Welcome Back to ESCS!

August 2023 Family Newsletter

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Welcome our new Principal, Ms. Mace-Diaz!


Our new Principal Ms. Mace-Diaz has been an educator for 16 years. She has been a classroom teacher and administrator in Malden and Chelsea prior to joining our community. She is enjoying meeting parents, community organizations and working with the team at Central Office.

What is Ms. Mace-Diaz focus for the first 90 days?

Ms. Mace-Diaz will be focusing on building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. During the fall, she will work on building relationships with students and having office hours, where they can play games and get to know each other.


During the summer she has been meeting with several staff to get to know them as well as to listen to their feedback about their experience at the East. These listening tours will continue throughout the year. She will also be working closely with our PTA to set up opportunities where families can meet her.


In addition, Ms. Mace-Diaz will be doing learning walks throughout the building, where she will be able to gain more knowledge about classroom instruction at each grade level. After the conclusion of her listening tour, she will meet with school teams to develop a focus for the rest of the school year that blends with our school improvement plan. Please be in the lookout for these findings in one of our winter newsletters.

Welcome our new Assistant Principal: Estephanie Lugo

I am so excited to join the East Somerville Community School this school year in the role of Assistant Principal! I come to Somerville Public Schools having worked previously in Lynn Public Schools and Salem Public Schools in the role of School Counselor. In addition, I taught preschool for nearly a decade and was a summer camp leader. I am looking forward to supporting students, caregivers, and staff at the East! My hope is that my efforts will inspire every student to reach for the stars and have a positive impact on their community.


My family is from the Dominican Republic, and I have been a lifelong resident of Salem, Massachusetts. I attended Endicott College where I earned Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Business Administration. I also attended Cambridge College and obtained a Master of Education degree in School Counseling. I am now working to obtain a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership at Merrimack College.


When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband Steven and our three children Samuel, Scarlett, and Sophia. My favorite things to do are go to the beach, watch movies with my family, cook, and learn new things.


If you have any questions or need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to serve you!


Let’s have a great school year!


Mrs. Lugo

First Day & Dismissal for Grades 1 - 8

We are very excited to welcome all our students on August 30!!! ❤️


Our first day is a half-day for students K-8. Classes start at 8:10 and dismissal is at 12:00


Full day on August 31 😀

Pre-K and Kindergarten Orientation

Pre-K and Kindergarten orientation days are August 30st and August 31st. This is a great chance to meet your student's teacher and see their classroom for the year!


You should have a scheduled time for this meeting, please reach out to Family Liaison Gisela Hernandez at ghernandez@k12.somerville.ma.us if you are have questions about this orientation.

First Day for Pre-K and K is September 5

Limited Food in classrooms

This year we will have an updated protocol regarding foods in the classrooms. Starting this school year, the only food in the classrooms that will be allowed is snacks. Celebrations in the classrooms cannot have snacks, cakes, cupcakes, or any other food item.

High Traffic Volume

With the Winter Hill at the Edgerly, please plan ahead for drop off and dismissal.


Please use Glen St and Pearl St. whenever possible to drop off our students.

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ESCS Open House

Tuesday, Sep. 26th, 5-7:30pm

50 Cross Street

Somerville, MA

Please join us for our ESCS Open House! You can meet your student's teacher and find out what to expect for this upcoming school year.

Meet our new Staff!

Welcome from the ESCS PTA!

The East Somerville Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a group of parents and other family members who work with the teachers and staff to support our students and our community. We plan events, raise money for classroom needs, organize volunteers and advocate for our school with the city school board. Please join or renew your PTA membership for the 2023-2024 school year! Membership is FREE. As a member you will receive information about school events and volunteer opportunities and be able to vote at our general meetings. Sign up here https://tinyurl.com/ESCSmember2023



The PTA is run by the PTA board, elected by the membership each spring. Your PTA board from 2023-24 is:

President: Amy Mertl
Vice Presidents: Paula Magnelli, Kayla Centeio, Carolina Abad
Secretaries: Suzi Lee, Vera Ventura, Charlotte Walker
Treasurer: Annie Lydgate

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Please note there is no school on 9/1 and 9/4. Enjoy the long weekend!

Line Up Areas

  • PreK and K will meet in the cafeteria.

  • 1st and 2nd Grade will line up and enter from the Cross St. Park (next to the main office) (Door 1)

  • 3rd Grade will line up and enter from the Pearl St door closest to the parking lot. (Door 5)

  • 4th Grade will line up and enter from the Glen St on the side of the building. (Door 4)

  • 5th Grade will line up and enter from the Pearl St Park door next to the 3rd/4th grade hallway. (Door 6)

  • 6th Grade will line up and enter from the Pearl St Park door next to the 1st/2nd grade hallway. (Door 7)

  • 7th Grade will line up in the soccer field and will enter on the Pearl St door on the side of the building leading into 1st/2nd grade hall.

  • 8th Grade will line up in the basketball court and enter through the door near the cafeteria.