Superintendent's Update
March 8, 2024
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT'S DESK
Hello Auburn Families and Staff,
I have a number of items to share with you today. Below you will find the second of my monthly updates on the Strategic Plan as we strive for continuous improvement to ensure that all students feel a sense of belonging in our schools and are given the tools they need to be successful in our schools.
- A new addition to this newsletter will include available employment opportunities within the Auburn Public Schools. We feel this is another way to connect with you, our school community and through you, perhaps to new members of our team. Please follow this link or use the button in our Quick Links section to view the list of openings. Spread the word if you know of someone interested in joining the Auburn Public Schools team.
It is so nice to have had a few days of sunshine to begin to feel spring in the air. The year is speeding by at an epic pace. While this weekend will be a bit short as we turn our clocks ahead, the additional daylight will feel good. I hope you all have some time to get some fresh air and to spend time with family and friends.
Best,
Beth
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
Collaboratively expand educators’ understanding of what culturally conscious teaching, high expectations, and academic success for each and every student means
This month, the Strategic Plan Update focuses on efforts we have made in another area of Teaching and Learning, specifically Collaboratively expand educators' understanding of what culturally conscious teacher, high expectations and academic success for each and every student means. As you know, our Strategic Plan is heavily grounded in the Equity Audit that was completed in March of 2022. We believe that all students deserve a safe and supportive school environment to allow them to reach their full potential. Below you will find the initiatives underway. There is always work to do and we truly believe in continuous improvement and we have already made some terrific progress.
- Programs at the elementary schools provide students with exposure to other cultures-(Litmos Latin American Dance, Zuzu African Acrobats, Holidays Around the World, Black History Tribute Show, Crocodile River Music Group, Learning the Ropes- African American National Champion's story - Assembly of Inspiration, Start with Hello - Celebrating kindness, connection, inclusion, empathy, and belonging , D.A. Anti-Bullying Presentation(3-5), Braille Labeling common areas along with the purchase of diverse literature for libraries and classrooms.
- Regularly complete relationship mapping at all schools to ensure that each student has one or more positive relationships with an adult in the school
- Grade level and Department Teams are implementing continuous cycles of improvement to increase the data analysis capacity of educators and to lead improvement work-to include feedback to students by analyzing and disaggregating data
- We are in year 3 of our commitment to Universal Design for Learning(UDL) with all teaching staff receiving professional development during this time. We have UDL coaches at all levels who provide school based professional Learning opportunities, 1:1 coaching for teachers and modeling for interested staff.
- School Improvement Teams at each school focused on improving School Climate and creating a more diversity aware school culture
- Leadership Team is working with Colin Rose from Perennial Education to bring coherence to our practices and to Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching. This professional learning will also be provided to staff.
- Leadership Team meetings focus on problems of practice as we continue to develop and refine our work through the lens of equity.
- Apple provided iPad training to the principals and UDL coaches to better utilize iPad tools to support the principles of UDL in the classroom. Coaches are spreading the strategies learned within their buildings.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITY ACT
The Student Opportunity Act was enacted in 2019 that established a provision that requires all districts in Massachusetts to set clear targets for improving disparities in achievement among student groups as part of their three-year Student Opportunity Act.
Districts across the Commonwealth are now being asked to submit their second, three-year Student Opportunity Act Plan that aligns with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Strategic Objectives supported by Evidence-Based Programs that are in alignment with DESE’s Educational Vision.
Districts select Focus Areas from DESE’s Strategic Objectives and then determine Evidence-Based Programs that support implementation and improvement of that focus area.
Below you will find the three programs that we have identified which we believe best align with our vision for improving the achievement of all students in Auburn while improving disparities in achievement among student groups.
Program 1: Implement a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) that helps all students progress both academically and in their social, emotional, and behavioral development.
Some of our work to date:
- Universal Design for Learning Professional Development
- Universal Design for Learning Coaches in each building
- Positive Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs(K-5)
- School Climate and Culture teams at each building
- Participation in the DESE Social Emotional Behavior Academy
Program 2: Select and skillfully implement high-quality and engaging instructional materials that support culturally and linguistically sustaining practices and foster deeper learning.
Some of our work to date:
- Equity Audit
- Curriculum reviews are in process
- Updates have been made to texts in school and classroom libraries to provide more diverse selections
Program 3: Implement academic supports and interventions that provide all students, particularly students with disabilities and multilingual learners, equitable access to deeper learning.
Some of our work to date in this area:
- Co-Taught Classrooms
- Inclusion Classrooms
- Language Based Instruction
We are also seeking any input you may have regarding these initiatives. If you would like to share your thoughts on how we can improve the supports we provide to our students, please follow the link to the Student Opportunity Act Form. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
THE AUBURN PUBLIC SCHOOLS POLAR PLUNGE
On March 22nd, Auburn Students, Faculty, Staff, and First Responders will be taking the PLUNGE. The plunge is for Auburn Students and Staff and first responders only and we have multiple teams:
- AHS Students and Staff
- AMS Students and Staff
- Central Office
- Auburn Fire and Police Department
- Elementary school staff
If you would like to donate to Special Olympics by supporting a Plunger or towel holder, the link is below. Once you click on it, choose "donate", and search for one of the team names above. Once it shows up, the individual team members will appear below it and you can choose an individual to donate to.
https://fundraise.specialolympicsma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=771
By hosting the Polar Plunge mobile site, we aim to support Special Olympics Massachusetts and promote a sense of community and shared values among our staff, students and first responders while also bringing out a little friendly competition.
Attached are some pictures from past plunges. There is also a mobile plunge "one sheeter" which has a picture of the plunge unit that is being delivered. This link is a video of one of our plunges with the AFD support. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sUxfM1-MfFTINWtreRP17UXxsF8vLTtt/view?usp=sharing
AYFS NEEDS A LICENSED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST (LICSW, LMHC)
Please see the attachment below for more information on this position and please, spread the word!
2024-2025 PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION-NOW OPEN
We are pleased to let you know that registration for Preschool and Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. All registrations will be completed online. If your child already attends the Auburn Integrated Preschool, you do NOT need to complete the online registration process. You will receive information from the preschool for next steps. To formally register your child in the Auburn Public Schools, please visit the Student Registration Page on our website. We ask that if you plan to register your child, you do so as soon as possible. As you might expect, we will need ample time to plan for the coming year and the sooner we have a solid count of children who will attend, the more successful school openings will be.
If you or someone you know has a child turning 5 years of age by September 1, 2024, and are interested in registering for kindergarten, please follow the link above. If you or someone you know has a child turning 3 or 4 years of age by September 1, 2024 and are interested in enrolling in our preschool for the fall, you can do so by following the link above.
You must be a resident of Auburn to attend the Auburn Public Schools.
There are specific registration links for Preschool and Kindergarten. Please be sure to select the correct link and the correct school once you enter the registration portal.
Proof of residency (noted below) must be brought, mailed or emailed to the appropriate school.
A raised seal birth certificate must be brought to the school to be copied or can be mailed to the school. If mailed to the school, it will not be returned to you.
If you are not sure which school your child will attend for kindergarten, please call either Bryn Mawr or Pakachoag and a staff member will assist you.
All children of school age who reside in the Town of Auburn will be entitled to attend the public schools.
Every student seeking admission to the school for the first time must present a birth certificate or equivalent proof of age acceptable to the principal and proof of vaccination and immunization as required by the state and the School Committee.
Two forms documenting proof of residency
One from Category A and one from Category B – of the parent(s) or guardian(s).
Category A:
1. Property Deed The following items must be dated within the last 60 days:
2. Current Paid Residential Real Estate Tax Bill (for the home in which you are residing)
3. Fully signed and executed Purchase and Sale Agreement, followed by official closing paperwork, or mortgage statement with address
4. Current (not expired) Rental or Lease Agreement with Auburn address, signed by the tenant and landlord or property manager, with all residents listed
Category B:
1. Voter Registration with Auburn Address
2. The following items must be dated with the last 60 days:
3. Trash, water, electric, cable, gas or oil bill under parent/guardian name with the Auburn address
4. Homeowner Insurance or rental insurance bill with Auburn address
If you do not own or rent a home in Auburn and are living with an Auburn resident, a residency affidavit must be completed and notarized and be accompanied by the above noted residency information from the owner of the property. The administration reserves the right to request proof of residency at any time.
If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact the appropriate person below. Please stay tuned for more information regarding school programming, student screening and transition opportunities that will take place later in the school year. We look forward to working with you.
Auburn Integrated Preschool
Alan Keller, Principal, akeller@auburn.k12.ma.us
Caitlin O’Neill, Administrative Assistant, coneill@auburn.k12.ma.us
508-832-7755
Bryn Mawr Elementary School
Brooke Beverly, Principal, bbeverly@auburn.k12.ma.us
Lisa Wheeler, Administrative Assistant, lwheeler@auburn.k12.ma.us
508-832-7733
Pakachoag Elementary School
Jennifer Stanick, Principal, jstanick@auburn.k12.ma.us
Diane Meunier, Administrative Assistant, dmeunier@auburn.k12.ma.us
508-832-7788
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IMPORTANT DATES
HALF DAY FOR STUDENTS-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR STAFF
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024, 07:00 AM
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR STAFF
Friday, Mar 22, 2024, 07:00 AM
PATRIOTS' DAY-NO SCHOOL
Monday, Apr 15, 2024, 07:00 AM
APRIL VACATION WEEK APRIL 15-APRIL 19-NO SCHOOL
Saturday, Mar 9, 2024, 07:00 AM
2024-2025 BUS APPLICATIONS DUE
Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 04:00 PM
APS RESOURCES
APS QUICK LINKS
AUBURN COMMUNITY EVENTS AND INFORMATION
AUBURN MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER STEM CAMP REGISTRATION
DISNEY BREAKFAST-AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL
AUBURN YOUTH AND FAMILY CASINO NIGHT
SPECIAL OLYMPICS BOWLING EVENT
EVENTS FROM AUBURN RECREATION AND CULTURE
TOPSoccer REGISTRATION
Registration for our TOPs program is open until 4/1 and is available for residents of Auburn and surrounding towns.
We are also looking for buddies age 13+ to be part of the program as 1 on 1 coaches.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive. In the TOPS format, coaches or “buddies” work with the TOPSoccer players in a one-on-one format on the field.
This year our program will be held at the turf field at Pappas and will be on Saturdays at 9am. To register, visit https://www.unitedsoccerofauburn.com/ Questions? Contact: Malory O’Brien tops@usauburn.com
AUBURN FAST PITCH LEAGUE
Auburn Fastpitch is working hard to get American Legion Lady Fastpitch Softball started in Massachusetts! Legion softball has started in other parts of the USA and it’s about time we started this here giving our young women the same opportunities our young men get through Legion Baseball.
Do you think you might be interested?
What you need to know:
· This is for girls in grade 8 through 12. Girls entering 8th grade in fall 2024 are eligible to play.
· The American Legion Lady Fastpitch league will not interfere with travel or school softball.
· This program is a great way for girls in grades 8th-12th to play competitive softball but at an affordable cost and in some cases for free.
· We are expecting the cost to be $50-$100, however, we are hoping to get a full sponsorship to fund the player cost.
· All games will take place during the week with the occasional Sunday evenings. They will have to play a minimum of 10 games starting in June and ending with playoffs at the end of July.
· There will be a try-out, date is TBD.
· You do not need to live in Auburn to play, anyone can join our team.
· This is independent and separate from Auburn Fastpitch.
If you are interested in receiving more information, please fill out this link and we will pass along information as it comes.
AUBURN WORCESTER YOUTH LACROSSE REGISTRATION
UNITED SOCCER REGISTRATION
AUBURN FAST PITCH REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The Spring season runs April through June, ages 5 and older. Registration closes March 15th, 2024. Register before 12/31/23 for a $25 early bird discount !
For registration or for more information go to:www.auburnfastpitch.org
AUBURN LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION
Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. ~Helen Keller