In a recent information session held by Medford Public Schools, the focus was on the upcoming lottery process for fifth-grade students transitioning to middle school. As parents and caregivers gathered, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and questions about how the lottery would ensure fairness and equity in school assignments.

The meeting highlighted the district's commitment to inclusivity, particularly for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). A separate lottery will be conducted for these students to guarantee an equitable distribution across schools. This approach aims to address the diverse needs of all students while maintaining a balanced enrollment.

Sibling preference was another key topic. Parents were informed that if a fifth grader has a sibling currently in grades six or seven, they can opt into a sibling preference for middle school placement. However, there are specific guidelines: sibling preference does not apply to younger siblings at Mil McLennan Elementary or to current eighth graders, as they will not be attending the same school in the 2025-2026 academic year.

To illustrate the lottery process, school officials provided a hypothetical breakdown of how assignments might work. For example, in a sample school with 103 fifth graders, the distribution would consider English Learner (EL) students, those requiring special education, and general lottery participants. This structured approach ensures that all students are placed thoughtfully, with a small buffer of seats reserved for EL programming to accommodate new students throughout the year.

The timeline for the lottery process was also shared. Eligible caregivers will receive opt-in forms for sibling preference via email, with a deadline set for the following Monday. Students will receive their assigned lottery numbers in a letter sent home the next week, ensuring confidentiality through a randomized system. The results will be posted on the district's website on April 15, with caregivers receiving email notifications as well.

As the meeting concluded, excitement filled the room about the upcoming orientations at both middle schools, scheduled for early May. Parents left with a clearer understanding of the lottery process and the assurance that Medford Public Schools is dedicated to providing a fair and transparent transition for their children. For any further inquiries, a dedicated email address for lottery questions was provided, ensuring ongoing communication between the schools and families.