A Friend to Know ...A Place to Grow! Winter 2015 Our upcoming year is looking bright, thanks to our families, Friends , and a Night o f 10,000 Lights ! The partnerships we share with so many caring individuals, state agencies, community organizations and businesses result in a strengthened and renewed MFN! Parent leadership is terrific! This cornerstone of the extra support needed to provide intentional and high quality programs is the Friends of the Medford Family Network and the MFN Advisory Board Make this the year you and your family engage in more programs, opportunities and parent leadership!Medford Family Network Newsletter of the Medford Public SchoolsTABLE OF CONTENTS: Page 2 Parent Today and Support Programs Page 3 Play & Learn Group Registration & Information Page 4 Special MFN Programming Page 5 Drop-in Playtime at the MFN Family Center Page 6 Community Resources Page 7 Parent Leadership Opportunities Page 8 What is the MFN? Medford Family Network Family Center Medford High School 489 Winthrop Street, Medford, MA Phone: (781) 393-2106 Fax: (781) 393-2123 Email: [email protected]Website: www.medfordfamilynetwork.org Http://www.medfordfamilies.org Find us on Facebook - Medford Family Network Marie Cassidy, Family Support Coordinator Heather Fuller, Program Aide Office Hours: 9:00 am —5:00 pm (Monday—Friday) * Caso necessite de um Interprete para traduzir esta informacao e favor contatar o escritorio de ELL no seguinte numero 781-393-2348 * Si un Interprete es necesitado para tradusir esta infomacion, por favor contacta la officina de ELL en numero 781-393-2348 * Si w bezwen yo Entepret pou tradui enfomasyo n sa a pou wou, souple rele biwo ELL nan nimewo sa a 781-393-2348 Meet the Friends of the MFN Board Thursday, March 5 7:00 — 8:30 pm Location: Bertucci’s, 4054 Mystic Valley ParkwayFind out what the Friends do and how you can get involve d. Adults only; refreshments will be served. RSVP requested but not required. Call Beth Pilling, President of the FMFN, at (781) 219-3940
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8/10/2019 Medford Family Network Winter 2015 Newsletter
Our upcoming year is looking bright, thanks to ourfamilies, Friends, and a Night of 10,000 Lights! The
partnerships we share with so many caring individuals,state agencies, community organizations and businesses
result in a strengthened and renewed MFN!
Parent leadership is terrific! This cornerstone of theextra support needed to provide intentional and high
quality programs is theFriends of the Medford Family Network and
the MFN Advisory Board
Make this the year you and your family engage in moreprograms, opportunities and parent leadership!
Medford Family Network Newsletter
of the Medford Public Schools
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Page 2 Parent Today and Support ProgramsPage 3 Play & Learn Group Registration & InformationPage 4 Special MFN ProgrammingPage 5 Drop-in Playtime at the MFN Family CenterPage 6 Community ResourcesPage 7 Parent Leadership OpportunitiesPage 8 What is the MFN?
Medford Family Network
Family Center
Medford High School489 Winthrop Street, Medford, MA
Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us
Parenting Today Programs by Date
Call the Medford Family Network at (781) 393-2106* Child Care registration is required. Please call for transportation options.
Making Art Together Workshops (for ages 5-8) Registration Required
Facilitated by Local Artists, Medford Arts Center, and Tamara Powell, MFN Parent Leader Location: 148 Exchange Avenue,
5 Saturdays; January 17, 24, 31 ; February 7, 14 10:00—11:30 am Willis Avenue, Community Center
Enjoy fun, creative activities, such as mosaics and paper mache, in a group with other families led by local artists from the MedfordArts Center. Learn new skills and make new friends as you strengthen family ties. Engage in fun ways that show how art relates toscience and math. Includes take – home learning activity flyers. Each family may register for up to three workshops.
How To Talk So Kids will Listen… Listen So Kids Will Talk
Registration Required
Facilitated by Valerie DeGeorge, MFN Parent Educator 6 Tuesdays; February 3, 10, 24; March 3, 10, 17 7:00—8:30 pm Location: MFN Family Center
Based on the book of the same name by Faber and Mazlish. Topics include coping with your child’s feelings, including frustration,disappointment and anger; communicating with your child without being hurtful; engaging your child’s cooperation. We will alsodiscuss alternatives to timeout and ways to make the parent/child relationship less stressful and more rewarding.
Help Me Get Ready to Read Registration Required
Facilitated by Susan Marx, Author Wednes
day, February 11 7:00—8:30 pm Location: MFN Family Center
This workshop offers tools for reading aloud effectively to young children by focusing on early literacy concepts skills such aslistening and speaking, vocabulary, comprehension, letters and sounds. Sam Sedneck, Director of the Medford Public LibraryChildren’s Department, will have a special display of recommended new books from the library. If you have a library card pleasebring it to take out the books.
Coffee, Conversation and Child Care Registration Required
Facilitated by Judy Scribner Moore, MFN Parent Educator
7 Wednes
days; March 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 29 9:00
—
11:00 am Location: MFN Family Center
Join this combination parenting class which focuses on stress reduction, nourishing the body and mind with tools such as yogapostures and relaxation, and sharing parenting experiences, ideas and strategies. Reading and discussion materials excerpted fromthe following books: “Systematic Training for Effective Parenting” and “Everyday Blessings, the Inner Work of Mindful Parenting.”
Parenting with Style Registration Required
Facilitated by Debbie W einstock-Savoy, MFN Parent Educator 4 Wednesdays; March 25; April 1, 8, 15 3:00
—
4:30 pm Location: MFN Family Center
We use the Myers Briggs Personality Inventory to study different qualities that make up an individual’s type and temperament, affording us a window into the triggers and motivators that make each of us “tick”. Come learn about your “ways we can betterunderstand and enhance our relationships with our children, friends and family. Come learn about your “style!”
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Parent Support Programs
Call the Medford Family Network at (781) 393-2106
Family Support Meet Ups Call MFN to Join
We would like to provide opportunities for targeted discussions on the topics that are important to you and your family. We arecurrently seeking meetups for the following: military families, surviving and thriving after divorce, twins, and any other group(s)
that you have interest in. Call the MFN to learn more and help us plan.
Grandparents Group Drop-in Format
Facilitated by Peg Murphy, PhD, and/or Becky Sarah, MPH Every Thursday, beginning January 8
10:00
—
11:30 am Location: MFN Family Center The group is a support network that provides an avenue for grandparents to meet others who are caring for their grandchild(ren)either on a full or part-time basis and to offer ideas and resources.
New Mom’s Group (birth to one year old) Drop-in Format
Facilitated by Aine O’Malley, Parent Leader, JF CS Every
Tuesday 9:30
—
11:00 am Location: MFN Family Center
Are you a new mom? Would you like to join a group of others who know exactly what you mean by the word “tired?” Welcome toa great supportive network and a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends for yourself and new playmates for your child!
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Registration Required
Facilitated byBecky Sarah (Intermediate) and Amie Saulnier (Advanced Intermediate)
Tuesdays & Thursdays until June 18 3:30
—
6:00 pm Location: MFN Family Center
ESOL is a program for families who live or work in Medford who want to improve their English speaking, reading andwriting skills. Both Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate classes are offered. Child care is available upon request.
This program includes a facilitated language-based playtime after class from 5:30 — 6:00 pm for participating families.
8/10/2019 Medford Family Network Winter 2015 Newsletter
February 3, 10, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31;April 7, 14, 28; May 5
Yahoo Crew (Age 21 - 33 months)
12 Mondays; 9:00 –
10:30 am February 2, 9, 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30;
April 6, 13, 27; May 4OR
12 Tuesdays; 9:00 — 10:30 am February 3, 10, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31;
April 7, 14, 28; May 5OR
12 Thursdays; 9:00 — 10:30 am February 5, 12, 26; March 5, 12, 19, 26;
April 2, 9, 16, 30; May 7OR
11 Fridays; 9:00 —
10:30 am February 6, 13, 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27;
April 10, 17; May 1, 8
Kiddie Glee (Age 34 - 47 months)
12 Mondays; 11:30 am — 1:30 pm February 2, 9, 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30;
April 6, 13, 27; May 4OR
11 Fridays, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm February 6, 13, 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27;
April 10, 17; May 1, 8
Fun Galore (Age 42 - 60 months)
12 Thursdays; 11:30 am — 1:30 pmFebruary 5, 12, 26; March 5, 12, 19, 26;
April 2, 9, 16, 30; May 7
What are Play and Learn Groups?Play and Learn Groups are FREE, interactive programs for
families who live or work in Medford. Play and LearnGroup leaders offer children a safe, literacy-rich
environment where they can explore their world and developnew friendships. They are designed to offer parents/
caregivers social connections; help families connect withand be resources for each other; provide information to help parents access needed services and resources; and model
positive strategies to support parent/child interactions. Playand Learn groups are aligned with age-specific Early
Education and Care (EEC) guidelines (www.mass.gov/eec)
and utilize the Strengthening Families approach(www.cssp.org/reform/strengtheningfamilies). These
groups include Brain Building in Progress and S.T.E.M.(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities.
Handouts will be distributed that give ideas to try at home.Sing! Play! Move! Laugh! Explore!
Listen to/tell Stories!
Programs at Medford Public Library
Yahoo Crew (Age 21 - 33 months)
11 Fridays; 9:30 –
11:00 am February 6, 13, 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27;
April 10, 17; May 1, 8
Waddlin’ & Toddlin’ (Age 14-20 months)
11 Fridays; 11:30 am — 12:30 pmFebruary 6, 13, 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27;
April 10, 17; May 1, 8
Play & Learn Groups
Registration InformationRegistration will be held on:
Monday, January 5; 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
Tuesday, January 6; 9:00 am — 6:00 pm
Wednesday, January 7; 9:00 am — 6:00 pm
Thursday, January 8; 9:00 am — 9:00 pm
Friday, January 9; 9:00 am —
5:00 pmSaturday, January 10; 9:00 am — 12:00 pm
at the Medford Family Ne twork Family Center
489 Winthrop Street, Medford
* There is a lottery for returning families — first time
families have priority. Parents have the same
opportunity for the lottery no matter when they register.
Winter 2015 Play and Learn Groups
REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION
8/10/2019 Medford Family Network Winter 2015 Newsletter
Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us
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Parents, Caregivers, Guardians welcome!
January 2015
Mondays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed 1/19)
Tuesdays 11:00 am to 3:00 pmWednesdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (1/7, 1/14 only)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (1/21, 1/28 only)Thursdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pmFridays 9:00 am to 5:00 pmSaturdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm (1/10, 1/17 only)
Saturdays 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (1/24, 1/31 only)
February 2015
Mondays 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (closed 2/16)
Tuesdays No Drop-in (except 2/17)
Wednesdays 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (except 2/18)
Thursdays No Drop-in (except 2/19)
Fridays 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (except 2/20)
Saturdays 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (2/7 only)
March 2015
Mondays 2:00 pm to 5:00 pmTuesdays No Drop-in
Wednesdays 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
12:00 pm to 2:30 pm (3/25 only)Thursdays No Drop-in
Fridays 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Saturdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Drop-in Playgroups Guidelines
Park strollers and put jackets, boots, etc. in the cubbieor on the hooks in the foyer area;Sign in and out at the registration desk;Parent/Caregiver must stay with child(ren) at alltimes, including bathroom visits;Clean up as you go! Try making it a game with yourchild(ren);
Keep food and snacks limited to the round “snacktable.” Snacks must be Peanut and Nut Free; Cold beverages are allowed, HOT are NOT!;All electronics, i.e., cell phones, iPhones, iPods, iPads,laptops, Kindles, etc., should be turned off and limiteto emergencies only.
Respect our Family Center
Clean up Clean up…
while you are here and before you leave
February Vacation 2015
Monday, February 16 ClosedTuesday, February 17 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Wednesday, February 18 9:00 am to 1:00 pmThursday, February 19 9:00 am to 1:00 pmFriday, February 20 9:00 am to 1:00 pmSaturday, February 21 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Drop-in Playtime at the
MFN Family Center
Swap Day
Hosted by Tamar Siegel, MFN Parent Leader
Help Others and Help Yourself
Sunday, March 22, 2015
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Location: Temple Shalom, 475 Winthrop Street
(next to Medford High School)
What can I donate? What can I receive?* Clothing for infants, toddlers, kids, tweens/teens;* Gently-used & clean toys, books, music & movies;
* Baby equipment;* Donations must be small enough to carry
(no stuffed animals, please) ;
* Maternity wear (no other adult clothing, please) !
Drop off your donations at:
The MFN Family Center, 489 Winthrop Street, onFriday, March 20 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm OR
The porch of 155 Forest Street anytime betweenMonday, March 16 and Saturday, March 21.
Please bring a grocery cart or reusable shopping bag to transport food home. Donations will consist of fresh produce, dairyproducts and other refrigerated food items. Offered FREE of charge. Pre-registration is required, please call (781) 338-7568.
Local Food Pantries in Medford
Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline— 800-645-8333Unitarian Universalist Church, 147 High Street, Medford (781) 396-4549, Thursdays; 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Saint Francis Food Pantry, 441 Fellsway West, Medford (781) 396-3400, Thursdays; 3:00 to 4:30 pmShiloh Baptist Church, Corner of Holton and Bower St, Medford (781) 483-8850; 2nd Tuesday; 6-7 pm; 3rd Saturday; 10-11 amBread of Life Food Pantry, 54 Eastern Avenue, Malden (781) 397-0404; Wednesdays; 4:00 to 6:00 pm; Fridays; 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Knucklebones Playspace ($)
Registration Required Mondays; January 5 through March 30 9:30—11:30 am Location: 191 Highland Ave, Somerv ille
Knucklebones staff will be available to facilitate and ensure safe play for parent/child interaction. Participants are welcome to stayand play for any amount of time. Please email [email protected] for registration form.
Medford SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) The mission of the SEPAC is to advise the Medford Public Schools on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students withdisabilities. If you would like to learn more, please email Melanie McLaughlin at [email protected].
City of Medford Human Rights Commission— Seeking New Members!
If you are available for monthly meetings, occasional event participation, and want to contribute to the City in a positive way, pleasecontact Diane McLeod, Diversity Director at Medford City Hall at (781) 393-2501 or a [email protected].
Freebie Foyer at the MFN Family Center
Come check out our FREE gently-used items including books, maternity wear, infant and children’s clothing, shoes, and more. TODONATE, BRING ITEMS TO THE MFN OFFICE . We will check for safety/appropriateness first.
Onetoughjob.org — An Online Resource for Real-Live Parents The Children’s Trust has created a parenting website to give parents immediate access to current, reliable and practical informationabout parenting and child development. For more information, contact Rayna Charles, Parenting Website Coordinator, at(617) 502-8753 or [email protected]
Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us
MEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS
-
SamSedneck, Director, Children’s Department (781) 395 -7950For more programs and information, visit www.medfordlibrary.org
Sing-A-Long with Matt Heaton
2 Thursdays; January 15; February 19 10:30 am
Have lots of fun and enjoy singing, clapping and action with your baby/toddler! Sing-a-longs are for parents and their child(ren).
Martin Luther King “Dream Wall”
Friday, January 23 4:30 pm
In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, you are invited to come add your dream for the future!
Pearl the Therapy Dog Reading Time
— First graders and up Registration Required
Tuesdays (Ongoing) 3:00—4:15 pm
Pearl will help young readers gain confidence in their reading.
Learn Spanish on Fridays
— Ages 3 to 5Registration Required
4 Fridays; February 6, 13, 20, 27 2:30
—
3:00 pm
Come learn Spanish by Yak Academy.
New Family Financial Literacy Program
Save It, Spend It, Share It
January 2015 through March 2015
The Advisory Board is happy to announce that they are in the process of creating a new program to support FinancialLiteracy activities. The goal is to help educate families about money management and to offer parent/child activities andfinancial literacy lessons. The program will include children making their own banks to store their “MFN bucks,” self -
guided activities in the Family Center, intentional activities at the Play and Learn groups, recommended books like StartSaving Henry! by Nancy Carlson (at the Family Center) and online sites and brochures. Based on Financial LiteracyResources from the National Center for Families and Learning (http://familieslearning.org/interactive-tools.htm).
More information to follow.
8/10/2019 Medford Family Network Winter 2015 Newsletter
Medford Family Network * 489 Winthrop Street * Medford, MA 02155 * (781) 393-2106 * www.medford.k12.ma.us
Parent Leadership Opportunities
Medford Family Network (MFN)
Advisory Board
We are seeking new Board and Committee memberswho are welcome to join at any time. Committees are
Marketing/Progam Relations Committee
Focus on all communication, including brochures, press,
newsletters and social media to ensure that MFN informatiois available in a variety of formats to all families.
Program Committee
Advise on program development and implementation; assiin the planning and promotion of the Early Education & CaFair as well as specialized programming such as Parent Caf
Peer Review, Financial Literacy and Family Literacy.
Ad Hoc Legislative Breakfast Committee
Plan/hold a Legislative breakfast in April for our localrepresentatives, senator, school committee and city counciWe want to inform our legislators about the programs and
services of MFN and to advocate for their continued suppo
Board meetings are held on the second Thursday of eachmonth from 6:15 to 8:15 pm at the MFN Family Center
(includes dinner, child care and transportation options).
For more information, please contact Marie Cassidy,
The FMFN is a nonprofit membership organization thatdirectly supports the MFN by securing donations for
programming and family events (e.g., Teddy Bear Picnic,Playgroups in the Park, Wright’s Pond Concerts). The FMFis currently looking for 5 to 8 interested individuals to serv
on the Board and help plan upcoming events.
For more information, please contact Beth Pilling, Presiden
The MFRC Council is an early childhood advisory body. Thnext meeting is Tuesday, February 10 from 6:00 to 8:00 pmat the MFN Family Center (includes dinner, child care and
transportation options).
School Readiness and Early Childhood
Curriculum Committee (SRECCC)
Seeking PreK, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 parents. The nexmeeting is Monday, January 12 at 3:30 pm [snow date:
January 26] at the MFN Family Center.
Questions? Please contact Shelley Gross, Early Childhood/
The Early Childhood Office can provide informationabout quality early education and care and afterschool
options.
We are happy to assist!
Help Me Grow Program—Ages & Stages
The Screening Questionnaire
This questionnaire allows parents to monitor
their child’s growth and development— cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially.
Working together, we will be able to provideideas for the most effective learning to ensure your child has every opportunity for optimal
growth/development.
For more information and/or to make
an appointment, please call
(781) 393-2106.
7
Part-time Position available...
Medford Family Network
Office Worker Monday/Wednesday/Friday
2:30 - 5:30 pm
Afternoon office help during the school year.Ability to multitask, be flexible and demonstrate
excellent communication skills required.Proficiency in data entry into Access. Excel, Word,
and Publisher necessary.
Powerpoint a plus.
If interested, or for more information, please contact
Marie Cassidy, Family Support Coordinator, at
(781) 393-2106 or mcassidy@m edford.k12.ma.us
The Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP)
PCHP of the Medford Public Schools is a FREEhome-based early literacy and school readiness programfor parents of children between the ages of 16 months
and 3 years. Help your children grow up to BE and DOthe BEST THEY CAN. The visits are fun! The books, toys
and games we use are yours to keep.
For more information, please contact
Donna Foti-Scovell, PCHP Coordinator, at
781-393-2122.
8/10/2019 Medford Family Network Winter 2015 Newsletter
What is the Medford Family Network (MFN)? The Medford Family Network of the Medford Public Schools is a FREE universal (everyone welcome) parenting education and familysupport program focusing on the positive impact on the developmental process of children prenatal to age 8, and supporting thefamilies that care for them. All adults who live or work in Medford, caring for young children, are welcome! This is accomplishedthrough parenting education workshops; age-specific play and learn groups; new moms groups; home visitation; family events; alending library; a family resource/drop-in center; information and referral services; family literacy activities; financial literacyinformation; and individual consultation. There are programs for dads, grandparents, single parents, parents who speak languagesother than English; working parents; at-home parents; and more. Programs are held at a variety of sites around the city – weekdays,evenings and weekends. Many activities are co-sponsored with other family-serving agencies. Parent advisory, governing andleadership roles are available and encouraged.
Information Referral Services If you have questions or concerns about your child(ren), family, or want to know about community resources, you can always call onthe Medford Family Network. Our role is to listen and help you find the information you need. Stop by the MFN Family Center at theMedford High School or call us at (781) 393-2106. We can make appointments to meet with you at the Center, in another location,or just take time to talk on the phone. Please let us know what is important for the healthy growth and development of you and yourfamily. We are here to make a difference.
CFCE (Coordinated Family and Community Engagement) Grant Priorities: These priorities are to: reach and meet the needs of children, especially those with multiple risk factors and/or are hard to reach,through universal and targeted outreach strategies; provide families with access to comprehensive services; provide evidence-basedearly literacy and family literacy opportunities; and provide families with support for continuity through early childhood tr ansitions.
CT Children’s Trust) Grant Priorities: The Children’s Trust helps parents navigate the joys and challenges of raising children. The grant priorities are based on the five
protective factors that are the foundation of the Strengthening Families Approach: parental resilience; social connections; concretesupports in times of need; knowledge of parenting and child development; social and emotional competence of children. MFNincorporates all of these factors into its programming throughout the year in a variety of methods and activities.
A F RIEND TO K NOW…A P LACE TO GROW!MEDFORD F AMILY NETWORK
MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL 489 WINTHROP STREET
MEDFORD, MA 02155
Medford Family Network (MFN) is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC),Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant, the Children’s Trust (CT), the Friends of the Medford
Family Network (FMFN) Corp., and the generous donations from our families and friends.