THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 23, 2026 Page 7 Malden, Everett and Medford high school students can have their voice heard and win cash prizes T he Immigrant Learning Center (The ILC) is now seeking art and essays from teens at Malden, Everett and Medford public high schools for their fi fth annual Teen Perspectives Contest. Students are invited to submit original work on the topic “How Immigration Benefi ts My Community” now through Monday, February 9, 2026. Cash prizes up to $300 will be awarded for first-, second-, third-place and honorable mentions. Now in its fi fth year, Teen Perspectives is a great opportunity for high school students to express themselves on such an important and timely topic, whether they come from immigrant communities or were born in the United States. “The Immigrant Learning CenFULL-DAY | FROM PAGE 1 classroom for three and four year olds, all of which last about two and a half hours, would be extended to run from 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., although half-day options would still be available. Adams said full-day sessions will improve literacy and language skills, with more time for conversations, storytelling and teaching phonological skills; reduce achievement gaps with more time for targeted support; improve math skills with more opportunities for problem solving; enhance social and emotional learning by fostering relationships; and support working families by allowing parents to have more time to work. The idea behind the multi-age programs, for example, is that three year olds will learn from four year olds, and the four year olds will build confi - dence by helping the three year olds as well as preparing for kindergarten. Long-term benefi ts are thought to be higher rates of graduation and lower dropout rates in high school, higher achievement in language and math literacy, better outcomes for students after they graduate, be it in education or employment, and a reduction in out-of-district Special Education placements, in part, because interaction with students at early ages helps the staff detect special needs and fi nd in-house programs for those students. Hart and Adams also said the cost to the City of Everett would be negligible. Although additional furniture and educationter has been a generous partner to Malden High School. They have become an annual tradition within our school through their Teen Perspectives Contest,” said Malden Public Schools Director of History and the Arts Gerard Tannetta. “Our students excitingly participate through essay writing, art projects, and videos. As the most diverse high school in the state of Massachusetts, Malden High School is always looking for ways to honor our students’ diverse cultures and identities. The Teen Perspectives Contests allows our students to tell their stories through their lens and provides a wonderful opportunity to amplify their voice.” Winners will be notifi ed the week of March 23, 2026. There will be a al materials may be needed, Adams said, regarding staff , “We’d be using current staffi ng in a different way.” “The way we’d implement it, there’d be no huge impact on the budget,” Hart added. “We’d see very negligible increases.” However, there would be a need for an additional paraprofessional. School Committee members were very receptive to the idea. “I’m always in favor of more access,” Ward 2 member Joanna Garron said. Member at-Large Millie Cardello said the full-day program would be beneficial because “children are eager to learn.” “This is tremendous,” Ward 5 member and School Committee Vice Chairperson Marcony Almeida Barros added. In discussion of what action the members should take, if any, he recommended the matter be kept on fi le and listed as an agenda item at the next meeting, based on the impropriety of a vote on the issue being only part of the Superintendent’s Report on the January 20 agenda. Steps after an anticipated approval will be ongoing meetings with staff members on the programs, soliciting applications from families in March and holding a lottery for slots in May, if necessary, the results of which would be announced in June. Adams also said the School Department will help families document their residency in the City for eligibility. “We don’t want to turn anyone away,” Adams said.” We want to make sure everyone has a slot.” ceremony for the students, their families and teachers on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Malden High School. Learn more about how to enter this year’s contest and view last year’s entries on The ILC’s website at https://www.ilctr.org/for-teachers/teen-perspectives. The 2026 Teen Perspective’s Contest is sponsored in part through a grant from the Malden Cultural Council. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Those interested in contributing can reach out to Director of Development Mark Correia at mcorreia@ilctr.org. About The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.: The ILC, which is located in Malden, Massachusetts, is a nonprofi t organization that gives immigrants a voice in three ways. The English Language Program provides free, year-round English for Speakers of Other Languages classes to help immigrant and refugee adults in Greater Boston become successful workers, parents and community members. The Public Education Institute informs Americans about immigrants and immigration in the United States, and the Institute for Immigration Research, a joint venture with George Mason University, produces valid, reliable and objective multidisciplinary research on immigrants and immigration to the United States. If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. 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