Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 18, 2026 Secretary Zrike attends first day of full-day Pre-Kindergarten in the EPS Superintendent Hart, district celebrate historic beginning Pictured from left to right: Front row: Ward 2 School Committee Member Joanna Garren, School Committee Vice Chairperson Marcony Almeida Barros, School Committee Chairperson Samantha Hurley, Superintendent William D. Hart, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr., Mayor Robert J. Van Campen and Webster Extension Assistant Principal Laurie Stokes; back row: Asst. Supt. of Teaching, Learning, and Student Success Dr. Margaret Adams, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dennis Lynch and Asst. Supt. of Administration and Finance Chris Barrett. Special to The Advocate M assachusetts Secretary of Education Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr. was on hand to help the Everett Public Schools (EPS) celebrate a historic milestone in early education by attending the district’s first day of full-day Pre-Kindergarten on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Webster Extension. SuJ& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. perintendent of Schools William D. Hart, Assistant Principal Laurie Stokes, School Committee Chairperson Samantha Hurley, Vice Chairperson Marcony Almeida Barros, Ward 2 S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping School Committee Member Joanna Garren and members of the Superintendent’s Central Administration team joined Secretary Zrike in welcoming students, families, faculty and staff to Webster Extension on this historic day. Superintendent Hart, with the full support of the Everett School Committee, has opened the district’s first-ever full-day pre-kindergarten program at the Webster Extension and Adams Schools. The free, full-day option is at full capacity, serving more than 280 students for the 2026-2027 school year. In addition to greeting students as they arrived at school, Secretary Zrike toured Webster Extension and talked to Assistant Principal Stokes and Superintendent Hart about early education and some of the exciting things that are happening in the EPS. The Secretary said he looks forward to helping the EPS close achievement gaps and improve student achievement — goals proven to be supported by fullday pre-kindergarten. Everett High School Varsity Cheerleaders and Crimson Tide Marching Band members joined the festivities, and the facilities team set up a red carpet leading from Broadway to the front door of Webster Extension. Secretary Zrike said he was “so pleased to see so many young learners, to see the cheerleaders, the band — what a festive occasion. Everett does it right on the first day of school for their youngest learners.” Governor Maura Healey appointed Secretary Zrike in February of 2026. He previously led the school districts in Holyoke and Salem, which, like Everett, are Gateway Cities. He also served as a teacher and principal on his ascent to the Secretary’s office. “My thanks to Secretary Zrike for helping us mark this important day,” said Superintendent Hart. “I have no doubt that he left Everett with a strong sense of the welcoming and inclusive environment we create for our students, and an appreciation for the awesome teachers who lead the effort.” With the opening of pre-kindergarten, the EPS has fully begun the 2026-2027 school year across all schools and grade levels.
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