Medford Educational Foundation Kickoff Beach Party Huge Success

On Sunday, September 20, 2015 the Medford Educational Foundation (MEF) hosted a hugely successful kickoff beach party at Wright’s Pond to celebrate becoming Medford’s newest educational nonprofit and to raise awareness of how the MEF will support teacher innovation in the classroom. An estimated 300 to 500 people attended on this gorgeous sunny afternoon, filling both the Wright’s Pond and Flynn Rink parking lots to capacity. According to one local mom, Jane Roper: “Our family had a fantastic time at the event. The biggest hit by far was the sand castle-making contest. Our daughters paired up with some friends and won for best ‘holiday-themed’ castle!”

With a suggested entrance donation of $10 plus additional opportunities to honor Medford public school teachers and staff inside, the group raised over $3,125. Thanks to the City’s generosity, the gates of Wright’s Pond were opened for this very special day on the last weekend of summer. Special features included:

– Live local music, including: Trail Mix, 3D Acoustic, the M.C. talents of McGlynn Middle School Principal Jake Edwards – with a special guest appearance by Grammy-nominated Alastair Moock

– Beach balls, beach games, sandcastle-building contests, and hula hoops!

– Local food vendors, including: Roving Lunch Box, Lisa’s Family Pizzeria, and C.B. Scoops – plus special donations from Whole Foods Market Medford for the MHS volunteer crew

– itsy FITsy demo – Daniella DiDiego’s innovative itsy FITsy program promoting wellness for children through fitness.

– “Friends of the Fells” scavenger hunt – hosted by Neil Anderson, Executive Director, Friends of the Fells

A good time was had by all. One attendee, Simanta Roy, of Medford said: “It was so invigorating being on the beach of Wright’s Pond that day: families picnicking on the sand, kids taking their last swims of the summer, and musicians providing a soothing backdrop of sound. Everywhere you looked, children were either concentrating on the construction of their sandcastles or engaging in an organized scavenger hunt. The food was delicious, and everyone seemed to be having a great time.” Ms. Roy continued: “It was interesting to learn about the Teacher Recognition program; it seems like a unique way to get our local teachers the acknowledgment they deserve for their efforts. And I suppose the best piece of it all was that everyone present believed in a greater cause and the betterment of the educational future of our hometown. It was such an energetic environment to be in.”

The MEF board and officers would like to thank everyone who played a role in supporting this wonderful and successful day.

The Medford Educational Foundation is a non-profit foundation committed to supporting innovation and excellence in the Medford Public Schools. Our goal is to enhance educational opportunities for all Medford public students by investing in classroom enrichment and professional development to support innovative teaching. For more information or to join one of our committees, please visit the MEF website at www.MedfordEducationalFoundation.org.

– Submitted by Ann Frenning Kossuth (pictured above, right, with fellow MEF co-founder Paulette Van der Kloot