Medford Public Schools: Weekly Update By Superintendent Dr. Edouard-Vincent

Press release from the Medford Public Schools:

April 1, 2021

Para traducción al español HAGA CLIC AQUÍ 

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Medford Public Schools 

489 Winthrop Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155

April 1, 2021

Dear Mustang Community:

This week’s Superintendent’s Communication includes:

• Reminder of COVID-19 Protocols 

• Upcoming Strategic Plan Roundtables

Reminder of COVID-19 Protocols 

As I have reported to you in recent communications, our COVID-19 encouraging positivity rate has been evidence of our collective commitment to stopping the spread of the virus.  We should all take pride in how few positive test results we have seen and the increasing number of students who are experiencing in-person learning.  With case numbers locally and nationally creeping back up, I implore you to please remember that the pandemic is definitely not over.  We must continue to maintain our vigilance and practice all public health protocols, especially: 

✸ Test weekly ✸ Always wear a mask and wash your hands

✸ Stay home if you’re sick ✸ Maintain physical distancing 

With the holiday weekend upon us, I also note the importance of adhering to the Massachusetts Travel Advisory available here. As the days get longer, the weather gets warmer, and this challenging time continues, all of us are feeling pandemic fatigue. But we must continue our fight against COVID-19 and that means treating this virus and the precautions we know keep our friends, families, and colleagues safe with the utmost seriousness.  Thank you for your patience, vigilance, and continued cooperation. 

Strategic Plan Roundtables, Monday, April 5 and Tuesday, April 6 

Members of our School Committee will be hosting Roundtables with the purpose of gathering feedback from families and staff regarding the District’s Draft Strategic Plan.  We hope you are able to attend one of the two sessions to offer your perspective on planning for the future of Medford Public Schools.  A copy of this plan is attached at the end of this communication.  

Monday, April 5, 5:00 – 6:30

https://mps02155-org.zoom.us/j/91225128810

Tuesday, April 6, 6:00 – 7:30

https://mps02155-org.zoom.us/j/91604815648

Technology Update

Our reliance on technology has added a new dimension to our efforts to educate students during the course of the pandemic.  The Medford Public Schools has invested nearly $2.5 million since the start of the pandemic to improve the quality of the technology devices and infrastructure available to our students.  Still we know that the reliability of our technology has at times created challenges both for students learning in-person and remotely. We have recently completed upgrades to our wireless access points at Medford High School that should yield improved connectivity for our students at our flagship school, but again, we know that our systems are stressed and this is a challenge for which we must strive for continuous improvement.  

As all students have been offered district-issued devices, MHS students should be relying on their MPS devices first and foremost while learning in-person.  If there are connectivity issues with those MPS devices, students should visit the school library where staff will be available to assist them and/or replace their device when necessary.  Students should avoid using their personal devices for school work while at school as much as possible as our network security systems are configured primarily for supporting district-issued devices. 

Other Upcoming Meetings

• April 7th – 4:00 – 5:00 PM:  Rules, Policy and Equity Subcommittee Meeting

https://mps02155-org.zoom.us/j/98554767654

• April 7th – 6:00 – 8:00 PM:  City of Medford, Medford Human Rights Commission to Host Community Conversation,  Racism is a Public Health Crisis:  What Does This Mean, & How Can the City Address This Crisis? 

https://zoom.us/j/92166819734?pwd=d0ZpVGd0ZWFNYU1xUVVQTExnNStVdz09

Please remember that there is no school tomorrow on April 2, 2021 pursuant to the Medford Public Schools calendar.  For those celebrating Easter, we wish you a joyous holiday consistent with all public health protocols and urge you to refrain from celebrating with members outside your immediate family.   I hope you all have an enjoyable long weekend.

Thank you for your continued support. 

Yours at 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.