Boston Renaissance Charter Public School

Fall Newsletter, 2O21

Dear Renaissance Family and Friends,

I hope this newsletter finds you all well and you’re settling in for another exciting school year. We have returned to school with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. We are so excited to welcome back all of our scholars, staff, returning families and new families to full in-person learning, and we are certainly looking forward to what is ahead for our community. 

 

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their unwavering commitment to our efforts as well as all of our

parents for your support during these challenging times. Please know, we are taking every precaution and making every effort to keep our community safe during this ever-changing pandemic. Our “new normal” has certainly given us many challenges. We prioritize the needs of our scholars each and every day, and strive to create a safe and enriching environment for our community. 

 

We will monitor these efforts closely, share important updates with you along the way, and always keep the interests of our scholars at the forefront of our decision making process. In the meantime, please know that we are constantly looking for ways to engage our community both internally and externally. Given the challenges that we face, we are committed to re-envisioning how we celebrate our traditions and engage our community, and are excited to embark on this journey together. We all agree that Renaissance is something very special, and I’m grateful for your continued support. 


With gratitude,

Alexandra Buckmire
Head of School

AROUND CAMPUS

Family Resource Center Grand Re-Opening

We are happy to announce we have officially reopened the Family Resource Center. Staffed by our Family Engagement Coordinator & Homeless Liaison Tamairi Rivera, the center has many helpful resources including a computer workstation, printer, coffee maker, comfy chairs, extra school supplies and bean bag chairs and games for the little ones!

 

"Whether you need to print something, receive help with translation, or just want somewhere to sit down and talk over a cup of coffee, this is your space. I look forward to seeing you in the center throughout the year."

The Family Center is located in the back of the school building (the same side as parent pickup and drop off), in the very last POD. (See map)

Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:15pm, Half Days 7:30am-10:30am

Tamairi Rivera,
Family Engagement Coordinator & Homeless Liaison

Extension 1124

trivera@brcps.school

 
inside the family center
Family Center map location

The Voices of Renaissance Chorus

is Back In-Person

We are thrilled to report that after an 18-month break The Voices of Renaissance Chorus and Mentorship Program is back in person.

 

Now entering its 22nd year, the nationally recognized program has included thousands of children who have performed all over the country, internationally in China, and 3 performances at the White House. Over 80 scholars are currently enrolled in the program.

 

Using music and public performance as a foundation for character education, the mission of the chorus is to convey positive messages and inspiration to people of all ages. 

"I'm very happy to help bring back a sense of normalcy and a vital part of the school." - Evelyn Lee, Director of Visual & Performing Arts  

 

The chorus began rehearsals in October and is determining plans for a comeback concert sometime this school year. Ms. Lee reports that she also plans to bring back the Roger J. Harris Oratorical Society and Ogletree Debate Society aspects of the program this year as well.

The Voices of Renaissance Chorus at The White House, November 2016

PARTNERSHIP CORNER
On-Site Dental Services Return to BRCPS

The Commonwealth Mobile Oral Health Services (CMOHS) has returned for in-school dental services. Students who do not have dental care can participate in the full comprehensive dental program. Services include: dental exam, dental cleaning, fluoride varnish, sealants, dental X-rays and fillings with local anesthetic (novocaine/lidocaine) as needed. This year alone, the dental program has served over 160 students.

 

If your child does not have dental care and you would

like him or her to participate in the program, please contact Monique Taylor: mtaylor@brcps.school. 

Dr. Qui Nguyen of CMOHS sees students for Dental care visits on-site in the BRCPS Health Office

Northeastern University Language Literacy Program
Returns for On-Site Screenings

We are very pleased to announce that our partnership with Northeastern University's Language Literacy Program has resumed for the 11th year. This year, the program will service both K1 and K2 classes, reaching even more students. For families who have elected to participate, their children meet with graduate students from Northeastern, who are pursuing a Master's of Science Speech Language and Pathology. Throughout the school year, the groups meet twice a week to build language skills through interactive reading and word/picture identification games. Students meet in small group settings, which allows for individual and tailored support. Our scholars are able to supplement this program with their classroom learning, contributing to a well-rounded education where they can enjoy reading comprehension across multiple fun and nurturing environments.

 

 

Scholars who participate in the program really enjoy their experience and its benefits show in their reading progression.

The motto of the Boston Renaissance Literacy Team is "Catch them before they fall."

 

 

 

"Boston Renaissance... in my opinion, is a gold standard when it comes to literacy support for students who are learning to read."

                     - Susan Fine

 

Susan Fine, MA CCC-SLP, Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Education, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University

DeShawna Green graduated from Renaissance Charter Public School (BRCPS) in 2010 as Student Producer of the school's former radio station and President of the Voices of Renaissance Chorus. DeShawna went on to the John D. O'Bryant School of Math & Science, followed by the New England College in New Hampshire where she won the Dean Ken Smith Award and graduated this past spring with a B.A. in Business Management, Marketing.

 

Renaissance has had a profound impact on DeShawna and her family as well. Her brother, DeVante Jamison, graduated in 2012, and her brother Antoine Jamison, graduated in 2021.

 

 As a young scholar attending Renaissance, DeShawna showed great leadership potential through a wide variety of activities and  disciplines. DeShawna credits the school, the parents and the teachers for helping her discover her confidence, public speaking skills, and love of dance while participating in the Voices of Renaissance, producing the school Radio Station, and learning choreography.

 

"As a child, I was a bit shy, but the Renaissance community brought out the best of me. I soon became comfortable with public speaking. That’s what I love to do now and I owe it all to my Renaissance experience.”

DeShawna continued her love of dancing through high school where she participated as a member of both the dance and cheerleading teams. She is the recipient of two National Cheerleading Association All-Star and All-American Cheerleader awards. In college, DeShawna joined the school’s dance team, eventually becoming the team captain.

DeShawna’s marketing and business education prepared her to accept a position as the Marketing Coordinator  for the Manchester, New Hampshire Chapter of NAACP. There, she produced high-level marketing materials designed to educate the community on political, educational, social, and economic equality.

 

Currently, DeShawna  is the Assistant Coordinator at the Boston Health Commission where she helps provide shelter for the people without homes. DeShawna feels that the Renaissance played a significant role in shaping the person she is today. Because of this, DeShawna feels strongly about giving back to the Renaissance community in whatever way is meaningful to you, and invites you to do the same. 

DeShawna looks forward to reconnecting in the future with all the many Renaissance staff and alumni.

DeShawna Green, recipient of the Dean Ken Smith Award, and Dean of Students, Mike Taberski.

“Renaissance wants to re-engage and welcome back former scholars, and I encourage you to reach out to them and see how you can join us.”

Deshawna Green with friends and family at her younger brother Antoine Jamison's graduation from Boston Renaissance in 2021.

Thank you for supporting our school and community. To learn more about philanthropic and engagement opportunities, please contact Jack Moynihan, Director of Development and External Affairs at jmoynihan@brcps.school or (857) 276-0396. Click here to donate. 

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Our Contact Information
Boston Renaissance Charter Public School
1415 Hyde Park Avenue
Hyde Park, MA 02136
617-357-0900
http://www.bostonrenaissance.org/