Superintendent's Weekly Memo - August 9, 2024

Dear Mustang Families, 

I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful summer vacation full of fun and memorable moments. I want to extend a big thank you to the Medford Police Department for once again hosting this year’s National Night Out. I had the pleasure of joining Mayor Lungo-Koehn, elected officials and fellow Medford Public School staff members at the event earlier this week, and it was such a joy to see so many members of the community come together. 

We are just over two weeks away from school starting, and all of us at MPS cannot wait to welcome you back into our hallways. While our schools have been quieter than normal these past few weeks, our staff has been working diligently to get our schools ready for the new year. Walls are painted, floors have been waxed, and new curricula and supplies are arriving daily. Summer operations across the district have been in full swing preparing our schools for the arrival of your children and our dedicated faculty and staff.   

Monday, Aug. 26 is the First Day of School for all MPS school-based staff. We are eager to launch a new year of education focused on making sure all of Medford's students are learning to the best of their ability! 

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 are listed below: 

• Medford High School and Vocational Technical High School: 7:40 a.m. - 2:18 p.m.
• Curtis-Tufts High School: 7:50 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.
• Andrews and McGlynn Middle Schools: 8:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
• Brooks, McGlynn, Missituk and Roberts Elementary Schools: 8:30 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

We are so excited to see you on the first day. 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:

• Summer Reading & Math Packets
• Kindergarten & School Registration
• MPS Band Department
• Fall Sports
• Job Openings in Medford Public Schools
• Upcoming Events

Summer Reading & Math Packets

While summer offers a much-welcomed opportunity to relax and take advantage of the outdoor weather, we want to ensure students do not lose the valuable skills they learned in the classroom. Completion of summer homework is greatly beneficial to students as they integrate back into our learning environment. 

For information regarding English Language Arts & Social Studies Summer Reading for students Grades 1-12, Visit Here. For information regarding Summer Math Calendars & Packets for students Grades 1-10, Visit Here. 

Kindergarten & School Registration

It is always a welcome sight to see new faces in our buildings, especially when they are students new to Medford! Ahead of the new school year, all new students must be enrolled and have their paperwork dropped off at the District Registration Office located at the High School. 

To enroll a student in Medford Public Schools, please visit our website. We invite you to contact our District Registration Office with any questions.

(E): medfordregoffice@medford.k12.ma.us

(P): 781-393-2131

Band Department Making Music 

Earlier this month, I was delighted to announce Mr. Michael Dampier as our new band director. Mr. Dampier has a long background in teaching music, including stops in the Southeast US, Mexico, China and Brazil. I look forward to seeing (and hearing!) Mr. Dampier work with our students to enhance Medford’s proud performances in the arts. 

Our Band Department also invites students to register for our Medford Mustang Fall Marching Band! The Marching Band is open to all students in Grades 6-12. Late registrations are still being accepted. Visit Here to register. 

Fall Sports

As we eagerly anticipate our students returning to school, we also cannot wait to see our athletes represent Mustang Nation! Tryouts for our Middle & High School Sports Teams begin Aug. 19. 

Please note the Nurses Office must have a physical (completed within the last 13 months) on-file before athletes are allowed to try out. 

For more information about MPS Athletics, Visit Here. 

Registration for our Medford High School Unified Basketball team opens on Monday, Aug. 12. Students of all abilities are invited to join the team. Visit the Medford Athletics Registration Page to register. Contact Coach Carla Andre with any questions. 

Job Openings

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

UPCOMING EVENTS!

• Aug. 22: MHS Freshman Orientation, 8 - 11 a.m.
• Aug. 22: Grade 6 Orientation, 9 - 11 a.m.
• Aug. 26: First Day of School for Staff
• 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