Welcome to the James Otis Elementary School!

​Thank You, Ms. Goncalves, for 38 Years of Dedication, Leadership, and Service. 
Wishing You a Joyful Retirement!

May 20, 2026
Dear Otis School Community,

​It is with a full and grateful heart that I share the news of my retirement after 38 years at the James Otis School for the Boston Public Schools. Every single one of those years was spent right here, in the heart of our beloved East Boston community.

This decision has been incredibly emotional and not made lightly. In many ways, it feels especially difficult now, at a time when I have the privilege of seeing the children of my former kindergarten students walk through our doors. To now be entrusted with their children has truly been the greatest gift, my own “circle of life” as an educator. There are no words to fully express what that has meant to me.

When I first began my journey at the James Otis Elementary School, we were a small school of just over 300 students. Today, we are a thriving community of more than 410 students in grades K1-6,  a true testament to the unwavering dedication of our families, the belief and trust you have placed in us, and the extraordinary commitment of our sensational staff. It truly takes a village, and over the past 16 years, we have grown that village into something exceptional.

I would also be remiss if I did not reflect on the incredible work our school community undertook in piloting the addition of Grade 6 across East Boston schools that were once K–5. This was no small shift. It required vision, collaboration, and a deep commitment to doing what was best for our students and families. Today, we can proudly say that this work has helped transform our schools into stronger, more cohesive, and more robust communities of learning across East Boston. Being part of that transformation has been both humbling and inspiring.

I have never been more proud than I am today to have spent my entire 38-year career at this remarkable school. What began as the job of a lifetime as a teacher became the honor of my life as your principal by serving the children and families of Boston Public Schools.

As a former student of the Marshall and Holland Schools in Dorchester during challenging times, I carry with me a deep understanding of the impact a school can have on a child’s life. It has been my life’s work to ensure that our students feel supported, inspired, and empowered…..to work hard, dream big, and believe that together, we can make a difference.

My proudest moments have always been rooted in the success of our students, their growth, their achievements, and the bright futures they are building. Equally remarkable has been the longevity and commitment of our staff. There has always been a saying about the Otis: staff do not leave the James Otis School; they retire from here. I am deeply honored to now be among them.

I hope that in some small way, I have made a difference and contributed to shaping the next generation of educators and school leaders. It has been a privilege beyond measure.

As I step away, my wish is that we continue to share and celebrate the incredible stories that come out of our school community….stories of learning, resilience, and growth. There is so much to be proud of, and still important work ahead. May we continue, together, to support every child and family across Boston Public Schools.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives and for making these 38 years so meaningful. I am honored to retire here, at the Otis, after 38 unforgettable years.

With deepest gratitude and love,
Paula Cerqueira-Goncalves
Principal

Our Partners

Picture
Our partners have included: Arbour Counseling Services; Boston Ballet; Boston College PULSE Program; East Boston YMCA; EB Community Health Center; Harborside Community Center; Harvard Graduate School of Education; Lesley University; Wheelock College; UMASS Boston; Kiwanis Club of East Boston; Read Boston; Reebok; and OneWorld Classrooms, among others.
Contact Information
Phone:          617 635-8372
Fax:               617 635-8376
Email:
​[email protected]

​District
Boston Public Schools.
www.bostonpublicschools.org
Hours
School Hours:
8:20am - 3:00pm
________________
Breakfast:
8:05am - 8:20am
________________
Dismissal:
3:00pm
________________
​Early Release Time:
12:20pm
________________
​Before School Program:
7:15am - 8:00am
________________
After School Program:
3:00pm - 5:45pm


​Mascot
We are the proud Otis Owls.