District Newsletter | December 2025
|
|
Important Dates
12/17: TBS Winter Choral Concert
12/23: Half Day
12/24-1/2: School Vacation
1/5: School Resumes
HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dr. Linda Dwight, Superintendent
|
|
|
Superintendent's Message
We are pleased to announce that Dana Labb will serve as the next Superintendent of Schools in Harvard. Dana has been our Assistant Superintendent for the past year and a half, bringing deep expertise in special education, curriculum development, leadership, and facilities. Prior to joining the district office, he spent twelve years as a building principal, where he strengthened his leadership skills and oversaw all aspects of school operations, including student support, educator evaluation, curriculum updates, instructional improvement, and collaboration with families and district leaders.
Over the next six months, Dana and I will work closely together to ensure a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition. We are fortunate to have both the time and proximity to engage in a deliberate handoff, allowing Dana to gain firsthand experience with the unique responsibilities of the superintendent role. He is eager to take on this challenge while continuing the important work he is leading as Assistant Superintendent.
As we move through this transition period, we want the community to have opportunities to get to know Dana better. While many have already interacted with him at district events or in one-on-one conversations, we recognize that others may not yet have had the chance. To support that connection, we will be hosting a virtual community meeting where Dana and I will share a “State of the Schools” overview, and he will respond to questions from attendees.
We hope you will join us for this conversation and take advantage of this opportunity to hear more about Dana’s vision for the future of our exceptional school district.
Best regards,
Dr. Linda G. Dwight
Superintendent, Harvard Public Schools
|
|
|
|
|
Central Office Updates:
Dana Labb, Assistant Superintendent
We are deeply saddened by the tragedies that occurred this weekend. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we know that events like these can weigh heavily on our students, staff, and families.
Please know that our schools are here to support your children. Counselors and support staff will be available for any student who may need someone to talk to in the days ahead.
We encourage you to reach out if your family needs additional support. Together, we will continue to care for one another and strengthen our community.
I continue to provide regular outreach to staff in ways that advance district priorities, which includes ongoing communication on cultural proficiency. The attached calendar is an example: HPS December 2025 Inclusive Calendar. Our BIPOC family advisory is another example. We are proud to announce that the Festival of Cultures will return on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM in the Hildreth Gymnasium/Stage. Please stay tuned for information on how to sign up for a table and/or performance!
Caring Through the Holidays: A Family Guide- This practical resource, available in both English and Spanish, is filled with activities such as Conversation Starters and an Acts of Kindness Checklist to help families navigate big feelings during the holidays. Website and Free Guide
Best,
Dana Labb
Assistant Superintendent
|
|
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.
***********************************************************Introducing Our New District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP)
We’re excited to share that our district has created a new District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP). The DCAP is an important resource that helps us support the diverse learning needs of all students. This work is required by Massachusetts regulations (M.G.L. c. 71, § 38Q½, M.G.L. c. 71, § 59C) but more importantly, it reflects our commitment to making sure every child receives the support they need to be successful.
The DCAP was developed through a thoughtful, collaborative process. A representative group of educators from across the district worked together to draft the plan, and it was then reviewed by the District Leadership team, district staff, School Councils in all three schools and presented to the school committee. We’re grateful for the many voices and perspectives that contributed to this work.
What is the DCAP, and why does it matter?
The DCAP is a guide that helps our teachers:
Understand and respond to the different ways students learn
Access services, supports, and instructional options available in general education classrooms
Use a range of instructional interventions to meet student needs
Find resources for student support, teacher mentoring, curriculum differentiation, and professional development
Refer to a list of accommodations that can help students thrive
The new DCAP will be posted on our district website for families to review. We look forward to sharing this resource with you and continuing our work together to support all students.
|
********************************************************************************
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
|
|
|
In This Issue...
|
|
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 .
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 27A Massachusetts Avenue, Harvard MA, 01451 | (978) 456-4140 |
|
|
