September 13, 2024

Volume 4, Issue 4

A colorful mural, on a wall, representing Hispanic Heritage Month

Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month

Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15th to October 15th to highlight the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans from Spanish speaking countries including Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain, and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries 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 of famous scientists and NFL players.
Travel the countries of the Spanish speaking world, highlighting a country each day. Here is a link to several slideshows on various countries. More resources can also be found here.
Share a children's book or author with students. Here is a link to read-alouds.

EPS Voice Newsletter
From the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Victoria Privott, Equity Consultant for EPS, also curated this list of resources for Hispanic Heritage Month in her first monthly newsletter. Be on the lookout for monthly newsletters for timely and helpful resources.

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Professional Development
For EPS Teachers, By EPS Teachers

Flier, green background and text, with a stock photo of a teacher at the head of a class

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From the Office of Technology
Update on the Family Communication App ‘Remind’

The EPS has purchased a premium subscription of Remind, the district’s student and family communication app. If you are new to Remind, don't worry! It’s easy to set up and manage and features a user-friendly interface. Additionally, your classes and students have already been set up for you. The platform also supports automatic translation.

For those of you who are new to Remind or need a refresher, please refer to this one-page guide for getting started that covers the basics, including how to message students, contact families, and auto-translate your messages. The guide also includes links to information about Remind advanced features.

Director of Instructional Technology Kristina Aiello is available to support faculty with its use and implementation. Contact her via G-Chat, phone (Ext. 691619), or email. Ms. Aiello also holds office hours on Tuesdays from 2:45 to 4 p.m. in Room 1609 at Everett High School.

STEM Coaching Opportunities
Apply on TalentEd

High School Robotics Coach — The Robotics Coach will supervise a twice weekly after-school robotics program for Everett High School students. The team will participate in the FIRST© Tech Challenge (FTC), which challenges students to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. The robot kit is reusable from year to year and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to earn specific awards.

Middle School Robotics Coaches (Fall 2024) — The Middle School Robotics coaches will supervise a twice weekly after-school robotics program for students in grades 4-8. The students will participate in the FIRST© LEGO© League (FLL), which introduces them to the excitement of science and technology, while building self-confidence and valuable life skills. After School Robotics Program Instructors will guide student teams to think like scientists and engineers as they design, build and program a LEGO© SPIKE PRIME robot to solve a particular STEM challenge in preparation for the MA FLL competition in Revere in December.

Opportunities from DESE

InSPIRED Fellowship

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is accepting applications from educators interested in joining the fourth cohort of InSPIRED Fellows, In-Service Professionals committed to Increasing the Racial and Ethnic Diversity of the teacher workforce. Fellows will be selected to participate in events across the Commonwealth that are designed to inspire the next generation of educators. Fellows may participate in panels, speak at college events, and/or speak at other events designed to engage high school and college students. Educators and administrators are asked to please share the InSPIRED Fellowship application with their networks, as the application window closes on Monday, September 30.

Designing School Wellness Leadership Task Force
The Teacher Collaborative is seeking educators to join its new Designing School Wellness Task Force. This Task Force will meet four Wednesday afternoons via Zoom this fall and ultimately contribute to a new holistic wellness framework that aligns with the 2023 Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework, as well as to a toolkit of resources for use across the Commonwealth. Participants will be eligible to earn up to 10 professional development points (PDPs) as well as an honorarium. Learn more and apply before Monday, September 23, 2024.

Questions? Please email Rachel Peguero.

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Flier, clip art of people walking and biking across the gloibe

Click HERE for Details

FREE

MTEL Vouchers

The Everett Public Schools (EPS) has free vouchers for staff members who are planning on taking an MTEL test in 2024-2025. To obtain one, simply email Michael Minucci with the name and cost of the MTEL you are scheduled to take.

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