The Returning Student Registration must be completed by ALL students returning to Auburn in the Fall of 2024. The process is only available through the web version of the Auburn Public School web based Powerschool parent portal. (You will not be able to complete the registration process using the PowerSchool mobile app.) You may access the web based portal by visiting our district website at www.auburn.k12.ma.us and clicking the portal link or by navigating directly to: https://auburnschools.powerschool.com/public/.

Hello Auburn Families and Staff,

I hope this finds you all doing well. Please take a moment to complete the important tasks of Returning Student Registration or Bus Registration if you have not already done-- so. This will be enormously helpful in our planning for next school year. Below you will also find this month's update on the Strategic Plan.

As we come to the end of Teacher Appreciation Week, Wednesday was School Nurses Day, we recently had School Lunch Hero Day, there is School Custodian Day, Principal's Day and many others, I would like to simply thank ALL of the people who help to make the Auburn Public Schools a great place to learn and to work. It is the people, and the care and dedication they demonstrate on a daily basis, that makes an organization special. And I believe that Auburn is a VERY special place. Thank you for all you do! And I would be remiss if I did not also thank the families and caregivers in Auburn for your ongoing collaboration in making Auburn a great place for kids to learn. You are an integral part of our team and working together, we will continue to make Auburn great! And while I am thanking folks, I would like to thank Auburn Town Leadership, the Selctboard, the Finance Committee Town Meeting Members, and the townspeople of Auburn for the approval of our 2024-2025 Budget that was passed at Town Meeting on Tuesday evening. Thank you for supporting our work and our students and staff!

Finally, there are lots of community activities happening and they are also listed below.

Thank you for your continued support of the Auburn Public Schools.

Have a great weekend.

Best,

Beth

We know that students can't learn if they do not have a sense of belonging in their school or if they are struggling with mental health issues. The Auburn Public Schools takes this responsibility seriously and we are committed to the success and support of all students.

Initiatives that promote the Social and Emotional Health of students include working to ensure that each student has a positive connection with at least one staff member. All students need to feel seen and known. At Auburn Middle School, a partnership has been established with the College of the Holy Cross to develop a modified version of Big Brothers/Big Sisters for students who are at risk academically or socially. Each of our schools have developed School Improvement Teams that includes a team focused on school climate and student belonging.

This year we have been preparing as a Leadership Team, by working with Perennial Education, to develop a professional development plan for all staff that develops their cultural competency and better equips staff to identify and address issues related to bias. Training for groups of staff related to the implementation of Restorative Practices is ongoing with the goal being to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging and safety and to also improve our response to negative behavior to ensure that all students and staff feel supported and seen.

Transitions within the District continue to be an area of emphasis. We know that even adults sometimes struggle with change and our students are no different. As students move from building to building, we are working to do everything we can to mitigate and worry or anxiety about the upcoming change.

There is no doubt that this process is one that will continue to grow and change. We are committed to the safety of all and we recognize the importance of this work.

We are looking for an enthusiastic chairperson or co-chairperson for our Special Education Parent Advisory Council.

A Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is a state-mandated and supported advisory group that provides input to the School Committee on the education of students with disabilities and informs parents, guardians, and the community about the special education programs offered to children and youth.

SEPAC membership is open to any resident of Auburn, as well as non-resident parents or guardians of Auburn students; if you have a child who receives special education services, think your child may have learning issues or differences, behavioral, attention, social, or emotional issues or are interested in networking and expanding your advocacy skills, we invite all to join. There is no fee to join Auburn SEPAC. Would you like…to work with Auburn Public Schools to make our Special Education Department the best it can be for students and families? If so, please consider becoming our next SEPAC Chair or Co-Chair. You can contact gwalton@auburn.k12.ma.us if you are interested in helping with this important organization.

Attention: Friends and Families of Auburn!

Join us at Polar Park on Tuesday June 18th, 2024 for an Auburn Takeover of Polar Park!

Each ticket purchased through this link will benefit Auburn Youth & Family Services, and contribute towards Auburn's standing in the 2024 WooSox “Town Takeover” competition.

Town residents and organizations will be featured in the pregame ceremonies and throughout the ballgame. Each ticket includes $2 of ballpark credit that can be used on concessions or merchandise.

For more information and to purchase tickets: https://fevo.me/auburntakeover24

Throughout the season, the WooSox will host 24 different towns in Central & Western MA at Polar Park for “Town Takeover” nights. Tickets purchased for each “Town Takeover” night will benefit a non-profit from that town. At the end of the season, the town with the largest turnout will be rewarded with a trophy and special recognition.

• Monday, May 27th at the Library, after the parade
• Money raised goes towards scholarships for high school seniors
• $500 first place prize, many other prizes too!

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. ~Helen Keller