Skip to main content

Northeast Metro Tech - Weekly Newsletter - 1/3/25

Posted Date: 1/03/25 (8:43 PM)

Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School
Weekly Newsletter: 1/3/25
Black Week: The Week of Monday, January 6, 2025
Grades 9 & 11: Shops (Remember to follow the dress code)
Grades 10 & 12: Academics
Main entrance
NEMT Website
Welcome back
Welcome Back and Happy New Year
As we transition back to our regular routines, we wish all faculty, staff, students, and families a healthy and prosperous new year filled with joy and success. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and achievement.
 
Attendance Works
Be Present: Make Every Day Count
Attending school every day is vital for student success. Regular attendance keeps students on track, builds strong habits, and strengthens their connection with the school community. Missing just two days a month - whether excused or unexcused - can quickly lead to chronic absenteeism and significant learning loss.

Families needing support are encouraged to contact us. View this helpful resource from Attendance Works for tips and strategies to support student attendance. Let’s work together to ensure consistent attendance and a successful start to the new year.
 
Download ParentSquare for Northeast Metro Tech Updates
On Friday, January 3, Northeast families who have not yet activated their ParentSquare accounts received an email invitation (sample below). ParentSquare is a communication platform that provides important school, grade-level, and classroom updates via email and/or text. To activate your account and confirm we have the correct email address, please click the "Activate Your Account" link contained in the message.

For added convenience, download the ParentSquare app, available for free on iOS and Android devices. As the school year progresses, additional ParentSquare features will be made available to enhance communication.

ParentSquare Sample Email
 
Students of the trimester
Congratulations to Our Students of the Trimester
We are proud to recognize our outstanding students for their academic excellence, hard work, leadership, and commitment to success throughout the first trimester. Each student listed below has demonstrated exceptional performance in their coursework and career-technical studies, earning the prestigious honor of Student of the Trimester. Their dedication to achievement and exemplary effort in both academics and shop embody the spirit of Northeast. Keep up the great work.

  • Kauan Coelho (9) - Exploratory
  • Emanuelly Sophia Venancio (10) - Drafting & Design
  • Juliana Arevalo (11) - Business Tech
  • Steven Romero Hernandez (12) - Robotics
 
Bus Driver
Northeast Students Thank Eastern Bus Drivers
Northeast students recently took the time to show their appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and positive energy of Eastern Bus Company drivers. Recognizing the vital role drivers play in safely transporting students to and from school each day, Student Council leaders presented them with gift certificates to the Breakheart Inn, providing an opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved meal. Thank you to all our drivers for your daily commitment to student safety and well-being.

Driver Appreciation
Driver appreciation
 
SEPAC Meeting - Thursday, January 9, 2025 ​
Parents and guardians are invited to attend the next virtual (link) SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) meeting on Thursday, January 9, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. We are excited to welcome two guest speakers:

  • Assistant Director of Accessibility Services at North Shore Community College
  • Representative from the Northeast Metro Tech Career Center

Both speakers will share valuable information about resources and services available for students with disabilities.

For additional information, please email nesepac@northeastmetrotech.com. We look forward to your participation.
 
2 Hour Delay - Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Wednesday, January 15, is a scheduled 2-hour delay for professional development. Buses will arrive two hours later than their regular arrival time. The academic blocks for the day will be C, D, A, and B.
2 Hour Delay Schedule
 
Progress Reports
Progress Reports - Friday, January 17, 2025
Progress reports for trimester 2 will be posted in Aspen on Friday, January 17. Families are encouraged to have frequent conversations about their student's growth and development to support their ongoing success. Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s teacher(s), school counselor, or dean with questions or concerns. As a reminder, students and families should log in to Aspen daily to monitor student attendance and grades. Families in need of Aspen support should contact us at nex2@northeastmetrotech.com.
 
Parent/Teacher Conferences - Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, January 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Each conference will be no longer than 5 minutes to ensure all families have a chance to meet with each teacher as they move throughout the building. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with your student’s teachers, discuss student progress to date, explore ways to access extra help and additional support, and establish methods for ongoing two-way communication. A strong partnership between school and home creates the foundation for continued student learning and growth. We look forward to working together.
 
ACCESS for ELLs Testing
Northeast students who are English learners (EL) will participate in the ACCESS for ELLs test to assess their growth and proficiency in reading, listening, writing, and speaking English. In Massachusetts, EL students are required to be assessed annually during the designated testing window in January and February. Test sessions begin at Northeast on Monday, January 27, and will continue through Friday, February 14. In addition to taking part in test preparation activities in their classes, students are encouraged to prepare for the test using the ACCESS for ELLs test overview and demo and ACCESS for ELLs test practice questions.
 
State Seal of Biliteracy
State Seal of Biliteracy
We are excited to announce the start of our second year of the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing students for their exceptional language skills—what we like to call "Superpowers!" The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. Click here to find more information about this recognition, and grade 12 students may register with Mrs. Carreno by email at scarreno@northeastmetrotech.com.
 
After-School Academic Support
After-school academic support is offered for all subjects. Students can get the extra help they need to succeed, whether it’s for a challenging class, test preparation, or Early College courses.

  • Sessions (schedule) will be held Tuesday through Thursday in the Library from 2:35 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Students can take the 3:30 buses home after the session.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity to enhance their learning.
 
Upcoming Events
January
  • Faculty Meeting: Monday, January 6
  • 2 Hour Delay - Professional Development: Wednesday, January 15
  • Progress Reports - Trimester 2: Friday, January 17
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School: Monday, January 20
  • CTE Midyear Performance Assessments: Tuesday, January 21 through Friday, January 31
  • Parent/Teacher Conferences: Wednesday, January 22
  • ACCESS for ELLs Testing: Monday, January 27 through Friday, February 14
February
  • 2 Hour Delay - Professional Development: Wednesday, February 5
  • February Break - No School: Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21
  • State Seal of Biliteracy Testing: Tuesday, February 25 through Friday, February 28
  • SkillsUSA District 3 Competition: Wednesday, February 26
March
  • Professional Day - No School: Monday, March 3
  • End of Trimester 2: Friday, March 7
  • Freshman/Sophomore Semi-Formal: Friday, March 7
  • 2 Hour Delay - Professional Development: Wednesday, March 19
  • Knight Out SEPAC: Thursday, March 20
  • MCAS ELA Grade 10 Test, Session 1: Tuesday, March 25
  • MCAS ELA Grade 10 Test, Session 2: Wednesday, March 26
 
Jim Wallace Breakheart Inn Restaurant
All are invited to the Breakheart Inn Restaurant, open to the public Tuesday through Friday. Come enjoy our delicious food and friendly service. Reservations for parties of up to 5 people, as well as gift cards and lunch orders, can be placed online.

Bakery Hours (Tuesday - Friday):
  • 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch Service (Tuesday - Friday):
  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Please note that all outside guests must sign in at the Main Entrance upon arrival.
 
Engine Image
Automotive Service Customers Welcome
Auto Tech is accepting customer vehicles for services such as preventive maintenance, brake service, tires, alignment, and driveability concerns. Appointments are available Monday through Friday. To schedule, please contact Paul Murphy, auto tech department head, at pmurphy@northeastmetrotech.com.

Click here to donate your vehicle to Second Chance Cars.
 
NE Things
NE Things School Store
Show your school spirit and gear up with the latest merchandise while enjoying a 10% discount every Tuesday. Sales are available in person from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily and online 24/7. Don’t miss the chance to show off your Northeast Knights pride!
 
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) - Parenting Solutions Library
MPY, in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, is pleased to offer free resources that provide insights and strategies to support family and student success both in and out of school. Families can access a library of videos and handouts, featuring easy-to-use, evidence-based strategies that promote lasting, positive change. Click here for more information and to access the library of resources. 
 
Bus
Eastern Bus Company - Drivers Needed
Eastern Bus Company is hiring bus drivers at a starting rate of $34.25 per hour with a guaranteed 25 hours per week (2.5 hours in the morning and 2.5 hours in the afternoon). A CDL B with a school bus endorsement is required. If you don’t have one, Eastern Bus Company offers training in Billerica and will assist with testing in exchange for a two-year contract.

Drivers can also earn extra with charters at a rate of $24.00 per hour, with 6 hours guaranteed during the week and 8 hours on the weekend.

For more information, please contact:
Jessica Guadalupe
Phone: 781-395-2515
Email: jguadalupe@easternbusco.com
 
Buses
Busing Information
Bus routes and schedules can be found on the NEMT website under the Parents & Students tab. Please ensure that students arrive at their bus stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time. Please contact Administrative Assistant Laura Ratcliffe at (781) 246-0810 ext. 1607 with questions or concerns.
 
Parking lot
Student Parking
At this time, parking spaces allotted for students have been filled. Members of the Senior Class who complete the Student Parking Application Form (using their Northeast email account) will be added to a waitlist. Grade 12 students on the waitlist will be contacted in the order of submission if student parking spaces become available.

As a reminder, spaces reserved for students are located in sections A and A2 on this image. All student vehicles parked on Northeast Metro Tech property must have a parking sticker properly displayed (affixed to the windshield above the inspection sticker on the passenger side). Detailed student parking information and expectations can be found by viewing this document.
 
No phone zone
Cell Phone Policy
Students are expected to engage in learning opportunities in each class/shop throughout the school day. Cell phones and smartwatches distract students from participating in lessons, completing assignments, contributing to class discussions, and collaborating with teachers and classmates. Unsanctioned cell phone/smartwatch use during instructional time is prohibited. All learning spaces, including classrooms and shop areas, are equipped with cell phone holders near the teacher’s desk, where students must place their silenced devices upon arrival. Violations, including unauthorized photographing or video recording, may result in disciplinary action. Students are permitted to use their devices during lunch.

Emergency calls by students should be made in an administrative office, and families should contact Office A (ext. 1644) for individual student needs. Headphones/earbuds may be used for educational purposes only; otherwise, students should remove them. Bluetooth speakers are not allowed in the building.
 
Aspen Login
Aspen Student & Parent Portal Information
Families are encouraged to have frequent conversations about their student's growth and development to support their ongoing success. To guide these conversations and monitor student attendance and grades, students and families should log in to Aspen regularly. Students and parents/guardians have individual accounts with access to different resources, so parents should not share their accounts with their student. Students should click the "Sign in with Google" button to access their accounts, while parents should use their assigned username and password.

For support using and navigating Aspen, take a moment to review the Aspen Parent Portal Information document and video, which can also be found under the Parents & Students tab on the NEMT website. Families in need of Aspen support should contact us at nex2@northeastmetrotech.com.
 
NE Knights
Northeast Athletics - Go Knights!
Information about Golden Knights athletics can be found on the NEMT website under the Departments tab. Northeast home games are live-streamed at Team1sports.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Athletic Director Donald Heres by email at dheres@northeastmetrotech.com or by phone at (617) 875-4432.
 
Person using a laptop
Contact Us
Please view this resource to identify the school personnel who should be contacted when seeking support. Included is contact information for student absence reporting, CTE and academic department heads, school counseling support, nurses office, deans of students, transportation, athletics, MCAS, and special education.