District honors retirees and holds first‑year ‘signing day’ for future teachers

The School Committee’s meeting included a series of recognitions honoring 22 retiring staff from across Tewksbury Public Schools and a signing‑day ceremony that the district described as modeled on collegiate athletic signing events for seniors who plan to enter teacher‑preparation programs.

Superintendent Brenda Regan and principals introduced retiring educators and support staff from Heath Brook, Center, Ryan, Dewing, Wynn Middle School and Tewksbury Memorial High School. Speakers described long service, mentorship and contributions ranging from classroom instruction and special‑education support to custodial and food‑service roles. The retirees were thanked collectively for more than four centuries of combined service to the district, and multiple speakers recounted specific instances of staff intervening to keep students safe or supporting families.

Later in the meeting the district recognized a cohort of graduating seniors who have committed to study education at colleges including UMass Amherst, Lesley University, Assumption, Bridgewater State and Westfield State. The superintendent and staff presented certificates and asked the students to sign a ceremonial letter acknowledging their intent to pursue teaching; the administration said it sees the event as both recognition and a retention strategy to encourage future hires from the local graduating class.

Ending: District leaders said the retiree recognitions and future‑teacher signing day bookended a year of transition; they asked the community to thank retirees and to support the graduates as they enter teacher‑preparation programs.