From the Principal: 2025 School of Recognition

10/2/2025 9:00 pm

Dear Dallin Families,

 

It is with great pride that I share some incredible news this fall. Dallin Elementary School has been named a 2025 Massachusetts School of Recognition by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This distinction is given to a small number of schools across the Commonwealth that demonstrate exceptional progress toward state accountability targets. Out of approximately 1,750 public schools in Massachusetts, only 55 were recognized this year, and just 35 of those were elementary schools. Dallin stands proudly among them.

 

This recognition is grounded in our school's remarkable academic growth and achievement during the 2024–2025 school year. We are pleased to report that Dallin has surpassed pre-pandemic performance levels in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science across all students, including all measurable focal groups. These results reflect not only the hard work of our students but also the deep professionalism and commitment of our teachers during a year-long implementation of new ELA curriculum.

 

Our accountability report shows that Dallin students made significant gains across the board:

  • The median student growth percentile (SGP) in mathematics was 63.4 for all students and an impressive 71.8 for our lowest-performing students from 2024, both far exceeding the state’s definition of typical growth.
  • In English Language Arts, students achieved a median SGP of 58.1, with our high-needs group posting a median SGP of 59.3, indicating high growth and sustained progress.
  • Students with disabilities exceeded expected growth in both ELA and math, with SGPs of 58.5 and 62.2, respectively.
  • Eighty-one percent of fifth-grade students met or exceeded expectations in science, an increase of over 20 percentage points from 2024, with 34 percent of students exceeding the benchmark.

In addition to these academic indicators, our students' voices continue to play a central role in how we define success. This spring, Dallin students completed the annual statewide Views of Climate and Learning (VOCAL) survey, where they reported high levels of connectedness, respect, and engagement with their teachers and peers. These results affirm that academic success and social-emotional well-being go hand in hand, and that a thriving school community depends on both.

 

We also saw meaningful reductions in chronic absenteeism, further evidence that our students are eager to be at school and feel a strong sense of belonging.

 

As principal, I could not be prouder of our students, our staff, and this community. These results did not happen by chance. They are the outcome of intentional teaching, thoughtful collaboration, and a shared commitment to the whole child. I want to recognize our teachers, support staff, specialists, and leadership team for their hard work throughout this year, and I want to thank you—our families—for your continued partnership and belief in the importance of a strong public education.

 

If you would like to explore our MCAS outcomes and full accountability report, you can find that information on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s public school dashboard: Cyrus E Dallin - 2025 School Profile.

 

As a public school, there are no incentive bonuses tied to this kind of achievement - but the impact of our teachers and staff is undeniable. A kind note, a card from your child, or a small token of appreciation goes a long way in acknowledging the time, care, and expertise that made this possible. We also are thinking about meaningful ways to recognize this accomplishment with our students and staff in the weeks ahead. If you have ideas or suggestions, please reach out to me, Mrs. Karustis, or a member of our PTO team. Contact information can be found on the Dallin School website or the Dallin PTO website.

 

Let’s celebrate this moment together and use it as momentum for the important work ahead this year. 

 

In partnership,

 

Thad