January 4, 2024
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11
Front row, from left: Resilience Award Winners Andrea Corronado, Gabrielle De Gouveia, Tyana Williams, and Kaylee DeCastro. Back row, from left: Health and Wellness Coordinator Julie Ann Whitson, Everett High School (EHS) Principal Dennis Lynch, Superintendent William Hart, and EHS English Language Arts Department Chair Ryan McGowan.
Stellar Displays of Resiliency
New Initiative launched to Honor EHS Students
Evolving from the hard work and inspiration they brought to the recently completed accreditation process, Everett High School leaders last week launched a recognition program that directly ties to the school’s Vision of the Graduate (VOG).
Six Everett High School (EHS) students were presented with the first-ever VOG Recognition Award for Resiliency during a brief gathering inside Principal Dennis Lynch’s office on Thursday, January 4, 2024. As stated on the certificates they received, the recipients were nominated by one of their teachers for demonstrating “Tenacity, Flexibility, Courage, Optimism, and a Growth Mindset.”
“I love everything about this initiative,” said Superintendent of Schools William Hart. “It is an ideal way for our teachers to celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and talents of our students.”
Throughout 2023, EHS developed formal reports and strategies as part of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation process. While NEASC’s formal decision will be released and shared with the community later this year, the process has already yielded important results. Chief among them was the creation of the VOG, which states: Everett High School graduates will be:
Six Everett High School (EHS) students were presented with the first-ever VOG Recognition Award for Resiliency during a brief gathering inside Principal Dennis Lynch’s office on Thursday, January 4, 2024. As stated on the certificates they received, the recipients were nominated by one of their teachers for demonstrating “Tenacity, Flexibility, Courage, Optimism, and a Growth Mindset.”
“I love everything about this initiative,” said Superintendent of Schools William Hart. “It is an ideal way for our teachers to celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and talents of our students.”
Throughout 2023, EHS developed formal reports and strategies as part of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation process. While NEASC’s formal decision will be released and shared with the community later this year, the process has already yielded important results. Chief among them was the creation of the VOG, which states: Everett High School graduates will be:
- Resilient
- Innovative
- Self-Aware
- Empowered
- Service-Minded
To embed the VOG into the school’s culture, accreditation leaders — Health and Wellness Coordinator Julie Ann Whitson and English Language Arts Department Chair Ryan McGowan — established the awards program for students who exemplify the characteristics of the VOG. It launched with December’s “Resiliency” award winners. The recipients were Andrea Corronado (nominated by EYC teacher Dana Lipper), Kaylee DeCastro (guidance counselor Amelia Linehan), Laura Sanchez Cespedes (art teacher Josephine Dougan), Gabrielle De Gouveia (math teacher Amy Brogna), Angie Opsina Torres (history teacher Andrew St. Pierre), and Tyana Williams (Spanish teacher Sara Colosimo).
The nominating teachers wrote descriptions about the students, which were read by Mr. Lynch, Ms. Whitson, and Mr. McGowan on January 4. The recipients received colorful certificates and Target gift cards.
In the coming months, students will be honored for displaying innovation, self-awareness, empowerment, and school and community service. “I look forward to attending all future VOG Recognition Award ceremonies,” said Superintendent Hart. “My applause to the EHS team for finding such a creative, positive, and multifaceted way to highlight our students and high school.”
The nominating teachers wrote descriptions about the students, which were read by Mr. Lynch, Ms. Whitson, and Mr. McGowan on January 4. The recipients received colorful certificates and Target gift cards.
In the coming months, students will be honored for displaying innovation, self-awareness, empowerment, and school and community service. “I look forward to attending all future VOG Recognition Award ceremonies,” said Superintendent Hart. “My applause to the EHS team for finding such a creative, positive, and multifaceted way to highlight our students and high school.”
Sprinting Into the New Year! (No, Really …)
Eveillard Places 2nd in Statewide Meet
Everett High School’s Kayshaun Eveillard is sprinting into the Crimson Tide record book. The sophomore placed second in the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association’s Freshman/Sophomore Meet on Saturday, January 6 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury, Mass.
Competing against runners from across the Commonwealth, Eveillard finished second in the 300 meters with a time of 36.92 — the second-fastest time in EHS history. The current EHS record in the 300 is 36.29, set by Peter Duperier in 2011.
Eveillard is currently ranked No. 36 in the Commonwealth in the 300 meters.
Competing against runners from across the Commonwealth, Eveillard finished second in the 300 meters with a time of 36.92 — the second-fastest time in EHS history. The current EHS record in the 300 is 36.29, set by Peter Duperier in 2011.
Eveillard is currently ranked No. 36 in the Commonwealth in the 300 meters.
Everett High School guidance counselors join Superintendent of Schools William Hart and State Rep. Joseph McGonagle during a special coat donation on Thursday, January 4, 2024. From left: Ray Arsenault, Veterans Commissioner and EHS junior varsity basketball coach Antoinette Coleman, Jerard Crosby, Maureen Kacvinsky, Kelley Buonopane, Superintendent William Hart, Fernanda Andrade, Deborah Kosner, Sashae Walls, EHS Principal Dennis Lynch, State Rep. McGonagle, and Phillip Coleman.
A Warm Relationship
Commissioner Coleman, Rep. McGonagle Coordinate Coat Donation
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor and the collaborative efforts of State Rep. Joseph McGonagle and Everett Veterans Commissioner Antoine Coleman, a large supply of brand-new winter jackets was donated to Everett High School (EHS) on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Rep. McGonagle and Mr. Coleman delivered the coats to the EHS Guidance Department, where counselors will give them to students throughout the winter of 2024. While the donor wants to remain anonymous, key corporate support was provided by The Home Depot and Ocean State Job Lot. The donation was originally organized on behalf of veterans.
In his role as Veterans Commissioner, Mr. Coleman donated as many as possible, but there was still a generous surplus left over. Mr. Coleman, who is also a member of the Crimson Tide boys basketball coaching staff, and Rep. McGonagle decided to give the remaining coats to EHS students.
“It is always humbling and heartening to see what people can accomplish when they work together as a team, for a clear purpose,” said Superintendent of Schools William Hart. “My thanks to Rep. McGonagle and Mr. Coleman for thinking of our students and arranging this substantial donation.”
Rep. McGonagle and Mr. Coleman delivered the coats to the EHS Guidance Department, where counselors will give them to students throughout the winter of 2024. While the donor wants to remain anonymous, key corporate support was provided by The Home Depot and Ocean State Job Lot. The donation was originally organized on behalf of veterans.
In his role as Veterans Commissioner, Mr. Coleman donated as many as possible, but there was still a generous surplus left over. Mr. Coleman, who is also a member of the Crimson Tide boys basketball coaching staff, and Rep. McGonagle decided to give the remaining coats to EHS students.
“It is always humbling and heartening to see what people can accomplish when they work together as a team, for a clear purpose,” said Superintendent of Schools William Hart. “My thanks to Rep. McGonagle and Mr. Coleman for thinking of our students and arranging this substantial donation.”
Crossing Paths!
EHS Senior Bound for the College of the Holy Cross
EHS Senior Bound for the College of the Holy Cross
Congratulations to Everett High School (EHS) senior Gabrielle De Gouveia for being accepted to the College of the Holy Cross. She is pictured above with Superintendent of Schools William Hart (right) and EHS English Language Arts Department Chair Ryan McGowan, who is a proud Holy Cross graduate.
A Bedtime Story
Wynn Resorts Donates Pajamas to EPS Students
The Everett Public Schools (EPS) thanks Encore Boston Harbor’s parent company, Wynn Resorts, for donating pajamas to students in grades PreK-5. The gender-neutral pajamas (inset) were delivered to the district’s PreK and elementary schools on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Pictured above are grateful students at the Webster Extension. Wynn Resorts led made this donation in partnership with Nevada-based Spread the Word, an organization devoted to promoting literacy.
The First School Committee Meeting of 2024
New Members Sworn-In, Chair and Vice Chair Elected
New Members Sworn-In, Chair and Vice Chair Elected
The Everett School Committee held its first Regular Meeting of the new session on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. From left: Student Representative Sal DiDomenico, Vice Chairperson Samantha Lambert (At Large), Marcony Barros (Ward 5), Superintendent William Hart, Chairperson Jeanne Cristiano (Ward 3), Margaret Cornelio (Ward 1), Robin Babcock (Ward 4), Samantha Hurley (At Large), Joanna Garren (Ward 2), State Senator Sal DiDomenico, and Joseph D’Onofrio (Ward 6). The next Regular School Committee will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Everett High School Library.
From the English Learner Department
Virtual Newsletter for Parents
Virtual Newsletter for Parents
The Everett Public Schools English Learner (EL) Department is excited to share the winter edition of its Virtual Parent Newsletter. The edition is published in multiple languages and available by clicking on the links below. It includes information about English classes for EPS parents, ACCESS Testing, enrichment opportunities, and a message from EL Director Genevieve McDonough. Enjoy!
© 2023 Rubén Rodríguez/Creative Commons
Software Access and Education
FSF Professionals Address Everett High School Students
Professionals from the Free Software Foundation (FSF) presented to Everett High School technology students on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. FSF Program Manager Miriam Bastian and FSF Outreach and Communications Coordinator Devin Ulibarri gave a presentation to approximately 60 cybersecurity and robotics students about free and open-source software and its importance in education and society. “It was thrilling to meet all these students and to learn what interests them,” said Bastian. “The teens asked us questions like ‘Is it safe to use free software?’ and ‘How can a high school student or someone who is just starting college get involved with free software projects?’"
The visit was organized by technology teacher Mr. Neil Plotnick. Ms. Jillian Ells and Ms. Neeta Kalve also brought students to the discussion in the EHS Auditorium.
The FSF works to secure freedom for computer users by promoting the development and use of free software and documentation — particularly the GNU operating system — and to raise awareness about user rights and privacy issues.
The visit was organized by technology teacher Mr. Neil Plotnick. Ms. Jillian Ells and Ms. Neeta Kalve also brought students to the discussion in the EHS Auditorium.
The FSF works to secure freedom for computer users by promoting the development and use of free software and documentation — particularly the GNU operating system — and to raise awareness about user rights and privacy issues.