Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

📢 A commission co-chaired by DESE and the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) is seeking input to help develop an updated Model School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding. The updated MOU should help strengthen partnerships between school districts and police departments and contribute to safe and supportive learning environments.

The public input period is open through July 31 for Massachusetts students, families, community members, and organizations. People can share their thoughts through an online survey, at listening sessions, or by submitting written comments.

🔗 Find details on the Commission’s webpage: https://ow.ly/q9gr50Zc4WP

2026 Model SRO MOU Commission - Student and Family Support (SFS) The goal of the Massachusetts public K-12 education system is to prepare all students for success after high school. Massachusetts public school students are leading the nation in reading and math and are at the top internationally in reading, science, and math according to the national NAEP and int...

Congratulations to the 2026 winner of the Terrific Tray of the Year award, Northampton Public Schools!

Learn more about their recognition and the Terrific Trays initiative: https://mailchi.mp/doe.mass.edu/press-release-healey-driscoll-administration-announces-school-meals-terrific-tray-winner

Northampton Public Schools was awarded the distinction of Terrific Tray of the Year by MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle and Director Rob Leshin. School Nutrition Director Mistelle Hannah shared, "This award is a testament to our entire incredible team in Northampton, but even more specifically our Head Cook, Kristin Thibedau. As someone who has worked to broaden her own palate over the years (picky eater!), it’s been clear to me that Kristin views her role as a way to make a real difference." Congrats to Northampton!

Eatfreshampton Little Leaf Farms Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education CommonWealth Kitchen

Select 8th grade students from PCIS and PSMS went to UMASS Dartmouth on Friday for the DESE Civics Showcase. They were invited to present their projects to a variety of community advisors, including local and state government officials. Students represented Plymouth well, getting a lot of conversation time with stakeholders and earning many compliments from attendees. All students should be very proud of their hard work! 😊

Plymouth Community Intermediate School
Plymouth South Middle School
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Congratulations!

To emphasize the importance of the teaching profession, Mansfield High School held a Future Educator Signing Ceremony for students from our Class of 2026 who intend to become educators. Events like these are more common when a high school student decides to play a sport at a college or university, but we want to call the same type of attention to future educators. Congratulations to the 10 seniors who are choosing a career in education (not all students are pictured)!
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Many thanks to High School for hosting our Board today, and many thanks to the student writers who read some of their work today!

Congratulations to Country School in Weston Public Schools-MA on being named an NAESP 2026 National Gold Star School!