Superintendent's Weekly Memo - October 27, 2023

Oct 27 2023 4:30 PM

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent

Dear Mustang Families,

As October winds to its close, many families and students are looking forward to celebrating Halloween! Check out the Upcoming Events section below for some of the fun Halloween activities that will be happening around the city this weekend.

When it comes to Trick-or-Treating on Tuesday evening, we have a few tips for staying safe and healthy:

Walk safely in your neighborhood with some helpful tips from Safe Kids Worldwide:
- Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
- Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
- Slow down and be alert! Kids are excited on Halloween and may run into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.
- Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
- When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.
Students with food allergies, diabetes, and other medical conditions often get left out of Trick-or-Treating. You can help by providing some non-food treats for trick-or-treaters and placing a teal pumpkin in front of your home to indicate you have these treats available. More info and a map of local safe places to trick-or-treat at www.TealPumpkinProject.org.

We wish you a safe and happy Halloween!

Today’s Memo includes:

Halloween Costume Swap at Medford Family Network
Winter Coat Drive
Job Openings in Medford Public Schools

Halloween Costume Swap at Medford Family Network

The Medford Family Network is hosting the annual Costume Swap until Tuesday, October 31!

Come to the MFN Family Center at Medford High School and pick out a Dress Up Outfit or Costume! MFN has a wide variety of sizes available, from babies to elementary age, in excellent condition. If you have any questions about the MFN hours of operation, contact Marie Cassidy at mcassidy@medford.k12.ma.us.

Winter Coat Drive

Cold winter weather will be here soon, and the Medford Health Department’s Office of Prevention and Outreach is partnering with MFN, Police, and the Medford Public Library to collect winter coats for an upcoming Winter Preparedness Event on November 13. Please help families in need by donating clean new or used winter coats that can last them through winter. Donations will be accepted at the Medford Public Library, police station, the Medford Family Network and City Hall until November 3. More information is available in the following languages:

Save the date for the November 13 Winter Preparedness Event, which will include free winter supplies such as coats and emergency blankets; and information about resources like utility assistance, housing information, food assistance, MassHealth and more.

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!

Vocational School Electricity Teacher
Special Education Science Teacher (Secondary)
Cafeteria Worker (All Schools)
Classroom Paraprofessional (All Schools)
Daily Substitute (All Schools)

Upcoming Events

Community Halloween Events
- October 28: Pumpkin Float and Lantern Walk at Wright’s Pond
- October 29: Tufts Halloween on the Hill, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
- October 31: Halloween (All Schools Open)
- November 4: Medford Pumpkin Smash at the West Medford Community Center, 10:00am - 2:00pm
November 1: Early Voting Begins for Medford City Elections
November 4: Electronics Recycling Day to Benefit Medford Rowing at Hormel Stadium, 9:00am - 1:00pm
November 7: No School, Election Day
November 10: No School, Veterans Day Observed
November 11: Tufts University’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Memorial Steps, 11:00am
November 13: Winter Preparedness Event at Medford Public Library, 6:00pm - 8:00pm