Commissioner's Weekly Update

2023

November 20, 2023

1. Board to Meet
2. Picture of the Week: Jordan/Jackson Elementary School in Mansfield
3. Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework Information Sessions
4. Using MTSS for Talent Development Workshop Series
5. School Behavioral Threat Assessment Training
6. Tailoring Supports for Non-Traditional License Holders
7. Intent to Apply for Waiver Extension about the Percentage of Students Taking MCAS-Alt
8. Massachusetts Dyslexia Institute
9. Math Tutoring Program
10. Hate Crimes Prevention Grant

November 13, 2023

1. DLCS PreK–6 License Competency Review Available
2. Picture of the Week: Student Voice
3. Staying Healthy Over the Holidays
4. FY24/FY25 Genocide Education Grant Now Open
5. Call for Student Artwork
6. Hybrid Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Commonwealth Virtual School
7. Civics Project Showcases Coming in the Spring
8. For Your Info:
   • Nondiscriminatory environments
   • NEA Big Read

November 6, 2023

1. Teacher of the Year
2. Representation and Inclusivity in Higher Education
3. VOCAL Data
4. Call for Student Artwork
5. Elementary Principals and Early Childhood Coordinators Fall Regional Network Sessions
6. Webinars on SY24 Purple Star Award Designation
7. Comments Sought on Proposed Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual School
8. Arts Curriculum Framework Survey for Arts Educators
9. For Your Info:
   • MassHealth reminder
   • Name a snowplow
   • Connect Science: Service-Learning Training Program

October 30, 2023

1. Board Recap
2. Pictures of the Week: Family Summit
3. November 7 Deadline to Apply for and Receive an Emergency License
4. Using MTSS for Talent Development
5. Call for Student Artwork
6. FAFSA Support from uAspire
7. DESE Civics Pathways
8. Public Comment Sought on Draft Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria
9. Joint Guidance on Equity in Higher Education
10. FRESH Grant
11. For Your Info:
    • High School Quiz Show
    • Halloween fun facts

October 23, 2023

1. Board Preview
2. Pictures of the Week: CityLab High School in Revere
3. Massachusetts Literacy Institute Grant Reposted
4. Early Literacy Universal Screening Supports Available
5. Tuition Equity
6. Milken Educator Awards
7. Registration Open for Student Government Day
8. For Your Info: Innovative Schools Learning Excursions

October 16, 2023

1. Approaches to Play and Learning Resource Pilot
2. Picture of the Week: STEM at Sokolowski Elementary in Chelsea
3. SEL and Mental Health Competitive Grant Opportunity
4. Elementary Principals 3-Part PD Series on Student Voice in the Early Grades
5. Using Edwin Reports to Increase College Access
6. Join an MTEL Committee and Support Key Updates
7. Emergency License Support
8. 2024 Green Ribbon Schools Awards Application Now Open
9. E2C Hub
10. For Your Info: OneGoal Massachusetts Partnership Summit

October 10, 2023

1. STEM Week
2. Picture of the Week: Codman Academy Student Doctors
3. Novice-Level Arts Teachers Invited to Join a Community of Peers
4. October 23 Convening on College Access
5. CTE Partnership Planning and Implementation Grants
6. FAFSA Information
7. Innovation Career Pathway Grants

October 2, 2023

1. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
2. Picture of the Week: Community Elementary School in North Attleborough
3. WIDA Self-Paced Workshops
4. In-District Ambassadors Sought for STE Performance Assessment
5. Save the Date for October 23 Convening on College Access
6. November 7 Deadline to Apply and Receive an Emergency License
7. Charter School Amendment Requests and Renewal Applications
8. Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant
9. MCAS Data Explorer
10. EPA 2023 Clean School Bus Program Funding Opportunity
11. For Your Info: NAGB seeking nominations

September 25, 2023

1. Board Recap
2. Pictures of the Week: Mary M. Walsh Elementary in Springfield
3. National Blue Ribbon Schools
4. Orientations to Educational Stability
5. General Curriculum and Middle School Humanities MTEL Scores
6. Grant for Supporting School Arts & Cultural Vitality Review Teams
7. Presidential Scholar Student Nomination Guidelines Available
8. Registration Open for U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship Program
9. Governor's Youth Advisory Council
10. School Level Administrator Rubric Community of Practice
11. School-Based Medicaid Program Reminder
12. Innovation Career Pathways Planning Grants
13. For Your Info:
    • Mass Health and Health Connector support
    • Nominate an art teacher for recognition
    • Forum on scholarships and military pathways

September 18, 2023

1. Board to Meet
2. Pictures of the Week: GNBVT and the Lloyd Center
3. Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
4. Approaches to Play and Learning Resource Pilot
5. Welcoming Newcomers
6. Massachusetts Teacher STEM Fair
7. Anti-Hazing Data Collection
8. Novice-Level Arts Teachers Invited to Join a Community of Peers
9. School Custodian Day is October 2
10. Continuum of Services Professional Learning Program
11. Reminder about CTE Schools' Access to Middle Schools
12. For Your Info:
    • USED Regional Advisory Committees
    • Symposium on Gifted Education

September 5, 2023

1. Civics Pathways
2. Picture of the Week: Literacy academies in Wakefield
3. Mandated Reporter Training
4. Members Sought for MCAS Development and Bias and Sensitivity Committees
5. U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominations
6. DPH Grants Related to Gun Violence and Related Trauma
7. New MassDEP Reporting Requirement on Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
8. Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grants
9. Reminder on Homeless Student Guidance
10. For Your Info: Educational stability requirements

August 28, 2023

1. Strengthening Family-School Partnership Grant
2. Picture of the Week: Chelsea Back to School Celebration
3. Public Comment Extended on Draft Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework
4. Expanding Spoken Language Interpretation in Schools
5. Anticipated CTE/VTE Advisory Council Vacancies
6. Mentors Needed for the Arts Mentoring Network
7. Deeper Learning Implementation Grant
8. Registration Open for Family School Partnership Summit
9. Educational Stability Office Hours
10. DESE Resource Corner: Guidance on supporting homeless students during the state of emergency
11. For Your Info:
    • Massachusetts Health Connector
    • Resource on racially inclusive school communities

August 21, 2023

1. Superintendent's Checklist
2. Picture of the Week: Brockton High School Marching Band
3. Welcoming Newcomers
4. Registration Reminder for Education Security Portal
5. EdTech Peer Learning Cohort
6. EWIS and Data Usage Sessions
7. New High Quality Instructional Materials Purchase Grant
8. Massachusetts Literacy Institute Grant
9. Comments Sought on English Learner Documents
10. For Your Info: YouthWorks opportunity

August 14, 2023

1. Investigating History Curriculum Introduction Webinar
2. Picture of the Week
3. Supplemental Low-Income Data Collection Webinars
4. Registration Reminder for Education Security Portal
5. Public Comment Sought on Draft Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework
6. Members Sought for Gifted and Talented Advisory Council

August 7, 2023

1. History Teacher of the Year
2. Pictures of the Week: Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Integration Academies
3. Training for Mandated Reporters Coming
4. Mathematics Digital Supplement Program
5. Input Sought on Possible Media Arts Endorsement
6. Members Sought for Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council
7. EdTech Peer Learning Cohort
8. Welcoming Newcomers (Updated Registration Links)
9. Hate Crimes Prevention Grant Reminder
10. Public Comment Sought on Draft Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework
11. For Your Info:
    • MassHealth reminder
    • Still time for college this fall

July 31, 2023

1. Extension Opportunity for ESSER II
2. Picture of the Week: Celebrating the FRESH Grant
3. New ELE and WL Director Induction
4. Hate Crimes Prevention Grant
5. High-Quality Instructional Materials Network
6. Creating a Welcoming Environment for Newcomer Students and Families
7. EWIS and Data Usage Sessions

July 24, 2023

1. Approaches to Address Student Cellphone Use Pilot Grant
2. Picture of the Week: Fall River Summer Enrichment
3. Required Reporting on SROs and Mental, Social, and Emotional Health Support Staff
4. Registration Reminder for Education Security Portal
5. Registration Open for Mass Literacy Overview Course
6. Food Security Grants

July 17, 2023

1. Hate Crimes Prevention Grant
2. Picture of the Week: Summer programs in Lawrence
3. Comments Sought on English Learner Documents
4. Summer Nights
5. Safer Schools and Communities Initiative Grants

July 10, 2023

1. New Members Sought for Racial Imbalance Advisory Council
2. Picture of the Week: Chelsea Opportunity Academy

July 3, 2023

1. Board to Meet
2. Public Comment Sought on Draft Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework
3. Picture of the Week
4. Teacher Diversification Grant

June 26, 2023

1. Board to Meet
2. Picture of the Week: DESE Book Club and Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students
3. FY24 My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP)
4. SEL and Wellness Course
5. 2023 District Induction and Mentoring Survey
6. For Your Info: Free summer workshop series on digital citizenship

June 20, 2023

1. Computer Science (CS) Engage Grant
2. Picture of the Week: West Somerville Neighborhood School
3. Comments Sought on English Learner Documents
4. DESE Resource Corner: WIDA self-paced workshops
5. Sharing Promising Practices: Phoenix Charter Lawrence's Makerspace
6. For Your Info: Smithsonian education summit

June 12, 2023

1. High School Network for Staffing/Scheduling Redesign
2. Picture of the Week: Chelsea Graduation Parade
3. Reminder on Restraint Reporting
4. Early Literacy Screening Guidance
5. Reminder about Child Labor Laws
6. Model Medical Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plan
7. For Your Info: MassHealth renewals

June 5, 2023

1. District Team Registration Open for Family School Partnership Summit
2. Pictures of the Week: Civics Project Showcase
3. Investigating History Curriculum Now Available
4. Apply for the SY24 Principal and Teacher Advisory Cabinet
5. FRESH Grants
6. Child Labor Laws
7. For Your Info: Discrimination in student discipline

May 30, 2023

1. Board Recap
2. Picture of the Week: Framingham Girls in STEM
3. Health and Wellness School and District Leader Networking
4. Educator Evaluation Webinar
5. Next Generation ESL Project Webinar
6. Expanded STEM Opportunities
7. SY24 Math Tutoring for Fourth and Eighth Graders
8. Early Literacy High-Dosage Tutoring for K-3 Students
9. For Your Info:
   • School avoidance webinar
   • Girls on the Run
   • Federal guidance on protected prayer and religious expression
   • Condition of Education

May 22, 2023

1. Board to Meet
2. Picture of the Week: 2023 Teacher of the Year Finalists
3. Innovation Career Pathways Prospective Applicant Workshop
4. Summer Acceleration Academies Grant
5. Save the Date for 2023 Better Together Family Engagement Summit
6. Sharing Promising Practices: Bridge Boston Art Show
7. For Your Info: Student Reading Challenge

May 15, 2023

1. U.S. Presidential Scholars Announced
2. Picture of the Week: ACCEPT Education Collaborative
3. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
4. Alternative Education Spring Convening
5. Webinars on SY24 Purple Star Award Designation
6. Drop-In Sessions on Staffing-Related Topics
7. Reminder on Restraint Reporting
8. Learn about Two Family/School Partnership Strategies
9. CTE Partnership Grants

May 8, 2023

1. It's a Busy Week
2. Pictures of the Week: Westfield Math Acceleration Academy
3. Virtual Youth Mental Health Trainings
4. Expanded STEM Opportunities
5. Tools to Build Stronger Family School Partnerships
6. Career Technical Initiative Round 8
7. Info Session on New Clean Energy Pathway
8. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists
9. Summer Instructional Leadership Institute
10. Comment Sought on Proposed Changes to Licensure Regulations
11. Free School Bus Electrification Planning

May 1, 2023

1. Board Recap
2. STEM Summit
3. Celebrate School Lunch Heroes on Friday, May 5
4. Medical Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plan Webinars
5. Maintaining Students' Sense of Belonging
6. Discuss Staffing Challenges
7. Boston Public Schools Receives Federal Green Ribbon Recognition
8. DESE Resource Corner: MCAS resources
9. Clean Energy Innovation Career Pathway
10. Reminder about Family Resource Center Survey
11. For Your Info:
    • Supporting students' mental health through creative arts
    • Removing barriers for youth impacted by the foster care system

April 24, 2023

1. Board to Meet
2. Picture of the Week: Student Government Day
3. Semifinalists for 2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year
4. FY24 Safe and Supportive Schools Competitive Grant
5. Family Institute for Student Success Information Sessions
6. Supporting Additional Learning Time Grant for New 21^st CCLC Sites
7. Youth Climate Council
8. Innovation Career Pathways Prospective Applicant Workshop
9. Registration for New Education Security Portal
10. For Your Info: "Why Medicaid Matters" webinar

April 18, 2023

1. Volunteer as a Community Advisor at a Statewide Civics Project Showcase
2. Pictures of the Week: Early College at Fitchburg High School
3. STEM Summit
4. New Innovation Career Pathways Announced
5. Sharing Promising Practices: Arts in the Curriculum at Hilltown
6. For Your Info:
   • Extra SNAP benefits this spring
   • Protecting student privacy
   • Hosting exchange students

April 10, 2023

1. Dighton-Rehoboth Educator Surprised with Milken Award
2. Picture of the Week: Advanced Placement Day at the State House
3. Education-to-Career Research and Data Hub Launches Research Advisory Committee
4. New Members Needed for Student Advisory Councils
5. Short Survey on School Interactions with Family Resource Centers
6. Early College Designation Info Session
7. Transformative SEL Professional Development
8. Reminder about Drinking Water Program
9. Sharing Promising Practices: Theater and Arts at Codman Academy
10. For Your Info: Outreach toolkit about renewing MassHealth

April 3, 2023

1. Board Recap
2. Administrator Rubric Community of Practice
3. Implementing Assessments and Feedback to Accelerate Learning
4. Center for School and District Partnership Professional Learning Portfolio for SY24
5. DCR Opportunities
6. Save the Date and Call for Presenters for Family-School Partnership Summit
7. Applications Open for Influence 100
8. STEM Summit
9. For Your Info:
   • "Autism Goes to College"
   • Teach Plus fellowship

March 27, 2023

1. Board to Meet
2. Picture of the Week: Hajjar Elementary in Billerica
3. Updated IEP Form
4. Elective Youth Risk Behavior Survey Pilot Program
5. Reminder: FY23 SOA Progress Reports Due Soon
6. Military Compact Office Hours with the Educational Stability Team
7. Civics Project Virtual Support
8. Creating a Welcoming Environment for Newcomer Students and Families
9. Help Update the Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL)
10. School Choice Participation
11. New Security Portal Registration Coming Soon

March 20, 2023

1. Job Fair Coming April 12
2. Picture of the Week: Boston Debate League
3. Equity through Early Literacy Webinar Series
4. New Provisional Licenses for Principals Available
5. Applications Available for Extending "Old" Emergency Licenses
6. Alternate Educator Licensure Assessments
7. Behavioral Health Resources
8. Elementary Principals and Early Childhood Coordinators Spring Network Sessions
9. Distinguished Educator Recognition Program
10. Seeking Feedback on Potential Summer Instructional Leadership Institute
11. New Early College Partnerships
12. For Your Info:
    • MassHealth redetermination webinars
    • Mental health student expression contest

March 13, 2023

1. ESSER Data Collection Webinars
2. Picture of the Week: Easthampton High School's "We the People" Team
3. Seeking Members for Math Task Force
4. Reminder: Feedback Sought on Ed Prep Program Guidelines
5. Civics Project Virtual Support Workshop
6. Nominate a Teacher for 2023 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year
7. CLIA Waiver Deadline Approaching
8. Sharing Promising Practices: Alma del Mar Charter School
9. For Your Info: Being an identity conscious educator

March 6, 2023

1. Virtual Instructional Planning Institute
2. Pictures of the Week: Black History Month at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School
3. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
4. Trainings on Addressing Hate in School Sports
5. Ensuring Students Have Access to Strong Math Instruction
6. Professional Development on Alternatives to Exclusionary Discipline
7. Creating a Welcoming Environment for Newcomer Students and Families
8. Timing of Early Childhood and History/Social Science MTEL Scores
9. Districts Sought to Build Equity in HS Computer Science Programs
10. For Your Info:
    • Digital Learning Day

February 27, 2023

1. Board to Hold Special and Regular Meetings
2. Picture of the Week: SLIFE Community of Practice
3. FAFSA Completion Services Available
4. Purposeful Play Book Discussion for PK-3 Administrators and Educators
5. 76th Annual Student Government Day
6. The Youth Development Approach and Fostering Belonging
7. Chapter 74 Nonresident Student Tuition
8. Trainings on Addressing Hate in School Sports
9. Civics Project Virtual Support
10. Eliminating the School-to-Prison Pipeline
11. For Your Info:
    • Community Educator Network
    • MSAA PK-8 Spring Convening

February 21, 2023

1. Job Fair Coming
2. Picture of the Week
3. Using Testimony and Primary Sources when Teaching Genocide
4. School Choice Participation
5. For Your Info:
   • Transforming the High School Experience
   • Communications conference

February 13, 2023

1. State Covering Costs for Initial High School Equivalency Tests
2. Picture of the Week: Weymouth Middle School Chapman Campus
3. Ensuring Students Have Access to Strong Literacy Instruction
4. Guidance on Updated Expectations Related to Student Discipline
5. Data Collection for SOA FY23 Progress Reports Launches This Week
6. 2022 School and District Report Cards
7. Creating a Realistic Plan for Civics Projects
8. Feedback Sought on Ed Prep Program Guidelines
9. Workshop on Cultivating a Sense of Belonging
10. Join an MTEL Committee and Support Key Updates
11. Preparing for Summer Eats
12. For Your Info:
    • Safeguarding against cybersecurity threats
    • Energy CLASS Prize

February 6, 2023

1. Future Teacher Signing Day
2. Picture of the Week: Safe Schools Program at Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit
3. PD Provider Registry
4. Hate Crimes Prevention Grant
5. PD on WIDA English Language Development Standards
6. Families with MassHealth Need to Renew Coverage
7. FAFSA Completion Assistance Available
8. 2022 School and District Report Cards
9. Protect against COVID-19 and Get Gift Cards During February Vacation
10. Reminder: Extra COVID Food Funds for Families Ending March 2
11. For Your Info:
    • National School Counseling Week
    • School nurse awards

January 30, 2023

1. Board Recap
2. Picture of the Week
3. FAFSA Completion Assistance Available
4. Additional Early College Grant Opportunities
5. Playful Learning Institute Grant
6. Workshops on Fostering a Sense of Belonging
7. Deeper Learning Grant Opportunity
8. 21st Century Community Learning Centers Information Session
9. School Behavioral Threat Assessment Training
10. Teacher of the Year Nominations
11. Applicants Sought for April Acceleration Academies Sontag Prize
12. Extra COVID Food Funds for Families Ending March 2
13. Spring Instructional Planning Institute
14. For Your Info:
    • Trauma-Responsive Practices for School Mental Health
    • Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

January 23, 2023

1. Board to Meet
2. Picture of the Week: Counselor of the Year
3. School Meals for Early College Learners
4. FDA Extends iHealth Expiration Date
5. New Massachusetts FRESH Grant Opportunity
6. Virtual Forum on Genocide Education
7. School Level Administrator Rubric Community of Practice
8. Safer Schools and Communities Grant
9. For Your Info:
   • Condition of Education
   • Universal mental health screening

January 17, 2023

1. Provide Feedback on MCAS
2. Picture of the Week: MLK Day Tribute
3. National ESEA Distinguished Schools
4. Proposed EOHHS Regulations on Interagency Review of Complex Cases
5. Personal Responsibility Education Program Grant
6. Civics Project Virtual Support Forum
7. Nominate a Teacher for 2023 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year
8. Substance Use Prevention Curricula
9. FAFSA reminder
10. For Your Info:
    • Army Educational Outreach Program
    • Energy Class Prize

January 9, 2023

1. Developing Academic Vocabulary and Discourse to Accelerate Learning
2. Picture of the Week: Shutesbury Elementary School
3. Information Sessions on Playful Learning Institute
4. Educational Stability Office Hours
5. Dropout Prevention and Reengagement Session on Ninth Grade
6. Comment Sought on Amendments to Virtual Schools Regulations
7. Moving to College Scholarship Application is Now Open
8. Mental Health and Gender-Affirming Care Resource Guide
9. New State Behavioral Health Help Line

January 3, 2023

1. Board Recap
2. Pictures of the Week: Eastford Road School in Southbridge
3. "After Dark" Application Window Open
4. Last Chance to Apply for Statewide Civics Project Showcases and Grant
5. Virtual Forum on Teaching the Holocaust and Genocide
6. Behavior as Communication
7. Appleseeds Early Literacy Materials and Grant
8. Grant to Accelerate Literacy with HQIM (K-12)
9. Student Opportunity Act Evidence-Based Practice Grant
10. Vaccinations Available
11. Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement
12. For Your Info: Become a special education surrogate parent

2022

December 19, 2022

1. Board to Meet
2. Picture of the Week: Boston Green Academy at Earthshot Awards
3. Preventing the Spread of Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses in Schools
4. Evidence-Based Practice Grant
5. STOP School Violence Program
6. Free Learning Acceleration PD in 2023
7. Seeking New Arts Teachers for Statewide Mentoring Program
8. Developing Emergency Operation Plans
9. "Old" Emergency Licenses to Be Eligible for Extension
10. Skills Capital Grants
11. For Your Info: Renew America's Schools Grant
12. Note: Last Update of the Year

December 12, 2022

1. Open Access Professional Learning (OAPL) Science Courses Now Available
2. Picture of the Week: Addressing Hate in School Sports
3. Notification of Schools Selected for State Youth Risk Behavior Survey and Youth Health Survey
4. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
5. Applications Open for Statewide Civics Project Showcases and Grant
6. Support Belonging for Immigrant Origin Students
7. Five New STEM Tech Career Academies Approved
8. Free Testing for Lead in Drinking Water Available
9. Sharing Promising Practices: Recruiting and retaining culturally responsive educators of color
10. For Your Info: Using federal funds for STEM education

December 5, 2022

1. Designing Strong Instructional Scaffolds for Learning Acceleration
2. Picture of the Week: Quincy High School's Girls in Trades
3. Early Literacy Universal Screening Assessment Grant Available
4. Public Comment Sought on Definition of High-Need Local Education Agency
5. "Name a Plow" Contest
6. Join an MTEL Committee and Support Key Updates
7. Share Feedback on Induction and Mentoring
8. Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Grant Opportunity
9. Playful Learning Institute Grant Coming
10. For Your Info: Survey on how collecting parental consent to bill Medicaid impacts school districts

November 28, 2022

1. Pandemic-Related Transition Services
2. Pictures of the Week: Doors of Gratitude in Pembroke
3. New Food Waste Limit
4. Financial Aid Training
5. Reminder about Arts & Cultural Vitality Grant
6. Mental Health Interventions
7. Continuous Improvement in School Mental Health Systems
8. School Pupil Driver Certificate Exam Event
9. Comment Sought on Educator Licensure
10. Providing Directory Information to Military Recruiters
11. For Your Info:
    • Innovative Schools Learning Excursions
    • Poetry Out Loud

Last Updated: November 21, 2023