September 18, 2026
Superintendent Hart is pictured with (L-R) Everett High Teachers David Peach and Anthony D’Ampolo
and Everett High Social Worker/Clinician Carolyn Troy, LICSW.
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Motivation is in High Supply
Motivation is in High Supply
The Everett Public Schools (EPS) is always fully stocked with reminders. I never have to travel far or wait long before I see, hear, or experience something that reminds me of the good work we do and the impact we have on students.
Case in point. I was on my street in Everett one morning earlier this week, getting ready to head to Vine Street, when a student on a scooter stopped and asked me if I was the “director” of the Everett Public Schools. He went on to tell me that his family moved to Everett in time for the start of the 2026-2027 school year and, without being asked, said that he loves being a Grade 5 student at the Lafayette. With that, he extended his right arm and shook my hand.
It is an example of something I say a lot: Our students want to be in Everett, with us — with you, our teachers, staff, coaches, mentors, advisors, counselors, principals, assistant principals, and specialists.
On Tuesday, members of the Everett High School Key Club and the Crimson Tide boys basketball team helped members of the Everett and Medford Kiwanis Clubs prepare packages for the Grace Food Pantry. Our students’ participation and energy wowed the Kiwanians, as they helped assemble a large donation to support the Kiwanis Club’s partnership with The Outreach Program.
On Thursday, we held our first principals meeting of the year. My thanks to our 10 building leaders for sharing some early-year highlights, including: The launch of public speaking, an early college preparation class at Everett High; the rollout of a more traditional schedule for high school students at the Devens, plus the introduction of electives; the start of the dual immersion Spanish and Portuguese programs at the Keverian and Parlin schools; the opening of a second, co-taught ILP classroom at the Webster; and the replacement of the “CSD” acronym with RISE! classrooms in every grade from K to 8.
All of this is to say that 2026-2027 is fully off the ground and that … Together We Rise!
Have a great weekend.
William D. Hart
Superintendent
Case in point. I was on my street in Everett one morning earlier this week, getting ready to head to Vine Street, when a student on a scooter stopped and asked me if I was the “director” of the Everett Public Schools. He went on to tell me that his family moved to Everett in time for the start of the 2026-2027 school year and, without being asked, said that he loves being a Grade 5 student at the Lafayette. With that, he extended his right arm and shook my hand.
It is an example of something I say a lot: Our students want to be in Everett, with us — with you, our teachers, staff, coaches, mentors, advisors, counselors, principals, assistant principals, and specialists.
On Tuesday, members of the Everett High School Key Club and the Crimson Tide boys basketball team helped members of the Everett and Medford Kiwanis Clubs prepare packages for the Grace Food Pantry. Our students’ participation and energy wowed the Kiwanians, as they helped assemble a large donation to support the Kiwanis Club’s partnership with The Outreach Program.
On Thursday, we held our first principals meeting of the year. My thanks to our 10 building leaders for sharing some early-year highlights, including: The launch of public speaking, an early college preparation class at Everett High; the rollout of a more traditional schedule for high school students at the Devens, plus the introduction of electives; the start of the dual immersion Spanish and Portuguese programs at the Keverian and Parlin schools; the opening of a second, co-taught ILP classroom at the Webster; and the replacement of the “CSD” acronym with RISE! classrooms in every grade from K to 8.
All of this is to say that 2026-2027 is fully off the ground and that … Together We Rise!
Have a great weekend.
William D. Hart
Superintendent
Everett Public Schools
ASPEN Access Update
Some EPS faculty and staff might have noticed a change to their access to Aspen, our Student Information System. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and input from our tech team and legal counsel determine who has complete or partial access to the system. If you have questions, please contact your direct supervisor.
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Cultural Holidays and Observances
When planning events and activities, please keep in mind the wide diversity of religions in our community. These calendars include major religious observances from the faiths represented in the United States. Please consult them when planning exam schedules, activities, workplace festivities, and community events.
Note that Bahá’í, Jewish, and Islamic holidays begin at sundown the previous day and end at sundown on the date listed.
2026 Calendar of Observances
2027 Calendar of Observances
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Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month
Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15th to October 15th to highlight the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans from Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain, and Central and South America. The observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, and President Ronald Reagan expanded it in 1988 to 30 days, from September 15 to October 15.
Let’s celebrate the richness of the Hispanic community with our students and families in the coming weeks:
Let’s celebrate the richness of the Hispanic community with our students and families in the coming weeks:
- Highlight the contributions of prominent Hispanic Americans, notable scientists, and NFL players.
- Travel the countries of the Spanish-speaking world, highlighting a country each day. Here is a link to several slideshows on various countries; see this resource.
- Share a children’s book or author with students.
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Thank You, BRUNT Workwear!
Thanks to the Massachusetts-based apparel company BRUNT Workwear, Everett High School distributed new work boots to students in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department on Friday, September 11, 2026.
The massive donation included 550 pairs of boots for Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, and Public Safety students. EHS secured the donation, which includes a mix of hard- and soft-toe boots, by applying to BRUNT Workwear’s national campaign to provide 100,000 pairs of boots to CTE students nationwide.
With the donation, every current Advanced Manufacturing and Carpentry student has new, shop-safe footwear, and the boots will support incoming students for the next three to five years.
The massive donation included 550 pairs of boots for Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, and Public Safety students. EHS secured the donation, which includes a mix of hard- and soft-toe boots, by applying to BRUNT Workwear’s national campaign to provide 100,000 pairs of boots to CTE students nationwide.
With the donation, every current Advanced Manufacturing and Carpentry student has new, shop-safe footwear, and the boots will support incoming students for the next three to five years.
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TOMORROW MORNING!
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We Couldn’t Have Said It Any Better
The message below came our way last week, courtesy of Everett High School Social Worker/Clinician Carolyn Troy, LICSW, who sends out a “Hello Friday” message to her colleagues at the end of every week. We wanted to share the end of her thoughtful message, as it applies to all of our teachers and staff:
In case you haven’t heard it yet, today:
You are valuable beyond measure
What you do matters
You have done enough
You have given enough
You are enough, exactly as you are in this moment
You have a beautiful light within you, and the world needs you to shine it!
Thank you, Ms. Troy!
In case you haven’t heard it yet, today:
You are valuable beyond measure
What you do matters
You have done enough
You have given enough
You are enough, exactly as you are in this moment
You have a beautiful light within you, and the world needs you to shine it!
Thank you, Ms. Troy!
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_____________A Real Opportunity to Learn More About AI
Curious about how AI can enhance teaching and learning? You do not need to be an AI expert—just an educator who is ready to learn, experiment, and share.
The EPS is seeking Grades 6–12 teachers across schools and content areas to serve as AI Technology Ambassadors. Ambassadors will receive professional learning, explore emerging AI tools and instructional practices, and pilot an AI learning project in their classroom. Along the way, they will collaborate with colleagues to create and share practical resources that support engaging, rigorous, inclusive, and responsible AI use.
This is an opportunity to be an early adopter and teacher leader, help shape AI literacy, and prepare students to think critically and ethically in an AI-powered world. No extensive AI experience is required; simply bring your curiosity, creativity, and willingness to learn!
If interested, apply to the posting on TalentEd.
The EPS is seeking Grades 6–12 teachers across schools and content areas to serve as AI Technology Ambassadors. Ambassadors will receive professional learning, explore emerging AI tools and instructional practices, and pilot an AI learning project in their classroom. Along the way, they will collaborate with colleagues to create and share practical resources that support engaging, rigorous, inclusive, and responsible AI use.
This is an opportunity to be an early adopter and teacher leader, help shape AI literacy, and prepare students to think critically and ethically in an AI-powered world. No extensive AI experience is required; simply bring your curiosity, creativity, and willingness to learn!
If interested, apply to the posting on TalentEd.
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Resources from AllOne Health
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month, and AllOne Health, the EPS Employee Assistance Provider, offers a variety of resources to support faculty and staff, including:
Guide: Responding to Others in Distress
Recorded Webinar: Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
Additional resources:
Video: Suicide Awareness & Prevention - Insights Newsletter
Blog: Preventing Suicide by Talking About It | AllOne Health®
Special observance months are an opportunity to build awareness and remind everyone that their Assistance Program is here to help. Services are free, confidential, available to family members, and easily accessible 24/7 by calling 800-451-1834, via the AllOne Health App, or visiting allonehealth.com/portal.
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Free Courses from Primary Source
In partnership with DESE, Primary Source is offering free courses for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Registration is open, and the following classes are being offered from October 21 through November 17:
Elementary: Building Communities Through Civic Participation and Inquiry (virtual, hybrid)
Middle School: Developing Research and Media Literacy Skills (fully asynchronous)
High School: Media Literacy and Civic Reasoning (virtual, hybrid)
Every course is free to Massachusetts public school educators with the code MACIVICS, and teachers earn PDPs upon completion.
Elementary: Building Communities Through Civic Participation and Inquiry (virtual, hybrid)
Middle School: Developing Research and Media Literacy Skills (fully asynchronous)
High School: Media Literacy and Civic Reasoning (virtual, hybrid)
Every course is free to Massachusetts public school educators with the code MACIVICS, and teachers earn PDPs upon completion.
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Leave It In Park
On September 22, join people worldwide in celebrating World Car-Free Day. Whether you take transit, walk, bike, or carpool, every trip makes a difference. Your pledge equals one less car on the road. Help us create a more sustainable Massachusetts!
Take the Pledge Today!
Take the Pledge Today!
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 3
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