Superintendent's Weekly Memo - August 18

A Google Docs version of this memo is available.

Dear Mustang Families,

As we enter the final stretch of summer, it is hard to believe that the first day of school is just 12 days away including weekends. It has been a wonderful summer with very good weather for the most part, but now the time has come for us to start getting ready for the start of the new school year. 

Across the district, we’re very excited to welcome several new school leaders, including the following new principals and assistant principals:

• Andrews Middle School: Principal Ms. Jennifer Skane
• Brooks Elementary School: Assistant Principal Ms. Sheila Burke
• Medford High School: Principal Ms. Marta Cabral and Assistant Principals Ms. Alyson MacDonald, Mr. Patric Hamilton and Ms. Shiela Freitas-Haley
• Roberts Elementary School: Principal Ms. Michelle Crowell

We have been very busy preparing for the opening of school and we are doing everything possible to ensure that we start strong. From a building perspective, floors are being waxed and classrooms are being set up in anticipation for a new year. We are preparing to welcome our new staff to the district next week during New Teacher Orientation Week.

We’re also excited to share a new Medford Public Schools mobile app, which will help students and families stay up to date with news updates, lunch menus, the school calendar and more. Download the mobile application today from the App Store or Google Play Store.

 

Today’s Memo includes:

• Urgent Kindergarten Enrollment Update

• Medford in the News! Class of ‘24 Students Featured at Conference

• Good News Around the District

• Mustang Marching Band and Color Guard Fundraiser 

• Job Openings in Medford Public Schools

 

Kindergarten Enrollment Update

An unanticipated trend is taking place in the Medford Public Schools with our Kindergarten Enrollment. Over the past week, we have experienced a noted increase in enrollment. School principals are currently working to assign additional teachers to kindergarten classes to ensure an appropriate student-to-teacher ratio. Because of this increase, kindergarten class assignments are subject to change.

Kindergarten families should anticipate further communications as early as next week from their school principal about changes to class assignments. 

 

Members of the Class of 2024 Present at International Conference 

Congratulations to rising MHS/MVTHS seniors Scott Campbell, Noah Gibson, Matty Harris, and Zack Bertocchi, who presented their research last week at the Defcon hacker conference in Las Vegas. Their amazing research and practical work identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities at the MBTA was detailed in this article in WIRED Magazine.

 

Good News Around the District

Summer Winding Down

After another successful year of Summer Fun Camp, Extended School Year (ESY), and other summer programming, we’re shifting into Back to School mode. The JumpStart Music Camp has been filling the halls and the fields with the sights and sounds of musical rehearsals.

Medford High School Meet the Principals Night

Ms. Marta Cabral and Mr. Chad Fallon hosted a successful Meet the Principals Night to introduce the new school leadership team and meet with parents and community members. Thanks to the 100+ attendees from across grade levels! Another Meet the Principals Night will be held at Medford High School on September 6 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm for those who were unable to attend.

MHS 9th Grade Orientation

Freshman Class Orientation is August 24th from 8:30am - 11:00am for students only. All members of the 9th grade class should plan to attend and will receive their Chromebooks during Orientation. With any questions, contact Ms. Marta Cabral. 

Fall Sports Tryouts

The Medford High School Athletics Department is pleased to invite student-athletes to Fall 2023 sports tryouts the week of August 21. The schedules for Crew, Cheer, Girls’ Volleyball, Golf, Football,  Cross Country, Girls' Soccer, and Boys’ Soccer tryouts are available here.

 

Mustang Marching Band and Color Guard Fundraiser 

The Medford Band Parents are selling “Medford Mustang” Soccer Scarves for $20 each to benefit the Medford Mustang Marching Band and Color Guard. Get more information and access the order form here! The deadline for orders is Monday, August 21.

 

Job Openings in Medford Public Schools

Come work with us! Medford Public Schools has a variety of job openings available now, including teachers, coaches, paraprofessionals and a variety of other roles.  Consider applying today!

• Kindergarten Teacher

• Classroom Paraprofessional

• High School Science Teacher - Chemistry

• Technology Support Specialist

• School Lunch Monitors at the Brooks, Missituk, and Roberts Elementary Schools

• Physical Education Teacher

 

UPCOMING EVENTS!

• August 24, 8:30am - 11:30am: 9th Grade Orientation (Students Only)

• August 28, First Day of School for Staff

• August 30: First Day of School for Students! (Grades 1-12)

• September 1: No School

• September 4: No School, Labor Day

• September 6: First Day of Kindergarten Classes

• September 6: MHS Meet the Principals Night

• September 9, 10:00am:  Brazilian Flag Day - Medford High School Gym

 

I wish you all a wonderful weekend!

Yours in Partnership for Children,

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent
Superintendent