The Main Things
An MSD Family Communication that Cuts out the Clutter!
March 8, 2022
Main Thing 1 - Masks Optional Next Week
Monday, March 14, the Medford School District will move to a mask optional policy, meaning families can choose whether or not their student wears a mask. Contact tracing and quarantine rules are also paused. So, what’s important for you to know?
Your student may mask or not mask.
If your student has symptoms, please keep them home.
If your student has COVID, please let us know, and keep them home for five days.
We are supportive of those who continue to mask.
We will have no tolerance for bullying.
In MSD, ALL are Learning and Learning is for ALL - this is true if you learn with a mask on or no mask.
Please be kind to one another.
Main Thing 2 - Thank You, Classified Educators!
It is Classified Staff Appreciation Week and we are so grateful for our amazing Classified Educators (watch a tribute here). Over the last two years, we have seen them truly act with courageous leadership to hold students at the center and bring our shared vision to life. This week we celebrate our staff who have stepped up to the plate by playing many roles and going above and beyond to ensure quality student learning. One custodian, for example, finished up his shift cleaning a school and drove across town to clean another school, covering for a custodian who was out. Or our office staff, who not only keep schools running, but have taken on contact tracing, playing a key role to keep staff and students safe. Mr. Rodgers said when times are tough “...look for the helpers.” Thank you to our helpers who show up day after day welcoming the hard work of their roles and leading with integrity, honesty, empathy, kindness, humility, and joy. Join me in thanking our amazing classified educators this week and every week!
Main Thing 3 - Apply To Work Summer Experience
Are you or your teenager looking for a summer job? We have some amazing opportunities to teach and assist in our upcoming Summer Experience program. We are looking for teachers, classroom support staff, and more! It’s only four half days a week. Details and applications can be found here! Help us provide our hands on, minds on, worksheet free summer experience for students. If you have a student you’d like to attend, the student enrollment window opens later this month! For more information on what the program offers students, check out our Summer Experience website here.
Other Things
Attendance Call Update
Please carefully read this information about attendance calls:
Currently, every family member/guardian listed on your student’s registration paperwork is receiving an attendance phone call when your student(s) is absent. This is required by Oregon House Bill 3197 (also known as the Kryon Horman Law). The intent of HB3197 is to ensure families are aware of all absences related to their student in a timely manner. First and foremost, this is for your student’s safety.
Starting this week, you can now limit how many people receive attendance phone calls about your student. Please note, at least one family member must receive an attendance call about your student. If you would like to remove yourself or another family member/guardian from the attendance call list, please contact your school’s front office and let them know. If you are happy with how your family is receiving attendance calls you do not need to do anything.
6th Grade Academy
We are excited to open applications for the final year of Sixth Grade Academy. The Sixth Grade Academy is an opportunity for sixth graders to access the middle school experience. The program is open to up to 120 sixth graders at both McLoughlin and Hedrick Middle Schools. Applications are due on April 8th. Click here to learn more about the academy and to fill out an application.