Student Enrollment:  Currently there are 91 Boston students enrolled.

Programs

Axé (A-shay): The Power Within

Axé is the leadership team established as part of the METCO Male Initiative. It is an all male membership, and is comprised of students who possess strong leadership qualities. These students will be the key players in helping to move the male initiative forward, in part by being positive role models to other males of color.

Mission Statement: To empower and inspire young men of color to excel academically, as well as unite and support one another socially, emotionally, and academically.

Axé Membership Criteria:

1. Academics: We discussed that Axe student leaders should be required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 -all members of Axé do not have a 3.0 GPA, however, it was agreed upon that for now they should at least be earnestly aspiring to meet this goal.
2. Leadership: Members of Axe should at all times represent the group in a positive light. This means being held to a high/er standard in regards to social behavior in the hallways, in class, on the school bus, etc. Axe members should be honest, supportive of one another and helpful to others, no school disciplinarian problems, well rounded, open-minded, approachable, have high morals (respect for them self and others, courteous, doesn’t use drugs or drink alcohol, doesn’t use offensive language, etc.).

The following are some of the expectations and goals for the 09-10 school year:

*Foster Brotherhood (create strong ties)
*Create a Network of LS Grads (support system outside of LS)
*Build/Develop personal skills
*Become recognized by school/larger community
*Involvement in leadership roles on campus
*Physical /Mental group development (workout sessions, etc.)

Independent Academic Study (IAS) - This is an elective course for Boston students which provides an opportunity for them to receive additional academic support in any of their courses. Students can either register to take the course on their own, or may be assigned to take it by METCO staff. Tanisha Tate coordinates this course. Each semester she will provide teachers with a roster of students who are registered or assigned to the course. In addition, she will be soliciting your help and support by providing her with any concerns regarding students’ low test or quiz scores, and missing homework assignments. To better assist students, it would also be helpful if she could be informed in advance of long term assignments or projects.

Cultural Identity Group Seminar (CIGS) - CIGS is a required course for all ninth grade Boston students, and students newly enrolled in the METCO program. The intent of the program is to provide students with an opportunity to explore issues of race and racism, personal and cultural identity, sexism, and gender issues in a “safe” and constructive environment. As these issues affect student achievement and empowerment, we endeavor through this course to affirm students’ positive sense of self, greater racial pride and a feeling of unity with others who share the same concerns, issues and experience. The aim of the course is to support a common quest for academic excellence.

After School Tutorial Program - The After School Tutorial Program begins second quarter. Students receiving two or more grades of C- or below in a major academic subject will be required to attend. The program is held in the Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Prior to the program’s beginning, a list of students required to attend will be provided for teachers. Teachers who may be interested in volunteering to help should contact Nicole Stewart.

Ninth Grade 3.0 GPA Initiative - The METCO Department has had an on-going goal to increase the academic achievement of our Boston student population by establishing an academic standard, raising our level of expectations, and implementing programs and initiatives to inspire and motivate our Boston students to excel academically.

1. Through CIGS we will continue to empower the 9th grade population to achieve academic excellence. This year we are encouraging all ninth grade students to aspire to achieve a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.

• Through discussions in CIGS we will explore what impedes students from doing well in school, how they learn best, what motivates them, the challenges they may face as Boston students and how to overcome them.

• The METCO staff will work closely with the teachers, parents, and students to meet this goal by (1) communicating the goal to all departments, (2) connect weekly with teachers about students, (3) immediate contact with parents to inform them about missing work, (4) regular check-in meetings with ninth grade students, (5) begin the after school program at quarter warnings, (6) visit colleges and universities to give students a general understanding of the college admission process and entry criteria, (7) host a scholarship meeting for parents and students to underscore the importance of getting good grades.

METCO Male Initiative - An initiative to address some of the needs and concerns of our Boston male students. In particular is the dilemma of the disparity in the academic achievement of Black and Latino males versus almost every other demographic, which is not only an issue we face at L-S, but nationally. Through reteats we have focused on multiculturalism, skill building, overcoming "Isms" and internalized oppression, interrupting hazing, positive male role-modeling/"fathering," building confidence, positive self-image and regard for others, mutual support, motivation and accountability.

Retreats - The purpose of these retreats is to promote unity and collegiality amongst Boston students, as well as provide a cultural and educational experience.