Student Services Interim Director Outlines Goals for 2023-2024

By Carol Meyer
A program update for the new school year was recently outlined by Interim
Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Barbara Cataldo.

The director's role is to ensure that Hingham Public Schools' implementation of
the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks is accessible to all students.
To help achieve this goal, HPS has developed a comprehensive District
Curriculum Accommodation Plan that is used uniformly across all grades and
curriculum areas.

In describing the Student Services Entry Plan for 2023-2024, Cataldo explained
that in the past couple of months, she has had an opportunity to work directly with
school administration -- both Central Office and school-based -- which she said
provided her "with an excellent understanding of the Hingham Public Schools."

In addition, several teachers visited with Cataldo, sharing areas of success and
concerns about students and offering suggestions for ways to improve the
program.

"I have also worked closely with the senior leadership team to understand the
mission and vision and how the activities and curriculum match these essential
areas for the Hingham Public Schools," she said.

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council co-chairs shared their thoughts,
"providing an important parent perspective." Cataldo also plans to work with the
Special Education Sub-committee.
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The interim director identified "areas of need" that will receive attention during the
new school year. "They do not encompass every aspect of Student Services, but
they are most certainly part of the heart of our work in Hingham," she states in the
entry plan.