Associate Spotlights of the Week

Senior Associate: Nik Nevrekar

Where do you come from?
My current hometown is Houston, TX, and I go to school at Cornell in Ithaca, NY--but that’s not to say that I am a Texan or a New Yorker (and who could be? polar opposites….).

Actually, throughout my I have lived for more than a year in CA, NJ, RI, AZ, VA, TX, and NY, so I come from all over the place. If I had to choose, I would say my favorite place was North Kingstown, RI—I lived through the core years of my childhood there and loved it.

Why did you choose UELIP?
Traveling between so many regions in the U.S., I gained an appreciation for the way some communities hold education as the highest priority. I don’t know where I would be today if I had not received instruction from the great teachers who worked at my high school.

I chose UELIP as a way to give back and show my thanks. The youth in DC have been overlooked for generations, and I want to be on the battlefield to help change that.

If aliens landed in front of you and offered you any position on their planet, what would you be?
I would be an astronaut. I imagine that the aliens have a technologically-advanced space program, and I would want to visit Earth every once in a while.

Name one interesting fact about yourself.
Before high school, I rocked a bowl-cut/“mushroom” hairdo.

What would I find your refrigerator right now?
Several bags of all-in-one salad kits, Newman’s Own Lemonade, Ocean Spray Cran-Apple juice and milk (for my cereal/oatmeal).

What was the last book you read?
I read Rethinking the New Deal Court by Barry Cushman, a book about the legal course of American economic regulation during FDR administration and the surprising resilience of Supreme Court in resisting political pressure.

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
If I had a superpower, I would want to be able to breathe underwater. I am not a great swimmer, so I figure that superpower would help out a lot when I’m in the pool.

Junior Associate: Rebecca Scaife

Where do you come from?I’m a southern girl. I am from Memphis, Tennessee. I’ve lived there most of my life. I was born in Oakland California though—most people don’t know that about me. I am a rising senior at Harvard. Go Crimsons!

Why did you choose UELIP?
I went to public school in Memphis. I was shocked by the disparities I saw firsthand by going to school in this environment. I really felt that I should make a difference.

I went to a summer program in DC at the School of Public Service and I saw that I could make a change. I started a mentoring program pairing high-performing upper classmen with underclassmen in high school. Through that experience I saw that I could make a difference.

If aliens landed in front of you and offered you any position on their planet, what would you want?
I would be a super star or a super star’s manager. I’d want to be the manager so I won’t have to deal with paparazzi, and could just be behind the scenes. If I could I would be a Lady GaGa inspired super star- see Lady GaGa’s song Fame!

I want to be a super star for the glamour, but also so I would have the power to change the world.

Name one interesting fact about yourself.
I was asked to be in a CNN documentary about poverty and education.

What would I find your refrigerator right now?
A bunch of random frozen food because I can’t cook.

What was the last book you read?
To tell you the truth, I hate reading… but the last book I opened was “Whatever It Takes”.

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
Can I be Susan Cheng? :)

UELIP Retreat

Say "cheese"! Some of our associates with Deputy Chancellor Kaya Henderson.

Break the ice! We broke up into small groups to get to know everyone a little bit better.

Using pictures, we shared a little about what we thought about education policy and DCPS.

Deputy Chancellor Kaya Henderson stopped by our retreat and shared some words of wisdom with us!

Associate Spotlights of the Week

Junior Associate: Carlyn Mueller

Where do you come from?
I’m from Northern Virginia, right outside of DC. I go to school at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland, where I’m a Special Education major.

Why did you choose UELIP?
I chose UELIP in part because of my experiences this year teaching an after school program in Baltimore. I got to meet so many smart, charismatic, strong kids who had so much potential and deserved a whole team of people on their side. I wanted to figure out how I could do good things for kids not just in a classroom, not just in Baltimore, but on a bigger scale. UELIP was the best opportunity to help me do that.

What is one thing you want to do before you leave DC?

Even though I’ve lived just outside of the city for a long time, there’s still a whole lot that I haven’t done! The biggest thing on my list is to go to Busboys & Poets.

Name one interesting fact about yourself.
I am absolutely addicted to country music.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
A giraffe, I think. They’re low-key and their biggest priority seems to be eating good food, which matches my life philosophy pretty well.

What was your favorite book growing up?
Gone With the Wind. I read it for the first time when I was 10 or 11 and I’ve read it 6 times since then. I remember giving a book report on it once when I was in elementary school and having my teachers be really skeptical...but I really did read it.

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?
I’d probably use it to open a school. I feel like that’s kind of a predictable answer given the UELIP program, but it’s true!

Senior Associate: Fady Hanalla

Where do you come from? (State, school, etc.)

I was born in Cairo, Egypt and lived there for 10 years. After that I moved all around to NY, California, New Orleans, and Texas. I’m currently living in Houston Texas, and Austin is the best. And the university I’m from is Texas State University San Marcos.

Why did you choose UELIP?

I just completed my first year as teacher teaching 10^th grade World History. And I thought there were a lot of evident problems with education. So I started researching districts that were practicing really progressive methods of education. I looked into how they viewed education, how they were moving forward and I thought DCPS was very interesting in the way they were doing things, and wanted to join their team.

What is one thing you want to do before you leave DC?

Well, I used to intern in Senator Ted Kennedy’s office so I’ve done quite a bit here already. But I would want to have lunch with Barack Obama.

Name one interesting fact about yourself.

I am staunchly non-partisan. And a great ping pong player.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

A lion because I am the king of the jungle.

What was your favorite book growing up?

Sideway Stories and Wayside Schools.

If you had a billion dollars, what would you do with it?

Buy Apple shares.

Boston part of statewide campaign seeking outstanding teachers for positions in Turnaround Schools

Boston is one of nine cities in the Commonwealth seeking outstanding teachers to apply for positions in “Level 4” or Turnaround Schools next year. For more information about these opportunities, visit www.amazingteachers.org.

This website is designed to inform teachers about career opportunities in the state’s Turnaround Schools, which are located in nine districts: Boston, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Springfield and Worcester. The site provides information about the first group of 35 “Level 4” schools and the nine urban public school districts in which they are located, with a focus on supports and incentives for teachers.

The website includes videos of outstanding teachers who currently work in Level 4 schools and also allows visitors to recommend great teachers to be considered for teaching positions in Level 4 schools.

Boston teachers featured in the videos include English High School history teachers Efraim Toledano and Caitlyn Murphy, Trotter Elementary School 5th grade teacher Joanne Douglas, and Trotter science teacher Brenda Richardson. Students also have a chance to share their thoughts on their amazing teachers.

Read today's Globe article about the state's new recruitment campaign for Turnaround Schools.

News from the schools

Here is a roundup of recent events and news from around the Boston Public Schools:

Thanks to a $13K generous donation from Old Mutual Asset Management Foundation, Monument High School's Mu Alpha Theta (M.A.T.) mathematics honor society was able to take a field trip to Chicago, Illinois, recently. The trip to Chicago gave the students the chance to explore another city rich in history, culture, diversity, food, music, and architecture and also exposed students to the role of mathematics in architecture and engineering, as well as logistical planning (budget, itinerary, and fundraising). Photo: Mu Alpha Theta Students.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Boston AIDS Walk, AIDS Action is recognizing 25 community heroes. Boston Public Schools Student Support Coordinator Phil Robinson is among them. Mr. Robinson has raised many thousands of dollars to end the AIDS epidemic by participating in each and every AIDS Walk Boston.

Fox 25 visited the Trotter Elementary School in Dorchester recently for a story about Playworks, the national nonprofit organization that provides structured recess programming for schools.

Nora Tsoutsis, an English teacher at John D. O’Bryant School of Math & Science in Roxbury, was recently named by the National Math and Science Initiative as one of 18 teachers to receive its first annual All American Teacher of the Year Award. The awards, which recognize outstanding math, science, and English teachers for remarkable contributions to their students and to the teaching profession, are presented to teachers in each state participating in NMSI’s Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program (APTIP).

Dr. Johnson speaks at Boston Bar Association's Law Day Dinner

Superintendent Johnson last night gave the keynote address at the Boston Bar Association's Law Day Dinner. Below is an excerpt from her remarks:

Tonight, I am reminded that throughout our nation’s history, the work that you do and the work we carry out on a day-to-day basis has often intersected. So tonight, I’d like to say a little bit about how we got to this place, tell you how we are changing to create the kinds of schools that most of you attended and that each of you would choose for your own child - and then finally, I hope to end with a few thoughts about how together we can be the change we want to see for all of our community’s children. Our collective work in Boston is all the more significant because Boston’s history begins our nation’s history and our nation’s pursuit of educational opportunity for all of its children began with the first school - Boston Latin School, founded in 1635, and who this year celebrates it 375th anniversary. BLS was followed in 1647 by a decree that every town in the Commonwealth of 50 families or more should have an elementary school and every town of 100 families should establish a “Latin School.” The Mather elementary school opened in 1639, the English high school in 1821; and yet the universal free public education system that is a ubiquitous part of the fabric of our American democracy and the one we know today is one that has been sacrificed for and fought for.

Boston Celtics honor BPS middle school students

Governor Deval Patrick, Superintendent Carol R. Johnson, Boston Celtics Legend Dana Barros, and Celtics President Rich Gotham honored more than 800 Boston Public Schools middle school students yesterday at the 19th annual Celtics Stay In School Awards held at Northeastern University's Matthews Arena. Students were recognized in the categories of writing, art, and attendance, including 15 students who made it into the "Three Year Club" (8th graders who have never been late or absent in their entire middle school careers). Each school also celebrated an "M.I.P." or "Most Improved Pupil" -- the student who made greatest progress this year in regards to attitude, effort, behavior, and academics.The event, which featured student performances by the Edwards Middle School step team and chorus as well as a performance by Boston rapper Akrobatik, was sponsored by Arbella Insurance Group.

Photo: Horace Mann School M.I.P. Julia Damon Goodman shows off her autographed photo of Paul Pierce.

Superintendent, BAA honored at Arts Advocacy Awards

The nonprofit organization Arts/Learning recently honored Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson and Boston Arts Academy at the 24th Annual Champion of the Arts Advocacy Awards Ceremony held at the Massachusetts State House. Arts/Learning honored Dr. Johnson with the Municipal Leadership Award and BAA with the School of Distinction in Arts Education Award. All of the honorees received handmade "spirit boxes" created by Cambridge artist Judith Motzkin.

Four students from the Kenny Elementary School in Dorchester also attended the event and read poems, including those they had written in response to the earthquake in Haiti. The students participate in a program with Troubadour, a nonprofit organization that uses poetry, prose and song lyrics to improve literacy and student achievement.

Read the students' poems after the jump.


The "I Remember” poems were written in the fall of 2009 in response to “Sonje” a poem written by Patrick Sylvain about his homeland, Haiti. The children loved his poem about missing Haiti, which brought back strong images of their former lives. Using the five senses and similes, the memory comes alive.


Sonje I Remember
by Emmanuella Exinor, grade 4, Mr. Jeremie, Kenny School, Boston

I miss the coconut tree with
fronds. They are so tiny.

Listen to the river .
There is no noise.
The only noise that you hear is the water
that splashes, and after
it sounds very whispery.

I am going to tell you
about its scent like perfume.

It tastes like when someone
mixes a strawberry, cherry
and green apple, and mango.
It tastes sweet.

I can’t wait to go visit my homeland,
to taste and smell, and hear the sounds.


The Homeless
by Emmanuella Exinor, grade 4, Mr. Jeremie, Kenny School, Boston

We have no where to live
We have no where to stay
We are so cold
and we have no one to hold.
This isn’t fair
why are we so scared
All we want to do is rest
But we have to get through
this first.
We pray everyday
and try to do things our
own way
While everybody’s hoping
their family members
are ok.
We wonder why this is
happening to us
And it’s getting hard
to trust
But still help one another
Because we are like sisters
and brothers.
We cry sometimes
while blood comes out of our bodies
like red wine,
people are crying
This situation is too hard
We can’t handle it.


I Remember
by Krystelle Prosper, grade 4, Mr. Jeremie, Kenny School

I miss my beautiful house in Haiti.
I recall my beautiful cutie parent in Haiti,
The beautiful birds sing in my lemon tree.
I miss the beautiful sound of the ocean.
I recall the good scent when my mom is cooking
fried chicken and plantain.
Also the good scent of the food in the neighborhood.

I remember my good cherry leaves when I am touching them.
I miss my good pillow,
when I am yearning for its smoothness.
I miss the good taste of my mango.
I miss the good taste of the cherries.
I feel happy.


Below, Krystelle addresses the earthquake expressing her anger.

The Earthquake
by Krystelle Prosper, grade 4, Mr. Jeremie

Oh earthquake, you don’t know how much
I don’t tolerate you.
I don’t tolerate you just like demons.
You don’t know how I love Haiti
just like Jesus.
You destroy Haiti,
you make my aunt’s house fall on her,
that’s all your fault.

I really don’t tolerate you.
You know something earthquake…
if you were a person, Jesus will punish you
after you destroy
my lovely Haiti.


The following two poems were written this May, using metaphor to describe how students saw themselves change between Kindergarten and fifth grade.


The Puppy Named Karel Turns Into a Dog
by Karel O’Garro, grade 5, Ms. Nguyen

When I was young
I explored the place on land
and water. I swam until
I found a world that
said “destiny.”

I was like a poor
blind puppy that
couldn’t find
my way to destiny.

Now I’m a strong dog.
I found the path. I saw
my friends. I saw my
future.

When I speak you
hear a roar.
When I run you
see the
grass moving.

Now I’m like a
Border Collie. A
Golden Retriever.

Watch me find
your destiny.


Young and Grown
by Sebastien Francois, grade 5, Mrs. Pierre-Louis

When I was young, I used to cry,
my face never felt dry.
I was like a wet sink and
people kept on using me
over and over.

But now I have grown up and I feel
like a dry land, even when
you spread water on me,
I will never go down the drain.


This poem was written to celebrate the changing seasons.

Summer Days
by Sebastien Francois, KennySchool

I open the door to my phenomenal dreams.
I would see the sun shining on me.
I would dribble the ball
into the light blue ocean water.
I feel as handsome as a beach flower.
I feel the sun warming me up for
a nice and gentle day.
I would breathe in the
outstanding flowers.
I skateboard down the
outrageous branches.

Oh, I love the charming spring weather.
My tree is the ocean and I am the sand.
We will stick together forever.

Writing in the persona of an animal allows a student to convey personal attributes behind an animal mask, while similes help the reader visualize the images.

Faster than Fastest
by Karel O’Garro

I’m the cheetah. I live
in the savannah.
My spots are as black
as the night sky. I move
quietly so I can stalk my prey.
My skin is as soft as a pillow.
I purred when I was little. I’m your
role model as I speed through my life.