Dear Medway families,
As we enter the last weeks of school, our calendars are beginning to fill up with many year-end activities and recognitions. We all look forward to these moments to acknowledge the many accomplishments and successes of our students. It is important to note, however, that we must continue to adhere to health and safety protocols to ensure that these events are safe for participants. As a result, most of our traditional events will look different, with some being postponed altogether. Please reference school based communications for the latest updates regarding protocols in place for scheduled events. We continue to ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to manage safety and well being during the continuing pandemic.
Please find below other important information and updates.
Sincerely,
Armand Pires, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Administrative Hiring Updates
As you are likely aware, the district has been engaged in hiring processes to identify our next assistant principals at the elementary level, middle school, and high school. We have conducted site visits with finalists for each of these positions and have been incredibly impressed with the caliber of these individuals. We are looking to finalize appointments for these roles within the week.
Additionally, the district has started a process to identify our next Evaluation Team Supervisor to support our earliest learners.
We will keep the community apprised as these processes continue.
Important Summer Planning Underway
Following a school year unlike any other, we are excited to be planning unique and targeted experiences for the summer in support of student learning and connection. To finalize our thinking, we are seeking family interest and input. Thank you for taking a few moments to complete one survey per child: Summer 2021 Boost Programs - Initial Interest Survey
New K-4 “Specialist” Report Card
During the May 6 School Committee meeting, Principals Amy McDonald and John Kelley provided an update on collaborative work to amend the student report card to better reflect student learning in grades K-4 Wellness, Art, Performing Arts, Science/Technology and Engineering. The presentation shared with the School Committee can be found here.
US News: Medway High School ranked Among 2021 Best U.S. High Schools
Medway High School has been ranked within the Commonwealth and across the nation by US News in their 2021 rankings. These rankings are determined through their scorecard which takes into consideration
Advanced Placement participation and passing rates, Mathematics and Reading Proficiency, and Graduation rate. Medway’s data and detail connected with our #31 state ranking can be found here.
MCAS Update
Supporting the facilitation of our typical, annual MCAS has been a different experience this year with the considerable changes that have come from the state over the last few months. Below, please find the updated MCAS testing schedule for our schools, including for those students who are part of our Virtual School.
Date | School | Grade | Subject Matter Test |
Tuesday 5/11/21 | Burke-Memorial | 4 | English, Language Arts |
Thursday 5/13/21 | Burke-Memorial | 3 | English, Language Arts |
Tuesday 5/18/21 | Medway Middle | 7 | English, Language Arts |
Thursday 5/20/21 | Medway Middle | 8 | English, Language Arts |
Wednesday 5/21/21 | Medway Middle | 5 | English, Language Arts |
Tuesday 5/25/21 | Medway Middle | 5 | Mathematics |
Wednesday 5/26/21 | Medway Middle | 6 | English, Language Arts |
Thursday 5/27/21 | Virtual School | 3-8 | English, Language Arts |
Medway Middle | 7 | Mathematics | |
Friday 5/28/21 | Medway High | 10 & 11 | English, Language Arts |
Tuesday 6/1/21 | Medway High | 10 & 11 | English, Language Arts |
Wednesday 6/2/21 | Medway Middle | 8 | Mathematics |
Burke-Memorial | 4 | Mathematics | |
Medway High | 10 & 11 | Mathematics | |
Medway High | 9 | Science (Biology) | |
Thursday 6/3/21
| Virtual School | 3-8 | Mathematics |
Medway Middle | 6 | Mathematics | |
Medway High | 10 & 11 | Mathematics | |
Medway High | 9 | Science (Biology) | |
Tuesday 6/8/21 | Medway Middle | 8 | Science, Technology, Engineering |
Virtual School | 5, 8 | Science, Technology, Engineering | |
Wednesday 6/9/21 | Medway Middle | 5 | Science, Technology, Engineering |
Tiered Focused Monitoring Audit of Student Services
We are pleased to report that the Medway Public Schools has retained its Tier 1 status following the conclusion of the DESE Tiered Focus Monitoring (TFM) audit of special education and civil rights. These procedures has undergone changes where the focus is now on continuous improvement rather than a “snapshot in time.” More information about the TFM Audit process can be found here.
English Learner Tiered Focused Monitoring Interview
We participated in our “onsite” interviews last week connected with our English Learner Tiered Focused Monitoring Process. We shared reflections on our own opportunities for improvement and await the state’s results, likely at the beginning or middle of the summer.
Meal Access for Remote Learners
As we prepare for more students to make their full return to school, remote meal distribution will now take place on Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Beginning Thursday, April 1, 2021 students who have opted for remote learning may pick-up meals at Medway Middle School on Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Door # 24 on the Kelly Street entrance side of the building. A week's worth of meals will be offered during this pick-up date each week. Please see the food services website for menus: https://medwayschools.nutrislice.com/. Please contact Shawn Fallon at sfallon@medwayschools.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Medway Middle School Performs Into the Woods, Jr.
We are pleased to share that Medway Middle School’s annual musical will be performed on May 15 and 16 to a limited outdoor audience. Details have been shared with performers’ families. Best wishes to our cast and crew!
Medway High School One Act Play Festival
The MHS International Thespian Society and Drama Club premiered their Virtual One Act Play Festival on YouTube April 30. While it has certainly been a different year with regards to performing and performing opportunities, the students worked very hard to put together these four short plays. The following students participated: Jessica Wong, Carter Pomponio, Joey Gangitano, Natalie Goodale, Ian Tomarakos, Lilly Woodard, Sophia Coletti, Katelyn Piche, Gregory Capalbo, Maggie Connors, Sydney Maurer, Nora Kempner, Faith Olson, Haley Garvin, Aoife Bergeron, Matthew Bullard, and Katy Olson. Congratulations!
COVID-19 Case Reporting
COVID-19 Reporting of Cases
It is important to inform us, as soon as possible, if your child tests positive for COVID-19. If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please call 508-321-4779 or email covid@medwayschools.org. Using the hotline helps to ensure an efficient response and protects student privacy. If you are not reporting a positive COVID-19 test result but have questions about COVID-19 and your child, please contact your school nurse.
Technology Update
As we near the end of the school year we would like to advise seniors that the chromebook device return day will be 5/28, the last day of class. The location will be shared as soon as we coordinate with school administration. Please remove any stickers from the device, and return the charger. If the device is not covered by insurance and is in need of major repairs, there may be charges involved in drop off. If any senior has completed their coursework prior to this date and wishes to return their device, you may do so by dropping it off at the High School IT Office, room 031-2 near the cafe.
Current plans for students in grades 5-11 will be to retain the device over the summer with K-4 students leaving the device in the classroom by the last day of school.
Guardian and Student Information Changes
MPS would like to advise guardians that the Infinite Campus Parent Portal system provides a mechanism to request changes of email and phone numbers. Simply select MORE > Family Information from the menu options, then Update on the individual you wish to update. Please note that address changes can not be made through this system, as they require proof of residency. Please forward any address changes to parent@medwayschools.org, including a copy for proof of residency.
Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center Presentation at Burke-Memorial Elementary School
On May 7, The MARC (Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center) had a presentation at Burke-Memorial Elementary School. There were two presentations: one for grade two students and the other for grade three and four students.
MARC offers schools opportunities for students to learn more about kindness, what bullying looks like, the difference between tattling and telling, as well as digital citizenship.
2021-2022 School Calendar
The 2021-2022 School calendar was approved at the February 25 School Committee meeting and can be found here.
Medway Athletics Newsletter
The latest edition of the Medway Public Schools’ Athletics Newsletter, Mustang Nation, can be found here.
Town of Medway: Master Plan Committee
Please share your perspective! Join the Medway Master Plan Committee for its first community-wide forum on Monday, May 24, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. to learn about Medway's Master Plan Project. This online event is free and open to the public. Check out the new website dedicated to the Master Plan here. The Community Forum Flyer & Registration Information can be found here.
Nominations Sought: Burke-Memorial Plaque
Medway Public Schools is now accepting nominations for names to be placed on the Burke-Memorial School plaque. Nominations must be submitted to the Office of the Superintendent, Medway Public Schools, 45 Holliston Street, Medway, MA 02053, by May 31, 2021. Candidates for inclusion on the Burke-Memorial School plaque must have made a significant or memorable contribution to the town and/or school community. Through their behavior and character, the candidate can be shown to be/have been an excellent role model. This person, through service, volunteerism or dedication has made Medway school or town life better for those who follow. Residents, past or present, who have sacrificed their lives or freedom in service to their country, either as members of the military or as civilians contributing to military or peace efforts, may also be nominated. The superintendent’s office shall send a letter to the candidate(s) or their families to advise them that a nomination has been made. The Medway School Committee will vote on the nominations in June. The nomination form can be found here.
Follow and “Like” MFE
How can you support those who support us? Consider following the Medway Foundation for Education's Instagram (@MFE_Medway) and "liking" their Facebook Page
Medway Public Schools In the News
Press release: Medway High School Math Team Celebrates Successful Year
Press release: Medway High School Student-Athletes Earn Recognition Following Successful Winter Season
Press release: Medway High School Ranked Among 2021 Best U.S. High Schools
Press release: Medway High School, WeSTEM Club Adapts Annual STEM Fair to Provide Virtual and In-Person Experiences
Upcoming Events
May 15, 2021 | Into the Woods, Medway Middle School, Limited tickets info here, 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. |
May 16, 2021 | Into the Woods, Medway Middle School, Limited tickets info here, 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. |
May 19, 2021 | Early Release: All Schools McGovern Elementary School (including McGovern Virtual School students): 12:00 p.m. Burke-Memorial Elementary School (including Burke-Memorial Virtual School students): 11:30 a.m. Medway Middle School (including Medway Middle Virtual School students): 11:02 a.m. Medway High School (including Medway High Virtual School students): 11:34 a.m. |
May 20, 2021 | School Committee Meeting, Presentation Room, Medway Middle School, 6:00 p.m. |
May 26, 2021 | Cabaret, Medway High School, Limited tickets info here, 7:00 p.m. MSPTO Meeting, Virtual, 7:00 p.m. |
May 28, 2021 | Field and Seniors Last Day, Medway High School, 10:00 a.m. |
May 31, 2021 | No School: Memorial Day |
June 1, 2021 | Superlative Night, Medway High School, 7:00 p.m. |
June 3, 2021 | School Committee Meeting, Presentation Room, Medway Middle School, 6:00 p.m. |
June 4, 2021 | Senior Class Day, Medway High School, 10:00 a.m. Senior Scholarship and Awards Night, Medway High School, 6:30 p.m. |
June 6, 2021 | Graduation, Medway High School, 10:00 a.m. |
June 7, 2021 | Graduation Rain Date, Medway High School, 6:30 p.m. |
June 8, 2021 | MFPA Meeting, Virtual, 7:00 p.m. MFE Meeting, Virtual, 7:00 p.m. |
June 14, 2021 | Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony, Middle School, More information to follow |
June 16, 2021 | Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony, Middle School, Rain Date, More information to follow |
June 18, 2021 | Faculty and Staff Professional Development Day |
June 21, 2021 | Faculty and Staff Professional Development Day |
June 24, 2021 | School Committee Meeting, Presentation Room, Medway Middle School, 6:00 p.m. |