Superintendent Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

I hope everyone has had a good week. Time marches on as our Seniors prepare to graduate on Sunday morning. This week was full of activities, celebrations, and rehearsals. Hopefully the weather will cooperate on Sunday morning and we'll be able to have the ceremony out doors.

Congratulations to all of our spring athletes as the participate in Tournament play. Next Monday will be the Annual Pops Concert for our orchestra at the high school.

End of year activities are also taking place at the elementary and middle school levels including field days, end of year concerts, and the annual Washington, DC trip for our 8th graders.

This week I have some information on the last day of school, an upcoming recycling event, a "Bioblitz" at Crane Beach, 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!

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.

A BioBlitz is a hands-on event where volunteers help identify and record as many plants and animals as possible. These events support community science, helping researchers understand local biodiversity while giving participants a chance to explore nature up close. Volunteers will explore plants and animals using iNaturalist, a free app that lets you take photos, log your observations, and see your contributions in real time. No experience is required, just curiosity and an interest in the outdoors!

Timing: Volunteers can join for part of the morning or the full event (10am to 1 pm), drop-ins are welcome.

Location: Crane Beach, 310 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA 02138

What to bring/ prepare:

• Smartphone with iNaturalist (download in advance; training provided on-site)

• Comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain and clothes for varying weather conditions

• Parking is FREE — tell them you are a Trustees Volunteer!

Details:

• Children 4+ welcome; under 16 must attend with an adult — this event is a great activity for families and groups!

• Volunteers can participate individually, as families, or in small groups

• You can choose to monitor biodiversity, participate in the beach cleanup, or both!

Sign up: Please register via the QR code on the attached flyer, or by clicking on the pink hyperlink to view the entire volunteer opportunity: BioBlitz Volunteer Event - Crane Estate

The attached flyer is shareable, so please invite neighbors, friends, and family!

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/!