Medford Public Schools: Superintendent's Friday Message – May 14, 2021

Press release from the Medford Public Schools:

May 14, 2021

Para traducción al español HAGA CLIC AQUÍ 

Para tradução em português CLIQUE AQUI 

Pou Tradiksyon Kreyòl Ayisyen KLIKE ISIT 

للترجمة العربية اضغط هنا

Medford Public Schools 

489 Winthrop Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155 

May 14, 2021

Dear Mustang Community:

This week’s Superintendent’s Communication includes:

• COVID-19 Update – Mask Mandate and Vaccination Clinic at Andrews Middle School

• Renaming of the Columbus School:  Request for input

• Upcoming Senior Activities

COVID-19 Report

Each week we administer the Medford Public Schools COVID-19 testing program as one of several measures we undertake to keep schools safe and students in school.    This week, we again have reason to celebrate as our in-school testing program resulted in 0 positive pools out of 4630 tests conducted.  

We were all happy to hear the CDC is loosening the guidance on mask usage this week. We would like to remind you that Governor Baker has not lifted the mask mandate in Massachusetts. Because so few of our students have been vaccinated,  the MPS mask protocol will remain in place for the remainder of the school year.  Students are still required to wear masks while attending school and participating in school sponsored events, including athletics. 

I would also like to remind  you that the Medford Board of Health is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for students age 12 and above on Tuesday, May 18th from 2:30 -6:00. Registration is highly recommended by clicking this link:  https://www.maimmunizations.org/appointment/en/reg/9669520421.  Click here for more information as well as for the parental consent form.

Renaming of the Columbus School:  Request for input

The 23 members of the Advisory Committee to Rename the Columbus Elementary School have narrowed down the list of suggested names to 18 possible choices.  Please share your opinion on your favorite name by completing this google survey.  Please complete this survey by 3:00 on Thursday, May 20. 

Upcoming Senior Activities
Next week, we kick off the activities to recognize the Class of 2021.  These students are surely to be congratulated for their hard work as well as for their resilience during this very difficult year.  I am so proud of each and every graduate and want to remind the community of the importance of keeping our students safe during this exciting time of celebration.  We know our Mustangs will launch to new heights but want to remind all to make safe and healthy decisions.

Wednesday, May 19  –The pre-recorded Effort & Achievement Awards Ceremony for MHS/MVTHS Students will be available for viewing on our website.

Thursday, May 20, 6:30 – 8PM – Senior Scholarship Ceremony,  Caron Theater – (Invitation Only!)

Upcoming School Committee Meetings

Tuesday, May 18, 7:00 – 9:00:  Budget Hearing:  Academic Programming 

 https://mps02155-org.zoom.us/j/92672296484

Wednesday,  May 19, 7:00 – 9:00:  Budget Hearing:  Central Office

 https://mps02155-org.zoom.us/j/91351896187

Thursday, May 20, 5:00 – 6:30:  Special Education and Behavioral Health Subcommittee Meeting

https://mps02155-org.zoom.us/j/94245852420

Thursday, May 20,  Time TBD:  Advisory Committee Meeting to Rename the Columbus School

 https://mps02155-org.zoom.us/j/96220312211

Eid Mubarak to all of our Muslim families celebrating Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the Fasting period of Ramadan and is a time of reflection, rejoicing and charity.  

Our  Medford High School Mustangs will be celebrating Haitian Heritage Month and Flag Day this Tuesday, May 18.  In honor of this day of celebration, Medford High School has planned activities including dance performances by the dance company, Jean Appolon Expressions, as well as a modified “block party” planned by The Interact Club and CCSR.  We will be adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols at this Board of Health approved outdoor event.

There are certainly lots of good things happening in Mustang Nation these days!

Thank you for your continued support. 

Yours in Partnership for Children, 

Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Superintendent

This press release was produced by the Medford Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.