A teacher affects eternity; he [or she] can never tell where [their] influence stops.
Historian Henry Adams
Historian Henry Adams
May 8, 2026
Every Voice, Every Story, Every Day!
Weekly Message from the Superintendent
Two things were abundantly evident this week: Spring is making its presence felt, and our sprint to the end of the school year has begun: Last Friday, Everett High held its first major awards ceremony of the year — the E-H-S Awards, which recognize students and staff for Excellence, Honor, and Service; Tuesday was Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day; the Everett High School Theatre Company staged “Grease” last night and will do so again tonight; and, of course, today concludes Teacher Appreciation Week.
Next week’s schedule includes K-8 Arts Night and the Language Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society induction ceremonies. The week after that is highlighted by our Memorial Day Concert, EL Family Night, and the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony. Beyond that, we have an eye toward the Scholarship Presentation Night, the Everett High Graduation, and our Grade 8 Moving On Ceremonies.
Thanks to the countless people who play a part in organizing, hosting, and staffing the signature springtime events that celebrate our students and connect families to our schools.
As I mentioned, we were enthusiastic participants in this year’s Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day. I had the pleasure of being at the Keverian School on Tuesday, as dozens of students, families, and staff made their way from the Florence Street Park to the Nichols Street entrance. It was quite a scene, one defined by high energy, safety, and school spirit. Special thanks are due to Keverian Assistant Principal Keith Spencer, who expertly planned and executed the morning’s festivities.
Finally, my thanks to our teachers on this, the final day of Teacher Appreciation Week. We handed out wireless chargers as a small token of appreciation for the enormous work you do. Have a great weekend, and I hope to see you at some of the many events that are filling our calendars between now and the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
William D. Hart
Superintendent
Everett Public Schools
William D. Hart
Superintendent
Everett Public Schools
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Teacher Appreciation: Whittier Book Distribution
As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Whittier School presented the book, "Thank You, Teachers" by James Patterson and Matt Eversman, to the building’s teachers. The theme of the book is that “teachers are heroes we too often forget to thank, and we need heroes more than ever." A great sentiment, not to mention a great subject for a book!
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Teacher Appreciation: Thanks, Everett High STEM Team
As part of ongoing and expanding efforts to help Grade 8 students prepare for the transition to Everett High School (EHS), science teachers have visited every K-8 school in the district to talk about the EHS STEM Pathway. Above, veteran teacher Dr. Anna Seiders talks to Whittier School on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Thanks to everyone who is involved the effort to find new and effective ways to help students prepare for their freshman year in high school.
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Teacher Appreciation: Lisa Yendriga-Norberg
Congratulations to Whittier School Grade 8 civics teacher Lisa Yendriga-Norberg for being formally honored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as a semi-finalist for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Above (L-R) Director of Social Studies Marena MacLaughlin, Grade 7 English teacher Kylie Coffey, Ms. Yendriga-Norberg, and Principal Michael McLucas.
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Teacher Appreciation: Home Visits
The EPS has launched Parent Teacher Home Visits as part of its efforts to improve student attendance. Among the participating teachers are Lafayette School Grade 4 teachers Brooke McCarthy (pictured) and Kourtney Medeiros (not pictured), who conducted a very positive and successful after-school home visit on Monday, May 4. Thanks to every teacher who is joining the home-visit effort!
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Teacher Appreciation: Webster School Honored
State Representative Joseph McGonagle presented a resolution from the Massachusetts House of Representatives to Webster School Principal Devon Abruzzese on Monday, May 4, 2026. The citation recognizes the Webster’s designation as a 2025 National Elementary and Secondary Education Distinguished School — one of only two schools in the Commonwealth to earn the designation. Above (L-R): Integrated Learning Program Head Teacher Ashley Lambresa, Principal Devon Abruzzese, and Guidance Counselor Samantha Grant hold the State House Resolution recognizing the Webster’s designation as a 2025 National Elementary and Secondary Education Distinguished School.
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English Learners Family Night
The Department of English Learners would love faculty and staff to volunteer for the EL Family Night on Thursday, May 21, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Lafayette School. Family Nights are a special opportunity to connect with our multilingual families, and your participation will help guarantee another successful event from the EL Department. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign-up here.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
We kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month with a strong focus on awareness. Staff and students are engaging in activities that highlight the importance of mental health, including creating bulletin boards, sharing positive messages, and starting meaningful conversations. It is great to see schools bring visibility to this important work and set the tone for the weeks ahead. Above, clockwise from top left: A bulletin board at the Devens School that spurred staff to talk about mental health; a representative from the NAN Project talks to students at the Whittier School; and two visuals that are hanging inside the Everett High School Guidance Department.
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DESE Update: New Alternative Pathway for the
Communication and Literacy Skills Test (CLST)
Communication and Literacy Skills Test (CLST)
The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education recently approved updates to educator licensure regulations that create a new alternative pathway for eligible individuals to waive the Communication and Literacy Skills Test (CLST) requirement for licensure.Educators may qualify for a CLST waiver if they meet one of the following criteria:
These new pathways apply only to the Communication & Literacy Skills Test. At this time, there is not a similar waiver option for subject matter licensure tests.The DESE Licensure Office anticipates being able to accept applications for CLST waivers through ELAR within the next few weeks (potentially by May 14, 2026).
For additional details and FAQs, visit DESE FAQ on the New CLST Alternative Pathway.
- Completion of a Massachusetts-approved educator preparation program
- Possession of a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university
- Holding a comparable teaching license from another state
- Completion of two years of related instructional experience within one Massachusetts school district, along with a recommendation from a school or district administrator
These new pathways apply only to the Communication & Literacy Skills Test. At this time, there is not a similar waiver option for subject matter licensure tests.The DESE Licensure Office anticipates being able to accept applications for CLST waivers through ELAR within the next few weeks (potentially by May 14, 2026).
For additional details and FAQs, visit DESE FAQ on the New CLST Alternative Pathway.
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More Teacher Appreciation Week Photos
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 32
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