May 25, 2021 Community Update
Dear Medway families,
This week marks the final week of classes for the members of the Class of 2021. As we enjoy our last moments with them within our schools, we hope that they and their families are able to take some time to reflect upon the years of learning and connection experienced during their time with us. We look forward to participating in some time honored traditions with the Class of 2021 in the coming weeks and, of course, celebrating graduates during our Commencement Ceremony in early June. Congratulations to all of our Class of 2021 graduates and their families on reaching this milestone.
We have included several important updates below. As always, please let us know if you have any questions and thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Armand Pires, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
No School: Monday, May 31, 2021
This is a reminder that there will be no school on Monday, May 31 in observance of Memorial Day.
What Are the Silver Linings?
The last 14 months represented much loss, disappointment, and distress as the entire world fought to regain a sense of normalcy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We can easily delineate the losses felt and experienced and join with those in mourning and grief over the many lost lives.
As we begin to pivot, yet again, but in a more positive direction, it is important to the school district that we take the time to understand what opportunities to improve our work might have been realized BECAUSE of the pandemic. What were the silver linings for you?
In the coming weeks, you will receive a communication from us seeking your engagement in a ThoughtExchange. ThoughtExchange is a newly adopted tool within the district. It allows us to collect the thoughts of various constituency groups AND it allows all participants to rate the randomly generated thoughts of others so that we can best understand the degree to which a certain thought or set of thoughts is valued. Please be on the lookout for this invitation to participate soon.
New Administrative Hires
We are excited to share that the hiring process for four administrative positions has concluded. We were appreciative of all of the applicants who showed interest in Medway. The candidate pool for each position was especially strong.
High School: David Passeggio
Mr. Passeggio is currently the Mathematics Department Chairperson and a teacher at Walpole High School and has served in this role for almost 11 years. Prior to his time in Walpole, Mr. Passeggio served as a Mathematics Teacher in the Watertown Public Schools for 9 years. Mr. Passeggio has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics and a minor in Economics from the University of Vermont, Master of Science for Teachers in Mathematics for Teaching from Boston University, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) from Cambridge College. Following the completion of his CAGS, Mr. Passeggio completed his Principal internship within the Watertown Public Schools.
Middle School: Lauren Marien
Ms. Marian is currently a Grade 6 Science Teacher and part-time Assistant Principal for a remote school within the Brookline Public Schools. Prior to joining the Brookline Public Schools, Ms. Marian served as an Assistant Principal in the Worcester Public Schools. She has also worked as an Academic Interventionist in Springfield, an English/Humanities Instructional Coach for grades 1-8 in Holyoke, a Third Grade Teacher in Springfield, and as a 6th Grade Teacher Montague, MA. Ms. Marian serves as an Adjunct Professor, teaching American Sign Language I and II, at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, Connecticut. Ms. Marian received her Bachelor of Science from SUNY at New Paltz, her Master of Education from City University of NY - Hunter College, and her Master of Science from UMASS Lowell
Elementary: Chris Terzigni
Mr. Terzigni is currently a second year Principal of Beacon Charter School. Previously, he spent over six years in the Guilford County Schools in Greensboro, NC serving as a 4th grade teacher, Instructional Technology Coordinator, Personalized Learning Coordinator, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Principal Intern and Assistant Principal. Mr. Terzigni earned his Bachelor of Education, Master of Art Education in Elementary Education, and Master of Art Education in School Leadership from High Point University.
Elementary Evaluation Team Supervisor: Erica Macedo
Ms. Macedo holds a BA in Sociology from Saint Anselm College, a Master of Arts in Special Education, and is currently in the proposal stage of a Doctor of Philosophy program in Educational Leadership at Lesley College. She has a combined 7 years experience as a special education teacher in Worcester at Abby Kelley Foster Charter School and more recently at Leominster Public Schools. Ms. Macedo is certified as a PreK-8 moderate disabilities teacher, and has recently completed her administrative licensure program and holds a Special Education Administrator certification. Her experience includes grant writing, schoolwide professional development presentations, membership in her school’s data team, and as a teacher mentor for new teachers.
COVID-19 Vaccine For Students 12+ in Medway
The Walgreens (68 Main St.) in Medway is now offering the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for students age 12 and up. To schedule an appointment for your student, please click here.
We are actively pursuing an on-site vaccination clinic for students ages 12+ and their families. If we are able to host a clinic, we will provide all pertinent information to middle and high school families.
K-5 Literacy Audit Needs Assessment Complete
Over the last week, the district Literacy Leadership Team that formed for the purpose of supporting the process of our K-5 Literacy Audit, met to review the findings and recommendations from Hill for Literacy. This team also engaged in training and development of a Literacy Action Plan. During a year unlike any other and with learners returning to full, in person learning at various stages throughout the year, the opportunity to stay on track with this review process has been critical and welcomed. Additionally, the state’s specific focus around early literacy, dyslexia screening, and the implementation of high quality instructional resources in the area of literacy learning are going to dovetail well with our work.
We look forward to sharing our K-5 Literacy Action Plan with our greater community in the near future.
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
Tiered Focused Monitoring Audit Report: Special Education and Civil Rights
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recently conducted a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review here in Medway. The purpose of the Tiered Focused Monitoring Review is to monitor compliance with regulatory requirements focusing on special education and civil rights. The full report can be found here.
Seal of Biliteracy
In our second year of participation, 30 students have opted to take part in the Seal of Biliteracy Assessment that took place through May 24. Students selected to participate in the following languages: Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Latin.
In order to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must:
Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English by satisfying one of the following:
- Earn a score of 240 or higher on the grade 10 Legacy ELA MCAS(472 on Next-Gen MCAS)
- Earn a score of 220 or higher on the grade 10 Legacy ELA MCAS(455 on Next-Gen MCAS) and complete an Educational Proficiency Plan
Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a world language through one of the following:
- Attaining a minimum score equivalent to an ACTFL* proficiency level of Intermediate-High on a state-approved assessment
- For languages that do not have readily available assessments, completing a portfolio demonstrating Intermediate-High proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening
We look forward to celebrating student achievements in language in the near future.
Special Olympics
After missing the Special Olympics during the 2020 school year due to the pandemic, Jessica Bartha has worked hard to ensure students had a 2021 Special Olympics (SO) experience. She worked with SO representatives as well as staff and parents to be sure that students could compete in a modified “games” where they submitted videos of their progress in skill-based activities. The video of the students' work and their receiving their medals may be found here.
Medway Middle School, Into the Woods, Jr. and Medway High School, Performing Arts Congratulations!
Congratulations to the casts and crews of Into the Woods, Jr. and our high school performing arts students who recently or will be sharing their talents with us. We have waited a long time for the return of live music and performances to our stages and sites, and the wait made these experiences all the more enjoyable. We continue to be so thankful to our team of educators and leaders who have prioritized these opportunities for students.
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 5/25/21 | 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 |
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 drop off location will be the IT Office in room 013-2, near the cafe. 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.
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.
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.
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.
2021-2022 School Calendar
The 2021-2022 School calendar was approved at the February 25 School Committee meeting and 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.
MEPTO Updates
MEPTO end of school year meeting will be held in person at the Burke-Memorial Library on Wednesday, June 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m
If you didn’t get to purchase the 2019-2020 Elementary Yearbook, MEPTO has some available. Please contact
medwaypto@gmail.com. MEPTO’s May Newsletter can be found here. The newsletter provides information on the work that MEPTO has been doing to support our elementary schools.
Medway Public Schools In the News
Press release: Medway High School Students Recognized for Achievement in Chinese Writing Contest
Upcoming Events
May 26, 2021 | Cabaret, Medway High School, Interested in tickets? Please contact director, Ashley Nelson-Oneschuk, at anelson@medwayschools.org MSPTO Meeting, Virtual, 7:00 p.m. |
May 28, 2021 | Last day of school for Seniors! |
May 31, 2021 | No School: Memorial Day |
June 1, 2021 | Senior 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 | Rain Date: Graduation, 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 10, 2021 | School Committee Workshop, Presentation Room, Medway Middle School, 5:30 p.m. School Committee Meeting, Presentation Room, Medway Middle School, 7:00 p.m. |
June 14, 2021 | Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony, Medway Middle School, More information to follow |
June 16, 2021 | Rain Date: Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony, Medway Middle School, More information to follow |
June 17, 2021 | Last Day of School: Early Release 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. |
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. |