Excellence in the EPS: 2024-2025 » November 15, 2024

November 15, 2024

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6
RED-Y AND WILLING
Everett High’s Student Ambassadors have had a busy fall, supporting several events and programs throughout the Everett Public Schools. Above, Ambassadors are pictured with Superintendent William Hart at the Department of English Learners Fall Family Night at the Parlin School. Thanks to Randy Maldonado (to Mr. Hart’s left) for gathering his fellow Ambassadors for this photograph. And to every Student Ambassador: Keep up the great work!
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CIVICS IN ACTION
On Monday, November 4, the students in Mr. Ferullo's and Ms. Morgan's high school history class at the Devens School held a school-wide mock presidential election. The students were tasked with gathering background information on each candidate and their running mates, as well as information about the Democratic and Republican parties. In addition, the students used their creative and artistic skills to make posters for the presidential candidates. The event concluded with 61 students and staff casting ballots.
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A Big Presence
Software Engineer Shares Experiences with EHS Students
A successful software engineer and entrepreneur gave a remote presentation to Everett High School computer science students on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, sharing his journey from the football field to the highest levels of the tech industry. 

Harris Williams was a football player and computer science major at Boston College when an injury ended his playing career early in his senior year. But he found a creative way to combine his educational and football skills, creating a program that allows players to learn plays interactively with their smartphones. Today, he is a professor at Boston College and Bunker Hill Community College and the founder of the education tech company, Grader Than. 

Williams spoke to EHS students with confidence and humor, saying that a 6-foot, 4-inch, 325-pound lineman is exactly what a software engineer and company founder looks like. Williams was invited to speak to EHS students by veteran computer science teacher Neil Plotnick. The two met in the summer of 2024 at the Computer Science Teachers Association (CTSA) national conference in Las Vegas.

The Zoom session was so popular that Mr. Plotnick is arranging for an in-person presentation later this school year.
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The Curiosity Cube Inspires Future Scientists
The George Keverian School fourth and fifth graders enjoyed the opportunity to engage in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities through the Curiosity Cube, a mobile science lab brought to life by Milliporesigma using a massive shipping container.

The event offered students an immersive experience that aimed to inspire a passion for science in young minds. The Curiosity Cube features interactive exhibits that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, showcasing the fun side of STEM education. Students explored stations and participated in activities that enhanced their scientific understanding around sustainability. Students designed and tested a windmill that produced enough renewable energy to power a model T-shirt factory.  

They explored the process of recycling an old t-shirt into a new one, and potentially more sustainable fabrics. The hands-on approach not only engaged students but also fostered teamwork and collaboration among peers. “This experience has truly opened the eyes of our students to the world of STEM,” said Ms. Keelan, a fifth-grade inclusion teacher who organized the event. “Watching them engage and seeing their faces light up with curiosity helps to spark a lifelong love for science and a dedication to sustainability.” 

The initiative reflects the Everett Public Schools commitment to advancing STEM education and inspiring the next generation of innovators. With events like the Curiosity Cube, students are given the tools to explore their interests and ignite their imaginations, preparing them for future academic and career endeavors. As the school community continues to embrace creative learning opportunities, the impact of the Curiosity Cube is sure to resonate long after the event, leaving students inspired and excited about the possibilities within the field of science. Ms. Keelan is excited to welcome the scientists from Milliporesigma back later this year to help conduct experiments with students in the classroom. 

Click HERE for more photos.
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DRIVING DIVERSITY
Superintendent William Hart is pictured with Everett Public Schools (EPS) Equity Consultant Victoria Privott on Thursday, November 7, 2024, wrapping a four-day stretch in which Ms. Privott worked with administrators at the school and district level. In addition, she has helped form the EPS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Team, which consists of teachers, administrators, staff, and parents. The team is seeking ways to engage various stakeholders in our community, including students, families, and community members, to learn more about how the schools can support our equity and inclusion goals. Its work will also include analysis of documents and data and continued dialogue through focus groups.
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Financial Aid Night: November 20
The Everett High School Guidance Department and the Massachusetts Educational Financial Authority (MEFA) information night on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Crimson Cafe. The event is free and open to all Everett Public Schools (EPS) families. Kevin Fudge from MEFA will provide information and answer questions about applying for financial aid to college.