Natick Public Schools: Weekly District Update

Press release from Natick Public Schools:

District Calendar

April

• April 2: Ramadan Starts
• April 2: World Autism Awareness Day
• April 3-9: National Library Week
• April 4: National School Librarian Day
• April 4-8: National Assistant Principals Week
• April 6: Early Release (Pre-K & Elementary Only)
• April 15: Good Friday (Central Office & Schools Closed)
• April 18: Patriot's Day (Central Office Closed)
• April 18-22: April Break (Schools Closed)
• Month of April: National Poetry Month
• Month of April: School Library Month

Please also refer to your school calendar for school-based activities & information.

Superintendent Memo

Dear Natick Community:

I would like to welcome newly-elected member, Elise Gorseth, to the School Committee. Mr. Luff and I have enjoyed working with Ms. Gorseth in her SEPAC leadership role in the past and are excited to start our new collaboration. Congratulations, Elise!

A huge thank you to outgoing member, Henry Haugland, a long-time servant of the schools, Mr. Haugland was school committee chair in 2003 when I joined Natick Schools as an assistant principal. He has been a large part of shaping various parts and generations of NPS. Thank you Henry!

With COVID duties subsiding, the KMS building project nearing conclusion, the School Committee passing their budget, and the election over, the Central Office team has been able to spend days in schools observing instruction and working with principals and teachers to adjust supports and detect patterns of need while celebrating patterns of success.

Our principal "state of the union" analyses concluded and principals share their student achievement data and progress toward expected targets in learning, social-emotional learning, attendance, discipline, grades, and curriculum coverage. We are planning summer school, a redesign of our Title I program given our district's rising wealth (which means a corresponding decrease in this funding). We are also in full hiring season (although in this year, we've been hiring all year long due to the amount of churn in our profession.)

We continue to negotiate with all 6 of our unions to determine new contracts for each.

But the greatest joy is seeing students in action, learning (grade 5 -- measurements and chemical and physical reactions), grade 7, Nazi Germany and the reasons for rise to power/use of propaganda, grade 8 civics projects on local government, grade 2 multi digit subtraction, Kindergarten, Foundations and writing sentences, grade 3 area and perimeter. These were a slice of the classes observed. I am proud of our teachers and the progress they are making with our kids during this very challenging year of teaching and learning.

Enjoy the weekend, spring is upon us. Note: in schools, the greatest amount of discipline issues occurs in October and March in a typical year. March is always cited but educators as challenging and this year it seems amplified. If your child is feeling this and struggling, reach out to your teachers and strategize. Include your child in doing this if you can and the age is appropriate. Taking charge of their own needs is a steadying force and will help create confidence in your young person.

See you around town,
Anna

2022 NPS Performance Report Available Now

The 2022 Natick Public Schools performance report is available to download online now. We mail this annually to every residential address in Natick, as well as to our out-of-district families. The performance report features data about our students' progress, teachers and staff, and how we're advancing our strategic plan. This year's report includes an insert updating the public on the progress on the vision for NPS moving forward.

Two of our Lilja Elementary teachers, Beth Altchek and Kristen McEnaney, captured our cover photo during a class walk in the Natick Town Forest.

JOIN US APRIL 5 FOR A VIRTUAL DISCUSSION ON OBSERVED HOLIDAYS
View the presentation of the virtual listening session below

What's important to you? Join the Natick School Committee and Superintendent Dr. Anna Nolin for Belonging: A Listening Session on School Calendar, School Work, and Religious Observances on Tuesday, April 5, from 7-8:30 p.m. This virtual event provides you with an opportunity to give feedback and tell the School Committee what you want from them as they consider future designations of observed holidays. You can view the current list here.

Are you curious about how the school calendar is created or have ideas that need to be considered? Bring your interested thoughts, ideas, and questions directly to those tasked with making this decision at this event. We value your input and want to know what would create a more inclusive sense of belonging for you in our community.

Click the image below to view the subcommittee's presentation and see the goals for the event.

Can’t make the event but want to leave your thoughts? Fill out a Speak Up, Natick! form to make your voice heard.

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 858 6902 5524
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Meeting ID: 858 6902 5524

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcHXFbYZJN

MASSACHUSETTS APPROVED TO PROVIDE FAMILIES ADDITIONAL P-EBT FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022
Eligible families to receive retroactive payments starting May 25

Starting May 25 Massachusetts will issue P-EBT for children who missed school because of COVID-19 in school year 2021-2022. If eligible, funds will be added to P-EBT or EBT cards starting May 25, 2022. Keep your P-EBT card.

For school year 2021-2022, P-EBT benefit amounts will be determined by the number of eligible COVID-related excused absences a student has in a month. Eligible Massachusetts’ families will receive a retroactive P-EBT payment for September 2021 through April 2022 COVID-related absences on May 25, 2022. The two remaining monthly payments for the school year (May and June) will be made on the 25th of each month.

Eligible families will receive one of three P-EBT amounts per month, per student depending on the number of COVID-19 related eligible excused school absences, as determined by school districts:

• 1-5 absences: $21 a month per student
• 6-15 absences: $71 a month per student
• 16+ absences: $128 a month per student

Families will continue to receive P-EBT on the same card they did in the past. Households who lost their P-EBT card can request a replacement card. Newly eligible students will receive their P-EBT benefits on their EBT card if receiving DTA benefits or will be mailed a P-EBT card if they do not receive DTA benefits.

P-EBT benefits can be used anywhere Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are accepted, including online from select retailers. More information on P-EBT can be found at Mass.gov/P-EBT and MAp-EBT.org.

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE.

COVID UPDATES

DAILY COVID Symptom Screening (Checklist)

Students and staff who are SICK should STAY HOME.

Please monitor for symptoms each morning before school by reviewing the COVID Symptom Checklist (link).

VIEW THE NEW DOCUMENTATION ON OUR
FLEX MASK CULTURE GUIDANCE AND EXPECTATIONS

Updated COVID-19 Testing Procedure
Natick Public Schools is no longer pool testing. We have implemented at-home weekly rapid antigen tests. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is providing antigen (rapid) COVID-19 tests for students to use at home with the expectation students test at home once a week.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INFORMATION ON THE NEW TESTING PROCEDURE

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE OPT-IN FORM FOR THE NEW TESTING PROCEDURE

How to Administer the At-Home COVID Test

The test being sent home is the iHealth Labs COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits. The tests can be completed in 15 minutes without the need to send a sample to a laboratory. Mobile phones or computers are not needed for any part of the test.

VIEW SELF-TEST AT-HOME INSTRUCTIONS HERE (MULTIPLE TRANSLATIONS)

WATCH THE HOW-TO VIDEO HERE

4/1/22
COVID Cases (See Below) - Click on Image to Enlarge

Chart Terminology: CC's = Close Contacts

Not seeing the School Newsletters or Community Updates section?
At the bottom of this email, click on "View Entire Message" to see the full Engage newsletter.

WEEKLY SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS

Please click on the school name below to read the newsletter for this week.

NATICK PRESCHOOL

JOHNSON SCHOOL

KENNEDY

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR FAMILIES

Changes Coming to Universal Free Lunch Program

Summer lunch program also ending

As you may have heard on the news, the recent appropriations package passed by Congress does not include extending the current free school lunch program past June 30, 2022. As a result we’re unable to provide universal free meals as we have the last two years, beginning with the 2022-23 school year. What does this mean for you?

NPS will return to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and our Summer Eats sites will not be available this year. Free and reduced price meals will only be offered to students directly certified for these meals or approved through a household application (available July 1). We understand that this is a big change for all, and we’re notifying you now so you’re aware you’ll need to re-adjust to meal charges after such a long time without having to worry about it. We’ll keep you updated on any other developments from our partners at DESE and the USDA.

Daytime Construction on Bacon Street Bridge Has Resumed

Bacon Street Travel Detoured During Project

Roadway and sidewalk construction activities for the Bacon Street Bridge Replacement Project in Wellesley resumed Monday, March 21, and continues for 6-8 weeks. Work hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day.

During this work, Bacon Street traffic will be detoured. A signed detour route will be in place and a detour map can be viewed on the project website. We encourage drivers to avoid the area or seek alternate routes to avoid delays. Variable message boards will also be installed before any major construction and will display the most up-to-date information.

Email updates will be sent prior to future activities that have significant noise or traffic impacts. Please sign up to continue to receive important updates on this project. Also bookmark the website for additional information and updates.

For questions or to report issues related to construction, please email BaconStBridge@mbta.com.

VIRTUAL COFFEE HOURS
with the Natick School Committee

The Natick School Committee welcomes families and community members to attend Virtual Coffee Hours with us in the coming months! Each session has a topic aligned to the district strategic plan. We look forward to hearing your feedback and questions and sharing from our purview.

Thursday, April 14, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. (Time Changed) - Profile of a Graduate
Tuesday, May 17, 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. (Time Changed) - Dismantling Systemic Barriers for Equitable Access to Opportunity
Wednesday, June 15, TBD - Social Emotional Learning and Healthy Living

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86724275279?pwd=aUYzNHpYY3V5UWVaSjNsOVZyeVllZz09

Meeting ID: 867 2427 5279
Passcode: 013880
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+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 867 2427 5279
Passcode: 013880

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kmSsV0H2N

ASAP/ Early Risers & New Family Registration Ends April 8

New families may register online for ASAP and Early Risers 2022-23 until April 8, 2022.

For more information about our programs, go to www.natickps.org/programs/asap.

For details about the registration process, see the Registration tab on our web page or click here. If applications exceed the space available, placement will be determined by lottery. All registrations received between March 14 and midnight on April 8 will be entered into the lottery.

Please note:

• ASAP (after school) is offered at all five elementary and middle schools in Natick Public Schools.
• Early Risers (before school) is offered at elementary schools only.

Questions? Check out our general information, frequently asked questions, family handbook, and activity calendars on our web page. Still no luck? Email us at asap@natickps.org. Thanks!

Johnson Transition Grade Level Community Meetings

VIEW THE MOST RECENT TRANSITION MEETING & PRESENTATION HERE

COMMON SENSE MEDIA

Common Sense Media is an organization that reviews and provides ratings for media and technology with the goal of providing information on their suitability for children: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/.

Reminders & Resources

Inclement Weather Procedures for Winter 2021/22

Our most current School Cancellation and Delay procedures that will be used in the event of inclement weather is accessible on our website at https://www.NatickPS.Org/About/Cancellations_Delays.

Language Lessons with Global Child

Your journey into world languages and cultures begins with a global child.

Join their fun and academic in-person or virtual classes. Classes are available for one-on-one/private or group sessions. They now offer classes for adults & children in:

• Arabic
• ASL
• Chinese
• French
• Italian
• Portuguese
• Russia
• Spanish

Click here to more about Global Child and connect with them for lessons and information today!

NATICK 180
Natick 180 is our community's resource for addiction education, prevention, and recovery. In an effort to best meet the needs of our community, we are asking parents and caregivers to please complete this survey about your perspectives and opinions on youth substance use in Natick. This survey is completely anonymous and should take about 15 minutes to complete. We thank you in advance for your participation and support!

If you would like to learn more about Natick 180, please contact us at natick180@natickma.org or visit our website at https://natick180.org/.

Family Promise Metrowest
Walk to End Homelessness Set for May 13-15

Family Promise Metrowest, a Natick nonprofit that helps local families facing homelessness, is holding its 13th annual Walk to End Homelessness on May 13–15, 2022.

We invite you to join over 1,000 people taking walks with family and friends throughout the Metrowest region to raise funds and awareness to support families in need. You choose when, where, and how, and walk 10 minutes or walk 10 miles. Every step you take will help FPM families!

SIGN-UP TO JOIN THE WALK

Jeff’s Place Program Updates: Counseling and Support

We are so glad to continue offering our virtual Young Adult Support Group for individuals 18-25 years old who have experienced the death of an immediate family member. If you or someone you know is interested in joining, click apply here with this link.

Requests for Individual Counseling services have been increasing throughout the pandemic. They are pleased to announce that they are accepting new clients. Apply here with this link.

Season's Breathing: Jeff's Place Yoga

This month Jeff’s Place offered its first yoga class as part of the Coping with the Holidays workshop series. Yoga offers many benefits including supporting a grieving heart by helping us loosen the emotional and physical tightness in our bodies caused by grief.

This form of self-care isn’t about physical flexibility, it is a way to find peace and stability during a time when this is missing from our lives. It is a practice that allows you to show up as you are and can be a great companion for your overall health and healing.

For more information about yoga at Jeff’s Place, learn more by clicking this link.

Caring for Our Community

Our current landscape has been challenging, and the holidays can be hard for many on top of it all. To that end, we wanted to remind the community of two resources for counseling and emotional support. Both of these resources are free to you.

Interface Counseling Referral Services

The District is in partnership with William James College and shares these resources for your family if you need support.

Community Hub & Care Navigator
Provided by Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest (BHPMW)
Our knowledgeable and compassionate Care Navigators are here to listen and then to match you to the best services for yourself, your family member, or—if you are a health care or other service provider—a person in your care. There is no charge for this service.

The Navigation Line supports the following languages:
Arabic, English, French, Moroccan, Portuguese, Spanish

How to Request Services or Make a Referral
1-844-528-6800
Call our toll-free number Monday-Friday for a free consultation with one of our Care Navigators.
(a Care Navigator will return your call within 24 hours, Monday through Friday)

Or visit the Care Connection Referral website.

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Non-Discrimination Statement:
Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor in its educational programs, services, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Federal and State Legislation Addressing Discrimination in Educational Institutions
You will find links to the contacts for each of the following statutes below.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5

Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5

NATICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
natickps.org

This press release was produced by Natick Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.