Superintendent Update: May 2024

Happy May DPS School Community,

May is globally recognized as Teacher Appreciation Month, a time dedicated to honoring the hard work, dedication, and impact educators have in shaping the lives of students. It's a chance for us to express our gratitude and admiration for the tireless efforts of teachers who go above and beyond to support the growth and development of their students. “Teacher Appreciation” breakfasts, luncheons and other related celebrations will be happening across all seven schools and tokens of gratitude will be extended.

I encourage you to take a moment to express your gratitude to a Dedham educator who has had a positive impact on your child or family. Whether it's a simple thank you note, a gesture of kindness, or a heartfelt message of appreciation, your words and actions will mean the world to a member of the DPS team.

As the weather warms up, our schools are buzzing with exciting activities and events. From spring concerts and project exhibitions to sports competitions and academic competitions, there are plenty of opportunities for our students to showcase their talents and celebrate their accomplishments. Today I was lucky enough to attend the Spring Pep Rally at Dedham High School and “compete” in the Balloon Pop Relay Race.

There is much to accomplish in the remaining 32 days of school. Please make sure your family continues to prioritize attendance!

Best,

Nan

Dr. Heather Smith - Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

Dr. Heather Smith has been selected to lead the Office of Teaching and Learning as the District's new Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Smith has served as the Department's Director and her experience and knowledge of the District will serve Dedham educators, students, and families well. Over the last seven years, she has served Dedham in the roles of Dedham’s PK-8 Humanities Curriculum Coordinator, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and Director of Teaching, Learning, & Innovation. Dr. Smith came to Dedham having previously spent over 10 years teaching and leading as an elementary school principal, assistant principal and elementary literacy teacher.

Kristen Cannon - Principal of Thomas J. Curran Early Childhood Education Center

Kristen Cannon has been selected to fill the role of Principal of the Thomas J. Curran Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) as of July 1, 2024. Kristen has served the District for 25 years in a number of roles, most recently stepping in this year at the ECEC as Interim Principal. Her appointment closes a candidate search which began in late March, during which ECEC parents stressed the importance and need for consistent leadership, and the ECEC staff penned a letter in late April, unanimously signed, which noted: “It is our respectful request that you forgo any further candidate search for a Principal at the ECEC as we have already found her!.... Kristen has been able to maintain a positive environment through ensuring a team approach, active listening, open mindedness, and critical thinking. She diligently models and exemplifies creative planning and a problem solving approach to advocate for and ensure students and staff have the tools and supports they need to grow and develop.”

Please join us in congratulating these two new members of our Dedham leadership team.

Welcome to the two new members who joined the Dedham School Committee in April. At the Wednesday, April 24th school committee meeting, new members Joshua Langmead and Bill Walsh were officially sworn in as new members. Mayanne MacDonald Briggs was voted as the new Chair of the Committee, Stephen Acosta voted as new Vice Chair. Congratulations as well to school committee members Chris Polito and Laurie Twomey on their re-election.

Thanks to the 190+ families who participated in our Annual School Survey. Your input is always valuable to us as we continue to develop and shape our efforts to ensure that students have a positive and supportive school experience.

As we prepare to bid farewell to our graduating seniors, I want to congratulate each and every one of them on their remarkable achievements. Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, our seniors have remained focused and determined to reach this milestone. We are planning special graduation ceremonies to celebrate their accomplishments and wish them the very best in their future endeavors.

Class of 2024 Graduation

On Monday, May 13th at 12:00pm, Dedham Public Schools will be holding a tree rededication ceremony in honor of Shad Araby's "100th Birthday" at DHS outside the Central Office entrance. Shad Araby was a lifelong Dedham resident and a graduate of Dedham High School. As a long-time DHS employee, his legacy lives through the contributions that he chose to make to the students and staff that extended far beyond the job description of "custodian". An annual staff award is given in his honor to recognize a member of the support staff whose contributions to the Dedham public schools go beyond the call of duty.

Students and families are invited to visit the District Art Show being held this year at DMS on May 23rd. This is an opportunity to see and celebrate the artistic talent of our DPS students at all levels!

Dedham District Art Show

May 23, 2024 5:00-7:00pm

Dedham Middle School

On Wednesday, April 24th, the 7th graders at DMS culminated their 8-month exploration of Central, South, and East Asia by hosting a fantastic "Showcase of Asian Dynasties" museum project. Held at DMS, the students hosted an evening filled with interactive exhibits, delicious light refreshments, and a chance to showcase the variety and breadth of what they learned during the year.

Eight DHS juniors participated in a student exchange trip to Madrid in April. This amazing experience is part two of the exchange program held at DHS this year, with students from Alicante Spain spending a week at DHS this past Fall. The students were able to cover a lot during their visit, including a flamenco show, the Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor, and Reina Sofia Museum. While on the Mediterranean Coast, students attended our CEU sister school, hiked to the Castillo Santa Barbara, and explored the historic city of Valencia. Visits to historical treasures such as learning about Roman architecture, and viewing Picasso's masterpieces, were balanced with fun alongside their spanish student counterparts with some time to play beach games, and enjoy local cuisines like churros and paella.

Spring always brings more music to our schools! Be sure to check your Monday school updates for details on the upcoming student musical performances!

• May 14: DHS Spring Concert and Music Awards
• May 21: DMS Spring Concert
• May 30: Oakdale Spring Concerts (during day)
• May 31: Avery Spring Concert Showcase and Concert (during day)
• June 4: Riverdale Spring Concerts (during day)
• June 5: Greenlodge Spring Concerts (during day)

For the first time, Performing Arts students at DMS (under the direction of Ms. Neva Ventullo) will be participating in the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guilds's (METG) Middle School Drama Festival. Students have prepared a one act play: learning their characters, lines and blocking, building the set, and designing the costumes, scenery, lights and sound. This experience will provide them with the opportunity to see performances other middle school theatre groups and receive feedback from adjudicators on their own performance.

Their performance of "Peter/Wendy" will go on at 10:00 am at Furnace Brook Middle School in Marshfield, Sunday, May 5th.

You can catch a sneak peak tonight at DMS!

Friday, May 3rd at 7pm at Dedham Middle School

The show runs approximately 40 minutes and includes a demonstration of the students' 5 minute set up and tear down of their set.

All DHS students are required to complete forty (40) hours of Community Service as a graduation requirement. A lot of students have been reaching out about volunteer opportunities and jobs. DHS Career Counselor Ashley Mansfield has compiled and shared a list of opportunities and will continue to add/update the list as more information becomes available. It's a great way to find new opportunities to give back!

View Volunteer & Jobs Listing Here

The Helping Hands Community Service group from Dedham High, spearheaded by Alanah Peters, has launched a Donation Drive Service Event. The drive will collect needed items for those in and around our community that find themselves in a housing transition. There are five boxes collecting items around town through May 30th so students can turn them into over 100 care bags. All donations must be new items: socks, baby products, personal hygiene, paper goods, gift cards, first aid supplies.

✨Town Hall Main Entrance

✨Town Hall Back Entrance

✨Main Library Branch

✨Endicott Library Branch

✨Dedham High School Main Lobby

The last day of school for the 2023 -2024 school year will be on:

Wednesday, June 20

*Reminder: June 19 - No School for Juneteenth

• May 1: School Committee Meeting
  
• May 2: Early Release - Professional Development
• May 2: 5th Grade Family Event at DMS
• May 13: School Budget Forum
• May 14: DHS Spring Concert and Music Awards
• May 15: School Committee Meeting
• May 17: Cultural Night at ECEC
• May 21: DMS Spring Concert
• May 23: District Art Show at DMS
• May 23: DHS PAC One Acts/PAC Coffeehouse & Drama Awards at DHS Library
• May 24: DHS Seniors Last Day of Classes
• May 27: No School - Memorial Day
• May 28 - 31: DHS Senior Exams
• May 30: Oakdale & Greenlodge Spring Concerts (during day)
• May 31: Avery Spring Concert Showcase and Concert (during day)

• June 4: DHS Class of 2024 - Class Night
• June 4: Riverdale Spring Concerts (during day)
  
• June 5: School Committee Meeting
• June 5: DHS Senior Class Trip
• June 6: DHS Senior BBQ
• June 6: Student Step-Up Day at DMS
• June 7: Senior Clap-Out at Elementary Schools
• June 8: DHS Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony
• June 9: DHS Graduation Rain Date
• June 11: DHS Undergraduate Recognition Night
• June 11: Kindergarten students visit 1st Grade
• June 12: 1st Grade information night for parents
• June 12 - 17: DHS Final Exams
• June 19: No School - Juneteenth
• June 20: Last Day of School (180 days + 1 snow day)