This is our first newsletter to go home for the 2002-2003 school year. We would like to inform you of some important events both for you and your child at the East Bay Career Academy.

First of all, here are some dates to put on your calendar.

� On October 9^th, 2002, we will have our first OPEN HOUSE. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. We will be discussing our program, your child's progress, (Interim Reports will be passed out) and then will have a guest speaker who will be kicking off our Parent/Guardian Program. The organization of Caritas, Inc. will be bringing important issues parents have had to face, and so much more.

� All juniors interested in the PSAT must go to their specific high schools, and they must sign up for the test. It is scheduled for October 19^th, 2002. The deadline for sign-ups is October 15^th, 2002. The test starts at 8:00 a.m. and students are encouraged to be there by 7:30. They must bring a calculator and #2 pencils. (The Academy will allow students to borrow calculators for the test) The obvious suggestion is that each student eats a good breakfast and gets a good night's rest. (It is not uncommon for younger students to take this test. In no way does this test interfere with getting into college and/or technical schools. It is meant to provide good practice for the SATs given in their senior year.) The cost of the test is approximately $20.00, due at the time you sign up for the tests. (Each district establishes its own price.) Please call/see Mr. Josephs if this presents a problem.

� The seniors that have shown an interest in taking the SATs' have completed their forms with the guidance counselor, Mrs. Lannie. There are several individuals that have decided not to do this, and that is okay. However, please talk to your senior and see if he or she would like to reconsider. The SATs' are not given at every high school, so those from Bristol and Warren needed to think of either Barrington High School or another high school nearby. They made their choices on the forms sent to the SAT Program. The SATs' are given just about every month. Those who have been working with Mrs. Lannie have chosen November 2, 2002 at Barrington High School or East Providence High. The students that have agreed to take the tests are,

� James Soares

� Edward Carvalho

� Jay Watkinson

� Christopher Quinn

Specific information about the test on November 2, 2002;

Each student must report to the test center between 8:00 and 8:15.

The students will receive in the mail a test Admission's ticket.

Two number 2 pencils and an eraser should be brought to the test.

Students are asked to bring an acceptable calculator to the exam, such as, a four-function,

scientific, or graphing calculator.

A current, recognizable, photo I.D. will be required to be shown along with the

Admission's Ticket.

All of the students, that have been present, have started off with the FOCUS Internet career awareness program in Developmental Career/Vocational Guidance. The students have been very receptive to this program. Almost all students have begun their Career Portfolios by completing an autobiography and the first two phases of the FOCUS program.

A guest speaker from the University of Rhode Island came to the Academy on the 19^th of September. She addressed the juniors and seniors with issues relating to entrance requirements, programs that are offered at URI, and so forth. The next speaker will be from MTTI, located in East Providence on the 3^rd of October.

Mrs. Patricia LaVallee, our school psychologist, has begun the testing that was discussed in the parent conferences. She will be doing all testing necessary to meet the standards set forth by the Individual Education Plans of which most of our students have here at the Academy.

The opening to school was a smooth transition. We would like to thank both the staff and the students for their efforts. The students have done a marvelous job with the non-smoking policy. We are very proud of them and their cooperation. We would also like to thank you for all you did to support this change. As a team, we accomplished a major feat with a minimal struggle.

Presently, we are actively seeking job placements for each student. We would appreciate any ideas, suggestions, and possible contacts that we could make at the Academy. Should you know anyone who is looking to hire someone, offering an apprenticeship, or might be a contact, please call us at 245-2978 x 314. We ask that you assist in making sure your child gets to an interview and/or to the place of employment for applications, etc, should the need arise.

Thank you.

We look forward to seeing you at the OPEN HOUSE on October 9^th at 6:00 p.m.

Sincerely,

A. William Josephs, Director Mrs. Linda Lannie, Guidance Counselor