Orchard Gardens K-8

Andrew Bott, Principal
906 Albany Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
Phone: 617-635-1660
Directions via Google Maps
Access via MBTA Public Transit
BPS Report on Teaching & Learning for Orchard Gardens K-8


Step UP Activities

 
This past September, the Orchard Gardens K-8 School started a partnership with Northeastern University through the Step UP initiative. This marked the beginning of a relationship aimed at supporting and sharing resources between the two schools.

Since last September, the following Step UP activities took place between Orchard Gardens and Northeastern:

  • Throughout the Fall semester, nine advanced Spanish students from Northeastern provided translation services for the nurse’s office, front office, and Family Community Outreach coordinators. They also worked in Sheltered English Immersion classrooms to support the English language learners. In addition, 22 biology students worked in science classrooms and assisted students who were preparing for the science fair. Finally, seven Northeastern education students provided in-class support to teachers in a variety of subjects and grade levels.
     
  • The afterschool tutoring program was launched, with Northeastern undergraduate and graduate students working alongside math and science teachers to provide homework help, tutoring, and MCAS preparation for students. The goal of the program focuses on improving this year’s MCAS scores by offering additional intensive support for students leading up to the tests.
     
  • Preparations for the inaugural Orchard Gardens Science Fair began in the Fall. Northeastern biology students mentored the middle school scientists while they created their science fair projects. Northeastern’s Center for STEM Education also provided insight during the planning process for the school’s first fair. Northeastern and other Step UP university partners will provide volunteer judges for the event, set for Thurs., Jan. 28.
     
  • During Harvard Medical School’s “Explorations” day last October, middle school students learned about careers in science and math and how these subjects are applicable in the real world. Faculty in the medical and pharmaceutical fields talked about their studies, jobs, and their path to medical school. Special guest, Dr. Bernard Harris Jr., the first African-American astronaut to walk in space, encouraged the students to dream. Later, the students went on a tour of Northeastern’s campus and learned about engineering bridges to withstand earthquakes in the Shaking Table lab. They also developed and tested their own models.  In February, another class from Orchard Gardens will have the opportunity to come to Northeastern as part of Science Across the City and participate in lab activities that help bring science to life.