Superintendent's Weekly Updates
December 5, 2025
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🎉 Scroll to read information and news from the school district, our individual schools, and information from our community partners! 🎉
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In this issue ...
- District Updates
- Athletic Department Updates
- Extended Learning Updates
- Early Learning Center Updates
- Hooks School Updates
- Kelly School Updates
- Browne Middle School Updates
- Clark Ave. Middle School Updates
- Wright Science & Technology Academy Updates
- Chelsea High School Updates
- Chelsea Opportunity Academy Updates
- Messages from Community Partners
DISTRICT UPDATES
Opening Night of "Rumors" at Chelsea High School
Last night was opening night of Rumors at Chelsea High School! Students from CHS and Chelsea Opportunity Academy were spectacular in the farcical comedy Rumors by Neil Simon.
There two more performances tonight and tomorrow! Both shows are at 7:00 at the CHS Auditorium. We hope you can attend to support our students staff!
CPS Presents Senator Sal DiDomenico with Champion for Education Recognition
Last night, Chelsea Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Almudena G. Abeyta presented Senator Sal DiDomenico with a special recognition as a Champion for Education for his 15 years of work to support the students, educators and schools in Chelsea.
Dr. Abeyta read the following citation to honor Sen. DiDomenico for his work and advocacy for Chelsea:
"Senator Sal DiDomenico is hereby honored as a Champion for Education for steadfastly advancing policies that expand access, strengthen public schools, and elevate the importance of learning at every stage of life.
Through visionary advocacy, the Senator has championed equitable funding, supported teachers as essential pillars of our communities, and promoted innovative pathways that open doors for all students.
This citation acknowledges the Senator’s deep belief that education is the foundation of economic mobility, civic engagement, and national strength. His leadership has helped secure resources that empower classrooms, uplift families, and ensure that every student has the opportunity not only to succeed, but to thrive.
In appreciation of a distinguished record of service and a continued dedication to building a stronger, more just, and better-educated nation, we proudly present this honor."
Chelsea School Committee Recognizes Yessenia Alfaro
The Chelsea School Committee extends their sincere appreciation to Yessenia Alfaro for her over ten years of exemplary service on the Chelsea School committee. Her advocacy for student rights, her thoughtful leadership, and her dedication to educational equity have strengthened our community and set a standard for all who follow.
Elementary School Students Participate in Ruby Bridges Day
Elementary school students participated in a story walk recently to celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. CPS educators worked alongside the Chelsea Recreation Department and with support of the Safe Routes to School Partnership to create an educational experience for students.
The story was located on the fields outside the elementary complex where students could read each page of "I Am Ruby Bridges". There were also book readings in classrooms and more as part of a day to walk, learn and celebrate kindness, courage, and inclusion.
Name, Strength and Story Awards: CHS Educator Sam Chirco & Chelsea Pride
Congratulations to Chelsea High School educator Sam Chirco and the organization Chelsea Pride for receiving Name, Strength and Story Awards. At the Chelsea School Committee meeting, CHS students spoke about the positive impact Mr. Chirco has had on them. Chelsea Pride was recognized for the opportunities that provide CPS students in the sports of football and cheer.
District's Third Catie's Closet Opens at Chelsea High School
It was a wonderful day at Chelsea High School on Tuesday as we unveiled the third Catie's Closet in CPS!
There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included remarks from CPS Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta, State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Catie's Closet CEO Mickey Cockrell and Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jen Hassell. Chelsea High School students in attendance experience what the closet offered including free clothing and essentials for students in need.
Students in need will be able to visit the closet to pick up free clothing items, personal products and more!
We are thrilled to continue this already impactful partnership with Catie's Closet after opening two closets with them earlier this school year. Students who feel comfortable at school learn and thrive.
If anyone is interested in donating to Catie's Closet there are collection boxes located at CHS, the Clark Avenue Middle and the Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex as well as at the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce located at 308 Broadway. For more information about Catie's Closet, visit https://www.catiescloset.org/.
CPS Honors Retiree Joe Cooney
On Thursday night, Chelsea Public Schools honored the long-tenured service of Joe Cooney who retired from his leadership role in the Buildings and Grounds department last month. Thank you Joe for your service to CPS and all you did to create and maintain safe and welcoming school environments for our students!
Chelsea Special Education Parent Advisory Council
SEPAC was honored to host an informative presentation on the City of Chelsea’s Special Needs Registry and the SafetyNet Tracking System. The session provided families with valuable information about how these supports enhance safety, communication, and emergency response for individuals with special needs in our community.
2025 Winter Concerts
The month of December means a multitude of Winter Concerts at our schools! Check out the image below for our upcoming concerts. Contact your child's school for more information.
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Unified Sports Team Honored with Certificates at School Committee
The Chelsea Unified Sports Team was recognized at the Chelsea School Committee meeting for completing its inaugural basketball season as the first Unified Sports team in school district history. Congratulations!
Winter Sports Parent Meeting This Monday
Chelsea High School will host its Winter Sports Parent Meeting on Monday, December 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the CHS Cafeteria. Families of students participating in boys basketball, girls basketball, track, and cheer are encouraged to attend.
This meeting will cover school expectations, what coaches look for in student-athletes, and ways families can support and stay engaged throughout the season.
Attending the meeting will be Athletic Director Amanda Alpert, Athletic Trainer Tylee Schraufnagel, winter sports team coaches, and parent volunteers. Families can also scan the QR code at the event to join the SportsYou parent group for ongoing updates.
Battle of the Bridge
Congrats to our Football team for winning Thanksgiving's "Battle of the Bridge" against East Boston! Amazing job by the entire team! Thank you to everyone, especially our cheerleaders, who came out to brave the cold.
Athletics Holiday Sales
We will have special holiday items in our on-line team shop for a limited time only! Orders must be placed by December 15th. Head to www.bsnteamsports.com and enter code WISH0466 to see all of the options from shirts to bags to socks and more!
EXTENDED LEARNING UPDATES
Extended Learning at the ELC
Intramural Updates
This week was the first week for intramural games for our 5th and 6th graders. Seen here are the boys and girls from all three schools playing in their first games.
EARLY LEARNING CENTER UPDATES
Opinion Writing in Grade 1
Our first graders wrapped up their opinion writing this week. Each student chose which park at the ELC they think is the best and explained why.
HOOKS SCHOOL UPDATES
Narrative Writing
302 brought their Natural Disaster Narrative writing alive by creating book covers for their stories!
Math Intervention Block
Grade 3 is getting ready to crush the MCAS by solving open response problems in our math intervention block. They did a great job applying their skills independently, and showing off their work to their classmates. They have all the confidence and knowledge!
KELLY SCHOOL UPDATES
First Trimester Projects
The 4th graders at the Kelly School have been hard at work the 1st trimester working in the world of illusions. Their latest project has Tessellation Puzzles. The students had to show amazing creativity and craftsmanship to complete this project. Some even twisted and turned things around to make it more of a trick of the eye. You might notice that not all of the pieces fit together for some of the puzzles but that just makes them more enjoyable to look at.
BROWNE MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Middle School Transition
On Tuesday, 8th grade students from the Browne middle school visited Chelsea high school to have focus groups with CHS students. Students talked about transition from the middle school to the high school as well as some of the great offerings the CHS offers.
MORRIS H. SEIGAL CLARK AVENUE MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Expressive Art Club
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the CAMS! In Art Studio with Ms. Gilmartin students have been working hard on building projects and using different media types to showcase their personalities while in Expressive Art Club with Ms. Kenney and Ms. Kay students are completing projects to showcase snowy days!
Thankful Jars
Thank you to the Chelsea Fire Department and Chelsea Police Department! Students completed Thankful Jars filled with notes of gratitude were delivered by Ms. Kenney
Interactive Snowmen Game
CAMS staff dressed in flannel and played an interactive game looking for snowmen that were being passed around throughout the day. What a great way to build community and celebrate the seasonal weather!
WRIGHT SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY UPDATES
Boston History Field Trip
On Sunday, November 9th, Mr. Ruggiero's students went on a field trip to see Legally Blonde: The Musical and traveled high atop the Prudential Building where they learned about Boston, its landscape, history and neighboring communities.
Health Office Staff embrace the winter temps and are ready to support students.
CHELSEA HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
CHS School Counselor Sessions
On Wednesday, the CHS School Counselors hosted an information and application session with UMass Boston. Seniors who had already submitted their applications attended the information session, while students who plan on applying but have not yet done so stayed afterward to receive support with completing their applications.
The CHS School Counselors have more exciting events on the way for the Class of 2026, please see the flyer for details.
Parents Visiting Catie's Closet
Parents visiting Catie's Closet for the first time after the Coffee Hour meeting with the principal.
Relay For Life
We are excited to announce that Chelsea High School will host its first-ever Relay For Life on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in partnership with the American Cancer Society.
Relay For Life is a powerful and inspiring community event where participants come together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember the memories of loved ones lost, and raise funds to fight back in support of cancer research and essential patient services. This marks a meaningful milestone for our district as students, families, staff, and community members unite for a cause that touches the lives of so many.
The event will feature:
A community walk around the track
Student and community member-led activities, performances, and entertainment
Food, games, and family-friendly fun
The Survivor Lap, which recognizes those who face cancer
The Luminaria Ceremony, a moving tribute to loved ones
Local organizations, businesses, school clubs, and families are invited to form teams and participate in this special event. Opportunities to volunteer or sponsor are also available!
More information can be found at: relayforlife.org/chsma
We look forward to coming together as a district and community to bring hope, support, and strength to those affected by cancer!!
CHELSEA OPPORTUNITY ACADEMY UPDATES
COA Happenings
This week, COA would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who came out to the COA Thanksgiving Celebration last Tuesday. It was wonderful to see students, families, new and old staff, district leadership, friends and so many more come together for an evening of good food and even better company. A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the preparations. We cannot wait to celebrate again with everyone in 2026!
MESSAGES FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Chelsea’s Annual Santa Parade & Holiday Tree Lighting – December 6
Kick off the holiday season in Chelsea on Saturday, December 6, 2025! The celebration begins with the Santa Parade from 2–4 p.m., as Santa travels across the city on a fire truck spreading cheer. Then head to Chelsea Square for a festive Holiday Marketplace & Festival from 3–6 p.m., featuring visits with Santa, pony rides, a bouncy house, face painting, caroling, hot cocoa and cookies, and a special screening of The Polar Express. The evening will culminate with the community Holiday Tree Lighting at 4:30 p.m.. This free, family-friendly event is hosted by the City of Chelsea.
For more information, visit chelseama.gov/annualevents