Oakdale School News
Spotlight News
![ONE DEDHAM - District Introduces 5-Year Strategic Plan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741376471/dedhamk12maus/itlmg4cgssnhcptk0ppi/OneDedham.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741376471/dedhamk12maus/itlmg4cgssnhcptk0ppi/OneDedham.png","width":500}])
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
![DPS Citizen Science Expo Coming in April!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741381537/dedhamk12maus/ctrcvgnefw8k5loohuxk/ScienceFairLogo.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741381537/dedhamk12maus/ctrcvgnefw8k5loohuxk/ScienceFairLogo.png","width":500}])
Sara Errickson
Citizen Science is scientific research conducted by members of the general public. It involves volunteers or non-professional scientists – like our school kids – to collect and analyze data in collaboration with real scientists and researchers.
We are excited to announce that DPS will be holding a Citizen Science Expo at Avery Elementary on April 10, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30. The Expo is open to all Dedham students in grades 3, 4 & 5.
Citizen Science is scientific research conducted by members of the general public. It involves volunteers or non-professional scientists – like our school kids – to collect and analyze data in collaboration with real scientists and researchers.
We are excited to announce that DPS will be holding a Citizen Science Expo at Avery Elementary on April 10, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30. The Expo is open to all Dedham students in grades 3, 4 & 5. Students interested in participating can learn more here and here.
Additionally, each of the four elementary schools will have kits available to borrow for a limited time. These kits, funded by a generous grant from the Dedham Education Foundation, are for the following Citizen Science projects:
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Exploring Biodiversity: create a living record of plants and animal species near you.
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Mapping Mosquito Habitats: with this kit and the GLOBE observer app, you can help spot and report potential mosquito breeding habitats.
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Measuring Light in the Night: help learn about and monitor light pollution near you.
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Monitoring Air Quality: help monitor the quality of the air that you breathe indoors or outdoors.
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Observing Pollinators: gather observations of pollinators visiting flowering plants in your area.
Proposals and Permission Slips are due no later than March 14, 2025
We can’t wait to see what projects students choose to take on and look forward to seeing their presentations at the Expo!
- Avery
- District
- Greenlodge
- Oakdale
- Riverdale
Sara Errickson
This spring students will take the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System). MCAS provides us with a snapshot in time of where our students are performing academically. It is important to help make sure that your student is well-rested and present for these days, please check dates to avoid conflicts with any appointments scheduled.
This spring students will take the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System). MCAS provides us with a snapshot in time of where our students are performing academically. The full schedule for student testing by school is available here.
It is important to help make sure that your student is well-rested and present for these days, please check dates to avoid conflicts with any appointments scheduled. More resources for students and families will be coming as we get closer to the testing dates. In the meantime, you can learn more about the MCAS here.
- Avery
- DHS
- DMS
- District
- Greenlodge
- Oakdale
- Riverdale
Sara Errickson
Families with children currently in the LEAP Before and After School program will have the option to register the first week of April! Registration will be in your PowerSchool account and families have until August 1st to submit.
Families with children currently in the LEAP Before and After School program will have the option to register the first week of April! Registration will be in your PowerSchool account and families have until August 1st to submit.
Any family that does not currently have LEAP Before or After School care will automatically be given a waitlist registration. LEAP will enroll students from the waitlist as staffing allows, but this process provides LEAP room to ensure the safety of students already registered in DPS Before and After School care.
LEAP Before and After School Registration for the fall 2025 school year opens Monday, April 7th, at 12:00 pm
- New LEAP Families: $75 one time application fee and $100 deposit
- Current LEAP Families: $100 deposit for returning
- Avery
- District
- ECEC
- Greenlodge
- Oakdale
- Riverdale
This spring students will take the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System). MCAS provides us with a snapshot in time of where our students are performing academically. It is important to help make sure that your student is well-rested and present for these days, please check dates to avoid conflicts with any appointments scheduled.
Families with children currently in the LEAP Before and After School program will have the option to register the first week of April! Registration will be in your PowerSchool account and families have until August 1st to submit.
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.
![Family & Community Survey: DPS Mission, Vision & Values]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1735934547/dedhamk12maus/i8ryat4teppzrmpngcjq/MissionValuesBlock2025.png","width":200}])
Dedham Public Schools is currently engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process through the Plan for Success framework. This initiative will guide our efforts to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all students, families, and staff while preparing our learners for the future. Your input will help shape the District’s mission, vision, and core values, ensuring they reflect the priorities and aspirations of our entire Dedham community.
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.
![New! Dedham Tax Impact Calculator]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731090979/dedhamk12maus/ormkmnphfy5wqhj9uoec/Oak-TaxCalc.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731090979/dedhamk12maus/ormkmnphfy5wqhj9uoec/Oak-TaxCalc.png","width":500}])
The Tax Impact Calculator is a new informational tool to the Town of Dedham that has been designed to help residents and taxpayers estimate future tax bills, both with and without the proposed Oakdale Elementary School Building.
![District Curriculum Night]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1730906679/dedhamk12maus/mwxscghbfhk5nq8mfoy7/CurrNight24-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1730906679/dedhamk12maus/mwxscghbfhk5nq8mfoy7/CurrNight24-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1730906679/dedhamk12maus/mwxscghbfhk5nq8mfoy7/CurrNight24-2.jpg","width":600}])
Thanks to the parents and educators who participated in our District Curriculum Night at the end of October. The evening was able to provide over 20 sessions on relevant topics for students in PreK - 12. Given the interactive nature of the sessions, not all sessions are able to be made available as presentations or able to be recorded to view post-event. Those sessions with presentations that can be shared are now available!
![Universal Mental Health Screening]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1730906349/dedhamk12maus/lj2w0mnejoxwlk2lfiuh/UMH2024.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1730906349/dedhamk12maus/lj2w0mnejoxwlk2lfiuh/UMH2024.png","width":500}])
The Dedham Public School’s Mental and Behavioral Health team is preparing to begin our mental health screening in grades 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Our first round of screening is scheduled for mid-November 2024 and consists of a brief (25-item) questionnaire related to symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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.
![Notes from the Nurses]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1687362381/dedhamk12maus/dbvmtinzmjwuhipww2we/healthicon_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1687362381/dedhamk12maus/dbvmtinzmjwuhipww2we/healthicon_1.png","width":500}])
The CDC is reporting an uptick in pediatric pneumonia cases. These could be caused by a virus or a bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. When children experience cold symptoms, they are typically mild, caused by a virus, and resolve on their own. However, if your child has a lingering cough with or without fever and unusual fatigue, please have them evaluated by a provider. In some cases, children will need to take antibiotics to clear up the infection.
Oakdale Monday Updates
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