Boston Public Schools Hosts First-Ever Boston Reads Day

Boston Public Schools Hosts First-Ever Boston Reads Day 

Over 400 volunteer readers joined BPS classrooms as part of City of Boston’s new citywide literacy campaign

Boston, MA – October 29, 2025 –Today, Superintendent Mary Skipper and Boston Public Schools (BPS) welcomed more than 400 volunteer readers to Kindergarten, First and Second grade classrooms as a part of Boston Reads, the City of Boston’s new citywide literacy campaign. Boston Reads is designed to advance literacy in the City of Boston, starting with our littlest learners and furthering Mayor Wu’s vision of making Boston the most family-friendly city in America. Among today’s volunteer readers were City Councilors Coletta Zapata, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, and Worrell; School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson and member Rachel Skerritt; and City workers from every department.

"Boston Public Schools is dedicated to ensuring that every student becomes a confident and enthusiastic reader through supports that go beyond the classroom and traditional learning methods," said Superintendent Mary Skipper. "When our youngest learners develop a love for reading, they become curious and empowered, bringing them a step closer to reaching their full potential and achieving their goals. We extend our thanks to Mayor Wu, the Office of Early Childhood, our city partners, and the more than 400 volunteer readers who are joining us in giving every child a strong start and helping to build a foundation for lifelong success."

Boston Reads supports the district's work by making early literacy content and the Focus curriculum accessible citywide so that emerging readers can continue to grow these skills outside the classroom. Throughout the city, families will have opportunities to engage with the Focus curriculum early, before experiencing it in the classroom and throughout their years in BPS.

“Volunteer readers bring books to life in ways that spark curiosity, introduce new perspectives, and build meaningful relationships that nurture confidence and joy in our young learners,” said Dr. Angela Hedley-Mitchell, BPS Chief of Teaching and Learning. “By welcoming community members into our classrooms to share stories and model a love of reading, we help students strengthen essential literacy skills through engaging, interactive experiences. We are deeply grateful to our educators, volunteers, and school communities for empowering our students and ensuring they have the strong foundation needed to thrive at every stage of their academic journey.”

“Early literacy comes to life when students can connect the stories they read to the people and places around them,” said Principal Michele Davis, Warren-Prescott School. “Having volunteer readers in our classrooms shows our young learners that reading is more than a school activity, as it creates a shared experience that brings families, neighbors, and community partners together. When students share these reading moments with leaders from across the City, it helps every child feel connected and excited to keep exploring stories long after the school day ends."

Over the last three years, BPS has overhauled its literacy instruction through its Equitable Literacy strategy, beginning School Year 2025-26 with 100% of schools using district-approved High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) across all major content areas for the first time. HQIM includes science-based literacy curricula that meets rigorous standards, aligns with the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework standards, and is culturally and linguistically diverse. In partnership with the Boston Teachers Union, the district has also redesigned its professional development to deepen educators' skills and make content accessible to all learners. 

The district strengthened its accountability structure through its regional model, deploying instructional coaches and other resources to monitor student progress through regular classroom observations and data reviews. As a result of these changes to literacy instruction, the district’s accountability rankings are showing clear signs of improvement.

Boston Reads includes:

Boston Reads Days

Boston Reads Days engage volunteers to serve as guest readers in early childhood classrooms across Boston. Boston Reads Days launch today, with a guest reader reading a book from the Focus curriculum in every BPS kindergarten, first-, and second-grade classroom. In subsequent months, Boston Read Days will provide opportunities for guest readers to share the joy of reading books and stories from their own cultures and heritage with our students.

Story Stops

Story Stops are an exciting new way for children and families to experience reading all around the City of Boston. These interactive, place-based literacy installations pair engaging stories with Boston landmarks, activities, and neighborhoods, turning the city into a storybook! Each Story Stop features a short, themed story that is specifically written with text that supports early readers as they build foundational reading skills. Whether it’s a tale set in Moakley Park, Boston Public Market, or in one of the city’s many gardens, each story connects literacy to the lived experiences of Boston’s children and their communities.

Story Starters

To engage families and young children in early literacy, we are rolling out a media campaign across the city. These Story Starters connect families to Boston Reads while also serving as prompts for storytelling while walking or commuting in Boston. The prompts—“Where do lost stuffies go?,” “Do dragons live in cities?,” and “Do seahorses gallop?”—foster imagination and storytelling, key pillars of early literacy.

Boston has always been a leader in learning and innovation. We want to build on that tradition by becoming a city where every child grows up a reader. Together, we can ensure that Boston continues its path to becoming a literacy-rich city where every child shares a love for reading. To learn more about how you can participate, please visit www.boston.gov/boston-reads.

8 所高中獲得Lemeison-MIT 發明隊獎金

Eight High School Teams Receive Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams® Grants To Solve Real-World Problems with Technological Solutions

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — (Oct. 29, 2025) The Lemelson-MIT Program announces the 2025-2026 InvenTeams today. The eight teams of high school students, teachers, and mentors from across the country will each receive $7,500 in grant funding and year-long support to build a technological invention to solve a problem of their own choosing. The students’ inventions are inspired by real- world problems they identified in their local communities.

Meet the 2025–2026 InvenTeams^®
The InvenTeams were selected by a respected panel consisting of inventors, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and college students. Some panel members were former InvenTeam members now in college or working in industry. The InvenTeams are focusing on problems facing their local communities with the goal of creating invention prototypes that will improve the lives of people in the community and beyond.

· Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School (Charlton, Mass.)

· Berlin High School (Berlin, Conn.)

· Brooklyn Technical High School (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

· Cordova High School (Rancho Cordova, Calif.)

· Harvest Prep Academy (Yuma, Ariz.)

· Pembroke Pines Charter (Southwest Ranches, Fla.)

· Venture Academy (Stockton, Calif.)

· Westminster High School (Westminster, Calif.)

The 2025–2026 InvenTeams are comprised of students, teachers, and community mentors who pursue year-long invention projects involving creative thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The InvenTeams’ invention prototypes will be showcased at a technical review within their home communities in February 2026, and then again in June at a year-end celebration, EurekaFest®.
 
“The InvenTeams initiative has been a grand MIT experiment and proven that all youth can invent when given the opportunity,” says Leigh Estabrooks, Lemelson-MIT’s Invention Education Officer. “Our 22 years of working with high school teams in their communities shows the extraordinary power of invention education. Teams will work extremely hard throughout this entire school year becoming experts in their self-selected problems as well as the technological solutions. It’s an honor to work with such empathetic young people who care about making our lives safer, healthier, and more accessible.” 

MAJOR DOWNTOWN BOSTON PUBLIC SAFETY SUMMIT SCHEDULED FOR THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30th

MAJOR DOWNTOWN BOSTON PUBLIC SAFETY SUMMIT SCHEDULED FOR THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30th

Elected officials and leaders to discuss efforts underway and path forward to address ongoing public safety and public health challenges in and around Downtown Boston

BOSTON, Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 8:45am ET - The Downtown Boston Public Safety Summit will take place this Thursday, October 30th, 6:30pm, at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater (219 Tremont Street in Downtown — doors open at 5:30pm; limited number of media boxes available). The Summit is being hosted by the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association and will provide an opportunity for the One Downtown Task Force to report out on progress, to highlight key public safety initiatives underway, and to discuss and debate the work that remains to ensure that residents, workers, students, and visitors are safe and feel safe in and around Downtown Boston. Over 350 area residents and business owners are confirmed. Leading up to the Summit, 375+ Downtown residents and stakeholders have responded to a public safety survey (identical to the survey that was administered in November of 2024) - the results will be shared at the Summit this Thursday. In November of 2024, 71% of respondents to the same survey reported feeling less safe in November of 2024 than they did at the beginning of 2024.   The Summit is a follow-up to the February 27th Downtown Boston public safety convening, which included city and state officials, law enforcement agencies, social services organizations, institutional partners, business and trade associations, and civic organizations. The One Downtown Task Force, a strategic initiative aimed at improving public safety, reducing crime and homelessness, and enhancing the overall experience and quality of life for all who live, work, visit, and do business in Downtown Boston and surrounding neighborhoods, was launched following the February 27th meeting. The Task Force is being Co-chaired by Mayor Michelle Wu; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden; State Representative Aaron Michlewitz; Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn; and Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association Co-Founder Rishi Shukla. An overview of the Task Force is available here.   The official invitation for the Downtown Boston Public Safety Summit is available here. Upon arrival, please check-in and identify your media affiliation. If you are accompanied by a video crew, you will be escorted to the area of the theater where media boxes are available. The event will begin promptly at 6:30pm.

Clean Slate Massachusetts Launched Statewide Quarterly Coalition Meetings

 Clean Slate Massachusetts Launched Statewide Quarterly Coalition Meetings

Virtual gatherings will unite advocates, share updates, and build momentum for criminal record reform

 

BOSTON, MA - Clean Slate Massachusetts (CSMA) has launched a new quarterly statewide coalition meeting series - the State of the Slate: A Quarterly Huddle for Clean Slate MA Advocates - to bring together advocates, impacted individuals, and supporters working to expand access to criminal record sealing across the Commonwealth.

 

The first meeting took place on Monday, October 28, 2025, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom. This interactive virtual gathering served as a hub for updates, inspiration, and action, as well as a chance to connect beyond email and social media.

 

“Momentum for Clean Slate is growing across Massachusetts,” said Jay Vilar, The Boston Director at The Fountain Fund. “These meetings give us a space to come together across communities, learn from one another, and take concrete steps toward change. Whether you’re new to the movement or have been part of it from the start, everyone has a role to play in creating a fairer, more hopeful future for people who are eligible for and deserve sealed CORIs.”

 

Each session will feature a mix of advocacy updates, storytelling, and practical guidance - including:

· A high-level overview of why the current CORI sealing system doesn’t work and what new legislation will change

· Personal stories from advocates and community leaders

· Opportunities to learn how to testify, meet with legislators, or speak with the press

· A special guest performance or video presentation

· Action alerts, polls, and trivia to keep participants engaged

Participants left with a shared understanding of the Clean Slate campaign, clear ways to get involved, and fresh inspiration to help pass this vital legislation.

 

Future meetings are tentatively planned per quarter, ensuring consistent opportunities to connect, collaborate, and drive change. The next meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2026, with additional meetings expected in Spring and Summer. Registration is free and open to anyone interested in criminal justice reform or community empowerment.

 

For more information about Clean Slate legislation or to join the campaign, visit www.cleanslatema.org.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Concludes Universal Pre-K Access Road Show in Gloucester

Healey-Driscoll Administration Concludes Universal Pre-K Access Road Show in Gloucester

 

GLOUCESTER – The Healey-Driscoll Administration concluded its statewide Universal Pre-K Access Road Show today with an engaging final stop in Gloucester. The event marked the sixth and final visit in a statewide tour aimed at elevating awareness, gathering community feedback, and building momentum for expanding access to high-quality, affordable pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs across Massachusetts.

 

Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw joined education leaders, local officials, and community members at Pathways for Children to emphasize the vital role of early education in promoting lifelong learning, equity, and community development. The visit included a classroom tour, a round table discussion, and engaging conversations highlighting the impact and importance of the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) that helps communities expand access to high-quality preschool experiences for three- and four-year-olds.

 

“Education doesn’t start at kindergarten – it starts at birth. Expanding access to early education and care is foundational to the rest of our education work and closing opportunity gaps. We know that universal pre-k is essential to improving literacy skills of our students, addressing mental health needs and setting students with disabilities up for success,” said Secretary of Education Tutwiler. “It was wonderful to be in Gloucester today to see the impact of CPPI in their community firsthand.”

 

"Every child in Massachusetts deserves a strong start, and access to high-quality Pre-K is a vital step on that journey," said Early Education and Care Commissioner Kershaw. "We’ve been inspired by the passion and partnership we’ve seen in communities across the state. Gloucester represents the spirit of collaboration and commitment that will make universal access a reality."

 

CPPI is a key component of the administration’s Gateway to Pre-K Agenda and supports partnerships between public school districts and local community-based programs and early education providers to create more inclusive, coordinated preschool systems. Through these collaborations, the initiative aims to strengthen school readiness, close opportunity gaps, and ensure that every child in Massachusetts has the foundation needed for future success.

 

Through CPPI, Gloucester has expanded inclusive special education services by embedding a full itinerant team across Pathways for Children, the Cape Ann YMCA, and Kindred Gardens Early Learning & Care. The multidisciplinary team — including a special education teacher, therapists, counselor, BCBA, and RBT — provides direct services, coaching, and professional development to educators. A tiered referral process beginning with universal screening ensures children receive targeted supports early, reducing unnecessary referrals and improving outcomes. By aligning CPPI with its Birth-to-Grade 3 strategic plan, Gloucester is strengthening inclusive practices, honoring family choice, and building a seamless system of support for all young learners.

 

“Gloucester is proud to participate in the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, which underscores the importance of accessible, high-quality early education for every child,” said Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga. “Our ongoing collaboration with the Gloucester Public Schools Preschool, Pathways for Children, and the Cape Ann YMCA has enabled us to better serve our youngest learners and develop more cohesive and effective special education services. By investing early in our children’s education, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger community, and I’m proud to see the positive impact unfolding right here in Gloucester.”

 

“As a proud Head Start grantee, Pathways for Children deeply values the opportunity to participate in the CPPI initiative,” said Eric Mitchell, President & CEO, Pathways for Children. “Head Start’s comprehensive approach — integrating family engagement, health, and social services — aligns seamlessly with CPPI’s vision of expanding access to high-quality preschool through strong local partnerships. Together, these efforts support a collaborative mixed-delivery system in Gloucester that creates inclusive classroom environments and meets children’s individual needs.”

 

Over the course of the road show, EEC hosted interactive forums in six cities — Somerville, Northampton, Worcester, Sandwich, Framingham and Gloucester — drawing participants from diverse backgrounds. Events provided a platform for providers and policymakers to discuss the opportunities and challenges of implementing universal access to pre-k. The feedback gathered throughout the tour will inform the EEC’s strategic planning and policy development as Massachusetts works toward the goal of universal access to pre-k for all 3- and 4-year-olds.

 

Earlier this fall, the administration awarded $20.3 million in CPPI grants to 30 school districts in partnership with over 100 community-based preschool programs. These grants maintain the state’s expanded access to high-quality preschool, supporting approximately 220 preschool classrooms and 3,200 seats for children across public schools, family child care, YMCAs, Head Start, and other community-based preschool programs.

麻州長Healey提升Angelo Gomez出任保釋委員會主席

 Governor Healey Elevates Angelo Gomez to Parole Board Chair

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced that she is designating Angelo Gomez to serve as the Chair of the Massachusetts Parole Board, elevating him from his current role as a Parole Board Member. Governor Healey appointed Mr. Gomez to the Board earlier this year, and he was confirmed by the Governor’s Council.  

“I was proud to nominate Angelo Gomez to the board earlier this year because of his decades of experience, leadership and commitment to public safety as a former probation officer and a parole officer. He has continued to impress us as a member of the Board, and he is highly qualified to serve as Chair,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I am grateful that he has agreed to assume this important position and I look forward to continuing to work with him and the entire Parole Board to make Massachusetts safer and fairer for everyone.”  

“I am thankful to Governor Healey for the opportunity to lead the Parole Board and to work with my fellow Board members to continue to promote public safety and fairness,” said Incoming Chair Angelo Gomez. “As a former parole officer and parole supervisor, I know how transformative the decisions of the Board can be, and I am committed to performing this work with balance, fairness and integrity as the guiding principles.” 

The Massachusetts Parole Board’s mission is to promote public safety through supervised, conditional release of incarcerated people to the community and to provide the support needed for a successful transition back into the community. Parole Board members conduct hearings to determine when, and under what conditions, parole-eligible individuals should be released to the community and serve as the Advisory Board of Pardons to the Governor on clemency petitions. 

Angelo Gomez Jr. is a seasoned criminal justice professional with over 30 years of experience and has served as a member of the Massachusetts Parole Board since July 1, 2025. Before joining the Parole Board, Mr. Gomez served as the Chief Parole Supervisor for Field Services at the Parole Board. He was responsible for overseeing statewide parole operations, policy implementation, staff development, and interagency partnerships to enhance public safety and support successful reintegration. His extensive career spans roles as Deputy Chief Parole Supervisor, Parole Supervisor, Field Parole Officer, Probation Officer, Correctional Officer, and Court Procedures Clerk. Mr. Gomez holds an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Bunker Hill Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He has completed graduate coursework in criminal justice at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

慶祝麻州250週年 州長禮儀廳掛山姆亞當斯肖像

            (Boston Orange編譯) 麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（29）日宣佈，為慶祝美國革命 250 週年，將在州長辦公室禮儀廳懸掛美國最具影響力開國元勳之一，也是麻州第四任州長山姆·亞當斯（Samuel Adams）的肖像，藉以對他在創建美國，麻州上的重要性致敬。

            州長理事會的議事廳也將掛出曾在軍隊服役的州長畫像，包括曾參加美國獨立戰爭的麻州第 11 任州長John Brooks，曾參加美國內戰，倡議民權的第 麻州33 任州長Benjamin Butler，曾參加第二次世界大戰的海軍中校，麻州第 58 任州長Paul Dever。

奚莉州長說，Samuel Adams美國革命的主要組織者，《獨立宣言》的簽署人之一，塑造了美國的建國理想，麻州的革命精神，在慶祝麻州250週年之際，懸掛他的畫像，有如提醒人們，麻州在創建美國上具有的關鍵角色，捍衛的民主價值。

            早前掛在這禮儀廳內，鼓勵年輕人想像自己是未來領導者，呼籲加強少數族裔代表性及民眾包容性的無聲者之聲」畫框，將暫時遷出。

Governor Healey Hangs Portrait of Governor Samuel Adams in Ceremonial Office in Celebration of MA250 

Also chooses portraits of veteran Governors in the Governor’s Council Chamber 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced that the portrait of former Governor Samuel Adams, one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers and the Fourth Governor of Massachusetts, will now hang in her Ceremonial Office. Governor Healey is making this change as part of the celebrations around the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and has chosen Governor Adams as a tribute to essential role that both he and Massachusetts played in the nation’s founding. 

Governor Healey also announced that portraits of Governors who served in the military will now be displayed in the Governor’s Council Chamber. Governor John Brooks, a veteran of the American Revolution, fought in the Battles of Lexington and Concord before serving as the 11th Governor of Massachusetts. Governor Benjamin Butler, a Civil War general and advocate for civil rights, later served as the 33rd Governor of Massachusetts. Governor Paul Dever, who served as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy during World War II, went on to become the 29th Attorney General and 58th Governor of Massachusetts. 

“As a principal organizer of the American Revolution and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Governor Sam Adams helped shape our nation’s founding ideals and truly embodies the revolutionary spirit of Massachusetts. As we celebrate MA250, his portrait will stand as a daily reminder of Massachusetts’ pivotal role in America’s founding—and of the values he championed: freedom, democracy, and independence,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Additionally, from the battlefields of the Revolution to the Civil War and World War II, Governors Brooks, Butler, and Dever each fought for the ideals of freedom, service and democracy that define Massachusetts. Hanging their portraits in this chamber is more than a gesture of gratitude—it is a reminder of the generations who fought, led and sacrificed to preserve the promise of the United States of America.” 

Governor Healey is also relocating the gold frame that hangs in the Ceremonial Office—intended to inspire young people to envision themselves as future leaders, while reminding visitors to give voice to the voiceless—to the Governor’s Reception Room. This idea was proposed three years ago in a collaborative essay submitted by Julian Hynes, an 11th grader at Amherst-Pelham Regional High School, and Ja’liyah Santiago and Adniley Velez, 8th graders at Holyoke Community Charter School. The essay, titled “Inspiring Change and Dangerous Hope: Unequal Representation in the Commonwealth,” called for greater representation and inclusivity in the spaces that reflect Massachusetts’ leadership. 

About Governor Adams: 

Governor Samuel Adams was a Founding Father of the United States, born in Massachusetts in 1722. He played a pivotal role in the American Revolution as a vocal critic of British taxation and a driving force behind colonial resistance. Adams helped organize the Sons of Liberty and was a leading figure in the Boston Tea Party. As a delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress, he signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. After the Revolution, Adams continued his public service in the Massachusetts State Senate, later becoming the third Lieutenant Governor and eventually the fourth Governor of Massachusetts. Through his steadfast dedication to liberty, civic virtue and the principles of self-government, Samuel Adams helped lay the foundation for American democracy and left a lasting legacy as one of the nation’s most influential patriots.

聯邦參議員Ed Markey支持波士頓市議員Henry Santana競選連任

 U.S. Senator Ed Markey Endorses Boston City Councilor Henry Santana for Re-election

BOSTON – This morning, Boston City Councilor Henry Santana announced that he has earned the endorsement of U.S. Senator Ed Markey. 

“Henry Santana’s story is the story of Boston,” said Markey. “From growing up in Mission Hill to serving our city with integrity and heart. He’s turned lived experience into action, breaking down barriers and lifting up every neighborhood. I’m proud to endorse Henry for City Council At-Large because Boston is stronger with leaders like him.” 

“Senator Ed Markey is a source of inspiration to me. I am completely humbled to receive his endorsement and partnership in this campaign,” said Councilor Henry Santana. “Senator Markey has long been a progressive champion for bold climate action, equity, and opportunity for every community. His support reflects our shared commitment to building a Boston that leads on sustainability, affordability, and justice. I’m grateful for his trust as we continue building a Boston where families can put down roots and thrive for generations to come.”

The Santana campaign announced that Senator Markey would be attending a Get Out The Vote campaign event to rally volunteers on Saturday, November 1st in Jamaica Plain.

“Senator Markey will be fighting with us on the ground in Boston to help inspire our supporters to get out on the doors and remind everyone to vote. Those interested in attending should contact us at info@henrysantana.com or check the campaign Instagram page @Santana4boston for updates.”  

Boston voters can vote for up to four candidates for Boston City Council At-Large in the Boston Municipal Election. Early voting is ongoing and continues through Friday, October 31, with Election Day on Tuesday, November 4th.

Senator Markey joins a growing coalition of supporters of Councilor Henry Santana, including Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston City Councilors Gigi Coletta, John FitzGerald, Brian Worrell, Enrique Pepen, Ben Weber, and Sharon Durkan, State Representatives Aaron Michlewitz, Adrian Madaro, Dan Ryan, Chris Worrell, Russell Holmes, Jay Livingstone, Sam Montaño, and Mike Moran, State Senator Lydia Edwards and District Attorney Kevin Hayden. A full list of endorsers is available at www.santana4boston.com/endorsements. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU DELIVERS FIRST EVER STATE OF THE SCHOOLS SPEECH

MAYOR MICHELLE WU DELIVERS FIRST EVER STATE OF THE SCHOOLS SPEECH

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - This evening Mayor Michelle Wu delivered the first ever State of the Schools address to showcase the Boston Public School’s progress under the leadership of Superintendent Mary Skipper. Mayor Wu made a call to action for every sector of the city to invest in Boston’s success by stepping up for our families and our future. Mayor Wu’s goal is to connect every resource in the city to create opportunity, support, and accountability for every student to thrive. Under Superintendent Skipper’s leadership, BPS has made substantial progress for our students. This includes implementing the inclusive education plan, expanding Boston Pre-K, driving down chronic absenteeism across every grade level and student group, launching 16 new bilingual education programs, expanding early college and career pathways, and carrying out the long term facilities plan. During the speech, Mayor Wu announced a citywide goal to provide quality, enriching before- and after-school programming at every BPS school. The district is starting with new afterschool programs at each of the 20 community hub schools, in partnership with the BTU, YMCA, United Way, and the Lubin Family Foundation. Ensuring every school has before and after programming is critical for working parents to guarantee there is no gap in care between the end of the student’s school day and the end of the parent's work day. Currently, 83% of schools offer before or after school programs. Additionally, building on an announcement from the 2025 State of the City Address, Mayor Wu tonight announced the launch of Wicked Math, a new partnership with EdVestors, The Young People’s Project, and The Calculus Project to start advanced math clubs, strengthen math pathways, and train juniors and seniors to tutor middle school students. Wicked Math aims to address the shortage of opportunities for Boston Public School students who enjoy math or have demonstrated a high aptitude for it by providing opportunities for them to engage with math inside and outside of the classroom. These programs launched this school year. Wicked Math is currently offered across 20 schools in three ways: Math Clubs led by teachers provides students with the opportunity to participate in math league and math olympiad competitions while refining their math skills. Young People’s Project (YPP) builds a culture of math and mentoring throughout a school community by hiring juniors and seniors to tutor 7th & 8th graders. The Calculus Project uses research-supported strategies to increase the representation and success of minority and low-income students in advanced mathematics.  Telescope Network will work with The Young People Project, and The Calculus Project to provide a professional development learning lab for teachers to support expansion of this programming. Lastly, Mayor Wu announced the expansion of Great Starts, allowing parents and families to register online for Boston Public Schools in 10 languages for the first time ever. With Great Starts, families no longer need to visit a BPS Welcome Center. Great Starts is a citywide enrollment platform co-created by the Office of Early Childhood and Boston Public Schools in partnership with a number of state agencies and community-based partners. This platform offers families a streamlined, simplified dashboard of their school options in the City of Boston, including childcare, preschool, and Boston Public Schools. Through Great Starts, families can explore programs based on what matters most to their family: the size of the program/school, location, hours that match your work schedule, and the activities that will help your child thrive.  Mayor Wu’s first ever State of the Schools address showcased progress made by the district, while emphasizing there is more work to be done. In a moment when public education is being undermined by the federal administration, Mayor Wu is focused on making the oldest public school district in the country the first choice for families in Boston. The remarks as prepared can be found here.  ### Fact sheet The district is making progress under the leadership of Superintendent Mary Skipper. Every spring, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) publishes an accountability percentile for every district in the Commonwealth. The percentile takes into account both MCAS performance and growth. Districts in the bottom 10% may be designated as chronically underperforming and placed into receivership.  From 2015-2023, Boston ranged from the 5th to 8th percentile. (Aspects of the accountability system were suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.) In 2024, Boston jumped to the 20th percentile. In its District Analysis and Review Tools (DART), DESE compares Boston to 10 comparable districts based on grades span, total enrollment, and special populations. Boston’s accountability percentile is higher than all 10 of its peers. Getting the operational details right so students can thrive in classrooms. Transportation More buses arrived on time in September and October of this year than ever before, with yesterday morning, October 27, day 37 of the school year, having the best on time performance (OTP) of the year at 96%.  Last year, BPS Transportation did not see 96% OTP until day 58.  By the end of 2025, BPS Transportation’s school bus fleet will include 94 electric school buses. Food Since 2022, BPS has overhauled its meals program, and is now serving fresh meals cooked on-site in 107 school buildings. Today, 96% of meals are being made freshly in house by BPS kitchen staff.  Previously, many schools –– because they lacked the kitchen facilities and/or the food service staff – served vended meals, preventing students from accessing the culturally diverse menus designed by BPS staff, in partnership with students and families.  More than 15% of school meal ingredients are locally sourced, and BPS is on track to meet its goal of 30%.  Sixteen school buildings do not have either the kitchen facilities or enough student demand to cook meals from scratch on-site, but through targeted renovations of the BPS Central Kitchen facility in Dorchester, Food and Nutrition Services will soon begin cooking and packaging meals in-house and delivering to these locations.  The Central Kitchen is expected to re-launch its food preparation operations by the end of 2025, gradually scaling up to produce 1,000 meals per day. Centralizing food production will also bring about substantial cost savings.  Air conditioning In 2021, only 32% of BPS schools had working air conditioning, primarily in newer buildings with central HVAC systems. Now, 92% of BPS schools have air conditioning, as the District continues to work on the remaining, with several schools currently in design for HVAC systems. Historic investments in school facilities In the last four years, Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper launched more major school building projects than Boston has had in the previous 40 years, combined.  Launched prior to 2021, but completed during Mayor Wu’s administration: Boston Arts Academy (2022) Josiah Quincy Upper School (2024) Carter School (2025) Launched under Mayor Wu’s administration: Horace Mann School (2024) PJ Kennedy Elementary School (2025) Sarah Roberts Elementary (2025) Shaw-Taylor Elementary School (invited into MSBA Core program in 2023) Ruth Batson Academy (invited into MSBA Core program in 2024) Boston Adult Technical Academy–East (2025) Navigating Employment and Transition (NExT) program (2025) White Stadium  Madison Park Technical Vocational High School (begun design, submitted to MSBA Core program in 2025) Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (renovations to temporary home completed in 2025; active RFP process underway for new permanent site) Former South Boston High School building (decarbonization and renovation work currently being scoped by PFD through the Renew Boston Trust program; won grant from MassCEC in 2025) Frederick (renovation to convert to preK-6; estimated completion in 2026) In addition, BPS has also ramped up its investment in state-of-good-repair projects, including through a strengthened partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) through its Accelerated Repair Program (ARP): Dr. Albert D. Holland High School of Technology - boiler  English High School - windows/doors  Henderson Upper School - roof  Haley Elementary School - boiler  Kenny Elementary School - roof  O’Donnell Elementary School - roof  Adams Elementary School - windows/doors  Murphy K-8 School - windows/doors  Chittick Elementary School - windows/doors  Gardner Pilot Academy - windows/doors  Everett Elementary School - windows/doors Lyndon K-8 School - windows/doors  Partnerships that educate our students beyond the classroom Boston Family Days has grown to include 23 of Boston’s world-class cultural institutions. To date, 14 museums have welcomed over 65,000 students and families.  This fall, the City launched the inaugural season of Boston Family Day performances at the American Repertory Theater, ArtsEmerson, Berklee, Boch Center, Boston Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Huntington Theatre, and Wheelock Family Theatre. Thank you to Amazon, Barr Foundation, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Jim and Cathy Stone, and Michelle and Bob Atchinson for their support. This year, more than 10,500 young people worked paid summer jobs, which is the most in the City’s history. Additionally, the City has launched a youth jobs program to run during the school year. Thank you to Mass General Brigham, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, State Street Corporation, Boston Children’s Hospital, John Hancock, Bank of America, and Liberty Mutual Insurance and all our employer partners for helping us achieve this historic milestone. The City has expanded Boston Pre-K to serve more than 5,000 families, and added programming for our littlest learners, such as music lessons from the New England Conservatory. Over the last four years, City programs and partnerships helped almost 9,000 kids learn to ride bikes, taught nearly 12,000 more how to swim, and expanded youth sports access across every neighborhood.  This year, in partnership with Boston After School and Beyond, the City set a new record of more than 18,000 students taking part in the 5th Quarter summer learning program. Starting this fall, the WPS Institute is partnering with BPS to help reimagine 7th and 8th grade as an engaging launchpad into secondary school. Charlestown High Schools’s Dream Academy is piloting a model that focuses on creating a strong foundation experience for students in 7-12 schools where every student feels engaged, connected and prepared for college, career and life readiness. Last year, colleges and universities funded $72 million in scholarships for Boston students. Thank you to Boston University, Northeastern University, Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wentworth University, Boston College, Fisher College, Berklee College of Music, Emerson College, Emmanuel College, Simmons University, Suffolk University, New England Conservatory, Harvard University, and Tufts University. Setting strong expectations for our students when it comes to learning. Since the implementation of the BPS Equitable Literacy strategy, every student is expected to do what educators call “heavy lifting.” This includes students reading aloud and writing down reflections on the content they’re learning; solving math problems together and discussing the material with each other.  The shift to hands-on, active learning with high-quality instructional materials is guided by measurement, alignment, and accountability. Teachers and school leaders meet regularly to review effective teaching strategies, and district leaders and coaches conduct classroom observations to give teachers feedback. In 2022, just 179 BPS high schoolers took college courses. Last year, the City more than quadrupled that number to 790 students. This year, more than 1,000 students are taking college courses at schools including Roxbury Community College, Bunker Hill Community College, Franklin Cummings Tech, and UMass Boston.  Nearly all (26 out of 32) high schools offer either AP or IB courses. The six schools that do not are either specialized schools or alternative education high schools. The District has recently significantly expanded AP course offerings, including by piloting AP Seminar at 5 secondary schools and AP African American Studies at 15 secondary schools as part of a College Board pilot. BPS has also created new professional development for AP teachers focused on AP curriculum and instruction for multilingual learners to ensure learners with varying levels of English proficiency are encouraged and able to access AP courses.  Finally, BPS also redesigned course sequences, including embedding Pre-AP frameworks in core courses and expanding courses such as AP Seminar, AP Pre-Calculus, and AP Computer Science Principles. These courses are designed to support students in learning the skills necessary to be successful in AP and college classes. In 2025, BPS students took nearly 7,500 AP exams, more than two thirds of which received a score of three or higher. That’s a nine-percentage point jump in just one year, and the best performance on AP exams in our city’s history. For example, today, every ninth grader at the Dearborn STEM Academy takes AP Biology. Student involvement in State of the Schools Several Josiah Quincy Upper School (JQUS) students are participating in the event. This includes the six JQUS students who are delivering the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the program: Joseph Kasongo, 12th; Lucas Brent Huyghebaert, 11th; Ethan Jordan Funches, 7th; Maliyah Aylani Roberts, 7th; Cameron Gabriel Williams, 7th; and Elliot Grace Lee, 6th. Additionally, representing the student body, 12th grader Omar Ramadan is the student speaker introducing Chair of the Boston School Committee Jeri Robinson. There are also four JQUS students serving as ushers, helping guests to find a seat.  In addition to JQUS, other schools are a part of the production for the event. Students in Madison Park Technical Vocational High School’s Graphic Communications program printed the programs and students in the Culinary Arts program baked the chocolate chip cookies that will be served at the end of the program. Student journalists from Brighton High School, John D. O’Bryant High School, Charlestown High School, and Boston Latin School are in the media section covering the event tonight.