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.

Monday: Total Body Workout with Scott Tenney 4:45p – 5:45p

Tuesday: Guided Meditation with Joann Dunsing 1:00p – 1:45p
– No change of clothes needed –
You just need a yoga mat (available in the fitness center) and a blanket/pillow if you desire

Tuesday: Zumba with Kim Kaufman 4:45p – 5:45p

Wednesday: Total Body Workout with Scott Tenney 4:45p – 5:45p

Thursday: Yoga with JaTorra Commodore 4:30p – 5:30p

To participate in classes and use the wellness room, please be sure to submit the attached waiver and Key issuance forms to The City of Milford HR Department if you have not done so already. Please review the Rules, Regulations, Policies and Guidelines as well. 

As a reminder, if you would like to take your health goal efforts to the next level, there is still time to enroll in the Slim Nation program mentioned in our November Newsletter. Please reach out to Rob Nevins directly at 203-530-0823 or rob@myslimnation.com for more information.

Have a happy and healthy new year!

Reminders
Did you know that you can access ALL of your payroll information, including your deductions, and current and past pay stubs online, at your convenience?
You can also access your W-2 form before you receive it in the mail!

It's that time of year and the 2024 W-2 forms were mailed to employees on Monday, January 27, 2025. Please allow a minimum of 7 business days for delivery before contacting the Payroll Department if you have not received your form. 

In addition to the mail, your W-2 forms are uploaded to the Employee Service Portal (ESP), but you DO need an account to access them on the ESP. Log into the Employee Service Portal, click on the payroll tab, then click on W-2s, located on the upper right hand corner.

Attached are the instructions on how to set up your ESP account if you have not done so already.
Here is the link to get you started: https://mpsesp.milforded.org/ESP/Login.aspx

To create an account you will need your Employee ID Number. If your number does not start with a zero, please add a leading zero to your ID number for purposes of getting this account set up.
If you need assistance logging into the Employee Service Portal, please contact Matt Cavallaro at mcavallaro@milforded.org or extension 3440.

There is a wealth of additional information on the ESP, such as commonly requested forms like CT and Federal W4 forms, benefits forms, info on how to change your address or other demographics, etc.! 

Special Offers!

Tech Tip...

Tech Tip: Use Google Calendar’s "Focus Time" and "Working Hours" to Automate Availability Management

In a busy school system, managing time efficiently is key. A hidden feature in Google Calendar that not many people know about is Focus Time and Working Hours. These tools can help you block off uninterrupted work periods and automatically manage your availability when setting up meetings with colleagues.

1. Set Up "Focus Time" in Google Calendar

You can automatically schedule "Focus Time" in Google Calendar to block off uninterrupted work periods during your day. This ensures that others are less likely to schedule meetings or send calendar invites during those times.

• How to Set Focus Time:

  1. Open Google Calendar.

  2. Click on a time slot where you want focus time.

  3. In the event details, choose "Focus Time" (or you can create a custom event with this label).

  4. Set the time range and make sure to check “Decline Meetings Automatically” to prevent others from scheduling over that period.

  5. Save the event.

Why this is useful: By automatically declining meeting invites during focus blocks, you can ensure that you have uninterrupted time for deep work like grading, lesson planning, or preparing reports.

2. Use "Working Hours" to Manage Your Availability

Google Calendar has a "Working Hours" feature that lets others know when you’re available for meetings and when you’re not. This feature prevents colleagues from booking you during times when you’re not available.

• How to Set Working Hours:

  1. Open Google Calendar.

  2. In the left-hand menu, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select Settings.

  3. Under "General," select Working hours & location.

  4. Set your regular working hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM).

  5. When someone tries to book a meeting with you outside of these hours, they’ll be notified that you’re unavailable.

Why this is useful: This feature allows you to automatically communicate your availability, preventing overbooking and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It also helps other staff members know when it’s appropriate to contact you, minimizing unnecessary interruptions.

3. Combine "Focus Time" and "Working Hours" with Google Meet Link Automation

You can also integrate Google Meet links into your calendar events and set specific periods for focused, uninterrupted work while making sure meeting invites only occur during your "Working Hours." Google will automatically add a Google Meet link to your meetings, which is convenient for virtual collaboration during scheduled hours.

Why this works:

• Automated Time Blocking: Both features help you block time for focused work without worrying about being disturbed by unnecessary meeting requests.

• Clear Communication: Your colleagues will always know when you’re available or unavailable, reducing the chances of scheduling conflicts.

• Efficient Scheduling: These tools streamline your calendar, making it easier to maintain productivity without constantly adjusting your availability.

By using Focus Time and Working Hours, school system employees can create a structured and efficient workflow, ensuring that important tasks are completed without constant interruptions.

Trivia Contest

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!

Welcome New Substitutes!

 Lucy Babbitt - Teacher Substitute 
Kirsten Betts - Teacher Substitute 
Christopher Brewster - Teacher Substitute 
Ana Castro - Food Services Substitute 
Subashini Charles - Food Services Substitute
Olivia Delcegno - Teacher Substitute 
Gary Fields - Food Services Substitute 
Allyson Hyatt - Teacher Substitute 
Lillian Kaempffer - Paraprofessional Substitute 
Payton Papa - Teacher Substitute 
Michael Vitelli - Teacher Substitute
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