Welcome to the website for the Rafael Hernández Dual Language School!
The Rafael Hernández is committed to working with parents and the community within a diverse, nurturing environment in which students use Spanish and English as constructive tools for learning.
We believe students, teachers, and parents should work cooperatively to set and achieve goals that maximize each student’s potential, and that develop courageous learners, effective communicators, and responsible citizens.
LATEST AT THE RAFAEL HERNÁNDEZ:
NOCHE DE FIESTA, June 9th!
We’re so excited to announce that Noche de Fiesta will be back on June 9th! This family, staff, and community celebration allows us to come together for dinner, dancing, raffles and more. In addition to building community, we’ll also raise funds to support opportunities for students and families. Started in 2005, Fiesta was put on hold during Covid, but we’re thrilled that it will be back again.
Buy tickets to Noche de Fiesta here. To help in any way, please fill out the survey here.
Adult Education: NEW Citizenship Class
Our newest Adult Education class started at the end of January, educating family members about the process of becoming a US citizen, and helping them achieve this, if desired. Students take English and citizenship lessons for 5 hours a week, preparing for the citizenship exam, learning about self-advocacy with government officials, and receiving assistance in the application process, as needed. The three month long program currently has 16 participants and if all of them eventually pass their exam, an extra 13 children will also become citizens. We already have 12 people on the waitlist for another class in the fall.
This class is run in partnership with the St. Mark Community Education program and is also made possible by Hernández volunteers. We’re seeking more 1:1 volunteers to practice English with the participants – crucial for them to pass the citizenship test. This can be done in person or via Zoom. To get on the waitlist for the fall class or to volunteer to help, contact Adult Education Coordinator Johanna Littlewood at jlittlewood(at)bostonpublicschools.org.
Primeras Maestras Update
A new group of students began our Primeras Maestras program in January too, training to become dual language educators. It’s so exciting to see the veterans sharing their knowledge with new participants!
Seeking Service Program Members for 2023/24
Friends of the Hernández has been hosting Service Members at school for almost a decade through organizations such as Americorps, Mass Promise Fellows, Commonwealth Corps, and this year through the Jesuit Volunteer and Ignatius Volunteers Corps. Service Members help out 1:1 and in small groups in classrooms, in After School, with FOH operations, and with special projects. They add to our ability to serve students and gain valuable experience in the fields of education and youth development.
A few of these positions are already filled for next year, but we’re still looking for a Mass Promise Fellow, working directly with students during the school day/After School and 1 Commonwealth Corps members.
Do you know anyone who might be interested? Contact Danielle Costello at school or the organizations directly.
Contact or Visit Us
Check in with us at 617-635-8187 for information about tours. Our school hours for students are 8:30 AM to 3:10 PM.
We’re located in the heart of Egleston Square at 61 School Street, Roxbury, 02119:
Public Transportation: Take the MBTA Orange Line to Stonybrook Station. As you exit the station, turn left and go to Amory Street. Turn left onto Amory Street and walk until you reach School Street. Turn right onto School Street and walk six blocks up School Street (go past the first school that you see – this is the Mendell School) and the Hernández will be on your left.
ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF
Principal: Ana Carolina Brito
Student Engagement Coordinators: Kassy Flores (Grades K-3) & Jessica Flores (Grades 4-8)
Family Liaison: Ana Contreras
Hernández School Director of Support Systems and Friends of the Hernández Executive Director: Danielle Costello