THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 10, 2023 Page 5 ~ Letter to the Editor ~ School Committee Votes to Retire AEAP program T his month the School Committee voted to “retire” the AEAP program of studies. I thank everyone, who came along on this ride with me of supporting the AEAP or Gifted program in Malden. Some background on the program from former Linden principal Richard Bransfield: “The Linden School opened in September of 2001 and was one of Malden’s theme based and technology focused schools. The theme of the school was the Communications, Humanities and Multi-Media and Magnet/Gifted Education.” More than a decade ago, this is what the attempt was according to the same documentation provided by Bransfield: “We will offer Pre-Advanced Placement opportunities to further challenge our middle school students by providing a rigorous curriculum and instruction to prepare them for advanced classes in high school.” Keeping this brief. The main thrust of this month’s work was this key new resolution of the School Committee in 2023: “The Malden School Committee recommends the retirement of the current AcceleratJoseph Gray Ward 6 School Committee Member ed and Enriched Academic Program (A.E.A.P.) to be replaced with a method and/or program that better meets the needs of the students of Malden Public Schools.” I voted against this resolution to end the program. We are entering into a new era as values and focus has shifted over these past two decades away from much of the original Gifted/AEAP intent. So, I apologize, that I could not do more to steer the situation to engineer a continuation of a Gifted/AEAP program for another generation of children. Going forward, I will help steer MHS Class of 2024 hosts 83rd Annual Junior Varieties show tonight ‘A Nightmare on Salem Street’ debuts at 7:00 tonight at Jenkins Auditorium and guide the new programs being spun up to lead our city’s children into the new century. I will help assist with the new pre-high school Honors program. And I will work as hard as ever to make our Malden Public Schools the best in the state. No river too wide, no mountain too high, no goal too far to keep striving to make our Malden children the best. Sincerely, Joseph Gray Ward 6 School Committee Member Great Print & Online Advertising Rates! Call 617-387-2200 for more info! Everett, MA 617-202-8259 * We work with most Fuel Assistance programs “We’re accepting new customers, no experience necessary” “Aceptamos Nuevos clientes no se necesita experiencia.” ~ Hablamos Española ~ 50 Gallon Minimum (Surcharge Applys) Major Credit Cards Accepted Scan our QR Code WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $2,200 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $2,200 Household of 1 = $42,411 Household of 2 = $55,461 Household of 3 = $68,511 Household of 4 = $81,561 Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is April 30, 2023 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Shown above selling tickets at the school this week, pictured from left to right, are Malden High School Class of 2024 President Meki Abel, along with Junior Varieties Co-Coordinators Erickah Macharia and Tyler Edmond. (Steve Freker Photo) T ickets are going fast for tonight’s 83rd Annual Junior Varieties talent show at Malden High School’s Jenkins Auditorium. Curtain is at 7:00 p.m. A second show will be hosted tomorrow evening, Saturday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284
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