District Newsletter - June 2026

At the May 20 BIPOC Family Advisory Meeting, families and staff discussed ways to strengthen family engagement, participation, and communication across our school community. In response to feedback from members, a family survey has been created and will be shared in the fall to gather additional input and identify areas of interest and support.

The BIPOC Family Advisory Group works to build connections, amplify family voices, and strengthen equity by creating a welcoming space for families to share experiences, discuss school and community needs, and collaborate on ways to support students and families. The group recognizes and values the many identities and experiences that shape how families engage with schools, including race, ethnicity, language, culture, disability, socioeconomic background, religion, and family structure. Past discussions and events have included the Festival of Cultures, family play dates, MCAS, parent resources, and support groups. Families interested in participating will have an opportunity to complete the survey in September.

School Events

On May 19, the district hosted its 2nd Annual 11th Grade Tech Fair. Coordinated by Chris Boyle and Linda Dwight, the event welcomed approximately ten community members representing a variety of technology-related careers. Presenters shared insights into their professional experiences and daily work, helping students learn more about potential career pathways and opportunities available after graduation from Bromfield.

Linda and I attended the 2026 M.A.S.S. President’s Annual Spring Meeting on May 21. The keynote presentation, led by Joe Sanfelippo, focused on the theme, “Steady, Strong, and Strategic: Lead From WHO You Are.” The session highlighted the importance of sustainable, authentic, and intentional leadership practices in education. Sanfelippo emphasized that effective leadership begins with self-awareness and purpose, reminding school leaders that finding balance and leading authentically allows them to better support their schools and communities. The presentation served as a meaningful reminder that thoughtful leadership benefits not only leaders themselves but the entire school system.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

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.  

Second Annual Special Olympics Day of Games
On May 18, Alumni Field in Littleton was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and celebration as we hosted our Second Annual Special Olympics Day of Games. Athletes from Harvard were joined by participants from Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury, Bedford, and CASE Collaborative for a day of friendly competition and fun.

We were welcomed back with a rousing clap-in that capped off an already wonderful day. Treated to beautiful weather, athletes, families, staff, and volunteers enjoyed a variety of events while cheering one another on and celebrating the spirit of inclusion, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our community partners. We extend our sincere thanks to the Ayer Area Rotary, Nikopoulos Insurance, and Pinard Landscaping for their donations, as well as the many staff members and family volunteers whose dedication and support helped make the day such a success.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this special event and helped create lasting memories for our athletes. We are already looking forward to next year!

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2025-2026 Harvard SEPAC Annual Survey on Special Education Services

Please take a few minutes to complete an anonymous survey about your experiences with special education in the Harvard Public School District during the 2025-2026 school year. This survey is for parents and guardians of children in Harvard Public Schools, including those in out-of-district placements, who have an IEP, 504 Plan, or who may need special education services.

The Harvard Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) seeks to understand families’ experiences with special education services and communication with Harvard Public Schools. We will use this information to provide feedback to the district regarding families’ needs and experiences.

Participation is voluntary. Detailed responses in the comments section will help us better understand your needs. We will remove all identifying information.

Please answer these questions based on your child’s experience during the 2025-2026 school year. Complete one survey per child. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JRNJX2M

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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.  

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—----------------------- 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