District Newsletter - October 2025

Greetings, Harvard and Devens Families and Caregivers,

As Assistant Superintendent for Harvard Public Schools, I oversee curriculum, instruction, and assessment to ensure alignment with state standards and the district’s strategic plan. I lead initiatives that promote equitable and inclusive learning experiences, support educator growth through professional development and coaching, and monitor student achievement across all grade levels. In addition to serving as the district’s Curriculum Director and Grants Coordinator, I manage federal and state funding streams, including Title grants, to advance programs that strengthen academic, social-emotional, and cultural outcomes for all students. My work also includes fostering collaboration among staff, families, and community partners to enhance student support systems and sustain a culture of continuous improvement. In the coming month, I will be working to enhance the curriculum family resources on our webpage. 

Celebrating October

The HPS October 2025 Inclusive Calendar highlights events such as National Bullying Prevention Month, Diwali, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Included are family events, curriculum resources, and an “Arm in Arm” library display. 

Best,

Dana Labb

Assistant Superintendent

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 housing instability.  

Press Release:

During the week of December 8, 2025 the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of The Harvard Public Schools. The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s ELE program every six years to monitor compliance with federal and state English learner education laws and regulations. Areas of review will include English learners’ student assessments, identification of English learners; what programs English learners are placed in, parent and community involvement, curriculum and instruction, student support services, licensure requirements for faculty, staff and administration, program plans, and evaluation and recordkeeping.

In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The district will send a survey to the parents of students whose records the review team examines with.The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s English learner education program. Survey results will be reviewed by OLA and they will contribute to the monitoring report.

Parents and other individuals may call David Parker, Office of Language Acquisition Review Chairperson, at (781)338-3466 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, DESE will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days of the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the (district or charter school) with a report with information about areas in which the (district or charter school) meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the (district or charter school) requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The report will be available to the public at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/cpr/.

Michelle DellaValle, Director of Pupil Services

Join us to learn more about DDS! Oct 28, 2025 06:00pm - Oct 28, 2025 07:30pm DDS Overview for Families and SEPACs: As a family member of a child with a developmental disability, you might be wondering about the support offered by the Department of Developmental Services.   Join Ingrid Flory and Sam Hunter (Central/West Region) to address questions such as:   •       How does someone qualify for DDS? •       What sorts of resources are available through Family Support? •       What does the transition to adult services look like? Any parent, guardian, caregiver or other family member is welcome to attend, at any point in their journey! REGISTER   ******************************************************************************** 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 a 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.     PARENT/CAREGIVER RESOURCES:  BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HELPLINE: Please see the links below to access information about the Behavioral Health Helpline and related services available. Information Letter New Mass Literacy for Families and Communities resource:  The Mass Literacy Guide  has been empowering educators since 2020 with practical strategies and resources for pre-K -3 literacy. Now, this hub of early literacy information includes a  section designed specifically for families and communities . Families and community members can use the site to learn more about reading and writing instruction and how to support it at home. Educators can use the site to provide caregivers with information about evidence-based early literacy. Mass Partnerships for Youth Parent and Caregiver Resource Library:  Mass Partnerships for Youth offers a library of quick videos and handouts with information and strategies for common challenges that parents and caregivers encounter.  https://peaceathomeparenting.com/mpy-solution-libraries/ MassHealth-  - Children with disabilities may be eligible for MassHealth Child Disability Supplement.  More information and forms are found at:  https://www.mass.gov/doc/masshealth-child-disability-supplement/download Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI)-   - Children who qualify for MassHealth and have Emotional, Behavioral, or Mental Health needs may be eligible for integrated services through CBHI.  Information can be found at:  https://www.mass.gov/childrens-behavioral-health-initiative-cbhi ARICA (An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism) -  ARICA is a law that requires private health insurers in Massachusetts to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  More information is available through the Insurance Resource Center:  https://massairc.org/factsheets/arica-faq/#page-content