03/11/2022
Translation Support: Visit our page for assistance. 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
Find out what's happening in Natickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
March 11, 2022
District Calendar
Find out what's happening in Natickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
March
- March 13: Daylight Saving Begins
- March 14: National Pi Day
- March 17: St. Patrick's Day
- March 17: Holi
Please also refer to your school calendar for school-based activities & information.
Superintendent Memo
Dear Natick Community:
The week has been filled with highs and lows -- I thought I'd write about it in case any of you can relate. We started with our hearts heavy thinking of people across the globe in the Ukraine who are suffering and fighting for the most fundamental of human rights: safety. I have seen many teachers struggling to explain events to students all week. Below, our library/media staff across the district share some of the teaching happening at all levels. Our thoughts are with them and if you have connections to this country, we are thinking of you, too. My Ukrainian neighbor is beside himself with worry... it seems unreal.
But those events were mixed with the joy of seeing our children's faces again in all of our schools. As Principal Ghilani at Ben-Hem stated, "we saw lots of smiling and the sticking out of tongues at circle time...and it felt so good." What felt even better was the consistent ethic of care and dialogue I saw among our student body and in their interactions with teachers. I am sure stating this will bring people to write to me about the exceptions, but what I saw and heard about on the whole was our student body -- even little learners -- having discussions about how to ask about and respond to varying comfort levels on de-masking. I saw students ask probing questions and listen. I saw teachers guiding the kids. The fact that this happened so often and so kindly is a win for our community. It means parents had dialogues at home and guidance was given about family expectations and how to then live in the community with varying expectations. Our children really modeled the kind of community care I know we all want them to exercise. I am really proud of all of us and thank you as parents.
I wonder, if, like me, though, you are seeing hard and less empathetic adult commentary and behavior in our community pages and email. Adults are also struggling with all of the world events, stresses of the pandemic, and the recent inflation and constant churn of change. There is a rawness to interactions that I think is hurting our collective healing, but may very well be normal rage associated with the grieving of losses.
We also contended with the racial and ethnic slurs at our high school which harms us all and continues the grieving cycle anew. We continue to investigate with our police partners and will not tolerate acts of hatred.
Today, Rasheedah Clayton, METCO Director and Influence 100 Superintendent Intern, and I attended a METCO strategic planning meeting where we were educated by Carney Sandoe Associates on diversification in hiring (photo above). This was held at Gillette Stadium and was supported by the Kraft Philanthropic Foundation. Many of our colleagues are struggling with hiring and the constant churn of it right now. All of us want diverse, capable leadership and teaching candidates but have much work to do in our culture to create a community of belonging--where all people can be their true expression of themselves and we attract diverse stakeholders to our community. I met Scituate METCO director, Darryl David today who said part of the "key to creating communities where all stakeholders feel they belong is shifting the idea that school culture is a business model vs. a love model. Shift to a love model and everyone succeeds." I needed to hear that today. He's right. Look at how our kids modeled the love model this week --and they made the week a beautiful one. We need to transfer that over and over in our community to new and varied situations.
To this end, to work on our model and belonging, the School Committee will be holding a listening session on culture, holidays and homework in the near future (see below) and Ms. Clayton and I will be holding Belonging Talks with our LGBTQ+ students and allies and our BIPOC students and allies to hear from them about their experiences and how we can help all people feel seen and included within our community. This is part of our work in the Profile of a Graduate and in cultivating our civic dispositions. Our teacher and student development work and training is designed to address this need.
Election season also just provides an extra layer of tension to any year and this year is no exception. School staff do not get involved in these matters and cannot, we support anyone brave enough to want to be on School Committee these days and work with anyone who arrives to serve the Natick community.
I wish you a nice weekend and I do hope the signs of spring indicative of it being here to stay!
Enjoy your weekend.
Anna
Library/Media Staff K-12 Share teaching resources on the War in Ukraine and on verifying news
Holding Named Memorial Principal
New principal starts July 1
On Thursday, March 10, Superintendent Nolin shared the following memo with Memorial Elementary staff, parents, and caregivers. We're excited to welcome Mr. Holding to our community! You can read the full press release on our website.
Dear Memorial family,
I’m pleased to inform you that we’ve selected the next leader for Memorial Elementary School. After a process that saw incredible, diverse candidates and great stakeholder engagement from our community, I’m excited to introduce you to Mr. Troy Holding. Mr. Holding begins his new role on July 1, and we hope you’ll join us in welcoming him to our Natick community and back home to Massachusetts with open arms.
There was a huge overlap of agreement between staff, parents, and administrators on choosing Mr. Holding for this role. As I stated in a press release (link), “His leadership as an experienced principal in diversity, equity, and inclusion in a variety of school settings make him the epitome of our Profile of a Natick Educator.” You made it clear to our search committee what your priorities were and Mr. Holding brings those qualities and more to this role. In performing our due diligence as part of this process, it was clear when speaking with those Mr. Holding has worked for and with throughout his career: he creates warm, personalized, and lasting relationships with families and students that creates a culture of belonging and school pride.
PARENT HOMEWORK: PANORAMA SCHOOL SURVEY
Please Complete the Survey ASAP
Natick Public Schools has partnered with Panorama Education to survey families about experiences and perceptions at your child’s school. These surveys arrived via email on February 9. Please note that this year, you are able to complete a survey for each child in your household. Responses remain completely confidential, which means no one at the school sees your individual responses. The results of this survey help school administrators better understand the perceptions of families at each school. Survey data will be used by administrators to identify strengths and areas for growth.
SAVE THE DATE: VIRTUAL LISTENING SESSION ON OBSERVED HOLIDAYS
Join us April 5 to provide your input on future designations
The Natick School Committee and Superintendent Dr. Anna Nolin want to hear from you! Join the School Committee’s policy subcommittee and Dr. 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 as the School Committee considers future designations of observed holidays. You can view the current list here.
We value your input and want to know what would create a more inclusive sense of belonging for you in our community. What’s important to you as the School Committee considers designating an observed holiday? Bring your thoughts, ideas, and questions directly to those tasked with making this decision at this 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
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85869025524?pwd=aWN2elA3SC85dlRNZ0Z2cVgwd3h5QT09
Meeting ID: 858 6902 5524
Passcode: 671190
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,85869025524# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,85869025524# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
Meeting ID: 858 6902 5524
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcHXFbYZJN
VISUAL ARTS STUDENTS HONORED
Congratulations to four of our high school visual art students who were recognized for their creative works at the 2022 Regional Scholastic Art Awards. Between the four of them they won three Honorable Mentions, two silver keys, and two gold keys.
The students and their works are:
Jenna Brown - Silver Key (Sculpture - Canto VII)
Ashley Kang - Honorable Mention ( Digital Art - The Cherry Pit in My Heart)
Zoe Napurano - Honorable Mention (Film and Animation - Lost Dog), Gold Key (Film and Animation - Lipstick), and Honorable Mention - (Art Portfolio)
Bille Tedesco - Silver Key (Digital Art - Gross) and Gold Key (Mixed Media - Gross)
Additionally a thank you and congratulations to Ms. Linda Anderson who taught and guided these students through the process of submitting work.
Watch this video on the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program. It acknowledges all the participants (though not everyones work is included): "This celebration features remarks from partners around the country and a selection of Honorable Mention, Silver Key, and Gold Key works. Congratulations to all the young artists and writers who participated in the regional Scholastic Awards!"
NEW EPISODE OF DR. NOLIN'S DISPATCH
Superintendent's Podcast Now Streaming
Dr. Nolin's Dispatch is back! This podcast, developed in concert with NPS technical theater students, is out with a new episode with more in the works. Listen to the new episode, featuring profiles with three our educators, Kate-Burns, Heather-Starkel, and Nili-Bartley, on Anchor.fm.
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)
3/11/22
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.
ADDITIONAL INFO FOR FAMILIES
Daytime Construction on Bacon Street Bridge Resumes March 21
Bacon Street Travel Detoured During Project
Roadway and sidewalk construction activities for the Bacon Street Bridge Replacement Project in Wellesley will resume Monday, March 21, and are expected to continue 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.
FYI: STUDENTS IN OTHER DISTRICTS TARGETED BY SOCIAL MEDIA THREATS
In recent days, you may have seen news stories warning parents and caregivers of a threat targeted at students via social media. The threat claims compromising photos will be sent out if money isn’t received. These fake social media accounts are posing as teenagers and following students whose profiles are public.
While a threat such as this hasn't been reported in Natick, please discuss social media awareness with your child and make sure they're only speaking with people they know (in real life) online and can confirm they know them. If anyone reaches out who they do not know, they should disengage. If they are targeted by this scam, you or your child can contact police or a trusted adult.
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.
Wednesday, March 16, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. - Communication and Engagement
Thursday, April 14, 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. - Profile of a Graduate
Tuesday, May 17, 8:30 -9:15 a.m. - 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
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,86724275279#,,,,*013880# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,86724275279#,,,,*013880# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+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 Starts March 14
Between March 14 and April 8, 2022, new families may register online for ASAP and Early Risers 2022-23.
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
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 IS UNITED
Natick is United Hosting Racial Justice Training
Please join Natick Is United for three evenings of racial justice training. This is an opportunity to engage in small and large group discussions in a safe space. Each session will build on the last, as we work together to create shared language, and forge deeper connections by telling our stories and listening to the experiences of others. By the end of the third evening we will have a better understanding of each other, and be able to utilize what we have learned to move awareness into action in our own lives.
This is a FREE virtual event with limited capacity. In order to attend, you must be able to commit to all three nights. Sessions will run every other Tuesday from 6:30PM to 8:30PM - March 22, April 12 & April 26. The deadline to register is March 22, 2022.
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/.
Natick 180, SPARK Kindness, and the Natick Public Library are co-hosting several teen events in March. Learn more about these events on the Natick 180 website. Click the image to the right to see the full slate of events.
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!
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.
Translating our Newsletter & Website
Translation Support:
Visit our Translation Help page for assistance.
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
This press release was produced by Natick Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
