August 29, 2025

Every Voice, Every Story, Every Day!

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Group photo, people standing at the front entrance to a school — First Day at the Lafayette (L-R): School Committee member Kristin Bairos, School Committee Chairperson Samantha Hurley and her daughter Ava, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dennis Lynch, Superintendent William D. Hart, Principal Janet Taylor, Mayor Carlo DeMaria, and music teachers Jorunn and Maciej Kaczmarek, Kelsey Devlin, and Anna Polska.

A Message from the Superintendent
WELCOME BACK!

Thanks to everyone for an energetic and joyful first week of the school year. The week started with Monday’s Back-to-School Convocation — which was punctuated by the humorous and poignant Doc Brown — and concluded yesterday with a full day of school for students in grades K-12. Thanks, again, to everyone who planned, staffed, attended, and participated in this year’s Convocation.

On Tuesday, we raised the curtain on 2025-2026. It was, as always, great seeing students, families, teachers, and staff back together again at our elementary schools and Everett High. Our school leaders and teachers did a fantastic job of welcoming more than 7,300 students into our buildings with skill and ease. I want to also send our thanks to the Everett Police Department for helping with the flow of traffic at arrival and dismissal times.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Lafayette School on Tuesday, where I was joined by Mayor Carlo DeMaria, School Committee Chairperson Samantha Hurley, and School Committee member Kristin Bairos, which was fitting as all three elected officials have past and current experience being Lafayette parents. I also got to meet two of our new families, one from California and the other from Tennessee, proving what we all know to be true: Everyone wants to be in Everett!

On Wednesday, I stopped by the Webster School, one of many locations where we made critical upgrades during the summer months — including the complete renovation of the school’s recreation room. I was joined by Mayor DeMaria again on Thursday at the Keverian, meeting more students and families who are just as excited as we are for what lies ahead for the Everett Public Schools.

I look forward to seeing teachers for the professional development day on Tuesday, September 2nd before all our students, including pre-kindergartners, return to school on Wednesday, September 3rd.

In the meantime, have a great Labor Day weekend. I hope you enjoy family and friends and rest and relaxation!

William D. Hart
Superintendent
Everett Public Schools

Back to school photo, teachers and staff outside buildings and in classrooms

Back to school photo, teachers and staff outside buildings

Convocation Photo Album

Three men seated at a table, talking and smiling — Director of Social Emotional Learning Dr. Brian Wallace, Director of Title I Dave Brady, and Madeline English School Principal Paolo Lambresa are pictured during the district’s Leadership Retreat, which was held on August 13-14 at Endicott College.

2025 Leadership Retreat Photo Album

Adults at the head of a classroom, talking to parents — Director of Family Engagement Jeanette Velez (center) and Whittier School Principal Mike McLucas welcome people to a summer playground for families.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

In partnership with the Eliot Family Resource Center, the Everett Public Schools (EPS) held a series of parent-child playgroups during the summer months. The program ran twice a week for six weeks, from July 7 to August 12, 2025. Specifically designed for children entering kindergarten at EPS school in the fall, the playgroups emphasized early literacy development and the importance of consistent school attendance. Thanks to Director of Family Engagement Jeanette Velez and EPS Family Liaisons for supporting the series and to Principal Mike McLucas and the Whittier School for hosting

Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month

Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15 to highlight the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans from Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain, and Central and South America. The observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to encompass a 30-day period, starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. September 15 is a significant day because it marks the anniversaries of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Let's celebrate the richness of the Hispanic community with our students and families in the coming weeks:

Highlight the contributions of famous Hispanic Americans, perhaps honoring one each day. Consult this slideshow for some ideas.
Print out some of the slides and add them to a bulletin board. Here are links to information about famous scientists and NFL players, too.
Travel the countries of the Spanish-speaking world, highlighting a country each day. Here is a resource to several slide shows on various countries; this resource is also very useful.
Share a children's book or author with students. Here is a resource to some read-alouds.

A Sensational Opportunity for EPS Paraprofessionals

Bunker Hill Community College’s Teacher Apprenticeship Degree Program is designed for working Everett Public Schools (EPS) Paraprofessionals who want to become classroom teachers. Participants earn an Associate Degree in Elementary Education (K–6) while continuing to work full-time in the EPS. The program combines on-the-job training with coursework, allowing participants to connect theory with real classroom experience. It also includes support for completing state pre-practicum requirements and two required MTELs (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure).

Click for complete details about the program.

Read (and Write) All About It!
Great Virtual PD Opportunity

As part of its commitment to delivering high-quality literacy instruction utilizing evidence-based strategies and programs to ensure all students become proficient readers and writers, the Everett Public Schools is excited to offer an IMSE Morphology live virtual training course this fall! Participants must attend all five Saturdays and be fully engaged throughout the entire training. This means being in a space where you can be on your device (one device per participant) with your camera on the entire training. The course is 30 hours with district supplies included, and after completion teachers are eligible to purchase two graduate credits.

The following are the dates and times of the training:
September 20, 2025 — 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
September 27, 2025 — 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
October 4, 2025 — 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
October 18, 2025 — 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
October 25, 2025 — 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Interested participants should complete THIS APPLICATION by September 3, 2025.

If you are unable to attend this IMSE Morphology training but are interested in taking a future course, please fill out the application to be put on a list for possible future training opportunities.

Massachusetts Teacher STEM Fair

Join educators from all content areas for the Massachusetts Teacher STEM Fair, a free and dynamic event designed to spark inspiration and innovation. Explore interactive STEM lessons, connect with statewide STEM organizations, and discover fresh ideas to energize your classroom. The STEM Fair is set for Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cross Insurance Club inside Gillette Stadium, One Patriot Place, Foxborough. Empower yourself as an educator—and ignite your students' curiosity for a future driven by innovation. Let’s transform education together through the power of STEM!

Click for more information for complete details. Register to register.