After-School Spanish Immersion Program Starting Next Year

The new program was unveiled at Thursday's School Committee meeting.

Arlington Superintendent Kathleen Bodie announced Thursday that the district will have an after-school Spanish immersion program for students in kindergarten and first grade starting next school year. Bodie unveiled the news at Thursday’s School Committee meeting. She said she’ll have more information, such as how to sign-up, in the coming weeks. The program will be housed at Bracket Elementary School but will be open to K-1 students district wide. It should be able to accommodate about 20 students in two classrooms in its first year, she said. “Depending how it goes, we might look to expand it to other grade levels,” Bodie said. The Brackett was chosen as its location because it’s had a waiting list for after-school programs, she said. It…

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Letters to the Editor

LETTER: Judson Pierce Thanks Supporters

The following is a Letter to the Editor from Judson Pierce, a newly re-elected School Committee member and Draper Avenue resident.

I want to thank everyone who came out to vote in this past weekend's election. I am very humbled by the strong show of support you offered me. I also wish to thank my campaign chair, Kurt Fusaris, and the many folks who contributed to my team with their time and generosity. My wife Laura and my family deserve special praise, love and appreciation because of the sacrifice that this campaign and the term of service means to our family. I love my family from the bottom of my heart. Because of the confidence you placed in me, it is incumbent upon me now to continue working just as hard on your behalf. We have come a long way in three years, but we cannot rest on our laurels. I am cognizant of the fact that while the School Committee has …

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Letters to the Editor

LETTER: Paul Schlichtman Thanks Supporters

The following is a Letter to the Editor from Paul Schlichtman, a School Committee member and Mystic Street resident.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my friends and neighbors for their support in Saturday’s annual town election. I am honored that 5,283 voters chose to fill in the bubble next to my name on the ballot, even though my name was the only one on the ballot for the one-year School Committee seat. I also want to thank the people who played key roles in my campaign. I am grateful for the support and hard work of campaign chair Rosina-Maria Lucibello, campaign treasure Kim Haase, and for the photography and graphic design of Charlotte Pierce. I also want to thank Kirsi Allison-Ampe and Judson Pierce for their willingness to continue on the School Committee for the next three years. I look forward to my work with six outstanding colleagues…

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2013 Arlington Town Elections Sample Ballot

See what awaits you at the polls Saturday, April 6.

The Arlington Town Elections are Saturday, April 6. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling place. For more on the election, see our Letters to the Editor and our forums on Question 1 and Question 2. Also, here are links to the Board of Selectmen and School Committee candidates' campaign websites. Board of Selectmen School Committee

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VIDEO: Town Candidates on Withdrawing Arlington Students from Minuteman

See what School Committee and selectmen candidates had to say Thursday night about the controversial issue.

Arlington's Town Elections are Saturday, April 6. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Incumbents Kirsi Allison-Ampe and Judson Pierce and challenger Michael Buckley are vying for two three-year seats on the School Committee. Incumbent Paul Schlichtman, who was appointed to the committee last May, is running unopposed on the ballot for the one year remaining on his seat. However, A. Matthew Pallett has announced a write-in campaign to challenge Schlichtman. In the selectmen's race, 24-year incumbent Kevin Greeley is being challenged by Maria Romano for a three-year seat. Submit a Letter to the Editor on these candidates or Minuteman Regional High School.

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Letters to the Editor

LETTER: Vote Judson Pierce for School Committee

The following is from Carol Band, a Bartlett Avenue resident.

I support Judson Pierce as a candidate for School Committee. Serving with him on the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park and watching him during his first term as a member of the School Committee, I have been impressed with his ability  to communicate clearly, build consensus and to listen. But Judson Pierce does more than listen. He works. His efforts have helped make the School Committee more effective, given teachers a new contract, created an anti-bullying policy and brought the new Thompson School to life. For the sake of our children and our town, we need to continue this progress and with Judson Pierce on the School Committee, we will. Carol Band Bartlett Avenue

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Letters to the Editor

LETTER: Vote Judson Pierce in April

The following is a Letter to the Editor from Jayme Purinton, a PTO co-president and Ridge Street resident.

Judson Pierce is a man of strong morals, ethics, intellect and let’s not forget an incredibly important requirement of a School Committee member … compassion. Jud has the innate ability to listen and move swiftly on issues that affect the people whom he represents. Jud consistently seeks feedback and insight from people in the community, making sure he brings a solution-oriented mindset to the School Committee. Jud helps Arlington teachers and administrators to focus on the growth and development of students by working for them, us and the Town all at the same time.  Jud has worked tirelessly in his role on the School Committee over the past three years to establish new teacher’s contracts, decrease athletic fees and to hire additional …

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Letters to the Editor

LETTER: Vote Kirsi Allison-Ampe for School Committee

The following is a Letter to the Editor from Scott Zaccheo, a Washington Street resident.

Over the last three years, the Arlington School Committee has successfully faced many challenges, and provided solid leadership. Part of their success has been due to the current chair, Kirsi Allison-Ampe. I met Kirsi five years ago while walking my daughter to school. Over the years, not only did our daughters become friends on the way to Stratton, but also I developed a great respect for Kirsi and her practical approach to problem solving. Over the past three years, Kirsi has very willingly dedicated her time to addressing the issues facing our school system, and become a highly respected member of our School Committee. Her proactive and thoughtful approach has not only helped lead the Arlington Public School system through some fiscally…

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Public Hearing on School Budget Tonight

The hearing starts at 6:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room on the sixth floor of Arlington High School.

There is a public hearing on next school year’s budget from 6:30-7:30 p.m. tonight in the School Committee Room on the sixth floor of Arlington High School, according to the School Committee’s agenda. The hearing will be followed by a regular School Committee meeting where the committee will discuss the budget for about 50 minutes, according to the agenda.

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5 Things You Need To Know Today

Arlington High’s Program of Studies on Tonight’s School Committee Agenda

The committee will discuss adding and removing courses at the high school.

Today is Valentine’s Day, Thursday, Feb. 14. Here are five things you need to know: 1.) Arlington High’s Program of Studies will be discussed at tonight’s School Committee meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room on the sixth floor of the high school. According to the agenda, the following changes are being proposed by interim Principal Mary Villano: The committee will also discuss next year’s school budget for about an hour, according to the agenda. 2.) The Arlington High girls’ basketball team will host Arlington Catholic at 7 p.m. tonight. 3.) Bottled-water ban next for Arlington? 4.) Selectmen pursuing non-binding ballot question on overnight parking. 5.) Today should be mostly sunny with a high near 43, …

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