Superintendent's Welcome

August 20, 2024

 

Dear Dover-Sherborn Families,

 

Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed many memorable moments this summer and are rested and ready for the school year to begin. Personally I had an opportunity to travel with family, and professionally to present at the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) Summer Institute. While I am sad to see the summer pass, I am excited for all that lies ahead. 

 

As the District continues to focus on deeper learning, social-emotional wellness and student belonging, many efforts will be made this year to elevate student voice. Research indicates that students who believe they have a voice in school are seven times more likely to achieve at high levels as they experience increased self-worth, engagement and purpose. We believe that children have invaluable insight into who they are as individual learners and how to improve the collective experience for all.

 

To launch this effort, the District Leadership Team welcomed over 30 students to their summer retreat. Together, administrators and students began to analyze the results of last year’s Challenge Success Survey which gathered information on topics such as student engagement, homework, stress levels and sleep. By examining quantitative data and sharing lived experience, the group identified reasons for celebration as well as areas for improvement. This fall, all stakeholder groups - students, educators, and parents/guardians will have an opportunity to do the same as we continue to inform and implement the District Strategy. More detailed information to follow. 

 

Additional opportunities to elevate student voice will include the formation of a Superintendent Advisory Council, the launch of an “I Wish” campaign, and the opportunity for educators to shadow students for a day. Specific to instruction, educators will continue to explore strategies to increase student voice in the classroom through application of the District’s 9 Best Practices. Combined, these initiatives aim to develop students as active agents of learning and engaged citizens empowered to exercise their voices. 

 

In an effort to streamline information, the District will be using ParentSquare for future home-school communication. ParentSquare allows all district, school and classroom updates, including newsletters, emails, pictures and calendar invites, to flow through a single platform. Additionally, parents and caregivers can access volunteer opportunities, schedule teacher conferences and sign permission slips all in one place. On Monday, you will receive an invitation to join ParentSquare - please click the link to activate your account. Help sessions will be available virtually and at school open houses. Please view this short video for additional information. 

 

District-wide, we are excited to announce the hiring of 36 new educators and a number of employees in various other roles. We appreciate the many hours administrators and screening committees invested in selecting highly qualified candidates and look forward to the fresh perspectives and ideas that will undoubtedly enhance our professional practice and discourse. 

 

Meanwhile this summer, our custodians, technology team, administrative assistants and central office staff have been busy coordinating projects, updating equipment, registering students and onboarding new employees. Please join me in recognizing them as they make the opening of school possible.

 

The Dover-Sherborn team looks forward to welcoming students in grades 1-12 on Wednesday, August 28 and preschool and kindergarten students on Thursday, August 29. Principals have been in touch with classroom assignments and individual schedules; bus lists will be emailed later this week. The most recent school calendar is posted on the District website.

 

Best wishes as you make final preparations for the new year and I look forward to engaging with you and your child(ren) in the days and months ahead. 

 

With anticipation, 

Elizabeth M. McCoy

Superintendent