School on the line

Superintendent Albert Argenziano is considering closing Powder House Community School to avoid teacher layoffs. Argenziano said the school budget's bottom line is uncertain right now as the city waits for final word from the state, something the superintendent is expecting in April. "I'll sacrifice brick and mortar before I'll sacrifice people," he said.

Helping the needy

A team of Tufts University students has started a drop-in resource center for those who are homeless or jobless in Somerville. The National Student Partnerships is part of a nationwide campus effort to reach out to those in need. About 20 volunteers are working on the project. The office is at One Davis Square, and drop-in hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information, the organization can be reached at 617-349-6342.

Patriot Act targeted

A group of Somerville residents has asked the Board of Aldermen to consider passing a resolution opposing the USA Patriot Act. The Somerville Bill of Rights Defense Committee has been working to collect signatures in opposition to the bill. Jake Beal, one of the members, said the group believes the bill is a violation of civil rights. With 1,160 signatures in support of their efforts, the group presented the resolution to the Board of Aldermen at a recent meeting and expects a reply by April.

BRIDGET SAMBURG

Got a news item from Somerville? E-mail Bridget Samburg at bsamburg@comcast.net.