Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 6, 2022 Malden School Committee votes to retain, revamp academic enrichment learning program Steps being taken to ensure equitable access districtwide moving forward Special to the Advocate The Malden School Committee Monday night voted 7-2 to retain and revisit the Academically Enriched and Advanced Program (AEAP), often referred to as the “gifted” program at the Linden S.T.E.A.M. Academy in Malden. The vote came after another regular meeting prefaced by a lengthy public comment period where parents and students spoke for and against the longtime program. Students would take a placement test to be administered into the class, with the first slots opening in first grade and running up to eighth grade. The program was sited at the Linden S.T.E.A.M. Academy and many of the students participating came from that school. At the beginning of the pandemic, in March 2020, the School Committee voted to halt the application process for the program citing a need to reLawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY Call for a Quote 617-387-7466 Or email Rocco@sabatino-ins.com We cover: * Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available The Malden School Committee voted to retain and revise the Academically Enriched and Advanced Program (AEAP) for students in grades 1-8. From left, School Committee members Rob McCarthy Jr. (Ward 2), Adam Weldai (Vice Chairperson, Ward 5), Dawn Macklin (Ward 4), Sharyn Rose Zeiberg (Ward 8), Mayor Gary Christenson (Chairperson), Jennnifer Spadafora (Ward 3), Joseph Gray (Ward 6), Michael Drummey (Ward 1) and Keith Bernard (Ward 7).(Courtesy/City of Malden) view both that process and the overall program. This vote came after consultation with Schools Supt. John Oteri. At Monday's meeting, Ward 3 School Committee member Jennifer Spadafora gave a committee report from the School Committee's Equity Committee, which includes members Keith Bernard (Ward 7) and Dawn Macklin (Ward 4). The committee's recommendation was that the program be retained and expanded in the sense that it would be mandated that applications for spots in the programs would be actively sought from all five of Malden Public Schools' K-8 schools. Additionally, all applications would be delivered to and processed at the Malden Welcome Center and acceptances and assignments would be made from that office.Also, brothers and sisters of students in the program would not automatically be included in the program, as had been referenced in the past. Spadafora said "a lot of work and many hours" had been put into the discussions and report of the subcommittee and that she and her colleagues were appreciative of all the public input they had received, as School Committee members, through phone calls, emails and text messages. "We all want a policy that is fair, equitable and has academic value and support for the families in our district," Spadafora said. "We think the committee's recommendations will put us on that path." The April School Committee meeting featured a near-marathon stream of public comment speakers, most in favor of retaining the AEAP program, over two hours worth of speakers. On Monday night, School Committee chairperson and Mayor Gary Christenson limited the comment period to 30 minutes and about 12 speakers appeared, with mixed opinions as to retaining or ceasing the program. Since an earlier recommendation had already been received to cease the program, a formal vote had to be taken on that and it failed 9-0. A subsequent vote of 7-2 approved the newest recommendation by the committee to revise the operating tenets of the AEAP program. Members Rob McCarthy Jr. (Ward 2) and Joseph Gray (Ward 6) voted against the recommendation. All other members and chairperson Mayor Gary Christenson voted in favor. Good Samaritan helps apprehend Amazon thief By Christopher Roberson http://www.sabatino-ins.com SABATINO 564 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-7466 Hours of Operation are: Mondays - Fridays 9am to 5pm Saturdays by appointment only W hile working at his family’s restaurant, Habesha, Yosef Tesfaye looked up on the afternoon of April 28 to find Michael Cunha, 42, of Somerville, fleeing from police after allegedly stealing an Amazon van loaded with packages. According to Malden Police, Cunha gained access to the open vehicle at the intersection of Bickford Road and Main Street. After driving “several blocks,” police said, Cunha got out of the van and fled on foot. That was when he encountered Tesfaye, who knew that Cunha was not in the neighborhood to enjoy the restaurant’s Ethiopian cuisine. After learning from the Amazon driver that Cunha had stolen the vehicle, Tesfaye pursued Cunha himself and tackled him to the ground. Although Cunha was able to get away from Tesfaye, police, with assistance from K9 Mattis, located him 40 minutes later and took him into custody. No injuries were reported. Cunha was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation before appearing in Medford District Court on April 29. Although Cunha pleaded not guilty, prosecutors maintained that he was carrying a knife and an air pistol when he stole the Amazon vehicle. Cunha is being held on $5,000 cash bail and has been charged with carjacking. Under state law, if convicted, Cunha could face up to 15 years in prison.
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