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Superintendent's Weekly Memo - December 2

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Superintendent's Weekly Memo - December 2
Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent

December 2, 2022

Dear Medford Public Schools Community:

I hope that everyone had a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving break. Our football team gave it their best shot during the 135th matchup of Medford vs. Malden at Fenway Park. Unfortunately, we were not able to bring home the coveted trophy this time, but we are proud of our Mustangs for trying their best. The final score was 34 to 15.

Today’s memo includes:

  • Free Booster Shot and Flu Shot Clinic
  • Sandy Hook Anonymous Reporting System
  • Attendance
  • Guidance on Absence due to Illness

Free COVID-19 Booster Shot and Flu Shot Clinic:

The Medford Board of Health and Medford Public Schools Health Services Department are hosting a COVID-19 booster shot and flu shot clinic at the Medford High School Library from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM on December 7th, 2022. The COVID-19 booster is available for those 6 years of age and older, and the flu shot is available for those 3 years of age and older. Personal identification and proof of health insurance are not required. The holiday season is upon us and this is a great opportunity to protect yourself for the upcoming winter season. To make an appointment, follow this link.

Sandy Hook Anonymous Reporting System

We are enhancing our partnership with Sandy Hook Promise to utilize their Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. The purpose is to empower our students to be upstanders in the community and report to a trusted adult if they feel something needs to be reported. Our students can always speak with any member of our faculty if they have a concern. The anonymous reporting line will offer another opportunity for students to share concerns. The reporting line will then pass on the students' concerns to the school administration. In the event the anonymous reporting center receives a life threatening concern, they will connect directly to our Medford Police Department. The anonymous reporting system is not a replacement for calling 911, which is the avenue for all emergency calls. We are in the process of training our school administration, School Resource Officers and working with the Medford Police dispatch to coordinate with Sandy Hook Promise. The tip line will go live in January 2023.  Student safety is always our utmost priority and this is another way we can enhance our safety measures.

Attendance

When school resumed on Monday, our district attendance was significantly lower than normal with more than 10% of the district not reporting to school. We had over 400 students reporting an absence after the holiday break and that is unusually high. Although the holiday season is important, it is important to maintain the continuity of instruction for all of our students.

However, in the event that your child is feeling under the weather, do not forget to send a note, doctor’s note, or an email documenting the illness to the school. The following guidance will help families to be able to make appropriate decisions regarding your child’s health.

Important – Guidance on Absence due to Illness (Stay Home if Sick)

Parents and caregivers whose children are exhibiting illness symptoms must keep their children home from school and contact their healthcare provider or call the school nurse’s office. We have seen a recent increase in cases of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 across the district. Staff members who are experiencing illness symptoms must stay home from work and contact their supervisor as well as their school nurse. Although masking in school is no longer required, it is highly recommended to help stifle the spread of winter illnesses.

Again, if you are experiencing illness symptoms you should not come to school.

Symptoms to stay home for include:

❏ Fever (temperature of 100.0 deg F or above) in the last 24 hours

❏ Cough – (not due to other known cause, such as asthma or chronic cough)

❏ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

❏ New loss of taste or smell

❏ Sore throat

❏ Headache when in combination with other symptoms

❏ Muscle aches or body aches

❏ Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

❏ Fatigue when in combination with other symptoms

❏ Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies) when in  combination with other symptoms

Upcoming Events:

Have a great weekend!

Yours in Partnership for Children,

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent,

Superintendent

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