On May 20th an MVMMS ACCESS program teacher was informed that, due to low projected numbers of students requiring ACCESS services, he would be transferred to another role within the building and the ACCESS program would be diminished. These numbers were generated by the building administration at MVMMS WITHOUT input, consultation, or collaboration of guidance counselors, school psychologists, and educators, and WITHOUT knowledge of what was determined for children and their families during 2020 team transition meetings. Melrose educators are in complete disagreement with these low numbers and are perplexed and disturbed by the idea that administration is anticipating such low mental health needs in the 2021/22 school year. Educators were never spoken to about these programs being combined and staffing ratios cut. If administration is changing the social emotional supports and programming for our students, why weren’t the licensed mental health stakeholders and professional educators included as part of this conversation?

With an override in 2019, and over $1.5 million more coming to MPS than we were expecting in state and federal stimulus, and after going through one of the most traumatic periods in our nation's history, why is MPS administration cutting programming essential to the social and emotional well being and development of our most vulnerable students?!

If you believe that we should be doubling down on social-emotional education and supports, instead of cutting vital school programming, please let the Melrose administration, School Committee, and City Council know to restore the ACCESS program at MVMMS NOW!

Please help us save this incredible program by sending a letter on the next page by clicking the red 'Start Writing' button.