Welcome Letter from Dr. Karen Shmukler, Deputy Superintendent for the Office of Student Services

Dear Public Schools of Brookline Families, 

Welcome to the start of the 2026-2027 school year! Whether your family is returning to Brookline or joining our district for the very first time, we are thrilled to welcome you into our school community.

This year, our theme in Student Services is Belonging by Design.

We believe that every child deserves to attend a school where they feel completely seen, valued, and supported for who they are. In Zulu culture, there is a meaningful greeting, Sawubona, which translates to "We see you." It conveys a simple yet essential truth: we thrive when our unique humanity is recognized and cherished by the community around us.

Designing for belonging means we are taking intentional steps across our classrooms and programming to ensure every child has what they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It means creating inclusive learning environments, nurturing deep relationships, and partnering closely with you, our families, to create spaces where all students feel they truly belong.

Our schools are at their best when they reflect the rich diversity, care, and collaboration of our entire Brookline community. We are deeply committed to seeing, supporting, and celebrating your children every single day.

Thank you for your partnership, trust, and shared commitment to our students. We look forward to a wonderful, transformative school year ahead.

Warmly,

Karen

Karen Shmukler

Deputy Superintendent of Student Services

Public Schools of Brookline

August 31, 2026

 

Office of Student Services

The Office of Student Services provides a broad spectrum of specialized services to meet the needs of students across the district, including:

Special Education

Within Special Education, students receive academic and therapeutic interventions from preschool through completion of secondary education, or until transition to adult services. For additional resources and a more comprehensive understanding of services, visit the Special Education webpage.

Student Health

Student Health services are provided through an array of supports, including nurses in each school and a consulting school physician. Psychological services are also available to meet students’ assessment and mental health needs. Visit the Student Health Services webpage.

School Counseling and Mental Health

The Public Schools of Brookline Counseling and Clinical Services provides a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes the academic, college and career, and social-emotional growth of all students in grades PreK–12. Counselors advocate for equity, access, and success for every student by collaborating with faculty, families, and the community.

The program is committed to ensuring that students develop the knowledge and skills needed to be effective and responsible citizens, productive workers, and lifelong learners in a changing society. Visit the Counseling and Clinical Services webpage.