Bronco Bulletin

Happy February Vacation - 2/16 - 2/20! See everyone Monday, February 23, 2026.

The Fine Art Department is excited to announce our upcoming Art Show on April 30th, from 6-8pm at The Mill Contemporary Art studios in Saxonville (Framingham). We hope you will join us for an evening of Art and Community, and celebrate our incredibly talented students' hard work. More details to come, but we hope to see you there!

Reserve your spot today with the link below.

How to add money to your myschoolbucks account: see the attached document from our Food Service Department

The Design & Visual Communications juniors extended a helping hand to the Natick Service Council by donating their time and effort to begin painting a mural for Harriet’s Closet, a community thrift store. They were supported by the Carpentry shop, which set up scaffolding to help them safely reach higher areas.

Last week, students completed feeding as well as foot care, and attended clinical orientation at Royal Health Care in Wayland. They are very eager and excited to start their clinical rotation.

Health Careers Sophomores first day of clinical!

The Cosmetology Department is proud to announce that our Faith Arena has taken and passed the State board exam, and is now a licensed Cosmetologist for the state of Massachusetts!!! Congratulations Faith!!

Grade 10 Dental Assisting students working hard this week on composite (white) fillings, lab work and retainers!

On Wednesday February 11th sophomore Horticulture students helped out with winter pruning at the Community Harvest Project's apple orchard in Harvard, MA. Community Harvest Project is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to addressing food insecurity through sustainable farming practices and community engagement. Fruit and produce produced on their farms are distributed to food pantries throughout greater Boston.

On Thursday February 5th Junior Horticulture students attended the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association's Green Industry Winter Forum and Trade Show in Marlborough. The forum is a gathering of landscape contractors, growers, grounds maintenance professionals and researchers. Keefe tech students participated in several plant and tool identification contests. They networked and met with potential co-op employers. The group was also treated to a talk by David Mellor, former Senior Director of Grounds for the Boston Red Sox.

Wayne J Griffin Electric presenting Apprenticeship Training Program to the Electrical Sophomores and Seniors for possible future employment.

On Tuesday, Roxana Peraza, Class of 2024, returned to share her path from Keefe Tech to her current role as a dispatcher for the City of Marlborough. Roxana spoke candidly about her transition from high school to the workforce, including the training process and the responsibilities of dispatching for both police and fire services. Her message resonated strongly with our seniors, who appreciated hearing from someone who recently sat in their seats and successfully transitioned directly into the field. Roxana’s enthusiasm and pride in her work were evident, and her visit served as both inspiration and reassurance for students considering similar career paths.

We also welcomed the Alvarez Brothers, who shared insights into their respective careers in the military and the fire service. They emphasized the importance of discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, qualities essential for success in high-stress professions. Equally important, they highlighted the need to maintain a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our alumni and community members. Their willingness to return, mentor, and invest in the next generation of criminal justice professionals makes a lasting impact on our students and strengthens the connection between our classroom and the real world.

The New Freshman Cosmetology Class putting a lot of love into hair and nails!

Sophomores braiding and sparkling hair to create valentine looks!

Horticulture flowers for Valentine's Day with Ms. Sharek's dog, Lyra, a perfect match!

Seeking Your Feedback! Please see the link below for more information about the Student Opportunity Act!

https://forms.gle/taM9poc4LfZfZksZ8

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review of South Middlesex Regional Vocational School during the week of April 6, 2026. Each school district, charter school, vocational school, and virtual school undergoes an Integrated Monitoring Review every three years. The areas addressed during an Integrated Monitoring Review are organized into two groups, known as Group A Universal Standards and Group B Universal Standards.

South Middlesex Regional Vocational School will be undergoing a Group A monitoring review that addresses student identification, IEP development, programming and support services, and equal opportunity. The process includes interviews with district staff and administrators, a review of policies and procedures, and school building visits. The process may also include parent/caregiver, student and teacher focus group meetings to gather additional information. Interpretation will be provided, if needed.

The Department will also send a parent survey, in multiple languages and formats, as needed, to parents /guardians of special education students to gather key information on the special education processes and procedures. Parents/guardians and other stakeholders may call Henry Ndakalu, Monitoring Review Chairperson, at (781) 338-3706 to request a telephone interview. If anyone requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the district with a report that includes information on further actions that may be required. The public can access the report at https://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/default.html.

It is time to begin planning for the upcoming school year. We want to ensure you are supported throughout this process.

The Course Selection Process:

• Step 1: Teacher Recommendations (Starting Now) In the coming weeks, you will first work with your teachers during the academic cycle to discuss potential courses. Their insights are invaluable for choosing classes that align with your current skills and future goals. This is the time to ask questions about course content and the level of challenge that is right for you.

• Step 2: Counselor Meetings (Late-Winter & Spring) Following your consultations with your teachers, you will meet with your school counselor in late-winter and spring. In these meetings, you will review your teacher recommendations, select your electives, and ensure your schedule is well-balanced.

• Step 3: Final Parent/Guardian Review To ensure a smooth transition into the new year, we will invite your parents and guardians to review your final selections before you leave for summer break. This final look ensures that your academic plan is supported by both your school and your family.
  
  

Finding a Healthy Balance:

While we encourage you to challenge yourself, balancing your workload is essential to your well-being. For those interested in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, we will share additional information later this spring to help you make informed choices.

What's Next For You:

1. Explore: Please review the attached course offerings to see what interests you!

2. Consult: Talk to your teachers and your school counselor about their recommendations for your next level of study.

3. Prepare: Please look at how your elective choices align with your overall interests and graduation plan.

We look forward to supporting you as you make these important decisions!

Please take some time to review our updated Competency Determination (CD) Policy for the Class of 2026 and Beyond

State law requires that students meet the Competency Determination (CD) standards to earn a high school diploma, as defined in G.L. c. 69, §1D(i). In December 2024, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education updated the CD requirements.

Mr. Adamiak's Grade 11 Physics students calculated amount of work done and power generated during a workout.

Students from Ms. Rettino's Speech and Debate class present their formal debates to the class!

Students from Ms. Rettino's Drama class play an improv game focusing on character development and creativity!

• Fill out this counselor request form online
• Stop by the counseling office to fill out an appointment request
• Email your School Counselor
• Call your School Counselor

Seniors who are planning to apply to 4-year colleges and universities should be working on their college applications, completing necessary essays and making sure they have connected with teachers about recommendations. Counselors are planning to do presentations in grade 12 English classes this month to review the process. After these presentations, students are encouraged to make an appointment with their School Counselor to review their plans. Deadlines come up quick and we want to make sure they everyone is on track.

SAT/ACT Dates:

While the SAT and/or ACT is still not required for a lot of colleges/Universities, we want to make sure that seniors are aware of the testing dates and deadlines to register. Please check with individual colleges about their testing policy. Our school code is: 220854

Here is the link to the SAT dates for the 2025-2026 school year

Here is the link to the ACT dates for the 2025-2026 school year

Accommodations for the SAT:

Students who feel that they require accommodations for the SAT must request accommodations through the College Board. This typically is for students who maintain a 504 plan or IEP. Your counselor can help facilitate this process, but is not in charge of it. Decisions are made by College Board. In order for your counselor to help you apply for accommodations, you parent/guardian must sign the attached form, giving Keefe Tech permission to release some of your personal information. Get this form to your counselor ASAP because the College Board processes these requests as they receive them.

As we approach the second half of your junior year, the School Counseling Department has several events planned in the next month to help you plan for senior year and life after high school. We look forward to seeing you all during the following activities:

During the week of January 26th, the counseling department will be visiting all grade 11 English classes to discuss the college application process. You will have the opportunity to get good information about what you should be doing now and moving forward.

During the week of February 2nd, Guidance will be visiting your Career/Technical programs to discuss your course selection, your academic/CTE progress and have brief discussions about your future plans.

January 29th - Parents/guardians are invited to attend our College Planning Night at 5:30 pm. Families that require additional support are encouraged to attend our Spanish/Portuguese presentations at 6 pm in room 226.

The week of March 16th, the School Counseling department will be blocking out the entire week to dedicate our time for individual college/career planning meetings for the Class of 2027. Information about how to sign up for a session will be emailed to you soon.

Students who are super enthusiastic about the college application process, you can get started now. There are many activities and resources available you can use to help prepare for your individual meeting in March. We will be posting on the Google Classroom resources that you can use independently. We highly recommend using the college search tools in the Naviance program. You can access your account HERE. Naviance is also helpful in researching career information and making resumes.

Lots of communication will be coming your way through the google classroom. Stay tuned.

Check out the presentation from our College Planning Night on January 29th!

Attention juniors! Here is the information for the virtual SAT prep courses we are offering. Get your registration in before February break. Best test prep deal in town!

Federal Student Aid ID Reminder
As high school seniors and their families wait for the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be available on October 1, there is an opportunity to apply now for their Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) so that they will be ready when the application opens. Other resources available to help students afford a college degree include:

• MassEducate provides free tuition and fees at the state’s community colleges for all eligible Massachusetts students.
• MASSGrant Plus can provide significant discounts (up to free tuition and fees) at the state’s four-year universities depending on family income.
• Eligible, non-U.S. citizens can apply for state financial aid through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).
• Information about applying for financial aid, including links to information and one-on-one help, is available online.

MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) provides excellent information and free webinars:

Flyer with all the FAFSA info included - one stop shop!

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We are already heading into winter break, which is so interesting because January seemed to have flown by. Now that you are not as preoccupied with holiday plans and obligations for the second week-long break of the school year, next week could be a good opportunity to practice some self care with your teenager (and other children in the home).

It's so easy to forget what the options are to unwind and relax (if there is a moment of that next week) but in this issue I include a colorful PDF outlining some fun things to try. Preparing a good meal together is always a fun one, with maybe a little more time and space to try a recipe together. Perhaps a good soup recipe to warm the heart and spirit?

Check out the fun list of options and perhaps even make a game of it next week!

Thanks,

Julia Fairclough LICSW, SAC

Adjustment Counselor

Winter Running Club at Harvard's indoor track on Sunday!

It attendance were Morgan Castellana, Brody Cashman, Jake Radzwill, Kai-Philip Gray, Skylar Marshall, Alex Steck, Luke Lavin, Daniela Alvarez Arana, Samantha McDonald, Kaitlyn Hurley, Patryce Almeida, Carolline Carvalho, Charlotte Colagiovanni and Declan Regan. Accompanied by Erin Roy and Kristin Smith. All of the Seniors earned their SkillsUSA Graduate Proficiency award during this conference. They even got to meet Pat Patriot and see the Superbowl Rings.

Mini spirit week and winter pep rally fun!

SkillsUSA supplied all the prizes and even gave each client a small gift. Students ran the bingo and helped clients during the game. Client's and students had a great time. Students in Attendance were:

Skylar Marshall, Luke Lavin, Hellen Da Silva, Mariana Santos, Daniela Alvarez, Joey Tabbara, Sarah Evangelista, Brittany Vanegas, Nayla Rodrigues, Miguel Pereira, Ellie Slavin, Mia Santana, Danna Riveira, Sofia Godina, Winnie Nakiyuuka, Yelmer Menendez and Arya Wilson-Michel.

Mock Trial Team competed against Natick HS at Westborough District Court on Feb11. Everyone performed great!

Thank you to all who volunteered their time and to those who donated baked goods! The Interact Club would like to give special thanks to both Viva’s Flower Shop and FJ Luxury Flowers for their generous donations!

The cast of "You're a Good, Man Charlie Brown" are hard at work rehearsing for our upcoming shows on April 10th and 11th!

KT Cheer placed 2nd in Division 2 at the Southbridge High School Ice Out Competition on February 8th!

Winter cheer senior night!

KT Boys' Basketball Senior Night!

Internships (Spring 2026) Openings:

• Kona Ice (Framingham/ regional): 2-3 positions open as an Associate (Age 16+) - Will receive mentorship on entrepreneurship and business.

• Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce(Marlborough): 1 tentative position open (Age 17) - Marketing and Admin

• Blush and Ivy (Marlborough): 1 tentative opening (Age 16+) - Social media intern. Will receive mentorship on entrepreneurship and business.

• Acton Fire Department ( Acton): 2 positions open (Age 16+) - Inventory/ Emergency Management and Statistical Analyst

• Dina Decor (Framingham) 3 positions open (Age 16/17 +) - Photographer, Sales Outreach and, Social Media Intern

• Pelham Lifelong Learning Center (Framingham): 1-2 positions available (Age 15+) - Program Aide

• Robie Canvas (Bellingham): 1-2 positions open (Age 17+) - Marine Canvas Fabricator (Trade)

• Marlborough/ Hudson Boys and Girls Club: Multiple tentative positions open (Age 15+) - Part-time instructor

• The Lashary (Wayland): 1-2 positions open (Age 16+)- Intern at a Lash studio

• Winter Properties (Framingham): 1-2 positions - Real Estate Office (Age 16/17+) - real estate Admin

• RE/MAX (Hudson): 1-2 positions (Age 16+) - Real Estate - Admin

• Downtown Framingham Inc. ( Framingham): 1-2 positions (Age 16+) - Community engagement/outreach - Social media content creator

Tax Preparation: FindYourFunds Online Tool

FindYourFunds offers tools to help individuals and families access free tax filing options, locate VITA tax prep sites, and learn about tax credits like the Child and Family Tax Credit. Downloadable flyers are available in 11 languages.

Important Changes to SNAP Eligibility

Due to federal changes in law, new SNAP work requirements and eligibility are in effect for Massachusetts. Visit Legal Key’s MA Digital Digest-Food and Income Security page for more information on General Work Rules and links to helpful resources.

These materials are designed to help caregivers better understand and respond to the youth mental health symptoms they may be seeing amplified in their children.

Brazilian-Portuguese:
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/crescer-portuguese

Spanish:

https://www.mcleanhospital.org/crescer-spanish

A.R.T. on the C.R.T

Please see the Call for Artists on the City of Framingham website:https://www.framinghamma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3358

The Framingham Public Library has free homework help at both the main library and McAuliffe.

Website: keefetech.org
Location: 750 Winter Street, Framingham, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 416-2100
Facebook: facebook.com/keefetech

Instagram: @keefe.tech.hs