District Newsletter | May 2026
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Important Dates
5/6: TBS Instrumental Concert
5/7: Rising 6th Grade Information
Night, TBS Library
5/13: TBS Choral Concert
and District Art Show
5/15: Half Day
5/18: Special Olympics Day
of Games
5/25: No School - Memorial Day
HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dr. Linda Dwight, Superintendent
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Superintendent's Message
As we move quickly toward the close of the school year, we are also entering an important season of transition and planning for both students and staff. Across the district, our principals are actively engaged in the hiring process, working alongside their search teams to prepare for the year ahead.
Due to retirements and other openings, we are currently seeking to fill the following positions:
Grade 4 and Grade 5 Teachers Math Teacher at Bromfield High School Special Education Teacher at Bromfield Middle School French Teacher at Bromfield Middle School Special Education Coordinator at Hildreth Elementary School Librarian at Hildreth Elementary School
At the district level, we are also preparing for a leadership transition. Mr. Dana Labb will soon assume the role of Superintendent. Over the past several months, we have spent many hours working closely together to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition, reviewing key areas such as budgeting, hiring, staff evaluation, capital projects, and the continuation of our strategic plan. This extended transition period has been a valuable opportunity to support continuity and set the district up for future success.
We are also pleased to welcome additional new members to our district community. Molly Superchi has been appointed as Assistant Superintendent, and Elizabeth Nees was recently elected to the School Committee. Their experience and insight will strengthen our ongoing work and collaboration in support of our students.
As I prepare to conclude my time in the district on June 30, I am deeply grateful for the partnership, trust, and shared commitment to our students that have made this work so meaningful.
Sincerely,
Linda G. Dwight, Superintendent
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Central Office Updates:
Dana Labb, Assistant Superintendent
Celebrating Our Staff
We proudly recognized School Lunch Hero Day, Administrative Professionals Day, Principal Appreciation Day, and Teacher Appreciation Week by honoring the essential work of each member of our school district community, whose dedication helps our schools and central office run smoothly every day.
Family & Community Engagement
We are reflecting on how to strengthen family engagement opportunities, including improving participation in our BIPOC family group to ensure it is welcoming, meaningful, and representative of our community.
School Highlights
District leaders recently met to review progress on our School Improvement Plan and plan next steps for continued growth. Our seniors in the Global Competency Certificate program showcased their capstone projects in a multicultural celebration of learning- congratulations to all involved! Hildreth Elementary welcomed award-winning author Dan Santat, who inspired students by sharing his creative process and love of storytelling.
Early Learning Update
Our preschool team continues to use student data to guide instruction, with a strong focus on early literacy skills such as sound recognition, blending, and reading readiness. We are encouraged by the strong growth our youngest learners are demonstrating.
Inclusive Calendar
Our HPS May 2026 Inclusive Calendar has been shared with staff and reflects our ongoing commitment to honoring the diversity of our school community.
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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Dear Harvard and Devens Community-
We are excited to once again host our annual Special Olympics Day of Games in partnership with Maynard, Littleton, and CASE Collaborative. In its second year, we are thrilled to welcome Sudbury and Bedford as new participants.
Rooted in the Special Olympics mission, to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, this event celebrates inclusion, teamwork, and the joy of participation. It creates meaningful opportunities for students of all abilities to come together, build confidence, and form lasting connections through sport.
To kick off the festivities, students participated in a Special Olympics Training Day led by two outstanding juniors, Samantha Dalbec and Ashley Aftosmis and joined by classmates Hannah Huelin, Jonathan LeGrand, Aidan Chang and 8th grader, Eridad Mukiibi. Student athletes had the chance to explore and practice different events, building excitement and confidence ahead of the big day. It was a wonderful experience filled with smiles, encouragement, and fun for all involved.
We look forward to another memorable Day of Games on May 18th at Alumni Field in Littleton, highlighting the power of inclusion and celebrating every athlete.
Sincerely,
Michelle
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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
At bryt, we believe caregivers benefit from spaces to connect, reflect, and learn from one another. Our Family Engagement events offer a welcoming community where you can hear different perspectives, share experiences, and feel supported.
This May, we’re excited to create space for caregivers to hear directly from young people about their experiences and what has supported their mental health, as well as Parent Conversation Groups for connection and community.
We hope you’ll explore the events below and join us for a session that feels meaningful to you.
Tuesday, May 5th - Parent Learning Event - Join HERE
Tuesday, May 12th - Parent Conversations Group - Join HERE
Tuesday, May 26th - BIPOC Affinity Group - Join HERE
Warmly,
The Harvard SEPAC, in partnership with the Harvard Soccer Club and TBS Soccer teams, is excited to offer a Soccer & Frisbee Club for students of all abilities! This welcoming, low-pressure program is designed for anyone interested in getting active, building friendships, and having fun. Siblings and community peers are warmly invited to join. The group will only meet once per week for a practice/game. Registration is open through May 7th.
 Click here to directly link to document: Medications and Swallowing Problems | Mass.gov
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...
HPS Community,
Here is your official invitation to come enjoy a Woo Sox game at Polar Park Worcester, and hear the Bromfield 7th/8th grade chorus perform the National Anthem on the field on  Sat. May 23rd @4pm! Use this link to purchase TICKETS in the Bromfield/HPS-reserved sections on the first-base line at a discounted price. *Performers also need a ticket to enter Polar Park. We hope to see you there!
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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:
Stone Soup Kitchen Ministries – Food Pantry:
Stone Soup Kitchen is a relational food and community-building 501(c)3, which is community-funded. We work to alleviate food insecurity and hunger, while also bringing marginalized and lonely people together for food and friendship with other community members, helping them to form more relationships across the typical divides that keep people from socializing. Stone Soup Kitchen includes a food pantry, public potluck dinners, and many activities that provide opportunities for people from all parts of the larger community to come together at no cost. There is never a charge for any of our programs, and we do not collect any ID, income, residency, or other information, ever. Distribution: Saturday 10 am to noon
Contact Information:
Shepherd of the Valley Church 21 Washington Street, Ayer, MA 01432
978-772-6055, Email: stonesoupkitchenministries@gmail.com
Additional Local Community Resources:
Food Insecurity Resources
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Devens
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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The Leadership Team enjoyed serving lunch to our students!