Superintendent's Weekly Memo - October 6, 2023

Oct 6 2023 5:00 PM

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent

A Google Docs version of this memo is also available.

Dear Mustang Families,

Yesterday was an exciting day for the Medford Public Schools community as we unveiled the beautiful new Rainbow Mosaic at Medford High. This incredible mosaic features contributions from over 140 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, and it features prominently near the entrance to the Medford Family Network Family Center. Check out photos from the event on our Facebook page!

The Rainbow Mosaic is an amazing symbol of our community’s diversity and strength. Like the mosaic, our school community draws from the myriad origins, styles and perspectives of all of our members to form one proud, strong Mustang identity. We are proud to acknowledge, respect and celebrate this special diversity. Artist Susan Altman, Marie Cassidy from MFN, and Suzanne Fee, Coordinator of Fine Arts facilitated the design and creation of this project.

As a reminder to all students, caregivers and staff, the Medford Public Schools will be closed in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 9.

Today’s Memo includes:

Upcoming Parent Workshops
Free English Classes for Parents and Caregivers of English Learner Students
World Mental Health Day
Job Openings in Medford Public Schools

Upcoming Parent Workshops

Medford Public Schools is hosting a parent workshop, The New Norm: Privacy Concerns of Students, on October 11 at 6:30pm at the McGlynn Auditorium. Massachusetts Partnership for Youth will be presenting this presentation. If you plan to attend, please register at this link by Sunday, October 8.

Many of today’s youth post their whole lives on social media platforms that seem to be ever-changing. Cell phone cameras and other recording devices present privacy issues for students and educators alike. New platforms for speech bring new concerns as to what speech is protected and what is not. This in-service workshop addresses what types of speech issues might arise in the context of TikTok and other platforms, what can be done by the district, and how social media issues might intersect with mandatory reporting requirements.

Another parent workshop, E-cigarettes and Youth Vaping: What Massachusetts Parents Need to Know, will be held on Tuesday, October 17 at 6:30pm at the McGlynn Auditorium. This workshop is presented by Parents Against Vaping and McGlynn Middle School.

Free English Classes for Parents and Caregivers of English Learner Students

In collaboration with the Welcome Project and Medford Public Library, Medford Public Schools is hosting Free English Classes for Medford Families. Please register for classes using this Google form. Information and Class Schedules are available in multiple languages:

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day 2023 is Tuesday, October 10! We must work together to fight the stigma, provide support and advocate for policies that support millions of people affected by mental illness. I am pleased that the Medford Public Schools are able to provide a number of resources for students, staff and families to seek support if they need it.

This day is a perfect opportunity to take care of our own mental health during this busy (and sometimes stressful) time of year. Blue Bikes is offering free passes next week to promote physical and mental wellness. This is a great reminder that physical health and mental health are closely connected, so I hope you can find some time next week for an activity that’s stress-relieving and fun!

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!

High School Chemistry Teacher
Classroom Paraprofessional (All Schools)
Daily Substitute (All Schools)

UPCOMING EVENTS!

October 7: disAbility Fair, Brooks Elementary School, 10:00am - 2:00pm
October 9: No School, Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day
October 11: SEPAC Presentation, 6:00-7:30pm via Zoom
October 11: Parent Workshop on Social Media Privacy at McGlynn Middle School, 6:30pm (Register Now!)
October 14: Sarah Bradlee Fulton Day at Salem Street Burying Ground, 10:00am - 12:30pm
October 14: Harvest Your Energy Festival at Riverbend Park, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
October 17: Parent Workshop: “E-cigarettes and Youth Vaping: What Massachusetts Parents Need to Know” at McGlynn Middle School, 6:30pm