How is it already November? While the months seem to be flying by, so much meaningful work is happening across our district. I continue to be grateful for the dedication of our educators and staff and for the strong partnerships we share with families.
Each fall, I begin school residencies in each of our seven schools, setting aside dedicated time to visit classrooms, engage with students, and connect with educators and staff. These visits offer an opportunity to see our curriculum in action, experience the enthusiasm and curiosity of our students, and gain an even deeper appreciation for the care, creativity, and commitment our staff bring to their work each day. They also bring Dedham's Portrait of a Learner to life, as I see students developing and demonstrating the skills and dispositions that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
As a former teacher and a parent, I always looked forward to November parent-teacher conferences as an opportunity to gain deeper insight into my students' learning and progress. In the coming weeks, conferences will be offered for students in grades 1–12, and I encourage families to take advantage of these opportunities to connect with their child's teachers.
For families in grades K–9, conferences are a great time to ask questions and discuss the NWEA MAP Growth reports shared in October. Elementary families can also use this time to review and better understand their child's DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) assessment results. While these assessments provide valuable information, they are just one part of understanding student learning. Conversations with teachers offer the opportunity for a more complete picture of each child's progress, strengths, and opportunities for continued growth.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I hope this season offers everyone an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the many things for which we are grateful.
