2025-2026 Staff Newsletters » February 6, 2026

February 6, 2026

Every Voice, Every Story, Every Day!
 
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Counselors standing, posed photo

Lafayette School Guidance Counselors (L-R): Melissa Disario (Grade 8), Zosha Silverstein-Belden (Grade 7), Kelly Mahalik (Grades K- 1), Maria Zafiropoulos (Grades 5-6), Maria Keefe (Grades 2-3), and Taylor DeFronzo (Grades 4-5).


Every Voice, Every Story, Every Day!
Weekly Message from the Superintendent

 As today marks the final day of the 2026 National School Counselor Week celebration, please allow me to thank our school counselors on behalf of a grateful school district.  

The EPS is extremely fortunate to employ 31 guidance counselors and 21 social workers, who work in our 10 schools and across all grade levels. From helping pre-kindergarten students and their families start their school journeys at the Adams and Webster Extension to steering Everett High School students to college and career pathways — and at every point in between — EPS counselors give our students the support they need and deserve. 

It is impossible to conceive of opening any school, on any day, without guidance counselors to support students and families, work with teachers and building leaders, and help us navigate the myriad circumstances and challenges that pop up during any given week (or day!)  

A designated “day” or “week” cannot fully speak to the significance and complexity of the work school counselors perform; but these celebrations are meaningful because they impel us to recognize the work of individuals whose invaluable and purposeful work is often done quietly and with discretion. That certainly defines the men and women who help make our schools safe and welcoming. 

Lastly, have a great weekend, a fantastic Super Bowl Sunday, and GO PATRIOTS!

William D. Hart
Superintendent
Everett Public Schools
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Contribute to Our Community Cookbook
In celebration of Black History Month, the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), in partnership with District Administration and the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department, is creating a Community Cookbook highlighting African American recipes, stories, and cultural traditions.  This idea was proposed by Hayana Richemond, a senior in the Medical Assisting CTE program and Service Committee Chairperson of NTHS, who wanted to create an opportunity to celebrate culture and community through food. We are inviting staff, students, and families to participate by submitting a recipe that reflects African American culture, heritage, or a meaningful personal or family tradition.
 
Submissions may be featured in a digital and/or printed community cookbook that will help us celebrate culture, history, and community through food.

If you are interested in contributing, please complete the recipe submission form linked below. We encourage you to share recipes that hold special meaning to you or your family, along with the stories behind them. 
 
Please feel free to share this opportunity with students and families who may be interested in participating.

Thank you for helping us honor Black History Month and CTE Month while celebrating the diverse traditions within our community. If you have any questions, contact CTE Director Siobhan Araya.
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The Transcript Upload Form is Now Live
The 2026-2027 Transcript Upload Form is now open. Please USE THIS LINK to provide the Office of Human Resources with the necessary information and documentation to ensure you receive the necessary salary step increase. This process must be completed electronically. Please do not bring any transcripts to the Office of Human Resources or the Central Administration Building.
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Show and Tell-Tale ...
In another shining example of how EPS educators link content and instruction, Whittier School Grade 7 teachers Ms. Coffey, Mrs. Garcia-Heslin and Ms. Motsis helped Mock Trial students build a case around the Edgar Allan Poe classic, “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the plot of which is ideally suited for contrasting arguments and debates. Thanks to Principal Mike McLucas for sharing these photos.
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Interested in Becoming a Classroom Teacher?
Bunker Hill Community College’s Teacher Apprenticeship Degree Program is designed for working Everett Public Schools (EPS) Paraprofessionals who want to become licensed classroom teachers. Participants earn an associate degree in elementary education (K–6) while continuing to work full-time in EPS. The program blends on-the-job learning with college coursework, helping participants connect theory to real classroom practice. Support is also provided for completing state pre-practicum requirements and the two required MTELs.

Learn more at our information session upcoming on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.  

This session is a great opportunity to ask questions and explore whether this pathway is right for you.

Complete program details and information session access.
 

Questions? Email Kerri-Ann O'Donnell at [email protected].