Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – WEDnESDAy, DECEmbEr 24, 2025 Saugus’ top educator reflects on 2025 “Taken together, these academic, cultural and extracurricular advancements define 2025 as a year of momentum and renewed optimism for Saugus schools and the broader community” By Michael C. Hashem Superintendent, Saugus Public Schools W 2025? hat do you consider the top story in Saugus during It is difficult to believe that another year has passed so quickly. For me, the top story in Saugus during 2025 naturally centers on our schools. Throughout the year, our schools have made meaningful progress in both academics and culture, and, truthfully, we have seen tangible results in both areas. Students now have access to standards-aligned curricula that meet state requirements for high-quality instructional materials. As our staff continues to grow more confident If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available Michael C. Hashem (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) and skilled in using these resources, our students are benefiting from a more equitable and consistently high-quality educational experience across the district. Equally important, if not more so, has been the continued focus on school culture and students’ sense of belonging. Enrichment programming has expanded significantly at the upper elementary and middle school levels, helping students build stronger connections and allowing staff to see students in new and meaningful ways. At the high school level, the emphasis has been on tutoring and academic support, which has been critical to student success. Our athletic program has also been a priority, with a renewed sense of Sachem Pride evident throughout the community. Under the leadership of our athletic director, there has been a strong focus on collaboration between school teams and community teams, reinforcing a true “One Town, One Team” approach. The arts have continued to thrive as well, our drama program shined with its fall production of The Little Mermaid, and one of the most exciting developments this year has been the restoration of the middle-high school band, which has more than tripled in size in just a few months. In addition, the district formed an AI Task Force to thoughtfully explore the integration of artificial intelligence and AI literacy into our educational practices. Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform education in powerful ways—enhancing teaching, personalizing learning, and streamlining administrative tasks so educators can focus more on instruction. When used responsibly, AI can help identify student needs earlier, support differentiated instruction, and provide students with innovative tools to think critically, create, and explore. At the same time, we recognize the challenges related to data privacy, ethics, and equitable access. That is why careful planning and clear policy development are essential. While AI may not yet be the top story of 2025, it will likely become one within the next few years, and we are working proactively to stay ahead of this evolving landscape. Taken together, these academic, cultural, and extracurricular advancements define 2025 as a year of momentum and renewed optimism for Saugus schools and the broader community. TOP EDUCATOR | SEE PAGE 8
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