Commissioner's Weekly Update

2026

May 18, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Assabet Valley Regional Technical/Vocational High School
3. Board Preview
4. Application to Join Fall 2026 CURATE Panels
5. PD Provider Application
6. Teacher Member Sought for SOA Data Advisory Commission
7. DESE Resource Corner: Updated IMplement MA Guide
8. Phones in Focus Survey

May 11, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Celebration Honoring Excellence in Teaching
3. Build Your Data Confidence Virtual Workshop
4. Early Learning Lunch and Learn Networking Sessions
5. 2025-26 Educational Stability Data Collection and Reporting
6. Phone-Free Schools Support Grant
7. Sharing for Success Dissemination Fair Reminder

May 4, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Milken Educator Elizabeth Metts
3. Board Recap
4. New Alternative Licensure Pathway
5. Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students
6. School Nurses Week
7. Educational Stability Office Hours

April 27, 2026

1. Board Preview
2. Picture of the Week: Shawsheen Valley Technical High School
3. Voting for the Terrific Tray of the Year
4. Inclusion and Access Webinars on Curricula and IEP Compliance
5. Virtual Workshops on Strengthening Substantially Separate Programs
6. PD on Strengthening IEPs and Substantially Separate Programs
7. For Your Info:
   • Creating Collaborative Leadership Virtual Workshop Series

April 21, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Holocaust Survivor Kati Preston Visits Salem Academy Charter School
3. Guidance on Deepfake Photos and Videos
4. State Seal of Biliteracy English Assessments
5. Early College Designation Info Session and Commitment Form
6. Secretary Zrike to Speak at MyCAP Showcase
7. Literacy Launch Summer Institute Added in Springfield

April 13, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Pictures of the Week: Student Government Day
3. Recognizing Massachusetts Green Ribbon Schools
4. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
5. Sharing for Success Dissemination Fair Registration
6. For Your Info:
   • Data Paths PD Opportunities

April 6, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Secretary Zrike Sworn In
3. 2026 School Health Profiles Questionnaires
4. Nominations for 2026 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year
5. Applications Open for Next Cohort of PRISM II and PRISM III Literacy Grants
6. FY2027 MA FRESH Grant
7. School Choice Participation Survey for the 2026-27 School Year
8. For Your Info:
   • We Declare! Challenge

March 30, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Visit to Stefanik School in Chicopee
3. Board Recap
4. Networking Session to Promote Student Health and Wellbeing
5. Public Comment Sought on IDEA Part B Annual State Application
6. MyCAP Showcase 2026
7. 2026 SUN Bucks Application
8. For Your Info:
   • Japanese Exchange Program Opportunity

March 23, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Read Across America Day at Lowell Community Charter Public School
3. Board Preview
4. Build Your Data Confidence Virtual Workshop
5. Family and Community Partnerships Convenings
6. DLCS Leaders Network Summit
7. For Your Info:
   • Civic Engagement Art Project

March 16, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: U.S. Senate Youth Program
3. Snow Days
4. For Your Info
   • Vouchers for DLCS MTEL Review
   • Teacher-Led Literacy Summit

March 9, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Charlton Street School in Southbridge
3. Registration Open for Civics Projects Showcases
4. Printed MCAS Individual Student Reports Available by Order Only
5. Registration Open for Literacy Launch Institutes
6. Application for 2026 Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Student Leadership Award
7. Office Hours on Local Civics Project Showcases
8. Future Teacher Signing Day

March 2, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Visit to Community Day Charter Public School
3. Board Recap
4. Educational Stability Office Hours
5. 2026 School Health Profiles Questionnaires
6. Comments Sought on Proposed Amendments Related to Protect Education Equity Act

February 23, 2026

1. Board Preview
2. Picture of the Week: Black History Month at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School
3. Know Your Rights Webinar – Updates and Q&A on Immigration
4. MEFA Work-Based Learning Tool Webinar
5. Sharing for Success Dissemination Fair Call for Proposals
6. CTE Cluster Committees

February 17, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Taunton Health Class Simulation
3. FY27 Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program Planning Grant
4. Aspiring Principal Fellowship
5. Feedback Sought on High School Graduation Requirements
6. E2C Hub Annual Open Data Day

February 9, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Pictures of the Week: East Boston History Teacher Receives Milken Award
3. Introduction to Early College Designation
4. Know Your Rights Webinar — Updates and Q&A on Immigration
5. New Guidance on Time-out Practices
6. Green School Works Funding
7. Aligning Digital Literacy and AI Literacy for Today’s Classroom PD
8. Proposals Sought for 2026 DLCS Leaders Network Summit
9. Volunteers Needed to Plan 2026 DLCS Leaders Network Summit

February 2, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Board Recap
3. Picture of the Week: School Counselor of the Year
4. National School Counseling Week
5. Immigration Updates
6. Feedback Sought on Classroom Science Performance Assessments
7. Educational Stability Office Hours
8. Feedback Sought on Elective Science Courses
9. 2025 School and District Report Cards

January 26, 2026

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Pictures of the Week: MLK Day of Service
3. Board Preview
4. Webinar on CTE Nonresident Student Access
5. FAFSA Completion Dashboard
6. Preview of Investigating History for Grades 3-4
7. Student Government Day Registration
8. For Your Info:
   • Data Paths PD Opportunities

January 20, 2026

• Message from Commissioner Martinez
• Picture of the Week: Schools of Recognition Ceremony
• U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Nominations Due Jan. 28
• 2026 CHPE Professional Learning
• Proposals for 2026 DLCS Summit
• FY27 Genocide Education and Civics Teaching and Learning Grants
• Mass 250 Bold Stories, Bright Legacies Education Project
• For Your Info
  • Tax Credit Reminders

January 12, 2026

• Message from Commissioner Martinez
• Picture of the Week: Sheffield Third Graders Build Paper Bridges
• Educational Stability Office Hours
• Preschool Itinerant Team Grant Information Sessions
• Lead Health Education Teacher Identification
• Input Sought for Dissemination Fair
• Governor's Youth Advisory Council Youth Summit
• Registration Open for Civics Projects Showcases
• DPH Guidance on Immunization Schedules and Childhood Hepatitis B Vaccination
• DPH Norovirus Resources
• "Be the Reason Someone Belongs" Anti-bullying Campaign

2025

December 22, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: SAORI weaving at Wildwood Elementary in Amherst
3. Board Recap
4. Aspiring Principal Fellowship
5. Supporting Newcomer Enrollment, Attendance, and Engagement
6. Fostering Student Voice, Agency, and Independence in the Early Years

December 15, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Visit to Alfred G. Zanetti Montessori Magnet School in Springfield
3. Board Preview
4. AI Literacy for Educators Webinar Series
5. Transforming Diverse Educator Pathways Community of Practice
6. Green School Works Funding

December 8, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Teacher of the Year
3. Orton Gillingham Training Opportunity
4. Educational Stability Office Hours on Special Education Responsibility
5. FAFSA Updates
6. Nominate an Educator for 2027 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year
7. Snowplow Contest

December 1, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Statewide High School Graduation Framework Announcement
3. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
4. Family Engagement around Pre-K Language and Literacy Development
5. December Sessions on Pre-K Language and Literacy Assessment
6. Medical and Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plans
7. Intent to Seek a Waiver from the Limit on Alternate Assessments

November 24, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Stoughton Students Participate in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
3. Board Recap
4. 2026 Massachusetts Civics Projects Showcases
5. Public Comment Sought on Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval Regulations
6. Listening Session on School Finance Formula

November 17, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Veterans Day Lunch in Leominster
3. Board Preview
4. Listening Sessions on School Finance Formula
5. Registration Open for Literacy Launch Institutes
6. Name a Snowplow

November 10, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Commissioner Martinez Visits Worcester
3. Early Literacy Tutoring Application Now Open
4. Pre-K Language and Literacy Assessment Office Hours
5. December Early Learning Network Meetings

November 3, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: STEM Presentation to Board
3. Board Recap
4. Early Literacy Opportunities Coming Soon
5. Grant to Support Implementation of Updated Regulations on Time-Out Practices
6. Members Sought for Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council
7. Using Data to Support Early Literacy Goals
8. Educational Stability Office Hours on Unpacking EDWIN and EWIS Data
9. Public Comment Sought on Seal of Biliteracy Regulations
10. Public Comment Sought on Student Records Regulations
11. For Your Info:
• MSAA Tap on the Shoulder Initiative

October 27, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: STEM Week Visit to MVP Academy in Fitchburg
3. Board Preview
4. Recruitment, Admission, and Retention Policies for CTE Programs Due Nov. 1
5. Middle School Pathway Exploration Policies Due Nov. 1
6. Educational Stability Office Hours
7. Parent Member Sought for Student Opportunity Act Data Advisory Commission
8. Regional Training on Addressing Hate in Schools and Sports
9. New Data Story on College and Career Pathways
10. For Your Info:
    • OneGoal Massachusetts Partnership Summit 2025
    • Transformative Learning Experience with Springpoint

October 20, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Commissioner Martinez Visits Berkowitz Elementary in Chelsea
3. Draft Antisemitism and Bias Prevention Curriculum and PD Rubric Open for Public Comment
4. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
5. Dyslexia Institute and Dyslexia Institute Coaching
6. Applications Open for the 2026 Green Ribbon Schools Award
7. Annual Youth Summit Nov. 10
8. Early Literacy and Family Engagement PD Session
9. Transforming Energy in Schools Initiative
10. DESE Resource Corner: Instructional Planning and Observation Tools Collection
11. Student Government Day 2026
12. Reminder to Review List of Private Schools
13. For Your Info
    • National Assessment Governing Board Accepting Nominations

October 14, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: International Day of Peace Observed in Leverett
3. U.S. Presidential Scholars
4. Pre-K Language and Literacy Assessment Office Hours
5. Listening Sessions on School Finance Formula
6. District Leaders Webinar on AI
7. Investing in Educator Diversity Grant Opportunity
8. Grant to Support Implementing Updated Regulations on Time-Out Practices
9. Anti-Hazing Data Collection
10. Charter School Amendment Request and Applications for Charter Renewal
11. Virtual School Applications for Certificate Renewal
12. For Your Info
    • Equity Leaders Fellowship

October 6, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Visit to Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter Public School
3. Board Recap
4. Middle School CTE Awareness Module Now Available
5. Middle School Pathway Exploration Policies Due Nov. 1
6. Recruitment, Admission, and Retention Policies for CTE Programs Due Nov. 1
7. Early College Planning Grant
8. MyCAP Kick-off for School Year 2025-26
9. Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plans to Promote Student Health and Well-being
10. For Your Info:
    • Indoor Air Quality Planning Workshop
    • High School Quiz Show

September 29, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Celebrating an MCAS Benchmark in Arlington
3. Board Preview
4. Joint Guidance Affirming Commitment to Equal Access to Education
5. Central Mass. Immigration Convening
6. Massachusetts Teacher STEM Fair
7. Educational Stability Orientations
8. EdTech Leader Network and EdTech Express Meetings
9. Vouchers for Digital Literacy and Computer Science MTEL Review Course
10. Seeking Partner to Support Development of Early Literacy Professional Learning
11. Early Learning October Convenings

September 22, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Red Carpet Welcome in Worcester
3. Middle School Pathway Exploration Policies Due Nov. 1
4. Recruitment, Admission, and Retention Policies for CTE Programs Due Nov. 1
5. Arts & Cultural Vitality Grant
6. CD Policy and Local Graduation Requirement Submission
7. DESE Resource Corner: New artificial intelligence (AI) resources
8. Purchasing Certification Opportunity
9. Call for Student Artwork for Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month

September 15, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Shawsheen Preschool Ribbon Cutting in Andover
3. Metrowest Immigration Convening
4. CTE Schools and Programs Recruitment, Admission, and Retention Policy Support
5. Middle School Pathway Exploration Policies Due November 1
6. Opportunity to Strengthen Curriculum Implementation
7. New MCAS Family Portal Available October 1
8. Applications Available for U.S. Senate Youth Program
9. MTEL Content Validation Survey
10. Important Updates to PAL

September 8, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Visit to Tewksbury to Celebrate Early Literacy Investment
3. Pre-K Language and Literacy Assessment Office Hours
4. Combatting Hate in Schools Webinar for School Leaders
5. CHPE Fall Professional Learning
6. School Transportation Reminders
7. Interpreter Training Grant Available
8. Interpreter Registry Available
9. Paraeducator E-Learning Modules

September 2, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Pictures of the Week: Visits to Northeast Metro Tech and Hopedale Junior-Senior High School
3. Education Leader's Checklist
4. Application and Info Session for the Annual U.S. Senate Youth Program
5. Webinar on Edwin
6. Homeless and Foster Care Data Collection Webinar

August 25, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Pictures of the Week: Literacy Launch Announcement in Easthampton
3. CTE Admissions Guidance and Guidance for Middle School Access to CTE Schools and Programs:
4. MTEL Objective Review Committee Members Needed
5. Reminder: Apply to Help Shape the Future of AI in Schools
6. Technical Assistance for Resource Use and School Scheduling and Redesign

August 18, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Literacy Launch Institutes
3. New AI Literacy and Policy Guidance Resources
4. Evaluate and Select HQIM Network
5. Strategic Resource Use and Scheduling Networks
6. New Resources for Induction and Mentoring Programs
7. Youth Climate Council
8. Leadership Network on CLSP
9. Leading with Perseverance Program

August 11, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Digital Literacy and Computer Science Summer Training for Educators
3. Pre-K Language and Literacy Assessment Office Hours
4. Implement and Monitor HQIM Network
5. Professional Development on IEP Implementation
6. EWIS Virtual Trainings
7. Process for Proposing New English Learner Education Programs
8. New Data Story on Insights from Early Literacy Screening

August 4, 2025

1. Message from the Commissioner
2. Picture of the Week: Summer Music Programming in Lawrence
3. Federal Grants Now Available
4. Resources for Parents with Uncertain Immigration Status
5. Health and Physical Education Summer PD
6. Advanced Learning Pilot Expansion
7. Members Sought for Gifted and Talented Advisory Council
8. Rethinking Discipline Initiative Competitive Grant Program
9. Role-Specific Evaluation Rubrics Pilot for Specialized Instructional Support Personnel

July 28, 2025

1. Message from the Commissioner
2. Picture of the Week: Engineering Lessons in Fall River Summer Program
3. Rethinking Discipline Initiative Competitive Grant Program
4. CTE Expansion Funding Info Session
5. New Multilingual Leaders Orientation
6. Updated Language Survey Available in 37 Languages
7. Help Shape the Future of AI in Schools

July 21, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Pictures of the Week: Summer Eats Kickoff Event in New Bedford
3. New Competency Determination Guidance
4. ELA/Literacy Curriculum-Based HQIM Communities of Practice
5. For Your Info:
   • Free AI Learning Experience

July 14, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: Greenhouse Construction in Haverhill
3. MEFA Summer Events
4. Member Sought for Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council
5. Updated Regulations on Medication Administration
6. EEE Resources for Schools, Camps, and Recreational Programs

July 7, 2025

1. Message from Commissioner Martinez
2. Picture of the Week: State House Visit
3. Federal Grant Update
4. Pre-K Language and Literacy Assessment Office Hours
5. Hate Crimes Prevention Grant
6. SRO and Mental, Social or Emotional Health Support Personnel Data Due
7. Deeper Learning Implementation Network

June 30, 2025

1. Board Recap
2. Picture of the Week: Future Teacher Signing Days
3. Instructional Planning for Deeper Learning PD Series
4. Public Awareness Campaign about Autism, Wandering, and Water Safety
5. For Your Info
   • DCR Park Passport Challenge

June 23, 2025

1. Board Preview
2. Picture of the Week: Shutesbury Elementary School GSA at Pride Parade
3. Statewide Graduation Council – Additional Listening Sessions and Survey
4. Help Improve the DESE Website
5. Professional Learning and Coaching Opportunities Still Available

June 16, 2025

1. Resources Available through the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students
2. Picture of the Week: Field Day in Salem
3. Pre-K Language and Literacy Assessment Office Hours
4. Partner Sought for Early Literacy in Ed Prep Resource Hub
5. Help Shape DESE's New Family Engagement Resources
6. Early Literacy Tutoring Interest Form
7. CHPE Summer Institute
8. 2025 District Induction and Mentoring Report Due August 15
9. Reminder: Statewide Graduation Council Survey
10. For Your Info:
    • MassDPH Offers Summer Safety Guidance

June 9, 2025

1. Help Improve the DESE Website
2. Picture of the Week: Lowell High School Grad Walk
3. Evaluate and Select HQIM Network
4. Implement and Monitor HQIM Network
5. Statewide Graduation Council Seeks Feedback on Statewide Survey
6. Reminder to Submit SRO and Mental, Social, or Emotional Health Support Info
7. Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Evaluation Rubrics Pilot
8. 2025 Instructional Leadership Institute – Last Chance to Register
9. For Your Info:
   • Fall 2025 Learning Excursion to D.C. Focused on Multilingual Learners

June 2, 2025

1. Know Your Rights Guide about Immigration Action
2. Picture of the Week: Civics Projects Showcase
3. Feedback Sought for Statewide Graduation Council
4. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
5. Ideas Sought for New State Seal, Flag Design, and Motto
6. Youth or Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training Opportunity
7. Applicants Sought for Racial Imbalance Advisory Council
8. EdTech Peer Learning Cohort 2025-2026
9. 2025 Summer PD Provider Application Update
10. Professional Learning and Network Portfolio - MTSS and Other Offerings

May 27, 2025

1. Board Recap
2. Picture of the Week: Methuen High School Students Welcome Board
3. 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Finalists and Semifinalists
4. Graduation Council Listening Sessions
5. 2025 Instructional Leadership Institute
6. Annual Homeless and Foster Care Data Collection and Webinar
7. Educational Stability PD on Transportation for Homeless and Foster Care Students
8. McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Grant
9. Early Literacy Consortium Grant
10. Ideas Sought for New State Seal, Flag Design, and Motto
11. Free Civics Programming through Massachusetts Trial Court Office
12. For Your Info:
    • Reminder to School Staff to Check Measles Immunity Status

Last Updated: May 19, 2026