Superintendent's Weekly Memo - October 11, 2024

Dear Mustang Families,

The most fulfilling aspect of being in education is seeing our students succeed, grow, develop and create everlasting memories both inside and outside the classroom. This past week, our students have shined so brightly on their respective stages and in the community. 

Late last Friday, Senior Justin Marino broke a 52-year-old school record when he scored six touchdowns in a 48-12 win for our Mustangs. Our Mustang football team also won again last night, making it three straight victories. 

One day later, our Medford High School Marching Band took home a multitude of awards at their first competitive event of the year! Our Marching Band won overall NESBA competition awards for both the Best Visual Performance and the Best General Effect. They also finished in first place amongst schools in their division. Please read below for more student success stories across Medford this week!

Yom Kippur begins tonight at sunset. To our Jewish friends and community members, may this day of reflection and atonement bring you peace and clarity.

We are also thinking of all those affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. For information on how to help in recovery efforts, please Visit Here. 

As a reminder to all students, caregivers and staff, the Medford Public Schools will be closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day on Monday, Oct. 14. Students will also have a half-day on Wednesday, Oct. 16. 

Today’s Memo includes:

• Student Impact Felt In Our Community
• MHS Open House For Grade 8 & Transfer Students
• Mobile Farmers Market
• MCAS Scores Will Be Mailed Home
• Job Openings
• Upcoming Events 

Student Impact Felt In Medford Community 

 Thank you to all those who joined us at Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new, universally accessible playground at McGlynn Elementary! We couldn’t have asked for a better day to celebrate the new space for our students and community members. I’d also like to thank Wegman’s for donating the cake enjoyed by many at Tuesday’s ceremony. Visit Here to see photos from the event. 

In collaboration with Smiles by Rosie, this past Wednesday we held a Flu and Covid vaccine clinic at MHS for all students and staff. Thank you to our Health Assisting CTE students and staff members for their help in supporting the program. Flu and Covid vaccine clinics are scheduled for Wednesdays at each of our schools through early November.

Later that afternoon, some of our National Art Honor Society members joined the grand opening of the city’s new Clippership Pop-Up Park! Students volunteered to paint the cement markers at the new temporary outdoor play area alongside other community members. Visit Here to see photos from the fun afternoon.

MCAS Results To Be Mailed To Families

Next week, student test results for last year’s Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) will be mailed to families. Caregivers with current Grade 4-10 students should expect to receive these results in the mail within the next two weeks. If you do not receive your student’s results within that time frame, please contact your school’s front office. Visit Here for more information and resources for caregivers regarding the MCAS test.

MHS Open House for Class of 2029

Grade 8 and Transfer students and families are invited to attend the Medford High School Open House on Thursday, October 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Students can meet building teachers, administrators and current students to learn what it’s like to be a Medford High School Mustang! Attendees will also have opportunities to receive further information about our vocational shops, athletics and extracurricular programs.

Mobile Farmer’s Markets To Be Held Throughout October

On Tuesdays throughout October, we will have farmers markets rotate through all our elementary schools during dismissal hours. Our first farmers market was held this week at the Brooks Elementary School, and next week the mobile market will be visiting the Roberts Elementary School. 

Fresh, locally grown produce will be available for purchase, including apples, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and much more. Thank you to MPS Food Services Director Retta Smith for her work towards creating this fantastic and community-wide initiative! Visit Here for more information. 

Job Openings

Come work with us! We have a variety of job openings across the district. Apply now!

• Building Monitor
• Classroom Teachers
• Classroom Paraprofessionals
• Daily Substitute Positions
• Evaluation Team Leader
• Long-Term Substitute Science Teacher (MHS) 
• Substitute Building Monitor
• Student Support Services Positions

Upcoming Events

• Athletics News & Upcoming Events
• Oct. 11: Beginning of Yom Kippur
• Oct. 14: No School, Indigenous People’s Day/Columbus Day
• Oct. 15: Mobile Farmers Market, 2:30-3 p.m. at Roberts Elementary School
• Oct. 16: Early Release Day for All Students (11:30 a.m. for Middle Schools, 12 p.m. for all other Schools)
• Oct. 19: Sarah Bradlee Fulton Day, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Salem Street Burying Ground
• Oct. 19: Friends of the MFN Gala, 6-10 p.m. at The Elks
• Oct 19: Harvest Your Energy Festival, 12-3 p.m. at the McGlynn Middle School
• Oct 21: Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee
• Oct. 23: College Information Session for Students with IEP’s & 504 Accommodation Plans, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at MHS
• Oct: 24: Grade 8 & Transfer Student Open House, 6-7:30 p.m. at Medford High School
• Oct. 26: Pumpkin Float & Lantern Walk, 6-8:30 p.m. at Wright’s Pond

Yours in Partnership for Children, 

 

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent