Elementary principals report smooth start, new ParentSquare rollout, earlier start times and ELA pilots

Elementary principals told the Medfield School Committee on Nov. 1 that the district opened the 2025-26 year smoothly and is rolling out several new programs meant to improve communication, instruction and students'social-emotional learning.

Steve, Missy and Kevin reported building-level enrollment totals and early metrics for new systems. Across the three elementary schools they reported Memorial at 381 students, Wheelock at 398 and Dale Street at 383. Principals said average elementary class sizes range from about 17 to 23 students.

The district has launched ParentSquare districtwide to centralize family communications. Steve said the platform has strong uptake: "ParentsSquare is up and running," noting near-universal family connections and roughly two-thirds of families using the app. Staff plan to expand ParentSquare functions to conference signups, field-trip permissions and payments.

All three elementary schools also moved to earlier hours for the 2025-26 year; the new school day runs roughly 8:00 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. The district added an optional Medfield extended-day program from 2:35 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for families who need after-school child care; attendance varies by day, with lower participation on Fridays.

Principals also gave an update on ELA piloting. Nineteen teachers across the three schools volunteered to pilot two programs this fall after a previous round of pilots yielded mixed fit. The pilots are structured around common standards and involve weekly collaborative planning and professional development with literacy coordinator Jamie Callahan. Staff described high student engagement in classroom implementations and said teachers are gathering regular feedback to shape a recommendation to district leadership.

Committee members asked how the district will measure growth when students encounter different instructional programs from year to year. Literacy staff said assessments such as DIBELS and STAR reading, along with continuing MCAS monitoring, will be used to spot gaps; they emphasized that pilots are aligned to district standards so comparable skills are taught across classrooms even if program materials differ.

Principals also described Wayfinder, a new research-based social-emotional curriculum the district is implementing preK-12. Kevin said the district trained staff this summer and that Wayfinder lessons are intended to be delivered weekly in classroom morning meetings, with short activities adaptable to many settings.

District officials cautioned that full adoption of a new comprehensive reading program carries significant up-front costs. The committee heard that initial curriculum adoptions can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and members said budget timing and available town resources will be part of upcoming budget discussions.

The elementary principals' presentation closed with thanks to school staff, technology integrationists and parent groups for support during the opening weeks. The committee did not take formal action on curriculum selection at the meeting and expects further recommendations after winter-term teacher feedback.