The Arlington Police Department has been certified by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC), an independent organization, Chief Frederick Ryan announced March 10. This formal recognition means the department meets or exceeds national standards of performance and operational effectiveness established for law enforcement by the law enforcement profession.  Arlington is the 32nd police department in the state to achieve MPAC certification.

The freshman class and members of the Gay Straight Alliance at Arlington High School gathered in Lowe Auditorium to listen to guest speakers who had been invited by Abbi Holt, the head of the GSA. The purpose of this assembly was to raise the awareness of people in the community around us. Segregation occurs everyday; the speakers showed the audience that they were the same as any average person living in the community. While this event occurred last November, its messages remain current.

Violinist Pei-Wen Liao, 14, entrances those in Town Hall with her performance.

Everyone probably has his or her favorite music, but it is often difficult to truly appreciate classical music in today’s society.  When "A Musical Journey Through the West" was held at the Town Hall on Feb. 24, it was an amazing sight that so many children hopped happily into the auditorium with their parents and grandparents.

Elise Frangos holds 'An Invitation to Poetry,' an anthology AHS student performers are to receive from poet Robert Pinsky. At right is grade 9 and 10 English teacher Rebecca Walsh, who helped create the project modeled after Pinsky's work.

Selectmen name Feb. 27 Robert Pinsky Day

After the selectmen adopted a resolution Feb. 25 honoring Robert Pinsky, the former poet laureate was at Arlington High School on Feb. 27, when he and students read their favorite poems (second period, 9:10 to 10:10 a.m. in Lowe Auditorium). Elise Manley- Frangos, director of the English program for the Arlington public schools, explains what led to this honor as well as a day full of poetry at AHS.

The Arlington High School Madrigal Singers and Honors Orchestra are in Calabria, Italy, and then will head to Greece, bringing audiences a variety of lovely music. Above are some of the participants among photos taken by Cheryl Hemenway Christo, AHS choral director.