2021 - April - Letters from the Superintendent

April 21, 2021, 9:39 AM

Dear Milford Community:

At Monday night's board meeting the architecture firm, Lavallee Brensinger, presented the results of the feasibility study on the MSD's infrastructure, which they were contracted to conduct. The presentation consisted of two parts:

A gap analysis of the current state of our district's buildings, as well as the cost of short term and long term maintenance and capital repairs for the district's infrastructure.
A conceptual proposal for major capital improvements throughout the district at each of the four main buildings, along with recommendations for the SAU, and the Bales Building.

This presentation was just the beginning of significant community conversations necessary regarding our Schools’ facilities and infrastructure. We encourage you to stay abreast and involved in this important work ahead.

The full presentation from last evening will be on Granite Town Media within a few days. Here is the LINK to the Granite Town Media, School Board PowerPoint presentation.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga Superintendent of Schools	Ms. Christi Michaud Assistant Superintendent

April 19, 2021, 2:15 PM

Dear Members of the Milford Community:

I’m writing to let you know that Ms. Chali Davis has informed me of her decision to resign from her position as Principal of Milford High School effective, June 30, 2021.

Ms. Davis has served the Milford School District tirelessly for the past two years. Her leadership was particularly evident and greatly admired from her colleagues and to district leadership, as an integral member of our team. During this unprecedented pandemic, when the district transitioned from a regular model of education, into remote, into hybrid, back to remote, and then to full in person, she has led her team with strength and adaptability. In a very short amount of time, she gracefully tackled some significant and important items that have long needed attention, positioning MHS to move forward into the future.

I want to personally thank Ms. Davis for her service to the students, staff, and families of the Milford School District. It is with deep appreciation of her work, commitment, and devotion to students, that I wish her well in her future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jessica Huizenga

April 16, 2021

April 16, 2021, 4:05 PM

Happy Friday afternoon Milford Community,

It's been a great week welcoming several High School students back in full. We are equally as thrilled for the return of many Elementary and Middle School students on Monday, April 19th. As we inch our way back to normalcy, I'd like to share a few updates and reminders with you.

Please see the attached April 19th Return-In-Full document highlighting procedures moving forward for school closings, district-level Blackboard COVID positive messages, and contact tracing. Other items within this document are reminders and updated links to resources.

Finally, as I suspect that there may be questions following the Governor's announcement of the expiring state-wide mask mandate, I'd like to share the following with you:

The Milford School District mask requirement will remain in place for students and staff while indoors as a mitigation strategy to lower the risk of transmission. This requirement was in place prior to the Governor’s mandate and will remain until vaccinations are available for our student population or the risk of infection is eliminated.

As always, thank you for your partnership with our schools. I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead.

Kindly,
Christi Michaud
Assistant Superintendent

Return to Full In-Person Learning...
https://4.files.edl.io/abfc/04/16/21/171833-b57c69ac-d0c9-4a54-82d2-0c32225a148a.pdf

April 13, 2021

April 13, 2021, 8:25 AM

Good Morning Milford Community:

Principal Davis informed me that we have a positive Covid Case at MHS. The last time the individual was in the building was on Friday, April 2, 2021. Due to the passage of time and the cleaning that has been done, it is not necessary to do a deep cleaning.

Thank you,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga

April 12, 2021

April 12, 2021, 5:04 PM

Dear Milford Parents and Community Members,

It is with great pleasure that I begin the process of transitioning to the position of Interim Superintendent of Schools. I value the opportunity to work in partnership with you, and I share in your commitment to ensuring the very best educational experiences for the children of Milford. The upcoming 2021-2022 school year promises to be one of great joy and celebration, as we begin to recover and emerge from the uncertainties of the pandemic.

As your Interim Superintendent, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share a bit of my background with you. I was born and raised in Manchester, NH and currently live in Hooksett with my two high school children. My son will graduate from high school in June, and he is looking forward to attending college in Maine next year where he will study Law Enforcement and play college baseball. My daughter will begin her sophomore year in August, and she is looking forward to exploring her newest passion, golf! On a personal level, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking, and traveling when time allows. I bring to the superintendency over 23 years of experience as a teacher and educational leader, and l look forward to fostering positive relationships, while earning the trust and confidence of the Milford community.

As we move forward, I am confident that with renewed commitment, strong school leadership, outstanding staff and supportive community partners, the district will be poised to return to high quality, in-person learning. Milford continues to be a wonderful community in which to live and grow. The past year has been difficult, but it has also taught us great many things, including new ways of teaching, alternative modes of communicating, and the importance of working together as a team. We are ready to embrace the new opportunities awaiting us!

As a school leader, I place the highest value on communication, support, and accessibility to students, staff, families, and members of the community. I welcome the challenges ahead, and I look forward to serving as your Interim Superintendent this year.

Thank you in advance for your support and continued commitment to the youngest citizens of the Milford community.

Most Sincerely,

Christi Michaud

Assistant Superintendent of Schools

April 12, 2021, 3:06 PM

Good Afternoon Milford Community:

I would like to report that we have had 3 positive Covid Cases in the district since Friday, April 9, 2021. There was 1 case at each of the following locations: Bales, MMS, and MHS. Regular cleaning has been conducted.

Thank you,

Dr. Jessica Huizenga

April 6, 2021

April 6, 2021, 4:35 PM

Dear Milford Community:

I hope this email finds you all healthy, and enjoying this glorious Spring weather. Our pandemic journey continues, and I’ve decided our mantra should be, “Expect the Unexpected.” Speaking of the unexpected, the Governor's order that was released last Thursday requiring a full return to school on April 19th, was quite the surprise. But I am sure everyone will be grateful for some return to normalcy. I want to again thank our Educators and Staff, for the outstanding work they have done this year, during incredibly challenging circumstances. If you have a moment, please thank your child’s Teacher, Principal, or any Staff Member. They have been just amazing.

As discussed at the Board meeting last evening, please see the upcoming schedule for Wednesday, April 14th, and Wednesday, April 21st below. Per our full return plan, staff are to have a planning day to prepare to welcome back students on the 19th.

Wednesday, April 14th:

JMS, HP, and MMS - No school day for students - Planning and preparation time for the full return.
MHS - Early Release Schedule for students, afternoon planning and preparation time for staff.

Wednesday, April 21st:

Full school day for all students, no Early Release.

Additionally, if your student is not currently riding the bus, and you are in need of school district transportation, please contact the bus company at [email protected] rather than calling, they do not have the staff to handle the volume of calls.

Thank you so much for your patience and support this year. We appreciate your partnership, and look forward to welcoming back our students full time on the 19th.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jessica Huizenga

April 6, 2021, 12:24 PM

Good Afternoon Milford Community:

Principal Davis just informed me that we have a positive Covid Case at MHS. The last time the individual was in the building was on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Due to the passage of time and the cleaning that has been done, it is not necessary to do a deep cleaning. The high school will remain open.

Additionally, Mr. Demers informed me that we have a positive Covid Case at MMS. The last time the individual was in the building was on Friday, April 2, 2021. Out of an abundance of caution, the Milford Middle School will be closed to students and staff on Wednesday, April 7, in order to allow for a deep clean of the building.

Thank you,

Dr. Jessica Huizenga

April 1, 2021

April 1, 2021, 6:35 PM

Good Evening Milford Community:

Principal Davis just informed me that we have a positive Covid Case at MHS. The last time the individual was in the building was on March 31. Due to not finding out until this evening, we will have a remote day at MHS tomorrow, April 2, in order to allow for a deep clean of the building.

Thank you,

Dr. Jessica Huizenga