Superintendent's Weekly Memo - March 10

March 10, 2023

A Google Docs version of this memo can be found by clicking here.

Dear Medford Public Schools Community:

This weekend, do not forget to “Spring Forward!” Extending daylight hours always seems to just put everyone in a better mood! So remember to move your clocks ahead by one hour by 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 12th!

This past Wednesday, March 8th, was International Women’s Day and I would like to highlight an impressive change agent and advocate who didn’t look at deficits but focused on possibilities. In Memoriam - Ms. Judith E. Heumann, an American disability rights activist, known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement”, passed away on March 4th. Ms. Heumann was recognized internationally as a leader in the disability community and a lifelong advocate for civil rights for people with disabilities. Through her work in the World Bank and the State Department, Ms. Heumann led the mainstreaming of disability rights into international development. Additionally, her contributions extended the international reach of the independent living movement. Ms. Heumann served (2) Presidents. She served as the Assistant Secretary of Education for Special Education & Rehabilitative Services for President Bill Clinton and from 2010-2017, she served as the first-ever Special Advisor to President Barack Obama for International Disability Rights. Ms. Heumann, who contracted polio at 18 months old, used a wheelchair for most of her life. She was quoted as saying, “Disability only becomes a tragedy for me when society fails to provide the things we need to lead our lives—job opportunities or barrier-free buildings. It is not a tragedy for me to live in a wheelchair.” May Ms. Heumann, a hero for those with mental or physical disabilities, Rest in Peace.

Today’s memo includes

• Upcoming District Review Parent/Caregiver Focus Group
• Discovering Justice
• Incoming Grade 9 Course Selection Night
• Medford/Malden Transition Fair
• Middle School Lottery - Wednesday, April 12th
• High School Senior Grant Opportunity
• Brooks CCSR Project
• Harlem Wizards PTO Fundraiser
• Implementation Update: 10-Point Action Plan
• Hiring New Staff
• Upcoming Events

Upcoming District Review Parent/Caregiver Focus Group

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has contracted with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) to conduct a district review of Medford Public Schools. The purpose of the district review is to provide formative and actionable feedback on district practices, enabling district leaders to reflect on progress and strengthen staff and student performance. As part of this review, AIR will be conducting a virtual parent/guardian focus group on Tuesday, 4/4/2023 from 6:00-7:00 PM to gather perspectives on communication with families, opportunities for family involvement, and leadership, opportunities for students within the district, and more. If you are interested in joining, please register ahead of time HERE.  Each link is set for the language of the memo.

Discovering Justice Needs Legal Mentors

Discovering Justice connects middle school students with legal mentors in the semester-long programs. In Mock Trial, supported and taught by a team of legal mentors (including attorneys, clerks, law students, etc.), students prepare and litigate a case—engaging in legal writing and analysis, grappling with real constitutional issues, and developing persuasive legal arguments. At the end of the semester, students present and try their cases before a real judge and jury made up of community members.  We need Legal Mentors!  Please email Malia at mbrooks@discoveringjustice.org to volunteer.  Click here or here for more information.

Incoming Grade 9 Course Selection Night

On Wednesday, March 15th, all grade 8 students and their parents should attend the Course Selection Night at Medford High School in the Caron Theater in order to select and prioritize your child’s courses for the upcoming year.  Please come to the main entrance of the high school and the event will begin promptly at 6 PM.

Medford/Malden Transition Fair

On Wednesday, March 15th, the Medford/Malden Transition Fair will be held in the MHS gymnasium from 6-8 PM.  The fair is designed to provide students/families/guardians and professionals with information about community-based services for adults with disabilities.  There will be 25+ exhibitors representing vocational/job training & support, adapted education programs, recreational opportunities, and supported housing.  The event is free and open to all members of Medford, Malden, and surrounding communities.  Students ages 14-22 who receive special education services through an IEP are encouraged to attend.  The exhibitors will be reaching out to adults with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disabilities.  If you have any questions, please email Charlotte Heim, our OT/Transition Specialist at cheim@medford.k12.ma.us.

Middle School Lottery -Wednesday, April 12th

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, fifth-grade students will be entered into our Middle School Lottery. Personalized communications will be sent to fifth-grade parents with an ID number for your child. Please stay tuned as additional communications will be sent directly to you. Dr. Bernadette Ricciardelli, (bricciardelli@medford.k12.ma.us) and Ms. Kim Myles (kmyles@medford.k12.ma.us) will be responding to questions regarding the lottery process.

High School Senior Grant Opportunity

As graduation moves closer, I want to remind our seniors to apply for the many scholarships available through our Guidance Office.  The MHS Alumni Association, the Medford Kiwanis Club, Matthew “Swirls” Cirelli Memorial Scholarship, and the John & Thelma Connors Scholarship Program are just a few of so many available to our students.  A number of the scholarships have application deadlines by the end of March.  I urge our seniors to check out the scholarship lists as soon as possible.

Brooks CCSR Project

The Brooks School’s 4th & 5th Grade CCSR leaders are hosting a Community Headstone Cleaning event for Medford’s Korean War Veterans at Oak Grove Cemetery.  Mr. Coates is hoping that (100) families would like to join them on Patriot’s Day, Monday, April 17th at 12:30 PM.  The more the merrier and it would only take about 45 minutes to clean a marker.  Interested parties should email Mr. Coates at mcoates@medford.k12.ma.us, by April 6th.  It is my hope that our Mustangs will answer this call and show their support for a brave soldier’s patriotism & sacrifice.

Harlem Wizards PTO Fundraiser

Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 7 PM The Harlem Wizards return to Medford for a fundraiser for all of the elementary school PTOs, being held in the gym at Medford High School.  Our elementary teachers & staff will play in a basketball game against the Wizards.  There will be comedy, slam dunks, audience participation, giveaways, and more.  Additionally, the PTOs will be hosting a concession stand.  It is such a fun way to raise money!  Get your tickets now!  It was a sell-out in 2019!  For tickets, please go to  https://pretix.eu/harlemwizards.

Implementation Update: 10-Point Action Plan

We are making progress in the implementation of our 10-Point Action Plan at Medford High School. An Implementation Update is posted on our website and revised regularly.

Hiring Paraprofessionals, Substitutes, Cafeteria Staff, Before and After Care Staff, and Building Monitors

The Medford Public Schools has vacancies for a number of positions.  We are actively seeking candidates to apply for positions within our schools. We are also seeking additional building monitors.  Please click here for our current postings.

Upcoming Events!

*Please note!  Tickets for Annie, Jr. can be purchased via Eventbrite!

March 9th Spotlight presents Annie, Jr. (NYC Cast) in the Caron Theater: 7 PM

March 10th MFN presents Family Night with Knucklebones in the MHS Gym: 4:30 - 7 PM

March 10th Annie, Jr. (Hard Knock Cast) in the Caron Theater: 7 PM

March 11th Annie, Jr. (Hard Knock Cast) in the Caron Theater: 2 PM

March 11th Annie, Jr. (NYC Cast) in the Caron Theater: 7 PM/p>

March 12th Medford Family Network Hosts Clothing & Book Swap at Temple Shalom: 1-4PM (*Sign ups are required to attend!)

March 13th Andrews Middle School’s Book Fair Begins

March 13th Brooks School hosts restaurant night fundraiser at The Ford Tavern: 5-8 PM featuring dinner, raffles, and a photo booth

March 14th National Pi Day

March 15th Medford/Malden Transition Fair to be held in MHS Gym:  6-8 PM

March 15th Grade 9 Course Selection Night in the Caron Theater: 6-8 PM

March 16th Screenagers Movie Presentation for all Middle School Parents/Caregivers in the McGlynn School Auditorium: 6:30 PM

March 17th Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

March 17th Andrews Middle School PTO hosts the 6th Grade Neon Dance: 5-7 PM

March 18th Spotlight presents Annie, Jr. with the Adaptive Cast in the Caron Theater: 1 PM

Enjoy the weekend and don’t forget to move your clocks forward one hour!

Yours in Partnership for Children,

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent of Schools