Expulsions Funneling Latinos into the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Boston—Recent school data shows that Latino students run a higher risk of permanent expulsion when compared to their white peers. Latinos experience harsher means of discipline, which experts say is linked to a decreased graduation rate and potential criminal involvement.

If expelled, general education students lose the chance to receive public education in Massachusetts. These rigorous laws are set to change come 2014, but for now they are still in place.

 “In Massachusetts kids of any age [can] be expelled forever with no educational services and no right to ever come back to school,” said Isabel Raskin, an educational attorney at the Suffolk University Juvenile Justice Center.

Latino students receive almost twice as many permanent expulsions than do white students. According to 2011 statistics, Latino students were suspended just as much as other students, but the difference in permanent expulsions was clear. White student expulsions within the last school year were much less than the Latino expulsions.

Even more, Latino girls were expelled almost four times as much as white girls. “[The issue] is definitely prominent and you see a break down on racial lines and to add another layer of complexity to it, you could talk about suspensions by gender,” said Nakisha Lewis, Program Manager at the Schott Foundation for Public Education.

With a higher rate of expulsion comes a higher chance of contact with the justice system, explained Lewis. “We’re setting up students to become offenders of some kind, once we just use suspension as one of our only means of discipline,” she said.

Raskin concluded that a reason behind the high rates of expulsion could be a lack of resources. She said many schools might suspend or expel students because they have no other means of discipline. “[They] don't have the resources to do mediation, to do positive behavioral support, so [they] suspend kids,” she said.

She also mentioned that a reason why Latino, or other minorities, run a higher risk of suspension is the cultural barrier. She said that there could be a potential misinterpretation of behaviors. “But there is sort of an issue with that about what it means to be disrespectful, to be threatening, that might be misconstrued by a teacher of a different race.”

Recent allegations put Fall River under a Federal Investigation for suspending Black and Latino students at a higher rate than their white peers. But the scope of the issue seems to spread farther than one school district. Lewis explained that Massachusetts ranks among the top ten in terms of out-school-suspensions. “When you look at those numbers… you see that the majority of those suspensions are for Black and Latino students.”

Fall River is just one example of the racial disparities prominent in schools across the state. Data from the most recent school year shows discipline periods for the same offense often depend on the race of the students involved. “There is a lot of disproportionality and it’s certainly not just limited to Fall River,” said Raskin.

According to a study released by the Civil Rights Project in August—the same study supporting the allegations against Fall River—in 2009, Latino students were three times more likely to get suspended than white students. The study, which takes into account total suspensions and enrollment, proved that Massachusetts has one of the highest rates in suspension of Latino students, trailing only after Connecticut.

Both Worcester and Holyoke appeared in the nation’s top ten highest suspending districts for Latino students. And Boston, according to Lewis, doesn’t fall far back. “Boston being the largest urban district within the commonwealth has one of the highest rates in suspensions for Latino males,” she added.

Lewis linked this rate to the decreased Latino graduation rate in Massachusetts. Studies confirm that while white males have an 83 percent graduation rate, only about half of all Latino students manage to graduate.

“Massachusetts has historically ranked high in graduation…however there is still this mist that needs to be debunked that Massachusetts is outperforming the nation in all the areas of educational progress, particularly as it relates to their Latino male students,” said Lewis.

Studies show that Latino girls are also at a high risk of suspension. For instance, in cases involving alcohol possession, Latino girls were banned from school an average of ten days, while white girls only missed five. When it came to drinking alcohol in school, white girls were suspended for five days, but Latino girls lost eight days of class.

JC Considine, Director of Board and Media Relations at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, stressed that school discipline is a local matter. He said the state urges districts to provide alternate means of education for suspended kids, but it all comes down to each district.

“Local educational leaders should determine how this might be delivered, whether in an alternative setting, school or program, or through home tutoring,” said Considine.

He also mentioned the change in the Massachusetts expulsion law—which will take effect in July of 2014—will require that districts provide means of education for students who have been suspended from school for disciplinary reasons.

But Lewis said the first step in fixing racial disparities is identifying the problem. “What you want to do is peel the layers back and look at what level we are achieving at because ... we really want to compare ourselves to ourselves,” she said.

She added that it is necessary to compare the graduation rate for students by race in order to pinpoint the problem areas and target them specifically. In her opinion, that is the only way to tell whether or not the whole student body is receiving fair education.

Raskin agreed, stating that a comparison of graduation rates across the years can provide insight into the data. 

“It’s the same years that crime is going down, that there’s all this zero tolerance, so if it’s working so well why are there more kids?” she asked. “Did kids become that more violent in school or is there something else going on?”

Healthy Snacking: Butternut Squash Fries

Originally published by BUQuad

Raise your hand if you like french fries. If you kept your hand down, stop lying; I have yet to meet someone who does not enjoy  crispy (or soggy) potato fritter. Now raise your hand if you avoid french fries for nutrition reasons. Yeah, my hand is up.

It is always a struggle to walk into someplace like Uburger or McDonald’s and walk out without fries; but I still do it. I cannot take the guilt that comes along with an order of the fatty snack. But to my surprise, I found a guiltless and nutritious alternative: butternut squash fries.


The first time I made these, they came out soggy. I was somewhat disappointed—I am a crispy-fry lover—but in the end flavor trumped texture. So I decided to give them a second chance. Turns out with a few tips, crispy butternut squash fries are possible. Plus, they are ready in less than an hour. There’s not much more to ask for: home-made, cheap, guilt-free and easy.

Butternut Squash Fries (adapted from Hungry Girl)
Active time: 10 minutes. Total time: 1 hour.
Makes about 2 servings.

• 1 butternut squash
• Salt
• Cooking spray
• Pepper

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Peel and de-seed the butternut squash. The easiest way to peel is with a regular vegetable peeler; de-seed using a spoon to scrape.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut squash into quarters and then into french fry shapes, about 1/4-inch thick. Place fries over a paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for about 5 minutes and pat away excess moisture. Transfer fries to two sprayed baking sheets and arrange into one layer. Sprinkle with more salt and freshly ground pepper.
3. Cook fries for 30-40 minutes, or until crispy, turning halfway. Fries are ready when they are slightly browned. Let cool and serve.

For photos, click here

Brookline real estate prices still holding up, bucking trend

Published by YourTown Brookline

Brookline--If there is one thing Vladimir Jovanovic appreciates most about Brookline, it’s the town’s European feel. It reminds him of his native Serbia.

A year ago, when he and his wife were expecting their first child, Jovanovic moved
from Allston to Brookline, swayed by the town’s appearance, as well as its reputation for strong schools and safety.

Jovanovic, who had lived in Allston for more than three years, is just one of the many people investing in Brookline real estate. In Brookline, counter to a statewide trend, home sales and median prices rose in the last year, and realtors say the market is healthy. The town, along with several others in the state, is bucking the slump that the Bay State has been trying to recover from since home values peaked in 2005.

An unemployment rate lower than the national average, a prime location, a prestigious public school system, and access to urban transportation, make Brookline appealing to home seekers, experts and new residents say.

“It (Brookline) has superstar qualities for a town, things that aren’t too susceptible to the fluctuation of the general economy,” said Shira Steinberg, real estate consultant for Keller Williams Realty. “[It] has more stability because of its built in excellent attributes.”

Statistics conducted by The Warren Group, a company that tracks real estate, show that the median sales price of single-family properties in Brookline went up to $1.2 million a 6.73 per cent growth in the first ten months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. In contrast, the state as a whole experienced a decrease of 1.68 per cent from $298,000 to $293,000.

Steinberg said that even though Brookline prices are not at their peak, they are on a healthy trend. Chobee Hoy, owner of Chobee Hoy Associates Real Estate, agreed. “Numbers have increased, certainly not in the same way the have in other years, but it’s a much more stable real estate market in Brookline than in other communities,” she said.

Although Brookline offers more condos than single-family homes compared to Newton, experts find them very similar in terms of real estate. Saul Cohen, president of Hammond Residential Real Estate, said the Brookline market is 80 percent condos and 20 percent houses; Newton is considered to be the other way around. Still, Brookline’s median sales prices for a single-family home, a category in which Newton has the advantage, were up four percent more than that of Newton.

Statistics from The Warren Group also show that this year, single-family home sales in Brookline grew by 8.66 per cent from 127 in the first ten months of 2010 to 138 in the same period in 2011, even though the state had a decrease of 8.86 per cent

Brookline draws families for many reasons, including town’s convenience to the city and its own abundance of amenities.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” said Paul Epstein, a Brookline resident and brother of the former Red Sox general manager, Theo Epstein. “[It’s] right in a major urban center but you also have incredible resources that are usually associated with more suburban centers like great schools to attend or work in, great people.”

Like Epstein, many people choose Brookline for its school system. “Brookline has excellent schools. Boston is not considered competitive with Brookline (in terms of public schools),” said Steinberg. “Most people who can afford expensive housing are more likely to send their children to a private school in Boston and in Brookline they’ll go to public schools.”

Others move to Brookline to escape the fast pace of the city. “It’s a quiet area, but [still] close to practically everything,” said Nadim El-Fata, a homebuyer and potential Brookline resident.

Timothy Warren Jr., CEO of The Warren Group, agreed that location is an important factor. “The access to medical institutions, hospitals, research facilities, etc. make it (Brookline) somewhat recessive proof,” he said.

Michael Goodman, professor of public policy at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, echoed Warren’s assessment of the Brookline real estate market’s ability to survive a recession. “Brookline is a major exception… the unemployment rate is very low, the income levels of the people who live in the town are very high [and] the amenities that the town provides to home owners… have made the town relatively immune,” he said.

Another variable is relative affordability, said Stacie Yellin, a real estate agent who has been in the business since 2004. Even though prices are on the rise, the median sales price of a single-family home is still $750,000.

In the near future, experts expect prices to rise slowly. “If interest rates stay low and the economy improves… you’ll start to see some stability,” said Goodman.

For places like Brookline, where the market is already healthy, this means prices will continue rising. “Most economists seem to think that the healthy markets will go up maybe four percent every year on average,” said Steinberg.

But at some point, could home prices cause Brookline to lose its appeal? Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Association of Realtors, doubts that. “Brookline is a desirable place to live,” he said. “If some people get priced out of Brookline, there will always be others coming in.”

Holiday How-To: Party Style

Originally published by BUQuad

There comes a time in every college student’s life when he or she needs to learn how to host a killer holiday party. Here is the crash course on party planning. Follow these tips and host the ultimate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s or end-of-the-semester party.

Step 1: Send out proper invitations.

Before anything happens, guests need to know about the event. It is very important to send out the invitations early enough that guests have time to respond. Yeah, college is all about doing everything at the last minute, but when it comes to a dinner party, planning is necessary. The invitation can be anything from a massive Facebook message to a bunch of consecutive Twitter mentions, from a creative e-vite to a good old letter delivered through snail mail. Avoid general invites, such as a Facebook event or a casual tell-him-and-her-and-everyone-else-that-I’m-having-a-party text to a friend.

Step 2 (Optional): Choose a Theme.

Themes are a great way to make a party more fun. Plan it correctly and be surprised at how entertaining it can be, for the host and the guests.

A delicious twist to the traditional holiday party is a cookie swap. Make guests bring a batch of cookies to share—potentially allowing store bought goodies for those who are culinarily challenged. Then all you have to do is warm up the milk and stuff your face with as many cookies as you can.

The idea of inducing a sugar coma surrounded by your closest friends does not sound appetizing? Throw an ugly hat party. Let’s face it, ugly sweaters get all the attention, but there are some horrendous hats out there on which the spotlight should be shining.

Some people love theme parties; others hate them. Regardless, it is important to make sure that all guests are on the same page. So if a theme is in order—be it ugly sweaters or classy attire—let everybody know about it.

Step 3: Decorations.

Adorning your place for a party can be a hassle and taking it down is usually much worse. But decorations can add that extra oomph, so give it a shot. Even just the classic mistletoe or dreidels filled with goodies will make the party more fun. Other ideas are magazine Christmas trees, a glass bowl full of round tree ornaments or a homemade Menora.

Step 4: Create a playlist.

A party without music is like a cupcake without icing; it is just not right. And while it’s perfectly acceptable for the music to play quietly in the background, it is a must. No music, no mood.

When deciding what to play, think about your guests. Low music is good for mingling and conversations; turn it up when you want the dance party to start. As for choosing the type of music, think outside the box. Mix different genres and time periods, but do so wisely. In other words, do not go Kanye-Adele-Michael Jackson in the first seven minutes; a good way to switch genres is by playing songs that do so anyways. For example, use Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling” to ease from rap to pop or vice versa.

Also, keep in mind that theme related songs make the party more exciting, but don’t go overboard on the holiday music. Here are some tips for making a winter holiday playlist.

Step 5: Set a menu.

If the occasion is a dinner party, decide what kind of food is to be served: a meal made from scratch, an array of fancy canapés or classic store-bought party trays. They are actually pretty tasty.

When deciding what to serve guests, think about all the possibilities. It is better to stay on the safe side than to spend the whole party stressing over the lack of appetizers because the home made salt and vinegar potato chips burnt while you were trying to decide whether to ice the red velvet cupcakes or assemble the hand tomato pies first. Not to say that serving chips made from scratch along with velvety cupcakes is a bad idea; just make sure your skills are up to par.

The easy way out is serving an array of easy to make canapés. Guests will be entertained trying the different treats available, and everybody’s belly will be satisfied by the end of the night. Whip up some ricotta bruschetta, wrap some baby potatoes in bacon strips, fill some bowls with candied nuts. Put out a platter of crudités with a side of ranch and a fruit-cheese plate and show off your Martha Stewart skills.

Step 6: Set up the other menu.

Drinks are a party must—regardless of their alcoholic content. There’s two options. Keep it low-scale and serve casual drinks like soda, sparkling water, juice  or beer (if you’re twenty-one) or bring the party up a notch and mix fancy cocktails (virgin or not).

Before deciding what to serve, look back at your theme and food menu. If a cookie swap is happening, skip the soda and replace it with a piping mug of peppermint hot chocolate; if canapés are being served, pair them up with a pitcher of virgin sangria.

Step 7: Get Ready.

Make sure you have time to set everything up. Decorate the party space hours before the event. Put out plates, make sure enough cups or glasses are available and leave out a big stack of napkins—whether you are serving food or not, napkins are always useful. Then put on your party attire, press play and enjoy the night because you know you deserve it!

West Roxbury grandfather to ride in 23rd Pan-Mass Challenge

Originally published by West Roxbury Transcript

West Roxbury —Twenty-three years ago, Emile Bielawa lost his only brother to leukemia, a type of cancer affecting white blood cells. Not long after, his parents also died, his father from leukemia and his mother from myeloma, cancer that affects the bones. The deaths were a turning point for Bielawa and pushed him to become personally involved in the fight against cancer.

For the 23rd year, Bielawa, 72, will tackle 163 miles on his bike as he rides the Wellesley–to-Provincetown route in the 2011 Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, raising money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

The 40-year West Roxbury resident will join in the two-day-long bike ride from Aug. 6-7.

How does it feel to travel such a distance on bicycle?

“It’s tremendous, exhilarating, when you see the last mile … it’s an accomplishment,” said Bielawa.
Once you see Bielawa roll his Trek 2.1 bike, it’s clear he’s not a novice. His first PMC was in 1988 and this year the ride has even more significance: His wife, Catherine, was recently diagnosed with colon cancer after being successfully treated for another type of cancer just last year. “I guess I’m dodging the bullet,” he said.

The father of three and grandfather of eight said that what has made his wife’s treatment bearable is the fact his daughter, Christine, is a nurse. “She is able to talk to the oncologists and get them to adjust the medication (to make it) more tolerable,” he said.

His experiences with cancer are what motivate him to keep riding. The course is hilly at some points and the weather is not always perfect, but that does not stop riders from participating.

“We’ve done it in all kinds of weather,” Bielawa said. His first ride, he explains, “was very hot and sticky… (then) all of a sudden (we got) a downpour … when it passed it became hot at hell.” Now, he said, “if it’s not heavy, drenching rain, it’s not too bad.”

Riders help each other through the trek, he said. “Everybody is very supportive … it’s all one big family,” he says. On top of that, authorities rope off many areas along the routes. In order to maintain the riders’ safety, cars are not allowed on several roads.

The riders who choose the two-day routes (there are a variety of routes ranging from 25 to 192 miles) can register automatically to sleep on the Mass-Maritime Academy campus in Buzzards Bay.


“It can get crowded in the dorms,” he explains. Alternatively, participants can stay off-campus or sleep in tents. “I usually get a room by myself … but if it’s nice weather, they (other riders) go out in tents,” he said.
The PMC attracts riders from all around the world and the country, as well as celebrities. “We’ve had some famous people too, Greg Lemond … Sen. Brown and Kerry,” says Bielawa.

It has become an annual event for many riders, but there are new people every year.

Bielawa’s words of advice for first-time riders: “If they’re doing it for experience, the first 50 miles are the toughest. You get past that, you should be alright.”

All riders must raise between $500 and $4,200, depending on the route they choose to ride. The money goes toward advancing the fight against cancer.

Bielawa says that the economy has not affected his fundraising that much. “Even with the tough economy … it’s increasing, I get a lot of $50s and $100s,” he said. “It (cancer) affects a lot of people, I guess.”
The PMC has been around for 31 years, and, according to the event’s website, it raises more money for charity than any other event in the country. This year, Bielawa plans to raise $6,700 before the big day. So far, he has raised more than $6,000. “It’s not all in, but I have pledges,” he said.

The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon that was created in 1980 to raise money for cancer research. The challenge offers 11 routes that pass through 46 towns in Massachusetts. Since its creation, it has raised $303 million; for 2011, riders are aiming to raise $34 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Donations to the PMC can be made online or by check. For more information, visit www.pmc.org/donation.asp.
To donate in Bielawa’s name, visit www.pmc.org/profile/EB0004

Roslindale Scavenger Hunt a real find

Originally published by Roslindale Transcript

Roslindale —Tony DeBenedictis, owner of Tony’s Market in Roslindale, seemed perplexed when Daniel Pray walked into the store asking what style of dance keeps him moving when he is not selling specialty Italian foods.

“Why (do) you want to ask about my dance?” said DeBenedictis. Perhaps he didn’t realize his store, located at 4253 Washington St., was one of the destinations on the first Roslindale Scavenger Hunt. The event, which began July 7, runs through July 16.

Daniel and Lynn Pray, of Roslindale, heard about the hunt through friend and event organizer Vernee Wilkinson. They decided to participate to learn more about Roslindale. “We wanted to learn some stuff (and) have fun,” said Daniel Pray.

“The Colgate Kings,” as the Pray couple calls themselves since they live on Colgate Street, arrived at the Colorwheel Collection, at 4266 Washington St., at 6 p.m. sharp, eager to start their quest. Daniel said he was excited to get to know more people while doing the hunt.

They were not the only ones signed up that evening. According to Wilkinson, Colorwheel Collection owner, a few teams registered online and others did so in person. The excitement seemed to be building up. “One group that came in … the kids had already figured out a strategy and (began to) answer questions,” said Wilkinson. “They already knew where (to go) and were already excited about it,” she said.

The Prays had previously devised a strategy. “(Daniel) thought we should do it as quick as we could, maybe run,” said Lynn. But after seeing the game card, they decided otherwise. “Say we do some tonight and leave some for later,” said Lynn and Daniel agreed.

Wilkinson said the hunt was designed to be done in more than one leg. “It gives people the flexibility to work with their schedules … they can take a photo after work or they can take a photo on the weekend … whatever works for them,” she said.

The hunt requires teams to take photographs with foods like cactus, tomatillo and queso fresco, all available at the Mexican market, El Chavo, at 4254 Washington St.
Daniel Fram, employee at The Thrift Shop of Boston at 17 Corinth St., joked around with the Prays after watching them take pictures of themselves on a brown suede chair wearing straw hats. “Do we charge some kind of rental fee for people using our stuff?” asked Fram.

Each photograph was worth two points. Another way to collect points was through the detailed questions targeted at revealing a quirky side of Roslindale’s history. The questions ask for specific products, dates, names and personal details of business owners. “I want to find out Tony’s favorite dance,” said Daniel while at the market. DeBenedictis told them he doesn’t have a favorite dance. “Wherever the music takes you,” said DeBenedictis. He splits his moves between the tango, cha-cha and rumba.

An hour-long stroll around Roslindale proved more than enough time to get the Colgate Kings through 3/4 of the hunt. Places left for them to visit included Peter’s Hill - an extra credit option that asks for a picture of the view from the top of the hill. “We like Peter’s Hill, so any excuse to go up there works,” said Lynn Pray.
The Colgate Kings, as well as any other teams that participated in the hunt, can expect a prize ceremony on Saturday, July 16 at the Roslindale Farmer’s Market held in Adams Park. Prizes have yet to be determined, but something involving the businesses on the game card can be expected, according to Wilkinson.

For more information about the Roslindale Scavenger Hunt and the rest of the Summer Stroll Series (running through mid-August) visit http://www.roslindale.net/summerstroll

Piece on a Massachusetts Bill

False Alarms Put Price on Search and Rescue Operations

By Estefania Souza

BOSTON—State Rep., Stephen Kulik’s bill to modify the Massachusetts law regarding search and rescue operation expenses was passed by the Senate in January, but it has been stuck ever since. Kulik, D-Worthington, proposed to change the law (General Laws Chapter 6A Section 18L) so that in the future the government can be reimbursed for certain search and rescue operations.

Bill H00650 would directly affect the government and certain people. If the bill gets passed, two types of persons would be responsible for paying the cost of a search and rescue operation:

First, people who recklessly put themselves in a dangerous situation. “[One] reckless spelunker had to be rescued (for a second time!) at considerable cost to the town in money and personnel,” said Kulik. Cases like that—in which persons practically create the situation from which they have to be rescued—were what prompted him to propose the bill.

The other group affected by the bill includes people giving authorities false information that leads to search and rescue operations. The bill holds people who knowingly provide false alarms liable.

Under the bill, both groups would have to pay the operations. However, according to Kulik, no costs to the taxpayer will come from this bill. “There is no cost other than the nominal work needed to add up the costs expended for a response and sending a bill to the violator,” said Kulik.

However, the bill states that offenders will only be charged for an amount equal to the total cost of the operation—including salaries, equipment and fuel.

According to Kulik, no other bill of the sort has been filed in Massachusetts, but several states in the country have similar laws. For example, New Hampshire has a law that holds citizens, who because of negligent acts require search and rescue operations, accountable for the expenses of the operations.

Bill H00560 is yet to undergo a public hearing during which, according to Kulik, strong opposition may surface. “[But for now] local officials and public safety personnel who know about it are supportive,” said Kulik.

-30-

 Visit this website for more information on how a bill becomes a law.