THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 30, 2026 Page 9 Massachusetts students share STEM research with lawmakers at State House Day PCSS i student receives citations from State Senate and House of Representatives Pioneer Charter School of Science Teacher Suzanne Stickley. (Courtesy photo) Special to The Advocate AN OFFICIAL CITATION: From left to right: Pioneer Charter School of Science Teacher Suzanne Stickley, Mokkshita Arun, Senator Sal DiDomenico Pioneer Charter School of Science CEO Dr. Barish Icin. (Courtesy photo) O n Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF) State House Day, students from 12 Massachusetts schools brought their independent science and engineering research to the State House, presenting their projects and showing what can be achieved when young people have the opportunity and support. Mokkshita Arun, a student at Pioneer Charter School of Science in Everett, presented her research project, Improving Hearing Loss Using Tactile Sound, to the legislators, including Senator Sal DiDomenico. Hosted by MSEF in partnership with Representative Ken Gordon, who is the House Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education, the event took place during Massachusetts STEM Week. The students discussed opportuBUDGET | FROM PAGE 7 bill would require the disclosure of AI use in political advertisements and would ban deceptive communications about a candidate or about the electoral process within three months of an election. ● Authorizes online lottery revenues to be distributed to the Early Education Grant Fund. ● Increases the MassachuMokkshita Arun and Senator Sal DiDomenico. (Courtesy photo) nities to bring independent STEM research into more classrooms. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez addressed students, legislators and guests about the importance of hands-on STEM learning in building confidence and preparing students for their futures. setts School Building Authority’s grant limit from $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion and permits up to 10 percent in additional grants above that limit each fiscal year ● Directs remaining excess capital gains tax revenue to two funds: 85 percent to the Transitional Escrow Fund, which is estimated at $207.7M, and 15 percent to the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund, which is estimated MSEF provides teacher training, resources and ongoing guidance for a year-long research journey. Students identify questions they care about, design investigations, analyze data and communicate their findings, culminating in school, regional and State Fairs. In 2026, MSEF reached more than 6,000 students across 229 schools. at $36.6M. ● Eliminates the $10 surcharge imposed on car-sharing organization rentals ● Ratifies two additional collective bargaining agreements ● Preserves revenue generated under the federal 340B drug program for hospitals and community health centers until MassHealth secures certain federal expenditure approvals. From left to right: Pioneer Charter School of Science CEO Dr. Barish Icin, Mokkshita Arun and Senator Sal DiDomenico. (Courtesy photo) Mokkshita Arun and Senator Sal DiDomenico. (Courtesy photo)
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