Superintendent's Weekly Memo - November 22

November 22, 2022

Dear Medford Public Schools Community:

As noted in last week’s communication, this is a short week for the Medford Public Schools. Wednesday, November 23rd will be an early release day for all students across the district, and school will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th in celebration of Thanksgiving.  I hope that all students, staff, parents and caregivers enjoy this well-deserved break and enjoy time with loved ones.

Free COVID-19 Test Distribution This Week

All students and staff will be provided with free COVID-19 test kits this week.  Principals are coordinating the distribution of these rapid COVID tests that were made available by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. While we are grateful that COVID plays less of a role in our lives than it has the last several holiday seasons, vaccination and vigilance are the keys to preventing future surges. Please utilize these tests during the holiday period to minimize any lingering spread of the virus. Original expiration dates of the testing kits have been extended, a list of updated expiration dates can be found here.

School Safety - See Something - Say Something

Late Monday night district administrators were informed about threats of violence against MHS student athletes being communicated via social media. Because we were made aware of this information, at this time the Medford Police and MPS are confident that the individual responsible does not pose a threat to the Medford High School community or any upcoming events.

The safety of our students and staff is the first priority of the Medford Public Schools.  We are grateful to the students and parents who, upon learning of the threatening language, did the right thing and notified public safety officials. The familiar refrain to “say something” if you “see something” has never been more important, and I thank the members of the Mustang community who did exactly that. A safe and secure environment is how we ensure students can learn, and this week, how we can ensure they are positioned to compete in the 135th annual Medford vs. Malden Thanksgiving football game.  I look forward to cheering them on at Fenway Park tonight. Go Mustangs!

Parent/Guardian Information Session on MAP Growth Reports

Assistant Superintendent for Academics and Instruction Suzanne B. Galusi and Director of Professional Learning and Student Assessment Bernadette Ricciardelli will be hosting a parent/guardian information session on the district's MAP Growth Assessment on November 30, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom.   In the presentation, Ms. Galusi and Dr. Ricciardelli will provide information on the assessment design, the parent reports, and on how parents/guardians can use MAP to support students.

My Thanks to You:

This marks my fifth Thanksgiving holiday as your proud superintendent here in the community in which I was raised. While the last five years have included plenty of surprises and challenges, the gratitude I feel for the chance to serve this community continues to strengthen.  It is an honor to be Medford’s educational leader and one of the many things I am thankful for this year.  On behalf of the entire Medford Public Schools community, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Yours in Partnership for Children,

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent
Superintendent