The Main Things
An MSD Staff Communication that Cuts out the Clutter!
November 8th, 2021
Main Thing 1: Calendar Survey
In our pursuit to keep all options open and hopeful for our students, we continue to examine ways to provide more opportunities for learning. As you know, the pandemic caused loss in learning and learning time, which will continue to be areas of concern in the coming years. Federal and state grants afford us the opportunity to extend the school year again next school year, providing more time for our students to be with our amazing educators.
This year, we started school a week earlier than usual, with teachers and many staff returning on Aug. 16, 2021, and students returning on Aug. 23, 2021. (The last day for students is scheduled for June 9, 2022.)
We would like to collect data in advance of a conversation with employees to build a calendar proposal for Board consideration in regards to the 2022-23 school year. Knowing that the chief concern we heard this summer was about the late adoption of the calendar, we plan to bring a proposal to the Board in December, with the hopes of adoption in January. Please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey. The survey will close on Monday, Nov. 15.
Main Thing 2: Sub Shortage
As you know, we are currently facing a critical substitute shortage in our district. This has been extremely difficult on days where folks usually call out, specifically on Fridays and Mondays. We want to thank everyone who puts in advanced notice of planned days off.
We also want to remind everyone there is no school this Thursday, November 11th so we can honor our veterans for Veterans Day. We do have school the next day on Friday, November 12th. We looked forward to seeing you all on Friday!
Main Thing 3: Leadership in MSD
We’ve defined what it means to be a leader in the Medford School District. Take a look at our MSD Leadership Definition here. Starting this week, we will be highlighting one staff member who exemplifies an aspect of our leadership definition. This week, we are celebrating leader Kara Esselstrom, Social Emotional Advocate at Wilson Elementary School. Administrators commended Kara for building collaborative relationships with staff, families and students.
“I have seen Kara intentionally reach out to new teachers and classified staff and build trusting relationships. She is dedicated to the success of our students and that dedication is contagious. She advocates for students, families, and staff who need something to be successful.”
Do you know someone who exemplifies aspects of our leadership definition? Nominate them here!
We are also beginning a community-wide effort to explore and celebrate the MSD Student at the Center. We will be reaching out to staff, families, and community members to envision our hopes and dreams for our students and document it. More to come!
Other Things:
Twitter with Tisha
This week is our second segment of Twitter with Tisha. In this video, Tisha explains all the twitter lingo you need to know to help you connect, learn and grow!