks a student body that
is passionate about the arts, eager to work and
learn together as a community, and that reflects
the diversity of the city of Boston. In reviewing
applications for admission, BAA seeks evidence of
the following qualities: potential and ability in the
arts; commitment and self-discipline to advance in
both artistic and academic studies; and the ability
to contribute to building a successful, supportive
and inclusive school community. In addition to these
factors, all applicants are required to be residents of
Boston.
BAA actively recruits new students from all Boston
2009 ADMISSIONS
Applicants
Year #
2007
2008
2009
Accepted
increase
#
increase
761
8%
155
8%
679
-11%
117
-25%
792
17%
139
19%
D EM O G RAP H I C S
792
APPLICATIONS
total
communities by targeting all middle schools and
arts teachers in the area. 2008-09 recruitment
efforts included:
• The annual Middle School Recruitment Fair, hosted
at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. All of
the arts departments worked together to present an
extraordinary performance. The event was attended
by 15 public and charter schools.
black
latino
337
203
white
79
other
72
asian
21
(43%)
(26%)
(10%)
(9%)
(3%)
native
american
12
(1%)
Data not received for for 8% of students
• BAA staff and students recruited at over 11 public
and charter schools. They also spoke to hundreds
of students and their families at four major high
school fairs. Students also visited Boston Ballet’s
Taking Steps program and the Cloud Foundation.
524
AUDITIONS
total
• Over 140 students attended an audition workshop
at BAA in December. Additional audition workshops
were held at the Edwards and Rogers schools.
• In January 2009, a special audition was held to
recruit new 9th and 10th graders for the current
school year. This filled slots that were vacated by
students for various reasons. Thirty-six students
auditioned, and 23 were accepted and enrolled.
black
latino
white
other
asian
228
130
54
43
22
(44%)
(25%)
(10%)
(8%)
(4%)
native
american
9
(2%)
Data not received for 7% of students
139
ACCEPTED
total
• The auditions for 2009-10 were attended by 524
applicants (of 792 total). 139 students were accepted
and completed the admissions process.
• The school held its first new student/parent
orientation in April, which was attended by 113
accepted students and their families.
black
latino
white
other
asian
60
41
21
5
9
(43%)
(30%)
(14%)
(4%)
(7%)
SEND I NG SC H O O LS
Applicants
Accepted
501 63%
95
68%
52
7%
15
11%
46
6%
9
7%
32
4%
2
1%
20
3%
14
10%
27
3%
3
2%
8
1%
1
1%
2008-2009 Year End Report
11
BPS
charter pilot private parochial public , not bps other not known 106 13%*
*Incomplete applications
native
american
3
(2%)
Meet Three Boston Arts Academy Alumni
Boston Arts Academy trains students as Artists, Scholars, and Citizens. Throughout
their years at BAA, students are challenged to develop artistically, academically, and
as engaged members of a democratic society.
BAA graduates are using their talent, skill, and passion to fulfill their aspirations and
contribute to their communities. Here are three alumni who embody the qualities of
Artist, Scholar, and Citizen.
Abraham Olivo
Instrumental Music, 2005
Berklee College of Music
Contemporary Writing & Production, Music Synthesis
Abraham came to Boston Arts Academy with less than a year of musical
instruction in piano. In his own words, he was “virtually untrained” when
he arrived and began lessons with his mentor, Ms. Harriet Lundberg. Ms.
Lundberg inspired Abraham and “gave him drive” to do the best he possibly
could. While here, he learned the foundations of classical music, and in 10th
grade, was introduced to what would become his life-long passion: jazz.
Mr. Olivo believes that he wouldn’t be the person he is today without BAA.
He feels blessed to have found this school, where “you study what you love
every single day in addition to getting an academic education.”
Abraham Olivo with Arts Dean Fernadina Chan
in 2010.
Abraham worked incredibly hard at BAA and earned a full scholarship to
his dream school: Berklee College of Music. While there he played in the
Berklee All Star Band and toured the country, playing a concert at the
White House. He is currently teaching private lessons in addition to his fulltime studies and looks forward to graduating in May 2010.
“My dream is to do the best I can, wherever I can. There are so many
unhappy people in the world, and if I can create change and happiness with
my music, I will be a fulfilled person.”
Abraham playing at WinterFest in his junior
year at BAA.
“Abraham represents one of the most focused, serious artists this school has ever seen. He took
advantage of every opportunity offered at BAA and found a way to learn every single day.”
-Greg Holt, BAA Music Department Chair
12
Boston Arts Academy
Taylor Oliveira
Dance, 2009
Galludet University, a leader in liberal education
for deaf and hard of hearing students.
Taylor Oliveira came to BAA from the Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing. She worked hard throughout her four years of high school, both pursuing her
love of dance and excelling in academics. As Taylor says, “BAA is special to me because it
was the place that best prepared me for college. In addition, BAA had the art that I felt
very passionate about, which was dance.”
In her senior year at BAA, Taylor received the Galludet University Leadership Award.
She is attending Galludet on a merit scholarship, where she is studying education. Of her
plans for the future, Taylor says, “I hope to either become a nurse or teacher for the deaf.
I would also like to start a dance company and teach young deaf children and adults dance.”
Taylor Oliveira with Susan Mantel at
graduation, 2009.
Taylor’s family has strong ties to BAA. She credits the school with helping her and her sisters attend college. “BAA has
really prepared me for college – beyond what I thought. Both of my older sisters attended BAA and now go to college at
UMASS Boston. We are the first in our family to go to college.”
“Taylor displayed a growing curiosity and interest in the world around her, which drove
her to explore her academics in a determined way. She worked hard to overcome obstacles
to learning, and made meaningful connections that helped her succeed.” –Susan Mantel, BAA Deaf Educator and Advisor
Stephanie Gerard
Theatre, 2006
Wheaton College
International Politics and Spanish Studies
It is Stephanie Gerard’s dream to serve in public office, helping immigrant and
inner-city families. She began her civic life at BAA as a Student Ambassador.
The summer after graduating, Stephanie accepted a position as an intern for
Ambassador Swanee Hunt, at Hunt Alternatives’ ArtWorks for Kids. The following
summer, she obtained another internship in the office of City Councilor Mike
Ross. Her work with Councilor Ross’ constituents cemented her goal to become an
advocate for those marginalized or ignored in society. In 2008, Stephanie spent
an exciting summer in Washington DC, working in the office of Senator John
Kerry. As personal intern to the Office Manager, she got a close look at a complex
organization and left even more determined to follow her dream.
With only a few months to go until graduation from Wheaton College, where she
was awarded a full scholarship, Stephanie reflects on her time spent at BAA. “As
a student, BAA taught me not to shy away from hard work, deadlines, and loss
of sleep, which really prepared me for my time at Wheaton. As an artist, BAA
equipped me with all the tools needed for public office and as a citizen, BAA taught
me to fight for what I believe in, because I can! In all honesty, BAA truly molded
me into the person I am now.”
Stephanie Gerard, at the 2009 Alumni
Reception.
Stephanie with Senator John F. Kerry
“Stephanie is an enthusiastic and resourceful young woman-a great communicator. Her
desire to serve in public office became clear to all who met her when she interned in my
office at City Hall. She is a bright light and has a great future in the public sector.”
–Mike Ross, Boston City Council President
2008-2009 Year End Report
13
Students 2008-2009
“WHATEVER drives you, your PASSION - the arts, sciences, humanities - it will fill you
It will MOTIVATE, URGE, and PROMOTE you”
— Yamira Serret
Co-valedictorian 2009
Boston Arts Academy Class of 2009
Boston Arts Academy Students 2008-09
baa ’ s demographics compared to boston public
schools total , bps high schools and the city of boston .
4 09 T otal
by major
by gender
by ethnicity
all bps
all bps high schools
city of boston
55,923 total
18,037 total
589,000 total *
black ,
dance
83 (20%)
black
inst . music
180 (44%)
black ,
38%
black ,
latino ,
female
74 (18%)
24%
42%
250 (61%)
14%
vocal music
91 (22%)
latino
130 (32%)
latino ,
38%
latino ,
34%
white ,
49%
asian ,
7%
other ,
6%
theatre
76 (19%)
male
159 (39%)
visual arts
85 (21%)
white
69 (17%)
asian
16 (4%)
14 (3%)
other
14
Boston Arts Academy
white , 13%
white , 13%
asian ,
asian ,
other ,
9%
2%
other ,
10%
1%
*2000
census data
9th GR ADE
C la ss o f 2012
104 T otal
1 0 th G RAD E
Cl ass of 20 1 1
128 T otal
1 1 th G RAD E
Cl a s s o f 2 0 1 0
98 T otal
1 2 th G R A DE
Cl a s s o f 2 0 0 9
79 T otal
by race
by race
by race
by race
black
47 (45%)
black
latino
latino
37 (36%)
white
asian
asian
other
other
14 (13%)
7 (6%)
1 (1%)
55(4%)
(5%)
white
nat .asian
amer .
other
average daily Attendance
46 (35%)
black
44 (45%)
black
black
43 (54%)
latino
36 (37%)
latino
14 (18%)
white
18 (23%)
asian
other
3 (4%)
1 (1%)
43 (34%)
28 (22%)
9 (9%)
1 (1%)
6 (6%)
3 (3%)
white
nat . amer .
asian
other
(1%)
61 (5%)
5 (4%)
Free/Reduced* Lunch
residence
boston arts
‘07-’08
93.0%
academy
‘08-’09
92.2%
boston public schools
72%
boston public schools
91.9%
boston arts academy
62%
pilot high schools
88.8%
BPS Pilot High Schools: Another Course to College,
Boston Arts Academy, Boston Community Leadership
Academy, Boston Day & Evening Academy, English High
School, Fenway High School, Greater Egleston Community
High School, Health Careers Academy, New Mission High
School, and TechBoston Academy
*defined
for the
as $27,560
2008-09
(free)
school year
BAA’s students
represent a
wide range of
Boston’s many
neighborhoods.
annual income and
$39,220 ( reduced) for a family of four .
dorchester
36%
roxbury
12%
boston
12%
hyde park
10%
mattapan
8%
roslindale
6%
jamaica plain
5%
allston brighton
4%
west roxbury
3%
2%
2%
mission hill
charlestown
2008-2009 Year End Report
15
Benchmarks
2009 MCAS RESULTS
MCAS 2009
• Math test: 97% of BAA students passed. This
exceeds the district passing rate by 11% and the
state passing rate by 5%. These scores represent an
increase over last year, when 91% of the students
passed the test.
• Math performance level scores reflected strong
Scores may not add to 100% due to rounding
MATHEMATICS, incl. 2 previous years
2007
2008
2009
advanced
19%
15%
31%
proficient
35%
35%
37%
needs
32%
42%
growth: 68% of BAA students scored in the Proficient
or Advanced categories, compared to 50% in 2008.
• Starting with the class of 2010, students who do not
score Proficient or higher on the ELA MCAS will
have to retake the MCAS if they fail, or satisfy an
Educational Proficiency Plan if they score Needs
Improvement. BAA students who scored Needs
Improvement for this year should be able to satisfy
their Educational Proficiency Plans through their
regular course work during grades 11 and 12.
• English Language Arts (ELA) test: 98% of BAA
students passed. This exceeds the district passing
rate by 7% and the state passing rate by 2%. The
ELA scores represent a slight decrease from 2008,
when 99% of students passed the test.
• ELA performance level scores also reflected strong
growth: 80% of BAA students scored in the Proficient
or Advanced categories, compared to 66% in 2008.
30%
improvement
failing
14%
9%
3%
english language arts, incl. 2 previous years
2007
2008
2009
advanced
8%
4%
10%
proficient
47%
62%
70%
needs
44%
• Science test: 96% of BAA students passed. This
exceeds the district passing rate by 12% and the
state passing rate by 5%. These scores represent an
increase over last year, when 90% of students passed
the test.
• Like Math and ELA, Science performance level
scores reflected strong growth: 49% of BAA students
scored in the Proficient or Advanced categories,
compared to 25% in 2008.
improvement
34%
18%
failing
1%
1%
2%
science, incl. 2 previous years
2007
2008
2009
advanced
1%
1%
0%
proficient
22%
24%
49%
needs
55%
66%
48%
22%
10%
4%
improvement
failing
16
Boston Arts Academy
SAT Scores
BAA’s SAT scores decreased from the previous year, which was a disappointing development. The school is working
on a new approach to SAT preparation, which includes on-site teacher training and a new design for SAT prep classes.
Students are now grouped by PSAT scores, allowing teachers to tailor the SAT prep classes to their students’ levels. We
are hopeful that this new approach will help students perform better in 2010.
2009 SAT RESULTS
6 2 St u dents T ested
a v erage scores
critical
reading
math
writing
total
score
baa
418
415
414
1247
national
501
515
493
1509
distribution O F baa SC O RES in each section
numbers indicate number of students who scored in a given range ,
with percentage of the total testing group they represent
Range
600-690
critical
reading
mathematics
3
w riting
5%
Range
3
1
600-690
5%
2%
500-590
9 (15%)
8 (13%)
14 (23%)
500-590
400-490
22 (35%)
29 (46%)
10 (16%)
400-490
300-390
23 (37%)
19 (31%)
31 (50%)
300-390
200-290
5 (8%)
5 (8%)
4
200-290
6%
AVE RA G E SC O RES BY G END ER
# tested (% of total )
average score
46 (74%)
female
16 (26%)
male
1281
1150
data is f o r h i g h sc h ool g r aduates in t h e y ea r 2009 .
in f o r m ation is su m m a r i z ed f o r senio r s w h o too k t h e SAT at an y ti m e du r in g t h ei r h i g h sc h ool y ea r s
t h r ou g h m a r c h 20 09 .
i f a student too k t h e test m o r e t h an once , t h e m ost r ecent sco r e is used .
2008-2009 Year End Report
17
Equity & Access
In 2008-09, BAA continued to focus on ensuring that all
students have access to the full range of resources that the
school offers, and that the faculty is delivering content in
an equitable manner. As in past years, BAA used data on
student performance to help narrow the achievement gap
between low and middle income students, and students
of color and white students. Both internal (Honor Roll,
Sophomore Review, Senior Project) and external (MCAS
and SAT exams) assessments help BAA improve academic/
arts supports and pursue additional resources. Professional
development, student and parent presentations, and
ongoing study have promoted conversations within the BAA
community that address underlying issues related to student
achievement.
Some of the specific strategies and programs that have
arisen as a result of these discussions are:
Summer Reading Program
BAA’s four-week Summer Reading Program (SRP) serves
both students who have significant literacy issues, and
teachers who want to learn how best to support struggling
readers in their classrooms. Under the direction of Dr.
Isabel Phillips, a leader in the field of adolescent literacy,
this program helps students improve reading skills, and
helps teachers gain the skills they need to better support
students.
All 9th and 10th grade students who are reading two or more
grade levels below their actual grade are recommended for
the SRP. Data from the 2009 program shows that in just
four weeks, students made significant gains in oral reading
accuracy and fluency. On a test where students must read
increasingly difficult passages aloud, 76% of 41 students
improved their oral reading skills by at least one grade level,
and 46% improved by two or more grade levels. When tested
on silent reading skills, 93% of the students made significant
gains in reading comprehension.
While students make great progress in the SRP, data from
the end of the 2008-09 school year showed that students
need consistent instruction during the school year in order
to continue to make progress. One of BAA’s major initiatives
for 2009-10 is to raise funds to provide year-round literacy
instruction for struggling readers.
Dual Certification
In an effort to better serve special needs students and nonnative English speakers, BAA strongly encourages and
supports the pursuit of additional certification in special
education and English Language Learning (ELL) by all
teachers and staff. This effort has helped increase BAA’s
capacity to serve its diverse special needs population,
English Language Learners, and at-risk students. This year,
Susan Mantel became a certified ELL teacher, and Mary
Keyes became a certified Reading Specialist. There are
currently five BAA teachers with dual certification in Special
Education Moderate Disabilities, and two certified Reading
Specialists on the faculty. Ramiro Gonzalez and Mark
Lonergan are certified Massachusetts English Language
Assessment-Oral (MELA-O) Trainers, allowing them to
train other teachers to be MELA-O Administrators, thus
improving services for ELL students.
18
Boston Arts Academy
MCAS/SAT Prep Program
MCAS and SAT preparation classes give students
additional academic support in the areas of reading,
writing, mathematics, and study skills/test taking
strategies. This year, the school piloted a new approach to
SAT preparation classes. In addition to sending teachers
to training courses offered by The Princeton Review,
BAA offered additional professional development courses
on-site. Dr. Isabel Phillips ran a teacher-training
workshop in SAT prep and consulted on the design of the
SAT prep classes. Students were grouped by PSAT score
levels, allowing teachers to tailor the SAT prep classes
to their students’ levels. Students in the lowest scoring
group received instruction in vocabulary development,
reading fluency, and comprehension strategies. This
approach helped teachers meet students’ needs better, and
improved all students’ chances for doing well on the SAT
test.
Dual Enrollment
BAA juniors and seniors with strong grade point averages
may enroll for college credit at ProArts Consortium
colleges as part of their regular academic curriculum. In
2008-09, 20 students took advantage of the opportunity to
earn college credit at Berklee College of Music, The Boston
Conservatory, Emerson College, and Massachusetts
College of Art and Design.
Open Auditions
Boston Arts Academy holds open auditions to encourage
all Boston students to pursue BAA as an option for
high school. Artistic ability and/or potential are the
determining factors for acceptance, rather than prior
academic record. BAA works closely with Boston Public
middle schools to encourage all students with a strong
interest in the arts to apply. The process creates an open
invitation for all students, regardless of academic ability.
Interpreting Department
Since the inception of Boston Arts Academy, the inclusion
of students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing has
always been a part of the school’s vision. The Interpreting
Department provides American Sign Language/English
interpretation and transliteration services.
Arts Departments
Dance Department
Visual Arts Department
Music Department
Theatre Department
Students at Boston Arts Academy major in one of four arts areas: Dance, Theatre, Music
(Vocal or Instrumental), or Visual Art. Arts curricula are developed by Arts Academy
faculty working in cooperation with ProArts faculty and other outside resources with an
eye to state and national arts standards. In addition to working with instructors from
the Arts Academy and from the ProArts Consortium, students have the opportunity
to work with a variety of professional artists—local, national, and international. Every
major has a senior exit benchmark: recital, choreography/performance project, senior
showcase, or exhibition.
2008-2009 Year End Report
19
Dance Department
The Dance curriculum is a rigorous and comprehensive program of study, designed
to provide professional training that prepares students for further study at
post-secondary institutions or a career in dance.
In addition to technique and dance styles, students study choreography, dance
history, healthful living, dance production and technologies. The curriculum helps
students develop discipline, technical skills, and expression, while challenging their
creativity and critical thinking. Technical training for dance majors is focused primarily on classical ballet and
modern dance. Dance majors also have the opportunity to study other styles including
jazz, tap, and West African dance as part of the core curriculum. A variety of somatic
training such as Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, and yoga are incorporated into students’
technical training.
2008-09 department goals
• The arts component will be a substantial, and not arbitrary, element of a
student’s digital portfolio.
• We will be transparent in our development of the benchmark process so that
students, faculty, and parents can better articulate what it means to be an
artist/scholar.
Senior Dance 2009
progress toward goals
Performers in Ergonx2 at Boston University Dance Theater.
20
Boston Arts Academy
• Dance teachers explored available technology for the
senior digital portfolio and experimented with student blogs in
the junior choreography class.
• The dance team designed juries for each grade that allowed
students and faculty to assess their progress in dance
technique.
• A co-chair model was developed for the department by
Fernadina Chan and Sheryl Pollard-Thomas.
• The dance department built a sense of community through
monthly celebrations of birthdays and highlights from class.
Faculty Highlights
The dance department welcomed ballet instructors Tai Jiménez,
former principal dancer with Boston Ballet and Dance Theater
of Harlem, and Christopher Alloways-Ramsey, former soloist
with Ballet West and dance faculty at The Boston Conservatory
and Jeannette Neill Dance Studio.
Artistic Dean Fernadina Chan was BAA’s Artist-Teacher
Fellow for 2008-09 (see Schoolwide Highlights on page 9).
Fernadina Chan and William McLaughlin presented Ergon
X2, a public performance of their work in May at the Boston
University Dance Theater. This was the culmination of Ms.
Chan’s BAA Artist-Teacher Fellowship and Mr. McLaughlin’s
Surdna Artist-Teacher Fellowship.
Members of A Chorus Line conducting a master class.
Curriculum Highlights
New classes were added to the lower house
curriculum: Body Conditioning, GYROKINESIS®,
Character Dance, Beginning Pointe, and Jazz. A
Men’s class was offered to all male dancers.
Students attended performances by the Boston
Ballet, the Philadanco Dance Company, and
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. The Hubbard
Street performance was followed by a visit from
renowned dance critic Iris Fanger.
The Saturday Dance Outreach Program, under the
direction of Sheryl Pollard-Thomas, held its third
year of classes for middle school students. Over 40
students took courses in modern/jazz.
Fernadina Chan spoke about her work as an arts educator
on a panel for the Race, Culture, Identity, and Achievement
Seminar Series. The Seminar Series brings nationally recognized
scholars, researchers, and practitioners to Boston. The series
hopes to deepen understanding of what it takes to normalize high
academic achievement for students of color.
Summer Study in the Arts
Thanks to generous funders including Daniel and Susan
Rothenberg, and Gordon Bemis and Family, dance
majors received numerous scholarships to attend the following
prestigious summer programs: the Bates College Dance Festival,
The Boston Conservatory Summer Dance Program, Boston
University’s REACH program, Boston Ballet Summer Program,
DeSalle College, Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts, Goucher
College Summer Dance Intensive, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival,
José Mateo’s Ballet Theatre, Jeannette Neill Dance Studio, and
the University of Illinois Summer Dance Program.
BAA hosted the Celebrity Series’ five-week Act
2 program again this year. BAA senior Brett Bell
served as an intern for the program, and BAA alum
Delinda Sales was one of the teachers.
Student Achievements
Eight students traveled to the Regional High
School Dance Festival in Norfolk, VA where they
auditioned for colleges and scholarships to summer
programs. All four juniors were awarded and/or
considered for multiple scholarships from many
prestigious summer programs, and seniors were the
favorite picks of many college recruiters.
Congratulations to the following dance majors
for receiving college and summer scholarships:
Michael Baugh, Celine Berthaud, Judelle
Cummins, Fedner Dorrelus, Sharon FrometaSanchez, and Gabriela Silva.
Ergon x2 at Boston University Dance Theater.
ThisThat Show No. 2, a compendium of dance,
poetry, and music curated by Daniel McCusker and
performed at Green Street Studios, featured works
by senior Phania Exavier and alumna Adriane
Brayton.
2008-2009 Year End Report
21
Performances
Dancers performed works by Christopher
Alloways-Ramsey and William McLaughlin at
the State Street Volunteer Awards presentation.
BAA joined The Boston Children’s Choir in
a repeat performance of Fernadina Chan’s
choreography to Dravidian Dithyramb at the
opening of the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
Dancers performed Martha Mason’s Onward and
an excerpt of Dr. Glory Van Scott’s Urban Canaan
for the BAA Recruitment Fair.
Continuing a collaboration begun last year with the
Boston Children’s Chorus, William McLaughlin
choreographed a dance piece for male BAA dancers
to the song Zikr, for their nationally-televised
Martin Luther King Concert at Jordan Hall.
The Senior Dance Concert at English High School in
February was a tremendous success. BAA presented
an abbreviated concert in the morning for English
High students, and performed for a packed house in
the evening.
Visiting Artists/Master Classes
Choreographer Dianne McIntyre conducted a
two-week residency, working intensively with
juniors and seniors on choreography, and giving
improvisation and composition workshops to the
freshman and sophomore classes. This wonderful
experience for the dance department was made
possible by a generous grant from the Surdna
Foundation.
Lighting designer Nancy Goldstein gave a
three-day Lighting 101 workshop for upper house
students.
The Surdna Foundation also funded short
residencies by Kevin Wynn, contemporary
choreographer and associate professor at SUNY
Purchase, and choreographer Sean Curran.
Dance students were treated to a number of exciting
master classes this year, including: California
Institute for the Arts dance chair Stephan
Koplowitz and faculty member Andre Tyson,
members of the Broadway touring company of A
Chorus Line, company members from Philadanco,
members of the Joe Goode Performance Group,
and members of Chunky Move from Australia.
Special thanks to Broadway Across America,
World Music/CRASHarts, and Northeastern
University for sponsoring these artists.
BAA Dancers and Artistic Dean Fernadina Chan with Artist-in-Residence, choreographer Dianne McIntyre.
22
Boston Arts Academy
Visual Arts Department
The Visual Arts curriculum is organized thematically by grade. Throughout
their four years at BAA, students experience a wide variety of media, including
digital art. Students also gain curatorial skills, practice critique and analysis
skills, and study art history and art context.
Senior visual arts majors create and organize an individual curriculum,
document their process, identify community needs for their work, create and
schedule monthly critiques, and curate and execute a senior exhibit.
2008-09 department goals
• Examine and improve departmental climate and culture.
• Hold a curriculum tuning protocol that addresses critical questions.
• Deepen scope of the exhibitions of student work and understanding
of exhibition as an assessment tool.
• Research different publication venues, including blogs.
• Understand connection between discipline as a student and an artist.
• Develop a Looking At Student Work protocol.
• Develop a review for new juniors.
• Develop a survey/manual on discipline with juniors.
• Develop a beginner’s guide with an assessment.
• Have a departmental retreat after tuning protocol.
Banana, Hannah Campolo-Rich, grade 12
progress towards goals
• The department held a tuning protocol that involved all visual arts faculty
and outside experts. The group examined the curriculum with a focus on
21st century skills, design, balancing skill and risk, and collaboration with
community groups.
• The 4th floor gallery was used as an open space for personal student work
in term 4. A Post-It note affirmation wall was started as a way for students
and teachers to acknowledge each other publicly.
• Two departmental blogs were developed after researching several venues
for the exhibition of student work and VA school life.
• The department continues to examine: the student curriculum versus the
teacher curriculum; a protocol for 9th and 11th grades; and clarity for 10th
and 12th grades.
• New juniors were reviewed during the sophomore review process. The
juniors wrote a manual on discipline, which the next junior class will
continue to develop.
• The department articulated and defined a common vocabulary.
• A beginner’s guide for rising sophomores was piloted, and will be refined
next year.
• A departmental retreat was not held.
2008-2009 Year End Report
23
Faculty Highlights and Awards
The VA department welcomed intern alum Katie
Osediacz to the department. She took over for
Beth Balliro, who was on maternity leave for the
year.
Guy-Michel Telemaque received a grant from
the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to
attend a conference on teaching art to students
with disabilities at the Lab School in Washington,
DC.
Barrington Edwards collaborated with fellow
faculty Abdi Ali and John ADEkoje on the
original piece To Kill A Man, which premiered at
the BAA Theatre Festival.
Beth Balliro collaborated with Fernadina Chan
on her new dance piece Jia Zi.
Curriculum Highlights
Twelve visual arts students and teachers Kathleen
Marsh and Katie Osediacz painted live as
the Hawthorne String Quartet performed at
Symphony Hall, during a concert sponsored by
the Terezín Chamber Music Foundation (see
Schoolwide Highlights on page eight for details).
Junior visual arts students spent an afternoon with
artist Michael Mazur at his studio in Cambridge.
Mr. Mazur shared a variety of works and spoke
about what it means to be a working artist,
particularly about the passion that must come from
within. Sadly, Mr. Mazur passed away in August.
We are grateful for his generosity towards our
young artists in sharing his work, experience and
spirit.
Senior visual arts students traveled with theater
seniors to New York City to visit with artist/
filmmaker Julian Schnabel at his studio.
Kathleen Marsh and Barrington Edwards
took a group of five ninth graders to Storm King
Art Center in Mountainville, New York to attend
the opening of Wave Field, a new permanent
instillation by Maya Lin.
A BAA student and VA teacher view Wave Field, by Maya Lin
The junior VA class visited the studio of Michael Mazur.
24
Boston Arts Academy
Summer Study in the Arts
David Wang and Stacy Arman were selected to
participate in the Youth Design Boston summer
internship program, founded by Denise Korn and
run in partnership with the American Institute of
Graphic Arts and the Private Industry Council.
Yoselin Rodriguez attended the Putney School
summer program in Vermont. Thanks to Gordon
Bemis and Family, The Jane Marrow Fund
at BAA, and the Putney School for providing
scholarship support.
Maria Ticona was awarded a full scholarship to
attend the School of the Museum of Fine Arts
pre-college summer program.
Self portrait, Ali Özdemir, grade 12
Student Achievements
Seniors Julia Andreasson and Ali Özdemir
were awarded Grace N. Aznive Visual
Arts Scholarships by the Boston Public
Schools. Both students currently attend the
Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
VA students participated in an anti-theft/safety
campaign with the Boston Police Department,
Boston School Police, and Boston Transit
Police Department. Sophomore Ricardo Reid
won the design competition and his poster was
displayed prominently throughout the city in an
effort to reduce cellphone theft. Special thanks to
Kelly Nee, Sergeant Detective of the School Police
Unit, who facilitated the project.
Junior Jasmine Lee attended the semester-away
program at the Oxbow School, a private visual
arts school in California, on a full scholarship.
Karen Phung was awarded a full scholarship to
attend the Massachusetts College of Art and
Design’s summer program.
Visiting Artists/Master Classes
South African Artist Philemon Hlungane from
Artist Proof Studio visited with 9th grade visual
artists.
Artist and curator Ekua Holmes worked with
the eleventh grade exhibitions class during her
residency funded by The Clowes Fund.
Paul Stopforth, artist and faculty at the School of
the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), Boston, gave
a gallery talk about his work to sophomores.
Bill Flynn, also of the SMFA, gave an artists’ talk
to seniors.
Alumnus Jose Santiago helped VA students create
a published piece that features their work as young
urban artists.
Animator Dave Schlafman visited with 9th grade
visual artists.
Katie Colonna was accepted to and participated
in Worcester Art All State, a state-wide
competition for high school juniors.
Senior Jade Thacker is BAA’s first student to be
accepted to the School of the Museum of Fine
Arts.
Junior Jia Lin Li received an Artistic Merit
Award in the Arts & Business Council’s 2008
holiday card contest.
Seven visual art students won awards at the 2009
Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards. The
winning works of art were on display at the State
Transportation Building. Julia Andreasson:
Gold Key, Antonio Barbosa: Honorable Mention,
Hannah Campolo-Rich: two Honorable
Mentions, Ali Özdemir: Gold Key, Silver Key, two
Honorable Mentions, Jade Thacker: Gold Key,
two Honorable Mentions, David Wang: Silver Key,
Josephine Yu: Silver Key, Honorable Mention.
Ties that Bind, mixed media, Ekua Holmes, 2008
2008-2009 Year End Report
25
Music Department
All music students take four years of foundation courses in music history, music
theory (including rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic diction), vocal technique, and
keyboarding. Students also take music and technology courses, with an emphasis
on sound design and computer-assisted composition.
Upperclass music students are assigned a private teacher. Through private
lessons, students learn proper technique, performance practice, and repertory
study. Finally, music students have the opportunity to perform in at least
one ensemble per school year. Emphasis in all ensembles is on musicianship,
performance practices, music reading, ensemble playing/singing, intonation and
(where appropriate) improvisation.
2008-09 department goals
• Establish a common and consistent experience for
all music students, vocal and instrumental.
• Establish a clearly-defined Grade 10 Benchmark
and help students prepare for the event.
• Assume responsibility for the performance portion
of this year’s BAA Benefit.
Winterfest Jazz 2008
progress towards goals
Winterfest Chamber Music 2008
26
Boston Arts Academy
•Best practices were shared during weekly team meetings.
•Teachers worked to standardize assessment practices, including the Jury Rubric.
•All students kept practice logs which they turned in every week, and wrote one
reflection every term on a concert they had attended.
•Consistent music department policies were developed and posted in all rooms.
•A Benchmark Prep class was created for all 10th graders to help students
prepare for their sophomore recitals. Students learn how to present a recital,
research and write program notes, and work with accompanists.
•The performance of Vilancicos Negros at the BAA Benefit helped establish the
school’s presence in Boston’s classical music circles, and helped establish high
expectations for students in the music department.
Curriculum Highlights
BAA happily welcomed the gift of a Hammond Organ
to the music department. The 500-pound instrument
with speaker, pedalboard and bench, was generously
donated to the school by the Concord Baptist Church
of which our own Tyrone Sutton is Assistant Music
Director.
BAA jazz ensembles did very well at festivals this
year. At the Berklee College High School Jazz
Festival, the Charlie Brown Blues Band and the
BAA Big Band, under the direction of Matt Clauhs,
and the jazz vocal group Ladies First, under the
direction of Tyrone Sutton, performed. The Charlie
Brown Blues Band won second place, and the Big
Band won third place in their respective categories.
The Big Band won first place at the University of
New Hampshire Jazz Festival, and the Jazz Trio
won a first place gold medal at the International
Association of Jazz Education Festival.
Eleven music majors took courses at Berklee College
of Music through BAA’s dual enrollment program.
Vocal students attended dress rehearsals of Opera
Boston’s Der Freishutz, and the Handel and Haydn
Society’s performance of Haydn’s Coronation Anthems.
Student Achievements
Erica Telisnor was the student representative for
Berklee’s City Music Program at the Coming Up
Taller Awards ceremony, held at the White House.
In attendance was First Lady Laura Bush. The
City Music All Stars, many of whom are BAA alums,
performed at the ceremony.
BAA’s Underground Jazz Trio of Gustavo
Hernandez, Chris Juris and Max Ridley was
selected by Fidelity FutureStage and The Boston
Pops to perform on stage before a live audience at the
May 20, 2009 Boston Pops concert.
Taylor Duross, Danielle Lennox-Heichman,
Amanda Lewis, and Katerine Vicente helped
coach beginning string students at the school district’s
StringFest, held at Symphony Hall.
Clarinetist Leslie Pina received the Harry Ellis
Dickson award for music study from the Boston
Classical Orchestra. Vocalist Christian Sanchez
received an honorable mention.
Visiting Artists & Master Classes
BAA music students were treated to master classes with
many wonderful musicians, including: jazz artist Geri
Allen, the Cantata Singers, saxophonist Ron Carter
from Northern Illinois University, jazz bassist and
composer Jeff Green, Berklee Professor and BAA parent
Bernardo Hernandez and his Latin jazz ensemble, and
jazz artist Steve Kuhn,
The a cappella group Shades, from Yale University,
performed for BAA students. Thanks to The Charlotte
Foundation for bringing this group to BAA.
Freshman Kalea Pollman performed at Governor
Deval Patrick’s Presidential Inaugural Ball in Boston.
Cara Perakis and Christian Sanchez were selected
to represent the school at the 2009 All-State Festival.
Guitarist Chris Juris was awarded “Most
Outstanding Musician” at the 2009 Berklee College
High School Jazz Festival. Vocalist Franchesca
Phillip and Chris Juris. Each took judges’ Choice
Awards as well.
Congratulations to BAA seniors/alumni who were given
full scholarships to attend Berklee College of Music:
Sean Alexander (class of ’07), Gerami Groover,
Chris Juris, Nora Lutz, Jennifer Manzanillo,
Mariano Neris, Christina Rodriguez, and Jesse
Taitt.
Vilancicos Negros at Trinity Church
2008-2009 Year End Report
27
Student Performances
Boston Arts Academy music students, with
members of the Chorus and Orchestra of
Emmanuel Music, performed the North
American Premiere of Vilancicos Negros at the
BAA Benefit in May (see Schoolwide Highlights
on page eight for details).
Instrumentalists participated in the BPS CityWide Instrumental Festival held at Boston
University. Christopher Parris conducted the
citywide elementary band.
BAA string students participated in the 3rd
annual String Festival at the Roland Hayes
School of Music. The night also included BAA’s
String Outreach Program now called “Academy
Strings.”
Matt Clauhs and his jazz students played in
monthly jam sessions at Cesaria’s in Dorchester.
The Select Choir, under the direction of Beth
Willer, performed for the annual tree lighting
ceremony on Boston Common, at Children’s
Hospital, in Downtown Crossing, and at the State
House.
This year’s Winterfest featured chamber music
groups under the direction of Jayne West and
Chris Parris, the Concert and Select Choirs
under the direction of Beth Willer, the Concert
Band under the direction of Chris Parris, the
Lyric Choir under the direction of Jeff Colby, the
String Ensemble under the direction of Bryan
Brash, the Big Band, Jazz Trio, Entourage and
Charlie Brown Blues Band under the direction
of Matt Clauhs, the Latin Big Band under the
direction of Tim Mayer, and the school’s Gospel
Choir under the direction of Tyrone Sutton.
The Boston Classical Orchestra held four open
rehearsals at BAA, preceded by lectures from
Music Director Stephen Lipsitt.
Lisa Bielawa continued as composer-inresidence, thanks to generous support from the
Boston Modern Orchestra Project.
Yale University’s a cappella group Shades, with BAA vocal students
28
Boston Arts Academy
The Underground Jazz Trio
Summer Study in the Arts
Students received scholarships to attend the
Berklee City Music SYSTEM 5 program,
the New England Spiritual Ensemble’s
Youth Camp, the Cloud Foundation’s opera
workshop, Boston Children’s Theatre, and the
Westminster College of Arts Vocal Institute at
Rider University in New Jersey. Additionally, four
BAA students travelled to Jordan with the Boston
Children’s Chorus.
Faculty Highlights and Awards
The Music Department welcomed Beth Willer as
choral instructor and Tyrone Sutton as director of
the jazz choir and piano teacher. Vocal instructor
Allyssa Jones took a one-year sabbatical to work
on her music.
George Simpson, BAA’s first instrumental
music chair, is now Principal of the Los Angeles
County High School for the Arts.
Music Chair Greg Holt completed the Principal
Residency Network program.
Greg Holt and Linda Nathan accompanied
a delegation headed by the New England
Conservatory to Venezuela to study the highly
successful, national music education program El
Sistema.
Theatre Department
Theatre students build knowledge in all areas of the discipline. They develop
skills in a supportive and creative ensemble that is project-based and culturally
aware. Throughout four years of theatre study, students practice vocal
technique and breath control; build physical support, control and relaxation;
research and analyze character and text as actor and director; and develop
an understanding of acting and directing technique. They learn to develop a
theatre piece from process to product. Students develop playwriting skills,
an understanding of the nature of critique, an understanding of the context
of theatre from various cultural influences and throughout theatre history.
Students also produce a community-related theatre work. The basics of
theatre production are included: scenery, props, costume construction and
design, stage lighting and sound, production management, administration
and communications. As upperclassmen, students participate in a number of
special events with visiting artists.
2008-09 department goals
• Strengthen the core assessment system by developing
courses that define who the BAA theatre graduate is, and
the skill sets they will have mastered upon graduation.
• Develop units and lesson plans that are clearly documented
and transparent.
• Develop assessments that are both formative and
summative in nature.
• Use digital portfolios to document the department’s jury
process.
• Continue to develop ways for technology to enhance the
department.
progress towards goals
• New rubrics were developed, and the team worked on unifying
its assessment structure and documenting the curriculum.
• There was a new emphasis on planning in the technical theatre
classes. Students were asked to create detailed plans and scale
drawings to complete projects.
• Classes used the library more for research.
• The department strengthened its partnership with the
Huntington Theatre Company.
• Students were better prepared for professional auditions which
resulted in three students being cast in professional
productions, and one student being cast in a television pilot.
• Theatre advisories met one Thursday per month in
gender-specific groupings in response to the students’ desire
to get to know each other better. This structure helped students
address their own barriers to success.
Wine in the Wilderness, by Alice Childress
2008-2009 Year End Report
29
Faculty Highlights
The Theatre Department welcomed Adam
McLean to the faculty. Mr. McLean, a
professional actor and certified stage combat
teacher/choreographer, taught movement, scene
study and voice.
Seth Bodie designed costumes for the Lyric
Stage’s production of November and for the
Actors Shakespeare Project production of
Merchant of Venice.
Jenna McFarland-Lord designed the set the
Lyric Stage’s production of November.
Juanita Rodrigues was invited to serve on
the advisory board for the Actor’s Shakespeare
Project.
Congratulations to John ADEkoje on the
premier of his awarding-winning play Jagun
Fly at Humboldt State University in California.
The Times-Standard called it “One of the most
intriguing productions that’s been staged on the
Humboldt State University campus.”
Student Achievents
Avante Lopez, a 10th grader, performed in the
New England Conservatory production of The
Medium at the Majestic Theatre. Costume design
was by Seth Bodie.
Student Performances
The BAA Theatre Festival was held in
February. The department stretched itself by
presenting four plays this year; the most exciting
of which was the presentation of Kill A Man,
written by our own BAA Humanities teacher,
Abdi Ali and directed by John ADEkoje. This
was the theatre department’s first presentation
of a work written by a faculty member. Also
presented were Wine in the Wilderness by Alice
Childress directed by Juanita Rodrigues,
Lysistrata by Aristophanes directed by Seth
Bodie, and Marisol by Jose Rivera directed by
Adam McLean. The festival was designed by
Jenna McFarland and constructed by Mark
Buchanan.
The Theatre Showcase was held the week
of May 4th. The students mounted three fulllength plays: A Long Time Since Yesterday by
P.J. Gibson, Fuddy Meers, by David LindsayAbaireand, and Master Harold and the Boys by
Athol Fugard. The plays were directed by seniors
Jay Cottle, Matt Mays, and Elyas Harris, with
design by José Luis Rodriguez.
Dennis Rivera, an 11th grader, was cast in
Bunker Hill, a pilot TV show for TNT that was
shot in Charlestown. The cast included such
well-known actors as Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget
Moynahan, and Brian Dennehy.
Congratulations to Kiara Thomas, Elyas
Harris, Michael Casey, and Elisvanya RamosVargas who received the Boston Arts Academy
Franklin Worthington Scholarship.
A number of theatre seniors received impressive
college scholarships: Elyas Harris received a
POSSE Scholarship and will attend Bucknell
University, Julia Goodman received a full
scholarship from Boston University, and Renee
Maronee received a full scholarship from Lesley
University. Shakara Carter (Pine Manor College
and UMass Boston), Joseph Fox (Alabama
State University), Kervin Germain (Benjamin
Franklin Institute of Technology), Maya Baca
(Eckerd College), and Kiara Thomas (Pace
University) all received partial scholarships.
Master Classes
Actors Shakespeare Project held a master class
for 11th and 12th grade theatre students on The
Merchant of Venice.
Summer Study in the Arts
Theatre students participated in exciting summer
programs at The Lyric Stage, Company One,
Emerson Summer Stage, and the British
Summer Studies Program at the American
Community School in London.
30
Boston Arts Academy
BAA’s production of José Rivera’s Marisol
Sandra & Philip Gordon Gallery
Under the direction of Guy-Michel Telemaque, the gallery hosted four exciting exhibitions
in the 2008-09 school year. A fifth impromptu showing of Zimbabwean sculptures from
Kofunda, where Co-Headmaster Linda Nathan spent part of her Barr Fellowship retreat,
was an unexpected treat. The diverse range of local, international, student, and faculty work
reflected the growth of BAA’s premier fine art gallery. Special thanks to the Jane Marrow
Fund at BAA for its support of these endeavors.
Kindred
Boston area Artist-in-Residence Ekua Holmes
exhibited a collection of richly colored, bold, multilayered collages. Her interactive opening and closing
receptions featured performances by Boston Arts
Academy students, the Orchard Gardens K-8
School Rope Burners, and Akiba Abaka of the
Up You Mighty Race Theatre Company.
Sacrifice & Indulgence
Transformer
Paul Stopforth has been applauded as one of the
first South African artists to confront and publicize
apartheid violence.He had left South Africa and
was living in Boston when the system changed.
His paintings explore (within the politics of South
Africa) “the permanence, impermanence, and the
fragility of that which seems most immovable.”
2009 VA Senior Exhibition
The class of 2009 visual artists exhibited
a wonderful and diverse group of paintings,
photography, drawings, prints, and fashion design.
Shona Sculpture
Born in Havana, Mario Torroella is a Cuban
American painter. His dramatically moving Afro
Cuban images are recollections of a history dealing
with the memory of the Cuban Revolution. Torroella
has exhibited his work internationally and works as
an architect in Cambridge.
Nicholas Chidhawu of the
Shona tribe in Zimbabwe
uses non-mechanical
tools to create his sculptures,
which are created from a
variety of stones, including
soapstone, verdite and
springstone. Special thanks
to Klare Shaw and Lou
Casagrande for bringing
this beautiful body of work to
BAA.
2008-2009 Year End Report
31
Academic Departments
Humanities Department
World Languages Department
Science Department
Mathematics Department
All academic curricula are developed by Boston Arts
Academy faculty working in cooperation with outside
resources and with an eye to state and national standards.
32
Boston Arts Academy
Humanities Department
Humanities is a combination of Language Arts, Philosophy, History, and Social Studies. Over
the course of four years, students learn about the relationship between individuals and societies,
using Africa and Europe as case studies; immigration, migration and emigration in the United
States; post-1945 world history examined from global and U.S. perspectives; and Aesthetics,
with a focus on the classical, romantic, modern and postmodern periods of art history.
2008-09 department goals
• To challenge the adoption of the History MCAS as a
graduation requirement for the class of 2012.
• To re-examine and re-evaluate how the Humanities curriculum aligns with the Massachusetts History
Standards.
progress towards goals
• The MCAS History exam graduation
requirement was suspended for two years. BAA
teachers and administrators, along with other
educators, parents, and students, lobbied hard at the
state level to affect change. Their efforts, plus the
state’s budget crisis, led to the suspension of the test
as a graduation requirement.
• A new system was piloted to document History and
Language Arts standards in Humanitites 3.
Curriculum Highlights
Africa Lives! was enriched by a special presentation by
Dr. Gloria White-Hammond, Co-Chair of the Save Darfur
Coalition. The unit culminated in a wonderful exhibition
in April, which included a dance piece choreographed by
Sheryl Pollard-Thomas, a performance by the Select Choir,
performances of West African dance and break dancing, plays
about Ancient Mali and Kongo, a fashion show highlighting
the ancient Ghananian art of Adrinkra, a Kongo carnival,
and a benefit for Darfur with student-created short films and
performances.
Father Vincent Machozi visited a Humanities 1 class, and
spoke about the contemporary civil war in the Democratic
Republic of Congo as well as Congolese history.
Humanities 2 students studied the presidential campaign
and election, researching current controversial issues such
as immigration reform and same-sex marriage. Students
created political parties, platforms and campaigns around
their issues, and ended the unit by presenting presidential
campaign ads, speeches and debates.
Mark Ludwig, Boston Symphony Orchestra violist
and founder/director of the Terezín Chamber Music
Foundation, conducted a series of in-class workshops and
performances to supplement the 9th grade Seminar unit
on the Holocaust. The class was also joined by Holocaust
survivor and educator Edgar Krása, who shared his
experiences in Terezín and Auschwitz. These workshops
were presented in conjunction with the Boston Symphony
Orchestra’s Education and Community Programs
Department (also see Schoolwide Highlights, pg. 8).
Faculty Highlights
The Humanities Team included interns Deborah Browder
and Dan Sullivan, both members of BAA’s class of 2003.
Africa Lives!
2008-2009 Year End Report
33
World Languages
Boston Arts Academy offers Spanish for beginning, intermediate, advanced, and native
speakers, and beginning and intermediate American Sign Language (ASL). In both, students
progress through a series of well-coordinated steps: linguistics, expression, listening/viewing,
writing, reading, and culture. Creative applications of language knowledge are emphasized
throughout classes.
2008-09 department goals
• Discuss, evaluate and refine 9th grade outcomes and
digital portfolios.
• Define and refine 9th grade outcomes for Heritage
Native Speakers.
• Develop and pilot Open Honors for Spanish 1.
• Dedicate time to focus on non-achieving students.
• Create outcomes and an assessment system for culture
in Spanish 1.
• Dedicate time each week to share best classroom
practices and assessments.
• Each teacher will observe one teacher from the World
Language department and another of his/her choice.
• Continue to examine and improve assessment of
students’ literacy needs, and work with the Learning
Center to support student success.
• Use technology to improve communication between
students and parents
progress towards goals
• Piloted department-wide 9th grade assignments and
assessments in order to commit to our digital portfolio
outcomes and tasks for 2009-2010.
• Developed and piloted Open Honors for both Spanish 1
and 2
• Shared best practices, including 2.0 technologies.
• Improved communication and preparation of students
by working on the Spanish 2 exhibition and the Mexico
program as a team.
• The team still needs to work on dedicating time to
non-achieving students, and creating outcomes and an
assessment system for culture in Spanish 1.
Faculty Highlights and Achievements
Cara Livermore was awarded the Boston Educator
of the Year Award.
Carlos Gutierrez led a workshop on The Complete
Circle of Literacy at the Coalition of Essential Schools
Fall Forum in Charlotte, NC, helping the department
achieve its goal of sharing its practices outside the BAA
community.
34
Boston Arts Academy
Curriculum Exhibitions and Highlights
The Spanish Heritage Language Speakers (Spanish
4 and 5) held their Heritage Cultural Project
Exhibition in May. Students examined the positive
and negative effects that the arrival of Columbus had
on the world, including their identity as Latinos.
Spanish 4 and 5 classes were treated to a visit from
Dominican writer Armand Lantigua.
Five students from Spanish 4 and 5 received gold
medal recognition from the Hispanic Writers Week
project, which is a partnership between the Institute
for Learning and Teaching at the Graduate School
of Education at the University of Massachusetts,
Boston and El Jolgorio de Massachusetts, Inc.
Shanice Rodriguez, 11th grade music major, was
featured in the first Hispanic Writers Week Students’
Anthology. Congratulations to Shanice for work well
done and a tremendous display of her commitment to
the values of BAA.
Patricia de la Rosa and Carlos Gutierrez
travelled with nine students this summer to the city
of Oaxaca, Mexico. For four weeks, the students
attended daily language and arts classes at the
Instituto Cultural Oaxaca. The students stayed
with local families, and also had the opportunity to
volunteer at a local orphanage. This was an amazing
experience and we are grateful to the Janey Fund
and Jane Marrow Fund for critical support.
American Sign Language 1 students explored the
Deaf experience through dance and movement in a
project designed and implemented by student and
teacher’s assistant Jay Cottle. The ASL 1 students
performed the piece for parents and caregivers at the
Open House.
For their community service project, the American
Sign Language II class created a music video set
to sign language lyrics. The goal of the project was
to help unite the Deaf and hearing communities
within BAA. This was an invaluable project for the
students.
Open Honors was piloted in the Spanish 2 course.
Over 20 students took advantage of this opportunity
to engage in work that deepened their language and
cultural acquisition skills. Cara Livermore was
awarded a Boston Teacher’s Union Leadership Grant
to develop this curriculum. Science
Science is an inquiry-based course of study. Over four years, students learn the foundations of
earth science, biology, engineering, chemistry and physics—as well as the relationships among
them and connections to present-day discoveries.
2008-09 department goals
Curriculum Highlights
• To add an artistic component to the chemistry cur-
Engineering Day at Tufts University was one of the highlights
riculum.
• To develop the Open Honors program for all levels
of the science curriculum.
• To expand the use of the digital portfolio as an assessment tool.
• To improve our skills as teachers through partici-
pation in the Boston Public Schools’ Collaborative
Coaching and Learning in Science program and
use of the Classroom Performance System.
progress towards goals
• Due to the high number of snow days this year,
the science team was not able to implement the
new arts component of the chemistry curriculum.
The team looks forward to piloting this curriculum
unit next year.
• The Open Honors program was very successful
for sophomores and seniors. Unfortunately, the
outside agency that was supposed to provide the
Open Honors curriculum for grade 9 did not fulfill
its agreement, so these students were unable to
participate in the program.
• The digital portfolio is a new tool that students
and teachers alike must learn to use better.
Teachers felt that students’ work on their portfolios needs improvement, particularly in the area of
writing.
of the year for freshmen Engineering students. The Tufts faculty
and the BAA science team designed interdisciplinary activities
that allowed students to experience engineering through the lens
of their arts majors. The visit also included a tour of the campus, a
visit with undergraduate students, and a taste of college dinning.
Thank you to Linda Beardsley and Brian Gravel at Tufts for
making this such a wonderful experience for everyone involved!
The junior class created original musical compositions to illustrate
the evolution of Hominids. Students used the Garage Band
software program to create a music piece that represented the
changes in Hominid evolution over a 5 million year period.
The new Science 12 curriculum, created and executed by
Kimberly Conrad, debuted this year. The students were excited
to learn about current health and science issues affecting their
lives.
At the Science 12 symposium in January, project topics included
stem cell research, HPV, alternative energy, pollution, and other
health issues that influence our communities.
Science 10 students lost several days of instruction because of
the snow days in December and were unfortunately unable to
showcase their research/experiments at the symposium. Instead,
the students completed their work as a project towards digital
portfolios.
Faculty Highlights and Achievements
Kimberly Conrad joined the science team this year. Ms. Conrad
was an intern from Tufts University in BAA’s science department
in 2007-08.
• The Classroom Performance System was used in
three classrooms. This system, in which students
use “clickers” to immediately and anonymously
respond to a teacher’s questions, helped teachers
instantly assess the depth of students’ learning.
The Collaborative Coaching and Learning in Science program helped the team assess the effectiveness of its teaching practice through observation,
sharing and assisting each other.
2008-2009 Year End Report
35
Mathematics
BAA’s math curriculum combines the scope and depth of a traditional math curriculum
with project-based learning and real-world application. Whenever possible, those real-world
applications are related to the world of the arts. Over the course of four years, students learn
algebra, geometry, linear systems, quadratic and exponential functions, trigonometry, and
statistics. Students who choose to take Math 5, study advanced algebra and differential
calculus.
2008-09 department goals
• To discuss and establish in writing the vision of the BAA
math graduate.
• To determine how students would transition from Math 1
to Math 2/3.
progress towards goals
• The Math Team created the following vision of the BAA
math graduate: Graduates of the BAA math program will
develop qualities necessary to be effective problem solvers
and engaged members of a democratic society. These
qualities include: persistence, independence, attention
to detail, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the
ability to apply the habits of the graduate (RICO) to
mathematical situations. As a result, our graduates will
be able to recognize, evaluate, produce, and communicate
mathematical arguments in real world settings, as well
as be prepared to successfully complete college level
mathematics courses.
• Feeling that many students need extra support in algebra,
the Math Team developed an updated algebra placement
test and a new curricular sequence.
Curriculum Highlights and Exhibitions
All freshmen now take geometry in the fall, giving
them a shared math experience that supports their
work in Engineering.
Math 2 classes hosted a Math Fair in April where
they presented their projects to students, teachers,
and community members. Students developed their
oral presentation skills, learned how to give feedback
to their peers, and reinforced their understanding of
course content.
Math 3 students had the pleasure of working
with artist Pell Osborn, who was in residence in
both math and chemistry classes this year. Mr.
Osborn taught students how to create hand-drawn
animations that illustrate quadratic equations. The
students created a short film of their animations,
which was screened in classes. BAA is grateful to the
Massachusetts Cultural Council for sponsoring
Mr. Osborn’s residency.
Math 4 students incorporated the presidential
election into a unit on predictions. Students used
past election data to predict both the popular and
electoral vote counts, using their knowledge of
our country’s electoral system to make justifiable
predictions.
Math 4 students also used images from the Museum
of Fine Arts online collection to recreate the contours
of these images using the functions that were
studied in class.
Math 5 students learned to explain and teach
mathematical concepts to younger students. With
the guidance of teaching intern Carl Anhalt,
students wrote and delivered lesson plans to current
Math 2 classes.
Faculty Highlights
The Math Team welcomed Joy Eriksson as a new
member of the faculty. She previously taught at the
Edison Middle School.
Mark Lonergan presented at the Coalition of
Essential Schools national conference.
36
Boston Arts Academy
Junior “Stepping Up” Ceremony at The Museum of Fine Arts Remis Auditorium
OPEN HONORS
In some academic classes, students
have the opportunity to earn Open
Honors distinction. Students may selfselect to apply to receive honors. In
addition, some students may be
required to fulfill an honors curriculum.
Students applying for honors must
maintain an initial grade average of
83%, complete additional portfolio
assignments, and fulfill additional
requirements for exhibitions in order to
be considered for the honors
designation. Students’ transcripts
reflect the honors credit. Colleges look
for students who maximize their
opportunities—Open Honors
is one
avenue. Our goal for 2009-10 is to
increase the Open Honors percentages
in all available classes.
The first Digital Science Symposium at BAA.
Humanities
39 T otal S tudents
Humanities 1
Humanities 2
Humanities 3
Humanities 4
11 students
13 students
10 students
5 students
Science
45 S tudents T otal
Science 9
Science 10
Science 11
Science 12
6 students
26 students
9 students
4 students
Seminar
18 S tudents T otal
Seminar 9
Seminar 10
Seminar 12
8 students
9 students
1 student
spanish
6 T otal S tudents
Spanish 1
Spanish 2
3 students
3 students
2008-2009 Year End Report
37
College and Career Center
To reach a consistently high college acceptance rate, extensive college and career counseling
for both students and their families begins in 9th grade and continues through senior year.
Nearly 80% of BAA’s students are the first members of their families to attend college. BAA’s
College and Career Center takes an active role in assisting families at all stages of the college
application process.
College and Career Center Highlights
• Communication was improved this year with
a better use of email, kiosk announcements,
workshops, spreadsheets, flyers, and all-calls.
• The alumni database was updated using MySpace,
Facebook, the BAA website Alumni page, and an
alumni reunion event.
• College visits organized by BAA ensured that each
student visited at least three campuses for a full
day before selecting a college.
• A reception was held for parent/caregivers as they
came to pick up graduation tickets and gowns.
Sixty-two parent/caregivers attended this first
annual event and took the opportunity to evaluate
services at BAA with an online survey.
• Twenty students earned college credit while still
in high school by taking dual enrollment courses
at ProArts colleges.
Scholarship Highlights
• Elyas Harris received a full-tuition scholarship from the
Posse Foundation, which recruits and trains student
leaders from public high schools for enrollment at toptier universities nationwide. He is attending Bucknell
University.
• Yamira Serrett received a full tuition, four-year
scholarship to Amherst College.
• Julia Goodman received a full tuition, four-year
scholarship to Boston College.
• Ten members of the class of 2009 enrolled in
ProArts Colleges. These students will attend Berklee
College of Music, Massachusetts College of Art
and Design, and The School of the Museum of
Fine Arts, Boston. Our ProArts colleges generously
supported these students with a total of over $500,000 in
scholarship money.
• Twenty-five members of the class of 2009 (75 students)
plan to major in the visual or performing arts as
undergraduates.
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE RATES
Year of Graduation
Total Number
of Graduates
Total Number
Accepted to
College
Total Percent
Accepted
to College
2001
52
47
90%
2002
65
61
94%
2003
70
68
97%
2004
75
72
96%
2005
78
66
85%
2006
92
85
92%
2007
77
77
100%
2008
82
77
94%
2009
75
72
96 %
Total Scholarship dollars for the Class of 2009: $ 1,615,000
BAA/Fenway College & Career Fair
38
Boston Arts Academy
class of
2009
College and Career Choices
Alabama State University Joseph Fox
Fisher College Roni Partin
American Musical and Dramatic
Academy Tiana Sutherland
Gallaudet University Taylor Oliveira,
Josephine Yu
Amherst College Yamira Serret
George Mason University Rachel Klein
Benjamin Franklin Institute of
Technology Ernest Dudley,
Johnny Eng, Kervin Germain
Johnson & Wales University
Jared Harrison
Berklee College of Music Chris Juris,
Ashwa Marshall, Franchesca Phillip,
Jalysa Riley, Dawn Salmons,
Christian Sanchez
Boston University Julia Goodman
Bridgewater State College
Taylor Duross
Bucknell University Elyas Harris
Bunker Hill Community College
Yajaira Hernandez, Taychon Little
California State University,
Los Angeles Shaniece Miller
Career Training Nicholas Anzaldi
Coppin State University
Takiya Richardson
Dean College Stephanie Buonopane,
Phania Exavier
Eckerd College Maya Baca
Pine Manor College Sakina Cain,
Shakara Carter, Saraan Romain
Point Park University Taila Greer
Salem State College Karen Cedant,
Catrice Clemons, Anita Lanzo,
Maranatha Novembre
Santa Monica College Lisa Silva Rosa
Lasell College Victoria Ajene
Lesley University Renee Marrone
School of the Museum of Fine Arts,
Boston Jade Thacker
Long Island University
Fedner Dorrelus
Suffolk University Michael Casey,
Alexandria Malvo, Shavon Webb
MassBay Community College
Jamila Alleyne, Elisvania Ramos Vargas
The Hartt School, University
of Hartford Leslie Barros-Pina
Massachusetts College of Art
and Design Julia Andreasson,
Hannah Campolo-Rich, Ali Ozdemir
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Ndubuisi Ofoegbu, Catherine Perakis,
Sandra Quispe
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Julian Arroyo, Juwonni Cottle
University of Massachusetts Boston
Antonio Barbosa, Joan Bennett,
Janeese Chambers, Mary Chmura,
Jamynique Ertha-Pryor,
Darren Irabor-Brown, Sarina Mazzella,
Jahlisa Rawles, Joseluis Rodriguez,
Reno Rosales
The New England Institute of Art
Shaylawna Williams
New York University
Danielle Lennox-Heichman
Newbury College Bianca Distefano,
Matthew Mays
Pace University Kiara Thomas
University of Minnesota Gabriela Silva
Virginia State University
Shakima Bowie
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Amaly Miranda, Emily Rusk
2008-2009 Year End Report
39
Technology
The Technology Department provides a range of supportive services to meet the demands
of faculty, staff, and students. The team provides instructional and information technology
support, ranging from hands-on training to maintenance and repair.
2008-09 department goals
• Expand Digital Portfolio system - Draft 9th grade outcomes for
student learning and proficiencies in arts and academics
• Establish technology, design and information literacy department
goals aligned with school wide initiatives and goals, identify key
curricular activities for integration
• Develop a cohesive system for school wide data
• Streamline inventory, equipment procedures, reorganize media lab,
and install new equipment
• Improve technology literacy and new media skills
Highlights and Progress Towards Goals
BAA teachers received new Apple Macbooks through the Boston
Public Schools Laptops for Learning initiative. The Technology
department purchased 23 LCD projectors for classrooms throughout the
building, allowing teachers to take full advantage of their new Apple
Macbooks.
BAA is now wireless. The Technology team installed wireless routers
throughout the school, giving teachers and staff access to the Internet
anywhere in the building.
Sixteen families enrolled in the Technology Goes Home (TGH)
computer literacy program. This is the second year for TGH program
at BAA. Of the sixteen families, thirteen successfully completed the
program and purchased new computers for only $90 each.
The freshmen class successfully completed Digital Portfolio Day in
May, 2009. Students completed engineering assignments and prepared
for the Science MCAS. Technology Director Julie A. Larson and
Wellness Coordinator Deidre O’Halloran presented Ning, an online
platform that allows users to create their own social websites and social
networks.
Staff Highlights
Julie A. Larson presented on digital portfolios at the Coalition of
Essential Schools (CES) Summer Institute in Portland Oregon in July
2009. Additionally, she presented with David Niguidula of Ideas
Consulting at the CES Fall Forum in Charlotte, North Carolina in
November 2009. Sophomore Fabiola Moquete and Junior Shanice
Rodriguez joined to present their digital portfolios to a full and
appreciative audience.
Julie A. Larson, Deidre O’Halloran, and student government
members coordinated the 6th Annual Boston Youth Leadership
Conference in March. The conference focused on art as an agent for
social change. Many workshops integrated technology with art, such as
The Online Savvy Artist.
40
Boston Arts Academy
Retention
BAA’s work is not done when a student graduates and goes to college or on to a professional career. The BAA community
must ensure that alums continue to meet with success, even after they’ve left the classroom. Thanks to a generous grant
from the Olive Bridge Fund, BAA was able to hire a Retention Specialist to track graduates who have left the school, and
provide them with assistance. Retention Specialist activities during the 2008-09 school year included:
•
•
•
•
•
An alumni event where over 75 alumni attended.
Updating of both the BPS and BAA databases for all graduates from 2001-2009.
Extensive use of the Internet for communication and updates to alums.
Extensive one-on-one follow-up with over 400 graduates, transfer students and dropouts.
Organization of over 500 old records with a final result of 2001-2009 records being sent to an archiving company.
The BAA Alumni Event attracted more than 75 alums, representing every graduating class
Family Involvement
2008-09 Goals
• Work with the arts departments to build more parent participation during productions.
• Increase communication with parents through email and other means to keep them up-to-date on activities.
School-Family Partnership
The process of building a partnership between
the home and school takes time, patience, mutual
interest, and commitment to a student’s education.
Family involvement is essential to the success of our
students. The Family Coordinator serves as family
advocate and a direct point-of-contact for all BAA
families.
BAA Family Involvement
• Regular communication with teachers and the
student’s advisor.
• An orientation meeting at the beginning of each
school year.
• Two family conferences each year to review student
progress in the arts and academics.
• RICO Review in June to share student reflections on
the year with advisors and faculty.
• Open House in the fall.
• Attendance of their student’s performances and
exhibitions.
Parent/Caregiver Council Board (PCCB)
• In 2008-09, the Fundraising Committee of the
PCCB raised $1,616.90 in support of families and
students.
Parents/Caregivers
• Help to mobilize other parent helpers throughout
the school
• Provide backstage support during productions
• Coordinate transportation after productions
• Provide food at rehearsals and during productions
• Welcome new families.
• Sell merchandise at all school events.
2008-2009 Year End Report
41
Family Involvement
2008-09 Parent Caregiver Council
Board (PCCB) Members
Christina Gomes
Board of Trustees Representative
Governing Council Representative
Co-Chair Parent/Caregiver Council Board
Christopher Whitlock
Board of Trustees Representative
Co-Chair Parent/Caregiver Council Board
“BAA provides students with the tools necessary to
acquire and achieve their goals. BAA teaches students
about their communities and encourages them to give
back. Over the past four years, as my daughter went off
to school, I always felt at ease knowing that the faculty
and staff were like a second family to her.”
-Rayka Phillip
Parent of 2009 Graduate Franchesca Phillip
Gail A. Forbes
Board of Trustees Representative
Veronica Greaves
Board of Trustees Representative
2008-2009 Committee Members
Diversity Committee
Leticia Ventura
Michelle McKissick
Tess Pope
Ken Pope
Kim Marrero
Amos Marrero
Maria Gonzalez-Baugh
Political Action Committee
Ilene Carver
Catryn Polman
Rosemary Eacmen
Jennifer Mann
Michele Anzaldi
Leticia Ventura
Michelle McKissick
Joanne McKenna
Brent Bennett
Kim Marrero
Amos Marrero
Events Committee
Jennifer Mann, Chair
Catryn Polman
Rommie Cain-Aziz
Annette Gonzalves
Brion Rock
Kim Taylor Knight
Thomas Downard
Nerissa Smith
Lendra Brown
Carla Rushin
Mary Flannery
Marisol Ortiz
Veronica Graves
Cheryl Studley-Straut
Joseph Straut
42
Boston Arts Academy
Fundraising Committee
Judy Flam, Chair
Rosemary Eacmen
Rommie Cain-Aziz
Karen Perakis
Eleana Pham
Brion Rock
Carla Rushin
Lovette McKoy
Veronica Graves
Rosetta Phillips
Arts Committee
Catryn Polman
Rommie Cain-Aziz
Karen Perakis
Michele Anzaldi
Kim Taylor Knight
Thomas Downard
Nerissa Smith
Lendra Brown
Joanne McKenna
Fior Beltre
Mary Chmura
Doug Cochrane
Gigi Cochrane
Tess Pope
Ken Pope
Ivette Harrison
Marixa McPhail
Maria Gonzalez-Baugh
Cynthia Smith
Richard Greer
Sherryann Lordes
Damequa Williams
BAA Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees and Governance at BAA
Boston Arts Academy’s pilot school status allows
the school to assemble its own Board of Trustees
and Governing Council that act as the school
site council. The Board sets the overall mission,
philosophy, and policies of the school; provides
fiduciary oversight; and supports the fundraising
activities of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation.
The Board of Trustees meets four times during the
school year. Meetings are open to the community
with students participating at every meeting.
BAA Board Goals & Priorities 2008-09
To continue working on the evaluation and development
of BAA’s organizational structure to position BAA for the
future as we move to broaden the scope to include a BAA
Middle School and expand the work of the Center for Arts and
Education locally, nationally, and internationally.
To focus on developing the financial resources needed to secure
BAA’s future in the context of the Strategic Plan
To make the school’s governing structure more effective
through appropriate Board development and by establishing a
Council of Advocates.
To further board understanding of the school-wide goals and
the complexities of teaching and learning at BAA, specifically
addressing issues of assessment and retention.
BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2008-2009
board chair
David Eppstein
Vice President for Operations,
MASCO
vice-chair
Kay Sloan
President, Massachusetts College of
Art and Design
Seth Bodie
Theatre Faculty, Boston Arts Academy
Ann Carter
CEO
Rasky/Baerlein Strategic Communications
Treasurer, Boston Arts Academy
Foundation
Katherine DeMarco
Community Volunteer/Philanthropist
Michael Douvadjian
Senior Vice President - Investments,
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Gail A. Forbes-Harris
Parent Caregiver Council Representative
Raul Garcia II
Humanities Faculty, Boston Arts Academy
Christina Gomes
Parent Caregiver Council Representative
Parent Caregiver Council Co-Chair
Sandra Gordon* Community Volunteer/Philanthropist
President, BAA Council of Advocates
Veronica Greaves
Parent Caregiver Council Representative
Richard Grubman*
Managing Director,
Highfields Capital Management
President,
Boston Arts Academy Foundation
Tony James
Vice-President, Network Development,
Mass General Hospital
Mass General Physician’s Assoc.
Richard Rudman*
Partner, DLA Piper
Vice-President,
Boston Arts Academy Foundation
J. Curtis Warner, Jr.
Assistant Vice President for
Education Outreach,
Executive Director, Berklee City Music
Berklee College of Music
Christopher Whitlock
Parent Caregiver Council Representative
Edmond Wu
Project Specialist
eCommerce & Financial Applications
Partners Healthcare Information System
Theodore Landsmark
President,
The Boston Architectural College
Ashwa Marshall
Boston Arts Academy
Student Representative
Linda Nathan (ex officio)
Co-Headmaster , Boston Arts Academy
Nicole Mullen
Special Education Faculty
Boston Arts Academy
Boston Teachers Union Representative
Carmen Torres (ex officio) Co-Headmaster , Boston Arts Academy
José Massó
Communications Director,
Nellie Mae Educational Foundation
Anne Clark (ex officio)
Academic Dean, Boston Arts Academy
Corey Evans (ex officio)
Clerk of the Board, Boston Arts Academy
Richard Ortner
President, The Boston Conservatory
Sheryl Pollard-Thomas
Dance Faculty, Boston Arts Academy
Mary Regan
Director /Producer, Curtain up!
Productions Theatre Company and
Political Campaign Consultant
Fernadina Chan (ex officio)
Artistic Dean, Boston Arts Academy
Dania Vazquez (ex officio)
Center for Collaborative Education
Rick Tagliaferri* (ex officio)
Executive Director , Boston Arts Academy
Foundation
*Denotes Boston Arts Academy
Foundation officers or staff
2008-2009 Year End Report
43
ProArts Consortium
The ProArts Consortium is an association of six neighboring Boston institutions
of higher education dedicated to the visual arts, performing arts, and architecture.
Its members include:
Berklee College of Music
President, Roger H. Brown
Liaison, Lynette Gittens
Boston Architectural College
President, Theodore Landsmark
The Boston Conservatory
President, Richard Ortner
Liaison, Jennifer Brill
Emerson College
President, Jacqueline Liebergott
Liaison, Sara Ramirez
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
President, Katherine Sloan
Liaison, Robert Chambers
The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Dean of School, Deborah Dluhy
Liaison, Katherine Mitchell
ProArts continues to work with BAA through
the sponsorship of the following programs
and initiatives:
• Participation of ProArts student teachers in
BAA programs.
• Development of visiting artist programs.
• After-school tutors program.
• Art education advising for BAA faculty.
• Audition workshops.
• Dual enrollment of BAA students at ProArts schools.
• Facility donations.
• Instrument and equipment donations.
• Senior grant evaluations.
• Summer program tuition scholarships for BAA students.
• Scholarships for BAA graduates for enrollment at
ProArts schools.
• Sponsorship of campus visits to ProArts schools.
• Activities introducing ProArts schools to BAA families.
• Free classes for BAA faculty and staff.
• Access to campus library services for BAA faculty and staff.
Ten members of the class of 2009 enrolled in ProArts Colleges. These students will attend Berklee
College of Music, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and The School of the Museum of Fine
Arts, Boston. Our ProArts colleges generously supported these students with a total of over
$500,000 in scholarship money. Additionally, 20 students took advantage of the opportunity to earn
college credit through BAA’s Dual Enrollment Program at Berklee College of Music, The Boston
Conservatory, Emerson College, and Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
44
Boston Arts Academy
Community Outreach
Center for Arts in Education
The Center for Arts in Education at Boston Arts
Academy (The Center) fulfills the school’s mission as a laboratory and a beacon for artistic and academic
innovation. The Center is the disseminating arm of
the school. It promotes the BAA model as a resource
for local, national, and international educators, who
seek to create communities of learners, think about
existing schools differently, and want to actively
participate in educational reform.
Through the Center for Arts in Education, BAA’s
innovative teaching and learning, integration of arts
and academics, and arts instruction are shared in
several key ways:
Professional Development for Educators
SIXTH ANNUAL SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR
BAA Outreach Programs in the Arts
ACADEMY STRINGS PROGRAM
In 2008-09, Academy Strings served 185 students in
grades 3-8 from the Dever, McCormack, and Murphy
Schools in Dorchester. The program, directed by
Greg Holt and Susan Jarvis, provides 2-5 violin
lessons per week for each child during the regular
school day. Thirty-two students participated in the
Academy Strings Orchestra, which met on seven
Sundays in the spring. The Orchestra was directed
by Peter Jarvis, Director of the String Training
Orchestras and the String Chamber Orchestra
at New England Conservatory’s Preparatory
School. All Academy String students, including the
Orchestra, performed in a year-end concert at the
Roland Hayes School of Music.
ARTS IN EDUCATION
Six Academy Strings students were accepted to
BAA’s Summer Institute trains teachers to use
Boston Arts Academy for the 2009-10 school year.
the arts to enhance curricula and boost student
This is the largest group yet to be accepted to BAA
achievement. Fifty-one educators attended the
from Academy Strings!
2009 Summer Institute, representing 10 schools,
including 26 participants from seven Boston public DANCE OUTREACH PROGRAM
elementary and middle schools. Participants also
BAA’s Community Dance Outreach Program was
came from Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina,
offered on Saturday mornings to Boston students
and Germany. The Summer Institute was staffed
in grades 6-8. Sheryl Pollard-Thomas directed
by over 25 educators from BAA, Actors Shakespeare
the program, which provided free dance instruction
Project, the Greater Newark Charter School,
to over 40 students. Ballet classes were taught
Boston Public Schools, the Boston Symphony
by Megan Crotty, and modern/jazz classes were
Orchestra, and Boston University. The keynote
taught by Marianne Harkless.
address was given by Margaret Martin from Los
Angeles’s Harmony Project, an award-winning
Boston Arts Academy Middle School Initiative
year-round music instruction program for at-risk
BAA staff and Trustees continued to work with the
youth. Her inspiring story helped set the tone for a
Boston Public Schools and the City of Boston to
dynamic week of workshops, live performances, and
investigate potential sites for a facility to house both
thoughtful discussion groups.
the new middle school and the high school in a grade
6-12 school complex. BAA is hopeful that a site will
be secured within the next year.
SCHOOL VISIT PROGRAM
Local, national, and international educators visit
BAA to observe classroom teaching and talk with
administrators and faculty about various aspects
of the school’s educational philosophy and its
structure. During the 2008-09 school year, the
Center hosted over 80 visitors.
MENTORING INITIATIVES AND
SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS
Supported by a grant from the Coalition of Essential
Schools, BAA continued to mentor The Renaissance
School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Work this
year focused on project-based learning, assessment,
the mathematics curriculum, and issues of school
climate and culture.
BAA Music Chair Greg Holt with an Academy Strings student from the John W.
McCormack school, and Academy Strings Director, Susan Jarvis.
2008-2009 Year End Report
45
Community Partnerships and Relationships
Community organizations provide resources such as enrichment programs,
internships, curriculum support, performances and visiting artist opportunities,
school volunteers and many other vital services.
It is a source of great pride that so many BAA students are represented in outstanding
arts and community organizations throughout the city. In the 2008-09 school year,
these organizations included:
Actors Shakespeare Project
Act 2
American Community Schools
Artists for Humanity
Artist Proof Studio
ArtWorks for Kids
Berklee City Music Program
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company
Bikes Not Bombs
Boston Area Health Education Center
Boston Bar Association
Boston Center for the Arts
Boston Center for Community and Justice
Boston Chamber Music Society
Boston Children’s Chorus
Boston Classical Orchestra
The Boston Conservatory
The Boston Foundation
Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Boston Museum of Science
Boston Neighborhood Network
Boston Partners in Education
Boston Police Department
Boston Pops
Boston Public Library
Boston School of Boabam
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Education Resource Center
Boston University
African Studies Center Outreach Program
Creative Scholars Program
REACH Program
Boston Youth Fund
British Studies Program, London, England
Broadway Across America
B-Safe Program
Casa de la Cultura, Center for Latino Arts
Celebrity Series of Boston
Charles River CIT Program
Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnership
Citi Performing Arts Center
Citizen Schools
Cloud Foundation
Community Music Center Boston
Company One
Department of Children and Families
Dot Art
El Jolgorio de Massachusetts
Emmanuel Music
Facing History and Ourselves
Fenway Alliance
Fidelity Future Stage
Foundation of Chinese Performing Arts
Griffin Museum of Photography
Harvard University
David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies
Graduate School of Ed., Risk and Prevention Program
Office of the Arts
School of Public Health
46
Boston Arts Academy
Hispanic Writers Week Project
Huntington Theatre Company
Hyde Square Task Force
Inquillinos Boriquas en Acción
Institute of Contemporary Art
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
JazzBoston
José Mateo Ballet Theatre
La Alianza Hispana Senior Center
Lead Boston
Lemuel Shattuck Hospital
Louis Brown Peace Institute
Lyric Stage
Massachusetts Advocates for Arts, Sciences and Humanities
Massachusetts General Hospital
Benson Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine
Institute of Health Professions
Psychiatric Residents Program
Sarah Mayper
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
New England Aquarium
New England Conservatory
New England Spiritual Ensemble
New Rep Theatre/Brandeis
Newton Choral Society
Northeastern University
Originations
Oxbow School
Peer Health Exchange
Playwrights Theatre
Primary Source
Project Safe
Publick Theatre
Putney School
Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall
Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work
Sociedad Latina
Spontaneous Celebrations
State Street Corporation
Swensonrud Depression Prevention Initiative
at Children’s Hospital
Technology Goes Home
Teens Against Gang Violence
Theatre Offensive
Tisch School of the Arts at New York University
Tobin Community Center
Tufts University
University of Massachusetts, Boston
William Joiner Center for the Study of War and
Social Consequences
Urban Improv
Walnut Hill School
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Wheelock Family Theatre
World Music/CRASHarts
Youth Services Provider Network
Youth Design Boston
Zumix
Program Partnerships Highlights
Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnership
BAA’s strong partnership with the Children’s
Hospital Neighborhood Partnership program has
brought needed resources to the school for the past
six years. This program serves many of BAA’s most
vulnerable students. Shella Dennery, Director of
the Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnership,
social worker Margie Schaffel, psychologist
Charmaine Jackman, and new clinician
Mwaniki Mwangi provide links to in-depth
services at Children’s Hospital, as well as countless hours of direct service to BAA students.
Creative Scholars Program
The Boston University Creative Scholars Program
is a year-long writers’ residency at Boston Arts
Academy. Former United States Poet Laureate and
Professor of English at Boston University, Robert
Pinsky and BAA Humanities teacher, Abdi Ali
established this program at BAA in 2003. Graduate students in Boston University’s Creative Writing
Program offer a course to BAA students, working
toward creative expression in poetry, fiction, the
essay, and drama. BAA students may take the
course for graduation credit. Students’ writing is
submitted for publication in BAA’s literary and
visual arts magazine, Slateblue Arts.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
(MassArt)
Annually, the college generously provides BAA
with use of its facilities for performances, meetings, and events. College faculty have provided
insightful consultation on curriculum, and have
created a seamless pathway for BAA graduates to
successfully matriculate at MassArt.
Berklee City Music Program
Held at BAA on Saturday mornings, Berklee City
Music is the college’s strategic initiative to engage
underserved urban 6th- through 12th-graders in a
year-round music education program. Its purpose
is to prepare students to pursue higher education
and reduce specific music-related achievement gaps
between minority and non-minority students, and
economically disadvantaged students and their
more advantaged peers.
Teacher and Clinical Interns at BAA
Aspiring teachers spend a full year in partnership
with a master teacher. These teacher interns
bring fresh energy to the classroom and provide
invaluable attention to our students. The following
institutions work closely with BAA to create and
supervise meaningful internships:
Boston College
Boston Teacher Residency
Boston University
Children’s Hospital
Emerson College
Harvard University
Lesley University
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Northeastern University
School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Simmons College
Suffolk University
Tufts University
Facilities: 174 Ipswich Street
Boston Arts Academy shares a 126,000 square foot building with
Fenway High School. The building at 174 Ipswich Street is owned
by the state of Massachusetts and operated by the City of Boston.
The school resides in 95,000 square feet on the first, third, and
fourth floors of the building. Fenway High School is located on
the second floor, where BAA has two Science classrooms. Both
schools share a cafeteria and auditorium on the first floor and
library on the second.
Facilities improvements during the 2008-09 year included:
Repainting the third floor hallways and several classrooms
New carpeting installed in the main office and large music rooms
New space for the Family Coordinator
Building Manager Henry “Buddy” Paull with custodian Mike Bell
2008-2009 Year End Report
47
Council of Advocates
On December 2, 2008, a breakfast event was held to officially acknowledge and
launch Boston Arts Academy’s newest body of volunteer champions, The Council of
Advocates. A description of the role played by COA members is as follows:
"Boston Arts Academy's Council of Advocates is a diverse group of community,
educational, and business leaders whose common goal is to support the mission
and advance the success of the school. Members of the Council of Advocates shall
act as well-informed ambassadors for the school, advocating for it in the broader
community, contributing to its financial strength and providing ongoing advice
to the Co-Headmasters, Trustees, and the school community. The Advocates are
expected to attend the annual meeting, attend other special BAA events, take
advantage of these events to introduce others to the school, and be available from
time to time to serve on standing and special committees of the Board of Trustees."
The school is grateful to founding BAA Foundation President, Sandra Gordon, and Board of Trustees Chair,
David Eppstein, for their vision, support, and help in designing this influential council of volunteers, one
that will help serve the needs of the school in the years ahead. We are very pleased as well that Ms. Gordon
has agreed to serve as the Council’s first president. For further information on the Council and its role in the
school, please call 617-233-6672.
2008-2009 COUNCIL OF ADVOCATES
Sandra Gordon, President
Dr. Pamela Allara
Roger H. Brown
Paul and Catherine Buttenwieser
Ronald and Ronni Casty
Kate Chertavian
Harry Collings
Michael Contompasis
Jessica Hoffman Davis
Michael Douvadjian
David Eppstein
Iris Fanger
Rev. Gregory and Mrs. Barbara Groover
Jennifer Harris
Liz J. Harris
Jackie Jenkins-Scott
Peter Kiang
Denise Korn
Kenneth Leibler
Yannis Miaoulis
Robin Morgan
Caroline Mortimer
Jermaine Myrie
Alexandra Oliver-Dávila
Myran Parker-Brass
Ellen Payzant
Jonathan and Amy Poorvu
Sue Pucker
Marita Rivero
Lois Roach
Kay George Roberts
Klare Shaw
Emilie Steele
Francis and Sandra Stone
Linda Whitlock
Tony Woodcock
Council of Advocates President Sandra Gordon with member
Dr. Pamela Allara
48
Boston Arts Academy
Student Support
The Student Support Team (SST) provides a wide range of services so that every
student can be successful at BAA. SST takes a proactive, holistic, and preventative
approach to school safety, student health and wellness, and academic support.
Offering on-site mental health counseling, family counseling, peer mediation,
parent/caregiver outreach, test preparation, tutoring, college and career services,
and special services for students with a range of disabilities, SST works closely with
students, teachers, and families.
The necessity of balancing a college preparatory curriculum against a demanding
arts program with long additional hours of rehearsal and practice requires that
students receive the support necessary for success. Consistent staffing and
thoughtful use of resources have created an impressive array of services that meet
many of our students’ needs.
2008-09 department goals
• To improve communication and the decision-making structure
• To support and develop the artist, scholar and citizen in our students
progress towards goals
• Clinical meeting notes were recorded, reviewed, and sent out to staff.
• Student Support Team facilitated Friday Advisory meetings.
• Results of disciplinary hearings were posted.
• Student focus groups were used to gather insights from a student perspective.
• Student Support continued to build its relationship with Children’s Hospital.
• A new partnership was established with Massachusetts General Hospital through the Benson Henry Institute of
Mind Body Medicine.
• Partnerships with summer enrichment programs were strengthened.
• A computer class for parents was established, with 21 parents participating.
• 200 parent email addresses were collected for the school’s database.
• The team worked on aligning Advisory work with the RICO assessment and review, helping each Advisory Cluster develop its
own identity, and aligning wellness outcomes with the school’s Shared Values.
• A peer mentor program was begun.
• Professional development for staff included programs about gender and identity, stress reduction, violence on the street,
families and parenting.
• 9th and 12th grade transition groups were expanded to include 46 students.
• Working with Humanities Teacher Sonya Brown, Student Support initiated the “I GOT U” campaign and the “Caught in the Act
Wall of Fame” to encourage students to look out for one another and respect other people’s property.
2008-2009 Year End Report
49
Highlights
The Student Support Team provided a five-day orientation for incoming 9th graders and transfer students in
August. In addition to workshops in wellness, time management, technology, scheduling and logistics, and
BAA’s Shared Values, students also took a field trip to the Hopkinton YMCA. Their time on the low ropes
course was one of the highlights of the week!
Orientation sessions for new 10th, 11th, and 12th graders were held in October and January to help
acclimate transfer students to the BAA culture.
BAA was very pleased to welcome Mwaniki Mwangi, a clinician from Children’s Hospital, to the Student
Support Team. Mr. Mwangi joins long-time BAA/Children’s clinicians Dr. Charmain Jackman and
Marjorie Schaffel in offering on-site counseling services to BAA students.
A Peer Mentor program was started, thanks to the hard work of student Jay Cottle who led the effort to
organize the program. Twenty-one Peer Mentors completed eight training sessions over the course of the
year. They used their new skills to assist 88 students, providing six students with referrals to the Student
Support Team.
Peer Health Exchange, which trains undergraduates at Harvard, Boston University, and Northeastern
University to teach lessons in health and wellness to high school students, taught wellness workshops for all
9th graders. The topics ranged from decision-making and sexual health to substance abuse and nutrition.
Wellness Days and special workshops were held which addressed important issues facing students,
including: self-advocacy, making healthy choices, refusal skills, substance use and abuse, use of the digital
portfolio for wellness planning, transitions, and college admissions.
Award-winning actor, director and producer Joey Pantoliano visited the school and talked to students about depression while in town for a
screening of his documentary No Kidding? Me Too!
50
Boston Arts Academy
Guest Artists and Lecturers
The Improbable Players performed Running on E
for all tenth graders, a play about substance abuse
and the devastating impact it has on people’s lives.
BAA welcomed award-winning actor/director/
producer Joe Pantoliano for a master class
with theatre and visual arts students where he
talked candidly about his life-long struggle with
depression. He was joined by Dr. Bob Irvin of
McLean Hospital. Thank you to BAA Trustee Ann
Carter for making this special visit possible.
BAA theatre alumni Vonski Celestin, Grady
Robinson, Toao Clark, and Michael Cognata
performed a play for BAA sophomores about
adolescent depression written by Northeastern
University student Tonita Watson. Dr. Nadja
Reilly, Director of the Swensrud Depression
Prevention Initiative at Children’s Hopsital,
debriefed with the audience after the play.
Rana Chudnofsky, of the Benson-Henry Institute
for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General
Hospital, conducted four workshops for students on
the Relaxation Response to enhance their ability
to manage stress during artistic performances,
academic testing, and other stressful situations.
Dr. Charmain Jackman from Children’s Hospital,
Rana Chudnofsky from the Benson-Henry
Institute of Mind-Body Medicine, Detective Vinnie
Difazio of the Boston Police Department, and Jeff
Perrotti, founding Director of the Governor’s Safe
Schools Project led a panel discussion for BAA
faculty and staff about students’ lives outside of
school.
Parent/Caregivers participated in Technology Goes Home computer literacy program.
Student Activities and Accomplishments
As representatives for Boston Student Advisory
Council and the Pilot School Youth Council, Elyas
Harris, Estenoilla Maitre, Wilne Ledesma,
Peter Li, and Kervin Germain participated in
forums with Superintendent Carol Johnson on
the impact of budget cuts.
The Gay/Straight Alliance had an active year.
The group organized a series of events, including
the “Day of Silence” in which over 150 BAA
students and staff participated; a screening of the
film Milk; student participation in the Youth Pride
Parade; and the Teach your Teacher event where
teachers, students, and Student Support staff
discussed issues affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgendered youth.
BAA’s Community Service Day was a great
success. BAA students volunteered their services at
25 agencies across Boston.
The National Honor Society had a very
successful year. Students gave over 650 hours of
service to organizations in Greater Boston and New
York City, and raised nearly $1,400. The group
continued to build its partnership with the New
York Restoration Program in Harlem, and sent six
students to the annual It’s My Park service day.
Thirteen BAA students were initiated into the
National Honor Society in June.
BAA students led the Art is Action 2009 Youth Leadership
Conference at MassArt.
2008-2009 Year End Report
51
Student Enrichment Programs 2008-09
The Third Annual Summer Enrichment Fair
brought 25 agencies to BAA to present summer
opportunities in the arts, academic enrichment,
personal growth, and a variety of professional
fields. 350 students attended the Fair. As a result,
BAA students participated in summer programs
at a broad range of institutions, including:
Art Institute of Boston, Artists for Humanity,
Boston Architectural Center, Boston Area Health
Education Center, Boston Natural Areas Network,
Boston Private Industry Council, Franklin Park
Zoo, Harvard Summer School, Judicial Youth
Corps of the Supreme Judicial Court, Suffolk
Connection to College, Teen Voices, and Youth
Conservation Corps.
2008-09 SST STATISTICS
The Student Support Team, including BAA staff,
Children’s Hospital clinicians, and graduate interns
from area colleges, provided counseling, intervention, prevention, and mediations for students and
families, including:
• Wellness screenings for 115 new ninth
grade and transfer students.
• Short, medium and long-term counseling
for 228 students and families.
• 72 mediations.
• Group counseling for 142 students.
• Crisis assessments for 7 students.
• Consultations with 159 students.
• Consultations with 106 teachers.
• 29 consultations with the Department of Children
and Families.
A BAA student reads to a young boy on Community Day.
Wellness Coordinator Deidre O’Halloran with members of
Student Government.
52
Boston Arts Academy
The Summer Enrichment Fair at BAA.
Senior Institute
The Senior Project Grant Proposal is the capstone experience of all graduates of
Boston Arts Academy. Each student creates an arts program that addresses a real
community need, synthesizing knowledge and skills from both the arts and academic
curricula. Students must act as entrepreneurs in order to succeed.
The Senior Project allows students to “give back”
some of what they have gained as BAA students.
This experience is an opportunity for students
to apply their knowledge and passion toward a
particular cause, while at the same time prove
their graduation credentials and gain experience as
independent artists.
Taylor Duross and Dawn Salmons
Fermata Music
In this four-week program, children at the Condon
Elementary School in South Boston created their
own instruments and learned how to express
themselves through music. Taylor and Dawn created
a promotional DVD that was sent to members of
the school boards in order to raise awareness of
affordable ways to keep music in schools.
For this project, a grant review committee
comprised of outside panelists judges each student’s
Chris Juris
work based on written and oral presentations. The
A Higher Education
grant review committee selects a group of finalists
This documentary showcased the four majors at
to be awarded actual grant money to implement
Boston Arts Academy. It was sent to a number of
their projects. All students must score “Proficient” in
school districts in the Northeast United States,
order to graduate.
reaching out to passionate middle and high school
students to help them discover the advantages of
The Spirit of Elma Lewis Graduates with Distinction
attending an arts high school.
Students who successfully complete their funded
senior projects, have a sound academic and artistic Rachel Klein
record, and embody the tenets of BAA’s Habits of
Intergenerational Communication
the Graduate—Refine, Invent, Connect, Own—are
This program was held at Brookview House, a
honored as The Spirit of Elma Lewis Graduates with
shelter for women and children, and exposed
Distinction. Elma Lewis, founder of the Elma Lewis
mothers and daughters to contemporary dance and
School of Fine Arts and the National Center of
improvisational movement as mediums for building
Afro-American Artists, was a nationally recognized,
intergenerational communication.
visionary arts leader. The following students have
Catherine Perakis
exemplified the vision of Ms. Lewis in their advocacy
Mending through Music
for community development and their dedication to
This project helped lift the spirits of cancer patients
cultural growth in Boston’s neighborhoods.
at Children’s Hospital and helped them relax under
the stress they were experiencing. With the help
Mary Chmura
of the group Mickey SOS (soap or shampoo), Cara
The Show Must Go On
made a CD to put into the group’s gift bags for
This intensive five-week musical theatre audition
children.
workshop at Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale
taught students about appropriate repertoire, the
audition process, working with a partner, and
learning monologues.
Sakina Cain and Taylor Oliviero
Fulfilling Dreams
Kiara Thomas
This nine-day art program for students at the Horace
Mann School for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
taught students about Kenya, East Africa, and
exposed students to the deaf community in East
Africa through art.
Jump In
This community arts and wellness fair was for
teens from ages 13 to 17 who wanted to learn
more about the arts opportunities available in
their communities. This fair took place in midApril, giving teens the opportunity to find summer
programs.
Jay Cottle and Amaly Miranda
Operation Awake
This week-long intensive workshop at the Pilot
School Network’s Art is Action Conference helped
students deal with adolescent issues and promoted
awareness of social justice issues. Students
expressed their experiences through musical and
theatrical mediums.
2008-2009 Year End Report
53
BAA/Fenway Library and Boston Symphony Orchestra Education Resource Center
The BAA/Fenway Library and Boston Symphony Orchestra Education Resource
Center (BSOERC) support demanding programs of study as well as curriculum and
professional development for BAA/Fenway teachers, the Boston Public Schools, and
other educators. The goal of the school library is for all students to become critical
users of information and to foster independent, life-long learning. The BAA/Fenway
Library/BSOERC is proud that its exemplary collection meets the diverse needs of
the community.
Teaching and Learning
• Deborah Froggatt piloted an open honors
independent research program for science students.
Students are excited about this self-directed
learning program that allows them to explore a topic
or issue of interest in depth.
• A Summer Reading Literature Circle program was
successfully piloted. All faculty and students chose
to read one of eleven books over the summer, and
participated together in literature circles in the fall.
The program engaged students and teachers in rich,
cross-grade discussions about the books and related
issues.
• Author Reyna Grande visited with two Seminar 9
classes and other students who read her book Across
One Hundred Mountains. Her personal immigration
story and genuine interest in the students’ welfare
kept the students fully engaged in a conversation
about life, literature, and the creative writing
process. Ms. Grande’s book was part of the Summer
Reading Literature Circle program.
• Boston Poet Laureate Sam Cornish presented his
work and led a discussion with students and faculty
members in October. He spoke eloquently, and had
a wonderful rapport with the students. Thanks to
the Boston Symphony Orchestra for bringing Mr.
Cornish to the school.
Staff Highlights
Library Director Deborah Froggatt began a
doctoral program at Simmons Graduate School of
Library and Information Science. She served on
the MA State Library Public Relations Committee,
the Boston Regional Library Council Advisory
Board, and the Massachusetts Library Association
Poster Exhibition Committee.
• The 9th grade Seminar classes used the BSO
Education Resource Center in their study of the
Holocaust. After reading Elie Wiesel’s Night, the
Library Assistant/Intern M.K. Eagle collaborated
students participated in two programs presented by
with Wellness Coordinator Deidre O’Halloran,
the Boston Symphony Orchestra. One half of the
and led 10th grade wellness seminars featuring a
students heard a presentation by Edgar Krása, a
database on teen health issues.
survivor of the Terezín concentration camp; and the
Interns Christina Gillen and Jessica Hawkins
other half actively participated in the Facing History
from Simmons Graduate School of Library and
and Ourselves program Finding a Voice, which
Information Science each worked 100 hours in the
was presented by Mark Ludwig of the Terezín
library over the course of the year.
Chamber Music Foundation. Emilio Gonzalez,
BSO Coordinator for Research and Curriculum
Development, developed a new curriculum kit, The
Art of Survival: Music of the Holocaust, based on
these experiences.
54
Boston Arts Academy
Access and Delivery
During the 2008-09 school year there was seldom
a time when a class or individual students and
teachers were not using the library and its
resources.
• 792 classes used the library over the course of the
school year, for an average of 4-5 classes per day.
• Students circulated 3,699 items.
• The library has 16,514 items; 367 new items
were added in 2008-09. Thanks to the Rowland
Foundation and the Boston Symphony
Orchestra for supporting the acquisition of new
library materials.
• The library added Infotrac’s Science Resource
Center to its list of subscription databases in an
effort to give students access to current information
in science.
• Thanks to the Boston Public Library (BPL), BAA
students can now use an e-card system that allows
them to access that library’s online databases. The
BPL and the Boston Public Schools are working
together with the database companies to provide
access to important, but costly resources.
2008-09 Library staff and faculty.
BAA/Fenway Archives Mission Statement
The mission of the Boston Arts Academy/Fenway
High School Archives is to collect, preserve, and
provide access to school records that document the
beginnings, development, and continuing growth of
both schools.
Collections Policy
The Boston Arts Academy/Fenway High School
Archives documents the history of both high schools
through the collection of documents, administrative
records, curriculum materials, student publications,
yearbooks, relevant news articles, photographs, and
some relevant artifacts. The decision to accept or decline donations is made on a case-by-case basis. The
archives collection is maintained in the media room
of the library. The collection is non-circulating but
access to materials is available upon request through
the Archivist.
Author Reyna Grande spoke to students.
THE BSOERC
The Boston Symphony Orchestra Education Resource Center offers personalized curriculum assistance
to Boston teachers. Staff hold annual professional development workshops on arts-integrated curriculum
development and provide instructional software. The BSOERC is a place where teachers learn and network
with colleagues. It also serves as a planning facility for administrators and teachers
BAA is grateful for the generous financial support from the BSO, The Rowland Foundation, and
individual donors who have helped to establish an exemplary school library for BAA students.
2008-2009 Year End Report
55
Faculty and Staff Listing by Department
Administrative Team
BAA Foundation
Linda Nathan, Co-Headmaster
Carmen Torres, Co-Headmaster
Danny Wilcox, Dean of Students,
Assistant Headmaster
Fernadina Chan, Artistic Dean
Maha Chourafa, Registrar
Anne Clark, Academic Dean and Director
of Professional Development
Christine Hughes, Secretary/Office
Blanca Bonilla, Director of Admissions
Julie A. Larson, Director of Technology
Debbie Pullen, Director of Finance/
Personnel/Operations
Susan Werbe, Special Projects
Coordinatior
Rick Tagliaferri, Executive Director,
BAA Foundation
Liz Hayes, Director, Program Development
Dani Coleman, Communications & Events
David Dines, Development Associate
Ellen Weiner, Grant Writer
Student Support Team
Gregory Holt, Department Chair
Matthew Clauhs
Jeffrey Colby
Chris Parris
Tyrone Sutton
Beth Willer
Tasha Athman, Adjunct
Julia Carey, Adjunct
Jeremy Cohen, Adjunct
Jennifer Cohen, Adjunct
Jennifer Haugen, Adjunct
Bryon Brash, Adjunct
David Jamrog, Adjunct
Susan Jarvis, Academy Strings Coordinator
Hey Rim Jeon, Adjunct
Seungok Lee, Adjunct
Tim Mayer, Adjunct
Erin Merceruio, Adjunct
Walter Platt, Adjunct
David Rivera, Adjunct
Josh Taylor, Adjunct
Curtis Warren, Adjunct
Peter McCaffery, Director of Student
Support Services
Carmen Torres, Co-Headmaster,
Learning Center Administrator
Danny Wilcox, Dean of Students,
Assistant Headmaster
Jeff Connolly, Community Field
Coordinator/Security
Cynthia Hairston, College and Career
Coordinator
Charmain Jackman Ph.D., Psychologist,
Children’s Hospital
Kevin James, School Police
Mwaniki Mwangi, Clinician
Children’s Hospital
Luz Maldonado, Family Advocate
Janae Jones, Retention Specialist
Janiya Snape, Building Substitute
Deidre O’Halloran, Director of Student Activities/Wellness Coordinator
Marjorie Schaffel, Clinician
Children’s Hospital
Gail Stryker, Nurse
Allie Javors, Intern
Serena Lau, Intern
Jacqueline Williams, Intern
Facilities and Cafeteria Staff
Buddy Paull, Building Manager
Tom Crowley, Custodian
Joe Juliano, Senior Night Custodian
Michael Manning, Custodian
Lorraine Costello, Cafeteria Manager
Library and Technology
Deborah Froggatt, Library Director
Emilio Gonzalez, Curriculum Specialist
Daniel Hinchen, Archivist
MaryAnn Kearns, Technology Specialist
Julie A. Larson, Director of Technology
Millie Meachum, Library Intern
Tony Pera, Computer Technician
Center for Arts in Education
Corey Evans, Director
Nicole Prefontaine, Teacher as Artist
Program Coordinator
56
Boston Arts Academy
Dance Department
Fernadina Chan, Department Co-Chair
Sheryl Pollard-Thomas, Department Co-Chair
Christopher Alloways-Ramsey
Tai Jimenez
William McLaughlin
Rocky Mendes, Adjunct
Music Department
Theatre Department
Juanita Rodrigues, Department Chair
John ADEkoje
Seth Bodie
Jenna McFarland-Lord
Adam McLean
Ori Zadok, Intern
Visual Arts Department
Kathleen Marsh, Department Chair
Barrington Edwards
Katie Oscdiacz
Guy Michel Telemaque
Ryan Donnelly-Brilling, Intern
Liz Pasek-Allen, Intern
Phyllis Bretholtz, Volunteer,
Photographer
World Languages Department
Patricia de la Rosa, Department Chair
Carlos Gutierrez
Cara Livermore
Sue Mantel, ELL & Deaf Education
Coordinator
Humanities Department
Sonya Brown, Department Chair
Mónika Aldarondo
Abdi Ali, Coordinator of Teacher
Partnerships
Anne Clark
Raúl García II
Deborah Browder, Intern
Aparna Lakshmi, Intern
Nicholas Ojeda, Intern
Daniel Sullivan, Intern
Mathematics Department
Stephen Ly, Department Chair
Joy Erikkson
Stephen Garschina-Bobrow
Mark Lonergan, Assessment and
Testing Coordinator
Vera Rowe
Marc Seiden
Carl Anhalt, Intern
Cherisa Hernandez, Intern
Science Department
Alexander Njoku, Department Chair
Joy Bautista
Kim Conrad
Ramiro Gonzalez
Marc Seiden
Maureen Lonergan, Intern
Interpreting Team
Sue Mantel, Team Chair
Jeanette Ocampo-Welch,
Department Co-Chair
Lise Simring
Department Co-Chair
Lori Bellama
Taylor Belsvik
Sarah Chase
Angela Hudon
Joanna Lawrence
Aaron Malgeri
Lisa Nolan
Cara Schwartz
Elizabeth Weber
Special Education Department
Carmen Torres, Co-Headmaster,
LC Administrator
Kevin Grogan, Educational Team
Facilitator
Robert Handy
Gina Higgins
Mary Keyes
Sue Mantel
Nicole Mullen
Brunildo Rodriguez
Boston Arts Academy Foundation
It is the mission of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation to bridge the gap
between allocated Boston Public Schools funds and the additional funds needed
to provide a unique arts and academic curriculum that results in sending nearly
95% of students off to college. The BAA Foundation raises funds from individual
donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies to support the school’s
operational expenses, special curriculum initiatives, an array of support services for
students, and community outreach programs in the arts. Their generous financial
support contributes greatly to Boston Arts Academy’s success.
Benefit and Gala
On May 27, 2009, over 300 BAA friends and
supporters attended the 11th annual Benefit Gala
in celebration and launch of the school’s second
decade of achievement. The evening began with
a festive reception at the Fairmont Copley Plaza
Hotel followed by a stunning musical performance
at historic Trinity Church. Under the direction of
Portuguese master conductor, Jorge Matta, BAA
vocal and instrumental students, with support from
members of the chorus and orchestra of Emmanuel
Music, presented the US premiere of Vilancicos
Negros from the Monastery of Santa Cruz de
Coimbra. The performance highlighted the fusion of
Iberian and African cultures in Portugal during the
17th century. The energy and enthusiasm of our
young artist-scholars was truly inspiring!
Another highlight of the evening was the
presentation of the 7th annual Apollo Award to
Richard Grubman and Caroline Mortimer, two
of BAA’s foremost champions.
In making the presentation Amos Hostetter
remarked, “Richard and Caroline fiercely believe that
the arts enrich the mind, open the heart, and forge
new pathways to learning and understanding. Like
many of you here tonight, they take great pride in a
school that is serving as a national model in bringing
the arts back to the public school classroom. And like
you, they take heart in knowing that BAA graduates
are entering the world as critical, creative, and social
thinkers.”
Boston Arts Academy extends deepest thanks to
Benefit Chairs Rob Radloff and Ann Beha as well
as Ann Moritz and David Arnold. Their hard
work and that of their Benefit Committee made for a
memorable and successful evening.
The 2010 Benefit will take place on May 26 at the
Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts. For
further information on becoming an integral part of
this exciting event, please contact:
Rick Tagliaferri, Executive Director
Boston Arts Academy Foundation
617-635-6543
2009 Benefit Highlights
Apollo Award Honorees Richard Grubman and Caroline
Mortimer, with Amos B. Hostetter, Jr.
BAA Vocal Music Director Beth Willer with Guest
Conductor Jorge Matta and Co-Headmaster Linda
Nathan.
Event Co-Chairs Ann Moritz and Ann Beha.
Becca Levkowicz, Margot Strom, Philip Gordon, Barbara
Levkowicz, Sue Pucker, and BAA Council of Advocates
President Sandra Gordon.
BAA Co-Headmaster Linda Nathan, with the Honorable
Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Apollo Award Honorees
Richard Grubman and Caroline Mortimer, their son Ellis
Grubman, and Co-Headmaster Carmen Torres.
BAA Parent and Trustee Edmund Wu, Deborah Wu,
Deborah Foster and BAA Board of Trustees Chair,
David Eppstein.
2008-2009 Year End Report
57
Major Grants
In recognition of school’s consistent success with urban teens, The Boston Arts Academy Foundation received
a number of prestigious grants in 2008-09 which allowed BAA to continue to provide its outstanding academic
and arts curriculum, as well as a critical array of support serices for students and their families. We are
grateful to all our funders for their generosity and support. Highlights of the past year include:
The Dyson Foundation, HBB Foundation, NBT Charitable Trust, the Schrafft Charitable Trust and
the Shippy Foundation all provided general operating support. These unrestricted funds are critical to the
school’s ability to operate at full capacity and fully serve every student.
The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation and the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation supported the
school’s literacy instruction programs. These foundations helped support the Summer Reading Program,
professional development for teachers, assistive technology, and leveled reading materials.
The Rowland Foundation continued to support the BAA Library and the Learning Center by helping keep
the library open after school, purchasing new computer equipment and specialized software for the Library
and Learning Center, and adding to the library’s collection.
The Cabot Family Charitable Trust and the Charlotte Foundation supported the school’s Wellness
Education program, ensuring that on-site counseling is available from Children’s Hospital clinicians, and that
students have access to identity groups, wellness seminars, mediation services, peer mentoring, and health
classes.
The Surdna Foundation continued to provide major funding for the Artist/Teacher Fellowship Program,
a Faculty Artist Retreat, and the school’s highly acclaimed Choreographer-in-Residence program. The
Surdna Foundation also funded the Teachers as Artists program in the Boston Public Schools, which is
administered by BAA.
Funding for music programs, including the Academy Strings Outreach Program, the jazz studies curriculum,
and classical music studies was provided by First Act, Inc., Esther B. Kahn Charitable Foundation,
Krupp Family Foundation, Linde Family Foundation, Mill River Foundation, Music Drives Us
Foundation, Sovereign Bank Foundation, and the Turner Family Foundation.
2008 - 2009 REVENUE
All
Funds
2008 - 2009 EXPENSES
All
Expenses
external fundraising
detail
salaries
detail
individuals
46%
boston public
schools funds
61%
salaries
90%
regular ed
66%
foundations
26%
10% special education
8% administration
mass . dept . of
external
education
fundraising
extended learning
38%
time grant
19%
title 1 funds
fees
1%
6%
corporations
3%
special projects
3%
instructional , basic
2%
development
2%
instructional, special*
1%
2% technical support
administrative
1%
2% library
center for arts
in education
1%
1% family support
*Includes Title 1 Funds
58
Boston Arts Academy
6% student support
4% development
1% office manager
Boston Arts Academy Foundation
Contributors
On behalf of the students, faculty and staff, Boston Arts Academy Foundation
gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and organizations that have
contributed to the school during the 2007-08 school year. Gifts listed were
made between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. While great care has been taken
to include all donors and list them correctly, the Foundation apologizes in
advance for any errors. If your name has been omitted, or if you have been listed
incorrectly, please call the Foundation office at 617-635-6543 so that the necessary
corrections can be made.
Jonathan Abbott and Shari Malyn
Abrams Foundation *
Debi and Ashley Adams
The Alchemy Foundation ˚
Peter and Widgie Aldrich
Paige Alexander
Abdi Ali
Marion Amis
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Anatolia College, Maria Karagianis ˘
Carol and Howard Anderson
Mark Andreasson ˚
Anonymous ˚
Anonymous
Dr. and Mrs. W. Gerald Austen
Deborah Babson
Jesse and Pamela Baker ˚
Kiana Baldwin, in honor of Nyla Wissa
Anita and Joseph Balliro
Alice Bangura
Betty and Arthur Bardige
Anonymous
A. George Battle
Valerie Batts and John Capitman
Enid Beal
Robert L. Beal ˚
Jeannie and Henry Becton Jr.
Sue Beebee and Joe Gagne
Edward Belove and Laura Roberts
Eleanor Bemis
Steven Berger and Poppy White
Lee and Susan Berk
Berkshire Partners, LLC, Kevin and
Julie Callaghan `
Mr. and Mrs. Emil S. Bernstein
Michael Bernstein ˚
Big Brother Big Sisters of Mass Bay
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Linda C. Black
Les and Bev Blicher
Benjamin and Amy Bloomstone
Lawrence Blum
Willa and Taylor Bodman ˘
Blanca Bonilla
The Boston Conservatory,
Richard Ortner, President ˚
Boston Cultural Council
Boston Red Sox Foundation `
Boston Redevelopment Authority ~
Matthew Botein and
Susan Herzlinger Botein ˘
Brian Bourquin in honor of Nyla Wissa
Helen and Joseph Bouscaren ˘
BPS Arts Expansion Fund
at EdVestors *
Lynne Brainerd and
Michael Douvadjian ˚
Kelly Brilliant
Anne and Peter Brooke `
Katie and Paul Buttenwieser ˚
Cabot Family Charitable Trust *
Mabel H. Cabot
Claudia Caldas
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation `
Ann Carter and Philip Jameson ˚
Francisco Carvalho
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Ronald and Ronni Casty *
Fernadina Chan
Fay M. Chandler *
Charles River Realty Investors LLC,
Brian Kavoogian ˘
The Charlotte Foundation *
Julie and Stuart Chase
Sarah Chase
Shandolyn Chavis
Brian Chu ˚
During the 2008-09 school year, BAA piloted a new finance course. The popular elective was taught by Mr.
Ken Liebler.
2008-2009 Year End Report
59
Contributors, cont.
City of Boston Employee
Charitable Campaign ˚
Coalition of Essential Schools ~
Doug and Gigi Cochrane
Keenan Cochrane
Cogan Family Foundation *
Allan and Joyce Cohen
Helen and David Cohen
Marcia Cohen
Kenneth and Virginia Colburn ˚
Daniela Coleman
Michael and Joan Contompasis
Michelle Crawford
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Mona Dahan
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Nora Dahan Daoud
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Andrea d'Amato and Michael Schofield
Nelson Darling
Anna and Peter Davol
Lynn and Bruce Dayton ˚
Mattie Deed
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Tom and Midge DeSimone ˘
Kippy Dewey
Kathia Diaz, in honor of Nyla Wissa
Robert DiMario and Helene G. Martin
David Dines
DLA Piper `
Elena and Ted Dodd
Deanne and Barry Dorn
Miriam and Peter Dow
Thomas Downard and Kim Knight
Ronald Druker
Kitty and Mike Dukakis
Alan Dynner
Dyson Foundation ^
Bill and Jacalyn Egan,
Duniry Foundation `
Pierre and Nadia Eid
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Jack Eiferman and Fern Fisher
Carl and Vicki Eifler ˚
Kathleen Emrich and
Robert Sherwood
Brenda Engel
Catherine England
David Eppstein and Deborah Foster
Dorothy, Herbert and Ilene Carver,
The Epstein/Carver Family Foundation
Joy Eriksson
Esther B. Kahn
Charitable Foundation `
John and Catherine Esty
Corey Evans
Terry and Sam Evans
Clark Ewer
in memory of Elizabeth Mayer
Sandra Fairbank
Robert and Iris Fanger
60
Boston Arts Academy
Daniel and Shoshana Farb ˚
Tmomas M. Feeley
Feeley & Driscoll, P.C.
Judith and John Felton ˚
Simon and Nikki Fennell
Denine Fernandes
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Gail and Bill Fine, WCVB TV
Firestone and Parson
First Act, Inc. ^
Joan FitzGerald
Gail Flatto ˚
Peter and Sara Fleiss
Pamela Floyd-Ogawa
Dan French
Center for Collaborative Education
Louis and Judith Friedman
David Frieze
Linda and Michael Frieze *
Susan and Bryan Ganz
M. Dozier Gardner
Bink Garrison
Dr. Carl George, in honor of
Franklin Worthington Taylor and
Rosalind Thomas-Clark
Girardi and Keese *
Rachel and Andrew Goldfarb ˚
Ron and Vivien Goldman
Barbara Goldsmith ˚
Miguel Gomez-Ibanez
Herbert and Jane Goodman
Goodwin Procter LLP, Regina Pisa ˘
Melissa Gordon and James McEleney ˚
Sandra and Philip Gordon ~
Rosalind E. Gorin and
Matthew Budd, M.D.
Silvia Gosnell ˚
Sylvia Graham
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Jo Gray and Jennifer McBride
in honor of Franklin Worthington
Taylor and Rosalind Thomas-Clark
Dr. Karen Greenberg and
Mr. Richard Rudman `
Chris Greetham
Gigi Grenier
Barbara and Steven Grossman `
Richard Grubman and
Caroline Mortimer ~
Rebecca Guenther
Carlos Gutierrez
Andy and Debby Hafetz
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Dr. Janet Hall and
Mr. William Copacino `
Michelle Leigh Hamlin ˚
Lilian Handlin
Eliza Hardy
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Elin and John Harris
Leathia Hart
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Anne Hawley
Lucile and William H. Hays III
The HBB Foundation *
Ruth Heespelink
Michael Heichman and Clara Lennox
Cesar and Gabriela Hernandez ˚
Highfields Capital Management ^
Linda Hill and Roger Breitbart
Charles and Starr Hills
Petie Hilsinger
Sharrie Ann Hodge
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Robert J. and Phyllis E. Hoffman
Gregory Holt
Mr. and Mrs. Amos B. Hostetter, Jr. *
Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Houghton
Christine Hughes
Harris Family Foundation and
the John H. Harris III Memorial
Foundation, Jennifer Harris,
Alex Harris, Hunt and
Diane Harris, trustees `
Hunt Alternatives Fund ~
Jane Wegscheider Hyman, PhD
Ann and Sandy Jacobson
Jonathon and Joanna Jacobson *
Alan A. James and Wanda McClain
The Jane Marrow Fund at
Boston Arts Academy,
in loving memory from
Gordon, Robbie and Eliza Bemis ~
Jill Janows and Joshua Rubenstein
Daniel and Elizabeth Jick ˚
Mary Jirmanus
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Abigail Johnson and
Christopher McKown ˘
Elizabeth B. Johnson ˚
Elizabeth L. Johnson
Joseph L. Johnson, III ˚
Jean and Robert Kadlik
in memory of Elizabeth Mayer
Marjie and Bob Kargman
Nancy Karp
Trish Karter
Robert and Irna Kashan ˘
The Kate Fansler Foudnation `
Wayne and Norva Kennard
Mary Keyes
Chris and Adrienne Kimball
The Klarman Family Foundation ^
Nancy Knowlton and Sid Sibley
Christine Kondoleon and
Frederic Wittmann ˘
C. Kourkoumelis and G. C. Kaynor
Barbara and Alvin Krakow
Rozann Kraus
Patricia Krol
The Krupp Family Foundation ^
David and Beth Labbe
Shawn LaCount
Roger and Myrna Landay ˚
Susan A. Landers
Larry and Michelle Lasser
Pat Latimore and Bourdi Apreala
Ken and Marcia Leibler `
Mary and Bob Lentz
Traci and Mark Lerner `
Bara Levin
Barbara and Harold Levkowicz
Linde Family Foundation ~
Edward and Joyce Linde ˚
Costa Littas and Mimi McDowell ˘
Julia Livingston
Mark Lonergan
Chris and Bruce Long
Frederick and Elizabeth Lovejoy
William and Angela Lowell ˚
Carol and Michael Lowenstein *
Harriet Lundberg
Christopher and Sally Lutz *
The Lyons Group
Luz Maldonado
Willard L. Maletz
Jan M. Sprawka and
Theresa Malo-Sprawka
Marcus Partners, Inc.,
Paul and Anne Marcus `
Kristin and Paul Marcus
Ethel K. Marran ˚
Kimberly and Amos Marrero
Kathleen Marsh
Victoria Marsh
Shirley and Jim Marten
Mary Cronin Stone Trust
in honor of Rosalind Thomas-Clark ˚
Massachusetts College of Art and
Design, Kay Sloan, President
Massachusetts Cultural Council ˘
Dr. Robert and Jane B. Mayer
Nancy and Richmond Mayo-Smith
Greg and Patty Mazure
Joe and Lauren Mazzella ˚
Peter McCaffery
John and Clara McEleney
James and Katherine McHugh
Joanne McKenna and Steve Harnish
William McLaughlin
Elizabeth Mehren and Fox Butterfield
Mr. Charles E. Merrill, Jr. ˚
Metrowest-Newton Wellesley
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, PC,
in memory of Elizabeth Mayer
Carl Meyer II
Jo Frances and John Meyer ˘
Lyle and Anne Micheli ˚
Allison and Roberto Mignone *
Nathan and Rebecca Milikowsky ˚
Drs. Barbara Millen and Mark Boyer
Chris Miller and Jean Carlevale
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Myron Miller
The Mill River Foundation `
Eden Milroy ˚
Richard and Evvajean Mintz
Heavenly Mitchell
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Cynthia Mohr
Jackie Moran
Mr. and Mrs. E. Laird Mortimer, III ˚
David Murphy and John Simpson
Music Drives Us Foundation `
Sherif and Mary Nada
Farhad Nanji and Karen Caputo
Anonymous *
Linda Nathan and Steve Cohen ˘
Nature Coast Tree Corp., in memory of
Gregory James O'Halloran
The NBT Charitable Trust ~
The Nellie Mae Educational
Foundation `
Newark Charter School Fund, Inc. *
Niketown Boston
Dave Niles
Lisa Nolan
Roderick and Joan Nordell
Anita Nurse
Eileen O'Connell and Barry Beder
Packy O'Connor
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Packy O'Connor Jr.
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
David O'Halloran, in memory of
Gregory James O'Halloran
Deidre O'Halloran, in memory of
Gregory James O'Halloran
The Olive Bridge Fund *
Dean Pahud
in memory of Elizabeth Mayer
Caroline Palmer ˚
Faith and Glenn Parker *
Thomas and Ellen Payzant
Antonio Pera
Karen and Mark Perakis
Laura Perille
Stephanie Perrin
Craig Peskin
Tung Pham
Erna and Bob Place
Susanna and David Place,
The Elliot Badgley Foundation ˚
Plymouth Congregational Church
Jonathan and Amy Poorvu ˘
William and Lia Poorvu ˚
Sue and Bernie Pucker ˘
John and Mary Quinn
Irving W. Rabb ˚
David Rabkin and Patty Nolan
Rob Radloff and Ann Beha `
Ralph Bradley Prizes,
Eleanor Goud and Hendrika Sluder ˘
Rasky Baerlein
Strategic Communications, Inc. `
Suzanne and Peter Read
Mary and Joe Regan
Harriet Relman *
Robert and Ruth Remis
John and Dorothy Remondi ˚
Chris Rifkin
Rising Sun Chapter No. 2, O.E.S.,
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Juanita Rodrigues
Bob Romanow
Dr. Michael and Patricia Rosenblatt
Jay Rosner
Daniel and Susan Rothenberg ^
Rowland Foundation ^
Roy A. Hunt Foundation ˘
Arlene and David Rubin
Eileen Rudden and Josh Posner
Peter Norris and Amy Rugel
Helen Russell
Mary Rutkowski and Gideon Ansell
Robert Sachs and Caroline Taggart ˘
Debra Sampson
Corinne Sanders
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Jeffery Santos
in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Marjorie Schaffel
Mr. and Mrs. Marvin G. Schorr
Schrafft Charitable Trust *
David and Marie Louise Scudder
Wendy Shattuck and
Samuel Plimpton ˘
Shippy Foundation ^
Joan Moynagh and Adam Sholley
Matthew, Lori, Hope, and
Paula Sidman `
Susan Silberberg and Tom Robinson
Joanne Silver and Charles Stein
Lise Simring
Alfred and Gilda Slifka,
Global Petroleum ˚
Kay and Bill Sloan
Martin I. Small
Smith and St. John
Fenwick Smith
Sovereign Bank New England `
Josiah and Joyce Spaulding, Jr.
Edith and Robert Sperber
Paula and Joseph Spound
David and Patricia Squire
Susan Squire
2008-2009 Year End Report
61
Contributors, cont.
State Street Bank ˚
Emilie D. Steele
Valerie Stephens,
in honor of Nyla Wissa
Donald and Erica Stern
Jennifer Stier ˚
Francis and Sandra Stone ˚
Allan and Amy Strassman ˚
Margot Stern Strom and Terry Strom
Gail Stryker
Cheryl Studley-Straut and
Joseph Straut
Andrew Sucoff
Gerald Sullivan
Surdna Foundation for the Arts ~
Carol and Elliot Surkin, The Surkin Family Charitable Fund
Rick Tagliaferri and Jill Mackavey
Target
Ben and Kate Taylor
Carol Taylor and John Deknatel
Beth Taylor and Tim Barclay
Laura Hodges and Scott Taylor ˚
Guy Telemaque
Rosalind Thomas-Clark,
in memory of Franklin Worthington Taylor
Alexandra Thompson `
William and Juliana Thompson ^
M. Ann Thubault and Mary Kennedy
Nan Tierney Scholarship Fund at Boston Arts Academy `
David Ting
Tiny Tiger Foundation *
Mr. and Mrs. J. Owen Todd
Susan W. Tofias
Paula Frances Tognarelli
Carmen Torres
Nikolous and Katharina Trede
Maggie Moss and Paul Tucker
Nan Tull
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Tye ˚
UBS Foundation USA Matching Gift Program ˘
George Ulrich and Judy Flam
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Sandra Urie and Frank Herron ˚
Rosamond Vaule ˚
James Veasley, in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Jay Veevers
Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation *
Wachovia Foundation Matching Gifts Program
Andrea Wade
Joy and Jimmy Wang
George Warner
Mark Warren and Roberta Udoh, in honor of Nyla Wissa
Lynn Washington, in memory of Shawndel Mitchell
Cindy Weiner
Laura Weisberg and David Wong
Barry Weiss and Laurie Alpert
Susan E. Werbe and John E. Bates
Chris Whitlock and Mary Flannery
Wilson Butler Architects ˘
Wilson Family Foundation, James and Jane Wilson ˚
62
Boston Arts Academy
Boston Arts Academy drummers welcome attendees to the
Vilancicos Negros concert at Trinity Church.
Winn Family Charitable Trust ˚
Katherine Winter
Councilor Charles Yancey, in memory of
Shawndel Mitchell
Michael Yogman and Liz Ascher
Kristen Duffy Young and C.J. Young
Doris Youngman
Linda Zamvil
Sarah Zaphiris
Judi Ross Zuker and Edward Zuker ˚
Legend
~
^
*
`
˘
˚
$50,000+
$25,000–$49,999
$10,000–$24,999
$5,000–$9,999
$2,500–$4,999
$1,000–$2,499
In-Kind Donations and Services
In addition to generous contributions, Boston Arts Academy wishes to gratefully acknowledge
the many in-kind services and donations provided by the following organizations and individuals.
Michael and Kohar Allen
The Frame Gallery
AXA Equitable
Ezra “Eddie” Shammay
Valerie Batts
Linda Beardsley
Susan Berger
Celebrity Series of Boston,
Martha H. Jones, Ex. Director
Color Magazine
Concord Baptist Church
Boston Arts Academy Board of Trustees
David Eppstein, Chair
Boston Arts Academy Council of
Advocates, Sandra Gordon, President
Boston Arts Academy Parent/
Caregiver Council
Boston Center for the Arts
Boston College School of Social Work
The Boston Foundation,
Paul Grogan, President
Boston Public Library
Boston Psychoanalytic Society
Boston Red Sox
Boston Symphony Orchestra,
Mark Volpe, Managing Director
Boston University
Phyllis Bretholtz
Broadway Across America
Ann Carter
Cambridge One
Caturano & Company, P.C.
Children’s Hospital Boston
Joyce Cohen
Margot Tuck Coleman
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
DLA Piper
Eastern Standard
EdVestors
Laura Perille, Executive Director
El Pelón
Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
Edmund Barry Gaither
Fresh City
Carlos I. Gutiérrez
Sandra and Philip Gordon
Reyna Grande
Brian Gravel
Dr. Gloria White-Hammond
Reverend Ray Hammond
Liz Harris
Harvard University, Graduate School
of Education
Marian L. Heard
The House of Blues Foundation
Hunt Alternatives Fund
Swanee Hunt and
Dr. Charles Ansbacher
Hawthorne String Quartet
Huntington Theatre Company
Joanne Kaliontzis
Lansdowne Street Pub
La Verdad
Thomas Oboe Lee
Kenneth Leibler
KRL Investment Associates
Keith Lockhart
Lyons Group Management
Margaret Martin
MASCO
Michael and Gail Mazur
Mayor Thomas M. Menino
Sarah Mayper
Kristen McCormack
Sandi Nicolucci
Northeastern University
Dr. Isabel Phillips
Robert Pinsky and his
Boston University students
The ProArts Consortium:
Berklee College of Music
Boston Architectural College
The Boston Conservatory
Emerson College
Massachusetts College of
Art and Design
School of the Museum of
Fine Arts, Boston
Pucker Gallery
Larry Rasky & Rasky/Baerlein
Strategic Commuications
Restaurante Cesaria
Boston City Councilor Mike Ross
Richard Rudman
Shorey, Krentzel and Dalgin Families
Reuning & Sons Violins
Jim Schantz
Simmons College
Smith College School of Social Work
Stanhope Framers
Suskind Young at Arts,
Citi Performing Arts Center
Ten Tables
William F. Thompson
Boston City Councilor John Tobin
Trinity Church
Tufts University
Twig Florist
Dora Ullian/Eliot Hotel
Maurice Vanderpol
Citi Performing Arts Center,
Josiah Spaulding, President
Robert Wong, Arnold Worldwide
2008-2009 Year End Report
63
Boston Arts Academy
Upcoming Events for the 2009-10 School Year
March 2010
March 1–6
Theatre Performance: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
March 29–31
Senior Music Recitals
April 2010
April 1–6
Senior Theatre Showcase
April 14–15
Springfest Dance Performance
May 2010
May 26, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
12th Annual Benefit & Gala at the Calderwood Pavilion
Honoring Obie Award-winning playwright José Rivera and
Community Leader Harry Collings with the 8th Annual Apollo Award
June 2010
June 11
Boston Arts Academy Commencement at Symphony Hall
For more information, please contact the school at 617-594-7956 or check our
website www.bostonartsacademy.org. All events and times are subject to change.
64
Boston Arts Academy
A Public High School
for the Visual and Performing Arts
174 Ipswich Street
Boston, MA 02215
bostonartsacademy.org
TEL 617.635.6470
FAX 617.635.8854