District Newsletter | March 2026
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Important Dates
3/4: Half Day
3/10-3/13: 9th Grade D.C. Trip
3/16: No school
HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dr. Linda Dwight, Superintendent
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Superintendent's Message
The recent conflict involving Iran may affect members of our community in different ways. We recognize that current events can create uncertainty, concern, and fear for students and families.Some families may have loved ones serving in the armed forces and may be worried about potential deployment or the safety of those stationed in the Middle East. Others may have relatives who live in or travel to the region. Some may feel concern about possible retaliation against Americans or a rise in antisemitism. We understand that these events can feel personal and unsettling.
Students often discuss what they see and hear in the news with one another, sometimes without the benefit of adult guidance. As a result, family conversations may be helpful to address questions, ease fears, and provide accurate, age-appropriate information.
Please know that our schools are here to support your children. If your student needs additional support during this time, we encourage you to contact their teacher, school counselor, principal, or another trusted staff member.
We remain committed to ensuring that our schools are safe, supportive spaces for every student.
Family Resources:
Recovering emotionally from disaster (American Psychological Association)
Building Resilience (American Psychological Association)
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators (National Association of School Psychologists) pdf attached
Talking to Children About Violence (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)
Sincerely,
Linda G. Dwight, Superintendent and
Dana Labb, Assistant Superintendent
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Central Office Updates:
Dana Labb, Assistant Superintendent
We are excited to invite you to join us for Harvard’s Festival of Cultures, hosted by the BIPOC Family Advisory Group, on Tuesday, March 24, from 5:30–7:00 PM. This family event celebrates the rich diversity of our community and depends on family participation to make it a success.
If you are interested in hosting a table, sign up here: https://forms.gle/T9UYXs2DK6qcyGRt8.
If you are interested in performing, sign up here: https://forms.gle/U4xziy15LtYMgMFv9.
Best,
Dana Labb, Assistant Superintendent
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Pupil Services 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 housing instability.
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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.
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In This Issue...
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Breakfast: Fuel for Focus!
Did you know that Harvard Public Schools provides free breakfast by participating in the USDA School Breakfast Program. Each child is eligible for a meal that includes a dairy, fruit and grain component. Preview the breakfast menus with your child! Breakfast at TBS is available in the cafeteria before school and throughout the morning periods. HES students can grab a breakfast from the meal cart by the learning stairs and eat it in their classrooms.
Our schools are celebrating School Breakfast Week on Wednesday, March 4th! We will have a smoothie taste test at both schools. Please encourage your child to stop by our table to taste a smoothie and grab a breakfast. We will have some fun giveaways sponsored by the New England Dairy Council.
This event was planned by the Harvard Public Schools Food Service Advisory Committee. Interested in joining our group? Email Mandy Ostaszewski at: mostaszewski@psharvard.org
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Addiction Abatement Fund Proposals: The Town of Harvard Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group is seeking proposals for appropriate expenditure of the town’s Opioid Settlement Funds. The Group is seeking projects including harm reduction, treatment, education, etc that address issues across the life span. The Group will assess proposals from citizens of Harvard and surrounding towns and make recommendations to the Harvard Select Board for final decision-making. Proposals must limit funding requests to <$10000. Proposals will be considered on an ongoing basis. The application and evaluation criteria can be found at: https://www.harvard-ma.gov/444/Opioid-Abatement-Funds-Mini-Grant-Propos
More information about the Working Group tasks and make-up can be found at https://www.harvard-ma.gov/198/Addiction-Abatement-Fund-Working-Group
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:
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry:
Need Food? We’re Here for You! Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Devens helps families in Ayer, Devens, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley. With no income requirements, easy drive-thru pickup, and an online ordering option, we make it easy to provide nutritious food to keep your family happy and healthy. Everyone is welcome! Please visit our website, loavesfishespantry.org/need-help/ or call 978-772-4627 x312 for more information.
Additional Local Community Resources:
Food Insecurity Resources
Alphabest is Hiring:
Please see the details in this flyer .
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| 27A Massachusetts Avenue, Harvard MA, 01451 | (978) 456-4140 |
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