The Current accepts News in Brief submissions of 150-200 words at info@marbleheadnews.org.
No changes to MPS cellphone rules — for now
The Marblehead Public Schools are sticking with their current cellphone rules for now while administrators monitor how well they are working and state lawmakers consider broader restrictions.
Superintendent John Robidoux told the School Committee that students in kindergarten through eighth grade must keep phones “off and away” throughout the school day. Administrators are also addressing smartwatches, Meta smart glasses and other connected devices.
At the high school, students can access their phones between classes and during lunch but not during instructional time. Each classroom has a caddy where students are expected to park their phones unless a teacher allows their use for an educational purpose.
“If there’s 17 kids in the classroom, there should be 17 phones in the caddy,” Robidoux said.
Robidoux said the approach is generally working well, though administrators will continue monitoring enforcement. Teachers are also expected to stay off their personal phones during instructional time.
“We have to model that for our students,” he said.
School Committee members Melissa Clucas and Kate Schmeckpeper raised the possibility of extending the high school restrictions to lunch and other noninstructional periods, saying less phone use could encourage more face-to-face interaction among students.
Robidoux said the district has not made plans for an all-day high school ban and noted that students appear to socialize regularly during lunch.
He said the district is well positioned if Massachusetts ultimately requires stricter rules because students are already accustomed to putting phones away during class.
“Until the Legislature tells us something different, I think we’re in a good place with this,” Robidoux said.
Feel the power
The Marblehead Municipal Light Department is inviting the community on Wednesday, Oct. 7 for coffee and donuts, a little MMLD history and a behind-the-scenes look at the people and work that keep Marblehead powered every day.
It’s all part of Public Power Week.
There will be tours at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. MMLD is located at 80 Commercial St.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
The Marblehead Health Department has scheduled the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 4-7 p.m. at the Transfer Station.
There is a long list of items that may be disposed of that evening, including oil-based paint, antifreeze, lighter fluid and furniture polish. For the full list, visit marbleheadma.gov/2026-october-household-hazardous-waste-day.
Explore the rise of Christian nationalism
The UU Church of Marblehead at 28 Mugford St. will host a free community event on the rise of Christian nationalism on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2-4 p.m.
Supporters of Christian nationalism view it as an affirmation of the nation’s Christian heritage. Critics warn that it challenges the constitutional separation of church and state.
Come hear perspectives from three members of the local religious community and a theologian from the Boston University School of Theology. Bring your questions for a lively audience. Speakers: Rev. James Bixby (Clifton Lutheran Church), Rabbi Michael Schwartz (Temple Sinai), Rev. Andre Bennett (Zion Baptist Church) and Luis Menéndez-Antuña (Boston University School of Theology).
New priest at St. Michael’s
The Rev. Patrick T. Gray has been named priest in charge at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Marblehead. Gray comes to St. Michael’s after 16 years as rector at Christ Church in Hamilton-Wenham.
“I am delighted and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as priest in charge of St. Michael’s,” said Gray. “St. Michael’s is a wonderful parish with a remarkable history and a warm and welcoming congregation. I am excited to become part of the St. Michael’s family and the wider Marblehead community, and I look forward to all that we will experience and accomplish together.”
St. Michael’s senior warden, Robert L. Howie Jr., added, “We are delighted to welcome Fr. Gray and his family to St. Michael’s and to the Marblehead community. This is an exciting new chapter for our parish, and we look forward with great optimism to his ministry among us.”
St. Michael’s Church was founded in 1714.
MarbleShred
Marblehead Bank will be holding its annual free community shredding day for the public on Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m.-noon. The event will be held in the parking lot of the bank’s 21 Atlantic Ave. office.
Shredding confidential documents is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from identity theft, the bank noted.
The bank will also host a food drive to benefit the Marblehead Food Pantry. This event will be held rain or shine.
MAA welcoming applications
The Marblehead Arts Association is welcoming applications for new artist membership in the following categories: fine arts, photography, sculpture, craft, digital art and animation, wearable art and culinary art.
Artists wishing to apply for membership should complete the online application and drop off five pieces of their work with a $25 fee at Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St, by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
All two-dimensional works should be thoroughly dry and ready to hang, as the quality of presentation, framing and wiring is also taken into consideration as part of the jurying-in process.
Applications can be completed online at marbleheadarts.org/calls-for-art.
