THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, FEbRuARy 6, 2026 Page 5 Senate passes DiDomenico’s Early Literacy Bill Legislation reforms literacy education standards, aids teachers’ professional development education and assessment; off ers professional development resources for educators; and offers flexible options and supplemental funding for public schools that work to implement evidence-based curricula. The bill, which is called An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy, ensures that every Massachusetts student from kindergarten through third grade learns to read using phonics, fl uency, vocabulary, comprehension and phonemic awareness — practices that data show as the best building blocks for lifetime learning. “This is a monumental moment for children across our state because we passed my bill through the Senate to ensure all our students learn essential literacy skills,” said SenLITERACY BILL | SEE PAGE 8 (Courtesy Photo) Special to Th e Advocate O n January 29, 2026, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed Senator Sal DiDomenico’s early literacy legislation that supports young learners by ensuring reading instruction is rooted in proven, evidence-based practices. DiDomenico first fi led this bill last session and worked alongside advocates, educators and administrators to ensure that all students are taught the skills they need to read and teachers are given the support and tools they deserve. Last October, the House had unanimously passed its own version of the bill. Now the Senate and House will reconcile the diff erences between the two bills. The bill creates new statewide standards for literacy City of Everett launches new City Alert system, urges residents to sign up Registering ensures residents receive timely emergency and community notifi cations by phone, text and email Special to Th e Advocate T he City of Everett has launched a new City Alert system to deliver important updates directly to residents by phone, text message and email, and strongly encourages all residents to sign up immediately. The City of Everett has adopted Everbridge for its mass notifi cation system, and residents must sign up to continue receiving notifi cations by phone call, text message and email. While participation is voluntary, residents are strongly encouraged to sign up to ensure they continue receiving critical notifi cations. Signing up requires creating an account on Everbridge and entering contact and location information in the City Alert system. Registrants can customize which notifi cation alert categories they’d like to receive and the method for 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 Scan this QR code with your mobile device to sign up for the City of Everett’s new alert system. You can also visit cityofeverett. com/city-alerts to register or call the Constituent Services Department at 617-394-2270 for assistance with signing up. how they receive them. “I can’t stress enough how important it is for everyone in our ALERT SYSTEM | SEE PAGE 7 • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available
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