Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 19, 2025 PROTECTIONS | FROM PAGE 4 state law. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Senator Payano, and my colleagues for their work getting this essential policy passed into law.” “It doesn’t matter what language you speak or where you are from—if you are a Massachusetts resident and a K-12 student, you have the right to the resources you need to get a good education,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “President Trump is taking away opportunities for students because of the language they speak. In Massachusetts, we will protect our students, and we will not back down from this bully.” “As someone who came to this country as an English learner at a young age, I know fi rsthand the challenges students and families face when language becomes a barrier to receiving a quality education,” said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence) — lead sponsor of the legislation in the Senate. “Every student deserves the tools to succeed, no matter the language they speak at home. By codifying these rights into state law, we are sending a clear message that Massachusetts will continue to support all our students and their families regardless of their immigration status or English language profi ciency.” Key protections now enshrined in Massachusetts Law · Codifi es 2015 federal guidance ensuring that schools meet the needs of English learners with disabilities, whose educational supports too often go unmet. · Requires that school interpreters be fl uent in both languages and trained in ethics, confidentiality and educational terminology, so families are not forced to rely on untrained employees or unqualifi ed interpreters. · Preserves federal protections that prevent students from being unfairly disciplined or excluded when behaviors are directly tied to their disability, while still ensuring safety for all · Explicitly affi rms the right to public education in Massachusetts for all children, regardless of disability or immigration status, strengthening state nondiscrimination law and aligning it with the Supreme Court’s 1982 decision in Plyler v. Doe. BATHROOM POLICY | FROM PAGE 1 rooms during class time,” Hart said at the School Committee meeting on Monday, September 15. “Students can go if needed at other times.” Bathrooms will have locked grates because they have no doors, but bathrooms are available in the nurse’s offi ce and on the bottom fl oor of the school at all times, but students must adhere to the “10-10” rule, under which the bathrooms are locked during the fi rst and last 10 minutes of 80-minute classes. Outside of those times, they are unlocked and accessible. Bathrooms on the fi rst fl oor will be open throughout the day, and at least one set of bathrooms will be open on each fl oor during lunch. Bathrooms in the nurse’s offi ce are also open. If a student needs to use the A rare opportunity for first-time homebuyers to own an affordable condo in Malden! o own an affordable Affordable Homes for Sale in Malden! omes alden!!n!ldeenalden omes alden! ome Scan QR to apply APPLY ONLINE OR IN PERSON How to apply www.tndinc.org 4 Gerrish Ave Rear, Chelsea, MA 02150 Applications also available by mail or email. WHO CAN APPLY: First-Time Homebuyers Meet income & asset limits (see AMI chart) Assets must be under $75K for 80% AMI households. Assets must be under $150K for 100% AMI households. Restrictions Apply – Units have resale and use restrictions Questions or Accommodations? Call Winn Management: 617-884-0692 | TTY: 800-439-2370 CHECK INCOME LIMITS & PRICES BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE Please note: Deadline: Must be postmarked by October 2, 2025 mes 5 Newly Built Affordable Condos rdable Condos AVAILABLE BY LOTTERY pply APPLICATION PERIOD: Dates July 7, 2025 - October 2, 2025 INFO SESSIONS Where: Malden City Hall August 5, 2025 6PM September 4, 2025 6PM Lottery Date Thursday, October 16, 2025 (Attendance not required) bathroom during the locked periods they can ask their teacher to contact an administrator to unlock it or ask for assistance from a staff member near the bathroom to unlock it. “If students need to get to one right away, we’ll open it up,” Braga said. The policy was recommended last year by former Principal Dennis Lynch, who is now the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, to ensure student safety and ease transitions. “We decided to do this after looking at school safety in other districts,” Hart said. Hart thinks the policy will decrease use of the bathrooms as places where students gather, slowing them down on the way to classes and lowering damage. “We spent $40,000 on broken toilets and sinks at the High School last year,” he reported. “It helps during transition time,” Braga added. He also said adjustments may be made over the course of the school year, including if the 10-10 rule should be a shorter or longer time. Other business In other business, Hart introduced new General Counsel 272 Cross Street LLC and Winn Management do not discriminate because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, handicap, disability, national origin, genetic information, ancestry, children, familial status, marital status or public assistance recipiency in the sale or transfer of apartment units, buildings, and related facilities, including land that they own or control. Visit Our Website for more info www.tndinc.org Equal Housing Opportunity Brackett Smith to the School Committee. Smith just moved to the area from Washington, D.C., where he worked in various state local and local government agencies. He is a graduate of American University in Washington and the West Virginia University College of Law. He is pursuing a license to practice law in the state while he is practicing under a license from Washington. “I’m happy to be here with you all,” he said. “I look forward to working with you.” The School Committee also met new Student Representative senior Emma Perry, who succeeds Kelly St. Fort and is also Treasurer of the Class of 2026 and captain of the varsity cheerleaders. “We’ve had a great start for the school year,” she reported. ”Although we miss Mr. Lynch and [retired assistant principal] John Sutera, we welcome Dr. Braga and vice principals Mr. [Rob] DiLoreto and Karen Hughes.” She also thanked the Guidance Department for their work in helping students transition to new grades and transferring classes when necessary, and reported that representatives from Virginia Tech University were at the High School. School Committee member Robin Babcock said she’s known Perry since she was fi ve. “I’ve watched her grow up and she’s a great speaker,” she said. “I’m sure she’ll give all students a tremendous voice,” Hart added. In Public Comment at the beginning of the meeting, Everett Teachers Association president and Parlin School teacher Kimberly Auger thanked Hart and the School Committee for “an amazing start of the school year. Our students were able to have an amazing fi rst two weeks of school. It takes a village. We all worked hard to put it together, and our buildings were ready for us and the administrators welcomed us with open arms. I look forward to an amazing year.” ADVOCATE ONLINE: www.advocatenews.net
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