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Superintendent's Weekly Memo - January 10, 2025

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Superintendent's Weekly Memo - January 10, 2025
Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent

Dear Mustang Families,

Our hearts go out to the many residents who have been severely impacted by the wildfires ravaging the West Coast. Although they are located on the opposite side of the country, it is so devastating to watch what is happening. Not only have homes and businesses been lost, but it also leads to interrupted schooling for their students. Kindly keep our neighbors in California in your thoughts and prayers. Let’s do our best to take care of our environment and check up on one another.

Students at the Andrews Middle School heard an inspiring message on resiliency earlier today by Jake Thibeault. The 21-year old hockey player suffered a life-altering injury on the ice 3.5 years ago, a freak accident that has altered his mindset on how to approach every day. Our students asked lots of good questions while taking away Jake’s powerful perspective on positivity and finding the good in the world.   

Jake’s passion for making a difference amongst those around him is also a pertinent theme given the recent passing of President Jimmy Carter. President Carter, a leader who displayed humility throughout his life, leaves behind a legacy of championing human rights and humanitarian efforts. His quote on exploration, “Wherever life takes us, there are always moments of wonder,” always reminds me of the power we have as educators.

There will be an early release day for all students on Wednesday, January 15. Middle School students will be released at 11:30 a.m., all other schools release students at 12:00 p.m. There will be no school on Monday, January 20 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Today’s Memo includes:

  • Override Budget On Agenda For Monday’s School Committee Meeting
  • Tufts University Offering Free Community Events for All Ages
  • Winter Health and Safety Reminder
  • Grade 9 CTE Student Information Session To Be Held January 16
  • Building Bridges to Kindergarten Hosted January 15 at MHS
  • Job Openings
  • Upcoming Events

Budget Override To Be Discussed at Monday’s School Committee Meeting 

We recognize there has been much excitement and curiosity within our Medford community since Election Day when Ballot Questions 7 & 8 were passed by the voters. We are extremely grateful for the community’s support of our schools, and thank you for your patience as we have been meeting with school district leaders to discuss our plan with the appropriated money. 

During Monday night’s Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee, there will be a presentation for how we will use the appropriated money. The presentation will be shared on our website following Monday’s meeting. 

As always, the Medford School Committee meeting can be viewed live on the MPS YouTube channel or through Medford Community Media on your local cable channel (Comcast Channel 9, 8 or 22 and Verizon Channel 43, 45 or 47). The meeting can also be attended either in-person at City Hall or on Zoom. Visit Here for the complete agenda. 

Tufts Set to Host University Classic and English Language Classes for Adults

Everyone at Medford Public Schools is so thankful for the long-time support and partnership we have with our neighbors at Tufts University. As we settle into 2025, the prestigious university will be hosting free community events for people of all ages!

On Sunday January 19, come cheer on our Mustang Boys and Girls Basketball teams at the 6th Annual Tufts University Classic! The girl’s game tips off at 12:00 p.m., and the boy’s game is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to bring nonperishable food and household items to support those in need. 

Meanwhile, Tufts Hillel is offering free English language classes for adults on Sunday nights starting on Sunday, February 2. Adults will have the opportunity to take a one-hour English language class at either the “Beginner” or “Intermediate” level. Childcare and pizza will be provided while the classes are in session.

Class registration will be done on a first-come, first-serve basis and also closes on January 19. Visit Here to register. 

Winter Health and Safety Reminder

The cold front that greeted us this week serves as a reminder about the importance of staying healthy and warm this winter season. As I mentioned in last week’s memo, please ensure students are dressed appropriately for the cold conditions with warm clothing such as coats, hats, gloves, and pants. Also be on the lookout for slippery, icy surfaces when walking outside. 

Additionally, it is understandable that the winter months can lead to more cases of individuals feeling sick. It is important to remember that if your child is having the following symptoms - fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, vomiting, diarrhea - they should stay home from school. Not only do we want our students to get the proper rest they need to feel their best, but we also want to avoid the spread of germs across our schools. 

Handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, covering our mouth when we sneeze or cough and routinely cleaning surfaces are simple ways we can increase our chances of staying healthy throughout the year.  For further health and safety guidance, please reach out to your school nurse.

Grade 9 CTE Student Information Session To Be Held January 16

After spending the first semester exploring all 15 of our wonderful Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at MHVTS, Grade 9 students will be selecting their top 3 CTE programs or choosing an elective in Arts & Technology for the remainder of the school year. Please note, students who select a CTE program will continue with this program in grades 10-12 as well. 

Parents and caregivers of Grade 9 students are encouraged to review a CTE Program Selection presentation, which explains the process and next steps, at the link below. Additionally, MVTHS Principal Mr. Chad Fallon will be offering an informational Zoom meeting on Thursday, January 16 at 6:00 p.m. for families who may have questions or would like to know more about the process. Visit Here to learn more. 

First Building Bridges to Kindergarten Session Scheduled For January 15 at MHS

It’s time to welcome the newest class of Mustangs! Our first Building Bridges to Kindergarten information session will be held this Wednesday, January 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Medford High School for parents and caregivers. The information session will discuss all aspects of having a Kindergarten student at MPS, including what to expect before the school year starts, what students learn throughout the year and more. 

The registration office (located at MHS) will be open until 6:30 p.m. for those interested in registering for Kindergarten prior to the event. If you are in need of childcare during the information session, the Medford Family Network will be offering it for free! Please call their office at 781-393-2016 to arrange.

Job Openings

Featured Opening: Administrative Assistant Floater

The Medford Public Schools is searching for a qualified candidate to join the district as an Administrative Assistant Floater! Responsibilities include performing administrative tasks of a varied nature to maintain an efficient school office. Visit Here to apply. 

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

Upcoming Events

Yours in Partnership for Children, 

MEV Signature

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent

 
 
 
 
 

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