Superintendent's Weekly Memo - August 29, 2024

Dear Mustang Families,

Welcome back! The 2024/25 school year has officially begun! 

It has been such a joy visiting all of our schools this week to kick off the new school year. We knew there would be lots of excitement in the air across the district ahead of the first day of school on Tuesday, and that energy has shined throughout. Our students have already participated in school assemblies, cooperated with mandated fire drills and shared their summer memories with new classmates. Meeting some of our kindergarten students and families at Kindergarten Mini Day on Thursday created even more enthusiasm in our school community.

I want to thank all students, families, teachers and staff for being patient and flexible during the start of the new year. 

In observance of Labor Day Weekend, there will be no school for all students on Friday, Aug. 30 and Monday, Sept. 2. Our Medford Early Education Program begins on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Kindergarten begins on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Elementary families using the yellow school buses should be aware that all students in Grades K-2 will receive a red bus tag that indicates their student’s initials, bus number and destination stop. This system helps us ensure that our youngest bus passengers reach their intended stop.

Today’s Memo includes:

• City Year Joins MPS
• Fall Sports Games Begin Next Week
• School Temperatures
• Stay Connected with MPS
• Job Openings in Medford Public Schools
• Upcoming Events

MPS Welcomes City Year for 2024/25 School Year

One of our exciting new developments for this school year is the addition of City Year teams to the Missituk Elementary School and the McGlynn Elementary & Middle Schools! City Year is a non-profit organization that connects students with young adults to support their social and emotional learning.

City Year Americorps members will work in the classroom alongside students and teachers during the entire 2024/25 school year. These young men and women will be terrific partners in enhancing our school community and fostering a sense of belonging amongst our students (while also experiencing professional development themselves). We look forward to seeing the effects of this rewarding partnership throughout the year!  

Fall Sports Games Begin Next Week

We’re relishing the opportunity to cheer on Mustang Nation! Many of our fall sports teams begin their season next week in what is shaping up to be another exciting year. Visit Here for the complete fall sports schedule that includes all of our middle school and high school teams. Let’s go Mustangs!

School Temperatures

Last year, Medford Public Schools adopted an excessive heat protocol to ensure our students and staff are safe during extreme heat. Over the past several days, we have been monitoring the temperatures and have made repairs to our HVAC systems. We are working with an owner’s project manager and an HVAC design firm to prepare replacement work at the Andrews and the McGlynn.  

Students are welcome to bring a refillable/reusable water bottle to school to use our water filling stations. In addition, we ask families to make sure students are dressed in loose, cool and breathable clothing, such as shorts and t-shirts. 

We actively monitor the temperatures and heat index to ensure that students and staff remain safe and healthy during the school day.

Stay Connected with MPS

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and updates from Medford Public Schools via Facebook, YouTube, and our website! You can also stay engaged with your child’s school via their website and their respective communication channels.

It’s also never been easier to engage in meetings held by the Medford School Committee, our School Subcommittees, or our High School Building Committee. These meetings can be viewed live on the Medford Public Schools YouTube channel or via Medford Community Media on your local cable channel (Comcast Channel 9, 8 or 22 and Verizon Channel 43, 45 or 47). All meetings are also recorded and available to be watched in full on our YouTube channel. 

Job Openings

Come work with us! Medford Public Schools has a variety of job openings across the district. Consider applying today!

Upcoming Events

We value inclusion and access for all participants and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations for all school activities and events. Please contact your school’s 504 Coordinator or Assistant Principal to make an accommodation request. Requests should be submitted at least 5 days before the event. 

• Aug. 30: No School
• Sept. 2: No School, Labor Day
• Sept. 3: MEEP Pre-School First Day
• Sept. 3: State Primary Election
• Sept. 4: First Day of Kindergarten Classes
• Sept. 9: Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee, 6:00 p.m.
• Sept. 10: School Curriculum Nights Begin
• Sept. 15: First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month

Yours in Partnership for Children, 

 

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent