Superintendent's Weekly Memo - December 13, 2024

Dec 13 2024 4:55 PM

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent

Dear Mustang Families,

Earlier this week, the Medford School Committee announced current Assistant Superintendent for Academics and Instruction Dr. Suzanne Galusi as the new Interim Superintendent, effective January 18, 2025. Dr. Galusi, an experienced educator and administrator, has always strived to elevate the student experience. I look forward to helping and supporting her during this transition period. Visit Here for the full announcement.

As we look ahead to the upcoming Winter Break, the time off allows us all a welcome opportunity to create memorable moments with our families and friends. Whether you are traveling to visit family or relaxing by the fireplace this holiday season, I hope you use this time to recharge and reflect on the year at large.

Our First Grade students at the Missituk Elementary School were in the festive spirit this morning while celebrating Deck the Desks! Students used donated holiday decorative items such as wrapping paper, adornments, bows, and more to decorate their desks ahead of the Winter Break. The spirit-filled activity served as a thoughtful lesson on traditions and customs for the students.

There will be a half day next Friday, December 20, across all of MPS to begin the holiday vacation. Medford Public Schools will be closed for all students and teachers beginning on Monday, December 23, and will reopen on Thursday, January 2.

Today’s Memo includes:

Kindergarten Registration To Open January 2
Winter Athletics Orientation Recap
Final Weekend For Band PTO Holiday Sale
Job Openings
Upcoming Events

Kindergarten Registration to Open January 2

In case you were not aware, Kindergarten registration will begin on Thursday, January 2! This is the earliest Kindergarten registration has ever opened as we eagerly anticipate welcoming future students to Mustang Nation.

Students who turn 5 years old before September 1 are eligible to enroll in Kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year. For those who are interested in learning about the process, please see the new, dedicated Kindergarten registration webpage on our website by Visiting Here.

Building Bridges to Kindergarten, the annual presentations where parents are invited to learn more about Kindergarten in Medford Public Schools and answer any questions they may have, will be held January 15 at Medford High School, February 25 on Zoom, and March 27 at the McGlynn Elementary School. All sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Winter Athletics Orientation Recap

After a historic and successful fall sports season that culminated in a big Thanksgiving football win over Malden, let’s keep the momentum going by cheering on our Mustang winter sports student-athletes! Many of our teams have already begun competing, and you can Visit Here to see the winter sports calendar.

Earlier this week, our athletic department hosted their winter parent orientation session. Thank you to all who attended. In case you missed the event, the presentation can be Viewed Here.

Final Weekend For Band PTO Holiday Sale

Congratulations to all our Grade 6-12 band and orchestra students who performed this week at their winter showcases! Our band students wowed audiences with their holiday spirit and beautiful symphony on Wednesday night, while our orchestra students impressed onlookers on Thursday. Special thank you to Mr. Hester’s team of Film & Video Production students for capturing last night’s orchestra performance.

As a reminder, this weekend is the final time this year the Medford Band Parent Organization will hold their 10th Annual Christmas Tree and Holiday Wreath Sale. The Christmas trees and holiday wreaths have been selling as frequently as ever, and for good reason!

The fundraiser will be held this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Medford High School Parking lot (while supplies last).

Job Openings

Featured Opening: Data Analyst

The Medford Public Schools is searching for a qualified candidate to join the district as a Data Analyst. The Data Analyst will manage the accurate and timely update of school data for state reporting in conjunction with district and DESE guidelines. Visit Here to Apply.

Visit Here to browse more available jobs across the district or at the links below.

Upcoming Events

Athletics News & Upcoming Events
Dec. 13: Winter Coffee House, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Bistro 489
Dec. 16: Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee, 6 p.m. at City Hall
Dec. 20: Early Release Day for All Students (Middle Schools release at 11:30 a.m., all other schools release at 12:00 p.m.)
Dec. 21: Winter Solstice-Yule (Ends Jan. 1)
Dec. 23: Winter Break Begins - No School
Dec. 25: Christmas Day
Dec. 25: Hanukkah Begins (Ends Jan. 2)
Dec. 26: Kwanzaa Begins (Ends Jan. 1)
Dec. 31: New Years Eve
Jan. 1: New Year's Day, Last Day of Winter Break
Jan. 2: Schools Reopen