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Small Learning Communities

 

 
Introduces students to public and community service careers. Students will study introduction to Public Administration and Public Service.

 

 
Encourages each student to develop an understanding of what it takes to be successful in business. The core topics will include marketing, economics, finance, investment and business develppment.

 
 
Introduces to the world of engineering and technology. Students will learn advanced technology in such areas as electronics, computers and communications.

 

 
TAA is designed for 160 students who will be able to {accelerate" graduation by completing a competency-based program. A very positive learning environment will be provided by smaller class size and support services.

 

 
A strong academic focus, working with students to solidify the skills needed to be successful in high school. Students are clustered to create a positive 9th grade learning experience.
Introduction
     In this fifth issue of the Report on Teaching and Learning, we describe our accomplishments and plans for our school. We hope this report gives you a better picture of what students are experiencing and accomplishing in our school. If you have specific questions about your child's performance or this report, please contact the school.

     Dorchester High School will have four School to Career academies for students in grades 10, 11, and 12. Each academy has a particular career focus with a challenging curriculum. Students will be encouraged to explore a variety of career opportunities. All bilingual and special needs students will have full access to the opportunities of the academies.
Mission Statement
     We, the staff and parents, expect our students to achieve the standards of the Boston Public Schools which are essential to lifelong learning, productive work, responsible citizenship, and thoughtful participation in our diverse communities.
A Day in the Life
     Before school, our student returns a biography to the new Library/Media Center. In first period Chemistry class, she graphs temperatures in an exothermic reaction in the new science lab. Second period's Geometry class is writing open-ended responses about how they found a proof for a theorem from yesterday's examples. Third period's English class is writing in their Literature Notebooks about the book, Night. Fourth period is World History where they are presenting the causes of the Cold War. Before lunch, she checks in at the Teen Empowerment Office. After lunch, it's Art where she's finishing a drawing that will be displayed in the Main Office. Then her P.I.C. counselor meets her in the hallway to remind her to fill in an application to work at Bell Atlantic this summer. Sixth period is where she practices conversational Spanish. After school, she goes to Urban Scholars at U/Mass Boston for tutoring. A very busy day!
School Characteristics
  • The Small Learning Communities, such as the Academy of Public Service, the Entrepreneurship/Business Academy, the Engineering/Technology Academy, the Performing Arts Academy, and the Leadership Academy, provide personalized teaching in a disciplined environment.
  • The ninth grade Freshman Academy features a strong academic emphasis on Math and Language Arts, including the BoysTown FAME reading curriculum.
  • Bilingual Education for Haitian Creole and Spanish-speaking students.
  • Special Education including the Occupational Skills Development Center.
  • A Partnership with U/Mass Boston (funded by the Trefler Foundation) to create Boston's first Professional Development School, bringing student teachers and university resources into DHS.
  • Bell Atlantic, our Business Partner, sponsors mentors, technology, MassPep (after school engineering club), BoysTown FAME reading curriculum, summer jobs, and more.
  • Competitive sports programs in basketball, football, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, and cheerleading - plus MJT Dance.
  • A brand-new Library/Media Center, new computer labs, newly renovated Science labs completed by June 2000, a computer-linked Career and College Center, and Internet connections throughout.
  • Tutoring, academic assistance, SAT Prep, help with college applications, and youth development through Teen Empowerment, Urban Scholars, Upward Bound, Guaranteed Admission Program, Chance, and many other ancillary programs.
  • Call our new Parent Center at (617) 282-6726.
Student Body
     There were 863 students enrolled at the end of the 1998-99 school year. The student population was: 66.4% Black, 4.3% White, 3.0% Asian, and 26.1% Hispanic. Bilingual Education programs are offered in Haitian and Spanish. Some other information about our students for the past year:
  • Promotions:... 72.4%
  • Attendance:... 80.1%
  • Annual Dropout Rate:... 21.8%
  • Pupils Suspended:... 89
Connecting Activities
     Each academy will offer a variety of school and world of work connecting activities. The School to Career Coordinator works closely with the P.I.C Career Specialist in coordinating these activities. Students will have opportunities to participate in job shadowships (grade 10), internships (grade 11), community service learning, guest speakers, field trips, mentorships, and summer/winter employment.