Talent Management & Development
April 30, 2025
The Talent Management & Development team is committed to supporting the staff in the MPS from recruitment through their entire employee experience in the Milford Public Schools.
People are our purpose.
The purpose of this newsletter is to foster connectedness and belonging throughout our organization. Our motto is "Putting People First" and YOU are our people.
Celebrating Excellence Across Our District
It’s that special time of year when we come together to celebrate the incredible individuals who make a lasting impact in our school community — our extraordinary teachers who spark a love of learning, our inspiring paraeducators who go above and beyond as essential team members, and our dedicated parents whose meaningful contributions help our schools thrive.
This year, the Milford Public School District received an amazing 32 nominations for Parent of the Year, 59 nominations for Paraeducator of the Year, and 100 nominations for Teacher of the Year.
We are truly surrounded by excellence!
Each school is currently finalizing its building-based selections, which will soon be submitted to the district committee. The committee will then review the nominations and select this year’s district-wide honorees for Parent, Paraeducator, and Teacher of the Year in early May.
We’re excited to recognize all of our Building Teachers, Paraeducators, and Parents of the Year at a special ceremony on May 27, 2025. The celebration will also feature a special recognition of our retirees for their lasting contributions to our schools. More details about the event will be shared soon.
We hope you’ll join us as we honor these exceptional members of our school community!
Congratulations to Sarah Scionti on Being Named the CT PTA 2025 Elementary Principal of the Year!
We are thrilled to share that Sarah Scionti, Principal of Orchard Hills Elementary School, has been honored with the 2025 CT PTA Outstanding Principal Award!
This well-deserved recognition celebrates her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and meaningful contributions to the Milford Public Schools community over nearly two decades.
Sarah began her career in Milford in 2005 as a Special Education teacher at Jonathan Law High School, later teaching at both Jonathan Law and Foran. After a brief time out of state, she returned in 2009 to take on the role of Transition Coordinator at The Academy, where her leadership continued to grow. She served as Interim Director at The Academy, in 2016, then as Director from 2017 to 2020. Since 2020, Sarah has led Orchard Hills Elementary School with passion, vision, and a deep commitment to student success.
Please join us in congratulating Sarah on this incredible honor and thanking her for the lasting impact she continues to make on our students, staff, and families! Congratulations Sarah!
Wellness Tip...
“The Earth has music for those that listen.”
~ William Shakespeare ~
Inside this month's Anthem Newsletter:
April: Autism Awareness Month
Earth Day is April 22nd
Protect Yourself From Stress
What You Need To Know About Shingles
Recipe: Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
Mentor Teacher needed for the Teacher in Residence Program!
Milford has committed to participate in the CT Teacher Residency Program (CREC TRP) for the 2025-2026 school year. One resident, who will be studying to become a Special Education Teacher, will work in the Milford Public Schools and attend classes virtually and on-site at one of the regional education service centers in CT.
The Connecticut Teacher Residency Program is an alternate route to elementary and special education certification focused on increasing teachers of color across the state of Connecticut. Mentor Teachers will work side-by-side with a Resident to share all aspects of teaching and coach the Resident to become a fully prepared first-year teacher. Mentors will be supported by the program coach during the school year as they work with the Resident to help them prepare for a successful career in education. Mentors will be selected in collaboration with CT TRP and hired by their district. Visit ct-trp.org for more information.
To be considered for a Mentor Teacher position, you must:
Be a trained TEAM Mentor (or be willing to be trained)
Be a Special Education Teacher in grades K -12
Must have 5 years of experience as a teacher and 3 years teaching in Milford
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the field of education
Mentors must adhere to the following program time commitment: Meet with Resident Teacher prior to school year and weekly for planning and review of coursework (this may include time before or after school hours)
The following is the program time commitment for Mentor Teachers:
Attend a 2-day training – Cross-Cultural Mentor Training and Orientation – on 5/28 and 5/29
Host a Year 1 Resident in your classroom for the entire school year
Meet with Resident teacher prior to school year and weekly for planning and review of coursework
Support Resident teacher in preparing and meeting portfolio and assessment requirements
Model, observe and coach Residents as they learn the skills and responsibilities of teaching
Complete formative and summative evaluations of Resident progress
The full job description can be found here.
To apply, please send an email by Monday, May 5th, to Wendy Kopazna, outlining your
background and why you are interested in this role.
The stipend associated with this role is $6,000.00
Please email or call Wendy Kopazna with any questions you may have about this opportunity wkopazna@milforded.org or 203-783-3403
We're launching a new and improved open enrollment process!
To ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted coverage, all benefits-eligible employees are asked to complete the enrollment process to either elect or waive coverage between May 6 and May 31.
To help guide you through the process, we’ve partnered with Brian Patten & Associates (BPA), experts in benefits communication and enrollment. You’ll have access to certified Benefit Counselors who can walk you through your options in a clear and personalized way. These one-on-one sessions are available virtually or by phone, with flexible appointment times — including early mornings, evenings, and weekends — to fit your schedule.
The Benefit Coaches will be able to explain the new and improved Aflac Benefits for Voluntary Whole Life Insurance and an enhanced Short Term Disability/Maternity Policy, as well as review your current selections.
Please keep your eye out for emails with additional information in the upcoming days. For any questions, please reach out to the HR/Benefits team directly!
Balloon Payment Requests
Attention: Teachers, Paraeducators and 10-month secretaries
Teachers, Paraeducators and 10-month secretaries are eligible to elect to receive their summer pay in a “balloon” or “lump sum” payment on the first payday after July 1st (July 3, 2025).
If you would like to do this, fill out this Google Form by June 1st.
You will receive a copy of your submission from Google which is your official acknowledgement that your request was received.
Did someone say free house cleaning?
See below for our Special Offers!
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, over 100 local businesses have stepped up to offer special discounts and deals for educators—no matter your district! Thanks to outreach by Central High School (Bridgeport), you can now explore a directory of these generous offers, organized by location and date. Be sure to check the details and plan accordingly!
Click the image above to view the full PDF of participating businesses and their offers!
Check Out the Employee Wellness Center at Parsons!
Did you know all City and BOE employees have access to our Employee Wellness Center,
located right on the first floor of the Parsons Government Center?
Effective immediately, employees with a completed Agreement and Waiver form on file can access the facility using their employee ID badge—no more key fobs needed! (Feel free to discard your old fob.)
If you haven’t signed up yet, simply fill out the attached form and send it to John Boanno at JBoanno@milfordct.gov or submit it to The City of Milford Human Resources.
Please note: If you have previously submitted the forms to access the Wellness Center,
you do NOT have to submit a new form.
Please discard your old fob, use your badge and continue enjoying the Wellness Center!
Whether you're new or returning, we invite you to stop by and explore all the state-of-the-art equipment, including some brand-new additions. You’ll enjoy the benefits of a commercial gym—without the crowds or the cost.
Please review the attached Employee Wellness Center Policies before submitting your form.
We hope you take full advantage of this valuable benefit—and we’ll see you at the Wellness Center!
Wellness Center Hours:
Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: Closed
Free Weekly Classes for All City and BOE Employees:
Tuesday:
Guided Meditation with Joann Dunsing | 1:00–1:45 p.m. (No change of clothes needed; mats and props available)
Zumba with Kim Kaufman | 4:45–5:45 p.m.
Total Body Workout with Scott Tenney | 5:45–6:45 p.m.
Thursday:
Yoga with JaTorra Commodore | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Total Body Workout with Scott Tenney | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Note: Total Body Workout classes are on a temporary schedule through May. Regular schedule (Mon/Wed 4:45–5:45 p.m.) will resume in June.
Tech Tip...
Tidy Up Your Tabs with Chrome Tab Groups
Spring isn’t just for cleaning your closet—why not tidy up your digital workspace too?
If you find yourself juggling a dozen open tabs, Google Chrome’s Tab Groups feature is a game-changer. You can group tabs by subject, class, or task, color-code them, and even collapse them to keep your browser neat and focused.
Here is how to try it:
Right-click on a tab.
Select “Add tab to new group”.
Name your group and pick a color.
Add more tabs by dragging them in!
Bonus: Your tab groups stay organized even after you close and reopen Chrome.
Happy spring cleaning!
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
"What is an acorns favorite subject in math?"
"GeomeTREE"
Joke provided by our very own
MPS F.Y.V.E. Program!
Trivia Contest
What global event takes place every year on April 22 to raise awareness about environmental protection?
Click here to submit your answer. Correct responses received by 12pm on Friday, 5/2 will be entered into a drawing to win an Owala Water Bottle!
** ALSO **
All who submit a response to any of the trivia questions this school year will be entered into a drawing in June for a special end of year summer themed basket. So, even if your answer was incorrect or your correct response wasn't randomly drawn, you have another chance to be randomly selected for this great prize!!
Become a TEAM Mentor!
Interested in supporting new teachers or hosting student teachers in Milford?
Apply to become a certified TEAM (Teacher Education and Mentoring) Mentor!
Approved applicants will complete a 1.5-day Initial Support Training, designed to prepare experienced educators to mentor beginning teachers and serve as cooperating teachers for student teachers. Training includes support strategies, CCT expectations, and professional growth coaching. If held outside school hours, participants will be compensated.
Mentor Expectations:
Provide 50 contact hours over two years (10 per module)
Maintain a log of meetings and topics
Complete all TEAM program requirements
Stipend: $500 for a full year of active mentoring.
Eligibility:
Hold a CT Initial, Provisional, or Professional certificate
Have at least 3 years of teaching experience, including 1 year in Milford
How to Apply:
Speak with your principal
Submit your TEAM Mentor Application by May 16, 2025
Applications require principal endorsement and are selected based on qualifications and district needs
Questions? Contact Wendy Kopazna at wkopazna@milforded.org
2025 TEAM Mentor Application
Open Positions - Tell Your Friends!
click here for more details
Special Education Teacher
Elementary Library Media Specialist
High School Family and Consumer Science Teacher
High School Physics Teacher
High School Spanish Teacher
Middle School American Sign Language Teacher
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Payroll Processor
BCBA
Social Worker
School Counselor
Paraprofessionals
Food Services
Extended School Year Positions
Head Girls Basketball Coach
Head Girls Volleyball Coach
Assistant Wrestling Coach
Certified Teachers for Summer Academy for Incoming Kindergarteners
Long Term Subs and more!
What else belongs in this newsletter?
To submit suggestions, feedback, requests, good news or ideas for content for this newsletter,
click here.
Do you know a staff member with recent accomplishments that deserve to be highlighted?
Do you know a business that may want to be highlighted with a perk?
Please let us know here!
Welcome New Staff!
Tueana Jefferson
Food Services General Worker, Foran
Fun Fact... Tueana loves to listen to gospel music. She also makes a mean lasagna that her family loves!
Stephanie Quarato
Instructional Supervisor of STEM PK-5, District
Fun Fact... Stephanie worked for the Chicago White Sox on the Chevrolet Pride Crew, where she had the opportunity to interact with fans during games and promotional events!
Brianna Ruocco
Paraprofessional, Calf Pen Meadow
Blaize Scott-Purdy
Lunch Aide, JFK
Fun Fact... Blaize has always wanted to take a trip to Alaska!
Welcome New Substitutes!
Kameswari Kandarpa - Teacher Substitute
Neal Luisi - Teacher Substitute
Pamela Sheppard - Teacher Substitute
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