BAAFF籲請亞裔進電影院看「尚氣(Shang-Chi)」

 

Upcoming BAAFF Events!  View this email in your browser

🎬🚨 Don't Miss Out! 🚨🎬 SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS @AMC Boston Common | Sunday, Sept. 5th, 1:30PM ET & 3:30PM ET PAO ARTS CENTER Experience Chinatown | Dates Sept. 9-25 CHINATOWN MAIN STREET'S Farmers Market | Select Saturdays 10AM-3PM Scroll for details!       DON'T MISS OUT ON THE #GOLDOPEN OF Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings @AMC Boston Common (175 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111) SUNDAY, SEPT. 5, 1:30PM & 3:30PM ET Be among the first to see Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” for the #GoldOpen Opening weekend, hosted by the Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF), ACE NextGen, and Gold House. Join us on Sunday, September 5 at AMC Boston Common for one of the two screenings of "Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings"    RSVP Here!   If you RSVP, you will be guaranteed a seat in the theatre, but seating is based on first-come first-served. Pick up your tickets at the will-call table. Have your Eventbrite ticket ready to scan for check-in. Please make sure you RSVP and show up at the correct movie block.   ABOUT THE FILM Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. The film also stars Tony Leung as Wenwu, Awkwafina as Shang-Chi’s friend Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, as well as Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu and Ronny Chieng. “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and produced by Kevin Feige and Jonathan Schwartz, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Charles Newirth serving as executive producers. David Callaham & Destin Daniel Cretton & Andrew Lanham wrote the screenplay for the film. Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and language.

BCNC and Pao Arts Center presents: Experience Chinatown Select Dates September 9-25 During the month of September 2021, Pao Arts Center will debut its 4th annual Experience Chinatown Arts Festival. See, hear, create, and connect. Together, celebrate the rich cultural fabric of Boston Chinatown through free creative activities for all.   Check it out!     Boston Chinatown Farmer's Market Select Saturdays 10AM-3PM     Learn more!

BAAFF is a co-production of Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson.        Facebook Twitter Website Email   Copyright © 2020 Asian American Resource Workshop, All rights reserved. Thank you for subscribing to the Boston Asian American Film Festival newsletter. We'll keep you posted on screenings, events, and news. Our mailing address is: Asian American Resource Workshop  Boston Asian American Film Festival 42 Charles Street, Suite A Dorchester, MA 02122 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences  www.BAAFF.org

麻州大學系統獲有史以來最大筆捐款 5000萬元

               (Boston Orange 編譯)麻州大學宣佈，收到校友夫婦捐贈5千萬元，創下該校所收捐款數額最大紀錄。

              捐贈款項的是Robert J. 和 Donna Manning夫婦。這筆款項將由麻州大學系統分發給5所分校，其中1500萬元將指定給麻州大學護理項目，該校護理及衛生學院也將冠名為Robert J. 和 Donna Manning護理及衛生學院。

該校將在未來的數月中宣佈，這筆錢將如何分配給麻大系統中的安赫斯特(Amherst)、達特茅斯(Dartmouth)、羅爾( Lowell)，以及位於屋斯特(Worcester)的醫學院。

              Domma Manning過去35年來都是一名腫瘤學護士，這促使他們決定把捐贈重心放在護理上。

              Robert Manning是MFS投資管理公司主席，也是麻州大學董事會長期以來的主席。住在Swampscott的這兩人都是麻州大學羅爾分校的本科畢業生。

              Robert Manning在一份聲明中表示，「Donna和我都到了想在生命中創造真正不同的年紀，而這是達成目的最好方式，因為我們了解麻州大學為學生做了什麼，它改變了人的生命」。

              麻州大學總校校長Marty Meehan稱這是筆有變革性的捐款，「它表示了麻州大學是好投資，也是對麻州未來有立即直接影響的機會」。

最新民調吳弭30%大幅領先 波士頓環球報社論組支持Campbell

吳弭(Michelle Wu)。(周菊子攝)

                     (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) 麻州公司(MassInc)和前進政策(Policy for Progress)今(3)日公佈的最新民調顯示，吳弭(Michelle Wu)的支持度大幅上升，高達30%，把對手遠拋在後。

心意未決的選民比率從另一民調的25%，降低到19%。

 “麻州公司” 總結的各候選人所獲民意支持比率依序為:吳弭30%，Kim Janey15%，Anissa Essaibi George13%，Andrea Campbell11%，John Barros4$，另一名候選人4%。

” 麻州公司” 也在推特上公布民調圖表時強調，各候選人所吸引支持者的地理人口基礎差距頗大，9月14日的出席投票率高或低，以及到底是那些人的選民出來投票了，將對各候選人可能得到的票數有極大影響，尤其是對Kim Janey和Anissa Essaibi George的得票率影響最大。

Kim Janey。(周菊子攝)

不過就在昨(2)日，波士頓環球報(Boston Globe)的社論小組才公開表示，背書支持Andrea Campbell當市長。在前幾次民調中，支持度都落後的Andrea Campbell，很可能急起直追。”麻州公司”也在公佈民調時強調，人數仍多的心意未決選民，很可能會改變選舉結果。

  以細分項目來看，吳弭在所有類別中都領先群雄，獲得的支持率最高，其中30到44歲的人，非白人、黑人的其他人，大學以上學歷人士，年收入在5萬到10萬元之間者，以及住在城中區，後灣區，芬衛區，奧斯頓/布萊頓區的人中支持率最高。

 以接觸選民比率來看，吳弭和Andrea Campbell的競選團隊最努力，各有28%的選民表示曾接觸過這兩人的競選團隊。

Anissa Essaibi George。(周菊子攝)

波士頓市長選舉開打以來，之前已有不同機構分別做過至少三次調查，這次的民意調查卻是第一次有候選人的支持度高達30%。

                         波士頓環球報的社論剛剛公開稱Andrea Campbell是最適合當市長的候選人，但歷次民調卻一直都是Kim Janey和Annissa Essaibi George輪流擠上民調第2名。            不過這幾次的民調，規模都並不大，每次約600人，調查樣本是否有偏頗可能，也難說，民調結果參考即可。            

Anndrea Campbell。(周菊子攝)

John Barros。(周菊子攝)

MAYOR JANEY LAUNCHES CHATBOT TO CONNECT TO FOOD RESOURCES; FOOD DONATIONS PLATFORM

MAYOR JANEY LAUNCHES CHATBOT TO CONNECT TO FOOD RESOURCES; FOOD DONATIONS PLATFORM Two new and innovative food access resources available for Boston residents

 

BOSTON - Friday, September 3, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey and the Mayor’s Office of Food Access (OFA) today announced the launch of the food resources SMS chatbot and the online food donations platform. Both initiatives respond to goals included in Boston's Food Access Agenda, aiming to strengthen the citywide food access network by efficiently connecting existing programs and resources to better serve the community.  “Ensuring every Boston resident has access to nutritious meals is essential to building an equitable City,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “I’m excited to introduce this creative option to reduce food insecurity. This tech tool enables residents to connect with or provide services when it’s most convenient for them.”  The food resources SMS chabot was created by the Mayor’s Office of Food Access, together with the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM) following the success of the food delivery chatbot launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The goal of this new tool is to offer a centralized source of food resources information that is available 24/7, in eight different languages, and doesn’t require internet connectivity. To access this tool in English, residents can text the word ‘FOOD’ to 617-579-8238. To access the other seven languages in which the tool is available residents can text: ·    ‘COMIDA’ for Spanish ·    ‘MANJE’ for Haitian Creole ·    ‘THỨC ĂN’ for Vietnamese ·    ‘食物’ for Simplified Chinese ·    ‘KOMIDA’ for Cape Verdean Creole ·    ‘ALIMENTO’ for Portuguese ·    For Arabic - ‘طعام’ “By reducing digital and language barriers, the Office of Food Access’ goal is to create a more equitable food system where everyone is welcome and can be connected with the resources they need,” said Catalina López-Ospina, Mayor’s Office of Food Access Director. “In the first iteration of the chatbot we received very positive feedback from residents and we hope this tool helps residents navigate all the resources that are available in the City.” The online food donations platform was created by the Office of Food Access to encourage connections between those that have food available for donation and those that need it or can distribute it, and to avoid food waste. Organizations and individuals interested in joining this network must create an account at www.boston.gov/food-donations. Once an organization or individual creates an account, it can then post food donations and mark them as claimed. To claim food donations organizations or individuals must contact the ‘donor’ and arrange the logistics for pick up. The donation interchange must be completely handled by the donor and receiver. OFA is unable to provide assistance with logistics. The food donations that are posted in the platform are approved by the Office of Food Access to avoid misuse of the platform.  For more information about food resources available, visit here.

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES QUINCEY J. ROBERTS SR. AS THE LGBTQ+ LIAISON IN THE OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES QUINCEY J. ROBERTS SR. AS THE LGBTQ+ LIAISON IN THE OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

 

 

BOSTON - Friday, September 3, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today announced the appointment of Quincey J. Roberts Sr. as the liaison to the LGBTQ+ community in the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). Filling this role builds on Boston’s commitment to ensuring that all residents are represented and served in an equitably and accessibly. Roberts also serves as the Education and Outreach Manager for the Boston Human Rights Commission.  Mayor Kim Janey and Civic Engagement Cabinet Chief Aisha Miller tapped Roberts to serve as liaison to the LGBTQ+ community in the Office of Neighborhood Services following the former liaison's transition to the private sector. As the LGBTQ+ community contact, Roberts will work to encourage, facilitate, and maximize the community’s input and participation in local government and address their needs by connecting them with city services. He brings to this role a wealth of experience engaging this community and a passion and dedication to addressing their concerns in areas where they are often underserved and overlooked.  “Quincey has demonstrated a passion for public service and a gift for fighting for underserved populations,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “Since day one, my administration has worked towards an equitable City for all residents and I know that in this new role Quincey will further that effort on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.” Serving the LGBTQ+ community has always been the center of Roberts’ work. Discouraged by feelings of exclusion and isolation by an LGBTQ+ community dominated by white leaders and unrelatable agendas, Roberts and his partner Corey Yarbrough co-founded the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC) in 2009. Guided by the community it served, HBGC worked to inspire and empower Hispanic, Latinx, and Black LGBTQ+ through activism, education, outreach, and counseling. Roberts led HBGC in executing its leadership development programs, support groups, and an annual Youth Empowerment Conference, the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ youth of color in New England. He has also created Gay-Straight Alliances and other student support services in schools with predominantly Black and Latinx student populations.  “I am very excited to have Quincey as the LGBTQ+ liaison for the Office of Neighborhood Services,” said Chief Aisha Miller. “Quincey is a trailblazer for Boston’s LGBTQ+ community, especially the younger members. Quincey advocates for a culture of respect and through his new appointment he will monitor and ensure that progress is made towards equality on behalf of all persons who identify as LGBTQ+. I am confident Quincey will be the much needed voice that ensures the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are protected.” Roberts also worked with the Union United Methodist Church and Justice Resource Institute to establish The Youth Lounge, a youth drop-in space that offered after school programs and activities to LGBTQ+ youth of color under the age of 21. Roberts’ work with the Union United Methodist Church earned him a seat on the Board of Trustees in 2013. This made him the youngest and first openly gay trustee of the congregation. “My life’s work has been service and advocacy,” said Roberts. “I am trying to do my part in leveling the playing field for the most marginalized. I am honored and excited to advocate and serve LGBTQ+ Bostonians as the City of Boston’s LGBTQ+ liaison. Let’s get to work!”  Roberts’ appointment as the LGBTQ+ community liaison builds on his work as the Education and Outreach Manager for the Boston Human Rights Commission where he is responsible for facilitating constituent outreach and education about the Commission’s mission, programs and services. He previously worked as the Public Relations Specialist in the Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Services from 2015-2018 and most recently served as the Education and Outreach Manager in the Mayor’s Office of Fair Housing and Equity from 2018-2021.  In his spare time, Roberts enjoys listening to music, analyzing speeches, watching Spike Lee films, playing basketball, meditating, and brunch on Sundays. He currently lives in Dorchester with his husband Corey Yarbrough of five years. The two have a growing family, co-parenting a beautiful son Quincey Roberts Jr. with long time friend Victoria Mills.

REVERE WOMAN INDICTED IN CONNECTION WITH TRAFFICKING MULTIPLE VICTIMS FOR SEX AT “DAY SPA” IN REVERE

REVERE WOMAN INDICTED IN CONNECTION WITH TRAFFICKING MULTIPLE VICTIMS FOR SEX AT “DAY SPA” IN REVERE

Two Employees also Indicted for Sexually Assaulting Massage Clients 

BOSTON – A Revere woman has been indicted for trafficking multiple victims for sex through Crystal’s Day Spa in Revere, which she was allegedly operating as a front for human trafficking, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. Two employees of the business have also been indicted for sexually assaulting clients seeking massages.

Geralda De Matos Garland, age 57, of Revere, was indicted on Thursday by a Suffolk County Grand Jury on the charges of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude (2 counts), Keeping a House of Ill Fame, and Money Laundering.

Lucas Sobreira, age 29, of Everett, was indicted on one charge each of Indecent Assault & Battery on a Person over 14 and Assault & Battery. Giacomo Neto, age 41, of Lynn, was indicted on the charges of Indecent Assault & Battery on a Person over 14 (2 counts) and Assault & Battery (2 counts). All three defendants will be arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court at a later date.

The AG’s Office previously announced Garland’s arrest in April 2021 by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, the Revere Police Department, and Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

These charges are the result of an investigation by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, with assistance from the Revere Police Department, the Division of Professional Licensure, and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

During the course of the investigation, authorities developed evidence indicating that Garland allegedly ran a profitable and organized criminal enterprise through Crystal’s Day Spa, which she owned and set up as a front for human trafficking.

The AG’s Office alleges that Garland knowingly facilitated commercial sexual activity by recruiting victims and offering sexual activity between victims and buyers in exchange for a fee. The AG’s Office alleges that Garland also posted online advertisements offering commercial sex, arranged commercial sex appointments with sex buyers, collected money from sex buyers, and profited from this commercial sexual activity.

The AG’s Office alleges that in 2018, Sobreira allegedly sexually assaulted an individual at Crystal’s Day Spa. In 2021, Neto is alleged to have sexually assaulted two different individuals on separate occasions at the establishment. These victims were not aware Crystal’s Day Spa offered illegal commercial sex.

AG Healey’s Victim Services Division is working with victim service organizations to ensure victims have the assistance and services they need.

These charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

AG Healey has a dedicated Human Trafficking Division that focuses on policy, prevention and prosecution and includes a team of specialized prosecutors, victim advocates and Massachusetts State Police troopers who handle high impact, multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigations and prosecutions across the state. Through the Human Trafficking Division, the AG’s Office has charged more than 60 individuals in connection with human trafficking since the law was passed.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Nancy Rothstein of the AG’s Human Trafficking Division, with assistance from Deputy Chief of the AG’s Victim Services Division Rebecca Quigley, Financial Investigators Jill Petruzziello and Patrick Cooney, and the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab. The investigation was handled by the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, with assistance from the Revere Police Department, the Division of Professional Licensure, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

華埠圖書館將設在R1地段 陳毓禮公園將加裝8盞燈

波士頓華埠居民會網上召開月會。

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓華埠居民會 (CRA)9月1日晚在網路上的月例會中匯報華埠圖書館將落腳R1地段，亞美社區發展協會刻正辦理「集會地 (Place of Assembly) 」公共裝置藝術項目，綠路保護會將在陳毓禮公園、司徒麗英公園增設照明燈柱等社區動態。

波士頓華埠居民會共同主席黃國威。

              當晚的會議由華埠居民會共同主席黃國威主持。另一名共同主席黃楚放假中，由華人前進會主任陳玉珍代理，並全程做中英文翻譯。

            波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)，Lydia Edwards, 米高法拉提(Michael Flaherty)都特地出席會議。

             亞美社區發展協會(ACDC)社區項目及設計主任Jeena Chang先代表該會感謝黃氏公所，出借乞臣街(Hudson)8-12號這塊空地。東北大學建築系助理教授李昂(Ang Li)接著說明，她計畫製作的「集會地 (Place of Assembly) 」公共裝置藝術，是由「現在+那裏(Now+There)」這公共藝術加速器所支持的項目，將以回收的環保材料來製作9個不同尺寸，適合不同體型、高矮，年齡人士使用，可以轉動，調整角度，甚至方便搬遷的木墩，藉以創造出一個非正式的聚會場所，整體形象可以讓人憶想起早年乞臣街一帶居民，每逢傍晚，各別坐在自家門前階梯閒聊的那種氛圍。他們預定9月和10月會舉辦工作坊，邀人們參加，以更熟悉這公共裝置藝術項目。

華人前進會主任陳玉珍。

           華埠圖書館之友會由在塔芙茨(Tufts)任職的Heang Rubin匯報近況。她感謝波士頓市議員愛德華費林，米糕法拉提等人多年來的支持，說明華埠居民從1997年就開始爭取的這圖書館，終於確定會落腳於R1地段，這當年由青年會(YMCA)使用，被人稱為「泡泡屋(Buble)」的地段。發展商在這地段上蓋可負擔房屋時，將同時建造華埠圖書館，估計10月或11月會舉行公眾會議，讓民眾表達意見。

           Heang Rubin說明，這土地發展項目將設項目審核委員會 (Project Review Committee)，由12名市政府，市議員等指定人員組成。希望社區民眾會踴躍申請成為委員，以確保將來建成的華埠圖書館符合民意。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn。

           綠路保護會(Greenway Conservancy)新主任Chris Cook當晚親自到會說明，華埠牌樓旁的陳毓禮/黃麗蓉公園，以及司徒麗英公園，將以8盞新路燈及燈柱來更換陳氏公園內現有的舊燈光照明設備，並在蛇紋石通道加裝5盞路燈，在司徒麗英公園靠近表面道(surface road)那兒，加裝和乞臣街上一樣的鍊狀燈飾。整個工程預定今夏籌款，發包，秋季施工，冬季暫停，2022春天做最後的植物種植。

            Chris Cook指出，這一段的綠路，在該會與華埠主街，紐英崙中華公所，亞美社區發展協會等多個機構合作下，一整個夏天都很熱鬧，有舞龍，舞獅，農貿市場，燈籠節，電影節等等活動，該會將繼續辦理很多活動，歡迎人們上網查該會的最新活動https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/calendar/。

東北大學建築系助理教授李昂。

         波士頓華埠居民會下個月的會議，預定10月6日舉行。

波士頓華埠之友會的Hegan Rubin。

  綠路保護會(Greenway Conservancy)新主任Chris Cook

紐英崙至德三德公所支持宗親吳弭競選波士頓市長

紐英崙至德三德公所元老周麗桃(中)，共同主席，左起吳皓，周樹昂，曹品慈代表公所，
把捐款支票交給吳弭。(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) 紐英崙至德三德公所為支持宗親吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 參選波士頓市長，8月29日在喜臨門舉辦籌款會，逾百人出席。全美至德三德公所也慷慨解囊，一口氣捐出5張1000元支票。

             吳弭28歲就當上市議員，一度擔任市議會議長，現在既是波士頓市長參選者中最年輕的一個，更是人們口中拿出了最完整，最詳盡市政改革計畫的候選人。紐英崙至德三德公所多名共同主席，對這位身形窈窕，哈佛畢業的聰穎宗親出來參選，很有機會締造歷史，成為波士頓市有史以來的首名華裔市長，都感到與有榮焉。

至德三德公所是包括周、翁、吳、蔡、曹等5個姓氏的姓氏宗親會。這天的籌款會由紐英崙公所共同主席周樹昂，元老周麗桃主持。

在策畫籌款會時，至德三德宗親中有些人對吳弭的租金管制政策不以為然，因而認為不應該支持她。周樹昂和周麗桃私下表示，波士頓市有將近400年的歷史，但這還是第一次有華人參選市長，不論吳弭的政見是否符合每一個人的心意，相信政府的任何政策都有市民進言，調整、商量的餘地，希望有投票權的宗親，都能暫時放下歧見，投吳弭一票，給華裔在波士頓揚眉吐氣的機會。

波士頓市的總人口約70萬，其中亞裔約6萬8，佔總人口的大約9.7%，華裔則有大約36,484人，佔總人口的5.3%，但不少人沒權投票，有些人有權投票卻從未登記成為選民，吳弭要當選波士頓市長，絕對無法只靠華裔、亞裔支持。

不過吳弭的參選，的確讓大波士頓許多華人感到興奮。波士頓華商會財政余麗媖就表示，該會的多名會員以個人身分傾力助選，還幫忙郵寄上千張明信片。麻州郊區華人儘管已為吳弭舉辦過好幾場籌款會，8月29日這天，也還是有許多郊區華人聞風而來的出席這場籌款會。哈佛大學公衛學院劉小樂教授，東北大學奈米能源實驗室主任鄭毅，安永會計師事務所波士頓合夥人張曉青都來了。萊克星頓華人協會會長王華做為LexRide單車隊成員之一，和其他幾名隊員穿著色彩豔麗的騎自行車運動裝，也來到現場和吳弭合影。

              波士頓的市長初選，還有12天就要投票了。吳弭在籌款會上也提醒大家，9月14日，要記得出席投票，更別忘了提醒家人，鄰居都出席投票。

MAYOR JANEY, SUPERINTENDENT CASSELLIUS SHARE BACK-TO-SCHOOL PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

MAYOR JANEY, SUPERINTENDENT CASSELLIUS SHARE BACK-TO-SCHOOL PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

 

BOSTON - Thursday, September 2, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey and Superintendent Brenda Cassellius were today joined by Dr. Cassandra Pierre, Boston Medical Center Associate Hospital Epidemiologist; Tim Rowe, CIC CEO & Founder; and Catherine De Jesús Martínez, BPS student at Boston International Newcomers Academy to discuss Boston Public Schools’ back-to-school plan ahead of the start of the 2021-2022 School Year. Thursday, September 9 is the first day for Grades 1-12 and Monday, September 13 is the first day for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten.  “As Mayor of Boston, and as an education advocate, a BPS alum, and as the proud parent of a BPS graduate, I’m excited to kick off the new school year,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “This particular back-to-school season is the first time since March 2020 that we are welcoming all of our students back to Boston Public Schools. This is an important reunion for students, teachers, and school staff, and we will ensure that it’s a safe reunion.” "The Boston Public Schools team is so excited to welcome back our students and staff for a successful school year next week. As we continue to support our students in recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, we are looking forward to returning to the joy of teaching and learning," said BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. "We have been working all summer to ensure the physical, social and emotional health of our students and staff and we continue to address all challenges as they arise. The best place for children to learn is inside the classroom, and BPS is thrilled to begin the year with all students attending school in-person, alongside their peers and under the loving care of their educators." The third school year amid the pandemic, Boston Public Schools has prepared strategies to ensure a safe and successful year of learning for all students. Eligible students and staff are encouraged to get vaccinated. In collaboration with the Boston Public Health Commission, vaccination clinics continue to be accessible for students 12 years of age and older. Additionally, staff are required to follow the City of Boston vaccination verification mandate. Furthermore, Boston Public Schools is utilizing both face coverings and COVID-19 testing to ensure students and staff are safe. Masks continue to be required to be worn by all students and staff while in school and riding BPS school buses. There are three main strategies for COVID-19 testing in schools, operated by CIC Health:   1.  Routine COVID-19 Pool testing: Free, voluntary and confidential COVID-19 pool testing will be available in schools for students and staff. To participate, parents/guardians/caregivers must complete a consent form for their student(s) to be eligible for pool testing. Schools will provide weekly COVID-19 testing for a sample of the population (the pool). If there is a positive pool case, each individual sample for the positive pool will be attested with a follow-up test. 2.  Testing for students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19: Any student who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will have access to a rapid test.  3.  Test to Stay: Introduced by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Test and Stay allows individuals who are identified as a close contact of a confirmed positive case to stay in school with daily testing for five days if they do not have symptoms.  “Being vaccinated and wearing my mask makes me feel more confident to be back in public,” said Catherine De Jesús Martínez, a senior at Boston International Newcomers Academy. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, they will quarantine for 10 days and return to school after no longer presenting symptoms or with a negative test. Students who are confirmed close contacts of a positive case in school will not have to quarantine, but will have the opportunity to test for five days in school if they do not have symptoms according to DESE’s Test and Stay policy. Boston Public Schools continues to ensure hygienic practices in all schools, including thorough cleaning, access to PPE supplies, hand washing and hand sanitizer stations, and air filtration and ventilation. Additionally, in line with national trends, BPS is experiencing a bus driver shortage. Please apply here if you are interested in becoming a BPS bus driver. The role offers $26.65 an hour plus benefits. BPS is currently hiring for multiple positions including bus monitors and food service workers. Anyone interested in joining the BPS team can apply at bostonpublicschools.org/OHC, and click “Find a Job.”  For more information about the school year, visit the BPS Back to School webpage here.  To access Boston Public Schools’ Back to School Guide, visit here.