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Superintendent's Weekly Memo - January 27

Superintendent's Weekly Memo - January 27
Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent

January 27, 2023

Click here for a formatted copy of this memo in Google docs.

Dear Medford Public Schools Community:

January is quickly coming to an end just as the weather seems to be reminding us that winter is not yet over!

We have been so lucky so far, but we are aware that February can bring with it some wild weather!  As Mark Twain once said, “If you don't like New England weather, wait a few minutes.”  Whatever February may bring, please know that the Medford Public Schools will be prepared!

At Medford High School this week, during two extended advisory sessions, our students were trained on the new Anonymous Reporting System provided to us by the Sandy Hook Promise.  Additionally, the Superintendent’s Administrative Consultant has consistently been meeting with teachers, administrators and staff at the high school and vocational school as he begins to organize a climate and culture report for us.

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Established in 2005 by the United Nations, to remember and memorialize the victims of the Holocaust.  This date was chosen because it was on this day in 1945, that the largest death camp (Auschwitz-Birkenau) was liberated by Allied troops.  We must never forget the victims and pledge to condemn all types of religious intolerance, harassment or violence against persons or communities due to ethnic origins or religious beliefs.

As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by bad people, but the silence over that by the good people.”

Today’s memo includes:

  • Poetry Contest
  • Important MassHealth Update
  • Implementation Update: 10-Point Action Plan
  • Fine Arts Newsletter
  • Parking Concerns
  • Hiring New Staff
  • Upcoming Events

Poetry Contest

The City of Medford’s Poet Laureate, Mr. Terry Carter, is hosting a poetry contest for our middle school students and high school students. The poetry contest is open to all genres of poetry and the hope is to have as many submissions as possible by March 15, 2023. Click here for more details. The winners will be recognized in April at a special event at the Medford Public Library. I look forward to seeing what our Mustangs Poets produce.

Important MassHeath Update

Act Now, Stay Covered!  Starting in March, MassHealth will soon return to standard annual eligibility renewal processes. Members can click here to update their personal information. To learn more visit MassHealth Renewal Info.

Implementation Update: 10-Point Action Plan

We are making progress in the implementation of our 10-Point Action Plan at Medford High School. An Implementation Update is posted on our website and revised regularly. Some recent steps forward to share with you this week:

  • Action Step #5: The “Say Something” anonymous reporting system is now live, and all middle and high school students have been trained in how to use the system.
  • Action Step #7: As I mentioned in last week’s memo, we want to make sure every student and parent/guardian in the Medford Public Schools is aware of counseling and other mental health services available in our schools and through community providers. We have updated our website with additional resources.

Fine & Performing Arts

We are excited to share our second issue of Color and Chords, the Fine and Performing Arts Newsletter that celebrates the artistic achievements of our students. Through the end of February, we hope you will come to the Medford Public Library to view an installation of our student’s artwork.

Parking Concerns

The school department has received a few calls from our school’s neighbors noting that sometimes caregivers park and block driveways and/or fire hydrants.  We ask everyone to please be mindful of our neighbors and not block their driveways and/or fire hydrants during drop-off and pick-up.

Hiring Paraprofessionals, Substitutes, Before and After Care Staff, and Building Monitors

The Medford Public Schools has vacancies for a number of positions.  We are actively seeking candidates to apply for positions within our schools. We are also seeking additional building monitors.  Please click here for our current postings.

Upcoming Events:

  • Friday, January 27th, Senior Winter Ball - to be held in the MHS Foyer
    • 7th Grade Dance - Andrews Middle School
  • Saturday, January 28th - Tufts University Hosts - Multi-Sport Clinic led by Tufts Women’s Sports Teams -  1:30-3:00 PM, Cousens Gym, for Girls Grades K-5
  • Wednesday, February 1st - Winter Walk and Roll to School Day!
  • Thursday, February 2nd - Groundhog Day!
  • Sunday, February 5th - Skate with Frosty at the LoConte Rink 2:00 - 4:00 PM
  • Saturday, February 11th - The Annual Valentine’s Family Fest and All-Star Ice Cream Social hosted by the Friends of the Medford Family Network will be held at the McGlynn School from 3:30 - 6:00 PM.  Tickets must be pre-ordered through the MFN.)

Enjoy the springlike weather this weekend!

Yours in Partnership for Children,

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent
Superintendent