Malden Public Schools April Newsletter

Message from Superintendent Dr. Timothy Sippel

Dear Malden Public Schools Parents and Caregivers,

It’s finally spring!

I have been reflecting on our school year so far and my first nine months as Superintendent. In this time, I’ve had the privilege of visiting all of our schools many times, observing over 430 classrooms, and engaging with students, educators, parents, and community members through various forums.

As I have gotten to know Malden, I have confirmed many things we have to be proud of, including four key strengths:

• Diverse and Talented Students
• Engaged Parents and Caregivers
• Committed Educators and Leaders
• Supportive City and Community

I’ve also been listening to the ideas and concerns of students, educators, parents, and community members. Based on your input, my visits to schools, and the review of multiple sources of data, I have identified six areas for collective action:

  1. Affirming high expectations for all students

  2. Adapting instruction to meet diverse needs

  3. Ensuring fair access to opportunities

  4. Partnering with families effectively

  5. Nurturing a strong workforce

  6. Building district strength and stability

To learn more about my entry findings, visit maldenps.org/superintendent-entry-plan. I’m excited about the journey ahead and look forward to collaborating with all of you to do right by all kids in the Malden Public Schools.

As always, if there is any way we can better support your child’s success or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your school principal or reach out to the district office at (781) 397-6100.

Have a great rest of April and go Malden!

Sincerely,

Timothy Sippel, Ed.L.D.

Superintendent of Schools

District Happenings

  MCAS: MCAS testing is officially underway! Testing dates can be viewed on our MCAS webpage: maldenps.org/mcas-testing. Dates vary by grade level and school, so be sure to pay attention if you have students in multiple schools and/or grades.

Please help your student succeed on these assessments by making sure they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive on time or early to school on the day of the test. Thank you in advance for encouraging and helping your students do their best on MCAS! Congratulations to students who have started testing, and good luck to everyone as testing continues!

  April SEPAC and ELPAC meetings: This month’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) meeting [was] held on April 8th… The English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) will meet on Zoom on April 30th at 6:00 p.m.

Kindergarten Registration: It’s time to register for Kindergarten! Malden Public Schools’ Kindergarten registration is now open for new and returning students. Any child living in Malden who will be 5 years old by August 31, 2025 should register as soon as possible. Following registration, school assignments will be communicated to the parents and caregivers of incoming kindergarteners later this spring. To learn about the registration process and what documents you will need, please visit maldenps.org/registration.

Summer Programming: Summer is coming! All families can now register for the MOST summer program. This program runs from June 23-August 1 and is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Students are enrolled on a weekly basis with tuition of $275 per week per student (there is a 10% sibling discount).

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, and space may fill up quickly. Be sure to complete your registration as soon as possible! For more information and to start registering, visit maldenps.org/mpsbeforeafterschoolprograms.

Health Curriculum Adoption: Thank you to all who attended the health curriculum adoption listening session this past Monday. For those unable to attend, the presentation that was reviewed can be found here. [See maldenbs.org for hyperlink.]

As was discussed in the meeting, one of the next steps in our curriculum adoption process will involve a brief pilot of lessons from two of the curricula we are considering from the DESE-recommended list. A family communication will be sent in the next two weeks with more details regarding dates, grade levels, and content of lessons to be covered.

We also continue to seek parent and caregiver input, and are hosting another virtual listening session on Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. In this session, we will share more information about the piloted lessons; additionally, families will have an opportunity to review sample units using a DESE rubric, ask questions about the curricula, and share their perspectives. To receive these materials ahead of the virtual meeting, please register for the session here. [See maldenbs.org for hyperlink.]

Community Resource Spotlight

Each month we are highlighting a local Malden resource that can help students and families. This month we are spotlighting two sponsored events for Students with Disabilities.

Teen Night Out: In partnership with Somerville and Medford, Malden Recreation invites teens with disabilities to six free Friday night events in April and May. Activities include board games, arts and crafts, music, and more with pizza provided. Learn more about the events in the flyer and register online at somervillerec.com.

Adaptive Outdoor Program: The Great Malden Outdoors in partnership with the Malden Recreation Department, is hosting three programs in April, May, and June for Malden residents with special needs and/or disabilities. The free programs included guided hiking and rock climbing. Learn more about the programs in the flyer and register online at maldenrec.com.

Upcoming Important Dates

• Ongoing: Kindergarten Registration is Open!
• Ongoing: MOST Summer Program Registration is Open!
• Apr. 10: School Committee and MEA Negotiation Session, 3:30-5:30 p.m., City Hall (City Council Chambers) – open to the public.
• Apr. 15: Term 3 Report Cards Distributed.
• Apr. 16: Salemwood School Site Council at 5:00 p.m. (virtual meeting link TBD).
• Apr. 18: 11:00 a.m. Dismissal; all students.
• Apr. 21 – 25: April Break – Schools Closed.
• Apr. 28: School is Back in Session.
• Apr. 29: MHS School Site Council Meeting (Time and Location TBD).
• Apr. 30: ELPAC Meeting, 6:00-7:00 p.m.; on Zoom.
• May 5: School Committee Meeting, 6:00 p.m., City Hall (City Council Chambers).
• May 7: 11:00 a.m. Dismissal for all students; staff professional development.
• May 7: School Committee and MEA Negotiation Session, 5:30-7:30 p.m., City Hall (City Council Chambers) – open to the public.
• May 13: Ferryway School Site Council (time and meeting link TBD).
• May 13: Salemwood School Site Council at 5:00 p.m. (virtual meeting link TBD).
• May 14: School Committee and MEA Negotiation Session, 5:30-7:30 p.m., City Hall (City Council Chambers) – open to the public.
• May 21: Term 4 Progress Reports Distributed.
• May 21: School Committee and MEA Negotiation Session, 3:30-5:30 p.m., City Hall (City Council Chambers) – open to the public.
• May 26: No School; Memorial Day.
• May 28: Last Day of Classes for Class of 2025.
• May 28: Beebe School Site Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Zoom.
• June 1: Graduation for Class of 2025, 2:00 p.m. at Macdonald Stadium.
• June 10: Ferryway School Site Council (time and meeting link TBD).
• June 13: Last Day of School for All Students; Term 4 Report Cards Distributed.
• August 27: First Day of School for 2025-2026 School Year.