School Committee Meets Tonight, School Year Off to “Smooth” Start

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford’s schools officially opened for business last Wednesday, and there are many changes in place for the new school year, including a renovated high school, a new school system website, and plenty of new faces in the classrooms.

According to School Superintendent Roy Belson, seventy-six new people have been hired to fill vacant positions at all levels. That includes a principal and assistant principal at the Andrews Middle School, a principal at the McGlynn Elementary School, an Athletic Director, a Pupil Services Director, and over fifty new teachers.

Though the schools have gone through a busy hiring season, there are some positions that will remain unfilled due to budgetary constraints. No one has been hired to fill the Assistant School Superintendent position vacated by Arthur Swanson and McGlynn Elementary School Principal Patricia Buker will go without an assistant.

Students and parents might also have noticed a new website that is meant to be more informative, interactive, and up-to-date. Belson said the website should be fully active in the next couple of weeks and will have more information. The schools will rely less on paper and more on the site to deliver information to parents more quickly and efficiently.

The high school has had extensive work done over the summer, including a new theater ceiling and a new gym floor and bleachers. According to Operations Director Jack Buckley, the gym should be ready for action in mid-October and new security cameras will come online at the end of September. More renovations are planned throughout the year and next summer, including new lockers, science lab upgrades, and an elevator at the Community Schools entrance.

The School Committee approved its goal statements, a list of objectives the schools strive for each year. This year, thirty-one objectives were approved, including promoting energy conservation, balancing the budget, expanding after school programs, and effectively preparing students for the MCAS exam.

The number one goal is to promote a “21st Century Education” for all students, which includes integrating technology, emphasizing core academic subjects such as English, Math, Science, History, and Art, learning skills for the modern workplace, and using real world examples inside the classroom.

“We’re looking forward to an excellent year,” said Belson.

Anti-bullying Forum Planned Sept. 19

State Representative Paul Donato has organized an anti-bullying forum for Wednesday, September 19, at 6:30PM at City Hall. Speakers will include former State Senator Jarrett Barrios, education and anti-bullying experts from Bridgewater State College and Tufts University, and parents of children who have had traumatic experiences with bullying, including a Stoneham couple whose son took his own life. Rep. Donato and Barrios were behind an anti-bullying bill at the State House and have been active in promoting anti-bullying initiatives.

SAT Prep Program Offered at Reduced Price

For the second year, Medford High School students can participate in the Kaplan SAT Prep program for a very reduced price- $199. The program normally costs $1,000. Interested students should call 1-800-KAP-TEST for more information or to enroll.

Full Day of School September 18

September 18 will be a full day of school. The professional day scheduled for that day has been moved to March 4.