Edward Devotion School

The Edward Devotion Elementary School, affectionately known as "Devo," is a public elementary school located at 345 Harvard Street, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA. The school was founded in 1894 on land bequeathed to the town by Edward Devotion (1667–1744), and is probably named for his eponymous grandfather (1621–1685) [ [http://www1.shore.net/~natalie/ufti/p695.htm Biographical entry] ] the Constable for what was then Muddy River around 1650. Devotion's 17th century house [ [http://www.brooklinehistoricalsociety.org/facilities/devotion.asp House website] ] is preserved by the Brookline Historical Society [ [http://www.brooklinehistoricalsociety.org/ Brookline Historical Society] website] and stands amidst part of its original gardens in the school's forecourt.

The school was attended by John F. Kennedy from kindergarten in 1922 to third grade.

Demographics

The School is currently attended by over 700 students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, drawn primarily from the Coolidge Corner neighborhood, and is the largest of eight public elementary schools in Brookline. The school emphasizes diversity, featuring Hebrew language and Societal and Behavioural Special Education programs, and English as a second language to one third of the student body. Approximately 28 different languages are spoken at the school. Parents are "encouraged to share their cultural traditions in the classroom."

The school has an active Parent Teacher Organization supporting activities including field trips, "Arts Council," a science fair and Math and Science Nights, "Reading in the Morning," a Diversity committee, an International Night and a Cabaret.

Until 2005, the school librarian was award-winning author Norman H. Finkelstein [ [http://www.nea.org/neatoday/0505/people.html Photo-article showing Finkelstein with Devotion students] ] .

Current events

Future improvements

The school's website announces that::"Devotion School is scheduled to undergo a full renovation in the school year 2012-2013, according to the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan (budgeted independently from School Budget)." As of 2006, the principal of the Edward Devotion School is Mr. Gerardo Martinez, replacing Mr. John Dempsey, who served many years as teacher, assistant principal, and finally principal.

Trivia

The school is the inspiration for Abigail Adams Junior High School, the fictional school featured in the Beacon Street Girls children's books series.

References

External links

* [http://devotion.brookline.k12.ma.us/ Edward Devotion School website]
* [http://devotion.brookline.k12.ma.us/booklet.pdf Booklet] (PDF)