May 29, 2026
Every Voice, Every Story, Every Day!
Weekly Message from the Superintendent
I have enjoyed countless satisfying, meaningful, and uplifting days as Superintendent, but yesterday stands out as particularly awesome.
The day began at Everett High School (EHS) Library, where members of the Education Pathway participated in Future Educator Signing Day. It was my pleasure to join the students for a celebration modeled after athletic signing days. My thanks to faculty members Sarah Simmons and Amanda Pickowicz for planning and hosting the event, and to the EHS teachers and administrators who attended.
Most impactful were the comments of seniors Ever Castro, Aya Selimovic, and Jane’e Saint-Vil, who spoke eloquently and convincingly about the value of their Pathway experience and the bonds they have with their teachers.
Up next was the formal announcement of our Direct Admission Partnership with Worcester State University. President Barry Maloney and Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Ryan Forsythe joined me in celebrating an agreement that will grant automatic admission to EHS seniors who have a weighted cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or higher. This is a first-of-its-kind agreement for both Worcester State and the Everett Public Schools, one that waives all application fees and testing and essay requirements.
Direct Admission provides our students with one of my favorite words: Options. My thanks to everyone who forged relationships with Worcester State’s leadership and helped develop this agreement. Thanks as well — and as always — to administrators, staff, and custodians for setting the stage for the formal announcement and the reception that followed in the Crimson Café.
The day concluded with Everett High School Scholarship Night in the EHS Auditorium, where 77 seniors received more than $126,000 in scholarships from organizations, trusts, individuals, families, and associations. As I said last night, Scholarship Night is one of our most important annual celebrations — an occasion where we simultaneously recognize the outstanding members of Everett High’s graduating class and the enduring legacy of people who deeply care about our district and students. It is safe to say that Thursday, May 28, 2026, was a great day for the Everett Public Schools!
Have a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing you next week for Monday’s Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at Everett High at 3 p.m. and, of course, the Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday at 6 p.m. inside Veterans Memorial Stadium.
William D. Hart
Superintendent
Everett Public Schools
Most impactful were the comments of seniors Ever Castro, Aya Selimovic, and Jane’e Saint-Vil, who spoke eloquently and convincingly about the value of their Pathway experience and the bonds they have with their teachers.
Up next was the formal announcement of our Direct Admission Partnership with Worcester State University. President Barry Maloney and Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Ryan Forsythe joined me in celebrating an agreement that will grant automatic admission to EHS seniors who have a weighted cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or higher. This is a first-of-its-kind agreement for both Worcester State and the Everett Public Schools, one that waives all application fees and testing and essay requirements.
Direct Admission provides our students with one of my favorite words: Options. My thanks to everyone who forged relationships with Worcester State’s leadership and helped develop this agreement. Thanks as well — and as always — to administrators, staff, and custodians for setting the stage for the formal announcement and the reception that followed in the Crimson Café.
The day concluded with Everett High School Scholarship Night in the EHS Auditorium, where 77 seniors received more than $126,000 in scholarships from organizations, trusts, individuals, families, and associations. As I said last night, Scholarship Night is one of our most important annual celebrations — an occasion where we simultaneously recognize the outstanding members of Everett High’s graduating class and the enduring legacy of people who deeply care about our district and students. It is safe to say that Thursday, May 28, 2026, was a great day for the Everett Public Schools!
Have a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing you next week for Monday’s Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at Everett High at 3 p.m. and, of course, the Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday at 6 p.m. inside Veterans Memorial Stadium.
William D. Hart
Superintendent
Everett Public Schools
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Important Instructional Technology Updates
As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, I want to share a few important updates regarding our district’s instructional technology tools.Over the past several months, I worked closely with our curriculum leaders to analyze platform usage data alongside instructional impact. This process is part of our broader effort to ensure that the tools we provide are both effective for teaching and aligned with responsible budgeting.
Based on this analysis, we will discontinue our subscriptions to NewsELA, Pear Deck. and EdPuzzle for the 2026–2027 school year. You will continue to have access through the end of the school year. While these platforms offer valuable features, our data showed relatively low usage across the district compared to their cost.
For those who have used NewsELA, please take time to download any articles or materials you would like to keep. Our subscription will end on August 16, 2026, and access will not be available after that date.
For those who have used Pear Deck, please take time to download any slideshows or materials you would like to keep. Our subscription will end on June 30, 2026, and access will not be available after that date.
For those who have used EdPuzzle, please take time to download any videos or materials you would like to keep. Our subscription will end on June 30, 2026, and access will not be available after that date.
To support continuity in instruction, all K–12 teachers will have access to Pear Assessment next year. Pear Assessment includes a video-based question feature like EdPuzzle, allowing you to embed questions directly into videos to enhance student engagement and assessment.
We are committed to making thoughtful, data-informed decisions that support both teaching and learning. More information, including resources and optional support sessions for Pear Assessment, will be shared soon.
If you have any questions or would like support with transitioning your materials, please feel free to reach out by email [email protected] or phone (x690096).
Thank you for your continued work and dedication.
Kristina Aiello
Director of Instructional Technology
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College Spirit!
On Friday, May 22, 2026, Whittier School faculty and staff proudly wore their college sweatshirts, promoting higher education. They shared stories about school mascots and academic experiences that helped shaped their learning and thinking and provided a solid foundation for their careers in education. Thanks to Principal Mike McLucas for sharing this photograph.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
Week four of Mental Health Awareness Month focused on prioritizing mental health as a matter of routine. Staff and students reflected on the importance of maintaining healthy habits, supporting one another, and setting realistic goals for self-care and well-being. Schools participated in activities such as commitment walls (above, Lafayette School and Everett High), goal-setting lessons, and school-wide reflections that reinforced the message that mental health matters every day. Thank you to everyone who helped make this month meaningful across our district and for your continued commitment to creating supportive school communities.
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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 35
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ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: everett_schools Facebook:
Everett Public Schools, Massachusetts
Linkedin:
Everett Public Schools MA