September 11, 2026
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Full-Day Pre-K Takes Center Stage
Full-Day Pre-K Takes Center Stage
Everyone is aboard.
After welcoming K-12 students back to school the week before Labor Day, we opened our doors to Pre-Kindergarten students at the Adams School and Webster Extension on Wednesday, September 9th.
The day also marked the opening of full-day Pre-K, a significant first for the Everett Public Schools (EPS) that will help our youngest students build foundational literacy and social skills and set them up for academic success as they advance to elementary school.
Special thanks to Massachusetts Secretary of Education Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr. for joining members of the Central Administration team and me at the Webster Extension. Assistant Principal Laurie Stokes and her team masterfully handled the excitement, anxiousness, and energy with calm compassion — something Secretary Zrike appreciated as much as I did.
To paraphrase something he said before he left, Everett does things right. Indeed we do. Thanks to Taylor Leo and Gene O’Brien, we had cheerleaders and band members on hand to greet students, families, and faculty as they walked a red carpet from Broadway to the main entrance of the Webster Extension.
On a different note, a reminder that the EPS is disconnected (literally and figuratively) from the cybersecurity incident impacting Everett City Hall. This does not mean we are disinterested. On the contrary, Mayor Van Campen has kept our tech team and my team fully updated, and it was our pleasure to open our doors on Vine Street to city employees who needed workspace over the past four days. For updates, please visit the City of Everett’s website and social media channels for accurate, up-to-date information.
I hope to see you tonight at Veterans Memorial Stadium for the first football game of the season. We are hosting Arlington, and kickoff is at 6 p.m. Together We Rise!
Have an awesome weekend, and I look forward to our first full week of 2026-2027 beginning on September 14th.
William D. Hart
Superintendent
Everett Public Schools
Together We Rise!
Look No Further Than the Teamsters Local 25
Thank you to the Teamsters Local 25 for donating 170 backpacks filled with school supplies to the Administration Building on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The backpacks came in a wide variety of colors and styles that are suitable for students from Pre-K to 12. Standing (L-R): Sean O’Brien Jr. from the Teamsters, EPS Director of Strategic Initiatives Rosemary Hughes, Superintendent William D. Hart, Bill Grubb from the Teamsters, EPS Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Finance Chris Barret, and Director of Capital Planning and Compliance Colleen Mejia, Esq. Seated (L-R) are Teamsters Local 25 representatives John Maskell, Jill MacGregor, Melissa Hurley, and Gina Buckley, and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Student Success Dr. Margaret Adams.
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You’re Awesome … But Don’t Take Our Word For It!
In response to our request that you send us highlights, good news, and shout-outs, Webster School Grade 4 teacher Michael Breda delivered this heartfelt message that we want to share with everyone in this week’s newsletter:
I currently teach 4th grade at the Webster School (and previously taught 5th grade at Webster), and it is truly the best place to work. The people in our building are all amazing. In particular, I would like to offer three shout-outs:
I currently teach 4th grade at the Webster School (and previously taught 5th grade at Webster), and it is truly the best place to work. The people in our building are all amazing. In particular, I would like to offer three shout-outs:
My current 4th grade team — Christina Konstantopoulos, Kristen Cucinotta, Daniel Casey, and Emily Arias. They make every day better due to their constant support and dedication.
My previous 5th grade team — Jennifer Cuthbert, Virginia Dailey, Katie Panarese, and Whitney Desantis. When I met each of them, I immediately felt fully connected and excited to join the Webster School.
Principal Devon Abruzzese. She is incredibly patient, supportive, and positive with all teachers, students, and families. She makes time for each of us to feel heard and valued.
Everyone at the Webster School is phenomenal!
Couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Mr. Breda.
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Brazilian Independence Day
Superintendent William D. Hart greets Eliot Family Resource Center Director Liliana Patino at the Brazilian Independence Day Celebration hosted by the City of Everett on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Superintendent Hart, Parlin School Principal Darlene Pugnali (right), and School Committee Vice Chairperson Marcony Almeida Barros were among the speakers who helped celebrate the occasion and Everett’s immense diversity.
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Strategic Planning for the Classroom
Led by K-8 Director of ELA and Literacy Louise DeSisto, middle school ELA teachers explored and applied best practices aligned with district initiatives and the priorities of the EPS Strategic Plan. Pictured above are grade 8 teachers, led by ELA middle school instructional coach Ben Francavilla, collaborating on high-leverage writing strategies. Thanks to our faculty for the energy and engagement they brought to Tuesday’s Professional Development sessions.
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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2
Reminder
Street sweeping continues through November, so please be aware of posted signs on the streets surrounding your school buildings.
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2026-2027 Newsletters