Mustang Minute
THE MUSTANG MINUTE
NOVEMBER
Principal's Corner
Dear Mustang Families,
It’s hard to believe that we are already approaching the end of Quarter 1! It has been an incredible and busy fall filled with athletics, after-school clubs, Band and Color Guard competitions, drama rehearsals, and so much more across our school community.
As we wrap up Quarter 1, I encourage you to reach out and engage in two-way communication with your student's teachers and support staff. At Medford High School, we view education as a true partnership, and we want to work collaboratively with you to ensure your student’s continued growth and success.
In partnership,
Marta Cabral
Mustang Highlights
Congrats to the Executive Boards of each class:
Class of 2027: President: Isla McInnis; Co-VPs: Hana Maarouf & James Atwell; Secretary: Sydney Conti
- Class of 2028: President: Olivia O'Brien; Vice President: Thanmaya Aman; Secretary: Abrielle Cartolano
Class of 2029: President: Leo Intoppa; Vice President: Landon Le; Communications: Naimah Pierre Louis; Public Relations: Paola Flores Castillo & Cam Belanger; Event Planners: Nadia Purifory & Valentina Burke; Reps at Large: Ethan Dong, Parker Preisner, Joe Hogan
Class of 2030: President: Joshua Perreira; Vice President: Brenna Munyon; Secretary: Sylvia Tran
Senior Class Kimball Farm Trip
The Class of 2027 had a fantastic day of community building & fun at Kimball Farm. A big shout-out to all of our chaperones for making this event a success, as well as our Seniors for being wonderful representatives of MHS and making us all proud!
Senior Prom Donation!
Student Summit!
- The Marching Band has been competing & earned top spots throughout the month of October. They will be participating in Finals in November!
- The Drama Club has begun rehearsals for the musical Newsies (performances Thursday January 21 - Saturday January 23) and it's shaping up to be a great show! Hope to see everyone there.
- The Medford Winter Guard is starting their clinics for Winter Guard auditions! Grades 7th-12th are eligible to join. Clinics are where you learn the skills that you'll need for auditions and the competition season if you choose to join. Auditions will have no cuts. It's all about attitude! Auditions help the Color Guard Staff place you appropriately in the show. The Medford Winter Guard is an amazing opportunity to meet new people and build bonds you will have for the rest of your life, while building confidence to perform in front of people. Medford's Color Guard program is so exemplary that we have produced world-class performers outside of high school! If you want to learn more about the fun things and awards we received this past fall season, check out the Band and Color Guard Instagram pages. Consider all the reasons to give it a try and come to one or both of our clinic days this month. Pre-Season Clinics are November 9th & 16th, 6-9:30pm at Brooks School; and Auditions are November 20th, 6-9:30pm at Brooks School.
Bringing Spanish to Life: A Special Visit from Málaga, Spain!
Over 150 students across Spanish II, III, & IV welcomed Carlos Morales from Hablandis, Centro Internacional de Idiomas, in Málaga, Spain, for an engaging, real-world language learning experience. All Spanish teachers welcomed Carlos into their classrooms, where students engaged in meaningful conversations, explored the importance of Spanish in global communication & future career opportunities, and participated in fun, interactive games. This experience brought language learning to life, showing students that Spanish extends far beyond the classroom. By connecting with a guest from Spain, students experienced firsthand how language builds relationships, broadens perspectives, and opens doors to future academic, professional, and personal opportunities.
House AP Corner
NO IDLING LAW
There is a "No Idling" law in effect in Massachusetts on school grounds. Please be sure to turn off your car when waiting at pick up/drop off. Thank you.
Senior Portraits for Class of 2027 in January!
An important section of the yearbook is the "Senior Section" which contains high-quality portraits of the graduating class. At this time you can no longer schedule a portrait sitting with Geskus studios directly, however, we are offering cost-free senior portrait sittings with Geskus on Thursday, January 14th & Thursday, January 21st in the Medford High School gym during the school day. Questions can be directed to Jo Ford at jford@medford.k12.ma.us and Mr. Blauch at dblauch@medford.k12.ma.us
GRADUATION NEWS: Cap & Gown Ordering is OPEN NOW!
- Seniors: Only seven months until Graduation! The Class of 2027 graduation ceremony will be Friday, June 4, 2027 at Hormel Stadium. We are beginning specific preparations for the June 4th ceremony, starting with the cap & gown order.
- CAP & GOWN DETAILS:
- Graduating seniors wear a cap (with tassel) and gown at the ceremony on June 4th.
- All Class of 2027 students need to order a cap & gown / tassel set. Here is the ordering link: https://www.buildagrad.com/medfordhs
- Orders must be placed by Monday, January 18th.
- The cost is $28.50.
- Students keep the cap, gown, and tassel after the graduation ceremony.
Athletic Corner
Nurses Corner
Dear Caregivers,
Our school nurse’s office has a self-care cart to help students feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn throughout the school day. The cart is stationed outside of the nursing office and includes essential personal care items that students may need from time to time. We have created a wishlist with items that would be especially helpful. If you would like to contribute, please visit the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3TD3IOIKR4BJE?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_8
Donations are completely voluntary, and any contribution is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for helping us create a caring and supportive school community where every student can feel their best!
Nursing Office Contact Information:
Sara Kelly, MSN, BSN, RN — skelly@medford.k12.ma.us
Christine Cullinane, BSN, RN — ccullinane@medford.k12.ma.us
Norhan El Shaer, BSN, RN — nelshaer@medford.k12.ma.us
For district-level questions, please contact:
Jennifer Silva, M.Ed., BSN, RN, NCSN, Director of Health Services —
School Counselor Corner
FAFSA Is Open for the Class of 2027
The 2027–2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. We encourage college-bound seniors and their families to begin the financial aid process early. The FAFSA helps determine eligibility for federal financial aid and is used by many state and institutional aid programs.
Families can also explore free college-financing guidance at mefa.org. Students and caregivers with questions are welcome to contact their school counselor.
Coffee with the Counselors: Thank You!
Thank you to the families who joined us for Coffee with the Counselors on October 9! These informal gatherings offer an opportunity to connect with our team, ask questions, and learn about academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary supports. Here is the presentation for those who were unable to attend.
Save the date: Our next Coffee with the Counselors is Friday, March 5, 2027, from 8:00–9:00 a.m. We look forward to continuing the conversation!
PSAT: Understanding Your Results
Students who participated in the October PSAT will be able to view their scores through College Board once results are released (expected by November 12th). We encourage families to review the score report together, identify strengths and growth areas, and explore College Board's personalized practice resources.
College Fair: Continuing the Conversation
Thank you to the students, caregivers, and representatives who participated in our October 28th College Fair! We encourage students to follow up with institutions of interest, explore admissions requirements, and meet with their school counselor to discuss next steps in their postsecondary planning. Please review the college information session slides for students with IEPs and 504 Accommodation Plans.
PTO Corner
We're making progress toward our $8,000 fundraising goal! Since September, we've raised $845 in direct donations, which could become $1,690 thanks to our generous anonymous donor's dollar-for-dollar match!
There's still time to make an impact! All donations will be matched up to $5,000 through December 31, 2026. That means we have the opportunity to raise $10,000 in total! Every dollar helps us support student activities, senior scholarships, teacher and staff appreciation, and other school needs.
Double your donation today!
Venmo: @MedfordHS_MVTHS_PTO
Check: Payable to MHS/MVTHS PTO, mailed or dropped off at the high school
An easy way to support the PTO without spending a dime! Did you know that our Bay State Textiles recycling bins generate approximately $200 per month for the PTO? Simply drop off gently used clothing, shoes, and linens in the donation bins located in the high school's main parking lot. It's a great way to declutter, recycle, and support our school community!
Next PTO Meeting: Tuesday, November 10, 7–8 PM, Bistro 489. All parents and caregivers are welcome! We'd love to see some new faces and hear your ideas.
Learn more about us on our PTO Webpage: https://mhs-mvths.mps02155.org/about/pto
Email us at mhs.mvths.pto@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook: MHS/MVTHS PTO, Medford, MA.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Nov 3 - Election Day, No School, District wide Professional Development Day
- Nov 4 - NTHS Induction Ceremony, 5:30-7pm, Bistro 489
- Nov 5 - CTE Fall Advisory, 6-8pm
- Nov 6 - Quarter 1 ends
- Nov 7 - SAT testing
- Nov 9 - Quarter 2 begins
- Nov 9 - Crash Prevention Class (1st of 4 being offered during SY26-27)
- Nov 10 - PTO Meeting, 7pm, Bistro 489
- Nov 11 - Veteran's Day, NO School
- Nov 13 - World Kindness Day
- Nov 16 - Senior Privileges begin
- Nov 17 - National International Students Day
- Nov 18 - Mustang Powder Puff, 6:30-8pm, Hormel Stadium
- Nov 20 - First Quarter Report Cards available on-line
- Nov 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Nov 25 - Early release for students, 12:00pm dismissal
- Nov 26 - Nov 27: Thanksgiving holiday, NO School
- Dec 1 - World AIDS Day
- Dec 1 - PTO Meeting, 7pm, Bistro 489
- Dec 1-2 - Winter ELA MAP testing
- Dec 3 - Caregiver Conferences
- Dec 3-4 - Winter Math MAP testing
- Dec 4 - Student Photo Make-Up & Retake Day, 8:00am-11:30am, MHS gym
- Dec 4 - First day of Hanukkah