4

Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 29, 2022 Mayor, Councillors partner for successful Earth Day clothing drive L ast Saturday, Mayor Gary Christenson partnered with Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica and Councillor-at-Large Craig Spadafora to conduct a clothing drive in honor of Earth Day. Residents dropped off more than 3,600 pounds of clothing and textiles to have recycled by the City of Malden’s textile vendor, Helpsy. Not only was keeping these materials out of the waste stream an environmental win, but proceeds from the recycled materials are put directly back into the Malden Public Schools. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 84 percent of these types of items end up in a landfi ll or an incinerator. On average, that works out to about 85 pounds per person each year. As a result, textiles make up more than six percent of all the residential and municipal trash in the United States. For residents who did not have a chance to participate, ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.979 Mid Unleaded $4.259 Super $4.359 Diesel Fuel $5.759 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $7.99 DEF $4.75 9 Diesel $5.549 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? Call Paul at (617) 387-5457 for details. J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. Shown from left to right are Mayor Gary Christenson, Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica, DPW Director Bob Knox and Councillor-at-Large Craig Spadafora. (Photo Courtesy of the City of Malden) you may recycle unwanted textiles year-round by making a home pickup appointment with Helpsy by visiting www. ~ Op-Ed ~ Malden School Committee needs to keep Accelerated Learners Program By Emmy Cerra y wife and I decided to raise our children in Malden not only because of its diversity, but because of its commitment to inclusion. The Malden M Public School mission pledges “a welcoming and inclusive enS 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 vironment for all students to… achieve their academic potential and engage as compassionate global citizens.” So why is the school committee continuing to pause and possibly remove a unique program supporting diverse kids who are able and willing to learn beyond their current grade level? I’m talking about the Academically Enriched and Advanced Program (AEAP), which has been in existence for many years. The program has experienced challenges recently with changing administration, a lack of clear oversight, and removal of bussing, but these concerns can (and should) be addressed as part of policy and shouldn’t overshadow the benefi ts of the program. Why is this program important? Let’s say you’re in third grade but performing at a fi fth grade level. Sure, you may get good grades and sail along, but after a few years of being taught concepts you already know, frustration sets in. Your love of learning fades as you never push the bounds of what you know into the learning zone. The lack of challenge can lead to behavioral issues, anxiety, or the feeling that school is not for you. There are long-term effects of not being challenged as well. How prepared will you be to overcome obstacles later in life if you never had to manage your time, leverage study techniques, solve problems, and be resourceful? The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has recently acknowledged that their historic hands-off approach to these programs may need to change. A report commissioned by DESE concludes that Black, Hispanic, and low-income students are hurt the most when advanced programs aren’t offered. Malden’s AEAP program is exceptional in that it benefi ts diverse and low-income students. Privileged families will fi nd ways to help their kids when public schools don’t. As for the rest, the six hours they attend public school is their only hope to exercise their potential. Even after-school programs are not accessible for the many children who must care for their siblings while their parents work. The AEAP program here in Malden is putting us on the map as innovators among other cities and towns in Massachusetts where programs like these are PROGRAM | SEE PAGE 20 cityofmalden.org/textiles or by calling 800-244-6350. Prices subject to change Ask about our Heating Oil Conditioner! FLEET

5 Publizr Home