2020 - April

 

 

 

Dear Milford Community:

 

It’s hard to believe we are about a month into our remote learning system. Again, I just want to express my heartfelt thanks to all the students, families, teachers, staff, and our administrative team for all the tremendous work that has been done to ensure that we continue to provide excellent educational services to students during this time. I want to say a special thanks to Bill Cooper and our Maintenance and Custodial staff for the exceptional job they have done in deep cleaning our buildings. Also, a tremendous shout out to our Food Service staff for continuing to prepare and serve thousands of meals each week to our families. 

 

If you haven’t followed our District Facebook page, Instagram, or Twitter, please check us out on our handle @WeAreSau40. There are so many wonderful videos, clips, and information that celebrate many incredible moments throughout our learning community, despite this pandemic. 

 

I’m writing with some important updates to share with you regarding the remainder of the School Year. As always, if you have any questions or need of support, please reach out to your child’s Teacher, Case Manager, or Principal. If you have any District level questions, don’t hesitate to contact the SAU. 

 

19-20 School Year

 

Last night, the Milford School Board voted to continue remote learning through Spring Break, and for the remainder of the school year. This means students will not return to the school buildings, and will remain in remote learning until the end of the year. The Board also voted to end the 19-20 school year on Friday, May 29^th for all students. This includes Seniors. 

 

We understand that this has been a very difficult way for all of our students to end this school year. This holds true most especially for our Seniors who are missing many moments that are so anticipated, and we empathize. We will continue to brainstorm as a leadership team, creative ways to celebrate and provide opportunities for the Class of 2020 to end their High School years in the best possible way. 

 

20-21 School Year

 

The Milford School Board approved the 20-21 School Year Calendar last evening. Please see the district website later this evening for the final calendar, which will be posted then. Staff will report Aug. 24th – 25^th.  The first day for students is Aug. 26^th. The last day for students is June 11^th. 

 

Student Services Department

 

Last night, the Milford School Board voted to retitle the Director of Special Services to “Executive Director of Student Support Services.” The person will lead, operate, and manage all aspects of the Student Support Services department, including all schools and special programs.  This position requires a systems-level/district leader to effectively integrate several student services and programs. The purpose of this re-titling and 2-year restructuring process is to more clearly define roles, responsibilities, and reporting structures of Student Services. It also formally defines 504, Out of District Placements, Counseling, SEL/Mental Health, Nursing, English Language Learners, and McKinney Vento Homeless as part of Student Support Services. This will also require the retitling of the Assistant Director of Special Services to “Assistant Director of Student Support Services”, and Director of Student Services at MHS to “Director of School Counseling.”

 

Grading and Reporting – Remainder of the 19-20 School Year

 

Elementary School:

 

• Continued focus on the most essential knowledge and skills during this remote learning time.
• As required by law, assessment of student learning during this remote period will occur to gather evidence of progress with recognition that students have received varying levels of home support.
• Ongoing feedback to students and parents regarding progress made and areas for growth.

 

End-of-Year Report Cards - Elementary

 

• Teachers will provide parents with a narrative that will accompany the end-of-year report card. The narrative will share which concepts and skills were addressed through remote learning as well as individual student progress.
• Teachers will complete the 3^rd trimester report card to the extent possible including focus areas during remote learning.  Any areas that are not addressed, or unable to be assessed will be noted.

Middle School:

 

• Continued focus on the most essential knowledge and skills during this remote learning time.

• Assessment of student learning to gather evidence of progress made.

• Ongoing feedback to students and parents regarding progress made and areas for growth.

• Qtr. 3 – Recognizing the end of Q3 was a transitional period from classroom to remote learning, students will only be able to improve the grade they had from previous to the start of remote learning.  Any missing assignments will be marked with an “M” in PowerSchool and ample opportunity will be allowed for student to complete, redo (if desired), and turn-in work. 

• Qtr. 4 – Grading will take place as usual with grace and flexibility granted to students for assignment completion and opportunities to retake assignments without penalty for lateness. 

• Any Q4 assignment not turned in will be marked “M” for missing in PS until an earned grade is entered.
• At the end of Q4, an “M” in PowerSchool will be calculated as a minimum score of 55%.

 

High School:

 

• Continued focus on the most essential knowledge and skills during this remote learning time.
• Assessment of student learning to gather evidence of progress made toward course expectations.
• Ongoing feedback to students regarding progress made and areas for growth.
• FINAL GRADES: Teachers have the utmost flexibility with the gradebook so that the final grade will be the most accurate portrayal of student’s learning for the semester/term, which will be reflected in one final grade on the student transcript.
• Grace and flexibility will be granted to students for assignment completion without penalty for lateness. Student will have opportunities for rewrites/retakes for earned grade. 
• Any assignment not completed and turned in will be designated as “missing” in PS, which calculates as a zero in the gradebook until an earned grade is entered. 
• A “Special Grade Consideration” process has been established to address equity and equal access.
  • At the end of the term, a student/parent or teacher may submit a form requesting special grade consideration. 
  • The form will allow them to explain the special circumstances that led to the grade. 
  • This form will be submitted to the School Counseling Department. 
  • School counselor and/or teacher will present a recommendation to the Review Team. 
  • If the Review Team requires more information, a meeting with the student/parent will be requested. 
  • Possible outcomes may include a pass/fail grade, course marked incomplete with remediation, or remove the course from transcript.

Social Distancing

 

A friendly reminder that local, state, and federal authorities continue to promote Social Distancing as a key means to flattening the curve and spread of the corona-virus. Please keep that in mind during your daily activities and those of your students. 

 

We hope you and your families continue to be healthy, safe, and well. I know all of us at SAU 40 miss our students, and our colleagues. We look forward to resuming our regular school operation in August. In the meantime, we will continue to update you with the latest information we have.

 

Have a wonderful day, 

Dr. Jessica Huizenga