THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 7, 2022 Page 9 Malden schools managing return to school after break despite COVID-19 surge Superintendent, administrators distribute thousands of Rapid at-home test kits By Steve Freker T he Malden Public Schools distributed — at no charge— over 5,000 at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests before students went home for the Winter Break and followed up with another round given out Tuesday night to caregivers and other Malden citizens. Altogether, close to 8,000 test kits were distributed. Before the weekend, several hundred more were made available for Malden schools staff members and students, just before the return. Mayor Gary Christenson, School Committee members including Adam Weldai of Ward 5, as well as members of the Central Offi ce staff , including Supt. Noriega-Murphy, have been on the front lines distributing test kits themselves to drive-up sites at the Salemwood School. The surge of the COVID-19 virus, largely due to the transmissibility caused by the omicron variant, has fueled the importance of testing for students and staff . While the Malden Public Schools has seen an increase in staff and student absences due Supt. Ligia Noriega-Murphy to the COVID-19 surge, due to either positive cases or close contact cautions, Malden schools have been hit far less than other communities either in the great Boston area and in the city of Boston itself. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy and her administrative team have been handling the situation this week and according to reports, only about 10 percent staff members and from 15-to-20 percent of students have been absent from school on average days this week. In Boston, for instance, the staff absenteeism has been cited at close to 25 percent and student absences 25-35 percent Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group at Forestdale Park January 27, 2022, 5:00 pm, at Forestdale Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 341 Forest Street, Malden. Our support group is now meeting in person at Forestdale Park! Dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia isn't easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you're going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. RSVP to 781333-8903 or reception@forestdalepark.com. Malden Public Schools have distributed close to 8,000 free rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits to students and caregivers in Malden. in some schools in Boston. Some communities close ot Malden are close to the same numbers. In the Malden schools, Supt. Noriega-Murphy and MPS administrators are advising staff and students who either test positive for the COVID-19 virus and/or show symptoms to stay home and away from school. MPS leaderships also advises all staff and students who are eligible to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and for those eligible to receive booster shots. Those seeking information on testing or receiving free vaccines should go to the city of Malden website at cityofmalden.org or the MPS website at maldenps.org. Imani accepted into competitive, interdisciplinary science program at UMass Amherst L eila Imani of Malden was one of 73 undergraduates to be selected for the newest class of the Integrated Concentration in Science (iCons) program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. More than 175 fi rst- and second-year students applied for one of the iCons spots through a process open to roughly 5,500 undergraduate students in business, science, technology, engineering and math. The current iCons cohort, the 12th to participate, is the largest and most diverse in the program’s history. The iCons program builds on students’ course of study by providing them with further skills needed to enter the modern workforce. Diverse teams of students collaborate, identify and study innovative solutions to real-world global problems. Law Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee Sunday 12/26 Mackey & Brown Attorneys at Law * PERSONAL INJURY * REAL ESTATE * FAMILY LAW * GENERAL PRACTICE * PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY * CIVIL LITIGATION 14 Norwood St., Everett, MA 02149 Phone: (617) 387-4900 Fax: (617) 381-1755 WWW.MACKEYBROWNLAW.COM John Mackey, Esq. * Katherine M. Brown, Esq. Patricia Ridge, Esq. Happy New Year! Merry Christmas! 425r Broadway, Saugus (Rte. 1 South at Saugus Plaza Shopping Cntr.) MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-8 p.m. $8.50 Admission Price includes Roller Skates Monday 12/27 Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost $8.50 Admission 12-8 p.m. Price includes Roller Skates Tuesday 12/28 Wednesday 12/29 Thursday 12/30 Friday 12/31 12-8 p.m. 12-8 p.m. $8.50 Admission Price includes Roller Skates 8:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Ages 18+ $8.50 Admission Price includes Roller Skates 12-8 p.m. CLOSED Sorry No Checks ATM on site Roller skate rentals included with Admission Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com School Vacation Week Hours 12-8 p.m. $8.50 Admission Price includes Roller Skates
10 Publizr Home