Superintendent's Weekly Memo - May 3, 2024

Dear Mustang Families, 

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you so much to our wonderful educators, across all grade levels, who make a powerful positive impact on the children of Medford. Medford’s teachers are dedicated to providing all students with the skills and support that they need to succeed and thrive. Also next week, Wednesday is National School Nurse Day. We’re very grateful for the compassion, professionalism and quality of care that our nurses exemplify. Medford’s school nurses were recently recognized by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America as champions for those diagnosed with food allergies and/or asthma.

May is Medford Public Schools Arts Month! We hope you will join us at these exciting events highlighting our talented artists, musicians and performers. From theatrical productions and musical concerts to art exhibitions, there is so much to do and see this month at all of our schools! We are also encouraging all community members and MPS students and staff to show your support for the Arts and your favorite artists, bands and musicians by wearing Art- or Music-Themed Tees on Fridays in May.

Happy Haitian Heritage Month! As the child of Haitian immigrants, I am very proud of the role that the Haitian community plays in Medford and around our state and country. Please check out some of the great events coming up to celebrate Haitian heritage this month.

Today’s Memo includes:

• Medford Middle Schoolers Work with Tufts Students on Arts & Engineering
• Italian Students Win First Place in La Giornata dell’Italiano
• Kindergarten Open Houses & MEEP Preschool Applications
• 2024 Summer Programs Open for Registration
• Job Openings in Medford Public Schools

Medford Middle Schoolers Work with Tufts Students on Arts & Engineering

Tufts University recently highlighted its partnership with the Andrews and McGlynn Middle Schools on a popular after school program! This twice-a-week program gives students the opportunity to work with undergraduate mentors on engineering projects (on Tuesdays) and art projects (on Thursdays).

We’re grateful to Tufts for partnering with Medford’s middle schools to create this program!

Italian Students Win First Place in La Giornata dell’Italiano

On Friday April 26th, Italian students from levels 4 CP, 4 honors, 5 CP and 5 AP participated in La Giornata dell’Italiano at Brandeis University sponsored by the Massachusetts Italian Teacher Association (MITA). Our students displayed ingenuity and creativity in performing an original, theatrical skit in Italiano, titled L'Alfabeto dell'ambiente - An ode in Italian to the preservation of our planet.

For their performance Medford won 1st place, followed by Lexington High School in 2nd, and Arlington Catholic High School in 3rd. Congratulations to all the students that took part this year and a special thanks to Prof. Monica Canetta, Dr. Vilma Bibeau, and Prof. Nicole Chalifoux for their dedication and enthusiasm.  Bravissimə tuttə!

Check out photos and some student comments on the event here.

Kindergarten Open Houses & MEEP Preschool Applications

Next Wednesday, May 8, Kindergarten open houses will be held at all four elementary schools! Parents, caregivers, families and students are welcome to attend these open houses from 1:00pm to 2:00pm to learn more about our kindergarten programs.

The Medford Early Education Program (MEEP) is an inclusive preschool program designed to serve students with and without disabilities. Applications are open for the 2024-2025 school year!

MEEP serves students ages 3 through 5 who are not yet eligible for kindergarten. There are up to 15 children in each class. Up to seven students in each class are students with disabilities, whose IEP Teams have placed them in that specific classroom. Up to eight students in each class are students without disabilities, who are placed through the application and lottery process.

For more information on the MEEP Program and the link to the online application including the available times and tuition costs, please visit the Medford Public Schools website.

2024 Summer Programs Open for Registration

The Medford Public Schools Performing Arts Department will once again offer a 2-week Jumpstart Music Campat Medford High School where students can get a jumpstart on their band and orchestra instruments! This program is ideal for beginner musicians and more experienced intermediate-level students. Camp will run during the weeks of August 5 and August 12 from 9:00am to 12:00pm, and is open to Medford Public School students entering grades 4-9. Students will present an End-of-Camp Showcase on August 16th at 11am, which is free and open to all family and friends! Get more information and sign up for Jumpstart Music Camp here!

Medford Community Schools is once again offering the popular Summer Fun Program for kids entering Grade 1through Grade 6. Students will participate in a wide variety of fun activities including sports, arts & crafts, movies, field trips, swimming, and more! Summer Fun holds 6 one-week-long sessions beginning July 1 and ending August 9. Complete your Summer Fun registration form today!

BAM! Summer Camps will offer weekly camp programs in June, July and August located at the Andrews Middle School for students in grades K to 8. Their programs blend sports, STEM and the arts. Program options and registration are available here, and Medford families can use code APR100 for $100 off if they register by May 5.

Young golf enthusiasts aged 6-18 can sign up for Youth on Course summer golf at Stoneham Oaks and Unicorn Golf Courses. After a $20 sign-up fee, golfers only pay $5 to play 9 holes. This program is a great way to get outside and develop skills over the summer. More information is available on the Mass Golf website.

Job Openings in Medford Public Schools

Come join our team! Medford Public Schools has a variety of job openings available now, including teachers, coaches, paraprofessionals, and a variety of other roles. Consider applying or forwarding a posting to a worthy candidate!

• Missituk Elementary School Principal 
• Director of Health Services
• Special Education Teacher – Grade 6 (McGlynn Middle School)
• Instructional Support Staff (Missituk Elementary – Full-Time Building Substitute)
• Special Education Teacher – Connections (Elementary)
• NEW – Communications Director
• Daily Substitute (All Schools)
• Cafeteria Worker (All Schools)
• Classroom Paraprofessional (All Schools)

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. 

• May 3 - 4: Medford High School Drama Presents Mamma Mia, 7:00pm on Friday and 2:00pm & 7:00pm on Saturday
• May 6: Andrews Middle School 6th Grade Orientation and Welcome, 6:00pm
• May 6: Public Budget Hearing and Meeting of the Medford School Committee, 5:00pm at Medford City Hall and via Zoom
• May 8: Early Release Day for All Students (Middle Schools release at 11:30am, all other schools release at 12:00pm)
• May 8: Kindergarten Open Houses at All Elementary Schools, 1:00 - 2:00pm
• May 9: Haitian Heritage Month - 1804 Documentary Film Screening and Discussion (Haitian Heritage Month), 6:30pm at Medford Public Library
• May 11: Haitian Heritage Month - Haitian Creole/English Baby Lap Sit Reading Event, 11:30am at Medford Public Library
• May 11: Mayor’s Cup High School Regatta at River’s Edge, 9:00am - 5:00pm
• May 12: Mother’s Day
• May 13: Special Meeting of the Medford School Committee, 5:00pm at Medford City Hall and via Zoom
• May 15: All-City String Concert at the Chevalier Theater, 6:00pm
• May 17: Medford Community Chorale Concert at Medford High School, 7:00pm

Yours in Partnership for Children, 

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent