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Malden School Committee honors student, approves travel program trips and discusses supports for off-track students
Summary
The committee presented a citation to a first-grade student, approved proposed international trips for Malden High students, and discussed creating a full-time guidance/social-worker role to support off-track students in Pathways, RISE and PACE programs. The district also reviewed planned summer closures and a proposed Hanover Research climate survey.
The Malden School Committee on April 1 presented a citation to first-grade student Maximus Angel of Linden S.T.E.A.M. Academy for promptly seeking help during a classroom medical emergency. Mayor Christenson and Superintendent Noriega-Murphy recognized the student’s action.
The committee also heard from Ms. Shauna Campbell of the Tornado Traveler’s Club, who described the club’s recent Costa Rica trip and asked the committee to approve two upcoming trips: a February 2026, seven-day trip to the Dominican Republic and an April 2027, 10-day trip to the Alps and Mediterranean. Committee members asked about fundraising and attendance policies for students who travel; Superintendent Noriega-Murphy said absences for approved trips would be excused. Ms. Campbell said student research projects and pre-trip training (including snorkeling and kayaking preparation) are part of the program. The committee approved the February 2026 and April 2027 trips pending receipt of final details.
On student supports, Superintendent Noriega-Murphy invited Malden High School student Benjamin Perez to describe challenges faced by off-track students and emphasized the district’s intent to prioritize filling a vacancy for a guidance counselor/social worker to support Pathways, RISE and PACE programs. Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Pam MacDonald said Pathways typically serves about 25–30 students, the Graduation Academy 15–20 seniors, the RISE therapeutic program about 20 students and the PACE program enrolls students up to age 22 for off-site work and career coaching. Committee members noted the prior position had been advertised as part-time and hiring was difficult; the superintendent said the district will advertise the role as full-time.
District leaders also outlined operational items: planned summer closures at the Early Learning Center, Beebe, Linden and Salemwood for building work (staff may be relocated), and continuing program offerings including Starbase STEM field trips for a small cohort of 5th-grade ELD students. Assistant Superintendent Emilys Peña described plans to contract Hanover Research for a pre-survey this year and a full instrument next year (two surveys total) at an estimated combined cost of about $25,000; the district included Grade 4 to broaden participation and said grant or repurposed funds would cover the work. Committee members raised concerns about survey fatigue and response quality; staff said the survey information would inform school-improvement planning.
The items were reported as part of the superintendent’s regular update and did not by themselves enact new district policy.
