‘Belonging’ to define new school year in Medford
A quick peek at the first few days of the new school year, a new focus, new faces, new work and even a new jacket
Summer is winding down, but with students back in classes the new school year is just winding up.
“Belonging is the lens for our decision making this year,” said acting Superintendent Suzanne Galusi. “It’s not an add on, it’s the foundation for our instructional vision.”
Galusi said the idea is that when students feel seen, heard and valued, they’re more likely to take academic risks, engage more deeply and rise to high expectations because they trust the leadership more. And, Galusi said, “we believe every student’s success is our shared responsibility.”
How does that happen? According to Galusi it happens by ensuring that students see themselves reflected in the classrooms.
It’s about maintaining high expectations for everyone, supplying support for those who need it, and using data to not only track progress but also to tend to the inequities that data might uncover, she said.
To keep educators, and everyone, on track with the mission, student artist Grace Anzalone designed a poster that was distributed to staff members and classrooms. Galusi called the “You Belong” poster a great reminder of the “why we’re here.”
Staffing by the numbers
It wasn’t just students that were being welcomed back to school in the waning days of August. Teachers and staffers had a retreat, some refresher workshops and time to simply greet the 77 new staffers who came on board this school year including:
• 40 teachers
• 2 nurses
• 12 paraprofessionals
• 3 food services workers
• 2 custodians
• 7 coaches
• 3 administrative assistants
• 8 administrators districtwide
The eight administrators included an assistant superintendent, chief operations officer, an English Learners director, athletic director, special education coordinator, dean of students at the high school and two assistant principals (Brooks and Medford High School).
Galusi said they are still looking for a world language director as Dr. Vilma Bibeau has moved on and is now the modern language director at Boston Latin.
Opening day
Galusi said she was quite proud of the fact that she, along with Assistant Superintendent Kimberly Talbot, Director of Student Services Joan Bowen and English Learners Director Chelsea McNiff were able to visit every school on opening day to welcome students and staffers.
“And really get a feel for the warmth and the sense of belonging that we could see …in classrooms, in hallways, on playgrounds, and it was just a really wonderful way to kick off the year,” she said.
Facilities updates
Galusi said the community has no doubt seen a lot of scaffolding around the McGlynn Elementary School and the Andrews Middle School and that’s because a lot of work has been going on at both facilities.
Phase 1 of an HVAC project at both schools is wrapping up. Galusi said new filters and modifications were added to the existing system aimed at making the buildings more comfortable. And work to the main entrances and exits of the buildings designed to upgrade the American with Disability Acts compliance was also completed.
Phase 2, where existing HVAC systems will be replaced will take place next summer, she said.
“Also exciting is some IT and security work that has been started over the summer and is still ongoing,” said Galusi admitting what they are most excited for is the keyless door entry systems.
Over 400 new security cameras were installed with the keyless door systems and 19 new video intercom systems. Galusi said 46 vape detectors were also installed at the high school as well as the Andrews and McGlynn.
Last bit of news
Galusi kicked off her new year with a wardrobe update. She said she was surprised and humbled when she was asked to be the keynote speaker at City Year’s kick off for its core members.
City Year is a national service program where young adults, ages 17-25 provide support in school districts while in turn they develop leadership and problem solving skills.
Medford benefits from having six City Year members at the McGlynn Elementary, four at Missituk Elementary and seven at the McGlynn Middle School, along with five more that will specifically work at Medford Public Schools afterschool programs.
And they are distinguished by, among other things, their bright red coats with City Year emblazoned across the back. Galusi said they surprised her at the kick off by presenting her with her own red jacket.
“And it was monogrammed,” she said. “It was a wonderful experience last Friday afternoon, and I’m really, really excited for them to join us this school year.”
