NPS Engage News
Dear Families:
Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the district and school report cards are designed to show families how our schools are doing in different areas. A link to our district’s report card is available here.
In addition to the district report card, each school receives a report card. Please select the school that your child attends to review that school’s report card.
The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a way of looking at school performance, by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more.
Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our schools. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what a school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students and schools.
We encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our schools. We see parents as critical partners in the success of our students and schools, and we are grateful for your continued support.
Finally, if your child attends a school that receives federal Title I funds, you also have the right to request the following information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers:
· Whether your child’s teacher is licensed in the grade levels and subject areas they teach,
· Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under an emergency license or waiver,
· The college degree and major of your child’s teacher, and
· Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
If you have questions about a school’s report card, would like to become involved in school improvement activities, or would like to request information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher, please contact your building principal.
Please join us for these Natick Office of Student Services and SEPAC-sponsored events. Please note that dates have changed since sharing this information in previous newsletters.
Summer Extended School Year Programming, March 12, 6:30 p.m.– 7:30pm
Virtual presentation
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/pkm-ssdc-jaf
Or dial: (US) +1 765-325-5690 PIN: 422 457 270#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/pkm-ssdc-jaf?pin=8416546120852
New Massachusetts IEP - presented by Allan Blume, March 21, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual presentation
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/diw-vnnh-khm
Or dial: (US) +1 323-538-3204 PIN: 396 212 742#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/diw-vnnh-khm?pin=4074240246878
SAVE THE DATE
April 25 @ 6:30 p.m.: Neurodiversity Presentation led by NPS Staff. Live presentation.
May 16 @ 6:30 p.m.: End of Year Wrap-Up/Update Parent Forum. Live presentation.
All virtual presentations will be recorded and all materials from presentations will be shared with families following events.
Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released a new Individualized Education Program (IEP) form to be used in schools and districts across the state beginning sometime over the next two years. Your child's education team is committed to providing the best possible supports and services for your child's educational journey, and our use of the new IEP form is designed to enhance that commitment.
This new statewide IEP form helps teams to more effectively address the needs of students eligible for special education services. The revised form focuses attention on gathering complete information about your child's strengths, challenges, and individualized goals to develop a more personalized education plan for your child.
Please access the letter below for more information.
Landmark Learns Spring Educational Workshops for Parents & Guardians
Landmark Learns is a series of educational workshops, presentations, and other resources for parents, guardians, and champions of struggling learners. Check out these spring virtual events:
Thurs. March 7: Dyslexia at School - What Parents Need to Know. 7 p.m.
Wed. April 24: Building Your Child's Positive Self-Concept - Strategies for Students with Learning Differences. 7 p.m.
Register for all webinars and access resources from previous events on the Landmark School website.
Notice From MySchoolBucks
Beginning on March 7, MySchoolBucks will increase the program fee that parents and guardians pay at checkout to $3.25 for all cafeteria credit/debit card prepayments. The program fee for electronic check payments will increase to $2.75 per meal payment as well.
Parents are welcome to send checks directly to Natick Food Service, 15 West Street, Natick, MA 01760. Alternatively, any student can provide a written check to a Food Service employee during lunch hours. No processing fees are applied to checks sent to Natick Food Service.
KMS Request: Will You Volunteer?
Please consider volunteering at Laps at Lunch. We are looking for help during all four lunches, grades 5 - 8. Please sign up for the same weekly time slot if that works for you, or for individual time slots, if that’s better. We are flexible and will train any volunteers on how to help with laps. Please sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080448ABAD2EAAFF2-kennedy.
Natick School Committee
Next meetings: Mar. 4 & 18
Location: The third floor meeting room at Natick Town Hall and through hybrid virtual viewing or on Pegasus local access TV.
NPS Music Events
March 6: Natick High School Jazz Ensemble to perform at the MAJE Central District Festival, 6:45 p.m.
Starting March 8: Kennedy, Wilson, and NHS students to perform at the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Junior District Festival. Contact your school’s music department for additional details.
Students who participate in the METCO program are thriving from the elementary to high school grade levels. Natick Public Schools became a partner METCO district in 1969. Learn more about METCO's history.
Transportation
View bus routes & get transportation answers.
NPS Food Services
Join NPS
Want to Rent a School Facility?
Parent Academy
Transparency Center
Question: How will I find out about school cancellations or delays related to inclement winter weather?
Answer: A notification will be sent to each family's primary contact via our mass notification system (SchoolMessenger Communicate). In addition, announcements will be carried starting at 6 a.m. by local radio and television stations. A pop-up message will be posted on the Natick Public Schools website. More information about Cancellations and Delays.
Registration appointments will be available four days a week at the Natick Community-Senior Center. Appointments will be provided on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Thursdays from 12 noon to 7 p.m.
For appointments, please contact Lynda Berg, Registrar (pictured), at 774-721-7500 or lyberg@natickps.org. Registration information can be found on our website.
Get free online tutoring for students in grades 5-12 via Paper. Ask your child's teacher about how to access this opportunity or explore by clicking the blue "P" in the Chromebook browser plug in. Access Parent Guides and additional information.
2024 WooSox-Natick Town Takeover: 5/17/24
Natick is set to take part in the WooSox Town Takeover series that highlights local communities. The event is scheduled for Friday, May 17 at 6:05 p.m. in Worcester. Town Takeover will be filled with baseball, fireworks, easy MBTA travel, and a series of on-field events that will feature Natick residents. For more information click here
Upcoming Events for Parents & Caregivers: Register Today
Youth Substance Use and Mental Health
A presentation and panel discussion for parents/caregivers with Dr. Safdar Medina.
Tuesday, March 12th at 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Natick High School Library
Register for this event at: bit.ly/NatickMarch12
The event will include:
- Panel discussion with school and community leaders
- Tips for parents & caregivers on navigating teen years
- Youth substance use & mental health trends
- Local behavioral health resources
Dr. Medina is the Pediatric Director at Tri-River Family Health Center in Uxbridge and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMass Chan Medical School who specializes in treating youth who struggle with mental health conditions and addiction. Event co-sponsored by Natick 180, SPARK Kindness and Natick Public Schools. Questions? Contact Natick 180 at natick180@natickma.org.
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Free Lunch & Learn for Parents/Caregivers of NPS Elementary School Students
Join other Natick parents/caregivers in an interactive discussion on supporting the 'whole child' with Dr. Art Fergusson of Natick Public Schools.
Thursday, March 14th at 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Program from 12 noon - 1 p.m.)
Morse Institute Library, Lebowitz Meeting Hall
Register at bit.ly/NPSlunchandlearn to reserve a seat
- Hear tips on how to foster your child's social and emotional development at home
- Get info from SPARK Kindness and Natick 180 about available community resources
- Make connections with other parents/caregivers
A light lunch will be provided. Younger siblings are welcome.
Questions? contact natick180@natickma.org. Hosted by: Natick 180, SPARK Kindness and Natick Public Schools.
Housing Search Case Management Services for Natick Residents
The 5-Town Assistance Program is offered to residents of Natick, Needham, Newton, Weston, and Wellesley. Metro West CD provides one-on-one housing search/counseling sessions, job and financial planning counseling, and, when funds are available, financial assistance. Find out how to apply for this program.
Is someone in your household not receiving the Engage biweekly district newsletter or important notices related to bus transportation or weather delays? Direct them to communications@natickps.org to let us know. Reminder: Review your school newsletters produced by your principal teams.
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