Healey-Driscoll Administration Kicks Off Celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Kicks Off Celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week 

 

UPTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration celebrated the start of Teacher Appreciation Week today with a visit to Nipmuc Regional High School in Upton, home of the

2024 History Teacher of the Year and 2024 Patriots Hall of Fame STEM Teacher of the Year. Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler met with educators and students from the Mendon-Upton Regional School District to lift up the profound contributions educators make every day in Massachusetts classrooms.  

"Teachers are the heart of our schools and the foundation of our communities. They show up with dedication, compassion, and resilience every day to inspire and empower our students," said Governor Maura Healey. "We are proud to celebrate their incredible impact this week and reaffirm our commitment to supporting educators across Massachusetts."  

"Teachers are mentors, role models, and champions for every child. So often their work goes unnoticed and unrecognized," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This week, we say thank you and kindly ask all parents, guardians and families to find their own way to express gratitude and support." 

“As a former history teacher, I know the important work teachers do is not often met with the recognition it deserves.," said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. "I want to say thank you to every teacher, mentor, tutor, and paraprofessional who lay the groundwork for young people to realize their dreams. Our educators are doing some of the most important work in the world and I’m thrilled we have a week dedicated to celebrating them.”  

 "We are honored to host Secretary Tutwiler. It was a pleasure to share the amazing work of our teachers with him. We are grateful that he has such a genuine appreciation of the important work our educators do each day," said Nipmuc Regional High School Co-Principal John Clements. 

"Secretary Tutwiler's visit provided such a celebratory start to Teacher Appreciation Week. We are fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated faculty who go above and beyond each day for students. It means so much to the Nipmuc community that he would take time to visit our school and thank our teachers," said Nipmuc Regional High School Co-Principal Mary Anne Moran. 

The administration has made education a central focus of its agenda, including diversifying and strengthening the educator workforce and pipeline. In November, the administration

launched the state’s first registered K-12 Teacher Apprenticeship Program that enables aspiring teachers to work toward a full teaching license while being employed in an instructional role in a district. This earn-and-learn approach removes financial barriers to teaching and ensures more equitable opportunities to enter the profession. Further, the administration has proposed state regulation changes to establish alternative assessments to the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). This proposal was informed by a successful five-year pilot program that expand access to the teaching profession, allowing prospective teachers to demonstrate competencies in different ways while maintaining high standards for subject matter knowledge, communications, and literacy skills.  

For early childhood educators, the state has invested in the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program that supports early education and care providers’ operational costs, including compensation and additional workforce and quality investments that enable programs to better recruit and retain staff while mitigating increased costs for families. With the support of C3, early childhood educator compensation has increased almost 20% in

the last two and a half years. The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is working to develop the state’s first early education and care career ladder and salary recommendations, aligned with public school expectations. EEC is also developing a new credentialling system and working with the state’s community colleges to develop a standardized early childhood education certificate, in addition to their Career Pathways Program and Early Childhood Educator Scholarship. The administration has also been focused on expanding early childhood apprenticeships. 

“Our educators are the workforce behind the workforce, critical to the development and growth of the youngest learners in the state and serving as a key driver for our state and local economies,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “No matter the setting, educators are change-makers — bringing learning to life through play and imagination, nurturing social-emotional skills, and supporting parents along the way. Thanks to our teachers for your tireless work to build strong foundations for long-term success for children and families across Massachusetts.” 

The administration also launched this academic year one of the most accessible, equitable and comprehensive free community college programs in the country for full-time and part-time students, regardless of income, which contributes to defraying the costs of education for current and future educators. In addition, the administration provides supports like tuition waivers, financial aid, and resources for professional development. These programs aim to improve teacher quality, support professional growth, and encourage teachers to pursue further education. Further, the Department of Higher Education this year launched the Commission on Higher Education Quality and Affordability that is examining public higher education quality and affordability, including improvements needed to increase the recruitment and retention of qualified adjunct and full-time faculty and staff. 

 “During Teacher Appreciation Week, we also want to extend gratitude to our faculty who provide students with life-changing opportunities, including those who prepare future educators,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful for all that our faculty do to prepare students to grow as individuals, learners, professionals, and community leaders. Their lasting impact on students benefits our entire Commonwealth.” 

Click here to read Governor Healey’s proclamation declaring May 5 through May 9, 2025 Teacher Appreciation Week in Massachusetts.  

MAYOR WU, COMMUNITY CELEBRATE GROUNDBREAKING OF $30.9 MILLION NEW FIELDS CORNER BRANCH

MAYOR WU, COMMUNITY CELEBRATE GROUNDBREAKING OF $30.9 MILLION NEW FIELDS CORNER BRANCH

BOSTON – Monday, May 5, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined Boston Public Library (BPL) officials and Fields Corner community members to highlight the start of construction of the new Fields Corner Branch. The $30.9 million construction project will create a new two-story building with improved accessibility, expanded community space, and advanced energy efficiency. Today’s groundbreaking marked the beginning of construction, which is expected to conclude in 2026.  "Boston’s neighborhood libraries are the foundation of enrichment and community for all residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This City investment in the construction of a new Fields Corner Branch will give Dorchester residents of all ages an inspiring and inclusive place to collaborate, learn, and grow.” The design process, which launched in fiscal year 2023, is led by Oudens Ello Architecture in partnership with the BPL, the City of Boston’s Public Facilities Department, and Fields Corner residents. The design process was informed by a community programming study and community review process.  The project will build a new 14,500-square-foot, two-story building, expand the branch’s circulating collection and include a 100-seat flexible community room, a 20-person classroom, and two study rooms. It will also feature a dedicated children’s story area, a second-floor outdoor reading terrace, technology infrastructure, and robust new furnishings and signage to serve adults, teens, and children. The old Fields Corner library building was built in 1969.   “The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Fields Corner Branch; a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community hub made possible through years of partnership, planning, and shared vision,” said David Leonard, BPL President. “This reimagined library will be more than a building; it will be a welcoming space for learning, connection, and opportunity, and a proud model for what we can achieve together.”  “Today’s groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter for Field’s Corner and for the generations of families who will gather, learn, and grow within these walls. Libraries are cornerstones of strong, connected communities, and this investment reflects our shared commitment to equity, education, and opportunity for all," said State Representative Daniel J. Hunt (D- Dorchester). "I’m proud to support this project and thrilled to see it come to life in the heart of Dorchester. I want to thank my colleagues at the city and state level for the hard work, collaboration, and dedication that have brought us to this moment and helped make this vision a reality.” "I am thrilled to see the Fields Corner Branch Library begin construction, " said Boston City Councilor John FitzGerald. "As both a parent and City Councilor, I believe that libraries serve a critical role in getting children excited in reading and learning. The new Fields Corner Library will not only be an essential resource for children, but also serve as an essential community space for all residents for years to come." Sustainability is a key element of the project. The Fields Corner Branch will be the first library in the BPL system built to the City’s Fossil Fuel Free standard for new municipal buildings. Targeting LEED Gold Certification, the all-electric building will operate without gas or other fossil fuels and will have infrastructure for future photovoltaic panel installation.   Universal access is central to the design, which includes ADA-compliant public restrooms, an elevator, and wheelchair-accessible furniture and technology stations throughout the space.  “The Public Facilities Department is proud to take part in the construction of this state-of-the-art library for the Fields Corner community,” said Carleton Jones, PFD Executive Director. “This accessible and sustainable facility reflects our commitment to creating modern spaces that support learning, creativity, and community engagement city-wide.”  While the Fields Corner Branch is closed for construction, library patrons are encouraged to use the nearby Adams Street, Codman Square, Uphams Corner, Lower Mills, or Grove Hall branches, or one of the BPL’s other neighborhood locations during the closure. For more information on the Fields Corner Branch renovation project, visit: bpl.org/fields-corner-project.  The Mayor's FY26-30 Capital Plan includes $283 million for libraries. In addition to the Fields Corner Branch, the Plan includes funding to advance new Chinatown, West End, Upham’s Corner, Egleston, and South End branches, and continued repair, renovation, and master planning projects at the Central Library in Copley Square. More information on these additional projects can be found at apps.boston.gov/capital-projects/. 

波士頓美術博物館《齊白石：墨彩靈感》展 紀念畫家160歲

齊白石畫作。（MFA提供）

            (Boston Orange) 波士頓美術博物館（MFA）為紀念齊白石誕辰160週年，主要由譚氏教育基金贊助，5月3日起至9月28日，在該館亞洲繪畫畫廊（畫廊178）推出《齊白石：墨彩靈感》展，以40幅畫作，展現齊白石的藝術視野和靈感。

齊白石（1864-1957）是ㄧ位在戰爭不斷，政治動盪的時代中成長的藝術家，以作風大膽的現代化中國水墨畫聞名。他畫的風景、動植物和和人物，或角度大膽，或栩栩如生，或生動有趣，簡單幾筆，就勾勒出打破社會和文化障礙的情境。他的創新實驗包括將鮮豔的色彩與濃墨色調並置，形式和構圖的顯著經濟性，以及帶有揭示性題詞的生動表現。他還通過基於書法練習和篆刻的表現性筆法使中國畫重獲新生。齊白石被認為將中國文人傳統的筆墨藝術轉變為一種表現主義和抽象形式，清晰地向現代時代發聲。

這次展出的將近40件齊白石畫作，幾乎全部借自北京畫院，這次展覽，也是由波士頓美術博物館和北京畫院，中國國際展覽局合作，是個十分難得的欣賞齊白石畫作機會。

             贊助這次展覽的機構，在譚氏基金之外，還有Joel Alvord和Lisa Schmid Alvord基金、紀念Marjorie C. Nordblom的中國畫基金的Rodger和Dawn Nordblom基金，以及June N.和John C. Robinson基金。

           北京畫院目前也正和中央美術學院合作，在北京畫院美術館內舉辦『小魚在乎：齊白石的生趣世界』展覽，將展至2025年5月15日止。

科學博物館『烏托邦熱線』以沈浸互動式演出把觀眾帶進社會實驗

   

主辦單位代表在5月1日的開幕演出後致詞。（周菊子攝）

       （Boston Orange 綜合報導）「藝術愛默生 （ArtsEmerson）」和波士頓科學博物館，以及米圖（Mitu）劇團，章魚戲劇（Octopus Theatricals）製作公司合作，即日起至5月18日，在波士頓科學博物館查理士海登天文館（Charles Hayden Planetarium）的57英尺，360度圓頂下推出『烏托邦熱線 （Utopian Hotline）』。

            米圖劇團是一個以創新實驗方式表現藝術而聞名的藝術團體，這次製作的『烏托邦熱線』，受1977年美國太空總署(NASA)發射航海家號太空船，把黃金唱片也帶上去了，迄今已航行13億英里的這事件啟發，創作出沈浸式，邀觀眾借電話專線分享對『更美好未來』願景，融入表演的一場實驗性社會藝術演出。

            航海家號太空船把黃金唱片帶進太空，是把人類聲音帶到外太空，外星人面前，藉以傳遞地球聲音的做法，被許多人當作是向宇宙發送『瓶中信』，『烏托邦熱線』借用這概念，鼓勵人們把各自對未來的想法，說出來，傳出去。

            米圖劇團請觀眾撥打1-646-694-8050這電話號碼，根據提示，留下一份語音記錄，述說自己對未來的想像。然後米圖劇團將把收集來的這些語音資訊，以類似播放黑膠唱片模式，結合電話熱線和現場表演，形成一場互動的『烏托邦熱線』演出。

            米圖劇團的藝術總監Rubén Polendo 指出，科學博物館的 57 英尺、360 度天文館圓頂環境，使得『烏托邦熱線』得以在視覺、聽覺、情感、智性和精神等多個層面，給觀眾更實在的深刻體驗。

             科學博物館創意主任James Monroe表示，科學博物館 的2025 年主題是「人類本質 (Being Human) 」，一個為期一年的探索，要探討人與人之間的相互關聯以及人們如何能共同改善生活。『烏托邦熱線』是這主題系列的焦點活動和重要基石，

波士頓市撥款20萬元加強支持LGBQ+社區

（Boston Orange 編譯）波士頓市長吳弭 （Michelle Wu）辦公室和LGBQ+辦公室聯袂宣佈，撥款20萬元，擴大為LGBQ+居民所提供的服務與資源，其中包括經由『超越驕傲補助計畫（Beyond Pride Grant）發出45筆補助，以及經由2025會計年度性別肯定身份文件及緊急援救補助撥發的5萬元。這些補助款來自MOLA營運預算。                吳弭市長表示，這些撥款意味著波士頓市致力讓波士頓成為每一個人的家，要建造一個更安全，更具包容性的城市。                 公平與包容長Mariangely Solis Cervera和市長LGBTQ+事務辦公室執行主任Jullianne Lee表示，這些補助旨在確保波士頓市內的每一個居民，無論其性別認同或性取向為何，都能在住房，法律支持，醫療護理，社區資源和緊急經濟援助等方面，享有同樣的市府服務，得以安全，穩定的生活。               『超越驕傲補助計畫』提供每筆500到15,000元不等的補助，支持LGBQ+居民同樣能得到市府基本服務，照顧到LGBQ+居民的尊嚴，生存權，以及獲得認可的需求。               獲得5萬元的機構是麻州跨性別政治聯盟 （Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition)，這個為波士頓市內跨性別，非二元，以及性別多元化居民提供法律及財務援助的機構。                 獲得「超越驕傲補助計畫」的受助者包括： ·       LGBTQ Senior Housing, Inc. ·       Trans Asylum Seeker Support Network  ·       GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) ·       Victory Programs, Inc. ·       Big Queer Food Festival ·       BOSTON Sisters Convent of the Commonwealth   ·       Breaktime United Inc ·       Same Boat Consulting  ·       Chastity Consulting & Talent Group/ Save Ourselves Program  ·       MASS National Organization for Women, Inc. ·       OUTnewcomers  ·       PFLAG Greater Boston ·       Boston Ironsides Rugby Football Club ·       Men of Melanin Magic LLC ·       Boston NORAM 2025 ·       Mass Equality Education Fund Org, Inc.  ·       BAGLY, Inc. ·       Boston Acupuncture Project Inc. ·       Boston Dyke March Inc. ·       Boston Gaymers, Inc ·       Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, Inc. ·       Boston Theater Company ·       Bridge Over Troubled Waters ·       Creative Impact for Change ·       East Boston Community Soup Kitchen ·       FriendshipWorks, Inc. ·       HELP by AMG ·       History UnErased, Inc. ·       IMPACT ·       Multicultural AIDS Coalition, Inc. ·       Neighborhood Parents for the Hurley School ·       Outstanding Life ·       Pride in Our Workplace, Inc. ·       PrideXtended, Inc. ·       SPOKE ART INC ·       Spontaneous Celebrations, Inc. ·       The City School INC ·       The History Project ·       The Home for Little Wanderers ·       The Queer Film Institute ·       The SpaceMakers Society, Inc ·       Theater Offensive, Inc ·       TLE Center for Urban Entrepreneurship ·       Young Men's Christian Association of Greater Boston, Inc. MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES $200,000 IN FUNDING TO STRENGTHEN SUPPORT SERVICES FOR LGBTQ+ BOSTONIANS

BOSTON - Friday, May 2, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement (MOLA) today announced $200,000 in grant funding to expand access to critical services and resources for LGBTQ+ Bostonians. This year’s awards include 45 grants through the Beyond Pride Grant Program and a $50,000 award through the FY25 Gender Affirming Identity Document & Emergency Assistance Grant. These grants are funded by MOLA operating budget. “These investments represent our continued action to make Boston a home for everyone by investing resources directly into trusted community partners,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “By funding identity-affirming services, housing, and emergency assistance, we’re helping build a safer, more connected, and more inclusive Boston and fighting to protect our communities.” These investments reflect the City’s commitment to ensuring every resident—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation—can access the tools they need to lead safe, stable, and healthy lives. Both grant programs respond directly to the most pressing challenges facing LGBTQ+ Bostonians, including access to housing, legal support, community resources, and emergency financial assistance. “The Equity and Inclusion cabinet is committed to investing in solutions that reflect the real needs and realities of our residents,” said Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion. “These grants strengthen community-based programs that are already improving quality of life and building safer neighborhoods.” The Beyond Pride Grant Program awards range from $500 to $15,000 to support nonprofit and community-based organizations that provide services and programming to LGBTQ+ residents. Programs funded address urgent community priorities such as housing stability, health care access, legal aid, community building, and essential services. “This is about more than dollars—it’s about dignity, recognition, and survival,” said Jullieanne Lee, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement. “These grants are a direct response to what our community has asked for—emergency assistance, housing, and sustainable support. We’re proud to be resourcing the brilliance and resilience of our community.” Recipients of the Beyond Pride grants are below: LGBTQ Senior Housing, Inc. Trans Asylum Seeker Support Network  GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) Victory Programs, Inc. Big Queer Food Festival BOSTON Sisters Convent of the Commonwealth   Breaktime United Inc Same Boat Consulting  Chastity Consulting & Talent Group/ Save Ourselves Program  MASS National Organization for Women, Inc. OUTnewcomers  PFLAG Greater Boston Boston Ironsides Rugby Football Club Men of Melanin Magic LLC Boston NORAM 2025 Mass Equality Education Fund Org, Inc.  BAGLY, Inc. Boston Acupuncture Project Inc. Boston Dyke March Inc. Boston Gaymers, Inc Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, Inc. Boston Theater Company Bridge Over Troubled Waters Creative Impact for Change East Boston Community Soup Kitchen FriendshipWorks, Inc. HELP by AMG History UnErased, Inc. IMPACT Multicultural AIDS Coalition, Inc. Neighborhood Parents for the Hurley School Outstanding Life Pride in Our Workplace, Inc. PrideXtended, Inc. SPOKE ART INC Spontaneous Celebrations, Inc. The City School INC The History Project The Home for Little Wanderers The Queer Film Institute The SpaceMakers Society, Inc Theater Offensive, Inc TLE Center for Urban Entrepreneurship Young Men's Christian Association of Greater Boston, Inc. “Many LGBTQ+ people are feeling unsafe these days. Especially trans people, disabled people, and youth,” said Meg Stone, Executive Director of IMPACT and the Project Director of Ability:IMPACT. “I am grateful to MOLA for giving us the resources to offer practical safety skills to people who need us most.” “We are honored to receive support for the third consecutive year from the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement- with this year's funding supporting BAGLY's Stabilization and Success program. The City of Boston's ongoing investment is a powerful affirmation of BAGLY’s work to address the urgent and long-term needs of LGBTQ+ youth—particularly those most impacted by marginalization and systemic inequities. With this continued partnership, we’re able to expand access to direct aid, case management, essential resources, and free-to-access mental health services, while fostering safer spaces where young people can connect, heal, and move forward with strength and support,” said BAGLY Executive Director Grace Sterling Stowell. The FY25 Gender Affirming Identity Document & Emergency Assistance Grant provides targeted support for individuals navigating legal name and gender marker changes, as well as emergency financial needs. This year’s $50,000 grant was awarded to the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), a longstanding leader in providing legal and financial support to transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse residents in Boston. “We are deeply grateful to the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement for this critical investment in the well-being, safety, and dignity of trans and nonbinary Boston residents,” said Tre’Andre Valentine, Executive Director of Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. “This grant supports two of MTPC’s cornerstone programs: the Identity Document Assistance Network and the REACH emergency assistance fund. With this funding, we will expand our reach, streamline access, and offer material support to trans and nonbinary residents navigating unjust systems. This funding is a statement that our lives matter, our needs are valid, and shows that the City stands with us in the fight for lived equity.”