We can't wait to host Curriculum Nights at our Dorchester and Brighton locations next week!  

Families will learn about curriculum and instruction from their child's teacher, and about the music program from El Sistema teachers. Teachers will share with families: the reading, writing and mathematics curriculum in their child's grade; how they foster a positive classroom culture; what expeditionary learning looks like in their grade and what expeditions the children will embark on throughout the year; and what parents can do to help their child succeed at school this year and beyond. El Sistema teachers will also share about the music program in your child's respective grade.  Families also will have a chance to ask questions about their classroom and the school.

Please note: This is an adult event to provide an opportunity for families and teachers to talk.  There will not be any babysitting available for children.

We hope you are able to join us!

Who: PK, K, 1st 

Where: Brighton Campus

When: Wednesday, October 1st at 5:30

Who: Grades 2-8

Where: Dorchester Campus

When: Thursday, October 2nd at 5:30 for grades 5-8

When: Thursday, October 2nd at 6:15 for grades 2-4

On Friday, September 19th, the Harvard Graduate School of Education held a day-long celebration called Critical Conversations & Bold Ideas and Professor Steve Seidel invited our school to send an ensemble to perform at the closing ceremony.  El SIstema Co-Director Ms. Jara chose a group of students, seasoned musicians and singers and led them through rehearsals every day after school to prepare for the event.

More than 1,000 Harvard students, faculty, staff, and alumni attended the program and then gathered in a tent outside the school.  After a short video introducing the students and the school, 5th grade Dudamel orchestra musicians Tess Lepeska-True (cello), Elijah Simon (clarinet), Mayara Ryland (viola) and Niko O'Grady-Arnold (violin) were joined by middle school singers Jessica Charles, Janahasia Coston and Winy Rodriguez on stage.  They performed Amazing Grace and received a standing ovation and then performed a special arrangement of Feeling Good, a song made popular by Nina Simone.  Their beautiful rendition also received a standing ovation.  Mayara then introduced Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust, calling her the "rockstar" of Harvard's rock band.  This drew more applause and President Faust said it was the best introduction she ever received.  Her remarks were followed by a speech by Dean Jim Ryan about the mission and vision of Harvard Ed School.

The afternoon ended with a beautiful performance by Yo Yo Ma and two fellow members of the Silk Road Project. Many thanks to Professor Steve Seidel for the invitation and to Ms. Jara and the students for their dedication and commitment to representing our school at this important event.