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Dedham Public Schools

District Curriculum Night

A graphic with the text "DISTRICT CURRICULUM NIGHT" on a chalkboard-style background.

September 10, 2026

Dedham Middle School

Doors Open at 5:45PM

Session I:  6:30 – 7:00PM

Session II: 7:10 – 7:40PM

Guest Speaker: 7:45 – 8:45PM

 

 

What Is District Curriculum Night?

A teacher stands in front of a bright, sunlit classroom while adults sit at desks.

District Curriculum Night is a single night event designed to help families learn more about what and how students are learning at Dedham Public Schools.  With over 25+ presentations, parents and guardians can meet with school leaders and classroom educators to learn, ask and get ideas that will help support their student’s success throughout the school year.   Two 30-minute sessions are planned, and all presentations will be offered in each session.   

Presentation topics will cover grade-level overviews for K-5, as well as introductions to new curriculum programs, districtwide inititatives and student support opportunities.   

Community organizations and meet & greet space will be in the lobby for all Curriculum Night visitors to explore.  New this year, we are also excited to welcome a guest speaker from the Boston Children’s Hospital Digital Wellness Lab.

Advance registration is not required.  Come for one session or stay for the whole event!  

Our DPS LEAP team will be hosting a K-5 Movie Night during the event for Dedham students. 

 

Parenting in the Age of Interactive Media: Raising Healthy, Smart, Kind Children in a Screen-Saturated World

Join Guest Speaker Kaitlin Tiches from Boston Children’s Digital Wellness Lab for an engaging and practical conversation about raising children in today’s digital world. This session will explore developmentally appropriate media use, how to recognize signs of problematic media behaviors, and practical strategies families can use to help children develop healthy, balanced relationships with screens and interactive media.

About Katilin Tiches

About the Boston Children’s Digital Wellness Lab

The official logo for the Boston Children's Digital Wellness Lab featuring a circular icon and blue text.

A blue background features a light blue speech bubble with a white hashtag and a pink speech bubble with a white heart.

 

In The Lobby

Plan to stop by one of the many information tables in the DMS Lobby as Curriculum Night gets started.   

Doors open at 5:45pm and the first session starts at 6:30pm.   

Special Educ­ation Parent Advisory Counsel

English Learners Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC)

Serene Way

Innov­ation Career Pathways and Internships

Simplifying Our Systems

Get help, tips and tricks for making the most of the technology systems that our students, staff and families use all year long: PowerSchool, Clever, and ParentSquare

The Art of a Learner

Title I Services

Principal Kim Hermesch, who has successfully been leading the Oakdale Elementary school here in Dedham for the last 7 years, has joined Avery Elementary as our newest Principal.

Principal Hermesch is a passionate leader who has made student inclusion and school community core tenets of her leadership practice. Her background as a general education teacher, and special educator and an inclusion facilitator ensures that she can help bring supportive and positive momentum to the students and school. Furthermore, her dedication to the District, and years of experience as a Principal in Dedham, will help create the stability that was most referenced as a priority by families and staff.

If you have ever met Principal Hermesch at a District event, or seen some of her many photos from Oakdale on our Distrtic social feed, you will share our excitement at the chance to bring her energy, enthusiasm and passion for being part of her students’ journey to Avery. In her own words, “the most valuable lesson I have learned as an educator is that students need to feel like they belong in order to do their best. I hope every student I work with feels valued and seen by me. “

Please welcome Principal Hermesch to Avery! 

Skolle Charles will be joining Dedham Public Schools as our new Director of Comprehensive Student Wellness!

Skolle comes to Dedham from Randolph High School, where he most recently served as a Health, Wellness, and Physical Education teacher. In this role, he led student wellness programming, contributed to district-wide health initiatives, and supported efforts to strengthen and align health and physical education curriculum and instructional practices. Prior to his work in Randolph, Skolle served as a Health teacher in Everett Public Schools, with a focus on student engagement, health literacy, and inclusive wellness experiences.

Throughout his career, Skolle has developed experience in health and physical education instruction, curriculum development, student wellness initiatives, and school improvement efforts focused on strengthening instructional quality and advancing student well-being.

Skolle holds a Bachelor’s degree from Salem State University, a Master’s degree in Health and Wellness Management from Merrimack College, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership from Salem State University.

Skolle is excited to become part of the Dedham community and looks forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and families to support student wellness, strengthen our existing initiatives, and contribute to the continued growth of our district.

Michael Maresca comes to Dedham from Dean S. Luce Elementary School in Canton, where he had been the Assistant Principal. Previously, he served as an elementary teacher at Florida Ruffin Ridley School in Brookline, and as a teacher at Chapel Street School in Stratford. He holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Fitchburg State University, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Quinnipiac University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Quinnipiac University.  Our search committee this past Spring was able to select from an incredible pool of talent and Mr. Maresca’s experience, combined with his data-driven, knowledgeable and student-focused approach to managing a school make him an ideal choice to assume the leadership role at Oakdale.

We are pleased to welcome Rhian Hill as our new ELA Department Chair!

Rhian brings over a decade of experience in English education across both Wales and Massachusetts, with a strong track record as a classroom teacher, curriculum developer, and instructional leader. She currently serves as an English teacher at Marshfield High School and as the district’s Mentor Program Coordinator, where she designed and implemented a comprehensive induction program supporting nearly 80 new educators through a robust network of over 120 mentors.

Throughout her career, Rhian has demonstrated a deep commitment to high-quality, engaging instruction and equitable access for all students. She has developed innovative curriculum, including a highly popular senior elective, and co-created a UDL-aligned summer reading program to support diverse learners. Her leadership experience also includes mentoring new teachers, serving on hiring and scheduling committees, and contributing to district initiatives such as NEASC accreditation.

 

Rhian holds advanced degrees in educational leadership and research and is licensed as both an English teacher and Supervisor/Director. She brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership, grounded in strong classroom practice and a clear focus on student success.

Dedham School Committee members will be in the DMS Lobby from 5:45 -6:45PM to answer questions and share the latest information from the Educational Model project.  The Educational Model will help Dedham determine what educational environments and configurations best support our students and our vision for teaching and learning. 

Presentation and reports can be viewed at the Educational Model Redevelopment page under Project Materials & Resources 

The Educational Model Redevelopment is intended to ensure that future decisions about Dedham’s schools are grounded in what matters most: providing students with strong educational opportunities and learning environments that support their success.

The Grade Configuration and School Facilities report is the first of two reports connected to the Educational Model Redevelopment. A second report focused on teaching and learning is expected to be presented on September 15, 2026.

Curriculum Night Presentation Details:

Learn more about the presentations, who will be presenting and for what grade-levels the presentation materials will be most relevant.

All presentations will be shared in both sessions.

 

Districtwide Topics

  • Presenter(s):  Ed Paris, Director of Curriculum and Professional Practice

    Relevant Grades:  Early Childhood (PK-2), Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)

    Starting in September 2026, all students in grades K-9 will be taking the NWEA MAP Growth assessment to help your student's team understand each student's strengths, as well as areas in which they need support.  Join Director of Curriculum and Professional Practice Ed Paris to learn about the assessment as well as how results will be reported home to families.

  • Presenter(s): Kevin Kaufman, Director of Digital Learning & Innovation

    Relevant Grades:  Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)

    Join us for a discussion about the implementaion of AI in Dedham Public Schools. The session will cover the progress we have made, the goals for this school year and how you can be involved.

  • Presenter(s): Dr. Ian Kelly, Deputy Superintendent

    Relevant Grades:  Early Childhood (PK-2), Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)

    School finance and budgeting are critical levers in the District’s efforts to enhance student learning opportunities and outcomes. This session will help families and caregivers develop a sound understanding of the school budgeting development and approval process. 

  • Presenter(s):  DMS Assistant Principal George Benzie and Dedham Police Officer Connolly

    Relevant Grades:  Middle School (6-8)

    Meet and Greet with Officer Connolly from DPD and Assistant Principal Benzie from DMS. Topics to be covered are ebikes and scooters laws and safety, social media use and helpful tips and tricks for Middle School students. 

  • Presenter(s):  Wendy Garland, Katie Dewitt, Ingrid Mayyasi

    Relevant Grades:  Early Childhood (PK-2), Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)

    Discover how our school libraries, at all grade levels, support student growth far beyond reading. Learn how they foster critical thinking, collaboration, and communication while nurturing perseverance, a learner’s mindset, and global citizenship—skills that prepare students to thrive in today’s interconnected world.

Curriculum Overviews

  • Presenter(s): Erika  Battaini and Aileen Newton

    Come join two of our Kindergarten educators to learn about the curriculum taught to our youngest learners and what a day in the life of a kindergartner looks like!

  • Presenter(s): Heather Finnerty and Heidi Graceffa

    Welcome to your new elementary school!  Come learn about the curriculum taught to our 1st-graders and what a day in the life of a student in grade 1 looks like!

  • Presenter(s): Nicole DiAntonio

    2nd-graders work hard from the time they get to school until the dismissal bell.  Come learn what they're doing all day - from what reading class looks like to what they'll be learning in math!

  • Presenter(s): Olivia Eastwood

    Halfway through elementary school already?!  The jump from 3rd to 4th grade can feel like a big one, but your student's teacher will help navigate them through the year.  Come learn about the curriculum your student will be learning and what they're goals will be for the year!

  • Presenter(s): Lauren Patts

    From multi-digit multiplication to squid dissection day, 4th grade is a great year for students!  Come learn about a day-in-the-life of a DPS 4th-grader, including the curriculum they'll be learning and the routines they'll be following!

  • Presenter(s): Audrey Bolinger

    It's your student's final year of elementary school...which can be exciting and bittersweet for students AND their families.  Come learn about the many things they'll be learning about, as well as special events our DPS 5th-graders experience before heading off to Dedham Middle School!

  • Presenter(s):  Kate Garand, Kristine Holloran

    Relevant Grades:  Middle School (6-8)

    This session will introduce families to the new math curriculum at the Middle School. Families will be able to see the routines and structures in the lessons and hear what makes these instructional materials "high quality." 

     

  • Presenter(s):  Amy Hill, Science Department Chair

    Relevant Grades:  Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)

    What Does Science Learning Look Like in Dedham? Explore how science learning in Dedham supports the district’s Portrait of a Learner. From real-world investigations to collaborative projects and applied experiences, see how students develop the skills needed for success beyond the classroom.

  • Presenter(s):  Ken Toomey

    Relevant Grades:  Early Childhood (K-2)

    Get the inside scoop on Reveal Math, our new inquiry-based math curriculum. This introductory session will demystify new teaching strategies and show you how to support your child’s learning journey at home.

  • Presenter(s):  Ethan Dolleman

    Relevant Grades:  Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)

    Parents will understand the Civic Action Project and see opportunities for them to help their students and the community.

  • Presenter(s):  Allison Kieffner, Michelle Canty

    Relevant Grades:  Early Childhood (PK-2)

    This session will provide an overview of literacy instruction in grades K-2. Participants will learn how reading skills are developed in the classroom using our literacy curriculum, Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), and how DIBELS data is used to guide targeted small group instruction. 

  • Presenter(s):  Sara Follen and Nina Mancinelli

    Relevant Grades:  Upper Elementary (3-5)

    This session will provide an overview of literacy instruction in grades 3-5. Participants will learn how reading skills are developed in the classroom through instruction using our literacy curriculum, Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), and how DIBELS data is used to guide targeted small-group instruction. 

Supporting Students

  • Presenter(s): Ali Lukoff, DPS School Psychologist

    Relevant Grades: Early Childhood (PK-2), Upper Elementary (3-5)

    Come learn about the process of identifying student strengths and needs that are in place PreK through Grade 5,  how student needs are being addressed so that they progress academically, socially, and emotionally, and new partnerships that DPS has established to support the whole child.

  • Presenter(s):  Dr. Sara Stetson, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

    Relevant Grades: Early Childhood (PK-2), Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)

    Our system of care supports the whole child by bringing together school staff, families, and community partners to address students’ mental and behavioral health needs. We use a tiered approach—providing strong supports for all students, additional help for some, and individualized services for those with more intensive needs. Our goal is to ensure every student feels a sense of belonging and has the support they need to learn and thrive.

  • Presenter(s): Dr. Ashley Dube, Director of Counseling and Clinical Services (PreK-12)

    Relevant Grades: Early Childhood (PK-2), Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)

    Building Calm and Confidence: Parenting Strategies to Support Regulation at Home will help support families by learning about symptoms of pediatric anxiety, tools for building positive interaction strategies at home, skills to support self-regulation, and ways to increase children's positive self-image. This will be an interactive session with videos and handouts for parents/caregivers.

  • Presenter(s):  Mai-Linh Cummings

    Relevant Grades:  Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)

    Practical strategies and curated book recommendations to help parents re-engage their teens with reading in a digital age. You will walk away with actionable tips to support adolescent literacy habits and a list tailored for Middle and High schoolers.

  • Presenter(s):  Ken Toomey

    Relevant Grades:  Early Childhood (PK-2), Upper Elementary (3-5)

    Are you interested in discovering new ways to support your child's literacy development? Join this session to learn some new engaging games, activities, and tips you can implement in your daily routine.        

Organizational Skills & Student Success

  • Presenter(s): Heather O'Toole

    Relevant Grades:  Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle School (6-8)

    Adding to the presentation routines to be established in upper elementary (4&5) to help support a more successful transition to middle school and help foster more independence and grit.

     

  • Presenter(s):  Julia Oettgen, Avery Assistant Principal

    Relevant Grades:  Upper Elementary (3-5)

    Caregivers will learn practical strategies to help their children in developing planning and organization skills. The session will focus on using routines, checklists and step-by-step approaches to support independence at home and with school tasks.

  • Presenter(s):  Principals Dana Bennett (Riverdale), Jenny McGowan (Greenlodge), Kristen Cannon (ECEC)

    Relevant Grades:  Early Childhood (PK-2), Upper Elementary (3-5)

    Is your child starting elementary school and you don't know what to expect?  How is it different from the ECEC, what should I expect? Come to this session with the ECEC principal and two elementary school principals to better understand the transition!

  • Presenter(s): DMS Principal Jenny Dolan & Meghan Armstrong

    Relevant Grades:  Middle School (6-8)

    Families will learn 2 strategies or apps to help support social media use and internet safety. families will also learn at least 2 additional opportunities to connect with other families.  

     

  • Presenter(s):  Alison Guifarro

    Relevant Grades:  Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)

    If your child can speak, read or write another language the Seal of Biliteracy is a wonderful opportunity for them to possibly earn the MA Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma and college credit.