THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 1, 2021 Page 5 Malden High School holds well-attended virtual ‘Back to School Night’ Close to 300 families represented as administrators outline new programs, goals for caregivers By Steve Freker T he school year is off to a great start and students and staff have settled in well, Malden High School Principal Chris Mastrangelo told a large audience of caregivers at the annual MHS “Back to School Night” held this past Thursday. The event was a virtual Zoom session rather than the traditional in-person aff air due to Malden Public Schools’ COVID-19 precautions, but that did not deter parents’ involvement in the evening’s presentation. Mastrangelo, embarking on his fifth year at the helm in 2021-22, told the audience the staff was excited about the new changes and additions to the Malden High School community. “We have added 26 new educators and over 20 other new staff members, including seven new teaching positions,” Mastrangelo said, noting that the additional staff would be instrumental in expanding course coverage and off erings, as well as lowering class sizes in some cases. The staff additions also continue a trend of the ever-increasing diversity of the Malden High School workforce. Since Mastrangelo has been principal at MHS and overseen new hirings, the percentage of persons of color employed as educators and staff has more than tripled, from 6% to over 20% for the 2021-22 school year. The MHS principal explained a key new move this school year which has totally revamped the class schedule format. Days are now split up as Blue and Gold Days, with four 80-minute class periods on Blue Days and three 80-minute classes plus a new “Flex Block” on the Gold Days. This is a change from previous years when the class periods were six per day and 5055 minutes in length. “We instituted the longer class periods during the remote learning we experienced last school year, and we got good feedback from students and staff ,” Mastrangelo told the caregivers at Back to School night. “We did a lot of analysis, and many of our staff members contributed to the plan we put into place for this school year.” The addition of the “Flex Block” SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY Call for a Quote 617-387-7466 Or email Rocco@sabatino-ins.com We cover: * Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Done: Members Plus Home Equity Line 3.25% http://www.sabatino-ins.com SABATINO 564 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-7466 Hours of Operation are: Mondays - Fridays 9am to 5pm Saturdays by appointment only MEDFORD NORWOOD DORCHESTER EVERETT PLYMOUTH *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. 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Apply FAST at memberspluscu.org for this year is also brand-new, Mastrangelo told the parents, and is a product of the Student Voice Project, which has been ongoing for the past two school years. “The students had a direct voice in this decision to install the Flex Block, which enables them to have a direct choice and personal preference on a regular basis.” The Flex Block is split into two, 40-minute sessions designated as “Enrichment” or “Joy.” The Enrichment portion of Flex Block is designed to enhance a student’s academic progress and/or socio-emotional support and could be course-related academically or a club meeting or other activity. The Joy Block is directly related to the student’s personal preference and can be anything: badminton or Ping-Pong in the gym or board games, a Yoga class, or even bicycle riding or walking outdoors. “We have gotten a tremendous response. The students and staff have embraced the Flex Block in a big way, and we are excited about that,” Mastrangelo said. Detailed information about Many Malden High School families attended virtually when the traditional “Back-to-School Night” was hosted by administrators and staff . (Advocate Photo) the many school services offered at Malden High and also at the district level was discussed along with fundamental school policies on class schedules, choosing classes and attendance policies. “We shared a lot of information, and it was all important for the parents to have as the school year begins,” Mastrangelo said. Close to 300 families were represented on the virtual meeting and the MHS administrators were pleased with the response. “Communication with our caregivers is our highest priority, and it’s something that will continue throughout the school year,” Mastrangelo said. To Do: Take a Vacation Replace Windows Pay Tuition
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