Good Afternoon ESMS families,
We’re wrapping up a very busy and exciting week here at East Shore, and we wanted to share a few important updates.
Thank you to all the families who responded to our survey about the best time to receive the weekly communication. Based on your feedback, we will begin sending out information for the upcoming week on Friday afternoons. We hope this helps families plan and stay informed.
Please note that this coming Wednesday is an Early Dismissal Day for students due to staff Professional Learning. In the afternoon, our teachers will be engaging in collaborative work focused on strengthening instruction. They’ll have the opportunity to visit colleagues’ classrooms, observe teaching in action, and reflect together on strategies that support high-quality learning for all students.
Winter Chorus Concert on Wednesday at 6:00 PM at Foran High School: Our chorus students are hard at work preparing for our winter concert. Their rehearsals have been full of energy and enthusiasm, and we are looking forward to celebrating their talent with families on Wednesday evening. We hope you’ll join us for this special night.
12 Days of Spirit: Get ready for 12 Days of Spirit at ESMS! Starting Monday December 8th with Candy Cane Lane, we’re celebrating the season one fun theme at a time. From festive colors and cozy wear to winter wonder and community kindness, each day brings a new way to show off our East Shore pride and have a little extra fun before break. Check the list here so your child can join in all the excitement. We can’t wait to see everyone’s school spirit shine bright all 12 days!
PJ Day for Kids, Monday December 15th: Last year, 685 schools in Connecticut participated in PJ Day for the Kids by inviting students and staff to donate $1, or more, to wear PJs all day in support of kids battling childhood cancer at Connecticut Children's. Since 2011, more than $4.7 million has been raised in support of Connecticut Children's Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, with more than $698,000, raised in 2024 alone. Together, $1 (or more) at a time, we are making a difference! Donate $1, or more, to wear PJs in support of kids at Connecticut Children’s who wear their PJs for long periods of time while enduring treatment. Find more information here.
Ski Club: Any families interested in signing their child up for Ski and Snowboard Club must register by Monday, December 15th. All information can be found here. Please contact Mr. Carstensen or Ms. Donovan with any questions.
Bridges Healthcare’s School-Based Services: Bridges Healthcare School-based Therapy Program provides services to children here at ESMS. School-based services offer clinical services and supports to children and youth and their families who may be struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties,
and trauma. There is no cost to families for the services; insurance is billed when it is available. If you would like more information about the school-based program or would like to make a referral please contact the Program Coordinator, Kaye Henry, by e-mail at khenry@bridgesmilford.org or by phone: 203-878-6365 x490, or complete the online referral form.
Fire Drill: Conducting emergency drills (fire, crisis, lockdown, etc.) is one of the most important ways we enhance our preparedness for students and staff during an emergency. Drills allow us to practice what we need to do when an emergency arises in our school. ESMS plans to conduct a fire drill next week. This will only be a drill and will be conducted in accordance with the School Incident Management Protocols established by the district and in collaboration with our local first responders. Please discuss the importance of our emergency drills with your children. If you have any feedback please reach out to lswanson@milforded.org or jgenova@milforded.org. We thank you for your cooperation and partnership in making our schools a safer place for learning.
Yearbook: Yearbook sales are open! Purchase at this link and enter code 6667426. Contact Ms. Donovan with any questions.
District Concerts: Support our Milford Public Schools music departments and attend one of the many winter concerts throughout the district. Find the full concert list here.
PTA News:
Cookies, Cookies, Cookies: Have a favorite family recipe or a “go-to” bakery? The PTA is organizing a No-Bake Cookie Swap for our staff on Monday, Dec. 22. We will provide boxes and send staff members home with an assortment of sweet treats to enjoy over the winter break. Homemade or store bought hand-held treats are welcome! Sign up here
Dave and Busters Gift Cards: Make great holiday gifts for the kids in your life. Buy them through the PTA. You’ll get a great card and 50% of the sale comes back to help pay for the 8th grade dance! Share the link with your friends.
Chipotle: Dine in or take out just be sure to mention East Shore on Dec. 18 between 4 and 8 pm. Chipotle near the mall!
Save the date for family skate night- Jan 31 6-7:30 at Milford Ice. All are welcome to skate
There is still time to join the PTA, our next Meeting is January 12th, 2026
Important Dates to Remember:
December 10th
Early Dismissal for Students at 12:45 PM
Winter Chorus Concert @ 6 PM at Foran
December 16th, Winter Band & Strings Concert @ 6 PM at Foran
December 23rd, Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
December 24th-January 2nd, Holiday Recess
January 12th, PTA Meeting
January 19th Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School
January 21st, Early Dismissal for Students
February 13th-16th, Winter Break
February 25th, Early Dismissal for Students
Thank you for your continued partnership, and we look forward to a wonderful week ahead at ESMS!
Warmly,
Lisa Swanson, Principal James Genova, Assistant Principal