EASTON — Superintendent Lisha Cabral is pleased to announce that Easton Public Schools has been awarded the 2024 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant and a Math Acceleration Academy Grant.
Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant Program
The Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant Program, offered by the state Executive Office of Technology Services & Security (EOTSS) and its Office of Municipal and School Technology, supports the efforts of municipalities and school districts to improve overall cybersecurity. Awards were announced on Jan. 25.
“EPS is committed to ensuring that our staff and students are equipped with the necessary tools to protect themselves in this ever-chaining high-tech world,” said Director of Instructional Technology Livia M. Ramos. “We are thrilled to be able to offer our staff this training and look forward to joining the cohort of other municipalities who have been selected.”
According to the EOTSS, participants begin their training with an initial cyber strength assessment to measure baseline cybersecurity awareness. Following the assessments, periodic assessments consisting of training modules and simulated phishing email campaigns help participants build good cyber hygiene habits to increase their awareness of deceptive techniques used by bad actors to gain unauthorized access to government systems. At the end of the program, participants complete a final cyber strength assessment to measure their progress.
Overall, the 2024 program will provide over 78,000 employees from 227 municipalities and public school districts across the Commonwealth with critical cybersecurity training.
For more on the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant Program, click here.
FY2024 Math Acceleration Academy Program
Easton Public Schools has also received $250,000 in grant funding from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Math Acceleration Academy Program. EPS will use the funding to provide materials, transportation, and breakfast and lunch free of charge to student participants. The Academy will offer more than 20 hours of Math Acceleration to students in grades 3-10 during February and April vacations.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer extensive Math Acceleration to our students during each of the upcoming vacation weeks,” said Director of Special Services Craig Davidson. “It is our hope that each Acceleration Academy helps students to be more equipped and feel better prepared for MCAS exams.”
As outlined by DESE, an Acceleration Academy is a week-long academic program designed to accelerate student learning through engaging, standards-aligned lessons that meet the specific academic needs of students participating in the program. Academy classes provide students the opportunity to engage in highly-focused, instructional time during school vacation week in a vibrant and engaging setting. One week of the program is equivalent to one month of math instruction during the school year.
For more on the Math Acceleration Academy Program, click here.
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