From the Desk of Milton Public Schools Superintendent Mary Gormley:

On Wednesday night, as part of the School Committee meeting, we were pleased to honor two individuals and one group, all of whom have been chosen as award recipients by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. Former Milton School Committee members Lynda-Lee Sheridan and Mary Kelly were recognized, as was the Milton Foundation for Education for their outstanding work with the Milton Public Schools.

• Mary Kelly was awarded the “Friend of Public Education Award,” which is for an individual who has demonstrated commitment to and support of public education. Ms. Kelly served on the school committee from 2003-2015 and was a constant presence on the Finance Subcommittee. She was a strong proponent for special education and a voice for working families in Milton
• Lynda-Lee Sheridan was awarded the “Community Leader for Public Education Award,” which recognizes an individual community leader who has demonstrated outstanding support for the public schools. Ms. Sheridan exemplifies, both personally and professionally, the role of an advocate for public schools. She attended Milton Public Schools, sent her two sons to our schools, served on and chaired the School Committee, spent her career as a Special Education professional and now serves as an elementary school principal.
• The Milton Foundation for Education was awarded the “Outstanding School Partner Award,” for being a non-profit organization which supports public education. The MFE, which was established in 1995, provides programs and opportunities for the Milton Public Schools which are beyond the reach of the district’s budget. As the beneficiary of this foundation’s extensive work, the MPS is a vastly different district than it would have been without this assistance. The Monster Dash, the Celebration for Education and the Outstanding Teacher Awards are only three of the many events sponsored by the MFE to recognize and support our district.

I would also like to mention that Monday and Tuesday are Professional Development days for our staff. All staff members will meet in Milton High School’s auditorium on Monday for a very special keynote presentation by Dr. Thomas Hehir. Staff members should be promptly seated by 8:15am for Dr. Hehir’s presentation at 8:30am. Professional Development sessions will take place after this event at each school.

Thomas Hehir, Ed.D., is Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. As director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs from 1993 to 1999, Hehir was responsible for federal leadership in implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and played a leading role in developing the Clinton administration’s proposal for the 1997 reauthorization of IDEA. In 1990, Hehir was associate superintendent for the Chicago Public Schools. Hehir served in a variety of positions in the Boston Public Schools from 1978 to 1987, including that of director of special education from 1983 to 1987. An advocate for children with disabilities in the education system, he has written extensively on special education, special education in the reform movement, due process, and least restrictive environment issues.

Read more in the full e-blast: blog.miltonps.org/?p=1838