School Committee Newsletter
September 30, 2025
Letter from the School Committee
Welcome Back!
We hope students, staff, and families are entering the new school year feeling refreshed and ready for a year full of learning and growth. As the School Committee, we're excited to continue our work setting the policies and budget that guide our district, while also planning thoughtfully for the future through ongoing financial and strategic initiatives.
Next month, we will take part in a workshop focused on both Finance and Special Education—two areas critical to the success of our schools. We are confident the insights we will gain will strengthen our efforts to support education this year and beyond.
Wishing everyone a successful and inspiring 2025–2026 school year!
Best,
Dianna Freehan, Chair
Jen Donahue, Vice Chair
Jenny Connolly
Kate Eliot
Mat Perry
Haley Rist
Sasha Sopic
Elementary School Building Project Update
Safety Spotlight: Sleep & Mental Health
The transition from summer to school routines can be tough on kids. Late nights, relaxed schedules, and extra screen time over the summer often mean students start the year more tired than they realize. Adequate sleep is a safety issue—well-rested kids are more alert in class, better able to manage stress, and less likely to get hurt during sports or play.
Help your child ease into the school year by setting consistent bedtimes, limiting screens before bed, and creating calming evening routines. A little structure now goes a long way toward keeping kids safe, focused, and emotionally balanced all year long.
Activities and Accomplishments
Subcommittees, Working Groups and Liaison roles were set after our Summer Retreat meeting.
School Committee members toured each of the school buildings in August to inspect the upgrades and repairs completed in preparation for the new school year.
Dr. Blake and the School Committee welcomed Maureen Lueke as the new Winthrop Principal, Aaron Clark as the new Winthrop Assistant Principal, and Lori Benicasa as the new Doyon Assistant Principal.
The School Committee approved overnight field trips for the 6th grade Ecology School and the 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip.
High School Principal Jonathan Mitchell and Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Tracy Wagner presented on the High School ranking.
Strategic Planning Committee members presented an update on their work on the townwide Strategic Plan.
- The School Committee reviewed and approved updates to 8 district policies. The District Policy Manual can be reviewed here.
Upcoming District Events
Thursday, October 2rd - School Committee Meeting (Workshop) - 7pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room Monday, October 13th - No School, Indigenous People’s Day Tuesday, October 14th - No School, Professional Development Day Thursday, October 18th - School Committee Meeting - 7pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online Tuesday, October 28th - Special Town Meeting - 7pm in the Ipswich Middle/High School Performing Arts Center Wednesday, November 5th - Special Election, polls open 7am-8pm at the Ipswich YMCA
The Ipswich School Committee values input from the community. To contact The Ipswich School Committee, you may speak at “Public Comment” towards the beginning of every meeting, or email school_committee@ipsk12.net.
Continue to stay up to date on district events and school committee news by following Ipswich School Committee on Facebook and Instagram.