Milford Central School District

Milford Central School

Reminders from Mrs. Wenck

Friday, December 10, 2021

Good Afternoon,

As you are aware, this afternoon our school ran a lockout drill. The following is a copy of the Instant Alert that was sent out:

The purpose of this instant alert is to notify you of the following: At approximately 10:40am this morning the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department notified Dr. Huber, the ONC BOCES District Superintendent about a social media threat of gunshots being fired in schools at 12:15pm. We are hearing that the threat originated in Chenango County and that other counties have received a similar threat. In response, here at Milford and in a majority of schools in our area, we moved into a Lockout. A Lockout means that all doors are completely locked down with monitors placed in the line of sight of all entrances. The only access to the building will be through the main entrance. Also, all after-school activities are cancelled. We understand that his notification my cause some parents to want to come to the school to pick up their children. Should parents wish to do so, please call the main office before arriving at the building.

As I was writing out the alert, we were notified that the threat had been contained and was located more toward the Binghamton area. Out of an abundance of caution I decided to remain in a Lockout until the end of the day. I want to share that our students and staff were, at all times, safe and were fully compliant with the procedures required for a Lockout. I truly appreciate the efforts of all in the building. By working together, we were able to implement all Lockout procedures with minimal interruption to the school day. Thank you.

On a very different note, believe it or not, it is time to start planning for the 2022-2023 school year. One topic that has been brought to my attention is whether or not 6th grade should stay in the middle school or be moved back to the elementary school. There are many opinions on this, and I want to hear from you. If you have thoughts to share on this topic, please either reach out to my office via email, phone or in writing. Another way to share your thoughts on this would be to contact your child’s classroom teacher. They, in turn, will be sure to share those thought with me and/or their department chairperson.

This is an important decision for our students and our school. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We would like to hear from you!

Thank you!

Romona N. Wenck, Interim Superintendent

Important Information and Reminders

*1 Positive COVID Cases: While we have been working diligently here in the building to reduce potential exposures, I do need you to know that since the start of the school year we had experienced only a few positive COVID cases each month. These cases have involved both adults and students, and in all situations close contacts were notified. However, in just the first two weeks of December, our number of positive cases increased to 7 and we had to quarantine one of our elementary classes. I cannot emphasize enough….if you or your children are exhibiting any COVID like symptoms, please stay home home. Our goal is to make it through the entire school year without having to go fully remote. I believe we can do it, but we need everyone’s support with this! Please, if you feel sick, stay home!!!

*2 News from the School Based Health Center: Reminder

The SBHC continues to have vaccine and is vaccinating students, age 5 and above. Students can be signed up to receive the vaccine on Tuesdays, from 8:00am – 4:00pm, and on Fridays, from 12:00noon to 4:00pm. Call 286-7909 to sign up for the vaccine and/or enroll your child.

No child will be able to sign up for the vaccine without written parental consent. Consent forms are available in the SBHC.

*3 Winter Athletics:

The winter sports season is underway, and we are excited to be able to provide this opportunity to our students. However, as the positive COVID numbers in our county continue to rise it is becoming more and more important to practice proper mask wearing and appropriate social distancing. The following information has been provided by the Tri-Valley League and is being implemented in our school. Please note:

Dear Parents and Community Members,

The Superintendents and Athletic Directors of the Tri-Valley League have agreed on common protocols and expectations for the winter basketball season. The health and safety of our athletes, coaches, and fans are of the utmost importance to us.
-Spectators - Each school will determine if spectators are allowed based on their gym capacity.
-Face masks must be worn by players, coaches, referees and fans.
-Please make sure face masks cover both your nose and mouth.
-Scrimmages will be closed to spectators.
-Streaming of games - All schools will be streaming the games through their website and/or the NFHS Network.
-Concessions - Depending on space concession stands may or may not be offered.
-Please stay home if you are sick.

Spectator and streaming information will be posted on each schools’ website. This information will be fluid as changes may occur on a daily or weekly basis. Please make sure you check before you travel to a game.

We are looking forward to watching our student-athletes compete. We are asking for your cooperation in following the protocols and expectations that have been put into place. If everyone does their part we can have a successful basketball season.
Sincerely,

Tri-Valley League Superintendents

Tri-Valley League Athletic Directors