Happy Friday, Friends,
Another week has concluded … and the pace continues to ramp up! Here’s all the news we have for this week and beyond.
SCHEDULE
Monday, Oct. 17: Regular schedule
Tuesday, Oct. 18: Regular schedule
Wednesday, Oct. 19: Early Dismissal All Students
Thursday, Oct. 20: Early Dismissal All Students
Friday, Oct. 21: Early Dismissal ELEMENTARY Students ONLY
NEWS
Parent Teacher Conferences Next Week; Appointments Required
We can’t wait to see you during your Parent Teacher Conference next week! As you know, this year’s conference dates are:
Wednesday, October 19th (Early Dismissal – All Students)
Thursday, October 20th (Early Dismissal – All Students)
Friday, October 21st (Early Dismissal - Elementary Only)
We are also happy to share a popular Tip Sheet that has helped families prepare for their teacher visit. Click HERE for the Tip Sheet.
Early Dismissal Times Slightly Altered For Conference Days
And remember, during Conference Days, we need to implement a modified early dismissal time schedule to accommodate the conferences. Please make the appropriate plans for your family.
| Wed., Oct. 19 | Thurs., Oct. 20 | Friday, Oct. 21 |
Elementary | 1:15 p.m. | 1:15 p.m. | 1:15 p.m. |
Middle | 12:35 p.m. | 12:35 p.m. | -- |
High | 11:48 a.m. | 11:48 a.m. | -- |
Food Insecurity and More: Consider these assistance programs
It’s no secret food prices and food availability have been a challenge recently – and many more families are now wondering how to continue to put a meal on the table. Thankfully, we continue to provide breakfast and lunch for free to all students in the Milford Public Schools – BUT THIS IS A TEMPORARY PROGRAM -- and free meals will end once the grant funding runs out. What can you do? Today we are pleased to bring these two suggestions to our families in the hope they will help anyone who is facing food insecurity. Here they are:
1. It’s More Than a Meal Application: Free/Reduced Price Meal Application
For starters, we strongly encourage all parents/guardians to complete our Free/Reduced Price Meal Application. Completing an application takes less than 10 minutes, and parents only need to complete ONE application, whether they have one -- or more than one -- child in the Milford Public Schools.
Applications are available online or you may download and print a paper application. You may also get an application from the Foodservice office located in the Parsons Complex. Once you submit your application, you will receive an email as to whether your child/children can receive free or reduced-price meals. Families must fill out a new application every school year – so if you did not do so this year, it is important to complete one as soon as possible.
In addition, applicants who are approved may be eligible for other fee-reduced programs (both in-district and elsewhere). The first step, however, is to complete the form as soon as possible.
Already Approved? If you received an email notification that your family is directly certified through a State of CT program, you do not need to fill out a meal application. If you have any questions, please call the Milford Food Service Office at (203) 783-3490.
2.Have You Considered SNAP Funds?
Connecticut’s SNAP program serves more than 222,600 households, including 138,800 children across our state. This federally-funded service combats food insecurity for eligible working families, other qualified adults, older adults, and persons with disabilities. The state recently expanded the eligibility levels and a great number of individuals and families may now qualify for this assistance, even if they haven’t in the past. The goal of this and other programs like it is to ensure everyone has greater access to quality, nutritious food. Click HERE to go right to Connecticut’s dedicated website page about SNAP funds and how to apply.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Saturday (Tomorrow!), Oct. 15: Tree Walk & Talk, North Street/Upper Duck Pond, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Milford Tree Commission is hosting a free event – Milford Tree Walk & Talk – for anyone who would like to learn more about the trees in our beautiful downtown area. Meet at the pop-up tent located on the North Street side of the Upper Duck Pond and go on an educational walk to learn all about it. Walks will last about 20 minutes. [Rain date: October 22nd]. FLYER.
Tuesday, Oct. 18: On the Lecture Circuit: What You Need to Know About Teens, Drugs and Social Media, FREE, held @ Milford Public Library, 6:00 p.m.
From free advertising to 3rd Party sales, social media is riddled with dangerous trends and videos glamourizing substance use and risky behaviors. This free workshop will explore social media’s influence on our young people and help you understand the risks that can be found in this digital environment. Hosted by Milford Health Department and Milford Prevention Council. You can attend in person (held at the Milford Public Library) or virtually (you will be sent a link via email). Pre-registration required. FREE. FLYER.
Saturday, October 29: Drug Take Back Day, held @ Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive, 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with expired or unused prescription medications – here’s the answer! The Milford Police Dept., in conjunction with the Milford Prevention Council, will hold their ‘Drug Take Back Day’ event where you can dispose of these medications properly and safely. All you need to do is collect your medications that you’d like to get rid of, drive over to the Milford Sr. Center (9 Jepson Drive) – and follow the drive-thru directions from the volunteers there.
Can’t Make It That Day? Drop Off at Police HQ 24/7
The Milford Police Department, also wants to remind the public they can drop off their unwanted/unused prescription medication ANYTIME -- 24/7 -- in the lobby of Milford Police HQ, 430 Boston Post Rd. Please note: all collection boxes are for prescription medications only. Also please note, needles/sharps are not accepted.
Party in the Stacks at the MPL, Saturday, Oct. 22nd – Have You Purchased Your Tix Yet?
Here’s a fun event that is yet another example of our wonderful community. Organized by the Friends of the Milford Public Library, this event helps them earn the much-needed funds that they, in turn, use to support the hundreds of activities conducted at the MPL … for free … for our kids and residents. The ‘Party in the Stacks’ is slated for Saturday, October 22nd, at the Milford Public Library, from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Adults only. Tix are $55 per person. Click HERE for the flyer.
We hope you enjoy the weekend and we’ll see you next week.
-Milford Public Schools