Your Local News, Sports and More Online. Scan & Subscribe Here! Vol. 34, No. 50 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday Malden School Committee accepts provisions for new competency determination policy Local initial policy must be in place by end of calendar year in conjunction with new state requirements, which replace MCAS testing mark By Steve Freker T he Malden School Committee voted unanimously Monday night to accept the guidelines for a new competency determination policy for students in their graduation year. The members unanimously accepted the report of the Policy & Procedure Subcommittee. Voting in favor were members Michael Drummey, remotely (Ward 1), Robert McCarthy Jr. (Ward 2), Dawn Macklin, remotely (Ward 4), Elizabeth Hortie (Ward 5), Joseph Gray, remotely (Ward 6), Keith Bernard (Ward 7) and Sharyn Rose-Zeiberg (Ward 8). Rose-Zeiberg led the Policy & Procedure Subcommittee, which came up with the policy particulars, with local reviews mandated to be in place by the end of this month according to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) . The DESE Competency Determination is MasPROVISIONS | SEE PAGE 12 The Malden School Committee on Monday night approved initial steps for a framework of a competency determination plan, which will be used in conjunction with guidelines established by the Mass. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for high school graduation requirements. (Courtesy Photo) Santa Claus is coming to town – he’s moved to “Santa’s Barn” at Pine Banks 617-387-2200 Friday, December 12, 2025 Winter Concert Celebrates the Spirit of the Season in Malden Performances by Mystic Side Opera Company had Something for Everyone L ocal residents came together at the Malden Public Library’s Ryder Galley last Sunday for a shared holiday tradition – the annual winter concert, which celebrates the magic of the season and the diversity of the local community. Malden's Mystic Side Opera Company performed winter-themed arias and duets from classic operas and operCONCERT | SEE PAGE 8 Mezzo/Soprano Natalja Sticco and tenor Brian Landry are shown performing during the Winter Concert at the Malden Public Library’s Ryder Galley last Sunday. Celebrating a Century! Special to The Advocate F ormer longtime Malden resident Beverly McMillan recently celebrated 100 years young! Mayor Gary Christenson surprised her with a Citation in recognition of her milestone birthday. Beverly is extremely proud of her two children, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Beverly credits “always having good thoughts” for her long, happy and healthy life. (Courtesy photo) C ome and visit Santa’s new location at Pine Banks Park! Santa Claus will once again take time out of his busy schedule at the North Pole to visit Pine Banks Park, tomorrow, Saturday, December 13 from 1-4:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus are excited to welcome the children of Malden and Melrose for his 76th annual visit in his new larger “barn” location adjacent to the baseball field. SANTA CLAUS | SEE PAGE 5 Beverly McMillan and Mayor Gary Christenson (Courtesy photo)
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