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District wins $375,000 for City Lab Teacher Institute; 'Power of No' clubs and athletics show student engagement
Summary
Superintendent and department leaders reported a $375,000 Barr Foundation award for a City Lab Teacher Institute pilot, a Department of Public Health-funded 'Power of No' program serving about 54 students, and an 18% surge in athletics participation; officials outlined program activities and next steps.
District leaders reported new grants and program updates at the April 28 meeting that officials said will support teacher development and student engagement.
Dr. Mulligan said the Barr Foundation awarded $375,000 to support a City Lab Teacher Institute pilot over the next two years, and that teachers have begun signing up for the first cohort. "I got the money," she said, adding that the grant will allow the program to expand outreach beyond the district and that outside districts and state officials have shown interest.
Health and wellness director Jill Foley described the district’s award from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (previously held by MGH) to operate the "Power of No" clubs across middle and high schools. She said the district now directly holds the grant and that about 54 students are participating; clubs use a teen outreach curriculum and lead student-driven community-service efforts such as food and clothing drives and a planned self-care fair.
Frank Shea, the director of athletics, reported a roughly 18% increase in athletic participation after targeted recruitment and middle-school engagement; he credited peer outreach and volunteer coaches for improving rosters and noted that a state senator secured about $30,000 to support varsity equipment and cheer.
Officials encouraged staff and students to continue signing up for programs and said they expect the City Lab Institute to begin in August and for the Power of No activities to continue through the school year and into community events.
