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Student Services & Special Education

Welcome

Dear Newton Families,

Welcome to the new school year! I hope your summer was restful and joyful, filled with moments of connection and renewal.

This year, our work in the Office of Student Services is guided by the district’s Portrait of a Learner and Strategic Plan. These help us stay focused on what matters most: making sure every student feels a sense of belonging, develops purpose, and thrives in school so they can make meaningful contributions beyond it.

Our vision remains rooted in three commitments:

  • All Students Are Known and Valued: Every child’s strengths, voice, and identity matter. Belonging is the foundation for growth.
     
  • Access to Grade-Level Curriculum (and Beyond): With the right supports and accommodations, all students can excel.
     
  • Individualized Supports: Every student’s journey is unique, and we provide academic, social-emotional, and mental health supports tailored to their needs.
     

We are fortunate in Newton to have robust services in special education, guidance, and counseling, all designed to open doors for students and give them the tools to grow into resilient, empathetic, and self-aware learners.

Staff Transitions

This year also brings meaningful transitions within the Office of Student Services. Some staff have chosen to stay in the district and take on new roles because Newton is such a strong place to grow professionally. Others have pursued opportunities beyond Newton to broaden their experiences. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of all who have served here, and we celebrate both their dedication and their new journeys.

At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome new leaders whose energy and expertise will strengthen our work moving forward:

  • Dianne Lochhead – Interim Elementary Special Education Director
  • Lindsey Mueller – Interim Assistant Director for Elementary Special Education
  • MaryBeth Kinkead - Assistant Director for Elementary Special Education
  • Assistant Principals for Student Services: Jordanna L'Esperance (Bigelow - Interim), Nadine Clifford (Day), and Mike Thurm (Oak Hill)
  • Lisa Goldthwaite-Wright – Coordinator for Community Connections & Transition Services
  • Sarah Ladner-Apollo – Director, Central High School
  • Sophia Brion-Meisels – Coordinator for Secondary SEL and Mental Health (new position)
  • Maura Tynes – Special Education Department Head, Newton North
  • Katie Lindley & Jenny Kang – Assistant Department Heads, Newton North

If one of these leaders is part of your child’s school community, I encourage you to get to know them. They bring tremendous dedication to our students, and I am excited for the impact they will have.

Beyond Belonging: Dignity

This year, we are putting an even stronger focus on belonging. As the former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has reminded us, our country faces an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. His message is clear: the best way to address this challenge is through social connections.

Schools are uniquely powerful places for building these connections. It is here that children form authentic friendships, discover mentors, and learn what it means to belong to a community. That sense of connection is not an “extra”—it is essential for student growth, well-being, and learning.

To support this, our central team worked with principals and educators this summer in a training on dignity in schools—reflecting on how dignity shapes relationships, school culture, and student learning. Principals left with strategies to ensure that students feel respected, safe, and connected every day.

We will also continue our work to dismantle ableism and ensure that our practices are inclusive of all students, including those with disabilities. With support from the Disability Advisory Group (DAG) and SEPAC, we will keep building resources and conversations that strengthen our collective learning.

Partnership with Families

Families are essential partners in this work. Your support at home and in school helps students feel connected and ready to learn. I also encourage you to connect with SEPAC, a strong network of caregivers who share information, resources, and advocacy.

I look forward to a year filled with growth, purpose, and connection for all of our students. Together, we can ensure that every child in Newton feels a deep sense of belonging and is inspired to share their unique gifts with our community.

With gratitude,
Casey Ngo-Miller