Dear METCO Families,
We hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready to tackle the week ahead! This past weekend, we had the privilege of watching our METCO students participate in the Tenacity Challenge, and we couldn't be more impressed with their hard work and dedication. We saw the pictures and the amazing work they put in—truly inspiring! Keep up the tenacity, everyone!
This week, our high school students will be taking the MCAS, and we encourage everyone to make sure their students are well-rested and have a good breakfast before heading into testing. A little preparation can go a long way, so let’s cheer them on!
We also want to share that Wednesday is Wellness Day at the high school! Students are required to be in school, but instead of regular classwork, they’ll participate in stress-free activities that promote well-being. More details will be coming soon from BHS.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for the JGMS Middle School musical: The Little Mermaid Jr.! A talented group of METCO students is involved in this production, and we'd like to give a special shoutout to Robert Thomas, Keira Wornum Parker, and all of the METCO students performing. Break a leg, everyone—we can’t wait to see the show!
We also want to remind you about the upcoming Urban Wild event on April 12. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with parents from both Boston and Bedford, and we encourage you to join us. An email with the event details was sent out last week.
In the next few weeks, we’ll be reaching out to parents for an open conversation about the possibility of changes to School Start Times. We’ll be hosting a Zoom meeting, and your input will be incredibly valuable, so please keep an eye out for that invitation!
As we close out Women’s History Month, we want to highlight Rosalind Brewer, an African American trailblazer and CEO of Walgreens. She made history as one of the only Black women to run a Fortune 500 company and has been a champion for diversity and inclusion in corporate America. Her leadership continues to inspire many!
Lastly, please see the attached Spring Sports late bus schedule. As always, thank you for your ongoing support!
Best regards,
The METCO Team
Kid's Coat Giveaway
METCO HQ has received a generous donation from Cradles to Crayons of 1,500 kid’s coats for ages 0-13. We are partnering with Phi Beta Sigma to distribute these FREE coats to METCO families and community members.
Saturday, March 29, 1 to 4 pm
Vine Street Community Center, 339 Dudley St., Roxbury, MA
Giveaway is first-come, first-served while supplies last.
Contact Nia Simpson, Community Organizer & Engagement Coordinator, at nsimpson@metcoinc.org or Wilmary Tejeda, Chief Student Service & Enrollment Officer, at wtejeda@metcoinc.org with any questions.
School Year Youth Job Applications Are Now Live!
The SuccessLink School Year Youth Job applications are now live! Boston youth and young adults ages 14 - 24 can apply for school year job opportunities on FutureBOS, the youth jobs catalog created to help young people find and secure jobs.
Click here to access futureBOS, the best place to go to find jobs that offer opportunities to grow, explore new experiences, and get paid.
Save the Date: Youth Jobs and Resource Fair!
The City of Boston Youth Jobs & Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Complex! Each year, the City of Boston partners with hundreds of city agencies and community-based organizations across all Boston neighborhoods to provide meaningful employment opportunities for thousands of the city’s youth. The City of Boston Youth Jobs & Resource Fair equips Boston’s youth with unique job opportunities and essential workforce readiness skills. This free event offers young people the chance to connect directly with employers, access on-site application support, participate in free career development workshops, receive wrap-around youth services, and more!
April Parent Academy Session: Executive Functioning
On behalf of the Ahern Instructional Leadership Team and the Wellness Committee, along with our community partners, I am pleased to share an invitation to our upcoming Parent/Caregiver Academy event.
WHAT: Jackie Antonelli, Ahern Reading Specialist, and Samantha Timpany, Grade 5 Classroom Teacher, will share the amazing efforts the entire Ahern School has made towards enhancing students’ executive functioning skills in the name of building not only academic but social emotional skills. Executive functioning includes all of the "21st century skills" we are working to develop in our children, and more.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 6:15-8:15pm
WHERE: Ahern Middle School or METCO Headquarters, 11 Roxbury Street, Boston, MA 02119
All of our Parent/Caregiver Academy events run simultaneously in Foxborough and Boston. Please join us at whatever location suits you best when registering on Eventbrite.
REGISTRATION: https://parentacademy-ef.eventbrite.com/
The Parent/Caregiver Academy model is focused on creating connections between caregivers, and also with community supports. The two-hour window is intended to give participants a chance to meet and chat with new people, while also giving flexibility to arrive and leave as needed. The topics for each Academy are selected based on needs expressed by caregivers in Foxborough. For more information, please visit: Upcoming Events - Foxborough Public Schools
We hope you can join us at one of the two locations.
Amy M. Muldowney, LMHC, BCBA, LABA
Community Wellness Coordinator
Pronouns: she, her, hers
1:1 Mentors for Sophomores: Summer Search
METCO HQ and Summer Search Boston are working together to provide students and families with an information session via Zoom about the Summer Search Program Tuesday March 18th 2025 from 6-7 pm via Zoom for Sophomores.
Summer Search is a Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through transformative experiences and long-term mentorship. We are excited to share this opportunity with METCO students who are ready to challenge themselves, grow as leaders, and build a bright future.
In-person sessions take place at METCO HQ:
11 Roxbury Street, Boston, MA 02119
For more information, contact Karli Janssen at kjanssen@metcoinc.org
The Boston Fire Teen Academy
The Boston Fire Teen Academy will be happening this summer.
Youth between the ages of 14-18 with interests in public safety & wellness, leadership, and community service are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for employment with Success Link, all applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a full-time resident of the City of Boston
- Must turn 15 years old on or before 9/1/2025
- Cannot turn 19 years old on or before 9/1/2025
- Must be legally permitted to work in the US
Employment Dates: Early July - Late August
Monday - Thursday (25 hrs/week)
Paid Summer opportunity
Key Duties:
- Work in a team environment, learn job responsibilities/readiness and life skills
- Assist with setup and breakdown of Teen Academy location
- Actively participate in learning, discussions, and group activities
- Assist and work with Community Service initiative
- Participate in physical activities including daily physical training (PT) and sports-related, team building exercises
See attached Flyer with QR Code and more details.
METCO University
METCO University offers free extended education opportunities to the whole METCO community! This winter, choose from a variety of courses about being online safely and responsibly, presented by Tyler-Lee, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator.
Winter 2025 Classes
NOTE: Class dates have been adjusted from the previous email based on feedback.
Identify the Dangers and Risks
March 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about pervasive internet risks; scams, phishing, and identify theft; cyberbullying and what that looks like when a child is faced with it.
The Tools, Strategies, and Solutions for Staying Safe Online
April 17, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about setting parental controls while maintaining healthy boundaries with your child. Pick up meaningful ways in which you can teach digital safety and responsibility at home.
Building a Healthy Digital Environment at Home
May 15, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn how to ensure your child is maintaining healthy digital habits at home, with friends, and in school. Fostering healthy and open communication at home is also explained during this session.
For further details or if you have any questions, please contact Tyler-Lee St. Leger, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator, at tstleger@metcoinc.org
- March 26: Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:30-4:00pm
- March 28: Grade 5 Movie Day
- March 31: Rising 6th grade parents - Middle School Math Parent/Caregiver Info Session 7:00-8:00pm @ JGMS, please RSVP.
- April 11: Sports Day - wear a shirt, hat, etc. from your favorite team!
- April 17: Grade 5 Talent Show Performance for Parents 6:00-8:00pm @ Lane
- April 21- April 25: No School - April Vacation Week
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- March 25 & March 26: Grade 10 ELA MCAS
- March 26: BHS Student Wellness Day
- April 12: Women of Science Competition @ JGMS
- April 21- April 25: No School - April Vacation Week
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- May 5: New England College Fair (IEPs & 504s) 6:00-8:00pm @ BHS
- May 10: Middle School Tenacity Challenge @ BHS
- May 16: Last Day of Classes for Seniors
- May 19 - May 22: Senior Exams
- May 20 & May 21: Grade 10 Math MCAS
- May 23: Senior Class Field Trip - Whale Watch 8:00am
- May 29: Senior Prom 5:30pm held at Danvers Yacht Club, meeting at BHS
- June 3: Graduation Rehearsal 8:00am @ BHS
- June 4 & June 5: Grade 9 Science MCAS
- June 5: Graduation 6:00pm @ Tsongas Center in Lowell, student arrival time will be determined and is before Graduation time.
- June 5: All Night Graduation Party 10:30pm @ BHS
- June 12 - June 18: Final Exams
- June 18: Last Day of School for Grades 9-11 (tentative, dependent on additional closures)
BEST PTO Color Run
Saturday, May 3rd | 4:00PM | JGMS Fields
Early Bird Registration | $15 | Through January 31st
Regular Registration | $20
Join BEST PTO for a fun, family-friendly event full of vibrant color, community, and energy! This year’s Color Run will be more affordable than ever to ensure more families can join the fun! While we’ve simplified some offerings, our goal remains the same: to bring joy to our community and raise funds for our schools. Register here: https://runsignup.com/bestptocolorrun2025
METCO Office: 781-275-1700 x4435
Akil Mondesir, METCO Director
Chauncey Williams, METCO Coordinator Davis & Lane
Chauncey_Williams@bedfordps.org
Jonathan Brome, METCO Coordinator JGMS
Davis Main Office# 781-275-6804
Lane Main Office# 781-275-7606
JGMS Main Office# 781-275-3201
BHS Main Office# 781-275-1700
Parents Diversity Council Board
pdcbedford@gmail.com
President - Kelly Korenak
Vice President - Stacy Chandler
Treasurer - Allison C. John
Secretary - Anne Caron
Davis Chair - OPEN
Lane Chair - Roopa Bhusnurmath
JGMS Chair - OPEN
BHS Chair - Heather Leavell, seeking co-chair from Hanscom or METCO
Fundraising Chair - Mark Mullins
- Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary School - Scribbles - March 17, 2025
- Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - Week of March 17, 2025
- John Glenn Middle School - Buccaneer News - Vol. #27/28 - 3/24/2025
- Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - March 24, 2025
- Assistant Superintendent's Update - February 2025
- Superintendent Update - March 21, 2025
- John Glenn Journal - Winter 2025
- The Lookout Newsletter - January 2025
METCO HQ & Boston University Future Leaders Program (High School Students)
The program will meet Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 18th to May 8th 2025 at METCO HQ (11 Roxbury St., Roxbury, MA 02119)
- Students will be paid $15 an hour for their time in the program, and will be paid to complete surveys and interviews
- Total compensation can be up to $599
- Students will learn about Civic Engagement & Mindfulness or College & Career Readiness.
- This internship is a part of a research study conducted by Boston University faculty that will require students to provide feedback via surveys and interviews.
- Unfortunately, if you participated in this program before, you cannot participate a second time.
Complete Interest Form to Learn More
In-person sessions take place at METCO HQ:
11 Roxbury Street, Boston, MA 02119For more information, contact Karli Janssen at kjanssen@metcoinc.org
METCO Summer School 2025
The METCO Summer School Program offers academic-based learning experiences integrating math, science, reading, writing, research, social studies and oral presentations. Certified teachers tailor lessons to student needs based on referrals from school-year teachers
METCO University
METCO University offers free extended education opportunities to the whole METCO community! This winter, choose from a variety of courses about being online safely and responsibly, presented by Tyler-Lee, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator.
Winter 2025 Classes
NOTE: Class dates have been adjusted from the previous email based on feedback.
Introduction to the Digital World
February 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about the evolution of the internet and social media, common platforms, and how they have transformed over time. How are children interacting with these platforms and what are ways you can monitor them? What is a digital footprint and how does it affect your child?
Identify the Dangers and Risks
March 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about pervasive internet risks; scams, phishing, and identify theft; cyberbullying and what that looks like when a child is faced with it.
The Tools, Strategies, and Solutions for Staying Safe Online
April 17, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about setting parental controls while maintaining healthy boundaries with your child. Pick up meaningful ways in which you can teach digital safety and responsibility at home.
Building a Healthy Digital Environment at Home
May 15, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn how to ensure your child is maintaining healthy digital habits at home, with friends, and in school. Fostering healthy and open communication at home is also explained during this session.
For further details or if you have any questions, please contact Tyler-Lee St. Leger, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator, at tstleger@metcoinc.org
Preparing Leaders and Achievers Network (P.L.A.N.) for High Schoolers
March 8, 2024
Application Now Open| Students ages 14-18
Students can now apply to participate in METCO HQ’s Preparing Leaders and Achievers Network (P.L.A.N.) life-readiness summer program. Participants are expected to be available for up to 25 hours a week of in-person programming at METCO HQ, from July 11th to August 25th. Participants will be paid $15/hour and will learn executive functioning, financial literacy, and job readiness skills, and engage in college and career explorations and off-site field trips.
P.L.A.N. is a paid opportunity for high schoolers through the City of Boston’s FutureBos jobs program. Participants will be paid for up to 25 hours per week.
More than “job readiness,” PLAN participants will learn about basic life skills, financial literacy, civic engagement, social capital as well as job readiness skills–and explore college and career possibilities.
Contact Karli Jannsen, College and Career Coordinator, at kjanssen@metcoinc.org with any questions.
National History Academy Presents Two Exclusive METCO Scholarships for Rising Juniors & Rising Seniors
Study U.S. Government & History for a month in Virginia for free!
Program Details:
- July 6 to August 1, 2025 (four weeks)
- Hosted at Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia
- Cost: full scholarship ($10k value!) that includes four weeks of room & board in Middleburg, Virginia with meals included
National History Academy is a prestigious summer program designed to inspire 90 highly motivated 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students to walk in the footsteps of leaders who shaped America’s history. This immersive experience explores critical moments in our nation’s past—from the creation of the Constitution and the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement and women’s fight for equal rights—while connecting them to present-day challenges.
Join us for a virtual information session on Monday, March 24th at 6 pm. Click here to register!
Contact Nia Simpson, Community Organizer & Engagement Coordinator, at nsimpson@metcoinc.org with any questions.
METCO HEADQUARTERS PROGRAMMING & RESOURCES
New MassHousing Affordable Apartments
FREE RESOURCE│Database
MassHousing finances the construction and preservation of affordable rental housing throughout MA. Property Managers are responsible for the placement of tenants into available apartments at each development.
View Database HERE
Explore resources to meet your family’s basic needs.
Students are much more likely to succeed in school with stable access to basic needs. If you or anyone you know needs help meeting those needs, check out these Resources for Basic Needs.
Scholarship Database
METCO HQ has created a scholarship database for ALL students to use. Scholarships are broken down into categories to make it easier for students to navigate.
To view click HERE
College and Career Database
METCO HQ has created a College and Career Database for current high school students AND recent alumni including:
-College Access and Retention Programs
-Jobs and Internships
To view entire database click HERE
Considering HBCU’s Tip Sheet
You may have heard/read about HBCUs, but how do you know if this type of school is right for you? This tip sheet will provide a more comprehensive look into considering HBCUs
View Tip Sheet HERE
Soca Sundays
FREE EVENT │All Ages│ Sundays 1-3pm @ Community Art Center Cambridge, MA
Join for an afternoon of Soca! Dance, feel the Caribbean vibes, and bring the whole family—these classes are for everyone!
Learn More & Register HERE
Hate & Bias in K-12 Schools Resources
RESOURCES │ all ages
Governor Maura T. Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released updated guidance to K-12 schools on addressing hate and bias incidents in line with legal obligations.
Learn More HERE
Bullying Prevention Resources
RESOURCES │ all ages
Includes general bullying prevention resources, cyberbullying and internet safety as well as articles, books and videos.
Learn More HERE
Watch Video HERE
The 19th Annual Israel Arbeiter Holocaust Essay Contest
Open to Students in Grades 6-12. Submissions Due April 4, 2025
Six Winners will receive an educational trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
Reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust and their relevance today. By exploring the history of Holocaust, we can understand how hatred, prejudice, and dehumanization can escalate into violence and how we all play a role in preventing history from repeating itself.
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)!
Good day Community Partners, Parents and Youth Job Seekers!
We are Madison Park Development Corporation’s Youth Workforce Team and we are excited to announce our openings for our Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) 2025!
Young people who are accepted into the program will be matched with a dynamic paid placement/internship to gain work experience, learn responsibility, and begin a path to financial independence. Before beginning their positions, they will complete our week-long Workforce Academy (WFA) where they will learn about professionalism, conflict resolution, resume building, interviewing, and more to help them become outstanding employees.
Our unique summer youth employment program is designed to train all our youth in work readiness, life skills, personal development, finance and more, to ensure a strong commitment from our youth on their journey to viable employment. Youth are assigned to a paid internship site while enhancing their professional and personal lives through creative, educational and enrichment weekly workshops. We currently partner with over 35 employment sites, that align with your desired career, creative, educational or recreational goals. Whether its health, sports, early childhood or arts, we have a job suitable for you!
Youth are required to attend weekly workshops at our various facilities as they are kept engaged in professional training , development and life skills. Our dedicated staff perform scheduled check-ins with youth at their employment sites as well. Other benefits include tutoring, academic support, community service credit, field trips, college prep assistance and more.
Program runs from of July 7, 2025
through August 22, 2025
If you are interested in applying, please complete this online form:
MPDC Summer Youth Employment Program Application 2025
****Deadline to apply is Friday, June 6th, 2025**
Limited positions available.
** Seasonal Staff positions available for individuals ages 19-24, inquire within! **
We are taking applicants on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.
· Interviews will occur during the last week of May, second & third weeks of June.
· Once you apply, you will receive an email with further information.
· NOTE: Applying to SYEP does not guarantee employment.
If you have any questions or need assistance applying please contact me at the numbers below.
Hope to have you be part of the summer squad!
Cheerful Regards,
Yhinny
Yhinny Matos | Youth Workforce Manager
Madison Park Development Corporation
184 Dudley Street | Roxbury, MA | Direct: 617-849-6236 | Cell: 617-959-5545
www.madison-park.org| Follow us: Facebook| Twitter
We are hiring! Click here to view job openings at MPDC.
www.madison-park.org | Follow MPDC: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
School Year Youth Job Applications Are Now Live!
The SuccessLink School Year Youth Job applications are now live! Boston youth and young adults ages 14 - 24 can apply for school year job opportunities on FutureBOS, the youth jobs catalog created to help young people find and secure jobs.
Click here to access futureBOS, the best place to go to find jobs that offer opportunities to grow, explore new experiences, and get paid.
Save the Date: Youth Jobs and Resource Fair!
The City of Boston Youth Jobs & Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Complex! Each year, the City of Boston partners with hundreds of city agencies and community-based organizations across all Boston neighborhoods to provide meaningful employment opportunities for thousands of the city’s youth. The City of Boston Youth Jobs & Resource Fair equips Boston’s youth with unique job opportunities and essential workforce readiness skills. This free event offers young people the chance to connect directly with employers, access on-site application support, participate in free career development workshops, receive wrap-around youth services, and more!
Senior Deadlines
Cap & Gown Order Information
To order your cap and gown for graduation, click here.
May 23: Senior Class Field Trip: Whale Watch 8:00am, meet at BHS
May 29: Senior Prom, 5:30pm at Danversport Yacht Club, meet at BHS 4:15pm
June 3: Graduation Rehearsal & Breakfast 8:30am at BHS
June 3: Senior Field Day 11:00am at BHS
June 5: Graduation 5:30pm at Tsongas Center in Lowell, student arrival will be earlier
June 5: All Night Graduation Party 10:30pm at BHS
Massport’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion STEM Scholarships
Massport’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Compliance will once again award two $5,000 Diversity STEM Scholarships to graduating high school seniors of color with a minimum 3.0 GPA who reside or attend school in the city of Boston, Chelsea, Winthrop, Revere, Worcester, Bedford, Concord, Lexington, or Lincoln.
Students must be involved in community service and interested in pursuing a degree that could be utilized in the Transportation Industry. Areas of study may include but not limited to Aviation, Maritime, Real Estate, Business Administration, Accounting, Architecture, Engineering, Finance, Diversity, or Human Resources.
All submissions and essays must be received by Winston Pierre in Massport's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Compliance Department before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25th, 2025. Students are recommended to use the online application link for submission (click on hyperlink).
For more information, please call 617-568-3125 or CLICK HERE
Middle School Math Parent/Caregiver Information Session
Intended Audience: Rising 6th grade parents (Current 5th grade students). All are welcome. On Monday, March 31st, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at JGMS math teachers, the math program administrator, the JGMS principal, and the Superintendent invite Lane School and JGMS parents and caregivers to a math information session. We will be presenting proposed changes to our math course structure for the 2025-2026 school year for 6th grade. These changes are part of Bedford’s strategic plan. This session is intended for parents and caregivers only. There will be a hands-on session and we ask, for our planning purposes, you RSVP. Thank you. Patrick Morrissey, Math Program Administrator, Grades 6-12 patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org