News

A Visit from the Mayor

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Santa Fe’s mayor, David Coss, paid a visit to Breakthrough Santa Fe students on Monday, providing a snapshot of the workings of our local government. His visit was part of a government elective class designed by Breakthrough teacher Paul Yen, a junior at Duke University.

In addition to their core classes in reading, writing, math, science and history, Breakthrough students also take electives created by their high school and college-age teachers.  This summer’s government class introduces students to our democratic republic.  Yen and six of the Breakthrough students wrote to state and local politicians, asking them to visit Breakthrough and speak about their roles in government and answer student questions.  City counselor Ron Trujillo also accepted the invitation, and spent time last week with the students, sharing anecdotes about serving his constituents.

Fun Fun Fun

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Breakthrough Santa Fe is in full swing! Students, interns. teachers, mentors and staff are having another fun-filled summer. Spirit Week and Art Day bubbled with enthusiastic cheering, ear-to-ear smiles, infectious laughter, and inspirational creativity.  At Breakthrough Santa Fe we demonstrate high expectations in everything we do. From academic and elective classes to morning and All School Meetings we expect to give 100%. Go BT Santa Fe!

Breakthrough Santa Fe Gears Up for 5th Summer Program

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

This year marks Breakthrough Santa Fe’s 5th summer in operation.  The program started on Prep’s campus in 2004 with 23 students, 8 teachers and 2 mentor teachers. Five years later, we will welcome 56 students, 16 teachers, 4 mentor teachers and 16 Breakthrough high school student interns to the summer program.

Rising 7th and 8th grade students from Santa Fe schools will spend six-weeks studying Literature, Math, Science and History in small learning communities. Their academics will be supplemented by a host of electives and special events, such as Career Day, a camping trip and the end of the summer Celebration. The goal is to prepare them for the rigors of middle school and to launch them on a college prep track.

One of the program’s greatest strengths is the model of Students Teaching Students. High school and college students from local and national schools teach during the six-week summer program. This summer, 4 Breakthrough high school students will return to teach during the session.

Breakthrough Collaborative is celebrating their 30th anniversary in supporting under-served public school students around the country. The Santa Fe site is funded by a host of generous foundations, corporations and individuals. Santa Fe Prep hosts the program and offers both in-kind and financial support while the Santa Fe Public Schools provides summer transportation and snack foods. 

Welcome, Breakthrough Summer Class!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

The Breakthrough Santa Fe team has selected 28 eager and energetic local middle school students to join the Breakthrough family as the Summer 2008 class.  Student orientation will be held on Saturday, May 17, from noon to 3 pm.  Students will take a pre-math test, select their elective classes and take a tour of Santa Fe Prep.  This meeting is mandatory for Breakthrough students and their families.  For more information, contact Michael Multari or Zacc Coker-Dukowitz.

2008 Faculty Named

Seventeen high school and college students have been selected as this summer’s Breakthrough Santa Fe faculty.  Students were selected after a very competitive application and interview process, and represent schools ranging from Santa Fe High to Harvard, Occidental, St. John’s College and Barnard.  They will complete an intense orientation and training session before welcoming this summer’s Breakthrough students.

Breakthrough Santa Fe Welcomes College Prep Coordinator

Kristin Economo joins the Breakthrough Santa Fe staff June 1 as part-time college prep coordinator.  She will work with Breakthrough high school students and their families during the college preparation and application process. 

For the past two years, Kristin has helped North Carolina high school students find scholarships, visit colleges and navigate the college admittance process.  She was a Breakthrough teacher in Providence, Rhode Island, and is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 

Breakthrough high school students can make appointments with Kristin over the summer.  Contact information will be available on the website once Kristin is on board.

Looking for College Prep Coordinator

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Breakthrough Santa Fe is looking for a dynamic person to lead Breakthrough’s college prep program.  The position is full time during the summer and half time during the school year.  There is a possibility to work half-time at Santa Fe Prep School during the school year if a match can be made.  Compensation is competitive and based upon education and work experience.

The coordinator will lead the summer student internship program, maintain and cultivate relationships with high school Breakthrough students, and be a resource for these students and their families as they navigate the path towards college.  See the full job description.pdf for a complete listing of responsibilities and qualifications.

Calling All 6th Graders!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Hey, 6th graders!  What would you think about a summer program that was fun AND helped you get ready for college?  Would you like to take classes from high school and college students not much older than you, and with only five or six other students in your class?  Could you use a little help after school during the school year?  If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you should check out Breakthrough Santa Fe!

Breakthrough is six-year program designed to help Santa Fe students get on a track to college.  This winter, Breakthrough will select 25 - 28 students from around Santa Fe to join the program.  Information, including application forms, are provided on the pages of this website.  There’s also a video that gives you a look at a day in the life of this exciting program.

Career Day

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Breakthrough students got the chance to visit with local working professionals to learn about careers as architects, policemen or artists.  Career Day is held every summer during Breakthrough to help students identify areas of interest that can translate to career options.

Olympic Action

Friday, July 13, 2007

The third week of Breakthrough ‘07 was capped by an educational and inspirational Olympics Day.  Student teams competed in both athletics and academics, from solving mathematical puzzles to maneuvering through a simulated ropes course.