Bronco Bulletin

The Keefe Tech Special Education Parent Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, March 10th, in the main conference room at 5 PM.

10:35 AM dismissal for students on Wednesday, March 11

The Out and About Club meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month with Chef Tony in the East Side Room. Come join the fun!

On Tuesday, March 17th, Keefe will host the ASVAB test, which is the military entrance exam. Please your counselor if you are interested in taking the test or with any questions you may have.

Military branches will be at lunches on Wednesday, March 18 for any students interested in learning more about this option.

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

February 13, 2026

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.

CJ shop hosted members from Boston Uncornered. Great discussion and learning.

Lunch break at clinical - Juniors!

Our program welcomed a representative from Viega, who certified students in the use of press fittings for plumbing and gas piping. This training ensures they can install piping using one of the fastest, most efficient methods in the industry—a major advantage for employers focused on maximizing labor and material efficiency.

In addition, each class received a similar certification from RLS, qualifying them to install press fittings for refrigeration systems. These credentials significantly improve installation and repair speed while maintaining high-quality workmanship. Here are the students displaying their online certifications for you to enjoy.

Together, these certifications help set our students apart from other HVAC/R job applicants, giving them skills that are in high demand across the industry.

Freshmen Health Careers Students learning about Body Planes and Directions by dissecting sour patch kids!

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.

As a professor and researcher at the MIT Edgerton Center, Dr. Vandiver is the brilliant inventor behind the DNA & Protein sets that schools worldwide use to teach molecular biology. A huge thank you to Ms. Portney for coordinating this visit!

Students in Ms. Edwards class creating memes!

• 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 communicated earlier, the Guidance Department is committed to supporting your plan for your big transition after high school. For many of you, your plan will be to work in the field you have been training in since freshman year and for others it will be to further your education in college. Some kids may choose the military or something completely different than what you thought you would do when you were a freshman. We are here to help!

During the week of March 16th-20th, each counselor hopes to meet with you to discuss your plans for the future. During these meetings we will identify your goals and your next action steps. For those going onto college, we will discuss schools you should consider researching. All meetings will be only 20 minutes, so come prepared with your questions! Don't worry, this will not be the one and only meeting we have with you in preparation for life after high school; it will be the first of many!

If interested in setting up a meeting, students should check their email and click on your counselor’s link to schedule. Please be sure to make note of the time you’ve chosen. We look forward to meeting with you!

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.

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

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:

Peer mentors from the NAN Project (www.thenanproject.org) came to Keefe Tech this week to conclude their presentations for sophomores about mental health recoveries. The presenters in their "come back" stories talked about their struggles with anxiety and depression during high school and what they did to recover. In most cases, the presenters talked about finding a trusted adult, whether it was their school counselor, social worker, or coach. In turn, they talked to parents and helped them find support.

No two stories are alike, and everyone needs a different approach to getting through hard times with mental health challenges. However, the speakers did agree that doing nothing does not make depression go away. Sitting down with your teenager can be tricky. They may not want to talk about their challenges, or they sometimes want to project their parents.

In this issue, we include a tip sheet for ideas on how to broach the topic of finding help. For example, the NAN project presenters encouraged students to be specific when checking in with a friend who they are concerned about. Rather than say, "Are you OK?" (it's easy to say, "Yes!"), it's better to be specific. For example, "I noticed that you are spending more time isolating in your room, which could be a sign that you are upset or depressed" may generate more helpful discussions.

See that attached for more information.

Thanks,

Julia Fairclough LICSW, SAC

Adjustment Counselor

Students must earn a minimum of ten Thespian points to be eligible for induction into the society. This year, eight students met that requirement and were formally inducted. Of those students, six went even further, earning Varsity Letters in Theater in recognition of their exceptional dedication to the Keefe Tech theater program. A Varsity Letter is awarded to students who reach the significant milestone of 20 Thespian points through their contributions onstage, behind the scenes, and in support of our productions.

It was a truly special evening celebrating the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our students. We look forward to hosting our next induction ceremony in a few months, where we will welcome another group of talented performers and technicians into the society.

Justice Cesar: boys basketball
Yasmin Madrigal: cheerleading

KT Cheer looking sharp at CMAC Leagues with their new jackets - thanks to all who made it possible by supporting our fundraising efforts!

“Leaders in Youth Mental Health Series” is coming up on March 18th, 12:00PM-1:00PM.

All information for the caregiver webinars, including dates/times, Zoom links, presenter information and learning objectives can be found here on this website: https://healthcare.mgb.org/streaming/Live/McLean/McLean_SCS.html

Here as well are the details for the upcoming webinar:

Topic: Childhood irritability

Title: Responding Skillfully in the Context of Childhood Irritability

Date: March 18th, 12:00PM-1:00PM

Learning Objectives:

Childhood irritability, which can range from developmentally normative to serious and concerning, can often be difficult for adults to manage effectively in the home and at school. Irritability is often paired with behavioral responses like aggression, arguing, withdrawal, and even high-risk behaviors. In this webinar, caregivers and educators will: 1) gain a stronger foundational understanding of childhood irritability, 2) learn practical and effective strategies for staying grounded, supportive, and still firm, and 3) become familiar with therapeutic interventions that may be used as referral options should children and their families need additional support.

As an intern, you'll gain valuable experience and have opportunities to network within the clean energy sector.

If you are over 18, you can get matched with an employer for a MassCEC-sponsored internship by creating an intern profile on our online Workforce Portal. You'll then have access to view internship postings, and potential employers will have the opportunity to review your qualifications and invite you to an interview. Our internship program runs throughout the year, with sessions available in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Various internship opportunities are available for individuals with diverse educational backgrounds.

Get more information on Eligibility, Program Schedule, or How to Participate in the sections below, or skip to the online Workforce Portal now. Population:

• A Massachusetts vocational or technical high school student approved to participate in a co-op program
• A high school After Dark student
• A Career Technical Initiative (CTI) program participant
• A high school graduate or training programs student who graduated within the past year

https://www.masscec.com/clean-energy-internships#:~:text=The%20Massachusetts%20Clean%20Energy%20Internship,technical%20high%20schools%2C%20or%20training%2F

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