Dedham Schools To See Student Body Growth, Positive Trends: Supt.

DEDHAM, MA — Superintendent Michael Welch shared the latest successes and efforts underway to continue building the strength of the Dedham school district, in his annual State of the Schools address to the Dedham School Committee on Wednesday evening.

In his address, Welch highlighted the success of the district’s focus on building a strong, progressive early childhood education program, the growth trends showing anticipated record class sizes, the district’s investments in expanding fine arts in the schools, the success of a continuum of special education programs in reducing out-of-district placements, and the strategic, forward-looking efforts for facilities and campus circulation planning.

This was the first State of the Schools address since Dedham Public Schools opened the state-of-the-art Early Childhood Education Center last February.

"Our investment in free, full-day kindergarten and evidence based curriculum for our pre-K students is where we believe the greatest future gains in student learning will be achieved," Welch said, "Our new ECEC is the gateway to the Dedham Public School district and is the envy of districts across the state.”

Citing the current class size growth trends, with an increase of 55 students over the last two years, Welch noted that the current kindergarten class this year is the largest class in the last 18 years. The district is looking for ways to ensure that plans and decisions, including facilities, budgeting and programming are taking a long-range view to ensure continued consistency and momentum.

This year marked the first year that elementary students in 4th and 5th grade were offered the chance for in-school, instrumental music classes across the district. The new program is part of the district’s focus on expanding and rededicating efforts towards fine and performing arts in the schools. Over 160 elementary students are taking instrumental music classes this year during the school day, an increase of more than 100 students.

Welch also highlighted the successful Fall student performances, as well as the four Dedham High School students who were selected to perform at the Eastern MA District music festival in January.

"Our hope is that by building the availability of music, chorus and the arts at the youngest levels our students will continue to explore these opportunities throughout their school career, helping build our program for years to come,” noted Welch.

A positive trend for the district, the lower rates of out-of-district student placement for special needs, played a particularly positive role in the presentation. The increasingly lower out-of-district rates, now at 44 students down from 74 a decade ago, highlight the growing success of the district’s efforts to enhance and build a strong special education program.

Welch outlined the program format, which builds on a continuum of programs offering consistent support from kindergarten to students up to age 22. Welch particularly called out the success of the new Lifestart program aimed at 18-22 year olds.

"LifeStart provides individualized attention and connections with community partners to give our older students a supportive transition into adult life within Dedham," welch said, "Our dedicated staff has benefited greatly from the town’s generosity and commitment to all students’ success.”

With respect to ongoing district priority projects, Welch noted two efforts begun over the last year, which are both coming to critical decision points. The Facilities Master Plan project has been researching and collecting community input looking at ways to optimally pursue new elementary school facilities, with three schools - Riverdale, Greenlodge and Oakdale - all facing significant rehabilitation needs.

Welch thanked the community and parents for their participation and input. The district plans to submit a Statement of Interest letter to the state this spring. Welch also highlighted the Feb. 4th meeting to discuss potential traffic circulation improvement options, in response to safety concerns for students and staff within the Avery, DMS and DHS campus area.

“Our goal with both of these projects is to ensure we are making decisions that are meeting the needs of our current students - whether it is for safety or learning," Welch said, "And also that we are looking ahead to anticipate the needs of our students years down the road.”