On October 1, nearly 100 leaders in the MA DESE Wraparound Zone initiative came together in Worcester to discuss utilizing district “systems of support” to grow wraparound zone strategies over the next two years. Andy Beck (from SMI) and Rebecca Shor from the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education opened the meeting with a focus on how wraparound zone ideas and efforts can integrated into the way schools do businesses. They were joined by Secretary of Education, Paul Reville, who spoke to the critical need to address the social/emotional needs our students have if we hope to ensure that all of our children reach proficiency and are prepared for the 21st century workforce. Educators and community partners from around the state shared what success in WAZ could look like and how leadership can support district systems this year and next. There were seven district presentations, which focused on a particular "district system" emerging locally. Go to www.masswaz.org for more information about wraparound zone efforts in MA.