Daily brief · Swampscott, MA
High School Named State School of Recognition
October 1, 2026
Top story
Swampscott High Named State School of Recognition
The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education named Swampscott High a School of Recognition on Wednesday, September 30, after the school earned the maximum 12 accountability points in 2026, up from zero in 2025. The scale weighs academic achievement, growth, chronic absenteeism and student reports on school culture, and the school improved on MCAS achievement and reduced chronic absenteeism. Principal Emily Zotto credited students, staff and families, and said the school took a more targeted approach to messaging and supporting students this past year.
Swampscott Tides
Conservation Commission Warns Knotweed Has Spread Widely
At its Wednesday, September 30 meeting, the Conservation Commission reviewed standardizing removal of invasive Japanese knotweed on municipal and residential land. Commissioners said the plant has reached critical mass near Foster Pond, the middle school, and the rail trail.
Itemlive
Police Log: Essex Street Larceny, Three Traffic Collisions
The police log published Thursday, October 1, reports an afternoon larceny on Essex Street. It also lists three collisions on Tuesday, September 29, on Paradise Road, Mall Access Road, and Essex Street.
Itemlive
Poet Laureate Selection Committee Meets Today
The committee meets today, Thursday, October 1, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall. The agenda includes possible changes to the selection process and extending the judges' review period.
Town of Swampscott
Swampscott Field Hockey Plays at Bishop Fenwick Today
The varsity team plays Bishop Fenwick today, Thursday, October 1, at 4:30 p.m. at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody.
MaxPreps
Education Foundation's 'Elevate' Fundraiser Is Saturday
The Swampscott Education Foundation holds "Elevate: Raise a Glass. Raise the Future." Saturday, October 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Mission on the Bay. The evening includes light bites, a photo booth, a DJ, and dancing, with proceeds supporting Swampscott schools.
Swampscott Education Foundation
Youth Lacrosse Opens Spring 2027 Registration Today
Registration opens today, Thursday, October 1, for players in PreK through eighth grade. Families who register by December 21 save 10%.
Swampscott Youth Lacrosse
UUCGL Youth Group Welcomes High Schoolers Sunday
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lynn youth group meets Sunday, October 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Parish Hall at 101 Forest Ave. All students in grades 9–12 are welcome, including non-members.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lynn
Swampscott Hosts Gloucester in Volleyball Tonight
The varsity volleyball team hosts Gloucester in a conference match tonight, Thursday, October 1, at 6 p.m. in Swampscott.
MaxPreps
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