Superintendent's Weekly Memo - August 23, 2024

Dear Mustang Families, 

The moment has finally arrived. School starts next week. We’ve spent the summer fine-tuning curricula, waxing our floors, and hiring new staff members ahead of the new school year. We are excited to welcome all teachers and staff on Monday morning. We are even more excited to welcome students back into our classrooms on Tuesday, Aug. 27, which begins the 2024/25 school year.

This past week, we got a glimpse of students returning to schools during the Grade 6 & Grade 9 orientation sessions! It was such a delight to see them reconnecting with their classmates while getting to know the layout of their new schools. We know the transition to learning new school surroundings can be a challenge for students during the first few days, but they will not be alone. All staff members are eager to assist students to their desired destination.

We also hosted all our new educators this week as they gathered for our MPS New Educator Induction Week! With over 40 new teachers to the district, the week served as a tremendous opportunity for our new staff members to learn more about the community, begin to set up their classrooms and collaborate amongst each other. Their infectious energy instilled us with more excitement for the start of the school, and I’d like to once again welcome them to Medford.

With school starting in less than two weeks, I gently encourage all caregivers to restart a “school sleep schedule” this weekend to make it easier for your child to wake up early for school. As a reminder, Tuesday, Aug. 27, is the First Day of School for Students in Grades 1–12 and our Project Transition Program. Our Medford Early Education Program begins on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Kindergarten begins on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Arrival & Dismissal times for the 2024–25 school year can be found on the district website.

If you have any questions about the start of school, you can always contact your child’s school or the district registration office.

Today’s Memo includes:

• MHS Celebrates Class of 2024 Summer Graduates
• School Meals
• Transportation Services
• Health Services
• Job Openings in Medford Public Schools
• Upcoming Events

MHS Celebrates Class of 2024 Summer Graduates

Congratulations to Medford High School students Esperanza Anya Sudipa Pagan-Chaudhuri, Mahmoud Mohammad Yousef Suleiman and Ramon David Strickland for graduating as proud members of the Medford High School Class of 2024! This momentous achievement is a proud reflection of your perseverance, commitment, and academic performance.

Our graduates were surrounded by family, friends, elected officials, MPS administrators and MHS staff in a graduation ceremony held at Medford High School on Thursday afternoon.

Congratulations to our newest members of the Class of 2024! You are officially Mustang alumni!

School Meals

Medford Public Schools will once again be offering free school breakfast and lunch meals for all students this school year. Visit Here for the August and September menus. Ahead of the new school year, please see the bullet points below to ensure a smooth back-to-school experience.

• Students will need their 'lunch numbers' in order to get meals. (This is their LASID - families can find this information in School Brains)
• Each student can receive one breakfast and one lunch free of charge. Additional meals are available for purchase. Payments may still be made via check (preferred) or cash submitted to cafeteria personnel in the schools. You can also sign up for an account at family.schoolcafe.com to manage student meal accounts online.

Contact meals@medford.k12.ma.us with any feedback or questions.

Transportation Services

Ahead of the first day of school next Tuesday for Grades 1-12, please visit your school’s website for information on bus transportation eligibility for the 2024/25 school year if you have not yet done so.

Visit Here for current Medford Public Schools Bus Routes. If you have any questions about school transportation, please email transportation@medford.k12.ma.us.

Health Services

Please visit our Health Services webpage on important information and reminders as we approach the start of school.

Job Openings

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

UPCOMING EVENTS!

• Aug. 26: First Day of School for Staff
• Aug. 26: Fall Athletics Orientation, 6 - 7 p.m. at MHS
• Aug. 27: First Day of School for Students! (Grades 1-12 and Project Transition Program)
• Aug. 29: Kindergarten Mini Day
• 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

Yours In Partnership For Children,

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent