Superintendent Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

I hope everyone has had a good week. Don't forget that the Ipswich Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

I have some important information to share with you this week including an upcoming webinar on internet safety that has been rescheduled from the fall, and opportunity to be involved with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, and some other community information.

Please take some time over the holiday weekend to review this weekly update.

Have a great weekend.

-Brian

Dr. Brian J. Blake

Superintendent of Schools

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM, I will be hosting a viewing of this webinar in the Media Center at the Middle/High School. I will have handouts for everyone in attendance.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will be hosting a Webex Webinar Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents. The webinar will take place on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations Digital Forensics/Child Exploitation/Cyber Crime Unit.

The webinar will bring awareness to the dangers children face online today and will educate parents/caregivers how to keep children safe online.

Please send me an email if you plan to attend so I have enough handouts. bblake@ipsk12.net

Ipswich Public Schools is excited to invite parents and guardians to get involved with our Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). We are looking to grow participation, welcome new voices, and encourage leadership within the SEPAC community.

The Ipswich Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Ipswich SEPAC) is an all-volunteer group of parents/guardians of students with disabilities. The SEPAC advises the School Committee and District on Special Education programs and policies, serves as a liaison between families and school leadership, and supports parents by sharing resources, offering workshops, and building a strong, supportive community.

Whether you’re curious to learn more, interested in attending meetings, or considering a leadership role, please complete the following form.

Your voice matters, and we look forward to working together to support our students and families!

The Ipswich Education Foundation is an important partner with the school district, supporting innovative programs and additional support to the Ipswich Community. Please consider supporting their efforts.

As we wrap up this book talk, I want to shift to some concrete things people can do at the local level to have a lasting impact.

In the Ipswich Public Schools, we have instituted a ban on cell phone use during the school day. While it initially caused concern among students, parents, and staff, students and staff both report that it has turned out to have a positive impact. Students report the they are more engaged and "present" with their friends throughout the day. The cafeteria and hallways during passing time are more vibrant and loud because students are engaging with one another instead of screens. Teachers report more engagement in classes since students are looking to check their phones. Other schools have contacted us to see how we set up our systems and how it was working. This is just one example of how we can limit screen time and reduce some of the many harmful effects of social media.

Are you able to limit cell phone use/screen time in your own home?

As always, let me know your thoughts.

Thanks to the use of some of the Opioid Settlement Funds from the Town of Ipswich, the Teen Drop in Center at Boone Hall is now free to middle school students.

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)

SCHOOL CLOSING/DELAYED OPENING PROCEDURE FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER

As we enter into the winter months, we would like to remind everyone of our School Closing/Delayed Opening Procedure. In the event it is necessary to cancel, delay, or close school earlier than the regular dismissal time, announcements will be made to the TV stations listed below and notification will be sent by email and phone message. A message will also be posted on the school district’s Facebook account, as well as the district website-www.ipsk12.net.

TV Stations:

WBZ- Channel 4

WCVB- Channel 5

WFXT (BOSTON 25)- Channel 25

Delayed Openings:

Should there be a delayed opening, schools will begin TWO hours later than normal and buses will pick up TWO hours later than their normally scheduled time.

The morning Extended Day Program (EDP) will begin two hours late.

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