Dear Mustang Families,

I would like to open this week's communication with a special thank you and recognition of all mothers. Even if you did not biologically have a child, I want to thank all mothers, caregivers, grandmother's, aunts, godmothers and others who have positively deposited love and encouragement into the lives of our students. Although Mother's Day is formally recognized this Sunday, may you know that you are truly recognized all year. Have a wonderful Mother's Day and thank you for all that you do! 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health condition each year, and only half of them receive treatment. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a dramatic spike in demand for mental health services for kids. 

The Medford Public Schools are united in our commitment to fostering good mental and social-emotional health for all our students. The Medford Public Schools Counseling Department uses a whole student approach to provide mental health services, academic and post-secondary support, and connections to community resources. Counseling services are available in all schools, and through referral to community providers, for students who require services to support their academics. 

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call, chat or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or a loved one are facing challenges in life because of your mental health, you are not alone and there is help for you.

Today’s Memo includes:

• Building Committee Begins Work
• More Information Available on Integrated Math Pathways Curriculum
• 2024 Summer Programs Open for Registration
• Job Openings in Medford Public Schools

Building Committee Begins Work

Last week, the Medford Comprehensive High School Building Committee held its first meeting on the campus of Medford High School. The Building Committee members, appointed earlier this spring by the Medford School Committee, will lead the Medford community's partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) during the Eligibility Period of the MSBA grant program.

In the weeks and months ahead, the Building Committee will develop a comprehensive Educational Profile describing the academic, extracurricular, social-emotional, athletic, and community activities of the current high school and its forecasted needs. Additionally, the Committee will formulate its internal rules and initiate a robust public communications and feedback strategy to ensure meaningful participation from the Medford community.

Watch out for meeting announcements in the weeks ahead if you’d like to attend, give feedback, or get involved. The Building Committee meets next on Monday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m. at Bistro 489 at Medford High School and via Zoom.

More Information Available on Integrated Math Pathways Curriculum

Do you have any questions about Medford’s middle and high school math program? Check out this new webpage with Frequently Asked Questions, resources, and a presentation from Director of Mathematics, Faiza Khan, discussing the details of our program!

We’re very proud of our implementation of this effective and evidence-based math curriculum. 

2024 Summer Programs Open for Registration

The Medford Public Schools Performing Arts Department will once again offer a 2-week Jumpstart Music Camp at 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 5and August 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and is open to Medford Public School students entering grades 4-9. Students will present an End-of-Camp Showcase on August 16th at 11 a.m., 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!

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!

• 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)
• 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 11: Haitian Heritage Month - Haitian Creole/English Baby Lap Sit Reading Event, 11:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library
• May 11: Mayor’s Cup High School Regatta at River’s Edge, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• May 12: Mother’s Day
• May 13: Tufts Softball Classic - Medford v. Somerville, 4:00 p.m. at Spicer Field, 160G College Ave, Medford
• May 13: Special Meeting of the Medford School Committee, 5:00 p.m. at Medford City Hall and via Zoom
• May 13: Meeting of the Medford Comprehensive High School Building Committee, 6:00 p.m. at Bistro 489 at Medford High School and via Zoom
• May 15: Meeting of the Behavioral Health and Special Education Subcommittee​​​​​ of the School Committee, 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
• May 15: All-City String Concert at the Chevalier Theater, 6:00 p.m.
• May 17: Medford Community Chorale Concert at Medford High School, 7:00 p.m.
• May 18: Haitian Heritage Month - Create Your Own Haitian Art at Medford Family Network, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• May 18: Haitian Flag Day Celebration with speakers, food, music, and children’s games/activities at the Andrews Middle School, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• May 20: Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee, 6:00 p.m. at Medford City Hall and via Zoom

Yours in Partnership for Children, 

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent