This email was sent to all district parents and guardians March 30, when Ohio Gov. DeWine announced that all Ohio schools will remain closed until May 1: 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I want to commend all of our Milford families and all of our students for the adaptability, understanding, and patience that you’ve shown us these last two weeks as we’ve transitioned to distance learning. Our teachers were given just a few days notice to go from face-to-face classroom teaching to preparing their students for distance learning, which is no small task. Our staff has done a phenomenal job preparing our students to work at home, and they continue to remain engaged daily with their students while working remotely. 

Classroom instruction cannot be replaced by online or distance learning. The relationship built between teachers and students serves as the needed foundation of deeper learning. The classroom experience for a student cannot easily be replicated by virtual or distance learning. However, in a time like this, at-home learning is our only option, and we must continue. 

This afternoon, Governor Mike Dewine announced that all public, community, and private K-12 schools in the state are to be closed until May 1 due to the coronavirus health crisis. 

We know the Governor’s order to close school for an even longer period of time presents a challenge for our families. I want you to know that our teachers are ready. Although our buildings will remain closed, learning will continue. Milford students have had two weeks of remote learning already, and that work will continue until May 1, and even longer if the Governor decides to extend the closure. We know there were bumps getting this started, and we will continue to adjust our plans and expectations to provide student services and resources to the best of our ability.

Here is some more information related to the Governor’s extended closure and what it means for specifically our district: 

• Will we still have Spring Break? 

Yes, the district will still observe Spring Break beginning Monday, April 3. Students return from Spring Break on Tuesday, April 14. No new work will be assigned while students are on Spring Break. Spring Break is a great time for students to relax, not worry about school work, and hopefully, get outside to play or exercise. Please note: our Extended Day program is closed during Spring Break.

• Will we have to make up time in the summer?

Only if mandated by the Governor or the Ohio Department of Education, which we are not anticipating. Milford students have already been working from home for two weeks and will continue to work from home until May 1.

• How is student work graded? 

We are not as concerned about grades as we are concerned about the well being of our students and their families at this time. No student will be academically punished as a result of the extended school closure. However, we are expecting our students to engage and utilize the lessons provided to them by their teachers to continue to learn. We ask that students attempt to complete assignments given to them by their teachers. The focus is on students attempting to complete the work and receiving feedback from their teachers. 

• What does this mean for graduation? 

The state is permitting schools to grant diplomas to students who are on track to graduate. Unfortunately there will most likely not be a commencement ceremony in May as we expect that the restrictions on large group gatherings will not be lifted by that time. We will do our best, if permitted, to find a later time to hold a ceremony for the class of 2020. 

• What does this mean for state testing?

State testing has been eliminated for this school year.

• Will meals continue to be provided to families who need them?

Yes, please refer to our website for the latest information about how we are working to feed families.

• What about mental health support?

Mental health support and therapy is offered in the form of teletherapy services for students K-12, if deemed appropriate by your building’s assigned mental health provider. Click here for more information about the services we will continue to provide.

• What about services to students with disabilities?

Milford's administration and teachers have been working closely with Clermont County Educational Service Center, the Ohio Department of Education, and our legal counsel to ensure that we are following all legal compliance since the onset of the required school closure. We are continuing to implement and adjust our plan of action to best meet the needs of students with disabilities while following government orders and protecting the health of all students and our staff. Click here to read more about the services we will continue to provide.

• Are staff still working?
  
  Yes, all of our staff are working remotely. Teachers are working Monday through Friday providing learning opportunities for students and engaging with them online. Administrators are working to support teachers and to plan and respond to this national health crisis. We urge you to reach out to us directly if you have a question; we are here to help. Teachers are available online Monday through Friday to answer questions about assignments and activities. Please contact your child's teacher by email. Click here for a building directory. District administrators, building principals, and secretaries are available as well to take calls and emails Monday through Friday. Our main phone number is (513) 831-1314 and our main email address is contactmilford@milfordschools.org.

We have created an Information Hub on our website for all of the announcements, resources and updates related to this extended school closure,  as well as online learning resources: click here to access our Info Hub. 

We’re all in this together, Milford family. We are Eagles, and it is the wind pushing back on Eagles which keeps them in flight, so we will persevere.

Sincerely,
Nancy House, Superintendent