Milton Public Schools to be closed March 16-30

Dear Milton Public Schools Parents and Guardians:

Earlier today, we participated in a conference call with Jeff Riley, Commissioner of Education and Dr. Monica Bharel, Commissioner of the MA Department of Public Health. They shared that positive Coronavirus COVID-19 cases to date have been isolated geographically and at this time the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is not mandating a state wide closure of schools.

At this time, the Town of Milton has two presumptive positive cases, and these individuals do not have children in the Milton Public Schools, Milton private schools or preschools. As of today, March 13, 2020, no Milton Public School parent, staff or student has tested positive.

While Milton does not currently meet the threshold for a school closure according to MA DPH guidelines, we have made the decision that starting March 16, 2020, the Milton Public Schools will be closed for two weeks. Our goal with this proactive decision is to help slow the spread of the virus and protect the community from a potential widespread outbreak.

As of today, our current return to school date will be March 30, 2020. We will be in regular contact with State and Local Health Officials and will continue to review public health data as it becomes available.

Per the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, we will not be in school beyond what would have been our 185th day of school. With that information recently confirmed, June 23, 2020 will be the last day of school for the Milton Public Schools.

Early next week, you will hear from your Principal regarding learning opportunities during this school closure.

Administrator for Pupil Personnel Services, Susan Maselli, will communicate with all parents/guardians of children with special education needs next week. Director of Food Services, Jackie Morgan, is coordinating “to-go” breakfasts and lunches available for pick up for our food insecure students starting on Wednesday, March 18th.

After today, Milton Community Schools are also closed during our school closure.

For students not in school today, principals will communicate with families so students can pick up their belongings.

Please continue to refer to our website – www.miltonps.org – for detailed, updated information.

School closure is an extraordinary measure to allow for social distancing.  For the health and benefit of our students, staff and family please refer to the CDC and MA DPH websites for more information and recommendations. We appreciate your continued partnership.

We will remain in contact with you and provide you updates as warranted over the next two weeks.

Mary C. Gormley, Superintendent