Superintendent Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

I hope everyone has had a good week. Fall is certainly in the air and the trees are changing colors quickly. It's a beautiful ride to work in the morning! This weekend promises to be beautiful as well. I'm looking forward to getting outside. Don't forget that Monday is a holiday and Tuesday the district hold its' first Professional Development Day of the year.

Congratulations to our very own Fine Arts Director, Michael Coelho, for his THIRD Grammy nomination. We are so fortunate to have Mr. Coelho on our staff. Best of luck as he proceeds through the selection process!

This week I share another reflection from my time here in the district regarding the development of our Curriculum Review Cycle, something that was required by DESE, but was missing in Ipswich. Additionally, don't forget that next week the district is hosting Flu Vaccine Clinics in partnership with Conley's Drug store. See the information below for registration details.

Have a wonderful weekend!

-Brian

Dr. Brian J. Blake

Superintendent of Schools

This year, we are introducing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)and the Standard Reunification Method (SRM) in the Ipswich Public Schools. The SRP and SRM were developed by the ILoveuGuys Foundation. The organization was founded by the parents of a young lady who was a victim of a school shooting. Today, their programs are used around the country in schools, higher education and public and private agencies.

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is based on an all-hazards approach as opposed to individual scenarios. Like the Incident Command System (ICS), SRP utilizes clear common language while allowing for flexibility in protocol.

The premise is simple - there are five specific actions that can be performed during an incident. When communicating these, the action is labeled with a “Term of Art” and is then followed by a “Directive.” Execution of the action is performed by active participants, including students, staff, teachers and first responders. The SRP is based on the following actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

Staff and students are learning the SRP and will be conducting drills over the course of the year to practice what they have learned. I will be sending out information to all parents when the trainings have been completed.

In my second year in the district, and in coordination with the Director of Teaching and Learning, we developed a comprehensive Curriculum Review Cycle. Mandated by DESE, this multi-year process ensures all district curriculum areas undergo regular evaluation across three distinct phases: Reviewing, Unpacking, and Planning; Developing and Implementing; and Assessing and Revising. Dr. Wagner, the Director of Teaching and Learning, oversees the curriculum review, including supervising the district’s Compass Committees. Under her leadership, IPS curricula are regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with DESE-approved high-quality curriculum, the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Standards, and school-based data. This work was recognized by DESE during IPS’s Comprehensive District Review.

In light of recent ICE activity in Ipswich, I am sharing resources regarding student data privacy and immigrant students' rights to an education.

Ipswich Public Schools values every member of our community and welcomes all learners. We recognize the concerns expressed by local families and staff, and we remain fully committed to student safety. Following guidance from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, our district has clear protocols in place to protect our students and their personal information.

The linked one-page documents outline:

• The steps Ipswich Public Schools takes to protect students and secure data.

• A guide for families regarding immigrant students' right to attend public school.

I will include these resources in our weekly updates moving forward. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Flyers

Immigrant Students' Right to Attend School: A Guide for Families (English)

Immigrant Students' Right to Attend School: A Guide for Families (Spanish)

Immigrant Students' Right to Attend School: A Guide for Families (Portuguese)

Know Your Rights: A Guide for Immigrants, Families, and Communities on ICE Enforcement (English)

Know Your Rights: A Guide for Immigrants, Families, and Communities on ICE Enforcement (Spanish)

Know Your Rights: A Guide for Immigrants, Families, and Communities on ICE Enforcement (Portuguese)

The Ipswich Public Schools in partnership with Conley's Drug Store will once again be providing flu clinics to students, staff and families in October.

The first flu clinic date will be Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 2-4pm at the Ipswich Middle/High School. Here is the link to register for that date:

https://form.jotform.com/262385444100147

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 4-6 pm, flu clinics will be offered at the Doyon School. Here is the link to register for that date:

https://form.jotform.com/262385305209153

On Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 4-6pm, flu clinics will be offered at the Winthrop School. Here is the link to register for that date:

https://form.jotform.com/262385923678169

In addition to the flu vaccine, other vaccines are offered including the Covid vaccine. Online registration is encouraged, but forms can be printed at conleysdrugstore.com.

The Ipswich Public Health Department has launched a campaign to raise awareness of opioid use disorder and help end the stigma surrounding the disease. The campaign, End Opioid Stigma, provides residents with information about opioid addiction and ways community members can support people affected by the disease. It also encourages the use of respectful, fact-based language when discussing opioid use. Learn more at ipswichma.gov/EndOpioidStigma

Ready to make a difference? Check out our current openings and apply today at https://ipsk12.schoolspring.com/!