News Briefs

Voters Say Yes to New Metro Tech Vocational School

Superintendent David DiBarri, on behalf of the Northeast Metropolitan Vocational Technical School Committee, releases the following statement:

“We are deeply grateful to the voters in our 12 sending communities for their participation in Tuesday’s vote, their collective support of a new school building, and for securing a vision for a 21st-century career technical education that will position our students for success after graduation.

“Input from the Northeast community has been an integral part of this process. School officials, construction experts, and School Committee and Building Committee members from all 12 communities worked diligently to create a proposal that reflects that community feedback, and respects the cost to taxpayers.

“Our work is just beginning. We welcome community feedback as we refine this project, and look forward to the day we celebrate a new chapter for Northeast Metro Tech.”

Winthrop’s 2022 Republican Convention Delegate Selection

The Winthrop Republican Town Committee will be selecting delegates for the 2022 Republican State Convention. The selection process will take place on February 15, 2022 at 7:00pm at the Winthrop Senior Center. The State Convention is where candidates are nominated to participate in the November election.

All Winthrop residents are eligible to become a delegate to the Republican State Convention as long as that individual is a Registered Republican in Winthrop by December 31, 2021 or May 21, 2021 if that individual was a member of another political party. Winthrop will select 18 delegates for the Convention by a voting process by the WRTC. The Republican State Convention will be held in Springfield on May 21, 2022.

Winthrop Republicans who wish to participate in the process and would like an opportunity to be a delegate to the Republican State Convention are encouraged to attend the meeting. If interested in participating, please notify the committee by calling Republican State Committeeman Paul Ronukaitus at 617-846-9331 or emailing to [email protected] by February 10.

What: Caucus to elect delegates

When: Tuesday February 15, 2022

Snow Date: Tuesday February 22

Where: Winthrop Senior Center on Harvard Street

Time: 7:00pm

MVES Seeks Donations of New Blankets

With winter upon us and plenty of cold weather still ahead, Mystic Valley Elder Services is seeking donations of new blankets, all sizes, for its Emergency Closet.  The Emergency Closet provides its care managers who work with low-income older adults and people with disabilities a place to access not only new blankets but new towels, new sheets, toiletries, and large print puzzle books for their consumers who need them. Having these items in the agency immediately available can make a huge difference in someone’s life and they depend solely on donations.

If you are interested in donating blankets to the Emergency Closet, please contact the Mystic Valley Elder Services Development office at 781-324-7705 or [email protected].

SJC Further Pauses Jury Trials

The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) issued an order extending the current pause on all jury trials in Massachusetts state courthouses for an additional two weeks, until February 14, 2022. All courts otherwise remain open for in-person business, with a continued emphasis on conducting matters remotely whenever possible.

“While we are encouraged by the trend in COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth, the additional two week pause on jury trials is necessary to protect the health and safety of all who enter and work in our courthouses,” said Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd. “Assuming the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline as expected, we do not anticipate any further pause beyond February 14. As throughout the pandemic, however, all plans and expectations regarding the resumption of jury trials may be adjusted at any time in the ongoing effort to balance the safety of court users and personnel with the fundamental constitutional right to a trial by jury.”     

Today’s order partially amends the existing order regarding court operations during the pandemic, which was issued by the SJC on July 1, 2021, and supersedes a prior amendment issued on December 31, 2021.

Baker Proclaims “Massachusetts School Choice Week”

 â€œIt is important for parents in Massachusetts to explore and identify the best education options available to their children,” reads a proclamation just issued by Gov. Charlie Baker, recognizing this Jan. 23-29 as “Massachusetts School Choice Week.”

Gov. Baker’s proclamation highlights the importance of Massachusetts’ diverse educational environments, dedicated teaching professionals, and commitment to continuously improving the quality of K-12 education. In issuing the proclamation, Gov. Baker joined more than a dozen other governors and more than 300 city and county leaders nationwide who have proclaimed School Choice Week in their territories. 

For Massachusetts School Choice Week, community members have planned 432 events and activities across the state, including rallies, discussions, school open houses, and more.

These activities aim to spread information about school types and learning opportunities, bringing encouragement and information as families school search. More than half of American families are considering, or have considered in the last year, choosing a new or different school. 

More than 26,000 events have been independently planned for the public awareness effort nationwide, which is celebrated by all types of schools. 

“Massachusetts has many excellent schools to celebrate, and families are using the opportunity this January to look for learning opportunities and support in finding the best fit for them,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “We appreciate Gov. Baker proclaiming the Week and recognizing the importance of every child having access to effective options.” 

National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective K-12 education options for children. As a not-for-profit effort, the Week focuses equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options. Every January, participants plan tens of thousands of events and activities –– such as school fairs, open houses, and student showcases –– to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. Year-round, National School Choice Week develops resources and guides to assist families searching for schools or learning environments for their children. The effort is nonpolitical and nonpartisan and does not advocate for legislation.

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