SPS District Newsletter

Prekindergarten students get excited about recess

Ms. Berke pointing to text in a classroom with 2nd graders

SPS Educator Awarded Fulbright Scholarship

Congratulations to East Somerville Community School's Eleanor Berke! One of our English as a Second Language Specialists, she earned a spot in the competitive Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program. Ms. Berke will take an online course that culminates in a 2 to 3 week field study at a school in one of several countries. The Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX.

Jenn in front of sign, holding certificate

SPS Administrator Named Distinguished Latino Leader

Congratulations Jennifer Ochoa! Jenn is a dedicated social worker in our Basic Needs and Housing Support Department and was selected as one of the distinguished Latino leaders from across the Commonwealth. She was honored at the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus’ celebration, Latino Excellence on the Hill, at the State House. They recognized her "outstanding and transformational work of Latinos throughout Massachusetts."

SHS Earns Decennial Accreditation

Somerville High School received continued Accreditation in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in June 2025. You can read the school's achievements and goals in a 44-page report, submitted as part of earning the Decennial Accreditation. “This report reflects the talent and the hard work of the entire staff at Somerville High School,” said principal Alicia Kersten, in response to the overwhelmingly positive report. Thank you to all the administrators and educators who worked together toward this achievement. Read more.

Dear SPS Community,

Somerville Public Schools value the strong diversity that is reflected throughout our vibrant city. With as many as 50 languages spoken within our student population, we cherish the many cultures and ethnic backgrounds that enrich our community.

This fall, we mark a very special time for those in our school community who are of Jewish faith. Rosh Hashanah was celebrated this month to reflect the start of the Jewish new year, and Yom Kippur - considered the holiest day of the high holidays - begins at sundown on October 1. We extend our best wishes to our Jewish friends for a meaningful time of reflection and spiritual renewal.

We also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, an important opportunity to recognize and honor the many contributions of the Latino community to our society, culture, and history. Nearly 40% of our students come from Hispanic backgrounds, enriching our classrooms with their diverse experiences, traditions, and perspectives.

This month serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the strength we gain from our diversity and the importance of fostering a community where all students feel seen, valued, and supported. In today’s climate, our commitment to expression and inclusion has never been more important.

As we continue to strive for greater unity and safety, my hope is that you also find joy in celebrating these holidays and in sharing meaningful moments with your friends, family, and neighbors.

With gratitude,

Dr. Rubén Carmona

Superintendent of Schools

As a follow-up to the Superintendent's message on September 11, the district is reaffirming our commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for all.

Please read our complete SPS statement on expression and inclusion regarding what this means in practice, particularly in school settings.

Dr. Carmona speaks with students in math class at SHS

Any activities listed below are free, unless otherwise indicated.

New Productions at the Highlander Theatre Company

Monday, September 29, 5:30 p.m. in the Highlander Auditorium at 81 Highland Avenue. Families and students are invited to a presentation about the SPS 2025-2026 theatre season on how students, volunteers, and parents can get involved. The Highlander Theatre Company produces several shows every year with Somerville High School and SPS middle grades students. Be sure to check out the website (with a new and improved ticketing system) to learn more about their season: www.highlandertheatre.org

Tufts Community Day

Saturday, October 5, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Academic Quad at Tufts University. Tufts' annual Community Day with children's activities, live performances, a free raffle. Find out more.

Multilingual Learner Parent Advisory Council Meeting

Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 6–7:30 p.m. at 50 Cross Street. The Multilingual Learner Parent Advisory Council (MLPAC) is a group of parents and guardians who discuss the social and academic needs of multilingual learners. Everyone is welcome. Dinner and childcare provided at each meeting. Three more meetings are scheduled for January 13, April 7, and May 19, 2026.

Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting

Tuesday, October 7, 7:00—8:30 p.m., online. SEPAC (Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Council) is hosting a workshop called Mass Advocates for Children: Basic Rights in Special Education. It will be an overview of special education law that addresses legal standards, the special education process, parent and student participation rights, and evaluation rights. Register and learn more at this link.

Child Find Screenings: Free for Somerville residents ages 3–5 years

Thursday, October 9, 8:30–11:30 a.m., Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen Street. Somerville Public Schools is offering free preschool and kindergarten screenings for young children residing in Somerville who are not enrolled in our schools. Screenings are a way to assess children’s developmental progress and identify children who may need further evaluation for special education services. There are two additional screening dates on January 13, 2026 and March 26, 2026. Learn more and register.

Information Sheets for Every SPS School

Check out the one-page information sheets for families with key contacts for every district school: Argenziano, Brown, Capuano, ESCS, Healey, Kennedy, Winter Hill, WSNS, NWFC, SHS: Elm Community, SHS: Beacon Community, SHS: Highland Community, SHS: Broadway Community Please feel free to reach out with questions to your child's school liaison.

#ICYMI Watch it on Somerville EdTV

School concerts, graduation ceremonies, and athletic events are all available to watch online through the City Cable Department's https://www.youtube.com/@SomervilleEdTV channel.

Attend a School Committee Meeting

Dates and times for school committee meetings are listed on the SPS district website calendar. Visit the School Committee website for information and find meeting details on the City of Somerville Events page.

SPS District Newsletter