Our 8th School Year
August 2016


       So it begins! BVP's hallways are once again full of scholars back for another academic year, and we could not be more thrilled. Just seven years ago, Elementary School 1 opened with 76 scholars and this year we opened Middle School 2 - our sixth school. (The Pawtucket Times featured their opening in yesterday's paper. Click here to read.) Across our network, we welcomed over 1,600 scholars, grades K-11, back to school.

       First days don't happen overnight. Planning for our scholars' return requires months of planning and a vision anchored in high expectations for every scholar. Every minute of professional development held in August was focused on ensuring our goals and our expectations are focused on scholar achievement while providing the necessary social and emotional supports that make learning possible. I am incredibly proud of our team and know that the hard work they do is anchored in doing what is best for scholars.

       Also in August, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) released statewide results from the 2016 PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) Assessment. The test was administered last spring at the end of the 2015-2016 academic year. We worked hard and it shows - BVP scholars outpaced RI state averages by double digits in both English language arts (ELA) and math. In fact, there were only three schools serving a majority of low-income students that exceeded the state averages in both ELA and math - BVP is one of them and all are public charter schools. Click here to view a PowerPoint summary of our results.

       I look forward to what this year holds for the BVP community, and am incredibly optimistic that we can achieve even more in the year ahead. Your partnership will be critical. Budget cuts at the State House have left BVP with only one choice - to do more with less. With your continued support, we will continue to provide the same high quality choice our families have come to expect.

       Below are a few more highlights from August and a request for stakeholder input as we search for our next high school leader. Please take time to read more and share your feedback.

       We hope to see you soon - our doors are always open and we invite you to visit soon!

Sincerely,

Jeremy Chiappetta
Executive Director
surveyStakeholder Survey
Later this fall, BVP will launch a comprehensive national search for the new head of school for BVP High School; we will be seeking input from the greater BVP community to inform that process.

Let us hear from you - Complete this short Stakeholder Survey and share what experiences and qualifications you believe we should consider. 
BVP Musings - Our Blog
On Monday, our first day of school we shared this blog post.
The First Day of School

Today was a happy day. This morning we opened our doors for the first day of school for the eighth time. Unlike the first time we did it, with only 76 scholars, today we welcomed over 1,600 scholars to 6 schools - kicking-off a new year of growth and discovery.

Recharged from summer vacation and energized by a month of professional development, our staff was excited to be greeted by so many smiling faces. We think the best way to share that positive energy is to show you what it was like. 
Why is BVP Different?
Sharing BVP's story through a scholar's journey.

Last year a BVP scholar, his family, and our staff went in front of the camera to tell our story in a new way. Click the image below to watch our video and learn about BVP and our model through one scholar's journey to and with BVP. 
Save the Date for BVP Visitor Days!
Throughout the school year we host visitor days at BVP. These are great opportunities to experience our culture, community, and academics first-hand. We invite you to save the date for a future visitor day! Details and invitations to follow.

Upcoming Visitor Dates
October 14th, 2016
November 4th, 2016
March 10th, 2017
May 19th, 2017
Support Blackstone Valley Prep
As we eagerly step forward to take on the urgent work necessary to raise the bar on education, we invite you to be generous and include BVP in your charitable contributions. 

Whether you can give a little or a lot, we would be honored to have your help. On behalf of the BVP team and our board of directors, thank you in advance for your support!
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