4/8/2026 update

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Welcome Back! We hope you all had a wonderful, rejuvenating February break!

Our Family Newsletter contains essential information and serves as our primary communication tool with families. It includes important announcements, recent updates, and key reminders. We kindly ask that you take a few moments each week to read it thoroughly to stay informed and connected.

1. Whole School Updates & Announcements
2. Middle & High School Highlights
3. Enrichment & Community
4. Family Engagement
5. Wellness & Support
6. Upcoming dates

Sincerely,

Madelyn Ruizdeporras
Family Operations Manager

Applications for the 2026–2027 school year OPEN NOW!

Boston Prep is a tuition-free public charter school in Hyde Park serving grades 6–12, and we’re now accepting applications for students entering grades 6–10. At Boston Prep, we work to empower tomorrow’s ethical leaders. Through college-ready academics, enriching experiences, and a focus on values like courage, compassion, integrity, perseverance, and respect, we prepare students to thrive in college and beyond.

Apply today at https://www.bostonprep.org/enrollment/enrollment-overview

Note: If your child is already enrolled at Boston Prep, you do not need to re-apply. This is only for non-existing students who wish to attend Boston Prep Charter this upcoming school year.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: Applying for a sibling: ***If you are applying for another child in your family, please submit a copy of both of your children's birth certificate (existing and applying) to enrollment@bostonprep.org - attention: Ms. Ruizdeporras or bring in-person by 2/27 to ensure that sibling preference is applied to the application before the lottery date.

Siblings are classified as brothers and/or sisters of existing Boston Prep students.

Questions? Reach out anytime: enrollment@bostonprep.org

Dates: Monday, June 29 to Thursday, July 23

Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm, Monday through Thursday (no school on Fridays)

Eligibility

• Middle School: Students who failed one core class for the year must attend summer school and complete it successfully to be promoted. Students who fail two core classes are not eligible for summer school and will be retained

• High School: Students who failed English, Science, Math and/or History may enroll in summer school and recover credit for one of those core classes, up to a maximum of two courses. Students who require more than two credits to recover will be retained.

• Extended School Year: Students with IEPs who have Extended School Year written as a support. Optional, based on parent wishes (more details coming soon).

Completion Requirements

• Middle School: To earn credit for a course, students must complete and earn a passing grade in their assigned courses at least 70% and be present for at least 90% of the days (no more than one day absent, 2 tardies)

• High School: To earn credit for a course, students must complete the entire Edgenuity course with at least a 70% grade. Students may not accrue more than 1 absence during summer school. Students who exceed one absence will be unenrolled.

Boston Prep will have a half day for One Team Meetings with dismissal at 12pm on Friday, April 10th.

School will be closed for April Break from April 20th - 24th.

**Please note that extended vacations beyond the scheduled break will not be excused in accordance with our attendance policy. Please plan accordingly.

Family tickets are available on the toast website. We hope to see you there!

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time for our school community to celebrate and uplift our students, staff, and families who are neurodivergent, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Throughout this month, we are reminded of the importance of acceptance, understanding, and inclusion. Every child brings unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of learning, and we are committed to creating an environment where all students feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are.

We encourage our community to continue fostering kindness, empathy, and curiosity, helping all students better understand and appreciate one another. Together, we can ensure that every member of our school community feels seen, respected, and celebrated.

Thanks to everyone who attended last night’s Family Committee meeting—it was great to see such strong participation, including our Board of Trustees and Ms. Valonda Harris.

As mentioned, please take a moment to complete the brief form with any questions about the 2026–2027 Executive Director transition. We’ll continue the discussion at the Family Town Hall on April 15 at 5:30 PM (in person), and we encourage all families to attend.

Join us on April 15th for Family Town Hall led by our school Principals at 5:30PM. This is an important announcement you don't want to miss. The meeting will be in-person, please join us.

Here is a link to add any questions you have that you would like addressed.

https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-sun-bucks-program

The online application for SUN Bucks (formerly Summer EBT) is now open. This federal food benefit program provides a $120 lump-sum summer benefit per school-aged child for income-eligible families. SUN Bucks income eligibility standards are the same as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)—all enrolled students identified as meeting the income eligibility standards for free or reduced-price lunch during school year 2025-26, either through an NSLP household paper application or direct certification, are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. Students identified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or participating in Head Start are also automatically eligible.

Find details and learn how to apply on the website: https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-sun-bucks-program

Join us at our next Family Committee led Annual Bingo Night!

Students, families and faculty encouraged to attend. See details on flyer

RSVP to join: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctgfdsz4xjcW-UqLokaCNvOkL5staoPQTlbccuZTahijzAIA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Our grades are not simply a method of tracking points, but instead a means of motivating our students to take agency of their learning via frequent feedback and a continuous learning cycle that ends in student mastery of grade-level standards. Our grading system and associated policies are a reflection of our commitment to our mission in alignment with the qualities we aim to develop in our students as defined by our Portrait of a Graduate.

Take some time to read our policy here: SY26 Grading Policy (Families) - Google Docs

Demonstrating Boston Prep Virtues: Students receive class points and score by demonstrating a combination of our Boston Prep Virtues!

MCAS season has arrived, and we’re excited to come together as a school community to help students feel confident and ready to do their best on both MCAS and i-Ready End-of-Year assessments.

MCAS Testing Dates:

• ELA: April 7th & 9th
• Math: April 28th & 29th
• Civics (Grade 8 only): May 5th & 6th
• Science (Grade 8 only): May 12th & 13th

How to support your child:

• Be on time: Arrive by 7:45 AM (7:15 AM is even better!)
• Plan for full days: No early dismissals, especially during testing days
• Get good rest: A full night’s sleep helps students stay focused and confident

Send a shout-out!
We’re creating a slide deck of encouragement messages to kick off testing. Email your note to mruizdeporras@bostonprep.org with your child’s name and grade by Tuesday, April 7th.

Looking ahead:

• Wednesday, April 15: Middle School Community Meeting with fun, Olympic-style games and academic challenges
• Friday, May 15: MCAS Celebration Day to honor students’ hard work and perseverance 🎊

Thank you for your partnership in supporting our students!

Huge shoutout to Mendel for absolutely crushing it at the city spelling bee! 🐝✨

Out of all the incredible competitors, Mendel spelled his way into the TOP 8—what an amazing achievement! 🎉👏

His hard work, focus, and brainpower really paid off. We’re so proud of him—keep shining and spelling like a champ! 🏆📚

🔥 Take a look at these awesome photos from our latest Flame Field Trip! Students earned their spot by reaching 1200+ points, having no referrals, perfect attendance, and passing all classes—way to go!

🎭✨ Get ready to turn up the mystery and the magic! ✨🎭

Masks are REQUIRED for entry to The Masked Spring Soiree Dance — so bring your flair, your style, and your best disguise!

Don’t have one? No worries! We’ll have masks available for just $5 (cash only), so you can still step into the night in style.

Let the music play, the secrets swirl, and the fun begin… 💃🕺

Competency Determination Policy and Graduation Requirements

The updated guidelines reflect DESE's newest guidance, which means the details have been expanded, but the actual requirements haven't changed since our update last school year. MCAS will continue to be a local graduation requirement for Boston Prep even though it is no longer a state graduation requirement. Passing MCAS score is still required to graduate.

**Please take some time to review the guidance below.

Have your student check their student emails for further details

Selected juniors will travel to Madrid, Spain from April 13–18, 2026. The trip includes visiting major attractions, taking Spanish classes, and experiencing Spanish culture, food, and history together. It supports our academic and college-prep goals and will be led by experienced educators.

Eligibility: Students must be in good academic standing, demonstrate positive behavior, and maintain strong attendance and punctuality.

Class of 2026 Decisions

• Our College Counseling team is working with seniors and their families to confirm their post-high school plans. The deadline to submit enrollment deposits is May 1st, 2026. If you are a parent/guardian of a senior, please talk about college options with your senior. Additionally, please reach out to Ariel Perry (aperry@bostonprep.org) or Sarah Dewey (sdewey@bostonprep.org) to schedule time to discuss options.

Class of 2026 Senior Signing Day

• Each year, we recognize and celebrate our seniors and their post-high school plans through a school-wide assembly. This year, we will celebrate our seniors on Friday, May 22nd. More specifics to come, but for now, please keep this date in mind. We welcome all senior families to attend this event!

Class of 2027 Junior Family Info Night

• The College Counseling Office welcomes all junior families to attend our annual Junior Family Info Night on Wednesday, May 27th. This is an annual event where we welcome all junior families to meet with the college counseling team to discuss the college and career process. Expect more details in the coming weeks.

Spring Sports Registration
Register here: https://students.arbitersports.com/boston-prep-athletics/sy-2025-2026-spring-athletics-registration

Parents must complete registration and submit a current physical (valid for 13 months) to the nurse. Students cannot try out until all materials are submitted.

Spring Head Coaches

High School + Grade 8

• Track & Field: Anders Peterson (Head), Madelyn Zweber, Tshani Williams-Core, Andre Coker-Ryan
• Baseball (co-op): Zach Neary
• Softball: Madelyn Ruizdeporras (Head Coach), Rafael Gonzalez (Asst Coach)
• Boys Volleyball: NDRE Thomas (Head)
• Flag Football (co-ed): Joshua Schrodenbrun (Head)

Middle School

• Track & Field: Marquisse Henry (Head), Emmanuel Antoine
• Flag Football (co-ed): Jeremi Taitt (Head)

Stay Updated on Enrichment Opportunities

Throughout the year, students will receive weekly updates from Fina Leonidas about school-year and summer enrichment programs. Families can also explore these opportunities on the Enrichment Opportunities page. Questions? Email Fina Leonidas.

Stay Updated on Enrichment Opportunities: Explore these opportunities on the Enrichment Opportunities page.

Explore our offerings for after-school clubs here. For questions, contact Fina Leonidas or the specific club advisor listed.

Opportunity for Students Ages 14-21: ABCD WorkSMART

The ABCD WorkSMART Youth Internship Program gives Boston students ages 14 - 21 the chance to earn a paycheck while building valuable skills. Students work 10 hours per week over 10 weeks in a job that fits their school schedule and also receive weekly tutoring and counseling. To learn more or apply, visit https://bostonabcd.org/service/worksmart/ or call 617-348-6548.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) all youth memberships will be free. This decision waives the standard $25 annual fee for children (ages 6-12) and the $5 fee for teens, removing a financial barrier for thousands of families in Boston and Chelsea. While summer camp fees will remain, BGCB is also introducing rolling admissions, allowing families to enroll their children at any point throughout the year. BGCB aims to welcome 1,000 new members during the 2025-2026 school year.

Curious to learn more about BGCB? Learn more and get involved today.

PowerSchool is a powerful tool that will allow you to view your student’s grades and attendance. We believe that if parents have access to information about their student’s academic performance, they are more likely to work with them to ensure student success which is our shared goal. Please take advantage of this opportunity by creating an account and learning all about the features that

Click here: PowerSchool

For information about resources, please familiarize yourselves with our Boston Prep resource page: https://www.bostonprep.org/resources

Attention New Families: If your child had an IEP or 504 Plan at their previous school and you have not yet submitted it to Boston Prep, please provide a copy as soon as possible. This will help us ensure your child receives the appropriate support from the start of the school year. You can email it to our Director of Support Services: vlamp@bostonprep.org

🧠 Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health (Final Quarter)
As the school year winds down, students may feel increased stress from academics and testing. Families can help support their child’s well-being in simple, meaningful ways:

🌱 Keep routines consistent: Regular sleep, homework time, and healthy meals provide stability.

💬 Stay connected: Check in daily—ask about highs and lows, listen, and create time to talk.

🧠 Normalize stress: Remind your child that effort matters more than perfection and celebrate progress.

🛠️ Teach coping skills: Encourage breaks, deep breathing, and relaxing activities like music or walks.

📚 Support independence: Help them break tasks into steps and ask, “What’s your plan?”

🎯 Focus on strengths: Highlight effort, interests, and past successes to build confidence.

⚖️ Balance work and rest: Make time for family, friends, and screen-free breaks.

🚨 Seek support if needed: Reach out if you notice ongoing mood, sleep, or behavior changes.

💛 Final note: Your support and presence make a lasting difference.

Contact your school counseling team if you need additional help.

Updated Physical and Immunization Record: An up-to-date physical exam and immunization record for your student must be submitted to the school. It is a yearly requirement that must be completed for every student! Students will not be able to participate in a fall sport if their physical is not up-to-date.

Please submit documents to: our front office or email nurses@bostonprep.org or fax to 857-520-0836.

Click here to view the breakfast and lunch menus.

• Thursday, April 2: End of Quarter 3
• Friday, April 10: The Toast
• Friday, April 10: Half Day of School (One Team PM Meetings) dismissal at 12PM
• Wednesday, April 15: Family Town Hall Meeting from 5:30PM - 6:30PM (in-person)
• Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24: April Break - No School
• Tuesday, April 28: Q3 Report Card Conferences
• Thursday, May 5: ELPAC Meeting from 4:30PM - 5:30PM
• Friday, May 15: Annual Bingo Night at 5:30PM
• Monday, May 25: Memorial Day - No School
• Friday, May 29: High School Prom
• Thursday, June 11: Senior Graduation
• Friday, June 19: Juneteenth - No School

Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out with questions! You can contact your child’s advisor or utilize any of the emails/websites below.

• To check out our School Calendar click here
• To check out our Student and Family Handbook click here
• For questions about buses, MBTA passes, and transportation: transportation@bostonprep.org
• To report an absence or tardiness or any attendance related matters: attendance@bostonprep.org
• To submit a physical exam record or to discuss health-related topics: nurses@bostonprep.org
• For questions or documents related to enrollment: enrollment@bostonprep.org
• For information about resources, please familiarize yourselves with our Boston Prep resource page: https://www.bostonprep.org/resources
• For other questions: info@bostonprep.org