Hello MPS Family!
What a week! The pace of activities and events is really starting to pop – so we ask that you pay close attention to all of the communications that come your way from now to the end of the year. Concerts. Sporting events. Plays. End of Year events. Lots coming our way and we don’t want you to miss a single thing! So – let’s get started by looking at what’s coming in the week ahead.
SCHEDULE
Monday, March 20 – Friday, March 24: Regular Schedule all week
NEWS & EVENTS
Three MPS Staffers Recognized in the 2023 Outstanding Educators Awards by CT PTA
We are so proud of three MPS staff members who received statewide recognition by the Connecticut PTA this week. Congratulations go to KRISTINE TORRESO (Live Oaks) for being named Outstanding Elementary School Teacher; to ALISSE DEANGELIS (Orchard Hills) for being named Outstanding Special Education Teacher; and to CLAIRE BOGART (Meadowside) for being named Outstanding Social Worker. Thank you, ladies, for all that you do each and every day!
The Board of Finance Completes Its Work; Next Stop is Board of Aldermen
The Board of Finance completed its work on Wednesday evening when they voted on their final budget recommendations for all City departments, as well as our Education Operations budget. Although the Board of Education proposed a 2023-24 operating budget of $106,488,950 the BOF voted to reduce that amount by $1.8 million. The final BOF recommendation for education operations funding was set at $104,640,134.
What’s Next?
The BOF’s and the Mayor’s Recommendations are now sent to the Board of Aldermen where they will begin their review process. The BOA will conduct a series of meetings where department representatives make formal presentations to the board to further explain their budgetary requests. The first meeting of the series is the Public Hearing, where residents can make their voices heard and share their thoughts with the Aldermen about the City and/or Education budgets. We don’t have the schedule yet – but will share it with you when we have it.
MPS Spring Concert Calendar Released
We are pleased to release the Spring ARTS Season calendar for 2023. The calendar includes both districtwide events, (under the auspices of Music in Our Schools Month), as well as individual school concert dates. Our students can’t wait to show you what they’ve learned this year through these performances. Hope to see you there! CALENDAR.
MPS ‘Most Prevailing Stories’ Podcast Episode 17 Released Today
In today’s episode, we begin with a lighthearted nod to St. Patrick’s Day, then continue with more news and sports, as always. This week’s feature story takes a look at our High School Bands at both Law and Foran. Click HERE to listen to the podcast.
Foran Child Learning Center Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2023
We are pleased to announce the Foran Child Learning Center is now accepting applications for Fall 2023. This high quality, developmentally appropriate program is designed for children ages 3 and 4. The Center also serves as a lab classroom for Foran High School students enrolled in Child Development courses at the school.
Please note a few changes that have been made to the program.
- Children must be 3 by November 15th of the current school year.
- The Center is open to Milford residents only
- The Center hours are 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon; we follow the MPS Calendar
- The fee is $30 per day, payable monthly.
To learn more about the program and/or to complete an application, please click HERE to get started.
Dash for Danni Event News: Pop’s Family Restaurant Fundraiser, April 6th
Dash for Danni Event Sponsorship News: Sign Up to be a Sponsor by April 7th
The Annual Dash for Danni Event is scheduled for Saturday, April 29th and will take place at Foran High School. This 3.1 mile walk/run commemorates the life of Danni Kemp, a former scholar-athlete from Foran, who passed away from a rare form of brain cancer. Mark your calendars now for APRIL 29th, and participate in one or both of the fundraisers leading up to the event (links above). Let’s all be Danni Strong!
In the Community….
Tomorrow, (Saturday) March 18: Leprechaun Leap @ Walnut Beach
Mark your calendars! One of the long-standing events held throughout the year, this fundraiser benefits the Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut. You can register as either a ‘leaper’ or a donor. Check in will be at Walnut Beach at 9:30 a.m. on the 18th; the Leap will begin at 10:00 a.m. Check out the FLYER for all the details.
Deadline Approaching for Mayor’s Youth Award Nominations (April 4th)
You only have a few more weeks to nominate individuals or groups for the 35th Annual Mayor’s Youth Awards, a long-standing and revered event in our city. Any Milford resident, age 18 or under, who has participated in activities to improve the quality of life in this city, or assist its citizens, is eligible to be nominated. Individual awards are given at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In addition, there is a category to recognize group community service. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 4th (submission directions are on the forms). Take a moment out to recognize the good works of Milford’s young people.
Milford Little League Registration Open
The Milford Little League is now open for registrations. The league accommodates boys and girls who wish to play baseball, from ages 3-13. There also is a softball program available for girls, ages 3-14. Click HERE for the flyer.
Milford Junior Major League Registration Open
The Milford Junior Major League is now open for registrations -- with the deadline coming fast (through April 16th). Kids ages 2-19 are eligible for a variety of levels of play. Get your application started soon. Click HERE for the flyer.
Toasty Toes Sock Drive Continues! Donate a Pair (or more!) by end of March
The participants in the People Empowering People (PEP) program will be conducting a Toasty Toes Sock Drive all month for the benefit of the Beth-El Center here in Milford. Collection boxes are located in each school and you are encouraged to donate one (or more!) pair of new socks for the cause. Here’s a FLYER that explains more. Thanks in advance for your help!
Saturday, 3/25: Children’s Fair, held at Trinity Church. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Families are invited to the Trinity Lutheran Church Children’s Fair, NEXT weekend. The fair will include arts & crafts, play space, craft vendors, and snacks for sale. Stop on by! $15 entry fee per family.
March 2023: Unified Sports Unified Prom – Cappugino’s, March 20-31, 20 Commerce Park
If you’re in the market for a quick coffee or bite to eat, make a pit stop at CappuGino’s on Commerce Park. Our Unified Sports Program will receive a portion of the business’ profits to benefit our annual Unified Prom! Thanks for your support!
Milford Education Foundation: Tickets on Sale for Yankees Game on Sunday, April 23rd; Deadline to Order is 4/15 The Milford Education Foundation is pleased to unveil the details of their upcoming fundraiser – the Annual NY Yankee Game! Tix are $78 per ticket, and includes your seat (Section 306), a Yankees backpack, hot dog, and soda/water. Hope to see you there!
In closing, we would like to acknowledge the month of Ramadan begins next Wednesday evening (3/22). Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (from dawn to sunset), prayer, reflection and community. To our friends and neighbors in the Milford community who celebrate, we wish you a fulfilling and positive month.
Have a good weekend, everyone! See you next week!
-Milford Public Schools