A NEW DAY DAWNS - Boston Latin School

PhoToGRAPhY: MARK MoReLLi
Letter from the heAD mASter
2 Bulletin fall 2007
Dear Boston Latin School Alumni and Friends,
As a proud member of the class of 1986, I am honored to have been selected as the 27th
head master of Boston Latin School. I am thrilled to be in a position of leadership in
the institution that has made such a difference in my life. It was at Boston Latin School,
inspired by my teachers, that I decided to pursue a career in education.
Each September, we at Boston Latin School receive the gift of the 400 most academically
talented students in the city. It is our privilege and obligation to provide them with the
supports and challenges they need to meet their full potential. As our mission states: Boston
Latin School seeks to ground its students in a contemporary classical education as preparation for successful college
studies, responsible and engaged citizenship and a rewarding life.
I have always appreciated the role that alumni play in supporting this mission. As I have
assumed the role of head master, however, it has become clear to me that without alumni
support for the school and its programs, we would in no way be able to realize our mission
to the extent we do today.
Our overarching goal is for students to achieve a high degree of success in the arena of
higher education. We prepare students for this goal from the time they arrive as sixies.
Families of students in classes VI–IV who feel their children need more support have the
opportunity to enroll them in the Saturday Success School or after-school tutoring, provided
for by volunteers and the McCarthy Institute for Transition and Support. As students
in classes II–I move closer to the application process, Michael Giordano ’84, director of
the McCarthy Institute, provides structured support such as the identification of potential
colleges, preparation for standardized test requirements, résumé and essay support as well
as practice interviews through the Schwabel College Resource Center. Advancements in
technologies, made possible by our alumni like Andrew Viterbi ’52 and Richard Clarke
’68, will continue to change the way we teach at BLS and the way students learn so that they
can be well prepared for the college curriculum of the next decade and beyond.
We also expect our students to contribute as members of the Boston Latin School
community, as well as the greater Boston community. Alumni have provided opportunities
for student learning through experiences such as The Ward Fellowship program, visits to
our American Government and Foreign Policy classes to share real-life experiences of
public sector leadership and the science mentor program that enables aspiring scientists to
have valuable laboratory and research experiences not offered at other public schools.
The outstanding faculty and staff at BLS do their part every day to ensure that our
students leave us with a well-rounded experience, discovering interests and passions that
will serve them throughout their lives. Students excel on the athletic field and develop
habits here that will contribute to life-long wellness. Without the coaches, uniforms,
transportation, etc. provided by the generosity of alumni, we would not have a competitive
athletic program in 14 sports for both young men and women. Today, more than half of
the student body participates in the fine and performing arts program. Again, without
the resources that BLSA provides through your gifts, the students would not have this
opportunity to develop their talents in the varied visual art, drama and music areas.
It is the ultimate privilege for me to serve the students, families, faculty and alumni of this
unique institution. Thank you for helping us sustain the Boston Latin School mission for
each and every member of the student body. As head master, I will make sure that your
support continues to make a real difference in the lives of our students.
Sincerely,
Lynne Mooney Teta ’86
Head Master