High School Graduations, Year End Celebrations Discussed

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

Dear Milford Public Schools Staff and Parents/Guardians,

For me, the month of May has always brought such great feelings of hope and promise - even as we endure the current COVID-19 environment. All it takes is a quick look at the incredible care and support our administrators, teachers and staff members are delivering to our entire school community - each and every day. It is incredible and I always come to the same conclusion -- we are, indeed, blessed.

On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order, No. 7II requiring the cancellation of all remaining in-person classes at all public school facilities in Connecticut through the end of the school year. Although our buildings may be closed, that doesn’t mean learning stops. Distance Learning in Milford has become stronger with every passing week and I am proud and thankful to all of you for making this happen.

Please read through the following items to learn more about some additional important work we are doing.

High School Graduations

Let me start by saying we will do everything in our power to respect, honor, and celebrate our Seniors. Keep in mind, however, that our primary objective is to preserve the safety and health of all involved. The guiding principles come from the Governor’s office (Executive Orders) and the Milford Health Department and we will confidently ensure no matter what plan is selected, it will be in accordance with guidance from the state.

As related to graduation, in particular, we are required to adhere to the Governor’s Executive Order 7N and 7X, which limits social gathering sizes to five people at this time. At this stage, we have been soliciting input from current seniors and their parents, and staff to help in this planning. Currently, we are discussing four types of celebrations; each one is dependent on the
social distancing and public gathering regulations in place at the time.

We will continue to communicate with you as plans become more definitive. Listed in no particular order, the four options being discussed are:
● A virtual ‘graduation’ celebration for the Class of 2020, to be held at the end of our official
academic year.
● A ‘Motorcade’ graduation ceremony: In partnership with our local business community, a
drive-by style graduation is an option. Families could drive-by in their cars and ‘participate’ in
an outdoor graduation ceremony. Obviously, more discussion is required for this option and
more information would be provided if this becomes a possibility.
● A ceremony at a venue: We’ve had some very preliminary discussions with executives at the
Webster Bank Arena. They have indicated they could host a graduation ceremony IF the
Governor’s executive orders on social distancing and gathering sizes were to change in the
future. This type of ceremony would occur later in the summer but before the beginning of
the next academic year with hopes that the executive order on social distancing and gathering
size could change. Attendance by guests would be limited.
● A traditional graduation ceremony held outdoors at each high school. This type of ceremony
would occur later in the summer but before the beginning of the next academic year with
hopes that the executive order on social distancing and gathering size could change. Attendance by guests would be limited.

8th Grade ‘End of Year’ Celebrations
As with our high school students, we are working to formalize a plan to celebrate our Grade 8 students as they move on to high school. The tentative plan is to hold a recognition of students via a curbside celebration at each middle school. All activities must adhere to the Governor’s executive orders on social distancing and gathering size and require approval by the Milford Health Department. Your school principal will communicate additional details as the planning unfolds.

5th Grade ‘Moving Up’ Celebrations
We know the celebration of students transitioning to middle school is an important event for our fifth graders. As social gatherings are limited according to the Governor’s executive orders, we will develop fifth grade virtual celebrations this year. You will receive additional communication from your principal as we get closer to the end of the school year.

Pick-up of Personal Items at School
Now that our buildings will be closed for the remainder of the year, we will soon release a plan for the return of personal items/medications to students and staff members. Student property will be
returned using a drive-by procedure in our school parking areas, with school representatives
documenting and delivering materials to cars. This will occur during the month of June. We will
communicate the details of this plan soon.

Summer School
We are waiting on guidance from the Governor’s office and the Connecticut Department of
Education on what is allowable for summer school. We anticipate receiving such guidance by the end of May.

Again, thank you for your patience and flexibility while we make many decisions around complex and critical matters. Health and safety are our first priority. Feel free to contact us with
questions/concerns.

Take good care,
Anna M. Cutaia, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools