Superintendent Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

It was quite the week to say the least! I hope your week went well. I was hoping that this hot weather would hold off for another week or two, as it's tough to keep the buildings cool once they heat up. Please think about sending your children to school with reusable water bottles so they can stay hydrated.

This week I have some information on the last day of school, a press release sent out this morning regarding the boys lacrosse issue earlier this week, an upcoming recycling event, and information on a summer meals program. Please review this information at your earliest convenience.

Have a wonderful weekend.

-Brian

Dr. Brian J. Blake

Superintendent of Schools

We've been getting a lot of questions about the last day of school. The last day of school for grades 1-11 will be June 23rd. The schedule for dismissal will be 11:20am dismissal for middle & high school and 11:50am dismissal for both elementary schools. Staff have the rest of the day to complete their checkout process before heading into summer!

Attached please find a statement that was released to the press at 11:00 this morning.

Ipswich is holding two recycling events on June 13. Proceeds go to the Ipswich Education Foundation to support our schools.

This summer, Triton Food Services will once again be providing free meals for children and teens 18 and under through our Summer Meals Program. We are excited to continue supporting local families and helping ensure that kids in our community have access to nutritious meals while school is out.

Ipswich Public Schools acknowledges that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly embedded in our world. As such, IPS has guidance for administrators and educators on when and how AI may be used in their work. Here is link to the Ipswich Public Schools Parent/Guardian statement on AI in our schools.

In recent weeks, schools across the Commonwealth have been dealing with a new phenomenon involving artificial intelligence (AI) and students creating images that are inappropriate. This is deeply concerning behavior, as it can be considered criminal in nature. I wanted to share this resource with families so that parents are aware and can have conversations at home.

On September 18, 2024, “An Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation” went into effect in Massachusetts. As described in Think Before You Send: Facts about Sexting and Cyberbullying, that law makes it a criminal offense for a person, including a juvenile, to possess, share, show, send, forward, buy, or upload to an internet website a photo or video of a child under the age of 18 in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct.

Back in the spring, I had run a weekly piece related to increased ICE activities in the Commonwealth. Given recent events, I wanted to provide the information again. The Ipswich Public Schools values our entire community and welcomes all learners. We have received calls from citizens and staff members concerned about the safety of our students. As always, we place the safety of our students and staff at the forefront of all we do. School districts across the Commonwealth have received guidance from the Attorney General's Office and have processes in place to protect our students and their information. I will continue to post this weekly until such time as it is no longer necessary. The links below are one page documents that outlines the steps that our district is taking to ensure the safety of our students and their information and the other outlines immigrant students rights to attend school.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions.

The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) is a free, confidential, and 24/7/365 statewide service available to all of Massachusetts residents regardless of insurance status. The BHHL connects individuals and families to the full range of treatment services for mental health and substance use. Whether by phone, text or online chat, callers can access our services at any time.

• Website/Contact Information: Call or text 833-773-2445 and chat online at https://masshelpline.com

Several of our counselors at the middle and high school have put together a list of food security resources for families impacted by the government shutdown and loss of SNAP benefits. Please click on these links to see what is available.

Food Security Resources (English only)

Food Security Resources (English, Spanish, Portuguese)

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