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Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School
Weekly Newsletter: 1/17/25
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Black Week: The Week of Monday, January 20, 2025
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Grades 9 & 11: Shops (Remember to follow the dress code)
Grades 10 & 12: Academics
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School - Monday, January 20, 2025
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On Monday, January 20, there will be no school in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This day is an opportunity to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an influential civil rights leader who championed nonviolence, equality, and justice for all. Please enjoy the long weekend and remember to support one another in celebrating our differences.
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Get Involved at Northeast - The Power of Extracurricular Activities
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We encourage all students to explore and participate in extracurricular activities, whether it's joining a club, playing a sport, or engaging in community service. These opportunities are more than just enjoyable, they play a vital role in personal growth, well-being, and development.
Extracurricular involvement helps students build leadership skills, foster teamwork, and gain confidence in a supportive environment. It also promotes time management and problem-solving abilities, which benefit students academically and prepare them for future challenges. Additionally, participation cultivates a sense of belonging and connection to the school community, helping students form lasting friendships and create lifelong memories.
For more insights into how extracurriculars can benefit students, view this article from Child Focus.
All students are encouraged to discover their passions, enhance their well-being, and get involved in extracurricular activities. For more information about athletics and clubs, visit the Northeast website and click the Parents & Students tab. Families are welcome to contact their student’s counselor for assistance in exploring available opportunities.
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Auto Technology Earns ASE Accreditation
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Congratulations to the students and staff in Auto Technology, led by Department Head Paul Murphy, on attaining Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accreditation. This certification ensures that our students continue to meet the rigorous benchmarks for training as master-level service technicians.
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Parent/Teacher Conferences: Schedule Now with pickAtime
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Parent/Teacher Conferences are on Wednesday, January 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and we are introducing pickAtime, a new online scheduling platform to make booking meetings more convenient and efficient. Families can create accounts, book appointments, and request translators if needed.
📅 The scheduling window is open now and closes at noon on January 22.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, January 22.
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Be Present: Make Every Day Count
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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.
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Download ParentSquare for Northeast Metro Tech Updates
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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.
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Progress Reports - Friday, January 17, 2025
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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.
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CTE Midyear Performance Assessments
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All students in grades 10, 11, and 12 will participate in midyear performance assessments as part of their career-technical education. These assessments help students strengthen the transferable skills necessary for career readiness and successful skill development.
Assessment Schedule:
- Grade 11: Tuesday, January 21 through Friday, January 24
- Grades 10 & 12: Monday, January 27 through Friday, January 31
For the midyear performance assessments, students will complete competency-based evaluations that measure their understanding of career-technical frameworks. These assessments focus on project-based learning, critical thinking skills, practical tasks, service scenarios, product demonstrations, and simulation participation, offering a comprehensive work-based learning experience.
The assessments will be overseen by the corresponding instructors and are conducted at the midpoint of the school year, with completion dates determined by the instructors. These evaluations are a critical step in preparing students for future career success.
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Parent/Teacher Conferences - Wednesday, January 22, 2025
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Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, January 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Each conference will be limited to 5 minutes to ensure all families have an opportunity to meet with teachers as they move throughout the building. To make booking meetings more convenient and efficient, families are asked to use pickAtime online scheduler ( details here).
This is a valuable opportunity to connect with your student’s teachers, discuss progress, explore options for extra help or support, and establish 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.
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ACCESS for ELLs Testing Schedule and Information
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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.
ACCESS for ELLs Testing Schedule:
- Grades 9 & 11: Monday, January 27 through Thursday, January 30
- Grades 10 & 12: Monday, February 3, Tuesday, February 4, & Thursday, February 6
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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 opportunity. Grade 12 students may contact Mrs. Carreno with questions by email at scarreno@northeastmetrotech.com.
State Seal of Biliteracy Testing:
- Tuesday, February 25 & Thursday, February 27
- Monday, March 10 & Tuesday, March 11
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SEPAC: A Knight Out on the Town - Thursday, March 20, 2025
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2nd Annual SEPAC: A Knight Out on the Town - "A Taste for Education"
Thursday, March 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Four Points by Sheraton, 1 Audubon Road, Wakefield, MA.
Join us for an evening filled with great food, music, and community spirit. This exciting event features DJ Phil Carbone and offers signature dishes and culinary favorites from participating restaurants across our 12 district communities.
All proceeds will support scholarships, the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), and initiatives that align with SEPAC’s mission. All guests 21 and older are welcome to attend.
Please consider donating or joining us for this wonderful evening. To purchase tickets, contact knightout@northeastmetrotech.com. We look forward to seeing you there.
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After-School Academic Support
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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.
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January
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School: Monday, January 20
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CTE Midyear Performance Assessments (Grade 11): Tuesday, January 21 through Friday, January 24
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Parent/Teacher Conferences: Wednesday, January 22
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CTE Midyear Performance Assessments (Grades 10 & 12): Monday, January 27 through Friday, January 31
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ACCESS for ELLs Testing (Grades 9 & 11): Monday, January 27 through Thursday, January 30
February
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ACCESS for ELLs Testing (Grades 10 & 12): Monday, February 3, Tuesday, February 4, & Thursday, February 6
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2 Hour Delay - Professional Development: Wednesday, February 5
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February Break - No School: Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21
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State Seal of Biliteracy Testing: Tuesday, February 25 & Thursday, February 27
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SkillsUSA District 3 Competition: Wednesday, February 26
March
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Professional Day - No School: Monday, March 3
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End of Trimester 2: Friday, March 7
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Freshman/Sophomore Semi-Formal: Friday, March 7
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State Seal of Biliteracy Testing: Monday, March 10 & Tuesday, March 11
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2 Hour Delay - Professional Development: Wednesday, March 19
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Knight Out SEPAC: Thursday, March 20
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MCAS ELA Grade 10 Test, Session 1: Tuesday, March 25
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MCAS ELA Grade 10 Test, Session 2: Wednesday, March 26
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Jim Wallace Breakheart Inn Restaurant
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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):
Please note that all outside guests must sign in at the Main Entrance upon arrival.
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Automotive Service Customers Welcome
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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.
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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!
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Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) - Parenting Solutions Library
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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.
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Eastern Bus Company - Drivers Needed
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Aspen Student & Parent Portal Information
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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.
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Northeast Athletics - Go Knights!
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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.
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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.
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