The Main Things
An MSD Staff Communication that Cuts out the Clutter!
September 27th, 2021
Staff- The Main Things- September 27th, 2021
Main Thing 1: Staffing Shortages
Many of us are feeling the effects of staffing shortages in our schools. Currently, we are seeing the most vacancies in our sub system, busing, custodial, food service, and education support roles. We want you to know that we see it and are exploring the problem and possible solutions with urgency. These are critical roles to help keep our schools running for students! Staffing shortages like ours are happening in schools across the country. Education Week published this article about the crisis and some possible causes nationwide.
Main Thing 2: Masking Rules
Please continue to follow masking rules during athletic events and performances. Masks are required for everyone at indoor and outdoor events, except the athlete or performer. By following these rules, we can ensure our students can continue to play and families can continue to watch!
Main Thing 3: Curriculum Management Audit
Our curriculum management audit will begin next week on October 4th. The team will be visiting our schools and helping us improve our system for students as a whole. In January, we will receive a report of the findings and develop action plans around them. We will keep you updated!
Other Things:
School Board Policy Updates
The School Board reviewed and readopted policies CCA (MSD Organizational Structure), IIBGA (Electronic Communications Systems), and IKA (Grading and Reporting System) at the September 2 and 16 meetings. The Administrative Regulations were revised to reflect policy updates and current practices and procedures. A summary providing an explanation of the policy/AR updates can be found here. The revised and final versions of the policies and the ARs can be viewed here and will be posted to the district website within the next two weeks.
Sign Up For Twitter!
The Medford School District’s twitter page is being revamped to support our coherency plan strategy of nurturing and growing potential of our educators. Twitter is a great resource for professional development by offering a platform to share from the classroom. Be sure to use the hashtag #MSDLearns! This helps us find each other’s posts. Student Engagement & PD Specialist Canvas Coordinator, Tisha Richmond will be sharing tips, tricks, and resources soon!