LPS Connector

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ដើម្បីបកប្រែព្រឹត្តិប័ត្រព័ត៌មាន សូមមើលលើផ្នែកខាងស្តាំខាងលើនៃព្រឹត្តិប័ត្រ ព័ត៌មាននេះនូវមធ្យោបាយ ហើយសូមចុចលើជម្រើស" បកប្រែព្រឹត្តិប័ត្រព័ត៌មាន ។

Dear Lowell Public Schools Families,

This time of year, when the weather turns stormy and frigid and we are all spending more time at home, there is nothing better than escaping into a book and letting our imaginations run free (and far away from shoveling).

Whether it’s curling up with a favorite picture book, diving into a new chapter book, exploring a graphic novel, or reading an article together and talking about it, reading helps keep young minds active. Just 15–20 minutes a day can build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and spark new ideas.

For a wide range of books, videos and many more resources, consider a visit to the Pollard Memorial Library - where all are available for free. The library also makes its resources available to download for free so that you don’t even need to leave your home!

As you will see in this newsletter, staff from the library recently visited Lowell High School, where more that 120 students and teachers signed up for a library card. We know they made good use of those privileges during the recent storm!

While reading is a wonderful solo activity, it can also be done together and be a powerful way to connect as a family. Sharing stories, asking questions, and letting children see adults reading for pleasure sends a strong message: reading matters and it is fun - even when you are no longer in school.

As we navigate the messy heart of winter, thank you for continuing to support learning at home in these simple but meaningful ways.

Stay warm, stay safe, and happy reading.

Liam Skinner

Superintendent of Schools

The Lincoln Elementary School held their annual Multicultural

Parade on January 15. This festive celebration, organized by Lincoln Parent Liaison Gretchen Sanchez, gives students the opportunity to show pride in their cultural heritage and share a little something about themselves with their friends. Great job by everyone involved!

Lowell Police Officer Jose Santiago, who has been a School Resource Officer since 1997, retired earlier this month having served on the LPD for 30 years. He will be greatly missed in our schools. Read about him here: https://lpsnotebook.wordpress.com/2026/01/28/thank-you-officer-santiago/

On January 15, LHS Instrumental Music teacher Thomas Burns invited local musician Melvern Taylor in to discuss his experiences working in the music business, providing a first-person insight to students who may be considering a career in the industry. Watch the video below of amazing performance of "Sleepy Eyes:" and his read about his visit here: https://lpsnotebook.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/30-years-of-making-up-songs/

On January 14, WBZ-TV meteorologist Jacob Wycoff visited the STEM Academy 3rd graders as they wrapped up a 9-week unit on weather and climate. Read about it here: https://lpsnotebook.wordpress.com/2026/01/26/weathering-the-storm/

In 2022, in the face of a national teacher shortage and the realization that the best way to cultivate the next generation of diverse teachers is to get students interested in the profession early, Lowell High School and UMass Lowell partnered to create the Education Pathway.

The pathway is an opportunity for students to enroll in a hands-on dual enrollment education course where they earn both high school and college credit as well as real-world classroom experience.

Last Wednesday, the dozen students who took the “Teaching in the Inclusive Classroom” course in the fall semester shared their experiences at a reception at UMass Lowell’s Coburn Hall.

An “inclusive classroom” is an environment where all are welcomed and valued regardless of diversity of learning style, disability, socioeconomic status, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. It is a place where everyone is respected, heard, and part of the community.

“Our students have been incredible this year,” said Cassie McCallum, a Shaughnessy School teacher and UMass Lowell Adjunct Professor, who taught the course and built the Education Pathway with Lowell High School teacher Kendra Bauer. “This class came in with such a desire to learn, a passion for education I have never seen before; some of the best writing, some of the best thinking and it was just so inspiring.”

In addition to classroom course work, which includes teaching methods and anti-bias training, the Lowell High students had the opportunity for observation and lesson planning in classrooms at the Shaughnessy Elementary School. Shaughnessy Principal Dr. Jason McCrevan attended the event to see their final projects (and possibly do some early recruiting).

All of the students said they really enjoyed working with the elementary school students and having that immersive experience gave them a broader appreciation for everything their teachers have done over the years and the amount of work that goes into teaching a lesson and running a classroom, as well as the importance of differentiating teaching tactics to meet the needs and strengths of each student.

“My favorite part of this class is that they get hands-on experience,” said McCallum. “We believe really strongly that we should get early teachers into classrooms as quickly as possible.”

With recruitment for the Pathway’s fifth year on the horizon, McCallum is getting excited about seeing some of the early seeds planted in this program beginning to bear fruit.

“I think about the first cohort we had all those years ago and they are getting ready to graduate college and come get jobs as teachers,” she said. “I think that kind of final moment is so exciting as an education pathway.”

Fueled by pizza and curiosity, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School families jumped into a series of fun STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities on January 21 during the school's annual STEAM Night.

The gym was set up with three different engineering/design activities; LPS Instructional Technology Coach Kara Wilkins was there with her Green Screen to create magical photo memories; families crafted Binary Code bracelets in the cafeteria; and local Neurologist Dr. Kevin Chysna spoke to the students about the different parts of the brain while they created wearable brain maps.

Special thanks to the UMass Lowell soccer players who came out to volunteer at the event!

Earlier this month, three Lowell principals - James Cardaci, Jeff Haines, and Roberta Keefe - headed to the State House for a ceremony honoring the 55 schools named a “School of Recognition” by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

A School of Recognition is one that demonstrates progress toward annual accountability targets, with an emphasis on improved achievement in ELA and Math. Lowell boasted three such schools this year - the Moody Elementary School, Washington Elementary School, and Stoklosa Middle School.

“I’m so proud and grateful for the hard work, passion, and dedication coming from these schools that are being recognized today,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “They reflect what’s possible when our educators, students, families, and communities work together with high expectations and a shared commitment to success.”

Special thanks to State Rep. Vanna Howard for the photos!

On January 13, the Lowell High School cafeteria was buzzing with activity as more than 180 students who had taken Intro to Psychology, Intro to Sociology, or Environmental Studies in the fall through Early College Lowell, presented their capstone research projects.

Early College Lowell is a partnership between Lowell High, Project LEARN, Inc., and Middlesex Community College. The classes give students the opportunity to dive into subjects that interest them, while preparing them for the work that comes with a college course, and giving them the opportunity to earn college credit for free while still in high school.

The students learned how to conduct research, write a research paper, and create a presentation to display their findings. They were all eager to share their knowledge with and educate visitors who came to see their work including our friends from Lowell City Hall, Lowell Public Schools’ Central Office, Middlesex Community College, Project LEARN, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, Elevate New England, Mass Audubon, Lowell Sustainability Council, and Green Dragons Inc, as well as LHS alumni, staff, and families.

The wide range of topics and the depth of their research and knowledge was very impressive. Some of the topics included: Cognitive impairment in serial killers, how the brain responds to fame, the importance of trees in cities to reduce heat islands, improving recycling and waste management in Massachusetts, the toxicity of rubber mulch, the effects of social media on adolescent social connections, the historical and cultural factors of homophobia, imposter syndrome in Asian American students, climate change, trad-wives and household dynamics, artificial intelligence and human connection, society and masculinity, discrimination in the justice system, and much more.

On January 22, Superintendent of Schools Liam Skinner stepped aside for a few hours for a special "Superintendent for a Day" - former Lowell School Committee member Robert Gignac.

Gignac (LHS '07) is one of Skinner's former students. He won the honor in an auction as part of WCAP's Salvation Army Radiothon last month.

Skinner and LHS Head of School Mike Fiato took Gignac on a tour of Lowell High, where they visited classrooms (including that of Giganac's former teacher and LHS legend, Mr. Bolianites), checked out the new Courtyard Restaurant and the Culinary Program's amazing new kitchen; as well as seeing the engineering labs, band room, show choir room, ROTC wing, and the almost-completed Irish Auditorium.

On January 14, the Lowell High School Music Department put on a Winter Music Showcase - giving students who take music classes, but do not participate in band or choir a chance to perform.

Intro to Piano & Theory students:

Alia Berrios (Grade 10) played "Special" by SZA

Kaylee Shirley (Grade 11) played "Hello" by Evanescence

Minda Meas (Grade 10) played "Every Breath You Take," by The Police

Vitor Camilo (Grade 11) and Leonardo De Oliviera (Grade 11), who have taken several music classes and are active in the afterschool Jesus Club, performed "Gratitude" by Brandon Lake annd "I Trust in God."

Also showcased were original compositions created by students enrolled in Evolution of Hip Hop & Music Technology and Engineering including:

Andres Hernandez (Grade 12) - "Jazz Beat"

Anthony Tang (Grade 12) - "Boombap Beat" and "J Dilla Beat"

Dyland Ponce (Grade 10) - "Corazon Sin Cara" Trap Beat

Samuel Rosado (Grade 12)- "Messin Around"

Aden Simari (Grade 11) - "Good Time," "P Griddle," "Evil Lurks," and "By Me Self"

Check out the video to get a taste of the evening. Great job by all!

On January 5 and 15, Pollard Memorial Library staff visited LHS lunches for a library card drive!

PML Teen Librarian Claire Day, LHS Librarian Christin Monaghan, and LHS Community Schools Manager Kate Keefe, collaborated on this event.

More than 120 students and teachers registered for a PML card.

Students also had the opportunity to learn about the Pollard's resources and programming.

On January 22, Lowell High School held their annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

LHS students Parris Mbeca and Mary Olu did a great job emceeing the event. The Black National Anthem was sung beautifully by student Jabari Kamau.

The keynote speaker was attorney and Bedford Selectboard member Terrence Parker, who gave an excellent and timely speech about Dr. King's legacy and the fourth amendment. You can watch the full event here:

Special thanks to STEM Academy Community School Manager Chris Hickey for this post and photos!

On Friday, January 23, twenty 8th grade students from the STEM Academy visited the Cornelius F. Kiernan Judicial Center as the culminating experience of a civics project in Social Studies teacher Kyle Haley’s classroom.

Students were welcomed by Chief Court Officer Dave Cremin and escorted to meet with Associate Justice Stephen Geary. During the visit, students toured the new courthouse, including several courtrooms, holding cells, and other key areas of the building.

As part of their visit, students presented a mock debate, choosing opposing sides of a constitutional argument based on their recent studies of the U.S. Constitution and its foundational documents.

Judge Geary listened to the presentations, shared his insights, and commended the students for their strong preparation, research, and understanding of the material.

Judge Geary also hosted an engaging question-and-answer session, during which students asked thoughtful questions about the judicial process as well as his personal and professional background. Students were especially excited to learn that Judge Geary is a graduate of Lowell High School and a member of a long-standing Lowell family that continues to reside in the city.

This project was a collaboration between 8th grade teacher Kyle Haley and Community School Manager Chris Hickey and provided students with a meaningful real-world connection to their classroom learning. Introducing students to their community and offering enriched learning opportunities such as this are central to the Community Schools model.

Judge Geary is a strong supporter of Lowell Public Schools and believes all students should have opportunities to experience the judicial system firsthand. We are extremely grateful for his time and support in making this visit a valuable and memorable experience for STEM Academy students!

Classroom Quarterback, a partnership between Lowell Public Schools, Inside Lowell, and Wellpoint aims to showcase and honor one LPS teacher each month who goes above and beyond for their students. This month's honoree is McAuliffe Elementary School STEM teacher Jessica Markey. Ms. Markey received a $250 gift card courtesy of Wellpoint. Read about her here: https://insidelowell.com/classroom-quarterback-jessica-markey/

Attention parents of eligible seniors: applications for 2026 Lowell High School Scholarships open Thursday January 29.

In order to be eligible for scholarships, students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and have attended LHS their junior and senior years.

Students who are eligible were invited to a kickoff meeting at school on January 28 and their parents/guardians were informed.

"At Honors Night 2025, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation awarded $671,176 in scholarships from 388 scholarships to 293 students," said Greater Lowell Community Foundation President/CEO Jay Linnehan. "Of the awardees, 49.52 percent of were the first in their family to attend college."

The scholarship application window is open Thursday January 29 through Thursday February 26 (closing online at 11 p.m.)

For more information on this process: https://lhs.lowell.k12.ma.us/departments/student-support-services/scholarship-opportunities

Now is the time to buy an ad in the 2026 Lowell High School yearbook to surprise and delight your favorite senior! To buy an ad go to www.buytheyearbook.com

Registration is now open for Lowell Youth Baseball and Softball! For more information and to register: https://www.lybsl.org

Spring is just around the corner! Registration is now open for the Lowell Baseball February Vacation Clinic for athletes ages 6-13 to be held February 17 - 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at LHS' Riddick Athletic Center. To sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdj8oJqOYQ5JahBAvVd38DNpDQwVfI39UYpqxVNahzG2V4yEw/viewform?pli=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawPdx1ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExdzRqd05CdkVVckNTS1NJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm5MM5EdDWD9QmuGIN-nD1b4WFIlPp1R3J1uDmPyHhFga4VZcT31JzGs-8Ir_aem_7jVcyG1g-4KP9Tz5H_gcGw

Lowell High School needs your help to add to its collection of yearbooks. In 2012, several yearbooks were digitized, providing a great resource for research and a fun time travel portal to see what high school looked like in days of yore. They can be found here: https://archive.org/search?query=%28Lowell%20high%20school%20spindle%29

As part of an ongoing partnership with the Boston Public Library and the Internet Archive, more yearbooks will be digitized - BUT we are missing many years of Spindles!

The years needed are:

1981

1963

1964

1935-1946

1927-1933

1911-1925

1907-1909

Any years prior to 1904

If you have a LHS yearbook from one of those years to donate (the books will be digitized and the hard copies will be added to the collection in Lowell High's Stamas Library for use by students and staff), please contact Christin Monaghan, Library Media Specialist at cmonaghan@lowell.k12.ma.us

Mark your calendars! Preschool and Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year opens on February 2. The School Committee recently approved changes to the enrollment/registration process, which includes going back to holding just one kindergarten lottery. In 2021, we began holding three staggered lotteries in an attempt to level the playing field for those who register later in the spring or summer. However, it created delays in placements and proved to be more of a hindrance than a benefit. In order to be eligible for the lottery you must register by April 3. A summary of changes to the policy can be found here : https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/33755?fileID=89186 Find all the information you need to prepare for registration here: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/registration

📅 Date: February 11, 2026

⏰ Time: 5:30 PM

📍 Location: McAuliffe Elementary School, 570 Beacon Street

❄️ Snow Date: February 25, 2026

During the event, families will have the opportunity to meet school leaders and educators from all 15 Lowell Public Elementary Schools and learn more about preschool, kindergarten, and community programs serving children birth to five.

Families are invited to enjoy a light meal while connecting with our school community and local partner agencies. We hope to see you there!

RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdV1sv1L8_-rOiOJrdm-gF5YjQfq4yA2j2Ov91KSGeBrfiFw/viewform

The following survey is being used by LPS Finance to gather feedback regarding the process of developing the budget. The information from this feedback form will help district leaders finalize how funds will be allocated and make any necessary changes to the budget. The survey will remain open until January 30. https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSez4452iSNJpR.../viewform

Through our relationship with the MA School Mental Health Consortium, we are proud to share a free Caregiver Training on Collaborative Problem Solving from Think:Kids, the organization that supports training and implementation of Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS).

This is a self-paced interactive online training helping to provide the skills and knowledge to best support our children. It is available in English and Spanish. To take the course, visit: https://thinkkids.org/Sel.../Parent-Caregiver-Course-Client/