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Elementary Term II Report Cards
Sara Errickson

With the arrival of spring and a little more daylight each day, we’re reminded how much growth can happen over time—both in nature and in our classrooms!

Term II report cards for students in K-5 will be available to families after 3:00 pm tomorrow, Thursday, March 26th. As we did in December, report cards will be available in your PowerSchool Portal (linked here).

With the arrival of spring and a little more daylight each day, we’re reminded how much growth can happen over time—both in nature and in our classrooms!

Term II report cards for students in K-5 will be available to families after 3:00 pm tomorrow, Thursday, March 26th. As we did in December, report cards will be available in your PowerSchool Portal (linked here).

Below are instructions as well as family guides to support you in understanding the new report card.

If you run into any technical issues logging into your PowerSchool Portal, please email: hometechservice@dedham.k12.ma.us


 

Understanding the Report Card

These grade-level guides helps families understand how student learning and progress are measured in Dedham’s new elementary report card, as well as how to talk to students about what they are learning in school each term.

As these are standards-based report cards, families should expect to see their students move through the range of Proficiency Levels. Families will also see that some standards are not assessed during all terms, which is due to how grade-levels work their way through curriculum.

As always, reach out to your student’s teacher with questions.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  • Avery
  • District
  • ECEC
  • Greenlodge
  • Oakdale
DESE Integrated Monitoring Review - Public Notice
Sara Errickson

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review of Dedham Public Schools during the week of April 6, 2026. Each school district, charter school, vocational school, and virtual school undergoes an Integrated Monitoring Review every three years. The areas addressed during an Integrated Monitoring Review are organized into two groups, known as Group A Universal Standards and Group B Universal Standards. 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review of Dedham Public Schools during the week of April 6, 2026. Each school district, charter school, vocational school, and virtual school undergoes an Integrated Monitoring Review every three years. The areas addressed during an Integrated Monitoring Review are organized into two groups, known as Group A Universal Standards and Group B Universal Standards. 

Dedham Public Schools will be undergoing a Group A monitoring review that focuses on special education student identification and special education eligibility timelines; Individualized Education Program (IEP) development; programming and support services; procedural requirements for suspensions and equal opportunity. For additional information please also see Integrated Monitoring Parent and Family Orientation

The process includes interviews with district staff and administrators, a review of student records, policies and procedures, and a school building visit. Interpretation will be provided, if needed.

The Department will also send a parent survey, in multiple languages and formats, as needed, to parents/guardians of special education students to gather key information on the special education processes and procedures.

Parents/guardians and other stakeholders may contact Dee Wyatt, Monitoring Review Chairperson, at dee.wyatt@mass.gov to request a telephone interview. If anyone requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the charter school with a report that includes information on further actions that may be required. The public can access the report at https://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/default.html.

  • Avery
  • DHS
  • DMS
  • District
  • ECEC
  • Greenlodge
  • Oakdale
  • Riverdale
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:

  • Avery
  • DHS
  • DMS
  • District
  • ECEC
  • Greenlodge
  • Oakdale
  • Riverdale
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
Elementary Term II Report Cards

With the arrival of spring and a little more daylight each day, we’re reminded how much growth can happen over time—both in nature and in our classrooms!

Term II report cards for students in K-5 will be available to families after 3:00 pm tomorrow, Thursday, March 26th. As we did in December, report cards will be available in your PowerSchool Portal (linked here).

DESE Integrated Monitoring Review - Public Notice

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review of Dedham Public Schools during the week of April 6, 2026. Each school district, charter school, vocational school, and virtual school undergoes an Integrated Monitoring Review every three years. The areas addressed during an Integrated Monitoring Review are organized into two groups, known as Group A Universal Standards and Group B Universal Standards. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

Oakdale Monday Updates

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