March 2024
Dear Parents & Caregivers:
Welcome March as we begin to experience warmer temperatures, extended daylight, and all of the early signs of Spring!
Key initiatives and areas of focus for the 2023-24 school year in accordance with the WPS Strategic Plan include:1).Strong implementation work in practice with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL supports strong collaboration and planning across disciplines to ensure meaningful access and equity for all learners in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE); 2).Emphasis on SEL:Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health (MH) and wellness; 3).Immersion in DESE’s New IEP Implementation process slated for the Fall of 2024. Planning and professional development for staff is underway with parent training to follow before the close of the school year. See WPS Parent Communication (3.14.24).
DESE’s Tiered Focused Monitoring Report (November 2023) is published here. I am pleased to report that WPS is in full compliance with all aspects of DESE’s review. A special thank you to all of you who participated in the parent feedback survey.. And a very special thanks as well to an incredible Student Services team who exemplify the quality of this work and its impact on student support and learning.
The Extended School Year (ESY) program for this summer will be held from July 8th- August 8th 2024. Intensive Program: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Moderate Program: Monday-Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. School locationsTBD. More information will be sent to parents of students who will be attending ESY in the coming weeks. In the interim, please contact your child’s special education liaison if you have any questions or concerns.
The Westborough Student Services team provides a range of tiered resources, supports, and services to ensure that students develop the necessary skills to access the curriculum in an equitable, inclusive, and least restrictive learning environment (LRE). Utilizing a skill-based approach toward student learning fosters the development of the whole child, while maximizing student independence and individual potential.
The Student Services Team is extremely grateful for the commitment, collaboration, and feedback that we receive from families and caregivers to further inform and improve our practice. If questions arise, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher, special education liaison, counselor, or Student Services Coordinator. Here is a direct link to the annual Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards. If you have questions or concerns specific to your child’s IEP, or services, please feel free to contact your child’s school special education liaison.
A core value of the Westborough Public Schools is supporting the diverse and unique needs of all students in the WPS learning community.
For family collaboration, support, and information please contact: Westborough SEPAC
Regards,
Sherrie
Linked here for your review: Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards.
2022-23SY: School Committee - Student Services Annual Update
The Westborough Public Schools Child Find procedures (which are mandated by state and federal law) in accordance with Federal law IDEA (formerly PL 94-142) provides special education programs designed to meet the needs of children who are attending public schools as well as to support children who are attending private school at private expense and whose parents reside in the Westborough community. A screening and/or evaluation is provided to children ages 3 through 21 who are unable to progress effectively in a regular education program due to a suspected disability consisting of a developmental delay, intellectual, sensory (hearing, vision, deaf/blind), neurological, Autism, emotional, communication, physical, specific learning disability, multiple or health impairment.
The Westborough Public Schools are committed to locating children before their third birthday in order to provide services for 3-and 4-year olds who may be eligible for special education. If you have questions or concerns, please call Sherrie Stevens, Ph.D., Director of Student Services at (508) 836-7700 ext. 2018.