As we proudly wrap up the BHS Innovation Fund's 20th anniversary year, we have exciting news to share with you!

The BHS Innovation Fund will fund three new programs and one fellowship in the 2019-2020 school year: Experiential Physics, HUB (an updated approach to Advisory), Brookline Lens, and the BHS Innovation Fellowship.

The impact of Innovation Fund programs reaches beyond the BHS campus. We spotlight below the origin of Drawing for Understanding in Field Science , one of the Fund's project-based, interdisciplinary classes. This class has built community partnerships, has been presented at national conferences, and continues to inspire students.

This 20th anniversary has been an epic milestone for the Fund. We look forward to continued growth, collaboration, and connection between students, faculty, parents, and the community. Special thanks go to all the generous supporters of the BHS Innovation Fund.
Speaking of EPIC, read about the community Master Class on the senior elective, EPIC (Experiential, Project-based, Innovative, Capstone) in this recent Brookline TAB article.

Before we race off to summer vacation, mark your calendar now for our very fun fundraiser in the fall: Gala-Rama on Thursday, November 21 at Cheeky Monkey.

Wishing you a wonderful summer!
Announcing New Programs for 2019-2020
This coming academic year, the Fund launches these new programs that foster the culture of innovation throughout the school:

  • Experiential Physics for 9th grade, a robust, new physics course that develops scientific, engineering, and entrepreneurial skills to teach students collaborative approaches to designing solutions to today’s problems. Faculty Leads: Julia Mangan, Jennifer Spencer, and Stacy Kissel (Science)

  • HUB, an updated approach to school-wide Advisory that emphasizes community and connection among students and faculty in a homeroom-style setting. Integrating BHS and PSB practices such as Finding Yourself in the Curriculum, Mindfulness (both Innovation Fund initiatives), and Restorative Justice, HUB will be responsive to the always-changing needs and concerns of the entire high school. Faculty Leads: Emily McGinnis (World Language) and Beau Morimando (Special Education English) HUB co-leaders

  • Brookline Lens, a career-focused arts elective that gives students the opportunity to learn business management skills as part of a student-run production company that provides photography and videography services to the community. Faculty Co-Teachers: Thato Mwosa and Lori Lynn (Visual Arts)

  • The BHS Innovation Fellowship, supporting a faculty member to explore an area of interest while serving as a catalyst for innovation in the BHS community. The 2019-20 Fellow will focus on integrating climate impact and global sustainability topics into the BHS culture and curriculum. Faculty: Roger Grande (Social Studies, Global Leadership, Social Justice, Tutorial)

Class Spotlight: Drawing for Understanding in Field Science
How does art connect with biology? How does interdisciplinary, project-based learning support students? BHS teacher Donna Sartanowicz describes the inspiration behind the class Drawing for Understanding in Field Science.

Find out how the BHS Innovation Fund supported this most innovative teaching idea, and see how this class has flourished since it began six years ago. Read more.
Save the Date for Gala-Rama: Thursday, November 21
You're invited to the one and only all-grade parent social at BHS!

The BHS Innovation Fund's annual Gala-Rama fundraiser returns to Cheeky Monkey on Thursday, November 21, 2019. Proceeds from the event raise critical funds for curriculum innovation at BHS.


Get a jump on prime sponsorship opportunities! Contact Louise Shah or Chris Noe .
Board of Directors and Overseers Updates
The BHS Innovation Fund Board of Directors and Overseers provide support in innumerable ways to the Fund and its mission. We are deeply thankful to the outgoing Directors and Overseers for their dedication and we warmly welcome new members in 2019!

Board of Directors
Welcome: Maureen Fallon, Lesley Solomon, Benjamin Stern, and Dawn Tringas
Thank You: Genae Johnson, Paul Mathew, Daniel St. Clair, and Elizabeth Zachos (Director Emerita )

Board of Overseers
Welcome: M'Lissa Brennan, Gaelle From, Elizabeth Gardner, Rachel Kalvert, Hope Krakoff, Mary Beth Landrum, Mara Littman, Bill Nancarrow, Snezana Pejic, Michele Rozen, and Georgia Smith
Thank You: Lisa Lisi, Kelly Pesanelli

Want to learn more about getting involved with the BHS Innovation Fund?
The mission of the Innovation Fund is to empower the BHS faculty and community by fostering a culture of innovation and supporting the development of new ideas and initiatives that will enable our students to thrive in the 21st Century.