Happy New Year, Everyone!
Here we are in 2024 already – and we are delighted to have you with us on this beautiful Friday! To get started, we’d like to remind you that all schools and offices will be closed on Monday in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In case you didn’t know, MLK Day is the only national holiday that is also called ‘National Day of Service.’ If you see opportunities to help someone in need, Monday is a good day for you to do so (and every other day that follows!). Bring some items to the Purple Pantry Boxes you might see around town. Volunteer at the Soup Kitchen. Give someone a ride to a doctor’s appointment. Check in on a neighbor. Visit someone in the hospital. It’s all good.
Lots of news and events to get to today – so let’s get right to it. Here we go.
SCHEDULE
Monday, 1/15: Schools/Offices Closed in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tuesday, 1/16: Regular Schedule*
Wednesday, 1/17: Regular Schedule*
Thursday, 1/18: Regular Schedule*
Friday, 1/19: Regular Schedule*
*Except for our high schools – please see entry below for Mid-Term Exam Schedule
EVENTS/PROGRAMS/NEWS
Wednesday, 1/17: Board of Ed Meeting, Budget Workshop with Possible Vote
This past Monday night, Dr. Cutaia presented the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget for 2024-25 to the Board of Education at its regular business meeting. This 107-page document has been ‘in the works’ since mid-October and is the result of dozens of questions, massive amounts of research, and consideration of thousands of items that would lead to the betterment of MPS.
Two BOE Budget Workshops followed (Wednesday and Thursday), where elected BOE officials were able to ask questions about the various items included in the budget proposal. As always, the information was interesting and the conversation engaging.
On tap for Wednesday (1/17), an additional workshop will be held in the Board Room at 7:00 p.m. Board members will continue to ask any last questions – and, potentially, could vote on the budget that evening. An additional workshop session has been reserved for Thursday if the Board should need it. All BOE meetings are live streamed – so if you’re interested in how things go – feel free to tune in on the MGAT channel.
BUDGET CENTRAL BUTTON is LIVE!
And, even more great news! We are pleased to announce the return of our BUDGET CENTRAL 2024-25 button on the district website. Simply click on the Budget Central tab at the top and you will see ALL of the information related to this season’s budget journey.
Foran Child Learning Center to Host Open House on Jan. 22nd; held @ Foran, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Here’s a great option if you’re looking for a formal program for your young ones! The Foran High School Child Learning Center accepts students ages 3 or 4 (by Sept. 1st) and you are invited to come and see what the program is all about! The program provides a dual purpose – young children can interact and develop social skills while engaged in Intentional Play AND our high school students who are in the Child Development course can gain real-life experience in working with our ‘youngest students.’ The Open House will run from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Stop by to learn more. FLYER.
Thursday, 1/18: Military Career Night, held @ Milford Public Library, co-hosted by Foran HS and Jonathan Law HS. 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., pre-registration recommended
Here’s a great example of community partnership! The College & Career offices at Law and Foran have teamed up with the Milford Public Library to present a Military Career Night for those interested in entering the service. Representatives from each military branch will be there to answer any questions attendees may have. FLYER.
Thursday, 1/25: Parent University presents: Handling Teen Stressors, held @ West Shore Middle School, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., pre-registration required
Are your kids on their phones too much? Are they having trouble with friends? Are you worried about their stress level? The next Parent University session is centered around stressors our kids may be facing and what you can do to help. Dr. Yann Poncin, Yale University, will show us what to look for and provide some great advice on how to help. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., the presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. Please join us for an informative evening. REGISTRATION LINK.
High School Mid-Term Exam Schedule Released; Tuesday, 1/16-Friday, 1/19
The daily schedule for our high schoolers is a bit different next week, due to Mid-Term exams. The school day will end by 11:30 a.m. each day. In addition, please know that the 1st semester (2nd marking period) ends on Friday, 1/19. Students should complete any pending assignments and get them in to their teachers before Friday. Click HERE for the full exam schedule. Good luck, students!!
Adult Education Course Catalog Released; Lots of Great Courses Available
The catalog is here! The catalog is here! Thanks to the Milford Adult Education team, the Spring 2024 Course Catalog started showing up in homes just after Christmas – and courses are filling up as we speak. Lots to choose from – why not take 1 (or 2!) to learn something new? In addition, we have many great offerings for residents who are hoping to brush up on their academic skills, improve their English language skills, or are hoping to prepare for their Citizenship journey. Take a look: ADULT ED.
MPS Podcast – Episode 12 – The Best Moments of Last Year’s Series!
If you love retrospectives, you’re gonna love Episode 12 as podcaster Cam Wilkitis takes us on an audio review of the past year’s broadcasts. Really great and always fun to remember the great moments that have been shared over the past 12 months. Let’s see what the top 5 moments were in our series.
‘Ready to Learn’ Preschool Program Accepting Applications for Fall 2024
The Ready to Learn Preschool Program, offered in conjunction with the Milford Public Schools, is now accepting applications for Fall 2024. The RTL program is designed for young children who will benefit from a year-round, full-day preschool program. Children born on or before September 1, 2021 (children ages 3 or 4 by Sept. 1, 2024) are eligible to apply and must be Milford residents. Costs are determined based on a sliding scale (after verification with the parents’ first page of their 1040 Federal Tax Form for tax year 2022).
The program operates 49 weeks a year for 10 hours per day. In accordance with grant requirements, children must attend the preschool program for six hours or more daily (including summer) for the entire year. A percentage of RTL seats are made available to families according to financial need and are based on a formula provided by the State of Connecticut Early Childhood Department and have parents who are employed or currently seeking employment.
Pre-enrollment applications will be accepted ONLINE ONLY. To apply, please click on this link to get started: https://www.milforded.org/readytolearn. Final decision letters will be issued in the Spring 2024 via email.
Milford Public Library January Calendar Chock Full of Great Programs!
Wow! The MPL has put together some terrific programming for January! There are two good ones centered on kids in the midst of the college search (1/25) and guidance for parents on the FAFSA form (a must-do to be considered for financial aid – on 1/20). FLYER.
Tuesday, 2/6: What Every Boy Needs to Know, a presentation for fathers and sons (grades 6-8); held at the Milford Hospital Auditorium, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., pre-registration required
Great news! The Milford Dept. of Human Services/Youth and Family Services is conducting a special event, designed for 6th-8th grade boys and their fathers/support person to explore the expectations of boys, masculinity, and how to raise thriving boys in today’s world. The program will be held at Milford Hospital in Auditorium B and led by Jeff Baer (LCSW). Jeff is a licensed therapist who has completed extensive training in evidence-based practices. He brings more than 15 years of experience and specializes in boys’ and men’s mental health. Limited seating is available – so make sure you register early. To register, please contact Doug Mills at dmills@milfordct.gov or (203) 783-3253. FLYER.
Milford Little League Accepting Registrations
The Milford Little League is now accepting registrations for next season! Baseball programming is available for kids ages 3-13 and softball programming is available for kids ages 3-16. Please visit their website to register: https://www.milfordlittleleague.com/
Saturday, 1/20: Milford Arts Council (MAC) Offering Family-Friendly Series, Soro-Bindi music and dance of Ghana, held at the MAC Center, 11:00 a.m., Donations accepted
The MAC is pleased to announce a new initiative offering ‘Family Friendly’ events. These events will be offered as "Pay what you can" (although full ticket price payment would be encouraged, if possible). The first event of the series is Soro-Bindi – Music and Dance of Ghana. Looking forward to it!
These will be geared to young families with kids ages 4-8 (but not a hard and fast rule)! Seating will be provided for the adults, kids are welcomed and encouraged to bring pillows, etc. and sit on the floor, dance, clap and engage. There will be water and snacks available for purchase. Here’s a great way to introduce yourselves to the wonderful programming the MAC puts together for the entire Milford community. Enjoy! FLYER.
IN CLOSING …
Have a great weekend, everyone, and we’ll see you next week.
-Milford Public Schools