BOSTON LATIN ACADEMY
Guidance and Student Support Services

February 27, 2006

Dear Parents/Guardians of Sophomore Students,

Spring has arrived and with it comes the annual MCAS testing. This year, testing will occur in March and in May:

Tuesday, March 28, English Composition
Wednesday, March 29, English Language & Literature, Sessions 1 and 2
Thursday, March 30, English Language & Literature, Sessions 3
Monday, May 15, Science, Sessions 1 & 2
Tuesday, May 23, Mathematics, Session 1
Wednesday, May 24, Mathematics, Session 2
Thursday, May 25, History, Session 1

All students should be present and arrive on time. According to the Massachusetts Department of Education, only absences with a doctor’s letter can be excused. All absences without a doctor’s letter cannot be recognized as medical absences. If your child will be absent, please notify the school.

Students should bring #2 pencils and erasers with them to all testing sessions. Students should also bring a four-function calculator with a square root function key. Graphing calculators are not necessary.
Students who score in Advanced and Proficient categories are eligible for tuition scholarships to the state colleges and universities of Massachusetts.

Sophomores will be attending the annual Career Day Workshop at BLA on Wednesday, April 5th. Boston Latin Academy alumni will speak about their career paths, as well as the education and training necessary for their professions. This will take place during Periods 3 & 4 in the Cafeteria.

The guidance department also encourages all sophomores .and their parents to consider attending the National College Fair held at the Bayside Expo Center on Tuesday, April 11th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Over 350 colleges will be represented. It’s a great way to get started in thinking about colleges and careers.

Term 3 report cards will be distributed on March 14th. We encourage you to contact your child’s teachers and/or guidance counselor if you have questions or concerns about your child’s academic status. The school phone numbers are (617) 635-9957 or (617) 635-9961 for the guidance department. A note can also be faxed to your child’s teacher. The fax number is (617) 635-6696.
The best preparation for MCAS testing is the same as what it takes to do well in school each day-proper rest, good nutrition, exercise, being present in school, and doing the work that is expected. Historically, our students have demonstrated solid achievement in the MCAS testing and we anticipate similar results this year. Thank you for your support of our collective efforts.

Sincerely,

Catherine Chiu
Program Director
Guidance and Student Support Services