The Main Things
An MSD Communication that Cuts out the Clutter!
February 21st 2023
It’s Kindness Month! Washington Elementary students are learning about how to be the 'I' in kind!
Severe Weather in the Forecast
Forecasters are calling for the possibility of snow tonight and into Wednesday, February 22nd. Given the forecast, we want to remind you of our process for weather-related school cancellations or delays.
No news means we will be operating as normal.
Our district staff keeps an eye on the weather and works closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the forecast. If it looks like snow or ice will affect transportation, the district and transportation company will send drivers out in the early morning hours (beginning around 4:00 a.m.) to assess the roads.
Safety is always our top priority. If roads in our boundaries are unsafe for driving and the forecast does not call for improvement, we will make the decision to delay or close school. The decision to delay or close school will be made by around 5:30 a.m. on the affected day, and we will post the decision to our website and social media channels, send an email to parents and staff, and notify local media outlets. We will notify parents and staff directly around 6 a.m. via phone and text.
Click here for our Severe Weather FAQ.
In order to receive a notification, please ensure your school has up-to-date contact information for you.
Staff, if school is canceled, only essential staff will be required to report to work, if safe. Essential staff during a weather event is limited to those who are on the facilities team who are needed to prepare sites for opening as soon as possible. All staff will be paid their regular rate on snow day; essential staff will be compensated appropriately in accordance with the contract.
Kindergarten Launch
Kindergarten Launch is around the corner!
If your child is turning 5 before September 1st, it’s time to think about Kindergarten!
The Kindergarten Launch will be an opportunity for you to register your child for school and find out what your student needs to be ready for school.
It will be happening at your neighborhood school on Wednesday, April 5th from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Don’t forget to bring:
Child’s Immunization Record
Birth Certificate
Proof of Address
If you’re not sure which school your child should attend, visit this link.
Middle School Changes
We are so excited about the changes coming to middle school for the 2023-2024 school year!
We are opening Oakdale Middle School this fall. With this change, middle school in the Medford School District will serve 6th - 8th graders (Ruch will still be K-8 and MOA 1-12).
This does mean there are some zoning changes. If you are unsure which school your child is zoned for, take this opportunity to plug your address into the address finder tool.
Watch your middle school website for upcoming events to prepare your student for middle school.
School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
This month we celebrated School Resource Officers Appreciation Day.
We appreciate the service and work of our School Resource Officers (SROs) and for our continued partnership with the Medford Police Department.
Our SROs work in the schools building relationships and bonds to connect with students and staff. They are also a community resource supporting events before, during and after school.
The Medford School District has one of the longest standing SRO programs in the state.
Social Media Highlight
Visit from NASA
NASA's Matt Heverly spoke to North Medford astronomy and robotics students.
The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Robotics Engineer dreamed of working for NASA after a field trip to the NMHS Planetarium as an elementary school student at Kennedy Elementary in 1985.
Students had a chance to meet him, hear about his work with NASA rovers and ask him questions.
Blankets of Hope
Oak Grove Elementary students in the English Language Development program have been working hard on a special community project.
They are writing notes to package with blankets that will go to the Maslow Project and possibly other local organizations benefiting those experiencing homelessness.
Black History Month
Join us in remembering the achievements, contributions, resilience, and legacies of Black Americans throughout the month of February.
ABLE Leadership Nominees
School Highlight - Kennedy University
This is what hands on, minds on, anytime, anywhere learning looks like!
Kennedy University at Kennedy Elementary was a huge success.
Students took part in several STEAM activities including building bridges, marshmallow catapults and much more.
Thank you staff for putting on such an engaging, fun night for students and their families!