2020 - December - Letters from the Superintendent

Dec. 16, 2020, 12:07 PM

Good Afternoon Milford Community,

I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone Happy Holidays. Despite a challenging year, I know we all have so much to be thankful for. I wanted to update you on some important information as we go into our last week before the holiday break. Our district remains committed to on-site educational experiences for our critical populations and equitable staffing expectations, therefore, we will maintain consistency in our current plan as long as we are able to do so between now and January 19th. We continue to be diligent in monitoring the positivity rates and working collaboratively with the town officials to ensure our schools remain safe. As such, the schedule for next week and after the holiday break will be the following:

Dec. 21 and 22nd - No change to existing plan. Students will be remote, staff and critical populations will be on campus.

Dec. 23rd – ½ day. Remote instruction for ALL students, staff choice to be on-campus or remote for half-day instruction; all buildings close at 12:00 noon.

Dec. 24^th - Jan. 1st - All buildings remain closed through holiday break.

Jan. 4 - 15th - Return to existing pre-holiday plan. Students will be remote, staff and critical populations will be on campus.

Additionally, we are expecting snow tomorrow. Per the direction of the Board, IF it becomes necessary to call a snow day, it will be a traditional “snow day.” Therefore, if called, there will be NO SCHOOL tomorrow. A call will be made in the AM. If you do not hear from the Superintendent’s office by 5:15 am, we will resume a regular school day.

Finally, our nursing team has updated Covid-19 Information. Please see attached.

Thank you so much for your continued support of the Milford School District.

Best Regards,

Dr. Jessica Huizenga

December 2, 2020

Dec. 2, 2020, 11:23 AM

Good Morning Milford Community,

I am writing to let you know that this morning I informed the School Board that after much thought and discussion with my family, I am resigning my position as Superintendent at the end of the current school year to pursue other opportunities. My last day will be June 30, 2021.

I have been honored to serve the Milford School District and work alongside such talented educators, staff, and an extraordinary Administrative Team in carrying out the important responsibility of providing an excellent education to our students, while making fiscally-responsible choices to the benefit of the taxpaying community. I am especially grateful to many members of the community, town leaders, police, fire, selectmen, and parents for their support and shared desire to improve our schools. I am especially proud of the work I have led with my team in developing and implementing a forward-thinking Strategic Plan, the District’s first in 10 years. The improvement of HR systems, improved communication and updating of outdated policies and practices, improvements in technology, curriculum, instruction, integration of social and emotional learning and mental health supports for students, expansion of innovative programs and partnerships, significant facilities projects, and addressing issues of equity, inclusion, and access for our students. I would be remiss not to include the pride I feel leading this team and community in a comprehensive response to the Covid-19 pandemic. I feel a great sense of satisfaction leaving Milford stronger, and well poised to reach the Vision and Mission set forth by the Strategic Plan.

I sincerely appreciate the professional and personal growth this position has required of me due to my experiences here. I am also grateful for the life-long friendships that have come from my time in Milford. I hope that you are able to build upon the many successes we have shared going forward.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jessica Huizenga