Dear Medway families,
As you may have seen in the news, schools across Massachusetts are being subjected to “swatting” or hoax calls that include threats of violence. Schools have responded and reacted in the ways that one would expect; by securing the school until the situation can be evaluated and resolved. Regardless of the response, the possibility of enduring this situation is frightening.
In Medway, we have continued coordinating with the Medway Police Department to ensure our safety and security practices are up-to-date and coordinated. We continue to appreciate the valuable partnership this relationship represents. Please know that we will take any circumstances threatening students and staff seriously and respond accordingly. We are hopeful that the individuals responsible will be found out soon.
Having passed the mid-point in the 2022-2023 school year and now approaching the February vacation, it is clear to us that the year is moving quickly. We wish you all a productive, restful break from school next week and hope that there will be an opportunity for enhanced connection with family and friends.
Please find updates from the district and informational items below.
Be well,
Armand Pires, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
February Vacation
There will be no school Monday-Friday, February 20-24 for Winter Break. We hope you and your families enjoy the week!
2023-2024 APPROVED School Calendar
At the School Committee meeting that was held on Thursday, February 2, the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar was approved. The School Committee also approved the 2024 Medway High School Graduation date. Click here to view.
FY24 Budget Development and Approval Process
During last week’s February 9 School Committee Meeting, Dr. Pires, Superintendent and Ms. Abrams, Assistant Superintendent, presented an update on the district’s progress with the 2022-2023 District Improvement Plan and an overview of the FY24 budget development process. The presentation that they shared can be found here.
Please find below the upcoming events connected to the budget development process. We invite community members to join us.
March 2, 2023: FY24 Budget Presentation
On Thursday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m., in the Medway Middle School Presentation Room, Dr. Pires and Ms. Leonhardt, Director of Finance and Operations, will present the FY24 Recommended Superintendent’s Budget to the Medway School Committee.
March 9, 2023: Public Forum on the FY24 Budget
On Thursday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m., in the Medway Middle School Presentation Room, the School Committee and Dr. Pires will host a public forum for interested community members regarding the FY24 budget. This session is interactive, and participant questions will be answered.
March 16, 2023: Public Hearing on FY24 Budget and FY24 Budget Vote
On Thursday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Medway Middle School Presentation Room, community members are invited to share public comments regarding the proposed FY24 budget with the School Committee. This is the final opportunity for community feedback before the School Committee vote on the FY24 budget planned as part of the regular School Committee meeting agenda later this evening. Feedback shared at the hearing will be acknowledged and noted, but there will not be a dialogue during the Budget Hearing.
At 7:00 p.m. this same evening, in the Medway Middle School Presentation Room, the School Committee will vote to forward the FY24 Medway Public Schools Budget to the Town of Medway, to be included as part of the FY24 Town of Medway budget.
May 8, 2023: Town Meeting
Community members are encouraged to attend Medway’s Town Meeting on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., at Medway High School, 88 Summer Street, when residents will be asked to vote on the Town of Medway FY24 budget, which will be inclusive of the FY24 Medway Public School’s budget to be used for the 2023-2024 school year.
Medway High School 2023-2024 Program of Studies Presented to School Committee
At last week's School Committee meeting, Dr. Murray, Principal of Medway High School, presented the Program of Studies Overview for 2023-2024. The presentation that he shared can be found here.
Last Chance: Mid-Year Feedback Requested: Paper.co: Grade 5-12 Online Homework and Writing Support Program
As you are likely aware, the Medway Schools has partnered with Paper.co, a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week online homework support and writing review program. It has taken some time for students to understand its use and potential benefit, and we believe it’s important to gain feedback on this tool. We are asking educators, students, and families of students in Grades 5-12 to offer feedback through this form. Only families of Grade 5-12 students should respond. We will keep the survey open until February vacation.
Information about Paper.co can be found here.
March 8, 2023, Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Meeting
On March 8, our SEPAC will host a virtual general membership meeting from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. The agenda will include a discussion of the FY 24 budget as it relates to Special Education. Mrs. Abrams, Assistant Superintendent, and Dr. Place, Director of Student Services, will attend to provide information and answer questions. The Zoom link can be found here.
Medway Public Schools App
Be sure to download the new Medway Public Schools Mobile App that was launched at the beginning of the month. It’s everything Medway Public Schools, in your pocket. As of today, there are over 600 downloads. We communicated the launch on our website as well as through social media. To download the app, scan the QR code.
88 Keys for Kids Campaign and Medway Friends of the Performing Arts Annual Campaign
In partnership with our support organizations, Medway Public Schools are excited to invite funding contributions to support the purchase of a new professional performance piano and additional performing arts department needs! For fundraising details, please click here.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration is now open for the 2023-2024 school year. In order to be eligible for kindergarten, students must be 5 years old by August 31, 2023. Registration information will be available online and in the superintendent’s office and the McGovern School, if needed. We will send more information out in the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming our Class of 2036 to the Medway Public Schools!
Pre-School Lottery OPEN
The Pre-School Lottery for community peers for the 2023-2024 School Year is now open! Click here to access the online lottery form. Click here to view the Registration Process for Community Peers. For additional information, please click here to view the Pre-School Lottery packet released by Sue Frederick, Assistant Director of Student Services and Amy McDonald, Principal at McGovern Elementary School.
Technology UpdatesThe Technology Department would like to remind families with students in 8th and 12th grade that we intend to collect the Chromebook device and chargers before the last day of school according to our replacement cycle. Students in 5th and 9th grade will be provided a device in the fall to support digital learning, with the intent the device will be used for four years. If a student device is currently in need of repair, please deliver it to the front office for service.
Minding Your Mind Panel Discussion
On Thursday, March 2, the Franklin YMCA will be partnering with Minding Your Mind to host a parent panel discussion about student mental health. Joining the Minding Your Mind speakers will be a North Attleboro High School Psychologist. The event will take place at the Franklin YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road, from 5:30-7:30, and childcare will be provided. For further information, please click here.
Medway Friends of Performing Arts
Musical Bingo Night
The MFPA is hosting a Musical Bingo Night on February 16 in the Medway Middle School Cafeteria. This fun night is a family-friendly event that is open to all. Doors open at 6:00 pm and music will start at 6:30 pm. The fundraiser donation minimum is $5/person or $25/family. Registration closes tonight (or until spots run out)! Register here!
We will accept cash, check or Venmo - MFPA Medway @Medwayfriendsofperformingarts
Venmo can be paid in advance upon confirmation of your registration.
All proceeds directly benefit the Medway Performing Arts Students!
Medway Foundation for Education (MFE): Trivia Bee is Back!
The Medway Foundation for Education (MFE) is pleased to host the annual MFE Trivia Bee. This event is a time honored tradition where colleagues, teachers, students, and friends compete to reveal Medway’s top trivia team! The event will take place on Tuesday, March 7 in the Burke-Memorial Elementary School Cafeteria from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The funding generated from participation from this event supports the MFE’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the Medway Public Schools. Please consider participating! A registration form can be found here.
Community Education
Our Spring Brochure will be in Medway mailboxes and on the district website soon! Also, be sure to look at the many fun and exciting summer programs in the Yellow Insert for children of all ages. We look forward to welcoming in the warmer weather with all families this spring!
Fuel Assistance Available
If you are a one-person household and earn less than $40,951 per year or a two-person household and earn less than $53,551 per year, you may qualify for home fuel assistance. A full eligibility and benefits chart can be found here. Medway Outreach Workers Marcia Lombardo and Kim Cookson are happy to help you apply for fuel assistance or answer any questions. They can be reached at 508-533-3210 or mlombardo@townofmedway.org. Please note if adults in your household are not U.S. citizens, but a child in the home is a citizen, you can still apply for fuel assistance.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Flu Prevalence Update
Recently, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shared that there has been an expanded use of updated COVID-19 vaccines by the Centers for Disease Control. They also shared that there have been much higher than usual rates of flu activity this year. To view their joint letter, please click here.
COVID-19 Reminders and ProtocolsWith the cold and flu season upon us and the continuing challenges posed by COVID-19, it is important that we all stay vigilant in protecting the health of our schools. At-home testing is encouraged when your child or a family member has symptoms. Free at-home tests are available with most health insurance through the CVS reimbursement program. If your child tests positive, please inform your child’s school nurse and follow COVID protocols around isolation and mask-wearing. We encourage you to keep your child home when exhibiting COVID and influenza symptoms and recommend mask-wearing when sick. For tips on effective mask-wearing and mask options, please click here.
Follow the Medway Public Schools on Social Media
Medway Public Schools: Twitter: @MedwaySchools Facebook: @medwayps Instagram: @Medwayschools
Medway High School: Twitter: @MedwayHighInfo Facebook: @medwayhighschool Instagram: @medwayhighschool
Medway Middle School: Twitter: @Medwaymiddle Facebook: @medwaymiddleschool Instagram: @medwaymiddle31
Burke-Memorial Elementary: Twitter: @BurkeMemorial Facebook: @burkememorial Instagram: @burkememorialelem
McGovern Elementary School: Twitter: @McGovernElem Facebook: @mcgovernelem Instagram: @mcgovernelem
Medway Community Education: Twitter: @medwayce Facebook: @medwayce Instagram: @medwaycommunityed
Upcoming Events (click here)