District Newsletter | September 2025
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9/11: TBMS Back to School Night
9/17: Half Day
9/18: TBHS Open House
9/25: HES Curriculum Night
HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dr. Linda Dwight, Superintendent
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Superintendent's Message
Welcome Back!
It is a joy to welcome all students and families to a new school year. Already, our classrooms and hallways are filled with energy, laughter, and learning. We are delighted to see both returning students and those new to our district coming together as one vibrant community.
This fall, our enrollment stands at 1,030 students, with more expected to join us in the coming weeks. This marks a steady increase from 1,028 students in 2024 and 1,017 in 2023, reflecting the continued growth and strength of our schools.
As always, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain a top priority. Over the past year, we partnered with local police, fire, and EMS services to update our emergency procedures. Our dedicated school resource officers—Tim, Fawn, and comfort dog Franny—are present in our schools daily, providing support and reassurance. Students have already practiced fire drills in collaboration with the fire department, and our facilities are equipped with security cameras, locked entrances, communication systems, and well-trained staff. We approach safety with the same commitment and care that we bring to teaching and learning every day.
We look forward to a year filled with growth, achievement, and shared success. Thank you for your continued partnership in making our schools safe, welcoming, and inspiring places for all children.
Best regards,
Dr. Linda G. Dwight
Superintendent, Harvard Public Schools
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Central Office Updates:
Dana Labb, Assistant Superintendent
Greetings, Harvard and Devens Families and Caregivers,
Summer Work
This summer was a busy and exciting time as we prepared for the year ahead! A big focus was building a shared curriculum framework that helps ensure consistency, equity, and high-quality learning across all schools. Staff worked on capturing our units of study and lesson planning, which will make it easier for teachers to collaborate, support new staff, and give families more access to curriculum through a new webpage I’ve been developing.
We also welcomed 13 new educators during our New Teacher Induction. The day was full of fun, laughter, and connection, while also grounding staff in our mission, values, and priorities. I hosted our first mentor training too, giving experienced teachers tools and support to guide our newest colleagues.
Looking ahead, I’m planning a Future Teacher Signing Day to celebrate high school seniors who plan to pursue a career in education as a special way to highlight teaching as a profession worth celebrating. The hope is to invite families and staff into this new tradition.
Finally, I brought together our Instructional Leadership Team for a summer retreat where we looked closely at student data, celebrated strengths, identified areas of focus, and planned strategies to strengthen teaching and learning this year.
Staff and Students Are Back!
It is lonely in the summer without children! But autumn is in the air this week as students return to school. As the weather turns cooler, the calendar turns to September. As part of our effort towards an inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging, I will continue to share information and resources with staff as part of our monthly inclusive calendar. This month will highlight Rosh Hashanah and Hispanic Heritage Month.
The Anxious Generation Advisory Group (TAGAG)
Finally, following April’s Anxious Generation Community Book Talk, parents and educators have formed a small advisory group (TAGAG) to strengthen our partnership with families and build our collective efficacy. The group is focusing on three key areas: student access to phones, opportunities for free play, and the use of technology on school devices. Together, we will engage in a collaborative process to review practices, share perspectives, and support one another in shaping our approach. We will share updates this fall, including news about upcoming meeting dates, and invite families to join the conversation.
Best,
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 housing instability.
Dear Families and Caregivers,Welcome back to a new school year!
It is wonderful to have students back in the building. Whether you are returning or joining our community for the first time, we are excited to partner with you in supporting your child’s individual learning journey.
The Pupil Services department is committed to providing inclusive, equitable services that support the unique needs of our students. Our staff continues to focus on strengthening inclusive practices, building collaborative relationships, and ensuring that each student has access to the supports and opportunities they need to thrive.
As always, we deeply value the partnership we share with families and caregivers. Your voice is essential in shaping your child’s educational experience, and we encourage open communication throughout the year. If you have questions about services, upcoming meetings, or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school team or our office.
We look forward to a year of collaboration, growth, and meaningful progress for all students. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Sincerely,
Michelle DellaValle, Director of Pupil Services
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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
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Dear Students and Families,
We wanted to inform you that with a recent change made by Google, YouTube will no longer be freely available for student access. Only videos made available by teachers will be accessible.
Other services that are also no longer available include Google Earth, Google Maps and Google Translate.
Best regards,
Christopher Boyle
Director of Technology
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In This Issue...
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District Fee Adjustments:As many families are aware, this year brought updates to our district fee structure. Rising costs have required us to take steps both in-district and across the community. In May 2025, voters approved a tax override to support our schools, and at the same time, we adjusted student fees to help address growing expenses. See this memo for more details.
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/addiction-abatement-fund-working-group/pages/opioid-abatement-funds-mini-grant-proposals
More information about the Working Group tasks and make-up can be found at https://www.harvard-ma.gov/addiction-abatement-fund-working-group.
Try Rowing on Bare Hill Pond this Fall:
No experience needed. For Bromfield students grades 6 to 12. Find out more and register at www.barehillrowing.com/fall Email programdirector@bareilhlrowing.com with any questions.
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.
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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