SBOL_09_21_2023

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

The Summer Street Pilot Program Begins

“Summer Street Bus/Truck/ Bike Lane Pilot Program”

by Rick Winterson

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ast spring, South Boston Online reported on a City of Boston project called “The Summer Street Pilot Program”. This Program was

introduced to the public by a series of three open houses in April and May; it was originally slated to start up around July 4. We have since heard that the Pilot Program’s revised lane usage on Summer Street would be “installed in late summer 2023” or “in September 2023”.

Well, the Pilot Program finally appears to be starting.

A long the one-and-one-ha lf (1-1/2) mile stretch of Summer Street between South Station and First Street, new lane designations and fresh pavement painting have begun. The Pilot Program is planned to last for six months through next March. Overall, the Program will reserve two separate lanes in both directions for the No. 4 and 7 buses; these lanes will also be open to truck traffic to and from Massport’s

Condon’s MVPs of Summer

The Condon SuperTeens, ages 13 & 14 invited by David Biele had the unique opportunity to tour the Italian Navy Vessel F 591 ITS Virginio Fasan at the Flynn Cruiseport.

The Condon Community Center’s Juniors, MVPs & SuperTeens had an awesome summer making friends and making memories! Over 50 neighborhood teens came to work with a smile and to make each day fun for the kids, ages 7-14.

CCCs many community partners including BPD Community engagement, John Hancock Financial & Massport continued their generous support while taking part in many onsite events and activities.

Continued on Page 2

MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 10

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

Continued from Page 1

Pilot Program Conley Terminal.

Protected bike paths and safer walkways will be part of the Pilot Program, leaving just one automobile lane in each direction along Summer Street over the next six months.

The Pilot Program will be in effect full time – on regular workdays, over all weekends, during snowstorms, and for the Holiday Season. At six months long, it could even impinge upon the next St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Sunday, March 17, 2024?).

Keep yourself informed.

You can obtain a free booklet about the Summer Street Pilot Program at the South Boston Branch Library. The booklet contains several maps, graphs, and drawings that illustrate what the Pilot Program is all about. There are several facts and figures about other bus/

bike lanes in Boston, including successful changes on North Washington Street and Brighton Avenue.

Perhaps the most important factoid is the meaning of the word “pilot”. “Pilot” designates real-life, full-sized experiments and tests on Boston’s roadways, which are conducted under conditions that actually exist. “Piloting” eliminates the need to duplicate reality inside a laboratory or a test facility.

It’s important to note that the Summer Street Pilot Program has generated much controversy, up to and including the entire f inal program itself in the (hopefully) distant future. One prediction made by many local officials is that modifications of Summer Street, already a major thoroughfare to and from South Boston, would result in more severe Downtown traffic jams along with additional congestion

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

as the Seaport District continues its build-out. As you know, the massive, ongoing Seaport buildout includes major commercial expansions to support the life sciences and many additional residential areas near existing roads like Summer Street.

Earlier this month, a formal letter protesting the Summer Street Pilot Program was sent to City Hall by City Council President E d Flynn, Cit y C ou nci lor-at-L a rge Michael

Flaherty, State Representative David Biele, U.S. Congressman Stephen Lynch, and State Senator Nick Collins. Their protests centered on two key issues: A lack of proper notice about the Summer Street Pilot Program early in 2023, and failure to take into account the Seaport’s immense future expansion plans.

I n a ny c a s e, ple a s e keep y ou r s e l f i n f or m e d about this Pilot Program – it’ll be life-sized for sure.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

3

VERTEX Receives Major Award

by Rick Winterson

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e r t e x Pha rmaceutic a ls, founded in 1989 in Cambridge, is a global biotech company. Its global headquarters is now located at 50 Northern Avenue on Fan Pier in South Boston’s Seaport District. It has international headquarters in London and numerous offices, technical labs, and manufacturing facilities on four continents.

Late last year, Vertex announced that the FDA (the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) had approved Vertex’s new drug for treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). This new drug, named Trikafta, was developed at the Vertex Cystic Fibrosis Research Center in San Diego, California.

Since that time, Vertex has worked out an effective dose level

for those afflicted with CF, which extends the life expectancy of CF sufferers from approximately 30 years at best, up to more than 80 years in many cases.

The Breakthrough Prize Foundation, a West Coast organization, has recently awarded a $3 million ($3,000,000) prize for this discovery to Frederick Van Goor, who is in charge of CF research at Vertex, and to Vertex Senior V Ps Paul Negulescu and Sabine Hadida.

These three had collaborated on CF therapy for 20 years. The prize they earned for Vertex is entitled “The 2024 Breakthrough Pri z e in Life Scienc e s”.

Moderna, the local life sciences firm famous for its successful work on COVID, partnered with Vertex on developing a work ing CF treatment. They are well-known

A Busy Flynn Cruiseport

by Rick Winterson

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he Flynn Cruiseport/ Black Fa lcon Te r m i n a l has become highly active these days.

Last weekend, the Cruiseport had three large passenger liner cruise ships dock there. Their sheer size and triple presence seemed to dwarf the huge cranes now at the Conley Terminal across the Reserved Channel. And that’s after these new cranes were installed

to unload the outsized, Panamax, 12,000+ unit container ships, which are now able to navigate the expanded Panama Canal.

The passenger and crew loadings were impressive. Led by the Norwegian Pearl in front, some 5,000 passengers docked from the three ships at the Cruiseport. The three ships in total weighed in at 250,000 tons and were sailed by crews of nearly 3,000 overall. The Reserved Channel and its facilities have really arrived as a global port.

Vertex headquarters at 50 Northern Avenue. for scientific discoveries in mRNA technology – an integral part of the effectiveness of Trikafta.

Prior to the approval and availability of Trikafta, CF could only be described as a severely “life-shortening” disease. It was

caused by possessing two genetic defects, and it aff licted some 100,000 people worldwide. If not treated, CF causes the patient’s lungs to fill up fatally. Prior to Trikafta, little or nothing could be done as CF progressed.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

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23rd South Boston Street Fest rescheduled to Sept. 23

The 23rd South Boston Street Fest has been rescheduled to Sept. 23, 2023, after the postponement due to Hurricane Lee. Despite the delay, the Street Fest will be as grand as ever!

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ast Broadway between I and L streets will be tra nsformed into a vibrant and lively hub of festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Street Fest will showcase almost 100 local businesses, artists, and community organizations and many of our local restaurants.

Drawing more than 5,000 residents and visitors throughout the day, the fest has become a cherished community tradition.

The day will be filled with boundless fun and entertainment as two stages come alive with captivating performances for the whole family. The lineup includes Southie’s very own classic rock and top-40s cover band, Thomas Park; the talented country singer/ songwriter, Houston Bernard; the sensational beats of New England’s premier dance band, Guilty Pleasure; and an exciting showcase of emerging musical talent from Michael Caputo of MusicBall E nt e r t a i n me nt , i nc lu d i n g Michelle Brooks-Thompson, Carly Underwood, and Lauren Mahoney.

Kicking off the festivities will be jazz band the Late Risers strolling the grounds and playing the National Anthem. There will also be local dance performances -- by Wood’s School of Irish Dance and Miss Linda’s School of Dance -and self-defense demonstrations.

Little ones are in for a treat, as the Street Fest boasts

an array of children’s activities, including balloon t wisters, caricature artists, costumed characters, and princesses. There will even be Barbie backdrops!

And that’s not all! As you indulge in the festivities, satisfy your cravings with alfresco dining and libations available at The Broadway, Roza Lyons, Deja Brew, Café Porto Bello, and the Paramount. Sample delectable grab-and-go options from some of South Boston’s favorite food spots,

such as Publico, Sal’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Capo, Lincoln, Hunter’s, Loco, and more.

For the shopping enthusiasts, the Street Fest presents an incredible opportunity to enjoy exceptional one-day-only savings from local retailers. Explore treasures from Bringing Up Baby, Bohdii Boutique, Deirfiúr Home, Habit, In Good Company, Love Child, Southie’s Own, Stapleton Floral, and LUXE home interior, among many others.

Immerse yourself in the thriving local art scene as acclaimed artists from South Boston, such as Norman Crump, Deb Putnam, and Dan McCole, showcase and sell their works. The festival will also be a platform for South Boston’s vital non-profit agencies to share information about their services.

For all the latest updates and details, visit the official website of the South Boston Street Fest at www.southbostonstreetfest.com.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

5

BPDA Approves Dorchester Bay City Planned Development Area Master Plan The project will also contribute approximately $23 million to Moakley Park maintenance and repairs, and $41.6 million in transportation improvements and mitigation, and allocate $1.2 million to public art installations at multiple locations within Dorchester Bay City.

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he Boston Planning & De ve lopment A g enc y ( BPDA) Board of Directors approved the Dorchester Bay City Planned De ve lopment A re a ( PDA) Master Plan at their meeting Thursday. The PDA Master Plan will create a blueprint for the long-term future of this area of Dorchester. Located on more than 36 acres of land on the Columbia Point peninsula in Dorchester, Dorchester Bay City includes four parcels of land, and will bring significant public benefits to the City of Boston.

Given the size of this project, development will be split into three phases, with multiple buildings being constructed in each phase. Subsequently, each building or cluster of buildings and associated open space will need to go through its own public process and be approved by the BPDA Board individually.

The project proposes the construction of 21 buildings w h ic h wou ld i nc lu d e a mix of off ice, research and de velopment, re sident ia l, retail, restaurant, commercial, community, cultural and other uses, as well as the creation of an extensive new street system to accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles, more than 11 acres of public

realm improvements, and the creation of more than eight acres of new open space. The project will also include the construction of approximately 1,957 new residential apartments in seven different residential buildings.

Twenty percent of the residential units will be income-restricted.

A major goal of the project is to create the neighborhood connectivit y and communit y of mixed uses called for in the BPDA - a ppr ov e d C olu m bi a Point Ma ster Pla n (2011).

The new street system will make possible the creation of new development blocks with amenities that will encourage wa lk ing and bic ycling, and will provide connections to neighboring areas and nearby public recreationa l resources such as Carson Beach, Moakley Park and the Dorchester Shores Reser vation. A s part of the City’s transportation goals, this project plans to include interior space for approximately 3,700 bicycles, public bike racks for nearly 500 bicycles, as well as multiple public bike sharing stations across the development.

In support of the City’s resilience goals and due to the location of this site, buildings

and the site will be raised and graded to slope appropriately to adjacent properties, a nd additional resiliency measures will help close t wo f lood pathways in the neighborhood and protect the site and the neighborhood from periodic f looding. The site is currently a key f lood path when high tides and other weather events cause f looding. Each building will be designed to comply with the requirements of the City’s Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay District. In addition, the project’s new street network will be constructed at a higher elevation. The project will also contribute $5 million to be used for the creation of a f lood protection system within the Dorchester Shores Reservation, which will address a third f lood pathway in the area. These funds will be contributed to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation during Phase 1 of the project.

There are nu m e r o u s community benefits associated with this project including: millions of dollars in linkage pay ment s i nc lud i ng $53.7 million in support of affordable housing and $9.9 million in

support of jobs training, as well as $10 million for the Sav i ng Towa rd A f ford able Su sta inable Homeow nership (S TA SH) matc hed sav i ng s program of the Massachusetts A ffordable Housing A lliance (M AHA) to reduce the racial homeownership a nd wea lt h gaps in Massachusetts. MAHA is a non-prof it organization that is focused on enhancing homeownership among f irsttime homebuyers a nd f irst generation immigra nts. The project will a lso contribute approximately $23 million to Moakley Park maintenance and repairs, and $41.6 million in tra nsportation improvements and mitigation, and allocate $1.2 million to public art installations at multiple locations within Dorchester Bay City. The project will also include a community benef its fund tota ling $8.2 million to support diversit y, equity and inclusion efforts, a rea economic development and job training initiatives, and community and cultural programs serving area residents.

In addition, this project is expected to create approximately 13 , 0 0 0 -17, 0 0 0 p e r m a n e nt jobs in a variety of industries.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

New Neighborhood with “The LOT” Movies, Music, Markets, and Fun Throughout Fall in South Boston

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ore Investments, Inc., a two-decadeold Boston real estate investment and development company, announced its 2023 fall program of music, food, and fun events at The LOT, Core Investment’s newest commitment to the emerging On the Dot neighborhood in South Boston.

The LOT, an outdoor event space near the popular, yearold Cannonball Cafe, at 383 Dorchester Ave., is a project that Core Investment has for months been preparing for activation and recreation, including a movie night, block party, Oktoberfest, holiday market, and more.

The developing On the Dot neighborhood is more than 21 acres of formerly industrial land along the west, or inland, side of Dorchester Avenue in South Boston, which is being planned in phases of mixeduse development adjacent to Andrew Square along the MBTA’s Red Line.

Events on The LOT and throughout the On the Dot neighborhood, including longtime Andrew Square neighbors and visitors from South Boston, throughout the City of Boston and beyond, will continue and grow in scope as the mixeduse neighborhood is built out over the next few years.

“The LOT is the another piece of our activation and growing recreational choices in the heart of the emerging On the Dot neighborhood, launching now and running through the fall,” said Michael Cahill, Senior Vice President of Development of Core Investments. “We have programmed a variety of events for families and individuals for our neighbors and friends and visitors, and we hope to see you there soon!”

Core Investments is now in the process of working with City of Boston planners and the neighborhood, particularly the Andrew Square Neighborhood

Association, to design and obtain permits for residential, commercial, retail, civic, and open space in the 21 acres. As a part of that planning, Core would begin with a mixed-use four-building project on nine acres just north of the Andrew Square MBTA Station, including a first building with residential and retail focus.

The LOT will be the scene of seven significant events, at least weekly and sometimes more often, through early December.

A separate schedule of early events, including Farmers Forge on Saturdays and Thursday and Sunday music gatherings at Cannonball Cafe, has already begun, to kick off the fall schedule of larger events. The Cannonball Cafe events will continue.

The first public event on The LOT will be Movie Night, on Friday, Sept. 22, 5:30-9 p.m., featuring “The Lion King.” Residents, friends, and family are invited to the familyfriendly showing, where the Cannonball Cantina will be open for refreshments. Free tickets come with complimentary popcorn and cotton candy.

The more frequent events, including Acoustic Thursdays, Farmers Forge on Saturdays, and Rhythm and Brunch on Sundays, that are under way are also planned and programmed by the staff at Core Investments and its partners.

Acoustic Thursdays are 6-8 p.m. on the Cannonball Cafe patio, with acoustic music and cold drinks, through September. Beer, wine and coffee will be served, as well as treats from the cafe.

Farmers Forge events, a farmers’ market with fresh produce, items from local vendors and coffee will be Saturdays 9-noon, with the Cannonball Cafe open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. These events will be weather-dependent, and changes will be announced on the On the Dot Instagram page.

And every Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Rhythm & Brunch fills the Cannonball Cafe, with life jazz music from house band Safari & the Beat Explorers, with weekly surprise guests. The music is hosted on the outdoor patio, and Cannonball Cafe will be serving brunch specials.

In addition to Movie Night on Friday, Sept. 22, Autumn events upcoming on The LOT: A Fall Block Party will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, Noon-6 p.m. Food trucks, raffles, yard games and shopping will be enjoyed at the community event.

On Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., the annual Crossfit Southie Showdown will be held at The LOT. the twoday event features 250 athletes across three divisions and will take place inside and outside, with vendors showing athletic apparel, and athlete recovery solutions.

And of course food and music.

Oktoberfest will be celebrated on Oct. 14, Noon-6 p.m., on The LOT, with a variety of food offerings and beer and local artists entertaining. This one is for all ages, or anyone who like carnival games and tasty foods.

Halloweenfest will be Oct. 28, 4-9 p.m., a family-friendly gathering with pumpkin carving and other themed activities.

The Cannonball Cafe’s Cantina will be serving beverages, along with fare of food trucks.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Noon-4 p.m., The LOT will host Giveback Bash, a day to honor our military veterans and focus

on giving back to the community.

Activities will include writing letters for troops and first responders, chalk messages on the sidewalks, donation bins, and signups for volunteer work. Again, the Cannonball Cafe Cantina will be open, along with the presence of food trucks.

A Holiday Market is set for The LOT on Dec. 2-3, Noon-6 p.m., where visitors can continue, or begin, shopping for the Christmas and Hanukkah seasons. Jewelry, clothing, local souvenirs and more will be for sale, along with Santa photos and warm drinks.

The formal schedule of events at The LOT began last week with a private Launch Party for Core Investments, the Andrew Square Neighborhood A ssociation, company partners, and their families.

To view the full schedule of events and learn more about The LOT, please visit the lotonthedot.com. To RSVP for individual events, please go to: Movie Night – https://bit. ly/3Ks75Xm Fall Block Party – https://bit. ly/3DKW7Zd Southie Showdown – https://bit. ly/3s46jtj Oktoberfest – https://bit. ly/3DJ9U2t Halloweenfest– https://bit. ly/47m9BYU Giveback Bash – https://bit. ly/3s6Ycfc Holiday Market – https://bit. ly/3qdwY6o

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

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A Small Business Meeting

By Rick Winterson

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his article reports on a work i n g business tra ining session that took place this week on Tuesday, the 19th. It was a presentation that focused upon digital marketing and its potential use by small businesses.

The day-long meeting was called “Aim High – Achieve More”; it was co-hosted by Constant Contact and the Seaport by WS De velopment.

Most important, this meeting took place in the Seaport’s District Hall at 75 Northern Avenue.

Constant Contact’s speakers a nd tra iners lectured a nd taught the digital marketing topic carefully and logically, making their points with both visua lly lettered slides and spoken words. We noticed that many people in the audience took careful notes – a lot of those notes were hand-written.

We thought “A im High – Ach ie ve More” wou ld be an interesting event to report on for t wo reasons.

In the first place, small businesses are absolutely essential to America’s prosperity – the world’s strongest! Think of “one-half ”. Fully one-half of working people in the U.S. are employed by small businesses.

In addition, small businesses are responsible for one-half of payrolls and profits in America.

And you don’t have to be told how important small businesses are to urban neighborhoods like South Boston itself. Just walk anywhere along Broadway and count the small businesses as you go along. And then, think about the many people gainfully employed by these establishments – from school students to seniors!

Secondly, District Hall is an excellent location for small businesses to take part in a modern “learning experience” such as digital marketing. This is an extremely useful skill, because it can be done right where a small business is located and it doesn’t cost all that much.

The owner of a small business can go digital, whenever she or he has a few minutes to spare or when they are at home. And District Hall is perfect for small educational presentations. It is

centrally located on Northern Avenue.

The Hall has an auditorium that seats 200 (more than 150 attended last Tuesday’s event), break-out rooms can be set up, and all the inside areas are fully equipped with lights, projectors, sound systems, and so on. As you can imagine, the Convention Center on Summer Street would not work for a small business gathering – it’s much too large. Renting a f loor or a meeting space in a Boston hotel would likely cost a great deal.

So, you should keep District Hall in mind for small business meetings. It can also serve as a f lexible place to gather for health clubs, restaurant chains, employee recruiting efforts, training of new hires, financial presentations, non-profit agency meetings, and so on.

And District Hall’s Gather Restaurant is always ready to serve you, whenever it’s called upon. `

Virtual Public Meeting

118 B Street Residential Project OC TOBER

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6:00 PM - 7: 30 PM

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3Lf2AQj Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 952 2298

Project Description: East Way Development LLC Project/Planning Initiative Description: The BPDA is hosting a virtual Public Meeting for the proposed 118 B Street Residential Project located in the South Boston neighborhood of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Proponent’s responses to the comments received at our last public meeting reviewing the Small Project Review Application (SPRA) and potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public. mail to:

phone: email:

Scott Greenhalgh Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4271 scott.greenhalgh@boston.gov BostonPlans.org

Close of Public Comment Period: 10/10/2023 Website: bit.ly/118-B-Street @BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

The Head of the Year

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Don’t BEE Left O-U-T! Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is proud to announce the opportunity for Boston students and schools to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee program through the 16th Annual BCYF Spelling Bee.

Translated into Hebrew, “the Head of the Year” (in other words, the New Year) is Rosh Hashanah. It began the Jewish Biblical New Year of 5784. This sacred beginning took place at sunset last Friday, and it is typically celebrated with a feast among family and friends. It is also Adam and Eve’s Anniversary – the day when God created them, and then placed them in the Garden of Eden with dominion over all living creatures. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holy Days that lead, ten days later, to Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement.

We wish our Jewish friends and readers Shanah Tova (“To a Good Year!”). Listen for the sound of the shofar.

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Boston students of public, charter, pilot, and parochial schools as well as home-schooled students are eligible to participate in BCYF’s Bee this spring only after they have won a Bee held at a Boston school. In addition to improving students’ spelling skills and broadening their vocabulary, Spelling Bee participation provides valuable experience in developing self-confidence—a necessary skill for success in public speaking and performing arts.

How to get involved: Register your Boston school with Scripps National Spelling Bee online

by December 31, 2023 at www.spellingbee.com/enrollment. This will also serve as your registration for BCYF’s Bee. (Save money by opting into Early Enrollment by October 31, 2023). Pay the enrollment fee of $180 to Scripps National Spelling Bee. Hold a school spelling bee on or before Friday, February 23, 2024. Submit winner’s name and bio form to BCYF by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024. Cheer on your school’s representative speller at the 16th Annual BCYF Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 16, 2024!

Benefits of participation: Exclusive online access to the teachers-only section of spellingbee.com.

Official pronouncer guides for use in conducting classroom and school bees. Access to The Great Words, Great Works reading list with all source books, organized by reading level. Supplemental vocabulary materials for classroom and school levels. Customizable certificates for your participants and school champion. A one year subscription to Britannica Online for kids to award to a participant in your school bee program (2 subscriptions if you enroll before September 30). Words of the Champions, a 4,000 word student study guide for school champions, and a 450 word school spelling bee study list. The champion of the 16th Annual BCYF Spelling Bee will win a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee.All finalists will receive a trophy and the second and third place finishers will win an Amazon Fire table, and Amazon gift card.

In 2008, BCYF started a new tradition for Boston by hosting the first citywide Spelling Bee in over 70 years. Over the next fifteen years, BCYF, with the support of the Boston Bruins Foundation, has continued the tradition of the BCYF Spelling Bee. Each year, family members, friends, and teachers proudly cheer on the spellers at the Citywide Spelling Bee in March.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

9

MCAS Scores Show Recovery Underway at Boston Public Schools

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he D e p a r t m e nt of E lement a r y a nd Seconda r y Education today released the 2023 accountability results for schools and districts across the state, as well as the SY 2022-2023 Massachusetts Comprehensive A ssessment System (MC AS) data. Boston’s data showed that performance is beginning to rise after the decline in performance du e to t he p a nd e m ic .

In the state’s accountability system, the district was deemed to be ma k ing Substa ntia l Progress Toward Targets and was not identified as requiring assistance or intervention. The district exceeded targets for reducing chronic absenteeism in all grade levels and demonstrated typical growth (Student Growth Percentile between 40 and 60) in ELA and Math in all grade levels. Results in achievement data for grades 3-8 indicated small improvements or no change in EL A, math, and science, and the lowest-performing 25 percent of students exceeded the target for math achievement.

“Every year, MCAS and accountability data is a reminder of the work that needs to be done,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “These data are great points of reference to gauge what we as a District need to do to better serve our students. We will treat this as an opportunity to grow and work even harder to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all students in our district. BPS has worked this year to create strong systems to support our academic work and vision. This school year is the year that we will see these new systems begin to bear results as they gain more traction. We have to keep our focus on closing not only the gaps created by the pandemic but also the persistent gaps for our most marginalized students: our black and brown, special education, economically

disadvantaged, and English Language Learning students.”

Across the district, 57 schools were identified as not requiring assistance or intervention. Four schools were named Schools of Recognition: Joseph P. Tynan Elementary School in South Boston, the Oliver Hazard Perry School in South Boston, the John F. Kennedy School in Jamaica Plain, and the Joseph P. Manning School in Jamaica Plain. Schools of recognition are identified by DESE as schools that met or exceeded their targets and also had both high achievement and high growth.

“We recognize that strong standards-aligned instruction has supported positive MCAS performance for learners at the Tynan,” said Leslie Gant, principal at the Joseph P. Tynan Elementary School. “While we acknowledge room for growth we are pleased that we met and/ or exceeded state targets. Our goal is to continue to work in concert with our families to continue our grow t h!”

The MC A S data show improved math performance for the lowest-performing student group. In 2023, the average math scaled score increased by 0.5 points for all students and 5.9 points for the lowestper forming student group.

While the average scaled score in ELA declined slightly by 0.5 points, the student growth percentile (SGP) in ELA was 49.2, indicating typical growth.

Similar to the math results, students in grades 4, 5, and 6 showed stronger performance and growth in ELA compared to other grade levels. Despite strong performance and growth seen in the math and ELA scores, the results also show that there are key areas in need of improvement.

Mirroring the state’s strong performance for grade levels 4 and 5, Boston saw equally strong performance in ELA and

Math for grade levels 4, 5, and 6. In EL A, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations increased by 2 percentage points in grade 4, 4 points in grade 5, and 1 point in grade 6. In math, those increases were 2 points in grades 4, 4 points in grade 5, and 2 points in grade 6. These increases pushed the 3-8 average to near the 2022 average in EL A and exceeded the 2022 average in Math.

“MC A S results are one

important way to measure how we are supporting our students, families, and schools,” said Boston School C om m it tee Chairperson Jeri Robinson. “I am glad to see some progress in key areas and among key groups of students, but this is a reminder of the hard work that is before us. I am hopeful this data will help drive our decision-making going forward to better match needs and resources across the district.”

Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes News Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Religious Education Grades K – 6 http://www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org/religious-education 2023-2024 Our Sacramental Program is a two-year program in accordance with Archdiocesan Guidelines. Please note that parents should enroll their children in the 1st Grade Program for their child to receive their Sacrament of First Holy Communion in the 2nd Grade in 2025.

For those students enrolling in 1st Grade who were not Baptized in either St. Brigid or Gate of Heaven Church, please provide a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate to register.

Our first class will be held on Sunday morning, Sept. 24, 2023, at 9 AM at Cushing Hall, downstairs at St. Brigid Church Any questions, please visit our website at www.Gateof HeavenStBrigid.org/religious-education and fill out our Online Registration Form under “Religious Education” or you can come with your child and fill out a form in person on Sunday, Sept. 24th.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

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Condon’s MVPs of Summer

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The 6th Graders at SBCA Lead Back to School Mass

n September 8, the students, families, faculty and staff at SBCA attended the Back to School Mass in honor of Jesus› and our Blessed Mother, Mary›s Birthday. The 6th Grade students did a terrific job leading us in the readings and Prayers of the Faithful. Grade 5 assisted in the presentation of the gifts that they brought up to the altar and our

Children›s Choir provided the wonderful music. The celebrants at this Mass were our Pastor, Father Robert Casey and our Parochial Vicar, Father Peter Schirripa.

Father Ca sey expla ined that this Mass was in honor of Jesus› and our Mother, Mary›s Birthday. He asked the children, «When is Jesus› Birthday ‹› and they enthusiastically responded «on Christmas Day». Father

Casey explained that at this Ma ss we were celebrating another very special birthday, the Birthday of Jesus› and our Blessed Mother, Mary. “Let us celebrate with joyful hearts the birth of the Virgin Mary, of whom was born the sun of justice, Christ our Lord... Father of mercy, give your people help and strength from heaven.

The birth of the Virgin Mary’s

Son, Jesus, was the dawn of our salvation. May this celebration of her birthday bring us closer to lasting peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen” Thank you to our wonderful students and the teachers who guided and directed the students who participated at this Mass.

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