Hello Friends!
Crazy week this past week with the snow and the subsequent delay day. We are grateful for your attentiveness to the messaging that goes out regarding any alteration of our daily school schedules. Our approach is to ‘cast a wide net’ when it comes to getting the word out and we use a wide range of tools to reach you, including local TV (via CT Weather), our district website (milforded.org), social media, email, text, and phone call/voice mail. Due to the massive storms occurring nationwide on Tuesday, our messaging provider was inundated with their client school districts (like us) across the country – all messaging their communities – and all at the same time. As a result, messages were temporarily delayed but ultimately did get through to you. We apologize for the confusion this may have caused.
Here’s what is planned for next week and the weeks beyond. Thanks for spending some time with us today!
SCHEDULE
Monday, 1/22: Regular Schedule*
Tuesday, 1/23: Regular Schedule
Wednesday, 1/24: Early Dismissal for Students; Professional Learning for Staff
Thursday, 1/25: Regular Schedule
Friday, 1/26: Regular Schedule
*Except for our high schools – last day of exams will take place on Monday
EVENTS/PROGRAMS/NEWS
Board of Education Budget News
We are pleased to announce the Board of Education approved the 2024-25 Budget, as presented, on Wednesday night (1/17). Next step: the Board of Education’s Proposed 2024-25 Budget is submitted to the Mayor’s Office no later than Feb. 1st, and then is packaged together with the Mayor’s Proposed Budget (for all other city departments and agencies). The documents are then sent to the Board of Finance so they may begin their review. We will share the BOF meeting schedule with you as soon as we receive it.
Budget Central Button: Everything in One Place
In the meantime, you can keep up-to-date ‘in a snap’ by visiting our BUDGET CENTRAL 2024-25 button on the district website. ALL of the information related to this season’s budget journey appears there.
Monday, 1/22: Foran Child Learning Center to Host Open House @ 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. 1, 2024) 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 enrolled in the Child Development course can gain real-life experience working with our ‘youngest students.’ The Open House will run from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Stop by to learn more. FLYER.
Thursday, 1/25: 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.
MPS Podcast – Episode 13 – Budget 2024-25
Cam Wilkitis captures the essence of this year’s Budget process, as he visits with our Superintendent -- Dr. Anna Cutaia. Episode 13 will give all listeners an insider’s look at the process and the main features of this funding proposal. And, of course, the episode includes our regular features for district news and sports! Really interesting – give it a listen!
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.
Milford Eagles Pop Warner Spring Flag Football Registrations Open
Milford Eagles Pop Warner (MEPW) is excited to announce that Spring Flag Football Registration is open through February 29, 2024. The commitment is Sundays Only (practice for 1 hour then straight into game). No experience necessary and returning tackle and flag players are welcome! FLYER. LINK.
Milford Youth Lacrosse Registrations Open
Milford Youth Lacrosse has great opportunities for kids in Grades K-8, boys and girls. Whether you’ve played before or are just starting out, this organization is ready to meet you! Registration is only open until January 31 – so if you’re interested you should register as soon as possible. FLYER. LINK.
Room 17 & Milford Arts Council Team Up for Art/Math Submissions; Deadline 3/10
Here’s a fun event everyone can enjoy! Thanks to the collaboration of the Room 17 organization and the Milford Arts Council (MAC), students may submit pieces of art they create that have a foundation in math. Open for students Grades K-12. Submissions can be created in any form of media – such as canvas, paint, musical instrument, composition, dance, photography, digital media etc. and MUST include a written description of how MATH was used during the creation and/or in/on the piece itself. Deadline to submit is March 10, 2024. See FLYER for details.
3/6: Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Program: Milford Public Library (see below for preparation and in-person sessions)
Thanks to the partnership of Bridges and the Mental Health First Aid organization, you can learn how to respond if you encounter individuals with mental health challenges. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to identify, understand & respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children & adolescents ages 12-18. While there are several locations and sessions being conducted by organizers, this one will be held at Milford Public Library. Please see the flyer for more detailed information. FLYER.
IN CLOSING …
Have a great weekend, everyone, and we’ll see you next week.
-Milford Public Schools