District Newsletter - April 2026

Thank you to everyone who made the 2026 Festival of Cultures a big success! We had an amazing turnout and look forward to doing it again next year!

Assistant Superintendent Hiring Update:

After completing virtual and in-person interviews, conducting school site visits, reviewing feedback from staff and students, and completing reference checks, the committee advanced Molly Superchi to the School Committee for consideration.

Molly Superchi is an educational leader with a strong background in district and school leadership. She currently serves as Assistant Superintendent in the Narragansett Regional School District, where she oversees curriculum, instruction, assessment, student services, and strategic initiatives. Molly has previously served as Director of Curriculum and Instruction and as a school principal, bringing a comprehensive understanding of PreK–12 education systems. Molly began her career as an elementary teacher for nine years. Resume Superchi

On Monday, April 13, the School Committee unanimously voted to enter into contract negotiations with Molly. Pending successful negotiations, she will be appointed as the next Assistant Superintendent.

Linda and I will be sharing an update with more details regarding our transition in a future email.

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.  

                                                                                                                                                                      CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

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 Attorney General’s Office Resources: DESE would like to remind districts and families that immigration-related resources are available through the Attorney General’s Office. Resources for families include the one-page Immigrant Students’ Right to Attend School: A Guide for Families, which is available in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, and Chinese. The Attorney General’s Office has also published an emergency planning guide and an emergency planning fact sheet for parents with uncertain immigration status. Both are available on the Attorney General’s website in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Chinese.

As the end of the school year quickly approaches, we’d like to remind everyone about the importance of closing out your student’s food service account. If your student has an outstanding balance, we kindly ask that you settle it before the last day of school.

While school breakfast and lunch are free for all students, the school is only reimbursed for one breakfast and one lunch per student each day.  Students must take the entire meal in order for it to be reimbursable to the school. If a student takes part of a meal, only a drink, a second lunch, or any à la carte items - these are not covered by reimbursement and therefore incur a charge to cover the costs of the items and labor involved. These fees are vital to ensuring that we can continue to meet our food service needs and pay our invoices.

Click here to register for free for the 2026 Festival!

Local Food Pantries and  Food Insecurity Resources:     Harvard Public Schools acknowledges the potential impact of a disruption to SNAP benefits, which could affect families nationwide and within our own community. We recognize that this situation could increase food insecurity for families, seniors, and children. Our schools remain committed to supporting students and families through this uncertainty. Families in need of food assistance can access local resources, including: Stone Soup Kitchen Ministries – Food Pantry: Stone Soup Kitchen is a relational food and community-building 501(c)3, which is community-funded.  We work to alleviate food insecurity and hunger, while also bringing marginalized and lonely people together for food and friendship with other community members, helping them to form more relationships across the typical divides that keep people from socializing.  Stone Soup Kitchen includes a food pantry, public potluck dinners, and many activities that provide opportunities for people from all parts of the larger community to come together at no cost. There is never a charge for any of our programs, and we do not collect any ID, income, residency, or other information, ever.  Distribution: Saturday 10 am to noon Contact Information: Shepherd of the Valley Church 21 Washington Street, Ayer, MA 01432 978-772-6055, Email: stonesoupkitchenministries@gmail.com Additional Local Community Resources: Food Insecurity Resources Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Devens Alphabest is Hiring: Please see the  details in this flyer .