Hi Friend,

It’s Halloween, so that means lots of tricks and treats today. We know getting a handle on everything related to school registration can be tricky enough as is, which is why we’ve tried to make it as simple as possible to families to get the information they need to register their kids for school. 

Here’s what you need to be in-the-know this week.

It’s Time to Take Action for Boston Children

In June, Boston City Council President Andrea Campbell released a comprehensive, multi-faceted plan to address inequities in Boston schools. On Tuesday, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion following the presentation of Councilwoman Cambpell’s report, Action for Boston Children. Along with BPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius, I was joined by Amy O’Leary from Education for All and Paul Reville, former MA Secretary of Education. 

At this packed event, we spoke candidly about the issues facing Boston schools—and the issues that many families face trying to get their children into quality seats. The takeaway from the event was loud and clear: it’s time to stop conducting studies and time to start doing the work that needs to be done.

Watch the entire Action for Boston Children presentation and panel discussion at our YouTube channel (and don’t forget to subscribe so you get notified for all of our videos).

There’s Still Time to Apply for the School Committee

With two seat vacancies on the Boston Public School Committee happening at the end of this year, Boston families have a unique opportunity to bring their experience and voices to the table. 

Applications for the School Committee are still being accepted through Nov. 12. Learn more about how to apply and download the School Committee application here. 

TerraNova Tests & Advanced Work Class (AWC)

Your BPS third grader likely took the TerraNova test in their school this week. While BPS announced their are scaling back the number of standardized tests they give out to students, the TerraNova is an essential part of determining eligibility for the district’s Advanced Work Class (AWC) programs. 

To learn more about the TerraNova exam—including a downloadable practice test—as well as AWC and another accelerated curriculum known as Excellence for All (EFA), head to our blog. 

Must-Reads for Your Inbox

If you haven’t been reading The Great Divide series at The Boston Globe, I highly recommend it. The Great Divide is a two-year initiative that dives deep into the educational inequalities in the public school system. Sign up for The Great Divide newsletter here—it’s some pretty eye-opening and necessary reading. 

We hope you have a safe, happy Halloween—wherever your haunts may take you tonight 🎃

Warmly,
Latoya Gayle, Executive Director
Boston School Finder

If you know of upcoming events you’d like us to promote in future newsletters, please send the information to contact@bostonschoolfinder.org. While we cannot include all events, we like to include as many as possible to keep parents and families in-the-know.