District Newsletter | April 2025
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Important Dates
4/6: Half Day
4/10: Middle School MCAS
4/11: Middle School MCAS
4/18: No School
4/21-4/25: April Break
HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dr. Linda Dwight, Superintendent
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Superintendent's Message
Dear Families of Harvard Students,
Enrollment and the Budget
Student enrollment in our district has begun to rise again following a low point of 1,009 students in 2020—the smallest number in over 20 years. Currently, we serve 1,028 students, and projections indicate that number will grow to 1,138 over the next five years. These estimates are based on annual birth rates and do not account for the potential impact of major residential developments in Harvard or Devens.
Over the past two decades, our student population has ranged from a high of 1,338 in 2006 to our current enrollment. During this time, we have also seen increasing diversity in both socioeconomic status and learning profiles. In particular, there has been a 7% increase in students identified as “high needs,” rising from 18% in 2020 to 25% in 2025. According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), high needs students include those with disabilities, current or former English learners, and low-income students. These students often require additional academic and social-emotional support to thrive in school.
Despite these changes, our students continue to perform at high levels. According to 2024 standardized assessments, our 10th-grade students (by %) achieved the following proficiency or advanced levels on the MCAS tests:
These results reflect the strong partnership between families and schools, as well as the dedication and expertise of our educators. While our scores exceed the state average, we are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring every student can succeed.
To support this goal, appropriate staffing levels and consistent financial backing are essential. On May 3rd and May 6th, our community will be asked to continue funding the Town of Harvard’s services and staffing needs—an investment that sustains the high-quality education that defines our schools.
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 Sincerely,
Dr. Linda Dwight, Dana Labb, Michelle DellaValle, Dan Hudder, Kim Murphy, and Dr. Rebecca Katsh-Singer
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Central Office Updates:
Dana Labb, Assistant Superintendent
Greetings Harvard and Devens Families and Caregivers,
We are amid MCAS Assessments. The schedule for the spring is included here for your reference.
April is Autism Awareness Month. Here is Harvard’s April inclusive calendar:
HPS Inclusive Calendar: April Holidays & Autism Awareness Month 2025
Webinar on Teens & A.I.
The webinar with Teodora Pavkovic, Certified Digital Wellness Director of Linewize, was on Monday, April 7, at 7:00 PM.
Here is our recording, we had 76 registrants in total and 29 attendees, which is the highest number of both we've had so far!
Teodora did receive feedback from one of the attendees saying that the session was a bit too fast-paced with lots of information packed in. There are a couple of Hub articles she shared with the recording that'll help break down some of the concepts: AI Safety Tips with Qustodio and this piece on Deepfakes.
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: The New IEP Form
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.
PARENT/CAREGIVER RESOURCES:
New Mass Literacy for Families and Communities resource: The Mass Literacy Guide has been empowering educators since 2020 with practical strategies and resources for preK-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
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In This Issue...
DONATIONS NEEDED:
We are excited to announce that the Harvard Public Schools is partnering with Littleton, Maynard, and CASE Collaborative to host the Special Olympics Day of Games at Maynard High School on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The mission of the Special Olympics is to support individuals with disabilities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Harvard, Littleton, Maynard and CASE wish to empower children and adults with disabilities to lead longer, happier, healthier, and more vibrant lives through the unifying power of sports.
Our ability to fulfill these transformative promises relies heavily on the support of donors like you.
Linked here is a donation form for your consideration.
Donations will go toward expenses associated with coordinating this event. We appreciate your support of our athletes and this transformative event.
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27A Massachusetts Avenue, Harvard MA, 01451 | (978) 456-4140
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