April 10, 2026

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Conductor passionately leading an ensemble during a performance.

Female conductor energetically guiding musicians at a performance.

Female leader enthusiastically conducting while a musician plays piano.

Pianist focused on playing music in front of an audience.

A man in a suit gestures while speaking passionately on stage.

A woman conducts a choir, expressing enthusiasm with hand gestures.

A man with a microphone engages an audience, wearing a stylish outfit.

‘BROADWAY’
Everett Public Schools Vocal Night Festival • Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Thank You, EPS Music Faculty!
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Every Voice, Every Story, Every Day!
Weekly Message from the Superintendent

When it comes to assessments, it feels like a race to the end — to that moment when the data is released and the analysis can commence. Everybody loves scores, and while that’s understandable it doesn’t begin to detail the amount of work you do with our students before they even sat down for MCAS exams we administered in our schools in recent weeks.

This came to mind in a big way yesterday when, in our monthly meeting, EPS principals talked about the awesome things you have done to positively and productively motivate students. At the Whittier, teacher Kassidy Butt had parents and guardians surprise their students with messages that were placed on desks on the day of testing. Similarly, Lafayette students sent words of encourages to their friends and peers. Parlin School Principal Darlene Pugnali and older students are speaking to younger students about the test and offering words of encouragement. Paolo Lambresa is offering fun MCAS-related incentives at the Madeline English.

I love it. All of it.

These are more than cool gestures. Our principals were steadfast in their observations about the effort our students are putting forth on MCAS. They are taking more time and being more deliberate, using scrap paper to develop their answers, writing longer responses — all signs of engagement and, more to the point, all signs that they are taking their cues from you! When it comes from you, positive energy spreads and strengthens. It is one of your many superpowers!

Thank you, as always, and have a great weekend!

William D. Hart
Superintendent
Everett Public Schools

Five teachers pose together in matching shirts for a school event. — The Whittier School Grade 8 team wore Red Sox-themed MCAS T-shirts to school on Thursday, April 9, 2026 — a grand slam of an idea by (L-R) Lisa Yendriga-Norberg, Ainsley Towers, Deanna Kysilovsky, Will Norris, and Caitlin Shannon.

Group of people wearing matching shirts standing in front of a bulletin board.

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Dual Immersion at the Keverian and Parlin

Superintendent William D. Hart convened a Dual Language Immersion Steering Committee, made up of teachers, administrators, and family liaisons to examine our district data and think through next steps for dual language programming. Based on this work, the EPS is excited to announce that it will launch a Spanish/English Dual Language Program at the Keverian and a Portuguese/English Dual Language Program at the Parlin beginning in 2026-2027. Dual language education is a research-based model in which students learn literacy and academic content in two languages, with the goal of developing bilingualism and biliteracy for all students.

Research shows that this approach is particularly effective for English Learners, supporting strong academic achievement while strengthening students’ home language and building proficiency in English. Dual language programs are associated with:

High levels of academic achievement for students from all language backgrounds
Strong development of biliteracy and bilingualism
Increased cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills
Growth in cultural understanding and sociocultural competence

This initiative aligns with district goals around equity, access, and multilingual learner success. Thanks to everyone who is working so hard on this initiative.

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Two women smiling in front of a school banner celebrating a teacher.

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Two educators holding large appreciation signs in a colorful classroom.

National Assistant Principals Week

A salute to EPS Assistant Principals on this, the final day of the 2026 National Assistant Principals Week. Above, Lafayette APs Melissa Jarem and Stephen Venezia hold a sign made by their students, while Dr. Brendan Kent and Cara Fidalgo celebrate the occasion with some of their students.

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How do you Envision EPS in the Future?

EPS is launching a collaborative strategic planning process that will engage district leaders, educators, families, students, and community members in identifying priorities for the district’s future. The groundwork for a district-wide strategic planning process is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Planning for Success framework.

The process is an opportunity to include stakeholder engagement, the development of strategic priorities and initiatives informed by district data, and the identification of best strategies. It will also provide an opportunity for Everett stakeholders to explore key priorities through a structured, data-informed approach that reflects the strengths and aspirations of the Everett community.

The goal of this work is to produce a clear and practical three-year strategic plan that will guide district improvement efforts while building strong stakeholder ownership.

Participants will attend three (3) working sessions at Everett High School. Consistent attendance is required. Dinner will be provided.

Session Dates:
Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 4 to 7 p.m.
Monday, June 22, 2026, 4 to 6 p.m.

If you are interested in being an active part of the strategic planning process, please APPLY HERE.

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Jeans Day: April 16, in Memory of Stephen Patenaude

A reminder that the Everett Public Schools (EPS) is holding a district-wide Jeans Day in memory of late EPS teacher Mr. Stephen Patenaude on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Proceeds will benefit autism research and education. Autism was a cause close to Stephen’s heart, as he was a strong supporter following his son’s diagnosis. This is a meaningful way to honor his memory while supporting a cause that mattered deeply to him. Please make your $5 contribution to your building’s Administrative Assistant and all final donations should be forwarded to the Lafayette School.