Superintendent's Friday Message

Dear MPS Families and Caregivers,

The final month of the school year is here! June is a time to deservedly celebrate the accomplishments of our students, reminisce on our favorite memories from the year, and commemorate the completion of various grade levels. Student attendance remains crucial at this time of year, so please ensure your children are present to enjoy these end-of-year festivities.

June is also the celebration of Pride Month, and our Medford High School Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) organization kicked off the month by raising the Pride Flag at the high school. Our GSA organizations work to create inclusive environments for youth (and all people) of all identities throughout Medford and the surrounding community. MPS is proud to partner with our students, staff, city and community organizations in celebration of Pride Month and members of our LGBTQIA+ community.

Rewinding to last Friday evening, I was fortunate to have joined other members of the MPS Community at the opening night of the MHS Art Gallery display at Arts Collaborative Medford! The ACM informed us that it is their biggest collection of artwork they've displayed at once, and it was clear to see the talent on display. The gallery remains viewable through June 27.

Last but no least, this past Tuesday our Assistance Dog Kelsey traded the classroom for Fenway Park and was honored by the Boston Red Sox as their Service Dog of the Game. I am happy to report she got lots of deserved love from the Fenway Faithful.

Sincerely,

Dr. Suzanne B. Galusi

Thank you to all the parents, caregivers, staff members, elected officials, volunteers, and especially the graduating seniors who came together on Wednesday to celebrate the Class of 2025. Everybody was kind, respectful and courteous throughout the evening. Special thank you to our MHS Film & TV Production students who operated the live stream of the event.

To our recent graduates - take your personality to your next chapter. No matter where you go, if it's college, a trade, the military, straight into the workforce or another path, own your individuality. Strive to identify the opportunities that will push you to maintain your great work ethic.

Visit our Facebook Page to see more photos from Wednesday's commencement ceremony.

Following last month's Meeting of the Medford School Committee, I wanted to provide an update on our Afterschool programming options as we look to provide more opportunities for students and families. We understand after school coverage is crucial for parents to know their children are in a safe and welcoming environment. We are committed to increasing those opportunities.

As part of our examination of the program, MPS is looking to hire full-time Afterschool positions who will work throughout the calendar year, including during February/April vacations. We have also begun work with BASEC Consultancy to assess our current programming, review our strategic development, and ultimately expand programming options. Finally, our survey shared last month regarding staggered pick-up time options found data to support our plan to further explore the format for next school year.

As a result of all this ongoing work happening at once, we will continue to update the community regarding any programming changes or increased options for families. Please be on the lookout for communication this summer regarding expanded programming opportunity, including a Community Night in late July where we will engage directly with families. Collaboration is key to creating more opportunities for families, and we thank you for being interested in our Afterschool programming.

The 2024/25 Mustang sports season will wrap up next week with our Medford Rowing team sending a boat to the US Rowing Youth Nationals! Good luck to Jayden Wu and Owen Barczak-Kroll, who will represent Medford in the Men’s U-17 2x in Sarasota, Florida on June 12-15. Visit Here to donate towards their trip.

Looking ahead to next fall, registration for our 2025/26 Fall Sports season is now open! Students who will be in Grades 6-12 next school year are eligible to play a sport. We are also excited to share that our athletic registration platform has merged with Arbiter/Family ID, simplifying the registration process. Visit Here to learn.

Finally, thank you to all those who submitted feedback as we search for a new Athletic Director. Our Search Committee, which includes wide-ranging and diverse perspectives within our community, had their first meeting last night as they work toward identifying a qualified pool of candidates. We will continue to inform the community with appropriate updates as the search process proceeds.

Summer vacation will be here soon, which means it's time for students entering Grades 6 - 12 next fall to learn about their summer reading requirements. Although there is no required summer school reading for students entering grades K-5, the district encourages all students to read over the summer months and participate in a reading challenge developed in collaboration with the Medford Public Library.

For students in Grades 6-12, please note that all summer reading books are reviewed and chosen carefully, with clear rubrics that include consideration of educational value, awards and interest level. Visit Here to see the summer reading requirements.

Featured Opening: School Nurse

The Medford Public Schools is searching for a qualified candidate to join the district as a school nurse. The school nurse is responsible for developing, implementing and managing a school health program in the MPS. Nursing care is individualized to meet student needs and situations including family goals and preference. Visit Here to apply.

Visit Here to browse more available jobs across the district or at the links below.

• After School Program Staff - District Wide

• Chief Operations Officer - District Wide

• Classroom Paraprofessionals - District Wide

• Connections Special Education Teacher - Roberts Elementary School

• Daily Substitute Positions - District Wide

• Middle School Math Teacher - McGlynn Middle School

• Special Eduction Coordinator - District Wide

• Summer Camp Counselor

• World Language Teacher - Medford High School

MPS Athletics Upcoming Schedule & News

June 7: Eid-Al Adha Continues

June 7: Porchfest, 12-5 p.m. (Rain Date on Sunday)

June 9: Regular Meeting of the Medford School Committee, 6 p.m. at Medford City Hall

June 11: Family Engagement & Communications Subcommittee Meeting, 5:30 p.m. on Zoom

June 11: High School Building Committee Meeting, 6:30-8:30 at Bistro 489

June 14: International Celebration, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Medford Senior Center

June 16: Grades 6-12 Early Release Day

June 16: Andrews 8th Grade Moving On Ceremony, 5:00 p.m. at Hormel Stadium

June 16: McGlynn 8th Grade Moving On Ceremony, 7:00 p.m. at Hormel Stadium

June 17: Grades 6-12 Early Release Day

June 18: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (Early Release Day for All Students)

June 18: Juneteenth Flag Raising Celebration, 4-6:30 p.m. at Medford City Hall

June 19: Juneteenth