Milford Schools Plan To Increase In-Person Learning Time

MILFORD, CT — Superintendent of Schools Anna Cutaia has announced several changes to the remainder of the school year.

On April 1, it will be a distance learning day because that is the date where many school employees will receive their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine. She also said she is working on a plan to extend the amount of in-person instruction in the classroom, which will likely occur after the April spring break.

And she also announced plans to hold an in-person senior prom and senior class event all-in-one at Quassy Amusement Park.

In a letter to parents and staff, Cutaia addressed all three topics:

Change of Schedule for April 1

The second dose for our employees who were vaccinated last week falls right around the first of April (which is also a holiday and the start of spring break for Milford Public Schools). In order to accommodate the number of individuals who need a second dose of the vaccination, Thursday, April 1 will be a distance learning day (not an in-person day). A special vaccination clinic for Milford Public Schools and Durham Bus Transportation employees is being held on Thursday, April 1.

Increasing In-Person Learning Time

Now that we have plans to add Wednesdays back to the in-person schedule (starting on March 17, 2021), we have been working on how to continue to add more in-person learning time by extending school day hours. Currently, we are operating on a five-hour day (compared to 6 ¾ hours in a typical school year). Our goal is to increase in-person learning time some time after spring break in April. While we do not have a definitive date nor a finalized plan, I wanted to provide the update that plans are in the works. More information will be provided as plans are completed.

Update on End-of-Year Activities

The rumor is true...the Class of 2021 will be having an in-person senior prom and senior class event all-in-one! Activities will be held at Quassy Amusement Park with an assurance that all required safeguards will be in place.

With the modifications of the Governor’s executive orders related to social gatherings, we are starting to get a lot of questions about school-based activities. Until we receive more guidance from the state, it is still premature to make definitive plans about end-of-year activities. Our leadership team is drafting plans for various events and we anticipate updated guidance in the coming month, which also includes events to celebrate our students transitioning from elementary to middle and from middle to high school, as well as graduation exercises. Again, we’ll provide you with more information as guidance is available and plans are made to meet those requirements.

I am grateful for the community support that has been extended throughout the year. Take good care.

Sincerely,

Anna M. Cutaia, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools