Dartmouth Public Schools Superintendent Bonny Gifford won’t be worrying about social and emotional health, student access to the curriculum, or any science-tech-engineering-math (STEM) hat tricks on the first day of school. She and her team have been consistently working to strengthen all of the above at Dartmouth’s six public schools. The first day of school on September 1, she said, is all about showing support.

“I can’t get around to everyone to say ‘hello,’ but we go to every school and we all rotate around to show we’re in this together,” said Gifford, motioning circles around the administrative office on Bush Street.

With a year under her belt, Gifford’s three-year strategic plan is starting to take shape. She’s made about 40 hires this year to help her out, including a new principal and two full-time technology instructors.

Dartmouth native Kyle Grandfield recently started as principal of Quinn Elementary. While Grandfield said the K-5 school already has strong systems in place, he is excited to welcome new elements.

This year, every classroom teacher will have a Smartboard, said Grandfield. The souped-up whiteboard is equipped with touchscreen and internet, and will be used for student engagement, he said.

DeMello Elementary Principal Cathy Maccini is excited for a more tech-infused curriculum as well. She is welcoming a full-time technology instructor that she’ll share with neighboring Cushman Elementary; Potter Elementary will receive a full-time instructor as well.

“Kids need to be able to research, inquire, ask questions, find things out, and be more creative,” said Gifford, and increasing access to technology is how she plans on making that happen.

Gifford said that the role of schools has changed in that, teachers don’t need to provide facts anymore, so much as show kids what to do with the information.

“It’s not ‘let’s write a report,’” said Gifford. Students now have the ability to present information with a podcast or video, she said. Dartmouth High will be receiving new equipment for its video class this year, and the middle school already has access to a green screen, said Gifford.

“It’s really important for all kids across the district to have the same opportunities,” she said.

Gifford is encouraging parents to be tech-savvy as well. Families can follow Gifford on Twitter for school news. Dartmouth High Principal Dr. John Gould can also be reached via Twitter, @DHSPrincipal555.

“The more we can communicate, the more positive the perception of the school,” said Gifford.

Part of Gifford’s strategic plan includes updating the Public Schools website and social media pages more regularly for increased community engagement. “They love our Facebook page now,” said Gifford.

Alongside technology boosts, Gifford said the school system is also taking on some 21st century challenges.

Gifford listed bullying as an example of something schools must combat, but said it’s really a community problem. “It’s morals. It’s culture. Where does the community own it?” asked Gifford.

The Healthy Dartmouth initiative—in which the police and town officials work to educate the community on substance abuse and prevention—is just one example of community involvement that Gifford said is necessary to avoid overloading the curriculum.

Schools are also taking proactive measures to address students’ well-being. “If you don’t have healthy kids, they can’t attend to anything else,” said Gifford.

Teachers’ training now includes learning to recognize setbacks such as anxiety, stress, and depression, and regulate students’ emotions, said Maccini.

“It’s always been known the stress kids have been under,” said Gifford. “I’ll put social/emotional learning ahead of standardized testing any day,” she said.

But on September 1, Gifford won’t have to worry about any of that.

“The first day is about visiting and being present,” said Gifford.