Superintendent's Weekly Memo - February 9, 2024

Dear Mustang Families,

Happy Lunar New Year to our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community members and all who celebrate it! Tomorrow, February 10 is the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, the 5th sign in the Chinese Zodiac tradition. Lunar New Year celebrations are often focused on festive meals, gathering with family and loved ones, and preparing for a healthy and fortunate year ahead. Also, it is time for the “lucky red envelopes” which are given out with money or special treats for the children and everyone. The red envelopes are always welcome and if you are fortunate to receive one, accept it with a big smile.

If your schedule permits, consider joining the Medford community for a Lunar New Year Celebration of Asian Culture at the Medford Public Library tomorrow, Saturday, from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. There will be musical performances by the Medford High School Asian club, free boba tea and macarons, Lion Dance performance and guest speakers.

As mentioned last week, February is Black History Month, and the City of Medford will host two events celebrating Black History later in the month. On February 19, the Medford Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will join the Office of Prevention and Outreach to host a Black History celebration at Medford City Hall from 10:00am to 1:00pmfeaturing guest speakers, music, bingo and food. On February 24 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, the West Medford Community Center will host a Black History Month Vendor Fair.

Today’s Memo includes:

• News from the Humanities Department
• Become a "Swing Set Superstar" and Support the New McGlynn Playground
• Crash Prevention Training for Student Drivers
• Job Openings in Medford Public Schools

News from the Humanities Department

The Medford Public Schools Humanities Department is committed to providing all students with the academic and problem-solving skills essential for personal development, responsible citizenship and life-long learning.

Check out the new Department Newsletter to read about the latest news from the Humanities in Medford Public Schools!

Become a “Swing Set Superstar” and Support the New McGlynn Playground

The Medford School Committee invites members of the Medford community to support the new McGlynn Elementary School playground, which will be Medford’s first universally-accessible playground, by making a donation to the playground fund to offset project costs and future maintenance. Donors will be recognized at the following donation “tiers”:

• "Hopscotch Hero" Tier (Donations of $50 - $249)
• "Swing Set Superstar" Tier (Donations of $250 - $499)
• "Slide Savant" Tier (Donations of $500 - $999)
• "Climbing Frame Champion" Tier (Donations of $1,000 - $4,999)
• "Merry-Go-Round Mastermind" Tier (Donations of $5,000 and above)

Donor benefits will include recognition in a district-wide press release, memorialization on a plaque at the playground entrance, and an invitation to the playground ribbon-cutting.

Visit the Fundraiser web page to make a donation, and thank you for your support!

Crash Prevention Training for Student Drivers

Hands-on crash prevention training is available for free to Medford High School students with a learner’s permit or driver’s license.

In Control Crash Prevention has partnered for years with MHS and Medford Police to offer driver safety and crash prevention training to novice drivers. Graduates have a much lower chance of crashing and qualify for auto insurance discounts up to 10%.

Visit DriveInControl.org/medfordhsmrs for more info and to register online today. Space is limited!

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 or forwarding a posting to a worthy candidate!

• NEW Director of Health Services
• Vocational School Electricity Teacher
• Speech Language Pathologist (Long-Term Substitute)
• Executive Assistant/Special Projects Assistant (District Office)
• Instructional Support Staff (Missituk Elementary – Full-Time Building Substitute)
• Daily Substitute (All Schools – Great role for retirees or college students)
• World Language Teacher (Various Languages)
• Special Education Teacher – Connections (Elementary)
• Chemistry Teacher (Secondary)
• Cafeteria Worker (All Schools)
• Classroom Paraprofessional (All Schools)

Upcoming Events

We value inclusion and access for all participants and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations for all school activities and events. Please contact your school’s 504 Coordinator or Assistant Principal to make an accommodation request. Requests should be submitted at least 5 days prior to the event. 

• February 10: Medford Lunar New Year Celebration of Asian Culture at the Medford Public Library, 12:30pm to 2:30pm
• February 10:  Valentine's Family Fest (Medford Family Network Fundraiser) at the McGlynn Elementary School, 3:00pm to 6:00pm
• February 12: Meeting of the Medford School Committee, 6:30pm at Medford City Hall and via Zoom
• February 14: Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday
• February 19 - February 23: February Break, No School
• February 19: Celebrating Black History Month at Medford City Hall, 10:00am
• February 24: Black History Month Vendor Fair at the West Medford Community Center, 12:00pm
• February 27: Building Bridges to Kindergarten - Information Session on 2024-2025 Kindergarten Registration, 6:30pm via Zoom

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous Year of the Dragon!

Yours in Partnership for Children, 

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent