Office of Student and Family Support (SFS)

Student and Family Support News Headlines
08/17/2021		The fiscal year 2021-2022 (FY2022) Safe and Supportive Schools Competitive Grant Program (Fund Code 335), funded through state line item 7061-9612, is now accepting proposals. The grant's primary goals are to support districts' efforts to create safe and supportive school environments and to coordinate student support initiatives informed by districts' use of the Safe and Supportive Schools Framework and Self-Reflection Tool. Applications are due Tuesday, August 24, 2021.
04/30/2021		MA announces an opportunity for additional districts to join the 2021-2022 comprehensive school mental health network (CoIIN). Information sessions (optional) will be held Tuesday, May 11 (10–10:30am); Friday, May 14 (12:30–1pm); and Thursday, May 20 (2–2:30pm), 2021. Applications will be available in early May and due June 4, 2021. Register online to sign up for a session or to receive the application.
04/30/2021		COVID-19 General Information and Resources & Mental and Behavioral Health Resources
04/30/2021		Sign-up to receive the DESE-SEL newsletter and/or information about opportunities to strengthen comprehensive school mental health efforts

The Office of Student and Family Support (SFS) works in partnership with educators, schools, students, families, and other agencies and organizations across the Commonwealth to advance the Department's mission. Our programs and initiatives aim to ensure access to high quality and student-centered pre-K-grade 12 education and strengths-based supports.

This work helps further the Department's strategic priorities , including but not limited to supporting social emotional learning, health, and safety .

Examples of SFS program strategies that cultivate student achievement and success include:

making data-informed decisions to address achievement and proficiency gaps,
infusing service-learning, multi-disciplinary, and/or meaningful project-based activities into curricula,
providing professional development and technical assistance for continuous program improvement,
engaging families/guardians in student learning,
creating safe and supportive learning environments,
fostering positive behavioral health,
supporting smooth transitions between grades and schools, and
promoting interagency and school/community collaboration.

Unit Programs and Related Initiatives:

Last Updated: August 17, 2021

Contact Information

For more information on SFS or related programs contact:

Rachelle Engler Bennett, Associate Commissioner

Kristen McKinnon, Assistant Director

Student and Family Support (SFS)
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148
Email: achievement@doe.mass.edu
Phone: 781-338-3010/ Fax: 781-338-3090