February 2008
Quality Programs to Meet Students’ Needs
- • Comprehensive opportunities for learning, including strong academics and a broad array of arts, world languages, physical education/health, and competitive athletics
- • Preschool and Integrated Preschool programs housed in Burlington High School allow high school students in child study classes authentic experiences
- • Inclusion models supporting successful learning for all students
- • BEAM, an enrichment program, during the school day at the Middle School for targeted students
- • Evening Academy for students at risk for not graduating at Burlington High School
- • Peer mediation and peer leadership programs at the High School
- • Before and after school elementary programs that enrich learning and provide a safe child care alternative (e.g., after school math camp)
- • Exposure to great works and great ideas through curriculum-based field trips, guest programs and exchange programs
- • Variety of extra curricula activities and clubs at the secondary levels (e.g., Chess, Model UN, sports, robotics)
Student Recognition and Accomplishments
- • Intel Science Search Awarded in 2006
- • Regular involvement in art exhibitions and competitions including, annual Spring Exhibit at BHS, Lexington Arts and Crafts Society Annual High School Art Majors Show, exhibitions at Starbucks, Congressional High School Art Show, note card project and COLLAB, student newspaper
- • Students regularly earn places at Art All-State weekend at the Worcester Art Museum, Young Artist Program at the Art Institute of Boston, Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards
- • COLLAB literacy and arts magazine regularly earns honors through the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the American Scholastic Press Association
- • Regional and state band and chorus participants often recognized
- • 95% of high school class of 2007 going on to higher education
- • 99% of high school class of 2007 passing MCAS
- • National Merit semi-finalists and commended students
- • Burlington is one of five high schools in which students may earn the opportunity to be recognized as Massachusetts State Scholars
- • Opportunity for travel study includes, Italian Student Exchange to the Instituo Tecnico Pilat in Trentino, Italy; and China, via Pathways to China projects; as well as other travel experience
- • Recognition by Italian Consulate for exemplary Elementary World Language program
- • State Champion Chess Team (2 years), Cheerleading Squad National Champions (2 years), Model United Nations Award and Poetry Out Loud Competition sends students to State Competition
- • Burlington was awarded the first Massachusetts Initiative for International Studies in December 2005 for global studies
- • Pathways to China program is recognized as an exemplary for global studies by MASS, MIIS, MA DOE, and The China Exchange
- • Pathways to China Dragon Boat Team won first place in Youth Division at the Boston Dragon Boat Festival
Coordinated District-wide Curriculum Initiatives
- • High School Teachers were recognized in the April 2007 issue of Educational Leadership for their work on common course syllabi
- • World language program offered in grades 1-12
- • Grant recipient for various projects related to world languages, intercultural exchanges & global studies (e.g., Freeman, C.A.S.IT., DOE)
- • Extensive course revision and AP offerings at high school level, including virtual high school classes for individual learners
- • Extensive co-curricular options, including instrumental, band and chorus opportunities for students grades 4-12
- • Principal Advisory Committee: students meet with Burlington High School Principal to discuss issues regarding curriculum learning environment and community
- • Global Studies Certificate Program available for high school students who meet requirements in: academics, community service and extra curricula, travel and a reflective project
- • Pathways to China - a grant funded travel study opportunity combined with intense academic, technological, cultural & social opportunities
District-wide Professional Development Plan
- • Offers in-service courses, workshops, and demonstration lessons as well as support for curricular changes and instructional strategies
- • Five staff development days in the school calendar plus options beyond the school day and school year
- • Mentoring and induction programs for new teachers and administrators
- • Affiliations with Primary Source, Teachers as Scholars, Salem State, NESDEC and Bay Path College allow for diverse and varied professional development opportunities (e.g., course work, travel study, workshops)
- • Burlington’s Professional Development plan and programs were rated excellent by state Educational Quality Audit and commended in the 2005 NEASC report.
Technology Advances
- • One computer for every three students system-wide ratio
- • Classroom-based technology integration
- • Web-based High School Guidance Information Management System (Naviance)
- • Smart Board and United Streaming implementation
Valuable Staffing Resources That Support Teaching
- • Curriculum coordinators co-teach, model lessons, develop curriculum and assessments
- • Burlington Science Center provides staff support and museum quality programs
- • Literacy tutors, reading specialists, learning center teachers and a secondary literacy specialist support literacy across curriculum K-12
- • Math Coaches K-5 model lessons, co plan, and co teach to deepen content knowledge
- • Art, Music, PE/Health, Library and Technology Specialists support interdisciplinary and student-centered learning
- • Low student teacher ratio (1:18-22)
- • Supportive School Committee
Community Partnerships Enhance School Services
- • BCAT informational programs accessible to students
- • Students volunteer at BCAT to video and edit school-related events
- • PTO supports enrichment programs including author and artist in residence
- • Burlington Union and Daily Times Chronicle provide positive school coverage
- • Informational forums and family programs like Carnevale Party and Family Math Nights extend learning
- • Student Government Day is sponsored by Town
- • Community service experiences are available
- • Burlington Education Foundation awarded $7,190 for various programs/projects in the Fall of 2007/2008
- • Partnerships extent with many organizations including: Lahey Clinic Partnership programs, People Helping People, Drug and Alcohol Task Force
- • Burlington High School Scholarship Fund awarded $303,000 in scholarships to the Class of 2007 which included $60,500 awarded from the Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation and $25,800 from the Adopt-A-Class Scholarship Program
- • Bay Path College, Burlington satellite, partnership for students and staff
- • Student projects to benefit community, e.g., art and poetry shows at Starbucks, Water Buffalo purchase by Latin Club through Heffer International
- • Honor the Troops donated of 120 boxes of goods to soldiers overseas (Iraq and Afghanistan)
School Facilities and District Status
- • Long term capital improvement plan to maintain and improve school buildings
- • Anticipated needs for additional school construction and facility improvements to meet increasing enrollments, and program needs, and equity are planned
- • Preparation for Elementary School Building Project underway, facility committee recommendations for project manager and architect in place
- • No bus fees
- • No fees for athletics
- • Stable financial conditions
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