12.16.2011: Two Voices Speak out to Support the Technology Plan
Letter to the Editor by Bonnie McFarlane, A4mps Steering Committee Member:
"The educational imperative for this investment is self-evident: school-age children need to be comfortable using computers and electronic technology in all aspects of their lives if they are to be successful in the workplace and running their homes as adults." Read more...
Letter to the Editor by Jared Ingersoll, Medford Resident:
"This amount, almost four million, is really mitigation for years of neglect for the technology in our schools and does not represent the paradigm shift that we sought, but sets the schools on the right track. This request is now in the hands of the Mayor, the School Committee and the City Council to do the right thing and bond this minimum funding necessary." Read more...
12.03.2011: Support Technology in Our Schools
A4mps has created a petition to request that the City of Medford fund the technology plan created by the Technology Advisory Committee: 21st Century Tools for 21st Century Schools! The plan calls for new computers and related technology, and supports the addition of a new line item. Please read more about the plan and sign the petition by December 16th. It's also very important to show your support by attending the School Committee meeting On December 19th at 7pm at Medford City Hall. Members of A4mps want to support Mayor McGlynn at this meeting by assuring him that our community values its schools and supports bringing school technology into the 21st century! See you there.
| "Our children need the tools and education necessary to compete in the labor market of the 21st century...We support excellence in our schools, and strongly feel this investment will bring our schools up to date... |
NEW: Download the flyer for the Dec. 19th meeting (PDF)
A4mps is a grassroots group working to advocate for the Medford public schools through outreach, fundraising, and volunteerism.
The mission of the group is to ensure adequate funding and continuous improvement of the citywide public school system. This group was established in the summer of 2008 as a result of deep cuts made in the Medford, Massachusetts school budget. >> Join the A4mps email discussion group
 |
| a4mps members gather at State House steps for Stand Rally, July 2009. The purpose of the Rally was to lobby State elected officials for more support for schools throughout the Commonwealth. |
Our group has been instrumental in:
- Advocating for passage of the hotel and meals tax, which raised over 750,000 for the city
- Defeating Question 1 (the initiative to repeal the Massachusetts state income tax in 2008)
- Working with local elected officials on budget and fiscal priorities
- Lobbying State officials about resources for Medford schools
- Creating the Medford Chapter of Stand for Children
- And organizing, organizing, and more organizing!
a4mps in the news
- A recent article in the Medford Transcript (May 21, 2010) outlines the math tutoring program which is a work-in-progress for this committee. The math tutor program originated with some committed members of the Medford community and through the committee we are working to grow this program and expand to all schools in the district. >> Read more about Medford School Volunteer Tutors.
- Parent Group Endorses Candidates (October 27, 2009, InsideMedford.com)
- A4mps continues membership drive across Medford (Sep 24, 2009, Medford Transcript)
- Advocating for Medford Schools group meets with McGlynn (Apr 03, 2009, Medford Transcript)
- Medford Parents Mobilize for School Funding (Monday, Nov 3rd, 2008, InsideMedford.com)
- Tough Times Encourage Parents to Fight for School Funding (Oct 13th, 2008, InsideMedford.com)