The Northbridge Public Schools Town of Northbridge

87 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, Massachusetts 01588 (508) 234-8156 FAX (508) 234-8469 Dr. Nancy R. Spitulnik, Superintendent Robert J. Lynch, Director of Pupil Personnel Services www.nps.org Dr. Catherine A. Stickney, Assistant Superintendent Melissa J. Walker, Business Manager

January 7, 2014 Commissioner Olga Roche Department of Children and Families 600 Washington Street Boston, MA 02111 Dear Commissioner Roche, I want to thank you and the other people from your department for meeting with my leadership and support teams this morning. The school principals, assistant principals, and school counselors were very appreciative that you took the time to come out to Northbridge to meet with us. I feel it was a very productive meeting, with everyone participating in an open, honest, and professional discussion about some of our concerns, and possible solutions in the future. It was helpful that you shared information on your department procedures and parameters, which gave us a better understanding of how the department operates, including the screening and intake process. It was clear that we are all committed to helping and supporting our students and families in whatever way we can. As I stated in my meeting summary, I think we developed a strong plan for moving forward and working together. These were some of the main points: 1. Communication is the key, with DCF and the schools working to build strong relationships to enhance the timely sharing of important information. 2. We now have a better understanding of how to problem-solve when we have concerns about any of our cases. 3. We appreciate your offer to work with us on follow-up activities to continue our discussions and build a stronger system for helping students. These activities include: Cross agency training to share best practices and procedures Developing working relationships with the elementary schools and the DCF early intervention team, and the middle and high schools with the DCF adolescent outreach team Setting up ongoing roundtable discussions with key DCF and school staff to strategize how to best support and work with students and families Continued communication between the Commissioner and the Superintendent to ensure continued progress

Always More to Learn. Always Striving to Improve.

It is the policy of the Northbridge Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or homelessness in its educational programs, services, activities, or employment.

I thank you again for your time, and for all your efforts on behalf of children. I look forward to working with you and your department in the future. Sincerely,

Dr. Nancy Spitulnik, Superintendent Cc: Representative George Peterson Senator Richard Moore Senator Michael Moore Representative Robert DeLeo Senator Therese Murray Governor Deval Patrick

Always More to Learn. Always Striving to Improve.

It is the policy of the Northbridge Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or homelessness in its educational programs, services, activities, or employment.