District Newsletter | February 2026
|
|
Important Dates
2/11: An Evening with Jamele
Adams at TBMS
2/16 - 2/20: February Vacation
2/27: Staff vs Senior Volleyball
HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dr. Linda Dwight, Superintendent
|
|
|
Superintendent's Message
The Harvard Press recently reported on the potential cuts to the school district budget. Each year, we work diligently to secure sufficient funding to maintain level services. For the 2026–27 school year, the district’s budget has been proposed at a 1.5% increase. Because contractual obligations alone exceed that percentage, developing a budget within this limit, given the town’s minimal revenue growth, requires reductions in personnel and difficult decisions about priorities.
Sustaining a high-performing school district with dynamic learning opportunities for our students requires both financial investment and thoughtful planning. As we navigate this challenging process, balancing competing demands and limited resources, we encourage families and community members to remain informed and engaged in local decision-making.
Reading the Press is one way to stay informed. Another is to attend the School Committee’s hybrid meetings, which are typically held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:15 PM. Agendas and meeting links are available on the town’s website under “Agendas” and “School Committee.”
Harvard is not alone in facing the dual pressures of declining enrollment and rising costs. Nevertheless, our students, families, faculty, and staff deserve the strongest possible outcome from the many hours devoted to developing, presenting, voting on, and implementing the town budget. I encourage you to consider how you might stay engaged and contribute to the success of our schools and our community.
Dr. Linda G. Dwight
Superintendent, Harvard Public Schools
|
|
|
|
|
Central Office Updates:
Dana Labb, Assistant Superintendent
Greetings, Harvard and Devens Families and Caregivers,
As part of our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across our district, we continue to prioritize meaningful family and community engagement that promotes the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff. We are excited to invite you to join us for Harvard’s Festival of Cultures, hosted by the BIPOC Family Advisory Group, on Tuesday, March 24, from 5:30–7:00 PM. This family event celebrates the rich diversity of our community and depends on family participation to make it a success.
If you are interested in hosting a table, sign up here: https://forms.gle/T9UYXs2DK6qcyGRt8 .
If you are interested in performing, sign up here: https://forms.gle/U4xziy15LtYMgMFv9 .
Please respond by March 1, 2026, and contact me with any questions.
February is Black History Month. Inclusive dates this month also include: Presidents Day, February 16, 2026; Lunar New Year, February 17, 2026; and Ramadan, February 18, 2026 -March 19, 2026. The following are some community events.
Black History Month in Boston
Kicks History 101 - Sneakers, History, and Black Culture - The Robbins House
Presidents' Day Week | JFK Library
Boston Events for February 2026 | Fun Things to Do
Happy Lunar New Year from Harvard Square
2nd Annual Boston Ramadan Night Market [02/27/26]
Best,
Dana Labb
Assistant Superintendent
Parent Resources: https://peaceathomeparenting.com/mpy-solution-libraries/
|
|
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.
***********************************************************  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.
********************************************************************************
********************************************************************************
|
Integrated Preschool:
The lottery is now open for fall 2026 enrollment of community peers in the HES Integrated Preschool . Children who live in Harvard or Devens and turn 3 years old on or before August 31, 2026 are eligible to apply. The Preschool Program is housed at the Hildreth Elementary School and is designed as a special education integrated preschool program, meaning our program serves both students with disabilities and typically-developing peers.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Instruction is delivered in a developmentally-appropriate manner and focuses on a variety of skill areas including: language, phonemic and phonological awareness, early literacy skills, gross motor, fine motor, math, and social skills. The curricula are aligned with the Massachusetts Frameworks for Preschool, which focus on readiness skills for Kindergarten.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
New this year, our Core Program will run Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm for 175 days. We will also offer an Extended Enrichment program from 1pm to 3:30pm that will offer opportunities for children to engage in developmentally-appropriate social activities and enrichment. Please indicate on your application if you are interested in being entered into the Extended Enrichment program in addition to the Core Program.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Please complete the form linked below by February 25, 2026. Acceptance for enrollment is conditional on the availability of slots. A lottery will be held the following day based on the number of available slots. You will be notified by email if your child is selected for a spot or placed on our waitlist. A commitment letter and deposit of $200.00 (applied toward tuition) will be required within 14 days of acceptance to secure enrollment.
TUITION
Core Preschool Program
175-day school year Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Tuition: $8,000 per year Developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
Extended Enrichment Program
Monday through Friday- 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Tuition: $3,000 per year This option is open to anyone enrolled in the Core Preschool Program -
Provides opportunities for:
Individualized support (related services, discrete trial training, etc.) Small-group instruction (play groups, academic support, kindergarten readiness) Developmentally-appropriate enrichment activities
Tuition is billed quarterly.
For more questions or more information, please contact Katie Lancey, HES Special Education Administrator at klancey@psharvard.org
January 29, 2026 Preschool Presentation
********************************************************************************
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...
|
|
Try rowing this Spring! No experience needed:
It's never too late to start rowing, so join us on Bare Hill Pond!
Bromfield, Acton-Boxborough Rowing - Everyone gets to compete. High School practices are 5 days a week with weekend races for all athletes. Three days a week for 8th graders, and one day a week for 6/7th grade. Spring information is on our website here. Or email CBSands-Bohrer@barehillrowing.com with any questions.
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 |
|
|
