Letter From the Superintendent - 2025/2026 Middle School Lottery Information
Letter From the Superintendent - 2025/2026 Middle School Lottery Information
Superintendent’s Information Session
I will be hosting a virtual information session concerning the lottery for all Grade 5 students and their families. This information session will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Dear Parents and Caregivers of Grade 5 Students,
I am writing to share important information with you regarding the transition of Grade 5 students to Medford’s middle schools next year. We want you to be prepared for the April lottery that will determine the middle school your child will attend in the fall of 2025.
Lottery Background
On February 11, 2019, the Medford School Committee voted unanimously to implement a random lottery system with the goal of balancing the racial and socio-economic differences between the Andrews and McGlynn Middle Schools. This change in policy has resulted in progress toward this goal, with the sixth grade enrollment more balanced than in the past.
How the 2025 Lottery Works
The 2025 lottery will follow the protocol established in 2019. Grade five students from each elementary school will be assigned to one of the two middle schools. The following exemptions may apply:
1. Sibling Preference
Sibling preference is designed to support families by ensuring their children can attend the same school concurrently unless placement of a low incidence special education or English learner program is available at only one of the middle schools. That means, for example, current grade 5 students who have a sibling in grade 6 or 7 at either middle school as of August 2024 will be granted a sibling preference placement to that specific school upon request.
- Please note: Sibling preference will not include younger siblings attending McGlynn Elementary School.
2. English Learner (EL)
Medford’s middle school English learner program is located at the McGlynn Middle School. All grade 5 students requiring EL services will be assigned to the McGlynn Middle School.
3. Specific Special Education Program Needs
If a student has a specific program-level education need, they will be placed in the school that offers the relevant program.
4. Special Education (non-specific program)
In order to balance the number of students who require special education services, students on IEPs will be divided equally between the two schools, with the assignment determined by a lottery drawing.
Lottery Drawing
- The drawing will take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The drawing results will be posted on the district website (www.mps02155.org) at 3:00 p.m. on that day.
- Letters confirming each student’s middle school assignment will be sent to all grade 5 students during the week of April 28, 2025.
Middle School Welcome Orientations
Grade 5 students and their families will be invited to attend an orientation program at their assigned middle school to tour the building, learn about programs and activities; and meet their principal, assistant principal, teachers and other school staff.
- The Andrews Middle School orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
- The McGlynn Middle School orientation is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Timeline of Lottery Events
Wednesday, April 2, 2025: Superintendent’s Information Session via Zoom at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 3, 2025: Sibling Opt-In/Out Form will be emailed to parents/guardians.
- The email will come from mslottery@medford.k12.ma.us
Thursday, April 10, 2025: Each grade 5 student will receive a lottery number in a letter to the parent/caregiver. Students will carry this letter home.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025: Lottery results posted to district website at 3:00 p.m.
Week of April 28, 2025: Letters with the official middle school assignment will be sent to parents/caregivers.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025: Andrews Middle School Orientation - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 8, 2025: McGlynn Middle School Orientation - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sincerely,
Dr. Suzanne B. Galusi
Interim Superintendent of Schools
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