City Council to Set New Tax Rates This Week

Today is Monday, Dec. 9. Here's a look at the week ahead in Peabody.

1. The date of the City Council's annual tax classification hearing was postponed to Thursday of this week. The hearing will be at 6 p.m. in Wiggin Auditorium. You can find more information here on what to expect.
2. The School Committee meets for its regular session Tuesday at the Kiley School. The board will be briefed by the Student Advisory Council to start off the meeting, which means it starts at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.
3. There's also a Teen Poetry Slam in the Sutton Room at the Main Branch Library Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. To compete in the slam, each teen poet (ages 13-18) comes prepared to perform two of his or her own original poems. Each poet has three minutes to read the poem. Five judges will score each performance. Stop in to watch.
4. Don't forget Wednesday is an early release day for the Peabody Public Schools. Students will be dismissed at 12:09 p.m. at the high school, 12:45 p.m. at the middle school and 1:25 p.m. for all elementary schools while teachers spend the rest of the day on professional development.
5. Want to learn more about state law and basic rights for students and parents surrounding special education in Massachusetts? There's a workshop Thursday at Higgins Middle School.
6. 'Zat you Santa Claus? The Peabody Recreation Department is helping Santa out by connecting him with kids next week. Calls From Santa Claus is free to participate in, but advanced registration is required and you have to sign up by this Friday. Santa will then be calling children on Dec. 19 from 6-8 p.m. Register online.
7. The Bishop Fenwick Drama Club is putting on a production of "Little Women" this weekend.
8. Congregation Sons of Israel is hosting its annual Chanukah party on Saturday and you're invited.
9. Take note: the Main Branch Library will be open this Sunday from 1-4 p.m. instead of its usual hours.