Updated District Newsletter - January 2026

Greetings, Harvard and Devens Families and Caregivers,

Welcome to January, and Happy New Year! 

It was wonderful to greet students on Monday morning. Students are (mostly!) enjoying being back together and are quickly settling back into routines and expectations. The same is true for all of us adults as well.

Each January, on the third Monday of the month, we observe Martin Luther King Jr. This is also a National Day of Service, and is highlighted in the Monthly Inclusive Calendar shared with students and staff.

Here are some MLK community events, both close and far:

Small Acts, Big Impacts: A Day of Service at Discovery Museum

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 2026 | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration | GFCC - Greater Framingham Community Church

MLK Boston

Best,

Dana Labb

Assistant Superintendent

Parent Resources: https://peaceathomeparenting.com/mpy-solution-libraries/

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.  

NOTICE:                                                                                                           

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review of Harvard Public Schools during the week of February 23, 2026. Each school district, charter school, vocational school, and virtual school undergoes an Integrated Monitoring Review every three years. The areas addressed during an Integrated Monitoring Review are organized into two groups, known as Group A Universal Standards and Group B Universal Standards. 

Harvard Public Schools will be undergoing a Group A monitoring review that focuses on special education student identification and special education eligibility timelines; Individualized Education Program (IEP) development; programming and support services; procedural requirements for suspensions and equal opportunity. For additional information please also see Integrated Monitoring Parent and Family Orientation.  

The process includes interviews with district staff and administrators, a review of student records, policies and procedures, and school building visits. The process may also include parent/caregiver, student and teacher focus group meetings to gather additional information. Interpretation will be provided, if needed.

The Department will also send a parent survey, in multiple languages and formats, as needed, to parents /guardians of special education students to gather key information on the special education processes and procedures.

Parents/guardians and other stakeholders may contact Merlisha Theodat, Monitoring Review Chairperson, at (781) 338- 3790 or merlisha.theodat@mass.gov to request a telephone interview. If anyone requires an accommodation, such as interpretation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the (district or charter school) with a report that includes information on further actions that may be required. The public can access the report at https://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/default.html.

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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