Education

Marblehead Rotary funds new mindfulness program in elementary schools

Marblehead Rotary funds new mindfulness program in elementary schools

The Marblehead Rotary Club is donating $16,000 to bring a new mindfulness program to the Brown and Glover elementary schools, aimed at giving younger students tools to manage stress, practice kindness and build emotional resilience. Starting in October, mindfulness educator Jean Skaane will “guide our youngest learners (grades K through 3) in weekly lessons focused on core skills of self-awareness, purpose, empathy, collaboration, agency and adaptability, which complement their learning through our Wayfinder curriculum,” according to Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira. “Data will be collected to…
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Max dresses to impress, year after year

Max dresses to impress, year after year

Marblehead student and budding fashion icon Maximilian Averback has outdone himself again with another snazzy school photo. The Current has been sharing Max’s school pictures since kindergarten, when he first wowed us with his picture-day style. He's a student at Epstein Hillel Academy. Through the years: School photos of Maximilian Averback from kindergarten through fourth grade. Averback is a student at Epstein Hillel School. COURTESY PHOTOS Every year, he dresses to impress — and fourth grade is no exception. Max sported his signature bow tie…
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This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, help is available

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, help is available

September is national Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Marblehead Counseling Center wants to remind residents of the many resources available for individuals and families who are struggling. “Suicide prevention actually starts before a mental health crisis,” according to Gregg Mulford, LMHC clinical director at the center. “This is a great time to learn about warning signs, and connect people to vital mental health resources.”  Mulford says many factors may increase the risk for suicide, including underlying mental health issues such as depression. But suicide risk…
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Free parenting classes to help local families build their ‘village’

Free parenting classes to help local families build their ‘village’

Having a baby may not come with an instruction manual, but a new — and free — program hopes to send expectant parents home with something close: a plan. The Board of Health is sponsoring a series of parenting classes, including a new prenatal program that will be free for Marblehead residents. Expectant parents will leave the course with a personalized Postpartum Preparedness Plan identifying the people, community organizations and medical resources they can turn to once their baby arrives. The goal is to help…
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NEWS IN BRIEF: New town hires, schools return $800K, Green Communities vote coming

NEWS IN BRIEF: New town hires, schools return $800K, Green Communities vote coming

The Current accepts News in Brief submissions of 150-200 words at info@marbleheadnews.org. Town hires treasurerThe town has hired a new treasurer, Shaun Strobel. Strobel has more than 20 years experience as a treasurer in various municipalities, including Worcester, Sharon and, most recently, Marshfield. For the last several years, Marblehead has combined the positions of treasurer and collector. Cami Iannarelli remains as collector. The collector is responsible for billing and collecting money owed to the town, including property taxes. The treasurer manages that money. School business managerOn Aug.…
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First-day jitters — and plenty of smiles — as Marblehead students head back

First-day jitters — and plenty of smiles — as Marblehead students head back

First-day jitters mixed with big smiles Monday morning as about 3,000 students headed back to Marblehead Public Schools, including Charter School. Some were clutching their parents’ hands while others raced ahead, eager to see their friends, meet their teachers and begin a new year.  At Glover School, Superintendent John Robidoux and new Principal Mary LeBlanc greeted children and families as they streamed toward the building for the start of a new school year. Students walk into the Marblehead Community Charter Public School this morning. COURTESY…
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After cuts and turmoil, superintendent looks toward stable future as classes start Monday

After cuts and turmoil, superintendent looks toward stable future as classes start Monday

After a few turbulent years marked by a teachers strike, deep budget cuts and a contentious override campaign, Superintendent John Robidoux is heading into the new school year with a more predictable road ahead. Marblehead schools begin the new year Monday, Aug. 31, after a budget process that resulted in $4.7 million in cuts and the elimination of 22 full-time-equivalent positions. The $15 million operating override approved by voters in May does not restore those cuts this school year. Instead, it establishes a multiyear funding…
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ASK LIZZIE: Crying at drop-off is not a red flag

ASK LIZZIE: Crying at drop-off is not a red flag

You stood at the school door this morning. You said goodbye, and maybe they skipped in and maybe they held onto your leg, stretching out your leggings and leaving wet tear and drool marks all down the side. Either way you walked back to the car and started worrying before you even got your seatbelt on. Now you've got a few hours. You're going to spend most of it holding your breath and wondering: Current parenting columnist Lizzie Assa COURTESY PHOTO Is she crying? Did…
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Town native brings home film, conversation about misinformation

Town native brings home film, conversation about misinformation

For Andrew Korzenik, bringing his latest film project to the North Shore feels like a full-circle moment. The Marblehead native, now an award-winning filmmaker based in Chicago, spent his childhood performing in local theater productions, attending Rebel Shakespeare camp and developing a love of storytelling in Marblehead Public Schools. This month, he's returning home — not simply to screen a film but to start what he hopes will become an important community conversation. : Marblehead native Andrew Korzenik, center, directs the short film, “Sprinkles.” He…
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CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets coming up

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets coming up

Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email the Current at info@marbleheadnews.org.  Slavery to Freedom walking tourThursday, Aug. 6, 4 p.m. Join Jarrett Zeman from Marblehead Museum for a walking tour on the history of slavery and the abolition movement in Marblehead. You’ll see local sites where enslaved people worked and lived, and where white abolitionists fought for freedom from the pulpit, ballot box and Underground Railroad. Tickets are $15.90 for the general public. Go…
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