McGovern Elementary School

The next School Committee meeting will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 9:00 am in the Presentation Room at Medway Middle School. Agenda items include a donation from MFPA to Music in the Parks, a Substance Use Prevention Coalition (SUPMedway) Consultant job description, salary reviews of daycare employees, 12-month employees, and a substitute rate increase. Review of (IJNDB, IJDNB-R, life-threatening allergy EEA, and wellness policies. Use of ESSER III funds for '24, preliminary approval of MHS trip to Greece, '24, approval of '23-'24 athletic handbook, approval of the elementary program of studies, and approval of new student activity- VEX IQ Middle School Robotics Team. Discussion items and reports: FY23 budget current status update, school choice funds for Mcgovern roof, literary specialist & special education (Asst. Director, Evaluation Team Supervisor) job description readings. The complete agenda can be read here: https://bit.ly/3oMaLLq

We are so thankful for your support and kind understanding as we navigated the situation's complexities at Medway High School this afternoon. We are writing to share additional information. First and foremost, please know that all students and staff are safe, and it was determined that the threats were not credible. Just before 1:00 p.m. today, Medway High School received two phone calls from an individual indicating threats to student safety at Medway High School. Upon learning of this, Medway High School leadership immediately put into place safety and security protocols. This included placing the building on lockdown. During this time, students and staff were contained in their classrooms, and no individuals or vehicles were allowed to enter or exit the school grounds. The Medway Police Department immediately responded to Medway High School and thoroughly searched the school building and premises. Due to the ongoing search and investigation, afternoon dismissal was briefly delayed at the high school. Just before 3 pm, police determined that the school was safe, and all students were released to be picked up by buses and their parents. Out of an abundance of caution and to allow for a full investigation, all after-school activities at Medway High School, including athletics, were canceled for Wednesday. School will be held at Medway High School as scheduled Thursday. While there is no indication of any ongoing threat to the school community, Medway Police will have an additional presence at the high school Thursday as a precautionary measure. Additionally, this remains an open investigation with the Medway Police Department. This investigation is ONLY regarding Medway High School at this time, and school operations at McGovern, Burke-Memorial, and Medway Middle School continued as normal. We are incredibly thankful for the essential partnership that we share with the Medway Police and Fire Departments and for their prompt response. We are also thankful to our faculty and staff for supporting our students and each other throughout the afternoon. We have included the press release that was developed and shared with local news outlets below. Though the threats received today were deemed not credible, we realize that these instances are unsettling for students and parents. If you or your child has any concerns, we encourage you to contact our administration and school counseling staff for additional support. Sincerely, Armand Pires, Pd.D., Superintendent John Murray, Ed.D., Principal, Medway High School Please read the press release here: https://bit.ly/3NeTJQa

UPDATE on Medway High School situation. Please note that students are readying for dismissal. Students riding buses will be dismissed first. Student drivers will be dismissed next. Once students riding buses and driving themselves have departed, families will be directed to the typical pickup location. As a reminder, all after-school activities, including athletics, have been canceled. We will continue to keep you apprised, and thank you for your understanding and patience during what indeed must feel very unsettling. Message to the community from Superintendent Armand Pires can be read here: https://bit.ly/422UD6w

Important Notice from the Medway Police Department - We are writing to share that Medway High School is currently in lockdown due to an investigation that we are engaged in, in partnership with the Medway Police Department. All students and staff are safe in their classrooms; we cannot share additional information with you now. We are sending this message to alert you and will keep you apprised as we approach student dismissal. No cars or individuals can enter or exit the school at this time. We know this is unsettling, and we promise to keep you apprised. Our student and staff safety is our primary concern. Out of an abundance of caution and to allow for a full investigation, we will cancel all after-school activities, including athletics. We will alert you to any changes to student dismissal time or procedures.

We are now accepting nominations for the Burke/Memorial School Plaque. Do you know someone who has devoted themselves to service and volunteerism and has made Medway schools/town life better for those who follow? Please fill out the form using this link: https://bit.ly/3ZkzqTR

Please note that the school phone lines are currently experiencing an outage. Technicians are working to restore service as quickly as possible.

It's beautiful outside. Try something new and sign up for a program. #everythinginoneplace inside this week's Community Bulletin: https://conta.cc/417vZBS

Medway Police Department, Fire Department, and Medway DPW, along with several surrounding communities, will conduct ASHER (Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response) at Medway High School on Wednesday, 4/19/23 from 8:00 - 3:00 pm.

Spring vacation is just days away! This is a friendly reminder that all Medway Public Schools are closed for spring vacation (April 17-21). Enjoy!

Superintendent's Update (dated April 5) shares a message surrounding the district's ongoing efforts to identify and enact improvements to our safety, security, and infrastructure. The update includes a link to a School Safety and Security-District Update. The update also includes a huge congratulations to the performing arts students at Medway Middle School. The full update can be read here: https://www.medwayschools.org/article/1069189

MEPTO's Basket Raffle & Ice Cream Social is Friday, April 28 from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm at the Medway High School, 88 Summer Street. For more information on the event and to volunteer, visit the Medway Elementary PTO (@MEPTO) Fb page.

This is a friendly reminder that all schools will be CLOSED on Friday, April 7, in observance of Good Friday. Have a safe and happy weekend and we will see you back in the classroom on Monday, April 10.

Spring and summer programs galore in this week's Community Bulletin. Fill up your calendars https://conta.cc/3TYD7O7

Reminder: Wear Baseball Gear Tomorrow ! (Thursday March 30th)

Who's excited about spring vacation? It's coming up soon, so mark your calendars. All Medway Public Schools will be closed for spring break from Monday, April 17 - Friday, April 21.

The Blackstone Valley Career Expo is next Monday (April 3). Are you seeking a position as a teacher, counselor, paraprofessional, substitute teacher, custodian, or cafeteria worker? Medway Public Schools, along with the Towns of Bellingham, Blackstone-Millville, DESE Licensure Personnel, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Marlboro, Mendon-Upton, Millbury, Milford, Northbridge, Sutton, and Uxbridge, are participating in a job fair at Milford High School, 31 West Fountain Street from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Flyer: https://bit.ly/42E3DjE

The deadline for the Burke/Memorial School Plaque nominations is fast approaching (May 31, 2022). Do you know someone who has made a significant or memorable contribution to the @townofmedway and/or @medwayschools? Through service, volunteerism, or dedication, the nominee must have made Medway school or town life better for those who follow. Residents, past or present, who have sacrificed their lives or freedom in service to their country, either as military members or as civilians contributing to military or peace efforts, may also be nominated. Please find the form using this link: https://bit.ly/3CYLn86

Please note there is NO School on Friday, April 7, in observance of Good Friday. School Calendar: https://bit.ly/3K1nrpT

Reminder: McGovern's Spring Scholastic Book Fair is next week! (Monday March 27th through Friday March 31st)

Project 351's Clothing Donation box is here in McGovern's Main Lobby! Project 351 is accepting donations of new pajamas, socks and underwear for children ages 0-12.