Robert Le says:

April 19, 2009 at 3:57 pm

Representatives of Massachusetts,

My name is Robert Le, and I am currently a junior attending the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI, a school for academically accelerated youth to enhance their abilities in math and science. As of right now, the budget proposed by Governor Deval Patrick allows for funding for Mass Academy under Account 7010-0039. The House’s Ways and Means Committee is proposing to remove that funding, which will cause the school to close should the proposition pass. After attending a year at the school, this is an outrageous decision that not only cuts the enhancement of the thinking capabilities of one hundred of the brightest students in central Massachusetts but also has severe drawbacks for longterm Massachusetts.

Let me first make a point that Mass Academy spends money frugally, spending a mere $1.23 million in the previous year, extremely little in comparison to what schools in regular towns use. Any special events in the Academy are paid for by the parent support group, not any other funding. Also, we are neither a charter school nor a private school. Mass Academy is a free, public school that neither charges its students for an education nor receives any funding from the towns that send the students. Furthermore, these teachers are paid less than the average teacher despite their expertise in teaching. Spending is used as efficiently and as effectively as possible to maximize on what little we require and receive for funding.

Massachusetts has always had an emphasis on mathematics and science. Currently, it is required to pass both the mathematics and science MCAS as well as an English MCAS in order to graduate. Clearly, it is extremely important in the long run that students are educated in the sciences so that they can lead the economy in the future. Mass Academy is a forerunner in teaching these courses. Students take Mathematical Modeling, which pushes a student’s ability to think about Mathematical concepts, Advanced Inquiry Physics, which pushes a student’s scientific ability by having him/her design labs to prove various physics concepts, as well as computer science, in which students are given an introductory course in learning the computer language “SCHEME.” In addition, the academy’s FIRST robotics team has previously won the FIRST International robotics competitions.

In addition to these rigorous courses in the sciences, students are also required to complete a research project in any field of their choosing. My personal project was building a program which could allow patients to build their medication lists accurately in the doctor’s office, something needed in today’s health care system. My fellow classmates have done superb work on projects that have received regional awards for their projects that will move onto the state and international fairs, such as an analysis of an enhancement of concrete, development of a system that reforms methane into a cleaner energy source, as well as researching the antibacterial effects of honey. The academy is a hub in central Massachusetts for the sciences, and if the Commonwealth decides to remove any funding, then the state is essentially giving the message that science is not an important part of the development of Massachusetts.

Evidently, classes beyond math and science, such as world languages and civilizations, are important as well. During the junior year, it is required that students take a language class such as French or Spanish as well as the Humanities course, which emphasizes analysis of various works throughout history as well as the culture of western civilizations. These studies culminate in analytical essays throughout the year which advance a student’s ability to scrutinize and process literary works as well as to improve his/her writing abilities. World Language courses are done completely in the student’s selected language of either French or Spanish so that conversations can be done more fluidly as the year progresses. Mass Academy also requires the course known as Scientific and Technical Writing, which becomes focused towards the end of the third term on completing professional research papers on their research project. The school’s mock trial team is among the best in the state, having competed in the “Elite 8? round of the state’s mock trial competition, competing with 7 other top teams. The school is well-rounded despite its title of being an academy of mathematics and science and educates its students well in all fields.

Furthermore, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) has recently come to Mass Academy to inquire about its standards and practices. Numerous comments were given out by NEASC and can be found in this link: http://savetheacademy.org/?p=33, however, I would like to highlight a particular comment from the review. “The Commonwealth is truly fortunate to have this school of excellence that very clearly meets the needs of academically accelerated youth in Massachusetts.” According to NEASC, Mass Academy is something that Massachusetts would benefit from in regards to education. Therefore, does it make sense to cut education to something that the state highly benefits from?

As a student, I would also like to state that prior to this rigorous year, I did not feel particularly challenged in my previous school. This academy is not just an educator in numerous aspects, it is also able to create the drive to work diligently, efficiently, and effectively. Contrary to arguments that claim that the academy’s budget would be better off being spent for the sending schools, simply throwing money around does not make teachers or education better. Again, the teachers at Mass Academy are paid lower than the average teacher. Furthermore, distributing the money back to each and every sending town would be dividing the frugal $1.23 million spent among a whole host of different areas such that the amount is diluted and does not contribute much to the towns’ already large spending in comparison to Mass Academy.

Our school is not just about education, however. It is also about giving back to the underprivileged in Massachusetts. Every student in Mass Academy is an active participant in community service, which we do on our Wednesday half-days.

Lastly, even with all these top-notch classes, I could not have learned nearly as much as I could have without the people who make up the school: the students. My fellow classmates are people who are extremely skilled in all types of subject areas and our combined efforts produce many new ideas. This is an environment that is distinctly different from my previous school that has allowed us to cultivate our abilities beyond what we would normally be able to do at our sending schools. It is this difference that makes Mass Academy a necessity to the growth of Massachusetts’ education as well as its future endeavors in science and mathematics.

I implore you to read the stories of other Mass Academy students and alumni at http://savetheacademy.org/ and consider amending the current budget proposal by the House Ways and Means Committee so that Mass Academy may receive funding to continue its outstanding program that will benefit the state in the long term.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Robert Le

Anant Garg says:

April 11, 2009 at 10:31 am

Hi, I am currently a Junior at Mass Academy. I go to the Academy because it offers a great education and the general atmosphere at the school is very comfortable and supportive. Although it may seem cliche, our class of 46 is truly a family. There is absolutely no negative/bitter competition over here and everyone is more than willing to help each other. Above all, Mass Academy is a place where I can meet people like myself; I feel as if I belong there.

Nick Moisan says:

April 11, 2009 at 2:58 pm

Hey. I am a junior at Mass Academy this year. Mass Academy has had more of an impact than anything else in my life. At first, I didn’t want to come to this school, mostly because I was afraid. But, it is an amazing school. I have fallen in love with it and everyone else in the school as well. I have made some of the best friends I could ask for. They share similar interests (and quirks) that I never had at my sending school. It offers the highest level of education for some incredibly brilliant students. It is bringing me, and all my peers, to our full potential. I feel that cutting the school would harm everybody, not just the students and teachers.

Kate Baker says:

April 11, 2009 at 9:40 pm

I am currently a senior at Mass Academy (Class of 2009). I came not because I was interested in math and science, but because I needed to be challenged academically. The faculty at my sending school actually tried to discourage a friend and me from trying to take higher level courses with the classes above us because they “weren’t sure we could handle it”. After completing the classes with As and A+s, we felt differently.

I was at the top of my class, played two varsity sports, and was involved in the band and choir groups at my sending school. Although I was apprehensive about attending the Academy at first, looking back, I would trade all these things in a heartbeat for the experience I had these past two years at MA. I feel that it has opened up so many opportunities for me, especially getting into my top school for next year. Being able to transfer credits from a school like WPI definitely does not hurt either.

I absolutely support continuing the Academy, because I know there are other kids like me that need a challenge. Junior year was unbelievably tough, but was definitely worth it. It scares me to think what my life (both present and future) would have been like if I had not attended the Academy.

Lauren Giacobbe says:

April 12, 2009 at 9:10 am

I am currently a junior at Mass Academy, and I never imagined that I could receive an education as great as the one I have here. This is no ordinary school; instead of memorizing facts, we utilize hands-on learning with practical applications. If this school closes, countless students will be missing out on a unique and enlightening experience.

Ashley Millette says:

April 12, 2009 at 5:35 pm

Hi my name is Ashley and I am currently a junior at the Academy. Before coming to the Academy, I attended two public schools, neither of which provided the challenging academic programming I wanted. When I first came here, I expected that I would be a bit nervous and out of place seeming as how I wouldn’t know anyone. But after just a few short weeks, the Academy had become my home. Mass Academy is more than just a place I come to learn, it’s my home and I know that I am not the only one who feels that way. I think that taking Mass Academy away from us and from future students will be one of the worst decisions the state will make for many years, and I hope that these stories will help them to realize that.

Aashish Srinivas says:

April 12, 2009 at 9:16 pm

My name is Aashish, and I am currently a junior at Mass Academy. When I first learned that I had been accepted by the Academy, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know whether I was prepared to leave my friends and school, both of which I had come to love. In the end, I decided that I should be willing to accept some change in my life in order to further my education.

On my first day at the Academy, I realized that it was completely different than any educational experience I had been exposed to before. The teachers placed a great deal of emphasis on teamwork, technology, and hands-on learning. We were challenged right from the beginning in every possible way. However, I met so many great people and learned so much over the last three-quarters of a year. Although I had to leave my comfort zone in my past school, I quickly learned to be comfortable here too. I have become a more independent learner.

Perhaps the experience which best epitomizes the Mass Academy experience for me is the research project I conducted on lichens during my time here. I have always been interested in biology and the environment. Rather than sitting in a classroom and reading a textbook about biology, Mass Academy allowed me to actually conduct research on lichens by providing me with materials and a rare Vernier carbon dioxide probe which most schools probably do not have access to. Because I plan on having a career in a scientific field, I benefited greatly from the research opportunity that only a school like Mass Academy can provide.

Looking around, I can see that all of my classmates have been similarly affected by Mass Academy. To close a school like this would be a huge blow to the educational system of the state. The school nourishes young minds and feeds them with a curiosity and drive which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. I know that my 6 months here at Mass Academy has affected my life very profoundly. It makes me sad to think that others may be denied the opportunity to come and learn at such a wonderful school.

Mary Devlin says:

April 13, 2009 at 3:26 pm

My name is Mary Devlin, and I’m currently a junior at Mass Academy. In coming to the Academy, I surprised myself. I always expected to graduate from my sending school. A little over a year ago, though, I attended the open house with my dad and really liked the school. It’s learning conducive environment was evident as soon as I walked in. A few months after that, I received my acceptance letter and immediately replied with a yes.

I have always been stronger in liberal arts, so I knew the academy would present an interesting challenge. Although it is a math and science school, it is so much more than just that. No matter what your career goals are, I believe the Academy can prepare you for success in just about any field because it teaches students how to learn. That’s something many schools are not providing to students. I came here for that reason and many others. I never worked to my potential at my sending school: I did enough to get by with A’s. In my heart I knew this wasn’t right. Before I was ridiculed for being the “smart kid” in class, but now that is far from the case. I was hoping for a change when I attended the Academy, and I got exactly what I was looking for.

The past seven months have been the most challenging, exciting, and life-changing months of my life. I have achieved more than I thought I ever could. At first, it was difficult to transition. It was hard to no longer be at the top of my class. The standards here are high and teachers present new challenges daily. For this I am extremely grateful. The way I approach problems and think about the world has changed drastically. I have learned an immense amount not only from the hours of homework I do daily, but from the many experiences I’ve had because of the Academy. The friends I have made have truly become family. The decision to come here was one of the best I have ever made.

I am proud to be a student at Mass Academy, now more than ever. From all of the positive feedback, the impact it has made on many people is evident. So many more deserve the opportunity to become a part of the Mass Academy community.

Margaret Harrison says:

April 13, 2009 at 5:48 pm

I am a junior at Mass Academy this year and I absolutely love it here! Meeting people who have such similar interests and goals really makes us work harder than ever to achieve those goals. Even though I have only known most of my fellow classmates since September I feel that we are as close as a family. The other thing that Mass Academy really inspires me to get involved in my community because we are encouraged to do community service every week. The entire Mass Academy experience has helped me grow as a person and hopefully will continue to help me grow further in the end of this year and into next year.

Andrew Ryan says:

April 13, 2009 at 6:46 pm

In the winter of Eight Grade, 2006, I was carted along with my brother on an otherwise uneventful day to a strange building that seemed to reflect Worcester’s past. It was an old steel mill made of solid brick with a cobblestone street, and it was where I was told a school was. I saw no playground, no bus zone, and no welcoming sign. I was a little worried entering the front doors for the first time, but I was surprised to find a homey space right beyond the tinted glass.

After piling into a room with over one hundred other people all looking to join the academy, Dr. Salvatelli began his informational talk on the academy. Less than half way through the speech he hit a point I found interesting, an extensive project. He went on to explain that they had challenged the students to build something related to “green” technology, or devices that are less harmful to the environment. Shortly after, I stopped listening to the speech all together and started thinking about what I would have chosen as my project.

In a very short amount of time I came onto the topic of tire pressure and how it increased fuel efficiency. I pulled out my pocket notebook I had forgotten to put away that morning and began to do some sketches of possible designs. In thirty minutes I had a pressurized air system that would automatically adjust tire pressures to maximize fuel efficiency. The only problem was that I could not devise a way of supplying high pressure air to the tires without a pipe that would break after a few thousand rotations in one direction. As the meeting came to a close and my frustrations grew I simply forgot the idea to move on to my school work.

After returning to my sending school I no longer kept my grades up for my parents sake, but because I knew I had a goal and I needed to excel in order to meet them, I was convinced I wanted to go to Mass Academy. With that as my motivation I went on to get straight A’s in every class I took for the next 2 years as well as went far beyond the requirements in every project, preparing myself for the whopper I knew I would have to face when I reached my goal.

And the design? Well One day, I was flipping through a copy of Popular Science and Popular Mechanics when I noticed a strangely familiar article. After some reading I realized that the article was on a device almost identical to my primitive scratches from eight grade, expect the invention in the article would work only while a car was stopped at a gas pump to refuel, a cleaver way of eliminating the problem of constantly twisting a hose.