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Dedham Honored to Host State Leaders For Announcement of New Statewide High School Graduation Framework
Dedham Honored to Host State Leaders For Announcement of New Statewide High School Graduation Framework
Sara Errickson

On December 1st, Dedham Public Schools had the tremendous honor of hosting Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, and Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez at Dedham High School for an important statewide announcement about the future of high school graduation in Massachusetts.

Their visit reflected a major shift in how the Commonwealth will prepare students for success in college, career, and civic life—and an exciting recognition of the work already happening here in Dedham. We are grateful that the work of our educators, students, and families helped bring this defining moment to Dedham High School. It is a recognition of our collective dedication to ensuring that every learner graduates confident, capable, and ready for what comes next.

This morning, Dedham Public Schools had the tremendous honor of hosting Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, and Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez at Dedham High School for an important statewide announcement about the future of high school graduation in Massachusetts.

Their visit reflects a major shift in how the Commonwealth will prepare students for success in college, career, and civic life—and an exciting recognition of the work already happening here in Dedham.

A New Vision for Graduation in Massachusetts

The state is updating its graduation requirements to ensure that every student, in every community, is truly prepared for life after high school. Key components include:

Strong, college-aligned coursework

  • All students will complete a “program of study” based on MassCore—the same coursework expected for admission to Massachusetts public colleges and universities.

Meaningful demonstrations of learning

  • Students will show mastery through end-of-course assessments and real-world demonstrations such as a capstone or portfolio.

Personalized planning and postsecondary support

  • Through MyCAP, students will explore pathways, set goals, and prepare for college and career opportunities. Families will also receive support to complete financial aid forms—with a simple opt-out option if needed.

Essential life skills

  • Financial literacy will become a core expectation statewide, ensuring students graduate with the knowledge needed to navigate adulthood confidently.

Recognition of student strengths

  • Students will be able to earn Seals of Distinction reflecting areas such as biliteracy, civic engagement, digital literacy, and career pathways.
     

These expectations create a fairer, more consistent foundation so that every graduate has access to the same opportunities—regardless of zip code.

 

Why Dedham? Because We Are Already Leading

Dedham High School was chosen to host this announcement because our work closely aligns with the new statewide vision:

  • Dedham High School has a holistic Portrait of a Graduate that closely aligns with the new Vision of a Massachusetts Graduate. Furthermore, the Dedham portrait graphic was designed as a part of a student internship, which aligns with the recommendation regarding learning experiences that prepare students for different career paths.
  • Dedham High School's graduation requirements already align with the recommendation that all students complete rigorous coursework that meets the minimum requirements for four-year state colleges and universities, ensuring that every door is open for students upon earning a diploma.
  • Dedham High School provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their unique talents through the Seal of Biliteracy, and we are exploring opportunities for students to earn additional seals such as the Seal of Digital Literacy.
  • Our expanding Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship programming supports digital literacy and emerging pathways.
  • We are developing high-quality purposeful assessments across all high school courses by 2026.
  • We are preparing to launch a capstone experience by 2027, giving every senior a venue to demonstrate deeper learning.
  • With the support of a state planning grant, we are moving toward District-wide implementation of MyCAP.

In short: Dedham is not waiting for change—we are helping shape it.

We are grateful that the work of our educators, students, and families helped bring this defining moment to Dedham High School. It is a recognition of our collective dedication to ensuring that every learner graduates confident, capable, and ready for what comes next.

Learn More:

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District Curriculum Night - October 30, 2025
District Curriculum Night - October 30, 2025
Sara Errickson

Dedham Public Schools will be hosting our third annual District Curriculum Night on OCTOBER 30, from 6:30-8:30PM at Dedham Middle School! This informative evening is an opportunity for parents and caregivers for all students PreK - 12 to learn more about current school curriculum, hear from department leaders and educators on topics including Report Cards, Social Emotional Supports, best practices for supporting students and post-DHS planning.

Join Us At DPS Curriculum Night!
October 30, 2025
6:30 - 8:30PM at Dedham Middle School

Dedham Public Schools will be hosting our third annual District Curriculum Night on OCTOBER 30, from 6:30-8:30PM at Dedham Middle School! This informative evening is an opportunity for parents and caregivers for all students PreK - 12 to learn more about current school curriculum, hear from department leaders and educators on topics including Report Cards, Social Emotional Supports, best practices for supporting students and post-DHS planning.

Families can attend up to three sessions throughout the evening. Every session will be offered at least twice during the evening. New this year, based on parent feedback, we've extended the sessions to 30 minutes and NO pre-registration is required.

Session A will run from 6:30-7:00PM
Session B will run from 7:10-7:40PM
Session C will run from 7:50-8:20PM
 

View the District Curriculum Night full schedule of programs and download a worksheet to plan your evening.

 

  • Avery
  • DHS
  • DMS
  • District
  • ECEC
  • Greenlodge
  • Oakdale
  • Riverdale
2025-2026 School Food News
2025-2026 School Food News
Sara Errickson

School Breakfast & Lunch

The Dedham Public Schools Food Services team is excited to serve your students again this year. We’re continuing to focus on offering delicious, well-balanced, and nutritious meals every day. This year, we’re excited to introduce more locally produced foods, add culturally relevant meals and expand our vegetarian options. School meals will continue to be free for all students in Dedham Public Schools for the 2025–2026 school year. Dedham is certified under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows us to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students for four years. This is year two of that four-year cycle.

 Breakfast and lunch are available - FREE - for all Dedham students.

  • Milk is included with a full meal, but if purchased separately, it costs $0.75
  • A la carte items and beverages are available for purchase.

Families can manage student meal accounts through MySchoolBucks.com. Using a student’s ID number, you can set up an account, add funds, and monitor purchases. Students can also bring cash or a check to their school’s food service cashier to deposit into their lunch account.

  • Avery
  • DHS
  • DMS
  • District
  • ECEC
  • Greenlodge
  • Oakdale
  • Riverdale
ONE DEDHAM - District Introduces 5-Year Strategic Plan
ONE DEDHAM - District Introduces 5-Year Strategic Plan
Sara Errickson

Dedham Public Schools unveiled a new strategic plan for 2025-2030, outlining a new mission, vision and set of core values for the District and paving the way for the future.  

Together, as ONE DEDHAM, we will work relentlessly to achieve our goals, ensuring that every student in Dedham Public Schools has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Your continued support and collaboration are essential to realizing this vision.

This plan is the result of a collective effort by 25 dedicated individuals—school leaders, teachers, staff, parents, and community representatives—who have worked together to shape a vision focused on excellence, growth, and continuous improvement.

Dedham Public Schools unveiled a new strategic plan for 2025-2030, outlining a new mission, vision and set of core values for the District and paving the way for the future.  

Our strategic plan is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our educators and community, ensuring that exceptional, equitable, and innovative learning opportunities are accessible to students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This plan serves as our roadmap for the next five years, and it is our shared responsibility to bring these initiatives to life.

Together, as ONE DEDHAM, we will work relentlessly to achieve our goals, ensuring that every student in Dedham Public Schools has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Your continued support and collaboration are essential to realizing this vision.

This plan is the result of a collective effort by 25 dedicated individuals—school leaders, teachers, staff, parents, and community representatives—who have worked together to shape a vision focused on excellence, growth, and continuous improvement.

Visit the DPS Strategic Plan webpage to view and learn more.

 

  • Avery
  • DHS
  • DMS
  • District
  • ECEC
  • Greenlodge
  • Oakdale
  • Riverdale
District Curriculum Night - October 30, 2025
District Curriculum Night - October 30, 2025

Dedham Public Schools will be hosting our third annual District Curriculum Night on OCTOBER 30, from 6:30-8:30PM at Dedham Middle School! This informative evening is an opportunity for parents and caregivers for all students PreK - 12 to learn more about current school curriculum, hear from department leaders and educators on topics including Report Cards, Social Emotional Supports, best practices for supporting students and post-DHS planning.

ONE DEDHAM - District Introduces 5-Year Strategic Plan
ONE DEDHAM - District Introduces 5-Year Strategic Plan

Dedham Public Schools unveiled a new strategic plan for 2025-2030, outlining a new mission, vision and set of core values for the District and paving the way for the future.  

Together, as ONE DEDHAM, we will work relentlessly to achieve our goals, ensuring that every student in Dedham Public Schools has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Your continued support and collaboration are essential to realizing this vision.

This plan is the result of a collective effort by 25 dedicated individuals—school leaders, teachers, staff, parents, and community representatives—who have worked together to shape a vision focused on excellence, growth, and continuous improvement.

SBRC Meeting Update from February 3, 2025

The Dedham School Building Rehabilitation Committee (SBRC) held a hybrid public meeting at the Middle School on Monday, February 3 to discuss ongoing progress and next steps related to the proposed Elementary Building project. The meeting focused on modern fire safety standards, design and budget updates, and the upcoming February 8 special election.

SBRC Presentation to Mini Town Meeting

On Tuesday, November 12, the Oakdale School Elementary Building Project team attended Mini Town Meeting to present an update on the design and budget for the proposed school and answer questions about the project.

SBRC Meeting Update from October 28, 2024 - Community Meeting

 

The Dedham School Building Rehabilitation Committee (SBRC) held a hybrid public meeting for Town Meeting Representatives and community members on October 28. Members of the project team, School Department and Facilities Department provided an interior tour of the Oakdale School, presented a progress update, and answered questions about the project. On November 18, Town Meeting will vote to approve or reject the proposal to build a new Oakdale School. A Townwide vote to approve or reject is expected to be scheduled in early 2025.

 

SBRC Presentation to FinCom

As part of a warrant hearing on Monday, October 8, members of the project team presented a budget and design update for the Oakdale School Elementary Building Project to the Finance and Warrant Committee. The presentation included details on the current state of the Oakdale School, the schematic design for the new school, and the expected financial impact of the project.

SBRC Meeting Update from October 8, 2024

The Dedham School Building Rehabilitation Committee (SBRC) held a hybrid public meeting on Tuesday, October 8 to discuss ongoing progress and next steps related to the proposed Oakdale Elementary Building project. The meeting focused on the Article 6 Finance and Warrant Committee hearing and an upcoming information session for Town Meeting members.

SBRC Meeting Update from September 23, 2024

The Dedham School Building Rehabilitation Committee (SBRC) held a hybrid community meeting and interior tour of the Oakdale School on Monday, September 23 to show the current state of the building and address community questions related to the proposed Elementary Building project.   

SBRC Meeting Update from September 9, 2024

The Dedham School Building Rehabilitation Committee (SBRC) held an in person and virtual public meeting on Monday, September 9th to discuss ongoing progress and next steps related to the proposed Oakdale Elementary Building project. The meeting focused on the submission of the schematic design to the MSBA and future capital needs of several Dedham elementary schools.

Oakdale Monday Updates

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