District Newsletter | September 2024
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Important Dates
9/18: Half Day
10/9: Half Day
10/14: Indigenous Peoples' Day
HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dr. Linda Dwight, Superintendent
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Superintendent's Message
Welcome Back! A Promising Start to the 2024-25 School Year
The 2024-25 school year is off to an exciting start! On Wednesday, August 28th, students returned eager to reconnect with friends, meet new teachers, and dive into fresh learning experiences. While students enjoyed their summer break with fewer deadlines and lighter schedules, our dedicated teachers and school leaders were hard at work behind the scenes. Their summer was filled with coursework, workshops, retreats, hiring, cleaning, and even some construction to ensure everything was ready for a successful year.
We are thrilled to welcome over 16 new employees to our district, including our new middle school principal, Dan Hudder, and assistant superintendent, Dana Labb. Additionally, Julie Horton has transitioned from high school math to her new role as Assistant Principal. Though the total number of full-time employees remains the same, we’ve made strategic adjustments in roles and responsibilities to better meet our needs.
This year, we are excited to continue advancing the goals outlined in our Vision Statement and Strategic Plan. Last year’s progress is documented on our website, and we will soon be sharing detailed action steps for the upcoming year. Key accomplishments from last year include implementing a new high school schedule, introducing Algebra I for all 8th-grade students, updating the middle school schedule, and analyzing elementary literacy instruction with an emphasis on early phonics.
We remain committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all. This year, we are placing a strong focus on addressing discrimination, antisemitism, bias, and harassment. We will be incorporating new materials from Wayfinder and dedicating time to restorative practices and relationship building. Our ultimate goal is to "provide a high-quality education centered around dynamic learning and personal well-being in a community where everyone can find belonging."
Thank you for being part of our community, and here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!
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Central Office Updates:
Dana Labb, Assistant Superintendent
Greetings Harvard and Devens Families and Caregivers,
Since stepping into my role on July 1, I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with many new faces and diving into the heart of our district’s operations. I recently participated in a highly productive Literacy Task Force meeting at HES and observed a dynamic Department Leader meeting at TBS. These interactions are just a glimpse of the many positive developments this summer aimed at enhancing our students' experience.
One of my early initiatives has been introducing Wayfinder, our new Social Emotional Learning tool, to the Leadership Team. Wayfinder, which supports students from Pre-K through 12th grade, includes valuable lessons on bullying prevention. Teachers will soon begin exploring these lessons and integrating related themes into their classrooms. To explore Wayfinder, click here.
I am also excited to share that, with the invaluable assistance of experienced staff Marisa and Trish, we’ve successfully coordinated the new staff orientation and mentor/mentee program. We are thrilled to welcome 16 new teachers to Harvard, who will benefit from a structured year-long onboarding process led by our dedicated professional staff. Thank you to all of our Mentors for supporting a new generation of educators.
In addition, I’ve been working on securing grants for the district. We’ve submitted a proposal for the Hate Crimes Prevention Grant, which, if awarded, will help us address and educate against acts of hate and bias. Special thanks to Police Chief James Babu for his supportive letter. We’re also preparing to submit our Title 1 Grant application with the help of Mandy Ostaszewski and Beth Robinson. This grant will provide essential funding to enhance instructional quality, support professional development, and foster parental involvement in education.
September marks the beginning of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15). As part of my role, I will be coordinating communications that highlight various holidays and heritage celebrations throughout the month. In the coming days, you will be invited to engage in conversations, as I begin partnering with various stakeholders.
Starting a new role in a new district can be daunting, but I’ve been truly inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication of our building administrators, teachers, and students as we opened our doors last week. I am eager to listen, learn, and share my findings as I continue this transition. In the meantime, I am honored to support our students, staff, and families here at Harvard Public Schools!
Best regards,
Dana Labb
Assistant Superintendent |
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Special Education Updates:
Michelle DellaValle, Director of Pupil Services
The Pupil Services office supports learners with specialized needs. This includes students who receive special education services, those on 504 accommodation plans, English learners and students who are experiencing home instability.
New Massachusetts IEP Form:
Starting this fall, Harvard is transitioning to the New Massachusetts IEP Form. The New IEP form is designed using easier to understand language and is centered around the student’s strengths and vision. Special education staff have participated in trainings and work sessions to familiarize themselves with this new document. Harvard has developed district forms and processes in hopes of creating a smooth and consistent experience for parents and caregivers. For children receiving special education services, parents and caregivers can expect their next IEP meeting to use the New IEP form.
Below are resources to learn more about the New IEP, including a presentation from Spring 2024.
New IEP Parent/Caregiver Slides Spring 2024
New IEP Parent/Caregiver Zoom
Passcode: L+.od0h8
DESE: IEP Improvement Project - Special Education
FCSN: https://fcsn.org/new-iep/
Digital Signature:
Harvard uses Digital Signature through the PowerSchool Special Programs application to obtain parental consent for Special Education and Section 504 documents. When a document is ready for signature, you will receive a notice through PowerSchool Special Programs. You will first be asked to agree to the use of Digital Signature which is non-binding to any portion of the IEP or 504. Use of Digital Signature is completely voluntary. If you wish to receive paper or pdf copies of documents, please let your child’s special education liaison or the designated 504 coordinator know.
SEPAC Survey:
Please take ten minutes to answer a survey from the Special Education Parent Advisory Council regarding the 2023-2024 school year. This survey is for any parent or guardian of a child receiving services through special education or those seeking services for their child. Please fill out an additional survey for each child with or seeking an IEP. All responses are anonymized and any identifying information will be removed. Your feedback will be used to inform school administration and staff regarding the experiences of families in the district. Thank you!
For any questions, please email harvardSEPAC@gmail.com
Here is the link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SEPAC2024
Survey closes on Friday, September 6.
Thank you!
Harvard SEPAC
www.harvardsepac.com
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In This Issue...
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DEIB
Updated Message from Dr. Dwight, Superintendent
Over the past year, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has reported a marked increase in antisemitic incidents in the US, including in Massachusetts. The ADL defines antisemitism as the marginalization and/or oppression of people who are Jewish based on the belief in stereotypes and myths about Jewish people, Judaism, and Israel. The Harvard Public Schools denounces any antisemitism in words, images, or actions and we will not tolerate it. Please use our online racism and bias reporting form or contact a counselor or principal anytime you feel unsafe or witness behavior that negatively impacts yourself or others.
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Community Engagement
Safety: Please be reminded that our HES campus and walkways remain closed to the public during school hours, including playgrounds, fields, and courts from 8:00 AM-3:45 PM, M-F.
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Food Service Updates:
There has been an increase in the price of a second lunch from $2.00 to $4.00. This is based on an analysis of the cost to the district. The $4.00 is for a second portion of the main meal (if available). The first lunch remains free to all students in Massachusetts. Parents are welcome to send in additional items of food for their children even if they are getting the school lunch.
Free breakfast remains available for students at both schools.
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27A Massachusetts Avenue, Harvard MA, 01451 | (978) 456-4140
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