~ Excellence in the MPS ~

Malden Public Schools shares many impressive Year-End Highlights

 

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We are thrilled to share some bright spots and developments within Malden Public Schools. Our commitment to enhancing the educational experience for your children remains steadfast, and we are excited to highlight some of our significant improvements of the ongoing School Year 2023-2024:

1. Streamlining Handbooks for Simplicity and Clarity

We have consolidated five different handbooks—PreK, K-8, 9-12, After/Before School, and Athletics—into one comprehensive PreK-12 handbook. This unified resource aims to provide you with a clear understanding of our policies, procedures, and expectations across all grade levels.

2. Expanded Program of Studies

We have developed a comprehensive PreK-12 Program of Studies. Previously, this resource was only available for high school students. Now, it provides a holistic view of the educational journey from early learning through high school, enabling better academic planning and continuity.

3. Equitable Middle School Honors Program

Our newly developed Honors Program for middle school ensures equitable opportunities for all students to excel academically, fostering an inclusive learning environment where each child can thrive.

4. Upgraded Curriculum Across All Grades

Collaboratively selecting, purchasing, and implementing curriculum enhancements for PreK-12 ensures that our students receive a high-quality, consistent education aligned with evolving educational standards.

5. Enhanced Communication Channels

We have opened direct lines of communication for students, caregivers, staff, and community members to connect with the Superintendent via text. This initiative aims to improve accessibility and responsiveness to the needs of our school community.

6. Adaptations at the Early Learning Center

Changes have been implemented at the Early Learning Center to better accommodate the needs of both students and staff, ensuring a supportive and nurturing environment for our youngest learners.

7. Media Center Specialists Enhancing Information Access

Our media center specialists are now equipped to assist in navigating the new methods of accessing information, ensuring that students have the resources they need to thrive in a digital learning environment.

8. Strengthened Campus Safety

We have hired hall monitors and a Dean of Students to bolster safety measures and support a secure and conducive learning environment for all students.

9. Additional Administrative Support

Newly hired assistant principals play a pivotal role in supporting school leadership, fostering student success, and maintaining a positive school culture.

10. Upholding Our Vision and Mission

We remain dedicated to continuing the vision, mission, and district strategic plan, ensuring that our actions align with our shared goals for educational excellence.

11. Upcoming Website Revamp

A new website is currently in progress, designed to provide a more user-friendly and informative online experience for students, parents, caregivers, staff, and the community.

12. Revamped Superintendent’s Report

The new format for the Superintendent’s Report offers a more comprehensive and insightful overview of district happenings and achievements.

13. After-School Meetings with Educators/Staff

Optional after-school meetings have been organized, providing a platform for educators and staff to collaborate, exchange ideas, and further enhance our instructional methods for the benefit of our students.

14. Student Engagement Initiatives

We are actively engaging with various student groups to gather their valuable suggestions and insights, ensuring their voices are heard and integrated into our ongoing improvements.

15. Building Partnerships with Local Authors

We are continuing our initiative to build partnerships with local authors. These collaborations aim to bring diverse literary experiences to our students, fostering a love for reading and storytelling.

16. Credit Recovery Program

Our new Credit Recovery Program provides students with opportunities to regain academic credits, supporting their journey to graduation.

17. Robust Professional Development

We have invested in comprehensive professional development opportunities to empower our educators with the latest instructional methodologies and resources.

18. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

We are excited to present keynote speakers focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity aiming to enrich our school community’s understanding and to foster an inclusive environment.

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We are immensely proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and academically enriching environment for every school, every classroom, every student, every day! Your ongoing support and involvement in our school community are invaluable.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education.

 

Warm Regards,

Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy

Superintendent of Malden Public Schools

 

New policies approved by the Malden School Committee in past three years (since July 2021)

1) Face Coverings Policy Update – Aug. 19, 2021

2) Acceptable Use Policy – Sept. 8, 2021

3) Revised Malden Public Schools Student Mobile Technology Duties and Obligations Document – Sept. 8, 2021

4) Residency Policy – Feb. 7, 2022

5) Mask Policy – Mar. 7, 2022

6) Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan – April 4, 2022

7) Staff Acceptable Use Technology Policy – June 6, 2022

8) Safety/Extenuating Circumstances Transfer Policy – March 6, 2023

9) Harassment Policy – Jun. 12, 2023

10) District Cell Phone Policy – Dec. 4, 2023

11) Student Absence Policy – Dec. 4, 2023

 

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New Year—New Beginnings!

As we embark on our 2024, new year chapter, let’s embrace the promise of fresh beginnings and endless possibilities. Let’s nurture curiosity, foster resilience, and champion each other’s growth. Together, let’s make this year one filled with learning, kindness, and remarkable achievements. Here’s to a year of boundless potential and collective success! —From the Malden Public Schools