Homework, Recess, Music, Art: Milford Officials Answer Questions

MILFORD, CT — With students returning to school on Tuesday, Sept. 8 Milford school officials have released an updated "Frequently Asked Questions document."

The 16-page document addresses every aspect of the new school day.

Here is a portion of the document:

TEACHING AND LEARNING

How does a student know what classroom to go to after they enter the school building? At the high
school level, students will follow their schedule and report to their first class of the day. Same with elementary, students will report directly to their homeroom classroom

How will physical education or gym be handled? Physical education will be taught within existing
cohorts. Classes will be held outside as much as possible, weather permitting. When not outside, available alternative indoor spaces will be used. Sharing of any equipment will be limited and cleaning protocols will be followed. Students will maintain physical distancing and wear masks indoors, as well as outside when receiving instruction and within 6 feet of others. Students will not wear masks when performing physical activities outside.

What does middle school look like? In Tier 1, at the middle schools, students will be grouped into grade level cohorts. The students will be assigned to a classroom where they will receive instruction throughout the school day. Student desks will be spaced so that the students are 6 feet apart. The teachers will move from room to room, rather than the students, to reduce hallway congestion. When students need to move (arrival/dismissal or outdoor activities) they will follow clearly marked traffic patterns. Lunch will be in the classrooms and students will have the opportunity to get hot lunch if they choose. Staff and students will wear masks all day and will be allowed to take mask breaks as needed. Teachers will provide in person instruction and will have the students utilize technology to collaborate with each other and to offer feedback.

How confident are you that you will have subs to fill in if a teacher is sick? We have interns at all of our schools who serve as substitutes when a teacher is absent, but also have authorized the hiring of additional building subs and have posted the need for per diem substitute teachers.

What will recess look like? Playscapes, playground equipment (balls, chalk, jump ropes)? Classes will be scheduled throughout the day to allow for safe social distancing. Students will maintain 6 feet apart during activities. Students will sanitize their hands before and after recess. Teachers will structure activities to minimize the equipment that will be shared among students. Equipment must be disinfected between use, so only equipment that can be disinfected will be used. Playscapes will not be used.

Will music be held outside? Whenever possible, our music team will bring students outside for music instruction. Milford is following the state recommendation of 12 foot spacing when playing a wind instrument or singing therefore, if teachers cannot maintain that space inside the building or there is inclement weather, music teachers will plan alternate activities for music that day.

In regards to cohorting at the elementary level, what is the protocol for students that take strings and band? Parents of students who are enrolled in band and string lessons will receive a letter with information on how instrumental lessons will run for the 20-21 school year. Students will be cohorted wherever possible, but there may be occasional instances where students may not be fully cohorted.

Will there still be band and orchestra? Yes, band and orchestra instruction will continue at all levels in Milford Public Schools. In elementary school and middle school, students will be grouped by cohort or in small groups with some mixing cohorts and will attend lessons with their designated teacher. All wind instruments will be spaced 12 feet apart while percussion and strings will maintain 6 foot spacing. Additionally, the district is purchasing specialized masks that students who play wind instruments can wear while playing and we are also purchasing bell covers for all instruments to reduce the spread of aerosols.

Will students receive homework? Students will receive homework as they engage in the hybrid
instructional model. As in in-person learning, homework is viewed as an extension of the learning experience during the school day. Teachers will be accessible to support students and to partner with families with regard to students who are engaging in at home practice through the assignment of homework.

Will middle school students be grouped into cohorts based on their leveled math class? Students will be grouped in cohorts that align with their math placement as communicated to students and families last spring.

Will there be Advanced Math? Yes, we will continue to offer our complete math program.

When will schedules be released on PowerSchool? The parent portal in PowerSchool will be open forall levels on August 31st. Same process will apply as previous years with signing of the Student/Parent Acceptable Use Policy and Chromebook Sign Off, Handbook/Photo/Military/Food Service Sign Offs and Student Information(emergency card) need to be completed before the schedule is displayed. For distance learning- who will teach that? If bringing in more teachers- will they be well versed in the subjects they are being asked to teach (i.e. will a choir teacher be asked to teach science)? After reviewing the most recent data, we are still at 82% students returning to in-person learning as of August 24th. With this information, we have determined that any students engaging in distance learning will do so by live streaming into classrooms with other students who are in-person.

In distance learning, will specials still be offered? Yes, as in the spring, students at the elementary level will take Art, Music, Physical Education and Library Media. At the secondary level, students schedules will include Art, Music, Physical Education, Tech Ed and Health. At the high schools, students have the opportunity to take a variety of elective courses according to the Milford Public Schools Course Selection Handbook.

If a student has to stay home can they engage in distance learning that day? This way he/she does
not have to miss a day of school. Students who are home sick but still well enough to participate in distance learning will be able to do so.

If we choose to keep our child home for distance learning will the curriculum follow Milford or a
state curriculum for all kids doing distance learning in the state? All students enrolled in Milford
Public Schools, including those who are engaging in in-person learning as well as those who are engaging in distance learning, will experience our Milford Public Schools system curriculum.

If we go to a full distance learning schedule, will classes be graded? If we go to a full distance learning model, student course work will be graded. We will continue to provide a variety of pathways for students to demonstrate learning and progress and will also focus on ensuring that students receive actionable feedback which is more informative than the assignment of a letter grade- with regard to learning.

Will art materials etc be available for pickup if we choose distance learning? The items included in the art kit will vary by level. At the elementary level, art kits will include a sketchbook, paper to use with various media, colored pencils, paints and brushes and origami paper. At the middle school, students will receive an art journal, watercolor pencils, sharpies, drawing pencils, and paints with paint brushes. At the high school, the kits will be customized based on the course students are enrolled in.

Will kindergarteners receive Chromebooks with directions so they can learn from a distance?

Chromebooks will be available for pickup before school starts beginning the week of Aug 31st. Any devices not picked up will be distributed to students at the schools as soon as possible beginning the first day of school. For directions, please visit the Technology tab on the Milford Public Schools website.

Will the instructions for distance learning and in person learning be exactly the same? The
curriculum for both the students attending school in person and those attending from home will be the same. It will focus on accelerating learning for all students through access to experiences rooted in the state or national standards for the grade/course.

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