Frequently Asked Questions

Questions
1)  When is the first day of school in the 2012-2013 school year?
2)  When are ½ day Wednesdays?
3)  How do I reach my child's teacher?
4)  How do I find teacher's websites?
5)  What are the addresses and telephone numbers of the city schools?
6)  How do I find out what's for lunch in my school?
7)  How do I get free breakfast and/or lunch for my child?
8)  How do I get information about food allergies from the School Department online?
9)  How do I sign up for afterschool programs?
10)  What afterschool programs are at my child's school?
11)  How do I register for school?
12)  Where is the PIC (Parent Information Center) located?
13)  What documents are needed to transfer my child into the Somerville Public Schools?
14)  How do I get information about the new elementary report card format?
15)  How do I sign up for auto-dial calls from the Somerville Public Schools?
16)  How do I find out about snow days and other school closures?
17)  Where can I park when I visit my child's school?
18)  How do I find out about street sweeping in the neighborhood of my child's school?
19)  When is the last day of school in June 2013?
20)  Where do I get sports schedules?
21)  Do you provide babysitting for students on half-day Wednesdays or other days off from school?
22)  Where does my teen get his/her working papers?
23)  How do I buy a bus pass?
24)  Do you have extra help for MCAS preparation?
25)  Do you offer swimming lessons at school?
26)  Where is the Kennedy Pool?
27)  Where do I find health forms online?
28)  Are your school buildings accessible for individuals with mobility challenges?
29)  What classes are available for adults in Somerville?
30)  Where can I apply for my GED?
31)  How can I get information about the rebuilding of the East Somerville Community School?
32)  How do I become a volunteer in the Somerville Public Schools?
33)  How do I make a donation to the Somerville Public Schools?
34)  Where can I find statistics about the Somerville Public Schools?
35)  Where are the Central Administrative offices of the Somerville Public Schools?
36)  Who is the Superintendent of Schools in Somerville?
37)  I work for the Somerville Public Schools. How do I log onto my school department email account?
38)  I can't find an answer to my question here.
 
Answers
1)  Q When is the first day of school in the 2012-2013 school year?
A

The first day of school for teachers is on Tuesday, September 4, 2012.

The first day of school for students in Grades 1-12 is Wednesday, September 5th. This is a half day. The first FULL day of school for students in Grades 1-12 is on Thursday, September 6, 2012.

The first day of school for students in Grades PK and K is Monday, September 10, 2012.
2)  Q When are ½ day Wednesdays?
A

Early release Wednesdays are scheduled throughout the year. On these days teachers come together for shared professional development, collaborative planning and staff and team meetings.

All students in Grades Pre-K through 12 (K-12 Students released at 12 Noon; PK Students released at 11:30 AM.)

  • Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Grades Pre-K through 8: (K-8 Students released at Noon. PK Students released at 11:30 AM.) 

  • September 5 and 19, 2012
  • October 17 and 31, 2012
  • November 14, 2012
  • December 12, 2012
  • January 9, 2013
  • February 6, 2013
  • March 13, 2013
  • April 10, 2013
  • May 1 and 22, 2013
  • June 19, 2013
3)  Q How do I reach my child's teacher?
A
Effective education requires a partnership between teachers and families. Good communication is essential to our partnership. To contact your child's teacher by phone please call 617-625-6600 and ask for your child's school. Phones are staffed from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Teachers do not have voice mail, and messages may be left with the main office.

You can also contact your child's teacher by email. Most email addresses are first initiallast name@k12.somerville.ma.us.

Please be aware that not every teacher has a block of time for regular email correspondence, and your message may not be returned right away.
4)  Q How do I find teacher's websites?
A
Visit the School website and look for the link under the word "Classroom Websites" to find a directory of teacher websites.
5)  Q What are the addresses and telephone numbers of the city schools?
A
A complete staff directory is available online. You can also contact any school through the following list:

Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School at Lincoln Park
290 Washington Street, Somerville MA 02143
To report a student absent call 617-629-5227
617-625-6600 x6680
617-629-5221 (fax)
Email Principal Barbara O'Brien.

Benjamin G. Brown School
201 Willow Avenue, Somerville MA 02144
To report a student absent call 617-625-6600 x6400
617-625-6600 x6400
617-625-4258 (fax)
Email Principal Kathleen Seward.

Michael E. Capuano Early Childhood Center
150 Glen Street, Somerville MA 02145
To report a student absent call 617-625-6600 x3637
617-625-6600 x3600
617-628-6159 (fax)
Email Principal Pamela G. Holmes.

East Somerville Community School
Temporary Main Office: 8 Bonair Street, Somerville MA 02145
To report a student absent call 617-625-6600 x6528
617-625-6600 x6500
617-591-7906 (fax)
Email Principal Holly Hatch.

Arthur D. Healey School
5 Meacham Street, Somerville MA 02145
To report a student absent call 617-776-5421
617-625-6600 x6530
617-776-5401 (fax)
Email Principal Purnima Vadhera.

John F. Kennedy Elementary School
5 Cherry Street, Somerville MA 02144
To report a student absent call 617-623-4310
617-625-6600 x6600
617-776-8224 (fax)
Email Principal Anne L. Foley.

West Somerville Neighborhood School
177 Powderhouse Boulevard, Somerville MA 02144
To report a student absent call 617-625-0378
617-625-6600 x6440
617-666-7676 (fax)
Email Principal Thelma E. Davis.

Winter Hill Community School
115 Sycamore Street, Somerville MA 02145
To report a student absent call 617-625-9310
617-625-6600 x6750
617-623-8492 (fax)
Email Principal Steve Tuccelli,.

Next Wave Alternative Junior High and Full Circle Alternative High School
8 Bonair Street, Somerville MA 02145
617-625-6600 x6870
617-628-6837 (fax)
Email Principal David Willey.

Somerville High School
81 Highland Avenue, Somerville MA 02143
617-625-6000 x6100
617-629-4763 (fax)
Email Headmaster Tony Ciccariello.
6)  Q How do I find out what's for lunch in my school?
A
Download school lunch menus in the Food Service section of our website, www.somerville.k12.ma.us/menus
7)  Q How do I get free breakfast and/or lunch for my child?
A
Every student is able to get free breakfast before school. There is no paperwork required. You do have to meet eligibility requirements for receiving free or reduced lunch during the school year. Get more information about applying for free or reduced price lunch in the Food Service section of our website.
8)  Q How do I get information about food allergies from the School Department online?
A

Student's food allergies are collaboratively managed by the Food Service Department, School Nurse, Principal, student and her/his family. The "Life Threatening Allergies Anaphlaxis Action Plan" form, available online, should be completed by the parent/guardian in partnership with the school nurse.

The Food Service Department also has procedures for protecting students during school meal times. Request a meeting with the Principal, School Nurses and Food Service Department to make sure everyone is clear on the allergy management plan for your child.

Special dietary restrictions can be accommodated with proper medial documentation. Please call the Department of Food and Nutrition Services at 617-625-6600 x6080 to discuss your child's needs.
9)  Q How do I sign up for afterschool programs?
A
Download enrollment forms in English and Spanish from our website. Or contact the Community Schools office online or by telephone (617-625-6600 x6970) to get personalized assistance enrolling your child in afterschool.
10)  Q What afterschool programs are at my child's school?
A
Every elementary school offers comprehensive afterschool learning and enrichment services. Visit the section of our website to learn more about afterschool services across the city, or visit your child's school website to learn specifically about afterschool services offered at the school. Some fees may apply.
11)  Q How do I register for school?
A

You register for school in Somerville through the Parent Information Center. Learn more about registration procedures online at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/register. Registration happens throughout the year.
12)  Q Where is the PIC (Parent Information Center) located?
A
The PIC (Parent Information Center) is located at 42 Prescott Street, just down the hill from Somerville City Hall. For more details about hours of operation and services available at the PIC please visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/register.
13)  Q What documents are needed to transfer my child into the Somerville Public Schools?
A
The Parent Information Center has all of the information you need about transferring your child into the Somerville Public Schools. Visit the Parent Information on the Internet, call them at 617-625-6600 x6960, or drop by the Main Office at 42 Prescott Street between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday or between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Friday.
14)  Q How do I get information about the new elementary report card format?
A

Visit http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/report_card to learn more about the new standards-based report card. Information is currently available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
15)  Q How do I sign up for auto-dial calls from the Somerville Public Schools?
A
When you complete the emergency contact form each year your contact information is uploaded into our Connect-Ed auto-dial system. If you provided an email address you may also receive auto-emails from your child's school or the Somerville Public Schools.

If you want to change your contact information or add an email address please contact your child's School Secretary to have your contact information changed in our database.
16)  Q How do I find out about snow days and other school closures?
A
In the event that a school is unexpectedly closed due to weather, the Somerville Public Schools will call your primary home number. You can also get school closure information on:
Our website (www.somerville.k12.ma.us)
Local cable channels 15 and 16
Local NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX tv affiliates
Listening to WBUR (90.9).

If schools need to be closed in the unlikely event of an emergency, the Somerville Public Schools will send an emergency phone message to all of the telephone numbers we have on record until we reach you or a member of your family.
17)  Q Where can I park when I visit my child's school?
A
If you have to drive a car to visit your child's school please be aware there may be limited parking.

We are not able to provide temporary parking permits.

If you live in Somerville and have a parking sticker you can park anywhere near your child's school, obeying regular parking regulations.

If you are visiting from outside of Somerville there may be parking on site (Argenziano, Healey, Kennedy, Somerville High School, and the West Somerville Neighborhood Schools all have parking lots). Most schools have 2-hour visitor parking zones or meters within the vicinity as well.

To reduce parking hassles please consider walking/biking or taking public transportation.
18)  Q How do I find out about street sweeping in the neighborhood of my child's school?
A
You can sign up for street sweeping alerts - to receive an email or text message when street sweeping is happening in any neighborhood in Somerville. Visit the Street Sweeping Alert section of Boston.com to learn more.
19)  Q When is the last day of school in June 2013?
A

The last day of school is scheduled for June 20, 2013. Massachusetts General Law requires public schools to operate for 180 days per year. If we cancel school because of weather or other unexpected issues the last day of school may change. The complete 2012-2013 school year calendar is available for download online.
20)  Q Where do I get sports schedules?
A
Visit the Highlander Athletics website at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/athletics and click on "Highlander Athletics Schedule" for a complete list of upcoming athletic competitions involving Somerville student athletes.
21)  Q Do you provide babysitting for students on half-day Wednesdays or other days off from school?
A

The Somerville Public Schools offers creative learning and enrichment opportunities for students in Grades PK-8 on half-day Wednesdays and other days off. This is not babysitting, but instead an opportunity for your child to extend his or her learning through creative instructional opportunities and structured play. The District does charge a fee for these services on a sliding scale. Scholarship assistance is also available. Contact Community Schools if you are interested in having your Grade PK-8 student stay at school for creative learning and enrichtiment on half-day Wednesdays or full days off.
22)  Q Where does my teen get his/her working papers?
A

Students enrolled at Somerville High School can get working papers in the Main Office (81 Highland Avenue) during regular working hours.

Teens not enrolled at Somerville High School can visit the Somerville Public Schools Central Administrative Offices at 42 Cross Street between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Paperwork required for working papers are available from the Office Receptionist.
23)  Q How do I buy a bus pass?
A
Somerville High School students are eligible for discount rate Charlie Cards for riding MBTA busses. The monthly fee is $20. Visit Ms. Allen in the Business Office at Somerville High to learn more about getting and refilling a bus pass monthly.
24)  Q Do you have extra help for MCAS preparation?
A
Every school, except the Capuano Early Childhood Center, offers free MCAS preparation assistance for students. Visit the website for your child's school to learn more.
25)  Q Do you offer swimming lessons at school?
A
Every student in Grade 4 learns how to swim for free as part of her/his physical education.

The Kennedy Pool also offers swimming lessons for families that want their children to learn to swim before Grade 4 or who moved to Somerville after their children were in Grade 4. Swimming lessons are also available for adults. Fees are charged for these swimming lessons. Visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/pool to learn more about swimming lessons in the Somerville Public Schools.
26)  Q Where is the Kennedy Pool?
A
The Kennedy Pool, which is open to the entire community for swimming lessons, classes, family swim and adult lap swim, is located in the John F. Kennedy Elementary School (5 Cherry Street), just outside of Porter Square. Visit the Kennedy Pool website for more information about hours of operation, schedule of activities and other details.
27)  Q Where do I find health forms online?
A
Download required health forms on the school nursing section of our website, www.somerville.k12.ma.us/nursing.
28)  Q Are your school buildings accessible for individuals with mobility challenges?
A
Yes, all of our building are accessible to individuals with mobility challenges.

The Brown School (201 Willow Street), East Somerville Community School (8 Bonair Street and 42 Prescott Street), Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue) and the SPS Central Offices (181 Washington Street) are older buildings that are retrofitted to comply with ADA law. You can get details on gaining access to these buildings on our website or by calling the individual schools in care of 617-625-6600.
29)  Q What classes are available for adults in Somerville?
A

SCALE (the Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences) and the Somerville Adult Evening School offer many types of classes for adult learners, many of which are free. Learn more about what they offer by visiting their websites.
30)  Q Where can I apply for my GED?
A
SCALE (Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences) offers free GED prep classes, GED test orientations and GED testing for eligible adults.
31)  Q How can I get information about the rebuilding of the East Somerville Community School?
A

Visit the "Rebuilding after the Fire" section of the East Somerville Community School website to learn more about the new school building and efforts to maintain community within the school during the transition period.
32)  Q How do I become a volunteer in the Somerville Public Schools?
A
We have a wide variety of short and long term volunteer opportunities in the Somerville Public Schools. You can apply to become a volunteer online at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/volunteer. If you aren't comfortable applying online please call 617-625-6600 x6023 to request a volunteer application.
33)  Q How do I make a donation to the Somerville Public Schools?
A

To make a donation to the Somerville Public Schools, please complete the appropriate Donation Form, which can be accessed on our website. You can also call the Coordinator of Grant Writing & Information, Susana H. Morgan, at 617-625-6600 x6013.
34)  Q Where can I find statistics about the Somerville Public Schools?
A
All of the public data we report to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is available through our website. Please explore these and other data links about public education and Somerville. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact us directly and we will try to answer your question.
35)  Q Where are the Central Administrative offices of the Somerville Public Schools?
A
The Central Administrative offices are located at 42 Cross Street in East Somerville. The office is open during the school year from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. During the summer the office closes at 3:30 PM.

The mailing address is 42 Cross Street, Somerville, MA 02145-3246.

The main telephone number is 617-625-6600 x6000.
36)  Q Who is the Superintendent of Schools in Somerville?
A
The Superintendent of Schools is Tony Pierantozzi. You can contact Superintendent Pierantozzi by phone at 617-625-6600 x6005 or by email at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/contact.
37)  Q I work for the Somerville Public Schools. How do I log onto my school department email account?
A
Visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/staff_email to access the online interface for your K12 account.
38)  Q I can't find an answer to my question here.
A
Please email your question to us and we'll do our best to answer it.