September 4, 2020
Dear Medway families,
Today marks the end of the first week of faculty and staff professional development. It was wonderful to have our staff back in our buildings and actively engaged in preparations for the coming year. While this school year will be different, what has not changed is the excitement and enthusiasm I witnessed in buildings this week as preparations for the 2020-2021 school year continued. Also this week, building principals sent out schedules and teacher assignments for students who will be attending in-person. For students who will be participating in the Virtual School Student Learning Model, we anticipate schedules to be released by the middle of next week.
I recognize that there was some disappointment and concern that some staff names are filled with “TBA.” As you know the complexities of this year are numerous. One area of complexity is around staffing. Since we are providing multiple paths for students, we require additional staffing, significant additional staffing. New staff will work to ensure an effective education for our students who will be participating in-person, as well as in the Virtual School Student Learning Model. It is important that we continue to identify faculty and staff that will effectively support the mission and vision of the Medway Schools. We have been and will continue to work to hire the most qualified staff as efficiently as possible. As staff assignments are completed, schedules will be updated to reflect those changes.
Please pass the word as we continue to look for paraprofessionals and specialized minivan drivers (training provided). Open positions of the Medway Public Schools can be viewed on schoolspring.com.
As we approach the start of the school year, we continue to engage in deep planning for our students’ arrival. I am sure that concern and anxiety will increase. Please know that we will continue to provide opportunities to connect with us to answer questions. We know that this year will continue to challenge our planning and we will need to make adjustments as circumstances arise. We know that this year will look like no other. We continue to ask for your continued patience and support as we embark on the 2020-2021 school year.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Sincerely,
Armand Pires, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Reopening Updates
Families have and or will begin to hear about school based opportunities to connect with our administrative teams and teachers prior to the start of the school year. Please be on the lookout for school based communications delineating these opportunities.
Transportation
The first version of the 2020-2021 transportation routes are posted on our website. As you know, the cohorting of students and the various considerations for bus safety and capacity required a different process for ensuring that students had scheduled, safe transport to our schools. Should you have any questions or concerns about a specific route, please contact Don Aicardi at daicardi@medwayschools.org.
Free and Reduced School Meal Program
Every child needs a healthy, nutritious meal to learn. Medway Public Schools offers nutritious meals to children each school day, often at a free or reduced price for those who need it. Medway Public Schools participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program (NSLBP), a federally funded program that helps children receive free or reduced meals.
Click here for additional information and to find out if you qualify.
Upcoming Events
Early September, TBD | Student and Family Orientations |
August 31- September 15, 2020 (off on September 4 and 7) | Faculty and Staff return for orientations, trainings and planning; 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
September 14, 2020 | Parent/Student Virtual School Orientation Meetings (times and registration links below): Grades PK-5, https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5181697444907329551, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Grades 6-8, https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6929093000815798029, 5:45-6:45 p.m. Grades 9-12, https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4750130334912604941, 7:00-8:00 p.m. |
September 14-15, 2020 | Student Device Pickup, Medway Middle School, Door 8, IT Office, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
September 16, 2020 | First day of school |
September 24, 2020 | School Committee Meeting, Presentation Room, Medway Middle School, 6:00 p.m. |
September 28, 2020 | No School: Yom Kippur |
October 8, 2020 | School Committee Meeting, Presentation Room, Medway Middle School, 6:00 p.m. |
October 22, 2020 | School Committee Meeting, Presentation Room, Medway Middle School, 6:00 p.m. |