Dear Parent(s), Guardian(s), and Caregiver(s),
Welcome back! It was wonderful to see our students return to school today and to feel the energy and excitement that comes with the start of a new school year.
I had the opportunity to visit our schools and see students reconnecting with friends, meeting their teachers, settling into classrooms, and beginning another year of learning. Thank you to our faculty and staff for all of the preparation that went into making today a positive start for our students.
The first day is always a reminder of what makes our schools such special places: our students, our educators, and the families who support them. Thank you for your continued partnership. I look forward to seeing you at our schools and events throughout the year.
Respectfully,
Gregory L. Martineau
Superintendent of Schools
School Safety: 10 Things You Need to Know
As we begin the 2026-2027 school year, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain among the District’s highest priorities. School safety requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, preparedness, communication, secure facilities, and strong partnerships with our families and public safety officials. Most importantly, keeping our schools safe is a shared responsibility. Here are 10 things every member of our school community should know as we begin the year.
Safety is a shared responsibility. Students, families, faculty, staff, administrators, mental health and wellness professionals, and our public safety partners all play an important role in keeping our schools safe.
The District will test its emergency communication system on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Parents, guardians, and caregivers should receive a communication test notification by phone, text, and email. The message will clearly indicate that it is a test and that no action is required.
Check your emergency contact information in PowerSchool. Please make sure your phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contacts are accurate and up to date so the District can reach you when needed.
If you see something, say something. Do not assume someone else has reported a concerning comment, behavior, social media post, threat, or other warning sign. You do not need to determine whether a concern represents a threat before reporting it. When in doubt, share the concern and allow the appropriate professionals to assess it. Reporting a Concern website.
Say Something provides an anonymous way to report concerns. Students and community members can use the District’s Say Something reporting system, download the smartphone app, or call the 24-hour hotline at 1-844-572-9669. Additional information and reporting options are available on the District’s Say Something webpage.
Students are taught how to recognize and report warning signs. Through our partnership with Sandy Hook Promise, middle and high school students learn to recognize concerning behaviors and warning signs, particularly those that may appear online or on social media, and how to seek help from a trusted adult.
Students and staff practice emergency procedures. Schools conduct required fire and emergency drills throughout the year. The District also uses ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocols as part of its emergency preparedness efforts. The goal is to ensure that students and adults are familiar with procedures and know how to respond in an emergency.
The District works closely with local first responders. The Northborough and Southborough Police and Fire Departments are important partners in reviewing procedures, conducting drills, planning for emergencies, and supporting our schools.
The District maintains security protocols for visitors and employees. All visitors are required to identify themselves, report to the main office, sign in, and wear a school-issued visitor badge while in the building. District employees also undergo required background screenings, including CORI, SAFIS fingerprinting, and SORI checks.
Safety includes physical and emotional well-being. Maintaining schools where students feel safe, supported, and connected is an essential part of our approach to school safety. Bullying, harassment, threats, concerning behavior, and other safety issues should be reported. Our educators, counselors, mental health and wellness professionals, administrators, and families all play an important role in identifying and supporting students who may need help.
As we begin the year, I ask every family to take three steps: review your emergency information in PowerSchool, ensure you receive the September 23, 2026, emergency communication test, and report anything that raises concern. If you see or hear something concerning, say something. If you are unsure how to report a concern, please visit the District’s Reporting a Concern webpage.
Keeping our schools safe takes all of us.
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