Good Evening, Boston Arts Academy Families,

I would like to open my message this week by acknowledging that members of our community have expressed concerns about Covid-19 and safety protocols. There are a number of important updates in this bulletin. We have also asked Assistant Superintendent Eugene Roundtree to join us at an upcoming Family Council meeting to discuss those concerns. We will announce the date and time for that meeting in our next bulletin.

This coming week we focus on supporting the connection of our community. Artists depend on community. Musicians, dancers, and theatre artists create through ensembles, through connections with other artists. Visual artists and fashion designers grow through critique, through opportunities for members of the community to give each other constructive feedback and suggestions. As people, we also all depend on connections to others. Personally, I believe that the last year has taught us the value of a strong, connected, and healthy community.

I am very proud of our 10th graders, who had a virtual/hybrid introduction to BAA and yet have already shown themselves to be leaders and great additions to our community. On Wednesday, all 10th graders will be going on a field trip to Hale Reservation, a nature preserve in Westwood, Massachusetts. BAA staff and Hale staff will lead students in a number of outdoor community building activities to further build their bond as a class. The BAA staff had a lot of fun going through the same activities before school started this year. Buses will leave from BAA after the 1st period and return before the end of the day; lunch will be provided. Advisors will be passing out permission slips, and we ask 10th graders to bring them back by Tuesday. 

This coming Thursday evening, we will have virtual Back to School Night from 6-7:30. We will elect family leaders, and families will have the opportunity to learn about arts and academic programming. A detailed agenda and zoom link will be sent out on Wednesday. If you have a suggestion of a topic or a question you would like answered Thursday night, please email me at aclark@bostonpublicschools.org.

Finally, on Friday we will have BAA Spirit day, a day whenwe come together as a BAA community to get to know each other and have a little fun. We will have a modified schedule that ends in some outdoor activities at nearby Town Field park. Students, on Friday wear your BAA gear or your art color (green/music; red/dance; blue/visual arts; gold/fashion; purple/theatre).

Have a great week!