The Eye of the Tiger News - Volume 20  February 5-9, 2018 

  

Mission Statement  

The John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science is a diverse, supportive community of 

learners that engages in a rigorous and comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, 

and Mathematics program integrated with Humanities. Our college-preparatory exam school 

enables our students to reach their full potential and become leaders who will shape the direction of 

society.  

Core Values: O’B PRIDE!  

Perseverance Respect Integrity 

Discipline Excellence 

               

Administration  Message of the Week 

 Term 2 report cards will be handed out to students on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 in the afternoon. All 

students and families should review the grades together to ensure that all students are working 

towards academic success. As always, school personnel and our community partners are here to 

assist our students in any way that we can.   We also welcome our Alpha Exchange Students from 

China over the next two weeks. Reception on February 6, 2018 Tuesday morning in the library 

7:30am-8:00am.  

  

Next Eye of the Tiger Newsletter:  Monday, February 12, 2018 

 

 Term 3 Dates 

1.29.18 to 4.13.18    

Term 2 Report Card Distribution: 02-06-18  

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 STEM Updates 

 ● The O’Bryant School has received a grant from the 

MA Cultural Council to support a teaching artist to work with engineering and science students on pinhole photography projects. 

 

 Teaching and Learning    

 Our Instructional Focus for the 2017-18 school year is: Implementing evidence-based reading and problem solving strategies that enable students to successfully engage in cognitively demanding tasks. .    

● The Mass Insight SY 17-18 AP Saturday Sessions will take place on the following dates: 

ELA: 3/3/18  Science: 3/17/18   Math: 4/7/18  

● Pathway Programs, January - June: Applications are now open for the Severe and Moderate Disabilities and ESL Pathways for licensure. Prospective applicants need to register on My Learning Plan for the application process. For Severe Disabilities Info - click here; ESL info - click here; Moderate Disabilities - click here . Contact for additional information: Nick Balasalle, nbalasalle@bostonpublicschools.org 

 ● Attention Grades 5-8 Science Teachers: The 

Measured Progress STEM Gauge Item bank is officially live in the Illuminate platform. The item bank currently covers all topic sets in grades 5-8 with comprehensive teacher guides, detailed rubrics and student exemplars, FOSS kit alignment, and more. Check out the folder here for resources. Contact for additional information: Mike Rubino, mrubino@bostonpublicschools.org 

  

 Family & Community Engagement 

 ● Homeroom teachers: Please take a moment to 

discuss with students the importance of attending school. Please inform students that in order to be taken of the NC list for Term 1, it must be for medical reasons. Medical notes may be submitted to Ms. Colon-Brown in the main office. Furthermore, students have 7 school days to submit a note after an absence (please make sure students bring them in immediately after an absence). Lastly, if a student turns in an excuse note, please take it and then submit it to the main office ASAP. 

● Legacy Week 2018: “Honoring Black History & Black Excellence”: A weeklong Black History Month program to honor the legacy and contributions of people, places and events spanning the African diaspora. Students will have an opportunity to affirm their shared legacy and identity, by reflecting on the past, embodying the present, and demonstrating their vision for the future. Click here for more information about Black History Month: Legacy week. 

● Parents, if you are not receiving the weekly Eye of 

the Tiger Newsletters every Monday, please e-mail Ms. Colon Brown with an accurate e-mail at mcolonbrown@bostonpublicschools.org. 

 ● Parents, if you are not receiving the Daily Bulletin, 

please e-mail the the O’Bryant Bulletin at obdailybulletin@gmail.com with an accurate e-mail. 

 ● Sophomore Society: The Sophomore Society was 

designed to support 10th grade students and their families with resources, workshops and activities. In addition to academic resources we want to provide the opportunity for social interaction as well. We are looking for a group of students to offer ideas and help organize some upcoming events, such as a dance and other activities. If you are interested in being part of the planning for these kinds of events, please contact Ms. Nolan or Ms. Johnson. You may also send an email to 

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● Travel with your students & colleagues this year!  The Department of Global Education is pleased to offer a wide range of International trips & PD this school year! Student Trips: Ghana & Brazil; PD trips: Cuba, Finland/Estonia, Brazil, South Africa. For more information please complete the inquiry form. Contact for additional information: Brittany Wheaton Calloway, bwheaton@bostonpublicschools.org 

 ● The MA Department of Education has created a 

MCAS parent page useful. Resources will be added throughout the course of the school year. 

 ● MBTA Youth Pass: Youth can now enroll in the 

MBTA Youth Pass Program at Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) Administrative Office,1483 Tremont Street, in Mission Hill. The Youth Pass Program is a partnership between the City of Boston and the MBTA to provide reduced fares to eligible youth ages 12-25. Click here for details.  

  

obryantschoolparentcouncil@gmail.com, ATTN: Ms. Weiss. Again, this is your organization. Let’s have some fun and show your pride and make your voice heard. 

 ● Come along with our Sophomore Students and 

Faculty to see "The Black Panther Super Hero movie on February 27, 2018. See Ms. Lawrence or Ms. Nolan to sign up to chaperone. 

 ● Juniors: If you have been tardy to school, please 

report to the basement cafeteria on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 2PM. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Barosy or Mrs. Johnson. Students who have detention have also been notified through email. 

 ● Juniors: If you are interested in an SAT prep 

course, check out the option below (flyer attached too). If you are interested, you must email Madi Muhlberg mmuhlberg@cstoboston.org with your name, preferred course day and best phone number to contact you at.  

 ➔ Castle Square Tenants Organization SAT Prep 

Course: The SAT Prep course is a 12-week course based on A-List SAT Curriculum. This past fall, they were able to help students raise their scores by an average of 200 points. This SAT Prep Course is unlike the rigid SAT Prep Courses that are often offered--incorporating intentional and relevant games and real-world context into the curriculum. This course is also extremely affordable--with the cost of the class going directly towards feeding our students! In addition, CSTO offers one on one tutoring for high school students. They offer both drop in and commitment-based tutoring where high school students are assigned a tutor that will focus on homework help and test preparation. Tutoring takes place Monday - Friday from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. 

 ● Would you like a free prom dress? Belle of the 

Ball distributes prom dresses and provides related accessories at no charge to high school junior and senior girls who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend their school’s prom. For more information please see your school counselor or Ms. Colón Brown in the main office. The deadline to apply is March 16, 2018. 

 ● Box Tops: The School Parent Council is asking 

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everyone to gather Box Tops from home and bring them into school. Drop them off in the Box Top collection box in the main office. For more info, look for the Box Top flyers in the main staircase. Contact School Parent Council at Obryantparentcouncil@gmail.com with any questions. 

 ● O’B Swim Team Bake Sale: The Swim team will 

host another bake sale on Tuesday, February 6th, after school in the basement cafeteria. Come out and support the team. 

 ● Picture Day: Picture is day is on February 7th and 

8th. See your English teacher or Mrs. Evans in room 3328 for more information. 

 ● Black History Month Program: For student or 

club/organization who are interested in performing in the upcoming Black History Month program on March 2nd - auditions will be held on Thursday, February 8th, right after school in the main auditorium. The committee is looking for dancers, singers, and spoken word. Come and show us what you’ve got! 

 ● NJROTC Raffle: The NJROTC Unit is hosting a 

raffle from February 1st through February 15th. The prizes include a pair of apple airpods, a $40 visa gift card, and a $20 gift card. If you are interested and would like to enter, come on down to the ROTC office, room 3B35, during lunch or after school. Tickets are $2 and open to everyone.  

 ● The League of Women Voters run a video contest 

for high school students. This year's theme is Get in the Game -Democracy is not a spectator sport. This program would love kids from the City of Boston to win...or at least enter… Click here for more information: http://review.wizehive.com/contests/get-in-the-game-and-vote 

 ● Summer Jobs: Any student who will be 16 years old 

before summer starts and is interested in a lifeguard course or a lifeguard job with DCR should contact Mr. Tapia after school or by email. 

● Apply for the Microsoft disAbility Scholarship, a 

renewable scholarship of $5,000/year, up to $20,000. Applications are open to high school 

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seniors living with a disAbility (as defined by WHO) with plans to major in a STEM field in the fall. Learn more and apply here. Applications due 3/15. Contact for additional information: Tess Atkinson 

 ● 2018 HS Apprenticeship Challenge Applications 

Open: Students 16+, apply for BioBuilder Apprenticeship challenge, a specialized program to prepare high school students for paid summer internships in the life sciences. Students will receive a $500 stipend and compensation for the summer internship. The program begins 3/24. Learn more and apply here. Contact for additional information: Tess Atkinson 

 

● Student Program at the Huntington Theatre:  Empowered Performers in Conversation (EPIC). An after school program which provides the opportunity for student playwrights, actors, directors, and theatre enthusiasts to tackle issues of most importance to them. Apply here and reach out to iryan@huntingtontheatre.org with questions. 

● Enter the 2018 Curiosity Challenge! Calling all 5-14 year olds! Write an essay or poem, draw or take a picture about your curiosity and tell us how it prompted you to explore your world. Submit your work by Friday, February 9, 2018 at any Cambridge Public School, Cambridge Public Library branch, or by mail. Include a Curiosity Label on the back! For more info please click here. 

● Are you interested in a career in athletic training? Come see Ms. Saltzberg in the Tiger Zone for an awesome opportunity! 

 ● Photo and film-making workshop for 11-15 year 

olds: Big Picture Art House (in Dorchester near BLA & pick up/drop off of students is in JP). Cameras are supplied. Registration is now open for the 2018 summer photo and film class. CLICK HERE for details on the 2018 classes.

 ● Opportunity for 9th Grade students at Upward 

bound at BU . The deadline for the Summer 2018 program is April 15th.  

 ● Pie R Squared offers free mathematics tutoring 

(and free food!) at Dudley Dough from 3pm - 7pm, 

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Monday through Thursday.    

● Student Immigrant Movement (SIM): If you are undocumented or want to support people who are undocumented, see Ms. Papagiannis in room 3-B18 for more information. 

 ● Excellent Attendance Campaign: Each term, the 

O’B raffles off prizes to students who meet the excellent attendance criteria: 0 unexcused absences, fewer than 3 excused absences, and fewer than 3 tardies. Prizes include gear store clothing, gift certificates, and an IPAD Mini. Come to school everyday, on time, and ready to learn so that you can be entered into the raffle! 

 

O’Bryant Athletics  

 

 

Recent Highlights:  The Girls Indoor Track team finished the regular season undefeated with its victory over Charlestown on Monday. The Girls Basketball teams (JV and Varsity) defeated Tech Boston on Tuesday.   Congratulations to the Co-Ed Swim team for capturing 2nd place at the City Championship Swim Meet on Thursday. O’Bryant freshman, Paul Ho, was named outstanding male swimmer of the meet and qualified for the MIAA State Sectional Swim Meet.   This week ( February 5th - February 10th ) in O’Bryant Athletics: 

Team  Date  Time  Opponent  Location 

Boys Varsity and Junior Varsity 

Basketball 

Mon. Feb. 5th   JV 4:00 pm V 5:30 pm 

 

Xaverian  O’Bryant Gymnasium 

Girls Varsity Basketball 

Mon. Feb. 5th   V 4:30 pm  Snowden  McCormack 

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Boys and Girls Indoor Track 

City Championship Meet 

Tue. Feb. 6th and 

Wed, Feb. 7th   

3:30 pm  Boston City League Teams 

Reggie Lewis Center 

Boys Varsity and Junior Varsity 

Basketball 

Wed. Feb. 7th    JV 3:30 pm V 5:00 pm 

East Boston  East Boston 

Girls Varsity and Junior Varsity 

Basketball 

Wed. Feb.7th    JV 3:30 pm V 5:00 pm 

East Boston  O’Bryant Gymnasium 

Boys Hockey  Wed. Feb. 7th   4:10 pm  Watertown  Ryan Arena Watertown 

Boys Varsity and Junior Varsity 

Basketball 

Fri. Feb. 9th Senior Night 

JV 4:30 pm V 6:00 pm 

Brighton  O’Bryant Gymnasium   

Girls Varsity and Junior Varsity 

Basketball 

Fri. Feb. 9th  JV 3:30 pm V 5:00 pm 

Brighton  Brighton 

Boys Hockey  Sat. Feb. 10th  4:00 pm  Tri-County  Matthews Arena Northeastern University 

  

Team   Coach  E-Mail 

Girls Basketball  Coach Fisher  gfisher838@gmail.com 

Boys Basketball  Coach Brock  dhughesbrock@bostonpublicschools.org 

Boys and Girls  Indoor Track and Field 

Coach Rowe  rowekamilah@gmail.com 

Co-Ed Swimming  Coach Tapia  jtapia@bostonpublicschools.org 

Hockey  Coach Natola  obryanttigershockey@gmail.com   

 

 Shout-out 

 

● A big thank you to our partner OneGoal for coordinating the Induction Celebration at U-Mass Boston this weekend! Ms. Sarantopoulos and the O’Bryant OneGoal Cohort were honored and welcomed as OneGoal Massachusetts Class of 2019 Fellows! Here are our fellows: 

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  Luis Achahue Illas Anthony Francis Christopher Lara Yosther Rosales    Erick Albino Rodriguez Duwayne Gary Lam Le Yahye Sharif    Shaysleen Albino Stephanie Granados Amaya Elvin Medrano Marquis Smalls  Tania Alvaredo Xavier Green Caroline Nguyen Nicholas Summa  Victor Chen Laneah Holloway Williams Jennifer Nguyen Natalie Villar   Justin Cruz Yoshitsune Howe Pedro Pascual    Bryana Cueto Genia Jenkins Alexis Perez    Alex Ezedonmwen Tim Lambright Christina Pierre    

● Thank you to Ms. Ridge for coordinating the AP Math Saturday Session! Students who attended had the opportunity to receive instruction in preparation for the AP Exams in May. 

 ● Thank you to Mr. Marshall and the 826 Boston Writers’ Room for hosting an event with investigative 

journalist Susan Zalkind. Students participated in a Q & A session and learned about the perks and challenges of the profession, how to pitch a story, and what it is like to report on criminal trials. 

 ● Congratulations to Mr. Tapia and the swim team for their performance at the 2018 Boston City League 

Swimming City Championship!  

● Thank you to all of our families who joined us for our First Friday in February event!   

● Thank you to Ms. Saltzberg for coordinating a successful NCAA Clearinghouse college workshop for our student-athletes on Tuesday. 

 ● Thank you to Civics teachers, Ms. Ryan and Mr. Olsen, as well as 8th grade teachers, Ms. 

Abdal-Khallaq, Ms. Mahmoud, Ms. Latham, Mr. Clinchot, Ms. Malden, Ms. Lazo and Mr. Jones for coordinating and chaperoning field trips (January 30th and February 2nd) to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute where our 8th grade students engaged in simulated Senate hearing on immigration reform.  

  ● A thank you to the Black History Month Committee for designing a comprehensive program for our 

school community. The kick off was this week and we look forward to participating in the events planned for the month! 

  

● Congrats to the 2018 cohort Summer Search Students! The following 10th grade students who just announced as Summer Search participants: 

    Georges Bazin Fior Pena  Melissa Botero Annabelle Quiles  Danilo Depina Sean Reynolds  Rauly Fabian Sandrelle Richards  Felix Garcia David Rincon    Qianyian Guan Mirelys Santell  Jesse Hammond Cameron Shepherd  Fatima Hasan Thao Tran  Ismeida Heredia Castro Emily Wu  Majesty Jackson Jingwen Yu  Tanyah Mccall Kevin Zeng  Khang Nguyen  Thuy An Nguyen 

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 Pictures of the Week 

 

 

   

 

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From top to bottom:   

Friday Coffee with Parents are back! (photos 1-5);  

NJROTC awards presentations (photos 6-8);  

OB at a Northeastern game (photo 9);  

Photos from City Championship Swim Meet on February 1, 2018 (photos 10-19);  

January 30, 2018 Field trip to Edward M. Kennedy Institute.  

Photos of grade 8 students and faculty (including one with Superintendent Chang) (photos 20-26);  

Scholar Athletes hosted an NCAA Workshop for student-athletes looking to play at the next level (photo 27)   

 

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