Superintendent's Friday Message
October 10, 2025
Dear Families & Caregivers,
It was a delight to begin the week listening to our Medford High School Career Technical & Education (CTE) speak at Monday night's School Committee meeting! Students shared about how their CTE programs have shaped their high school journeys and how the Voc has enabled them to feel their sense of 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜. Thank you to Haily LaGrassa (Senior, Health Assisting), Gabriella Calitri (Senior, Cosmetology) Will McLaughlin (Junior, Electrical), and Sarah Carbone (Freshman, Exploratory) for joining us!
Before highlighting the latest news and upcoming events, I want to take a moment and spotlight that today is World Mental Health Day. I am thankful Medford Public Schools are able to provide resources to students, families and staff surrounding this important topic. Throughout the district, we will continue to encourage open conversations, support one another, and foster a community of empathy and compassion.
Lastly, as a reminder to all students, caregivers, and staff, the district will be closed on Monday, October 13 in observance of Indigenous People's/Columbus Day.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galusi
Earlier today, Assistant Superintendent for Academics & Instruction Dr. Kim Talbot and I sent a letter to all families regarding the results of the 2025 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams. This afternoon, the results for each student were placed in the mail for families. Caregivers with current Grade 4-11 students should expect to receive these results in the mail within the next two weeks. If you do not receive your student’s results within that time frame, please contact your school’s front office. Visit Here for more information and resources for caregivers regarding the MCAS test.
Additionally, DIBELS testing results for students in Grades 1-3 went home with students in their backpacks this afternoon. Administering early literacy universal screening is crucial to promoting reading success for every child, and we value our partnership with parents and caregivers in helping our students grow.
As such, our Literacy Coaches, Ms. Kristin Howell and Ms. Julie Turowetz, will be providing two DIBELS Information Sessions for caregivers both in-person and virtually. These presentations will be held on the dates and times below:
- Wednesday, 10/15/25, from 6-7 p.m. at the McGlynn School Library
- Wednesday, 10/22/25, at 9 a.m. virtually via Zoom
This past Tuesday, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Designer Selection Panel (DSP) chose SMMA, an architectural design firm based in Cambridge, to be the lead designer on the new Medford High School Building project.
In accordance with MSBA regulations, the DSP was composed of 16 appointed members by the MSBA.
- The MSBA selects 13 individuals in accordance with its requirements to supply a mix of design and construction experts.
- Medford selects 3 individuals: Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, myself, and Medford High School Building Committee Chair Jenny Graham.
Medford, our project team, and the MSBA will now partner to explore various options for Medford High School, including partial renovations, an addition/renovation scenario, and a new build. The phase will also articulate the costs associated with the various design options.
Furthermore, the City of Medford will commence contract negotiations following the DSP’s decision. We are excited to share further information after the completion of successful designer contract negotiations.
Following C3 Day at Medford High School, a dedicated school day for students to engage in opportunities that prepare them for life beyond high school, our school counseling department will be hosting our annual College Fair! Open to all middle and high school students and families, the fair will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Medford High School Gymnasium. Over 75 colleges and programs will be in attendance, including 4-year universities, community colleges, military programs, and others.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Room B319, MHS will also be hosting a college information session for students with IEP’s and 504 Accommodation Plans. Attendees will be able to hear from Guest Speaker Hannah Kaplan Huynh, Assistant Director for the Ross Center for Disability Services at UMass - Boston, about the college application process and the difference in services offered between high school and college among other important topics. The information session will last until 6:30 p.m., enabling students and families to participate in the College Fair afterwards.
Congratulations to Ms. Katia Marticorena for being named our new Director of World Language!
Marticorena steps into the role as World Language Director after serving as a Spanish language teacher at Medford High School since the fall of 2024. Before coming to Medford, she previously served as the World Language Director & Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator for Melrose Public Schools. Marticorena earned the Massachusetts Outstanding Latino Educator Award in 2022 and has taught Spanish to students across the state in elementary, secondary, collegiate, and community environments for over 15 years.
Visit Here for the full announcement. We are very excited to see Ms. Marticorena's impact on our students and families!
We are thrilled to welcome the Medford School Arts Alliance to our community! The Medford School Arts Alliance is a new group started by MPS parents and teachers to help raise funds for and awareness of our wonderful arts (visual, music, drama) programs in our district.
Ahead of the MSAA's first event at the beginning of November, the new organization is asking interested students to design their logo! The logo should represent what the arts mean to you. The winning logo will be used on MSAA posters, flyers and website. Visit Here to see the contest rules and submit your logo!