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Office of the Commissioner

Commissioner's Weekly Update

2021

April 12, 2021

  1. Pooled Testing Webinar
  2. MCAS Updates
  3. Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines
  4. Free PD offerings on Digital Literacy and Computer Science
  5. Summer Enrichment for English Learners
  6. FAFSA Help
  7. Signal Success Training
  8. Innovation Pathways Designation and Planning Grant Opportunity
  9. School Choice Participation
  10. DESE Resource Corner: Family engagement framework
  11. Emergency Rental Assistance Program
  12. For Your Info:
    • Resources for first-time drivers
    • Boston Symphony Orchestra Youth Concert
    • Jazz Informance with Herbie Hancock

April 5, 2021

  1. MCAS Updates
  2. Picture of the Week: Welcoming Words
  3. Free PPE Supplies
  4. Prom Guidance
  5. CVTE Programs Update
  6. FY22 Charter Schools Pre-Enrollment Report
  7. History/Social Science Curriculum Pilot Opportunity
  8. State Student Advisory Council Information Sessions
  9. DESE Resource Corner: Guide to Building Supportive Talent Systems for Educators in 2021-2022
  10. Summer and School Year Programs to Accelerate Math Instruction
  11. AP Exam Fee Subsidies
  12. New Innovation Pathways Designations Announced
  13. For Your Info: Webinar on teen mental health

March 29, 2021

  1. Pooled Testing Costs Covered through End of This School Year
  2. Picture of the Week: Letourneau Elementary in Fall River
  3. Massachusetts Academic Excellence Roadmap
  4. Special Education Transportation
  5. COVID R.E.L.I.E.F. Communities of Practice Alliance
  6. Single District Virtual Schools Webinar
  7. Reminder about LearnLaunch Workshop on Returning to School
  8. Elementary Principals April Early Learning Convening
  9. Perkins V Public Comment
  10. Personal Responsibility Education PD Webinars
  11. Summer Grant Opportunity
  12. Ed Prep Reviewers Needed
  13. Available Now! GLEAM K-12 Program Grants
  14. Reminder about Kaleidoscope PD Opportunities

March 22, 2021

  1. Graduation Guidance
  2. Picture of the Week: Welcoming Students Back
  3. New FAQs
  4. Survey on Summer Programming
  5. Medicaid 101
  6. LearnLaunch Workshop on Returning to School
  7. CTE Partnership Planning Grants
  8. Accelerated and Regular Early College Designation Process
  9. Distinguished Educators Sought
  10. PD Provider Registry
  11. Student Government Day 2021
  12. Safe Routes to School

March 15, 2021

  1. Pooled Testing Update
  2. Picture of the Week: Choose Love at Shutesbury Elementary
  3. Guidance on In-Person Learning Requirements
  4. Special Education Transportation
  5. New FAQs
  6. Reminder about Charter School Transportation
  7. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
  8. Grant for New 21st CCLC Sites
  9. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Academies Webinar
  10. Professional Learning about SEL and Family Engagement for Early Childhood Educators

March 8, 2021

  1. Board Recap
  2. Picture of the Week: West Parish Elementary in Gloucester
  3. School Staff Eligible for Vaccine Starting March 11
  4. Grades 3-8 MCAS Testing Schedule Postponed
  5. SEL and Wellness for Educators Community of Practice
  6. Youth Risk Behavior Survey and Youth Health Survey Postponed
  7. Workshop on Effective Staffing Structures
  8. Kaleidoscope PD Opportunities
  9. Apply to the Kaleidoscope Collective for Learning's Community Council
  10. Letter from Secretary Cardona

March 1, 2021

  1. Board Recap
  2. Picture of the Week: Pooled Testing in Newburyport
  3. Updated Guidance on Indoor Singing
  4. Pooled Testing Update
  5. Categories of School Staff Eligible for Vaccine
  6. ESSER II Funds
  7. LearnLaunch Workshop
  8. Launch of YRBS Data Collection Community of Practice
  9. Online Academic Support Services for High School Students
  10. COVID R.E.L.I.E.F. Communities of Practice Alliance
  11. Nominations and Applications Open for 2022 Teacher of the Year
  12. Communities of Practice for Health and Physical Educators
  13. MTEL Alternative Pilot
  14. Vaccine Awareness Campaign

February 22, 2021

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Virtual Book Club with GSA Student Leadership
  3. Information Session on Expanding STEM AP Access
  4. Upcoming LearnLaunch Building Blocks Workshops
  5. Help Finding Substitute Teachers
  6. Elementary Principals March Book Group
  7. Share-a-thon on Assessment Strategies
  8. Significant Disproportionality in Special Education (258) Grant
  9. Kaleidoscope PD Opportunities
  10. Apply to the Kaleidoscope Collective for Learning's Community Council
  11. For Your Info:
    • FEMA Youth Preparedness Council
    • Massachusetts administrator recognized

February 16, 2021

  1. ESSER II RFP Posted
  2. FAFSA Completion Opportunity Grant
  3. Emergency Licenses
  4. Updated Transportation Guidance
  5. Tentative Spring 2021 MCAS Testing Schedule for High Schools
  6. New Cybersecurity Profile and Resources
  7. Upcoming LearnLaunch Building Blocks Workshops
  8. PreK-Grade 3 Remote Learning Partnership Grants
  9. DESE Resource Corner: Guidebook of Culturally Diverse Artists & Artworks
  10. Financial Literacy Planning and Implementation Grant
  11. Mass Literacy Getting Started Series
  12. Deadlines Extended for Non-Resident Chapter 74 Admissions
  13. For Your Information: Girls Who Code

February 8, 2021

  1. COVID-19 Vaccine
  2. Picture of the Week: Bentley Academy Innovation School
  3. Pooled Testing Update
  4. Vacation Reminder
  5. State Coronavirus Prevention Fund Program
  6. Expanding Access to STEM AP Courses
  7. Upcoming LearnLaunch Building Blocks Workshops
  8. ASOST Competitive Grant Opportunity and Info Session
  9. Info Session for New 21st CCLC Sites
  10. Digital Literacy Now Grant
  11. DLCS Student Learning Devices Grant
  12. Civics Curriculum Teacher Advisor Application Open
  13. Moving to College Housing Scholarship
  14. Additional Students Qualify for Pandemic-EBT and Free and Reduced-Price Meals
  15. For Your Info: Free webinar on supporting students

February 1, 2021

  1. Board Recap
  2. Increasing FAFSA Completion
  3. Updated CVTE Guidance for Early Childhood Practicums and Placements
  4. Upcoming LearnLaunch Workshops
  5. PD Opportunities on Strengthening School Mental Health
  6. 2020 School and District Report Cards
  7. Schools' Role in Ensuring Eligible Families Receive P-EBT
  8. Educator Evaluation Update
  9. Relationship Mapping
  10. PSAT/NMSQT/SAT Information
  11. National School Counseling Week and Mass. School Counselor of the Year
  12. For Your Info: CAYL Catalyst Webinar Series

January 25, 2021

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Framingham School Nurses
  3. Updates on the COVID-19 Vaccination Process for School Personnel
  4. Update to Guidance on Air Hand Dryers
  5. Upcoming LearnLaunch Workshops
  6. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
  7. Bullying Webinar
  8. Family-Friendly Resources for Help with Mental Health
  9. High School Science Modeling and Simulation Opportunity
  10. School Wellness Coaching Program
  11. For Your Info: BOKS

January 19, 2021

  1. Update on Flu Vaccine Requirement
  2. Picture of the Week: Pierce School in Brookline
  3. COVID-19 Testing Information
  4. Tentative Spring 2021 MCAS Testing Schedule for Grades 3-8
  5. Elementary Principals Convenings
  6. Upcoming LearnLaunch Workshops
  7. Middle School Science Grant Opportunity
  8. Bullying Webinar
  9. Request for Temporary Changes to Federal Accountability Requirements
  10. Guidance on CvRF School Reopening and Remote Learning Technology Essentials Grants
  11. Honoring Teachers
  12. For Your Info:
    • Girls on the Run
    • Tech tips to increase student engagement

January 11, 2021

  1. COVID-19 Pooled Testing
  2. Assessment and Accountability Update
  3. January 2021 Frequently Asked Questions
  4. Updated Supplemental Guidance for Student Groups and School Events
  5. Remote Learning Practice Profile on Simultaneous Instruction
  6. Preschool to Third Grade High-Quality Remote Learning
  7. Family Engagement with Pinnacle Partnerships
  8. Translated FAQ on Flu Vaccine Requirement
  9. DESE Resource Corner: Promoting Student Engagement, Learning, Well-Being, and Safety During Remote and Hybrid Learning
  10. Reminder about Student Privacy

January 4, 2021

  1. High School Senior Internship Education Project
  2. Draft World Languages Framework Available for Public Comment
  3. Massachusetts Family-School Partnership Initiative
  4. LearnLaunch Workshops
  5. Professional Learning through Kaleidoscope
  6. Student Learning Time Dashboard
  7. Announcing GLEAM Collaboration and Preparation
  8. Share-a-thon on Discourse Strategies
  9. Early Literacy Screening Assessment Grant
  10. Flu Vaccine Deadline
  11. Teacher of the Year Nominations and Applications Open

2020

December 21, 2020

  1. Board Recap
  2. Picture of the Week: Student Art from Jordan/Jackson Elementary in Mansfield
  3. Student Learning Time Regulations
  4. Updated Quarantine Guidance
  5. U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship Program
  6. High School Senior Internship Education Project
  7. P-EBT Benefits Extended
  8. "After Dark" Designation Applications Opening Soon
  9. Elementary Principals Book Group Discussion
  10. Fact Sheet on Cyber Threats

December 14, 2020

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Worcester Public Schools Warehouse
  3. Massachusetts Work Immersion Network RFP Posted
  4. Update to CVTE Cooperative Placements and Internships
  5. Early Literacy Opportunity
  6. DESE Resource Corner: Leveraging Student Teachers to Support Flexible Staffing Models
  7. MassHealth School-Based Medicaid Program
  8. Skills Capital Grants
  9. For Your Info: National Christmas Tree Display

December 7, 2020

  1. Updates to MCAS and ACCESS Schedules and Participation
  2. Mask Distribution
  3. BinaxNOW Tests
  4. Health and Physical Education During COVID-19
  5. Student Opportunity Plans
  6. Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students
  7. Local Contribution Study Released
  8. For Your Info: Technovation Girls Massachusetts Challenge

November 30, 2020

  1. Board Recap
  2. Picture of the Week: Colrain Central School
  3. Significant Disproportionality in Special Education
  4. Introducing the Massachusetts Work Immersion Network (MassWIN)
  5. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia PD
  6. Workshop on Designing Learning Experiences for Equity
  7. Health and Physical Education During COVID-19
  8. Professional Learning through Kaleidoscope
  9. Growing Literacy Equity Across Massachusetts (GLEAM)
  10. DESE Resource Corner: Superintendents' Checklist
  11. For Your Info: Free PD on experiential learning

November 23, 2020

  1. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: West Street Elementary School in Southbridge
  3. Webinars on Risk Reduction Strategies
  4. Updated Quarantine Guidance
  5. Health and Physical Education During COVID-19
  6. InSPIRED Fellowship Application Now Open
  7. OPTIC Content Fellows Application Now Open
  8. BinaxNOW COVID-19 Testing
  9. Guidance on Preventing and Addressing Hate and Bias Incidents
  10. DESE Resource Corner: Updated web pages for Strategic Initiatives and the Kaleidoscope Collective for Learning

November 16, 2020

  1. Serving English Learners with Disabilities
  2. Picture of the Week: Carlisle Public School
  3. LearnLaunch Workshops
  4. Professional Learning through Kaleidoscope
  5. Reminder of Edgenuity PD for Partnering Districts
  6. Holiday Reminders
  7. New College Housing Scholarship for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
  8. For Your Information:
    • Mental Wellness During Virtual Learning Grant
    • Artemis Moon Pod Essay Contest
    • Poetry Out Loud for High Schools

November 9, 2020

  1. Updates to Guidance on Health Metrics
  2. Picture of the Week: Paton School in Shrewsbury
  3. Mask Guidance
  4. Elementary Principals Early Learning PD Series
  5. AP Registration
  6. Reminder about Free Hotspot Opportunity
  7. Transition to In-Person Learning Support
  8. LearnLaunch Workshops
  9. November Share-a-Thon
  10. Deadline Extended for Hate Crimes Prevention Grant Applications
  11. VTE Framework Revision
  12. For Your Information: Family-friendly help with mental health

November 2, 2020

  1. New FAQ Installment on Ventilation in Classrooms
  2. Picture of the Week: Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School
  3. Webinar on COVID-19 Risk Reduction Strategies for Superintendents and Facilities Directors
  4. T-Mobile Project 10Million
  5. Deadline Extended for U.S. Presidential Scholarship Nominations
  6. 2020 School Health Profiles Data Collection Concluding
  7. LearnLaunch Workshops
  8. Updates to Edwin
  9. Early Learning-Related PD Opportunities
  10. Building Equitable Supports for Children with Disabilities
  11. Mass Literacy
  12. Professional Learning through Kaleidoscope
  13. InSPIRED Statewide Affinity Network
  14. Support for Designing Transitions to Full or Partial In-Person Learning
  15. DESE Resource Corner: Good Question!
  16. Additional Vendor for Screener and Diagnostic Assessments
  17. New Website to Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
  18. Innovation Pathways Planning Grants Announced
  19. For Your Information: MassCUE/MASS Conference

October 26, 2020

  1. Board Recap
  2. Pictures of the Week: 2021 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year
  3. Upcoming LearnLaunch Workshops
  4. Professional Learning through Kaleidoscope
  5. PD for Edgenuity and FLVS Global Districts
  6. Updates and FAQs About History, Social Science, and Civics
  7. For Your Information: Statistics in Schools

October 19, 2020

  1. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Rowe Elementary
  3. Requirement to Report COVID-19 Data to DESE
  4. Snow Days
  5. Updates on Transition Periods When Families Request to Switch in In-Person Learning
  6. Mask Reminder
  7. Strengthening SEL Skills During COVID-19
  8. Letter of Intent for Perkins V CTE Programming in FY22
  9. Hate Crime Prevention Grant
  10. STEM Week Challenge - Register for Free Project-Based Learning Materials
  11. Housing Help
  12. Massachusetts Migrant Education Update
  13. For Your Information: Virtual college fair

October 13, 2020

  1. Fall Reopening Frequently Asked Questions
  2. Picture of the Week: Billerica Memorial High School
  3. Update on Wind and Brass Instrument Use
  4. Free School Meals through End of School Year
  5. Workshops about the First Three Months of School and Supporting Parents
  6. Virtual Manufacturing Day
  7. National Principals Month
  8. PD Related to Edgenuity and FLVS
  9. MyCAP PD Series
  10. January High School ELA and Mathematics MCAS Tests
  11. DESE Resource Corner: New resources to support educator evaluation in 2020-2021
  12. For Your Information:
    • Family survey from Boston Children's Hospital/Children's Mental Health Campaign
    • Lights On Afterschool

October 5, 2020

  1. Board Recap
  2. Picture of the Week: A Remote STEM Project
  3. Youth Mental Health First Aid
  4. MTEL Item Reviewers Needed
  5. Integrating SEL into Academic Learning Grant
  6. Elementary Principals PD Series
  7. Career and Technical Education Partnership Grants
  8. Additional Vendor for Screener and Diagnostic Assessments
  9. October is Fire Prevention Month
  10. DPH Survey on COVID-19's Impact
  11. School Immunization Surveys
  12. Food Security Grants

September 28, 2020

  1. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Balch Elementary School in Norwood
  3. National Blue Ribbon Schools
  4. Remote Learning Technology Updates
  5. Leveraging Student Teacher Candidates
  6. Opportunity for High Schools to Implement Science+C Pathway
  7. School Wellness Coaching Program
  8. DESE Resource Corner: Work-based learning units
  9. STEM Week Coming Soon
  10. Flexibility for 21st Century Community Learning Centers
  11. MEFA Webinars
  12. Update on DESE Monitoring
  13. For Your Information: Red Sox Virtual STEM Day

September 21, 2020

  1. COVID-19 Reporting
  2. Picture of the Week: Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School
  3. Fall Reopening Frequently Asked Questions
  4. Families of Students with Disabilities
  5. U.S. Presidential Scholarship Nominations Sought
  6. Competitive FY21 Safe and Supportive Schools Grant
  7. Workshops on Engaging Students in Deeper Learning
  8. Additional Vendor for Screener and Diagnostic Assessments
  9. STEM AP Access Expansion Grant
  10. School Emergency Planning and COVID-19
  11. Student Members Needed for State and Regional Student Advisory Councils
  12. Careful Hiring Advisory
  13. Charter School Amendments and Applications for Renewal
  14. Chapter 70 Local Contribution Study
  15. For Your Information: Free student support courses through BC

September 14, 2020

  1. Mobile Rapid Response Unit
  2. Picture of the Week: The Bromfield School in Harvard
  3. Updates to COVID-19 Protocols
  4. Transportation of Non-Public School Students
  5. Remote Learning Technology Updates
  6. No-Cost, DESE-Approved Screener and Diagnostic Assessments
  7. Civics Literacy Conference
  8. Anti-Hazing Data Collection
  9. For Your Information:
    • "I, Too, Am the Dream" Contest
    • USA Biolympiad

September 8, 2020

  1. Additional Information for School Health Offices
  2. Back-to-School Resources
  3. Enrolling New Students, Consistent with COVID-19 Travel Order and McKinney-Vento Act
  4. Additional Flexibility for Educator Licensure and Staffing for the 2020-21 School Year
  5. Updated List of Holidays
  6. FAQs on Remote Learning Enrichment Centers Established by School Districts
  7. Student Members Needed for State and Regional Student Advisory Councils
  8. DESE Resource Corner: New Family Portal on DESE Website
  9. Vocational Technical Advisory Council
  10. Literacy Development Grant
  11. For Your Information:
    • Census reminder
    • Diversifying the Educator Workforce

August 31, 2020

  1. Supplemental Information and Resources for Remote Learning
  2. Summer Meals Program Extended Through December
  3. Updates to CVTE Guidance on Health Careers and Early Childhood Education and Care
  4. Supplemental Guidance for Student Groups and School Events
  5. Additional Childcare Options for Remote Learners
  6. Educational Options for the 2020-2021 School Year
  7. Vocational Technical Advisory Council
  8. Input Sought on Required "Lowest 10 Percent" Calculation for FY21 and FY22
  9. For your info:
    • Cube satellite challenge
    • Education Pioneers COVID Response Fellowship

August 24, 2020

  1. COVID-19 Updates
    • Access to Mobile Testing
    • Joint Memo Clarifying Key Health and Safety Requirements for Schools
    • Regional Calculations
    • In-Person Instruction for Vulnerable Students
    • Joint Guidance on Modified Sports Seasons for School Year 2020-21
    • Flu Vaccination Requirement
    • Teachers and Critical Support Staff in Remote Learning Districts
    • Children of Teachers
    • New SOA Plan Deadline
  2. Access to Mobile Testing
  3. PD Offerings in August and Early September
  4. Preparing for the First Six Weeks of School
  5. 2020-21 EWIS information Available
  6. School Nutrition Update
  7. Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider
  8. PD Provider Registry Application
  9. For Your Information: EEE Information

August 17, 2020

  1. Advisory on Compensatory Services
  2. Picture of the Week: Student Artwork at Malden’s Ferryway School
  3. English Learner Education Webinars
  4. Final Call for Instructional Materials Evaluation and Selection Network
  5. Webinar to Navigate SEL Recommendations and Resources
  6. Help Planning Hybrid and Remote Learning
  7. Remote Learning Partner Overviews for District Leaders
  8. Interpreting COVID-19 Metrics
  9. For Your Information: Webinar on how to support remote learning

August 10, 2020

  1. Fall Reopening Plan Deadline Extended to August 14
  2. Noteworthy Practices from the Preliminary Reopening Plans
  3. Deadline for Remote Learning Partner Interest Survey Extended
  4. Refining Hybrid and Remote Learning Models
  5. School Emergency Planning and COVID-19
  6. PD Offerings in August and Early September
  7. Requirement to Transport Commonwealth Charter School Students
  8. OSD Support for Districts
  9. Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
  10. EWIS and Data Usage Sessions
  11. Updated Save the Date for the Civics Literacy Conference
  12. For Your Information: #MaskUpMA

August 3, 2020

  1. Additional Guidance and Recommendations for School Reopening
  2. Picture of the Week: Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year
  3. Partnership with LearnLaunch
  4. Principal Information Session on My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP)
  5. Barr Foundation's Massachusetts Ready Fund
  6. Assessments of School Building Facilities, HVAC Systems, and More
  7. Additional CARES Act Funds to Benefit Education

July 27, 2020

  1. Additional Staff Training Days this Fall
  2. Guidance on Courses Requiring Additional Safety Considerations, Remote Learning, Transportation, and Facilities
  3. Picture of the Week: Uxbridge High School Graduation
  4. Preparing to Transition Young Children Back to School
  5. Food Assistance Resources to Share with Families
  6. Center for Instructional Support Program Catalog 2020-2021
  7. Data Collection for the 2020 School Health Profiles Surveys Resumes
  8. For Your Information:
    • 2020 Summer Nights Initiative
    • Keeping kids active this summer

July 20, 2020

  1. Coronavirus Relief Fund School Reopening Grant
  2. Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios
  3. Picture of the Week: Planning for Re-opening at Monomoy Regional
  4. Two-Step Process and Online Form/Template for Fall Reopening Plans
  5. Updates on P-EBT Benefits
  6. Comments Sought on 21st CCLC Request for Flexibility
  7. Leveraging Student Teachers this Fall
  8. New Online Reports and Finance Data Updates
  9. Reminder about Directory Administration
  10. For Your Info:
    • Chromebooks for Kids
    • Relief for special education residential schools

July 13, 2020

  1. Additional Guidance on Fall Reopening Plans
  2. Picture of the Week: Summer School in Fall River
  3. Comprehensive Special Education Guidance for the 2020-21 School Year
  4. Bids Sought for Learning Management System
  5. Comment on Waiver Request Related to the MCAS Alternate Assessment
  6. DESE Resource Corner: Students with IEPs Ages 6-21 Edwin Report
  7. Autism Insurance Resource Center

July 6, 2020

  1. Board Recap
  2. Comprehensive Summer School Guidance
  3. $25m Grant for Remote Learning-Related Technology Needs
  4. State-Sponsored Health Safety Supply Ordering Process Open
  5. Help Measuring School Capacity for Social Distancing
  6. DPH Waiving Regulations Pertaining to Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers
  7. USED's Rural Tech Project
  8. DESE Communication Survey

June 29, 2020

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance
  3. Early Childhood Coordinators Leadership Institute and Community of Practice
  4. Teacher & Principal Advisory Cabinet Application Deadline Extended
  5. Extended Waivers for School Meal Programs
  6. Immunization Requirements

June 22, 2020

  1. Summer and Vacation Learning Program Grant Posted
  2. Picture of the Week: The Class of 2020
  3. Deadline Extended to Submit FY21 CARES Act ESSER Applications
  4. New SOA Plan Deadline
  5. District Induction and Mentoring Survey Forms
  6. Reminder on Restraint Reporting
  7. Massachusetts Migrant Education Program

June 15, 2020

  1. Emergency License
  2. Picture of the Week: Graduations
  3. Webinars on Planning and Adjusting Instruction
  4. Summer/Vacation Learning Program Grant
  5. Reminder about Student Advisory Councils
  6. Early Grades Literacy Grant Available
  7. Acquisition Support for Safety Supplies
  8. Grant Opportunity to Support Summer Meals
  9. Determining Homelessness
  10. Updated RADAR and DART Reports, and a New RADAR Report
  11. For Your Info:
    • Elementary Principal of the Year
    • Learning Ally audiobooks
    • Condition of Education
    • Census-related activities for kids

June 8, 2020

  1. Students Sought for Team Building Exercise with Commissioner
  2. Guidance on Summer School, Purchasing Safety Supplies, and Special Education
  3. Pictures of the Week: Students Take Action
  4. Help with P-EBT Cards
  5. Reminder: Governor's Graduation Celebration
  6. Teacher and Principal Advisory Cabinet Applications due June 15
  7. Materials Evaluation and Selection Network
  8. CTE Partnership Planning Grants
  9. Retrieving Student Medications
  10. Distinguished Educators Sought
  11. For Your Info:
    • Rebuilding community
    • Examples of career technical education remote learning

June 1, 2020

  1. Preparing for Recreational Summer Programs
  2. Picture of the Week: Hopedale Junior Senior High School
  3. Comprehensive School Mental Health System Opportunity
  4. Webinar on Supporting the Whole Child Amid COVID-19
  5. Guidance on Behavioral and Mental Health Services During School Closures
  6. Educators Needed for MTEL Program
  7. Guidance on Retrieving Personal Belongings from School Buildings
  8. Information for 2020-21 Charter School Application Cycle
  9. CTE State Plan
  10. For Your Info: National Teacher of the Year

May 26, 2020

  1. Board Recap
  2. Pictures of the Week: Rowe Elementary
  3. Return to School Working Group
  4. Celebrating the Class of 2020
  5. Presidential Scholars
  6. Translated Letter to Families Available
  7. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
  8. Influence 100 Now Accepting District Applications
  9. Reminder on Restraint Reporting
  10. Seeking Educators to Apply for the CURATE Fellowship
  11. Tuition Rate for Virtual Schools
  12. For Your Info: Camp Kinda

May 18, 2020

  1. Workshops on Building Blocks for Equitable Remote Learning
  2. Remote Learning Survey Reminder
  3. Free Virtual Literacy Learning Series
  4. New Members Needed for State and Regional Student Advisory Councils
  5. New Deadline for SOA Plans
  6. Chapter 688 Referrals
  7. Preschool Remote Learning Guidance
  8. ST Math Access for Massachusetts Schools
  9. For Your Info:
    • Principals of the Year
    • Remote learning Twitter chat

May 11, 2020

  1. Webinars to Help Implement Remote Learning
  2. Pictures of the Week: Student Art from Chelsea
  3. Letter to Families
  4. High School Guidance
  5. Innovation Pathways Workshop for Prospective Applicants
  6. CARES ACT RFP Available
  7. Teacher and Principal Advisory Cabinet Applications Open
  8. ST Math Access for Massachusetts Schools
  9. Free Access to OPTIC Extended
  10. Massachusetts FAFSA Deadline Extended to July 1
  11. Establishing an Online Work Permit Process
  12. Guidance on Expiring Licenses
  13. Retrieving Needed Personal Items from Schools
  14. For Your Info:
    • Advanced Placement test information
    • Rennie Center's Back-to-School Blueprint
    • New Holyoke receiver named
    • School Counselor of the Year

May 4, 2020

  1. Board Recap
  2. Picture of the Week: School Lunch Heroes
  3. Teacher Appreciation Week
  4. School Nurse Day
  5. Free Online UDL Remote Learning Workshop Series
  6. Preschool through Grade 8 Principals Virtual Convening
  7. Innovation Pathways Designation and Planning Grant Opportunity
  8. Spread the Word about 2-1-1
  9. Health Screenings in Schools Suspended
  10. COVID-19 Updates from the Governor's Office
  11. For Your Info:
    • Easthampton High School wins national contest
    • More remote learning resources

April 27, 2020

  1. New Remote Learning Guidance
  2. Picture of the Week: Essex Tech Lambs
  3. Reminder: Board to Meet
  4. Deadline Extended for Grant to Support Students' Behavioral and Mental Health
  5. School Lunch Hero Day
  6. Personal Responsibility Education Program Webinars
  7. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Academies Webinar
  8. School Year Requirements
  9. Child Abuse
  10. Free Tutoring Resource for Military Connected Students
  11. For Your Info:
    • Census materials
    • Celtics writing and art contest

April 21, 2020

  1. Schools to Remain Closed Through End of School Year
  2. Pictures of the Week: The Shield Team
  3. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to Meet
  4. Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
  5. Special Education Tuition Guidance from OSD
  6. Ed Prep Reviewers Sought
  7. Extension to the Bilingual Education Endorsement Grandfather Clause
  8. Census Update
  9. U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Semifinalists
  10. For Your Info:
    • Virtual School Librarian
    • Free remote PD

Last Updated: April 13, 2021

Jeffrey C. Riley
Jeffrey C. Riley
Commissioner of Elementary
and Secondary Education
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Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
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