Webster School named a 2025 National Distinguished School; third‑graders present diorama projects
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Summary
Former principal Chris Barrett and interim principal Devan Abruzzese told the Everett School Committee that Webster School received a 2025 National Distinguished School honor for excellence serving special populations; the committee heard third‑grade student presentations on animal classification and praised staff and family engagement.
Former Webster principal Chris Barrett and interim principal Devan Abruzzese told the Everett School Committee on Jan. 20 that Webster School was recognized at the State House as a 2025 National Distinguished School, honored for category 3 excellence serving special populations including English learners and students with disabilities.
"This recognition reflects the collective commitment of our students, families, teachers, staff and community," Barrett said, describing the State House ceremony and crediting leadership and data‑informed instruction for progress on MCAS across subgroups. Abruzzese noted Webster serves a diverse student population of about 351 students, with 72% speaking a language other than English at home and 48% identified as English learners.
The meeting included a school spotlight: third‑grade students presented dioramas and brief reports on vertebrates during the CKLA unit on classification. Teachers described pausing‑point days used for performance tasks and differentiated instruction; students used CKLA readers and supplemental resources such as Nat Geo Kids to research habitats, diets and adaptations. A teacher described a "Vertebrate Around the World" fair where students display dioramas and read their informational paragraphs to peers and guests.
Several committee members praised the students and teachers. "I love the way they incorporated the vests and binoculars — it's quite creative," one member said. The committee recessed to take photos and the district will share a short video on social media showcasing the spotlight.
Barrett thanked teachers, families and district leaders for their work, and the committee applauded Webster for the national recognition. The presentation preceded the superintendent's broader update and the committee’s review of district business.
