Schools

MassBay College Providing Free Computer & Technology Education Courses

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MassBay Community College Wellesley Hills campus, Wellesley Hills, MA, September 2022 (Photo/MassBay Community College). The following announcement was provided by MassBay Community College:

Students new to MassBay will have the opportunity to take advantage of the Bridge to IT Careers by taking computer and technology courses at MassBay for free. Thanks to a three-year, $300,000 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, MassBay will provide unemployed and underemployed workers with education and training in the area of computers and technology. Students can take the following classes for free: Computers & Technology, which is offered in the spring 2023 semester; CompTIA A+ certification, an entry into information technology offered in fall 2023; and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the entire Microsoft suite, which will be available every semester through the College’s Corporate Partnerships & Workforce Development Division. These courses provide students with a bridge to a career in computers or technology, and a foundation to pursue a certificate or associate degree in computer science, computer information systems, cybersecurity, and several other programs. 

“We are extremely grateful for this grant and for the support from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development,” said MassBay President David Podell.

Schools

Watertown High Class of 1964 Looking at Holding 60th Reunion

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The Watertown High School Class of 1964 sent out the following announcement:

Happy New Year 1964 WHS Classmates! We’re in the very initial stages of determining whether there’s enough interest to plan for our 60th class reunion in 2024? An email (whs1964reunion@yahoo.com) has been created to let us know of your interest in attending. When emailing us, please provide the best contact information and if your name has changed, please advise what your name was while at WHS. If you’re still in touch with former classmates who may not see this notice, please inform them of this event.

Schools

Watertown Students Earn Academic Honors at Bridgton Academy

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The following information was provided by Bridgton Academy:

Bridgton Academy faculty, administrators, and students began the second semester by celebrating scholarly excellence and dedication among the Class of 2023. The Academy community gathered for an uplifting evening awards ceremony, during which students who attained honors (3.0 – 3.25 GPA), high honors (3.26 – 3.74 GPA), and highest honors (3.75-4.0 GPA) were recognized. Bridgton faculty also had the opportunity to recognize a student in each class whose unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge made a tangible, positive impact in the classroom and among peers. Dean of Academics Jamie Izaryk remarked that this ceremony is one of her favorite events of the year, as it presents an occasion for the Bridgton community to recognize student successes, not just as students, but also as people. Mrs. Izaryk notes, “Most of these students are selected for more than just successful final exams, lab reports, and well-executed written assignments.

Schools

Construction Underway at Temporary High School Site at Moxley Field

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Public Schools, and was part of the Superintendent’s Update:

Construction activity is picking up at Moxley Field, the temporary Watertown High School site beginning next school year. Crews are preparing the property for the installation of the modular buildings, which is expected to begin in January. The new modular high school will house the entire Watertown High School population while the new school building is under construction. Construction is taking place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Deliveries to the site will not be permitted during Middle School morning dropoff and afternoon pickup to minimize disruption in the neighborhood. You can watch the most recent community forum on the Moxley construction efforts here and view a detailed presentation on the project timeline below.

Schools

Former Watertown Teacher Earns Statewide Award for Work in Weston Schools

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Phil Oates

Phil Oates, a former Watertown Middle School teacher and interim principal at Lowell School, received an honor from the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association for his work as assistant principal at Weston Middle School. He lives in Watertown. The Weston Public Schools published the following announcement:

We are thrilled to announce that our own Mr. Phil Oates has won the MSAA Assistant Principal of the Year Award for 2023! Please join the entire WMS community in congratulating Phil on this amazing accomplishment. The Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association announced today that Mr. Philip Oates, Assistant Principal of Weston Middle School, has been selected as this year’s Assistant Principal of the Year. Phil has served at the Middle School for the past six years. Phil graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Sciences in Mathematics.

Schools

Former Basketball Star Tells WHS Students How Drugs Ruined His Career & His Work to Prevent Substance Abuse

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Charlie BreitroseFormer basketball star Chris Herren spoke to Watertown High School students about the pitfalls of drinking and drug use. The entire student body recently squeezed into the Watertown High School gymnasium to hear the story of a basketball superstar from Massachusetts whose career was derailed by his need to drug use problems.

Chris Herren starred at Durfee High School in Fall River before heading to Boston College and Fresno State. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets, and then was traded to his hometown team: the Boston Celtics. But while it appeared his career was on the rise, his personal life was crashing. Now Herren spends 220 days a year visiting schools, sports teams, and other groups to tell his story, and the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol.

Schools

Nine Watertown Students Earn Honors at BC High School

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Boston College High School provided the following announcement:

The following students have been named to the First Quarter Honor Roll at Boston College High School:

·       Rory Kennelly, High Honors (Class of 2023)

·       Koji Obara, High Honors (Class of 2023)

·       James O’Connor, High Honors (Class of 2023)

·       Isaac Campolongo, High Honors (Class of 2024)

·       Emiliano Pedroza, High Honors (Class of 2025)

·       Mason Lombard, Honors (Class of 2023)

·       William MacKerron, Honors (Class of 2025)

·       Owen Driscoll, Honors (Class of 2026)

·       Alexander Podgoretsky, Honors (Class of 2026)

For High Honors a Sophomore, Junior, and Senior must have at least a 3.80 quality point average and all grades “C+” or higher. Freshmen need a 3.6 quality point average and all grades “C+” or higher. For Honors a Sophomore, Junior, and Senior must have at least a 3.20 quality point average and all grades “C-” or higher. Freshmen need a 3.165 quality point average and all grades “C-” or higher. About Boston College High School

Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men in grades 7 to 12.

Schools

Watertown Student Honored by Salem State for Academics & Engagement

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The following announcement was provided by Salem State University:

Student Success and the First Year Experience office at Salem State University recently inducted 33 outstanding sophomore students into Alpha Omega Psi, an honor society for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and engagement at the university. During their first-year, these students participated in the Salem State University Emerging Scholars Program and successfully completed all requirements while maintaining a commitment to their academic success. Emerging Scholars participants are paired with graduate student success coaches and participate in a variety of guided sessions and focused programs throughout their first year. The program is designed to build students’ academic and life skills. 

The induction ceremony included Emerging Scholars success coaches Rashid Abuelmaali and Carolyn Tracy as well as Emerging Scholars program coordinator, Ashely Figueroa and assistant director Megan Wigton. An inspiring keynote address was given by Assistant Dean of Student Success and the First Year Experience Mathew Chetnik and a virtual greeting was offered by Assistant Vice President Lee Brossoit. Inductees received a formal certificate and a medallion to wear as part of their commencement regalia when they graduate. Chetnik notes, “Emerging Scholars provides students an opportunity to take ownership of their college experience while taking advantage of a coach whose sole focus is to motivate and guide them on that journey. While college can be hectic, these students completed all required sessions and were able to demonstrate a strong academic record at the end of their first year.”

Tracy states, “The students in this program showed up and engaged, even during a pandemic. They persevered to meet the requirements and we are so proud of their efforts. I have no doubt that with their dedication and academic success, they will do well in their future endeavors.”

The Emerging Scholars Program is one of many initiatives at Salem State University designed to connect first-year students with supports which assists them in achieving success on their journey towards college completion.