THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 6, 2026 Page 7 Pioneer Charter School of Science I & II Outpace State SAT Averages While Serving Majority High Needs Students The scores stand out amidst overall flat scores across the state E verett/Saugus, MA, February 26, 2026 —Pioneer Charter School of Science (PCSS I & II), located in Everett and Saugus, are proud to announce they are two of only 21 schools in Massachusetts that beat the statewide average SAT score while educating a majority of students who are considered high needs. PCSS II is also one of only eight schools in the state that beat the state SAT average while serving a majority Black, Hispanic, and Latino population. Recent SAT data released by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the 2024-2025 academic year DISCUSSION | FROM PAGE 1 4 School Committee member Robin Babcock. “Older kids are saying it’s not enough and younger kids aren’t eating it all,” she said in regard to meals at neighborhood K-8 schools. “I also heard some parents aren’t thrilled with the quality of some things. Some things aren’t cooked enough and some things are overcooked.” Another issue is portioning, a lack of variety, students not feeling satisfied they’ve eaten enough and items not being available for students who have late lunches. “I don’t want any child to leave school hungry, if there’s a way to support that,” Hart said. “I don’t know what the answer is, but we don’t want our kids hungry and want to give them options. What’s supposed to be hot should be hot and what’s supposed to be cold should be cold.” Vendor Whitsons Culinary Group Regional Manager Joe Armenti testified that portioning is directed by the federal Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 4 ounces of protein for meals, but extra pieces of fruit a student might want are not regulated. Some meals are heavier than others with choices determined, in shows Massachusetts students scored much higher than the national average (Massachusetts students scored an average of 1127, compared to the national average of 1024). Students at PCSS scored an average of 1224. “At Pioneer Charter School of Science, students’ exceptional SAT scores are a testament to a culture of rigor and academic excellence,” said Executive Director Barish Icin. “These SAT scores show that with the right support, there is no limit to what students can achieve and unlock for their futures.” SAT scores provide a metric for colleges to evaluate whether students are ready part, by meetings with student groups and data on what sells and doesn’t. “If we try something, we gather data,” he said. “The USDA requires us to keep data on what’s working and what isn’t.” He added, “For late lunches, students should have a full range of choices. We’ll make sure.” Whitsons General Manager Michale DiMascio told the School Committee if a student doesn’t like a meal, they can get another different one. “We’ll communicate that,” he said. Armenti suggested heavier meals might be the best solution. “You’re trying to get those to kids that want to get filled up, but also give kids who want a wrap one,” he said. “You can’t give double portions, so heavier meals are what you’re looking at. That’s the way to do it.” Ward 1 member Margaret Cornelio brought up the subject of scheduling, with some students eating in the late morning before standard lunch time. “Everywhere I’ve been it’s been an issue,” DiMascio confirmed. “That’s on us,” Hart reacted, attributing the problem of some students eating lunch at DISCUSSION | SEE PAGE 10 for college, and often serve as a key component for admissions or merit based scholarships. Recent research found a correlation between higher SAT scores and college success, particularly among high needs students. PCSS prides itself on its Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focused academic program. The goal is to prepare educationally under-resourced students for today’s competitive world. This is achieved by providing students with a rigorous academic curriculum with emphasis on math and science, balanced by a strong foundation in the humanities, a character education program, career-oriented college preparation, and strong student-teacher-parent collaboration. About Pioneer Charter School of Science With schools in Everett (PCSS I) and Saugus (PCSS II), Pioneer Charter School of Science offers a rigorous academic curriculum emphasizing math, science, and analytical thinking skills balanced by a strong foundation in the humanities. The school offers extended days/hours and career-oriented college preparation. Students must pass five math and five science classes to graduate - more than state standards, and students must complete 40 hours of community service. The school has an extended school year, extended days, after-school tutoring, and “voluntary” Saturday classes for students who need extra help. To learn more visit: https:// www.pioneercss.org/.
8 Publizr Home