Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $3.6 Million to Support Implementation of Revised Time-Out Regulations

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $3.6 Million to Support Implementation of Revised Time-Out Regulations 

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $3.6 million in competitive grant awards to 78 school districts, charter schools, collaboratives, and approved special education schools. The grants will help schools implement strategies and interventions aligned with the administration’s revised regulations that the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted in June, and will also support the appropriate use of time-out practices statewide. Time-out is a behavioral support strategy used in schools to help students calm, and some schools use specific rooms for this purpose.

Districts and schools will be able to train staff in de-escalation strategies, positive behavior interventions, trauma-informed teaching and alternatives to the use of time-out rooms. Grantees will also be empowered to use restorative practices to build positive relationships, resolve conflicts, and build students’ sense of belonging. Ultimately, these efforts are aimed at reducing the use of time-out rooms, increasing students’ access to the classroom, improving students’ self-regulation, improving school climate, and enhancing collaboration among educators, families and community partners.

“This funding will help educators reduce the use of time-out rooms and to use student-centered behavioral support strategies that promote belonging and inclusion,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.

“While these regulatory updates have been under development for some time, we know that meaningful change requires investment,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “These grants are designed to help districts strengthen behavioral supports, build staff capacity and implement the revised regulations in ways that lead to better outcomes for students."

The revised regulations updated the definition of seclusion and time-out, added requirements for any room or area that is used for time-out, added emergency circumstances under which a form of seclusion in which a staff member is immediately available to the student may be used as a last resort, and added safeguards for the use of emergency seclusion. 

The grant is designed to help recipients align local practices with state regulations; strengthen data collection, oversight and reporting; and reduce schools’ reliance on time-out rooms.

The FY26 grant recipients are:

· ACCEPT Education Collaborative (in Natick): $50,000

· Acton-Boxborough Regional School District: $50,000

· Arlington School District: $50,000

· Assabet Valley Collaborative (in Marlborough): $50,000

· Attleboro School District: $50,000

· Bedford School District: $50,000

· Bellingham School District: $50,000

· Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School (in Adams): $50,000

· Bi-County Collaborative (in Walpole): $50,000

· Braintree School District: $50,000

· Branches School of the Berkshires (in Pittsfield): $50,000

· Canton School District: $50,000

· Cape Cod Collaborative (in Osterville): $50,000

· CAPS Collaborative (in Westminster): $50,000

· Chicopee School District: $50,000

· Collaborative for Regional Educational Service and Training (CREST) (in Andover): $50,000

· Danvers School District: $50,000

· Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District: $50,000

· Fairhaven School District: $50,000

· Falmouth School District: $38,800

· Framingham School District: $50,000

· Franklin School District: $50,000

· Gloucester School District: $50,000

· Granby School District: $26,141

· Haverhill School District: $50,000

· KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School: $50,000

· Latham Centers (in Brewster): $17,400

· Leominster School District: $50,000

· Leverett School District: $19,450

· Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (in West Springfield): $40,580

· Ludlow School District: $35,495

· Lynn School District: $50,000

· MAB Community Services (in Brookline): $50,000

· Martha’s Vineyard School District: $45,392

· Maynard School District: $50,000

· Nashoba Learning Group (in Bedford): $50,000

· New England Adolescent Research Institute (in Easthampton): $50,000

· New England Center for Children (in Southborough): $50,000

· New Salem-Wendell School District: $25,248

· Newton School District: $50,000

· North Adams School District: $50,000

· North Brookfield School District: $14,780

· Northampton School District: $50,000

· Northborough-Southborough School District: $50,000

· Northborough School District: $50,000

· Northshore Education Consortium (in Beverly): $50,000

· Norton School District: $50,000

· Oxford School District: $33,000

· Pilgrim Area Collaborative (in Plymouth): $50,000

· Randolph School District: $50,000

· Rochester School District: $50,000

· Salem School District: $50,000

· Salem Academy Charter School: $50,000

· SEEM Collaborative (in Stoneham): $49,919

· South Coast Educational Collaborative (in Swansea): $50,000

· South Shore Educational Collaborative (in Hingham): $50,000

· Southborough School District: $50,000

· Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (in Dartmouth): $50,000

· Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District: $40,000

· Springdale Education Center (in Chicopee): $50,000

· Springfield School District: $50,000

· Springfield Preparatory Charter School: $9,000

· St. Ann’s Home (in Methuen): $50,000

· Seven Hills Foundation/Stetson School (in Barre): $50,000

· Taunton School District: $50,000

· The Education Cooperative (TEC) (in East Walpole): $50,000

· The Guild for Human Services (in Concord): $50,000

· Triton Regional School District: $50,000

· Walker (in Needham): $50,000

· Waltham School District: $50,000

· Watertown School District: $50,000

· Wayland School District: $50,000

· Webster School District: $50,000

· West Bridgewater School District: $43,000

· Weymouth School District: $28,415

· Whitney Academy (in East Freetown): $50,000

· Woburn School District: $50,000

Worcester School District: $50,000

Governor Healey Demands President Trump Reopen ARPA-H Hub in Massachusetts

Governor Healey Demands President Trump Reopen ARPA-H Hub in Massachusetts  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey is demanding that President Donald Trump lift the stop-work order for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Investor Catalyst Hub in Massachusetts and abandon his plans to terminate it. In 2023, Governor Healey’s administration worked closely with its partners to win a competitive bid to open the medical research hub in Massachusetts, with a focus on supporting early-stage ventures and turning federal investment into real-world treatments and cures. ARPA-H has brought approximately $330 million to Massachusetts companies, researchers, and nonprofits, the most of any other state. 

“President Trump is yet again attacking research and science. First, he cut billions of dollars in NIH funding, causing hundreds of clinical trials to be halted and impacting tens of thousands of patients,” said Governor Healey. “Now, he is threatening to abruptly close the ARPA-H hub in Massachusetts, wasting taxpayer dollars and derailing efforts to find cures for childhood cancer and bring health care services to rural areas. He is putting lives at risk, cutting jobs and hurting American competitiveness, as China and other foreign countries are the only ones benefiting from this. President Trump needs to immediately reverse this decision and keep open the ARPA-H hub in Massachusetts.” 

Governor Healey has strongly opposed President Trump’s cuts to research and science. Earlier this year she wrote to U.S Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and demanded he reverse cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), citing data showing that the cuts have stopped 380 clinical trials and impacted more than 74,000 patients nationally. She also launched the Discovery, Research and Innovation for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Initiative to grow Massachusetts’s world-renowned research and innovation economy and create thousands of new jobs. 

Governor Healey Urges Preparedness Ahead of Weekend Snowfall and Bitter Cold

 Governor Healey Urges Preparedness Ahead of Weekend Snowfall and Bitter Cold 
Arctic cold and dangerous wind chills expected following snowfall 

 

BOSTON – In anticipation of dangerously cold temperatures expected this weekend, Governor Maura Healey is advising residents and visitors to plan ahead and review winter weather safety tips. Widespread amounts of 2 to 4 inches of snow are expected late tonight through Saturday across the region, followed by arctic cold and dangerous wind chills. The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Cold Warnings for central and western Massachusetts Saturday night into Sunday. 

 

Locally heavy snow bands are expected to develop on Saturday, with the heaviest amounts in eastern Massachusetts where up to 6 inches of snow is possible, according to the National Weather Service. Wind chill temperatures between 15 to 30 below zero are forecast Saturday into Sunday. 

 

“As we continue to monitor the extreme cold weather, we want everyone to be prepared and plan accordingly, especially residents and visitors who may have plans to travel for the big game on Sunday,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We advise you to use extra care on the roads and take the time to check in on your neighbors to make sure everyone stays warm and safe.” 

 

“We’re no strangers to the cold, but with this arctic blast, it’s important to take caution to avoid conditions like hypothermia and frostbite, which can occur in just 30 minutes of exposure to these temperatures,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Bundle up in layers of clothing, limit time outdoors and try to stay active while you’re inside.” 

 

How Residents Can Prepare  

 

Plan ahead and take care when traveling on the roads. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, lights, hood and roof before driving. Utilize safe winter driving practices, including leaving extra room for braking and stopping in slippery travel conditions. Don't crowd the plow or maintenance vehicles. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. 

Prepare in the event of power outages. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop, and any essential electronic devices. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. Take stock of your emergency kit and ensure it includes seasonal supplies, such as extra winter clothing and blankets.  

 

Manually check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors to make sure they work correctly and have fresh batteries. During and after the snow, check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice.  

 

Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace, or a woodstove to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. 

 

Additional tips on what to do before, during, and after a winter storm can be found at Mass.gov/Snow.  

 

“Extreme cold affects everyone, but it can be especially dangerous for older adults, young children, and those without reliable heat,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “Our team is ready to respond, but the most important step is prevention – stay indoors when possible, protect pets and pipes, and look out for vulnerable populations. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.” 

 

Department of Transportation 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers that snow and cold temperatures are expected to impact travel conditions statewide Friday night, February 6, through Saturday afternoon, February 7. MassDOT Highway Districts have pretreated state roadways in advance of the storm and will be deploying snow removal crews and equipment to clear state roadways as snow begins to accumulate. Drivers are encouraged to use caution and reduce speed, as snow may cause slippery roadway conditions. 

 

“MassDOT is monitoring upcoming winter weather this weekend, with snowfall of 3-4 inches possible in eastern and central Massachusetts, and 2-3 inches possible in western Massachusetts, with extreme wind chill temperatures expected statewide,” said MassDOT Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “If you’re traveling, we encourage everyone to allow for extra time, reduce speeds, and to be mindful of our snow removal crews and snowplows on the roads.” 

MBTA 

MBTA riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-Alerts , download the MBTA Go app, and follow the MBTA on X @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information. Check the MBTA’s Winter Weather Guide at www.MBTA.com/Winter for tips on how to stay connected and what to expect on the T during extreme winter weather. Riders may also find helpful: how to report bus stops in need of snow removal. The MBTA Customer Experience Call Center is open Monday thru Friday: 6:30 AM - 8 PM. The main line is: 617-222-3200 (711 for TTY callers; VRS for ASL callers). 

 

Massport 

  

Due to forecasted snow and frigid temperatures, there may be delays this weekend due to snow clearing and deicing operations. Passengers are encouraged to check with airline before coming to the airport and follow @BostonLogan on X for more information. 

 

Department of Public Utilities  

 

The Department of Public Utilities and the Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) continue to monitor the weather forecast. The DPU and EDCs remain in close communication as the storm develops. The EDCs conduct daily storm planning calls, provide regular updates to the DPU regarding storm preparation activities, and the companies will put in place their Emergency Response Plans if and when necessary to swiftly address any potential outages. 

MAYOR WU DECLARES COLD EMERGENCY AS EXTREME TEMPERATURES CONTINUE SATURDAY INTO MONDAY

MAYOR WU DECLARES COLD EMERGENCY AS EXTREME TEMPERATURES CONTINUE SATURDAY INTO MONDAY

BOSTON - Friday, February 6, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced a cold emergency in the City of Boston for Saturday, February 7, through Monday, February 9 due to the extreme cold weather forecasted for this time period. According to the National Weather Service, Boston is forecasted to experience wind chills reaching as low as -15 degrees early Sunday morning.  “As we approach another blast of bitter cold starting this weekend, we are urging residents and families to take all necessary precautions to stay warm and safe and look out for your neighbors," said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our city teams are continuing to provide necessary work to ensure all Boston residents are connected to the resources they need.” The current threshold for the City of Boston to declare a cold emergency is one day or more of -10°F or below observed wind chill. Additionally, the current City of Boston cold advisory threshold is one day or more of 0°F or below observed wind chill. Due to the low temperatures, there is an increased risk for hypothermia and frostbite for certain individuals, such as those experiencing homelessness, older residents, and young children. Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk populations. Mayor Wu is advising all residents to continue to take precautions, including reminding everyone to check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If anyone sees someone experiencing homelessness out in the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, residents are encouraged to call 911 as well.  Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) locations will be activated as warming centers during their normal operating hours. A full list of locations and their hours can be found here. Residents can also visit the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square or branch locations during their normal operating hours. Information and resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness: If you see a person experiencing homelessness or individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented, or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) utilizes a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies, and first responders to assist those in need of shelter. Boston Public Health Commission's emergency shelters are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees), amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City also work closely with other shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold. Shelters are available any time of day or night for those in need. During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. The Boston Police Department (BPD) is making announcements on every shift reminding officers and all personnel to be on the lookout for people on the streets. BPD will conduct wellness checks or assist with transportation to available shelters and coordinate with emergency medical personnel for unsheltered individuals. The BPD Street Outreach Unit will be available as a resource to assist the districts, outreach providers and 911 dispatch as needed.  Cold weather safety tips: Dress for the weather: Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well. Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.   Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch for signs of frostbite: Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. Watch for signs of hypothermia: These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms. If symptoms are severe, call 911. Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants: Following the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber, and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately. If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, call 311 to file a complaint. Heating safety: Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, a kitchen stove, or any other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can quickly cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.  Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, but it is poisonous and can be deadly. Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including people. Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room, or go to bed. Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold: The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate their home's main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage. Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing. Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air around pipes. A trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold can also help prevent them from freezing up. Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight. If pipes freeze, thaw them slowly with a hair dryer, if possible. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call the BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.   Emergency home repair resources:  Income-eligible homeowners and Boston residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces, and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).    In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income-eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand-new heating system, even before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.    The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will have additional staff available to support residents throughout the extreme weather.

洪拳武術名家胡炳超辭世 享年87歲

             (Boston Orange綜合報導) 洪拳武術名家，五行太極拳和五行金鐘罩內功心法始創者胡炳超（Winchell Ping Chiu Woo），2月3日晚在摯愛家人環繞中，逝於春田市灣州醫療中心(Baystate Medical Center)，享年87歲。

            1938年10月14日，胡炳超在中國廣東開平出生，備受父母Kwack Keung Woo 和Shun Kam Wong寵愛。從廣州浸信教會名校培正中學畢業後，他曾修讀石油專科，因為籃球打得好，不但曾當選為中國國家二級籃球運動員，還曾應邀加入廣州市和香港的籃球代表隊，得過3次十段武士獎，入選過先鋒武術名人堂。

            胡炳超一生熱愛武術，孜孜不倦的鑽研洪拳、南粵武術，內功心法。他的武術之路，起於跟隨統率4萬多人，歷任廣州市三輪車總會武術總教練，功夫源出”八排寺”的”馮勝”。1960年代胡炳超移民來美，再獲武術名師鄧國華收為在美國的首名入室弟子。

            在名師帶領，天賦加持中，胡炳超不但練就深純內功，五行金鐘罩也練到爐火純青境界，可任意引氣，收縮，抽藏上睪丸，抵禦任何人的撩陰攻擊，他甚至還能固持一陽真氣的引氣護體，避封脈穴，氣貫鎖喉，鎖頸。1980年他就創出「五行太極拳」和可以比傳統修煉方式快上幾倍煉成的「五行金鐘罩內功新法」。

            他也是波士頓華埠最早創辦武館的師父之一，早於1966年，胡就在波士頓華埠創辦了正宗武館，竹廬體育會。之後應徒弟要求，他先後參與了開辦環球功夫學院，胡氏武術研究學院，中華國術學院，超武館，胡炳超少林洪家武術學院，五行太極拳超武館。他的徒弟們最喜歡胡炳超的地方是，他不但自己功夫深厚，還言之物，一針見血的點出徒弟哪兒學得不對。

            在1970及1980年代，胡炳超還常應邀示範，以五或八枝銀櫻槍頂喉，頂脈，背碎大石等令一般人驚詫的中國功夫。

            由於熱愛武術，胡炳超一直以來見到工夫高強的人，都會找機會與之切磋，求教，功夫不斷精進，在一脈相承的師從林世榮、鄧國華之外，他還常去紐約與高人交流，晚年更自行研究出五行太極（Five Element Tai Chi），傳授給徒子徒孫們。

            2007年時，胡炳超應中國龍獅運動協會邀請，還曾率隊參加在中國江西省九江市舉辦的「國際南獅比賽」，贏得銀牌。2008年再應香港名拳師趙志凌邀請，帥美國波士頓胡炳超少林洪家代表隊參加香港南獅比賽，贏得冠軍。

            武術之外，胡炳超也是一名企業家，深諳經商之道，在1964到1973年間，開過4家”竹廬酒家” (Bamboo Hut)，1978到1989年之間，開辦過4家”春滿樓速食店” (China Chef)、金峰國際投資有限公司，真味公司，美國金泰來控股集團，1991年又在美屬波多黎各島與希爾頓酒店(Caribe Hilton Puerto Rico)合夥，開辦”孔雀樓高級餐廳”( Peacock Paradise).，1994年在麻省春田市開設"春田山莊酒樓夜總會”(Wild Ginger Restaurant & Night Club)。

            1980年代，胡炳超搬到春田市Chicopee，這才和波士頓華埠有了點距離，不過在世時，他仍和徒弟Sorat Ly等人，為波士頓安良工商會操辦武術培訓，指點任何有意學功夫的人。

            胡炳超身後遺有妻子Virginia Sue King Woo， 3名子女，包括住在加州Palos Verdes的Vincent Woo 與其妻Karen ，住在水城的 Cynthia Yee和丈夫Thomas，以及住在Longmeadow的 Celinda Woo 和她的另一半Patrick Eady。

            胡炳超還有6名孫子女，曾孫Griffin James Woo，以及數難以計的家人、朋友及功夫學生。

            胡炳超的追思儀式訂2月13日（週五）下午4至6點在春田市St. Pierre-Phaneuf教堂舉行，6點起其家人及朋友將表達反思，回想。

            胡炳超的家人敬謝輓聯及鮮花，但歡迎各界到www.stpierrephaneuf.com的留言簿上，寫下弔念訊息。

            St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels的地址為7 Chapin Terrace，Springfield, MA USA 01107，413-737-1177。