Superintendent's Friday Message
September 25, 2026
Dear MPS Families and Caregivers,
This morning, our Missituk Elementary community came together on 9/25 to celebrate Dolly Day! In recognition of the late Dolly Parton, Staff dressed up in their finest hats, blonde wigs and pink colors. Students & staff donated books to the school library, and all students read with their grade-level reading buddies to celebrate Dolly's advocacy for children's literacy.
Boys Golf
Middle School Softball
MHS Cheerleaders w/ Fans of the Game
During Tuesday's the School Building Committee, the SBC voted to approve space efficiency reductions of over 10,300 net sq ft, with an estimated cost reduction of $16.9 million. Among notable reductions were all classroom sizes by 50 sq ft, space efficiencies in the Health Assisting & Carpentry CTE spaces (based on program schedules and class size during instruction), and the elimination of related classrooms in select vocational spaces (these shop designs will allow for instruction to take place without need for a separate classroom). Visit Here for materials from Tuesday's meeting.
The next full SBC meeting will be held on Thursday, October 6 beginning at 6 p.m. in the MHS Library and can be watched on Zoom, Medford Community Media and the MPS YouTube channel. By end of the meeting, the space summary will be finalized ahead of Schematic Design Process & revised project estimating. During this meeting, the committee is also expected to:
- Approve Construction Manager to join the Project Team
- Review City of Medford Feasibility Study of Curtis-Tufts conducted over the summer
- Review and vote on remaining space efficiencies and building reductions
To learn more about the project and see upcoming events, please visit https://medfordhsproject.com/. Additionally, community members can stay informed on the project by signing up for the project mailing list.
The Medford Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is a volunteer group of caregivers focused on ensuring the best education for students with disabilities. The organization provides caregivers the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences & strategies, collaborate with district staff members, and stay informed on opportunities & resources.
This school year, SEPAC is in need of a new executive team to provide connection, education, and empowerment amongst caregivers! Open positions include chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, and treasurer. Caregivers are also welcome to join as a general member.
If you are interested in joining, please fill out this Interest Form. Thank you for your partnership in creating further opportunities for our students and families!
For families with students in Grades 6-12, information on accessing the Family portal can be found in the "Documents" tab in SchoolBrains. For students in Grades 4 & 5, families received an email last month with individualized student login information.
If you have any questions accessing the portal, please contact schoolbrains@medford.k12.ma.us. Visit Here for more information and resources for caregivers regarding the MCAS test.
As a reminder, Grade 4 & 5 instrument and band classes will begin next week in our elementary schools. A memo reminder will also be sent home to families who are signed up in the programs.
Each school year, MPS students participate in the The State Seal of Biliteracy - an award given to graduating high school students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This designation is included on a student’s high school transcript.
The Seal celebrates students' multilingual abilities, whether they developed proficiency through MPS World Language courses, home and heritage languages, and other language-learning experiences. We are committed to providing equitable access to the program for all students, including for multilingual learners and English Learners, students with disabilities, heritage and native language speakers.
Students do not need to wait until high school to begin working toward the Seal. Students who use a language at home or in the community—including signed languages—are encouraged to continue developing that language. Regular speaking or signing, reading, and writing help students build the skills needed to earn the Seal while strengthening language development overall, including in English.
Visit our World Language Website to learn more about the Seal of Biliteracy and more information about our World Language program.
Next Tuesday, Medford Family Network will be hosting a meet and greet for caregivers of neurodiverse children beginning at 5:30 p.m. Led by Cara Higgins, the group will also be joined by Kim Clinton, our new Assistant Superintendent for Special Education & Student Services. Food and limited childcare will be provided; please visit here to register.
In October, the MFN will once again be hosting a clothing and book swap! Open to Medford residents only, residents will have the opportunity to shop for lightly used and free children's clothing, shoes, and books. Ahead of the swap, donations can be dropped off at the MFN October 14-16.
The Swap will take place on Sunday, October 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Temple Shalom. Those who intend to shop must pre-register beforehand here.