Percentage of Students Scoring “Advanced” in ELA Highest in Four Years
*

Results from the Spring 2012 MCAS tests, released today by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, indicate that Somerville Public Schools students are showing progress, particularly in ELA, as measured by a district-wide improvement in Student Growth Percentile (SGP). SGP measures a student’s progress relative to the progress of other students with similar MCAS performance histories, their “academic peers” from across the state.

By Jim Clark

Police responded to the scene of a reported hit and run incident near Avon St. last Sunday evening.

Upon arrival, officers observed that three individuals were holding a man down on the sidewalk, next to a parked truck. After dispersing the group, officers began questioning the man who was being held.

On September 22, Hannah Verlin’s temporary art installation, entitled “Love Letters,” will be on display along the Davis Square Grove-Cedar Bike Path.

By Cathleen Twardzik

On September 22, a temporary art installation along the Davis Square Grove-Cedar Bike Path, entitled Love Letters, will be available for interested individuals to view. A rain date of September 23 has been set.  However, the exhibit will remain in that location until it is eventually washed away.

– Photos by Bobbie Toner

This year’s road race took place on Sunday, September 16. Many came out to support a great cause. The road race was followed by post race party with DJ, food, drinks, prizes and more to benefit the Brian Higgins Foundation, helping children with special needs have a fun quality of life. The funds collected at this event provide the primary source of funds for the Foundation. Every penny collected goes directly to supporting special needs children and their families. For more information about the Brian Higgins Foundation visit http://thebrianhigginsfoundation.org/.

– Photos by Bobbie Toner

By Jim Clark

The City of Somerville has been working hard in its efforts to have a cap removed from its ability to grant liquor licenses to local businesses. In its latest bid, the city received word that the state legislature refused to grant such powers, but that a Home Rule Petition – allowing some 12 additional licenses to be made available – would be considered.

Somerville Adult Evening School is back and the registration dates are through to the 20th of September at Somerville High from 6 to 8p.m. Classes begin Tuesday, September 25, and online registration is now available as well at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/eveningschool. Check out the fall courses offered by the school directly online and register. The school principal, Sophia Carafotes, is looking forward to a large amount of interest in the courses offered. Also, if you have a course you’d like to offer or see offered contact her. The Real Estate License course will also be offered again this semester.

Redbones BBQ Food Truck.

By Savath Yong

The food truck phenomenon is picking up speed and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. The Food Truck Festivals of New England is hosting its second annual Food Truck Festival at Suffolk Downs from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 111 Waldemar Ave. in East Boston.

(L to R) Somerville Lions President, Gene Brune and Somerville Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello.

By William Tauro

Somerville Lions Club President Gene Brune was  pleased to have as his guest speaker,  Somerville Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello.   On Tuesday September 18 the Somerville Lions Club  members and guests listened to a very exciting,  interesting and informative  talk by the chief.

The Somerville News Person of the Week, Bob “Rob” McWaters.

Meet Bob “Rob” McWaters, a lifelong resident here in Somerville. He has worked at Cambridge Court for many years full time as well as being a clerk for the Board of Alderman, part time. He grew up here, raised his family here, and is a loyal family member. Rob is very involved locally in politics, both running and assisting in various political campaigns here and around Somerville. No one knows the streets like he does. He’s been at every door at one time or another here in Somerville many times over.