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South Cinco - Friday, 1/10/2025

Five quick items from South to wrap up your week!

SOUTH PTO
The PTO meets next Tuesday, 1/14, at 7pm in the South Library/Media Center. Agenda will be sent next week.
SOUTH BASKETBALL
Monday's basketball games will be held at East Middle School; the boys tip off at 3:15 and the girls' game plans to begin at 4:30, immediately following the boys' game. We encourage students & families to attend the games and give our players a true fan experience. It is essential to ensure a safe & enjoyable gameday experience for all players and spectators in attendance, so fans are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. All spectators must adhere to our Fan Code of Conduct, and the MIAA Taunting Policy. Students in attendance are reminded that the school's Code of Conduct applies to all school-sponsored events, even after school hours or when attending away games. We would also like to remind students to be respectful of our neighbors and local businesses both before and after the games.

CALCULUS PROJECT - a message from Courtney Miller, Director of Mathematics

The Calculus Project is a program that was launched in 2009 by Dr. Adrian Mims to close the achievement gap in mathematics for students underrepresented in advanced math classes. Today, the program has served approximately 15,000 students in Massachusetts, Florida, and Texas. It has been recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) for its impact in preparing all students for success in mathematics and was recently cited in the California Math Frameworks as a promising practice for math education reform by the California State Board of Education.


The Braintree Public Schools has been running a Calculus Project program for three years.  The program has shown significant positive results, including 67% of students enrolled earning an A or B in their math class during the 23-24 school year and 75% of students in the program being on-track for Calculus by their senior year.  


Here is a snapshot of the program:

  • Summer Academy:  Three week preview courses, Aug. 11th - 28th 2025, Monday-Thursday 8am-1:30pm

  • Academic Center: free tutoring during the school year

  • Students cohorted into similar math class sections

  • Pride Curriculum: students learn about the accomplishments of STEM professionals of color

  • Peer Teaching for junior and senior students 


Each year, we enroll a new cohort of rising 8th grade students into the program.  I will be presenting about the program to all current 7th grade students in their math classes during the week of January 13th.  


I am hosting a virtual information session for families on Thursday, January 23rd at 7:00pm, to review the full details of the program.  Here is the link to the Google Meet.  


Applications for entrance into the program will be distributed following the family information session and will be due on Monday, February 10th.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION NIGHT
Next Thursday, 1/16, Ross PTO is hosting a Community Information Night, open to all Braintree residents. A variety of different community organizations will come together to share information about different summer camps, after school activities, support services etc. There are a few different places that may be of interest to families of middle school students. Come learn about what's available!

BULLDOG BUZZ
Check out all the latest editions of The Bulldog Buzz, our daily announcement news program! The Buzz is published Monday through Thursday on school days, with Friday reserved for live announcements by our Student Council leaders.
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