The Platform

Disclaimer: This platform is ever evolving due to feedback from the community and current events that may occur.

With every decision I make, I pledge to always incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, interdependence, and growth mindset. I believe everyone has a seat at the table, and that students have been missing that aspect, for a long time now. My decisions are made through the feedback of community stakeholders / users - as well as the various trainings and experiences I have lived through. I believe everyone has the right to an equitable and safe experience in our public schools systems.

1. Preventative Mental Health Care, is a lacked and well needed resource within our schools. Students should not need to suffer in order to find the right resources they will need to succeed. We need to also break the stigma, and students of all ages need to know that it is okay to not be okay. With this comes programs to help students build back after possible long absences like the BRYT Program. Verifying and contracting / promoting youth crisis hotlines, and even apps such as Calm and Headspace are being used on the higher education level to deal with this crisis. Part of this, also has to fall under awareness and understanding. It’s okay to not fully understand - compassion goes a long way. However, our students need to know and learn the signs so that they themselves don’t make it worse.

2. Art & Design Education is a key function to society, and that is no exception to Medford. As a former student leader and graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design - I know more than anyone running just how important that is. Making sure there is space within our community and public schools to foster artistic growth - as well as design, is key to ensuring the academic success of our students. As a former violinist, actor, technician, and artist within the walls of Medford Public Schools, I have first hand experience working with creatives within the city.

3. The Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility (CCSR) is a valuable asset to this community. It lays foundation for our future as a society and city. How can we, as a committee, better integrate them and shine light on the various projects they are doing on all levels from primary to secondary. As a product of the CCSR - I know it is a valuable program to invest in - that allows our students to grow in their specialties and specific goals they have. The CCSR currently only relies on funding from an outside source - the Cummings Foundation. They are in their third year of a $350,000 ten year grant - however the program cannot afford to consistently rely on getting awarded every ten years.