All 6th grade parents/guardians are invited to a meet and greet sponsored by the Pierce PTO on Wednesday, October 23 from 7-8:30pm at the Common Market in Quincy. The event is meant to help build community among 6th grade parents, providing a venue for parents to connect with one another. We hope you can drop by to meet your fellow 6th grade parents. We’ll have some appetizers and a cash bar.

In order to get an accurate count for food & drink, we are requesting that parents register and pay $10 to help cover the cost of the room and appetizers. This event is open to all 6th grade parents, so please email the PTO if you need a waiver. You can click HERE to register. Thanks and we hope to see you there! 6th Grade Parent Social Committee –Kerry Hurley, Maggie Kessler, Christina Lilliehook, Jackie Slavik and Heidi Vaughan.

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Pierce 7th grade artists have been studying the art of Wayne Thiebaud. Thiebaud is a contemporary artist known for his unique style of painting cakes and assorted pastries. Students were given several choices of mediums to work with and were asked to create a piece inspired by Thiebaud. This rather large cake was created with small pieces of torn colored paper and glue. Students learned about shadows, complementary colors, and chiaroscuro by using strong areas of contrast in their pieces. The 7th grade artists created foods like colorful ice cream cones, favorite candies, multiple layered wedding cakes, and an assortment of delicious looking cupcakes. Our 7th grade artists had a full class critique to view each other’s work and share feedback, and of course to discuss their favorite food.

INSIDE OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 

Collicot 2nd graders in Mrs Lamonica’s classroom were introduced this week to building and coding using the Motor Power Block to make the motor turn at different speeds. Once the students created and ran their programs, they thought about and explained the program and the function of the fan. At the end of the lesson, students could answer questions like: How does the program work? What do the different program blocks do? and will increase their mastery of the Motor Power Blocks in lessons to come.

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The theme for Unit One in the 2nd Grade Reach for Reading curriculum is all about community. Students learn what a community is and how an effective one works. Mrs Walsh’s Cunningham 2nd graders read many high-quality books about community workers, and decided as a class which buildings should be a part of “Walshville”, which is a fictional town the class created using boxes and art supplies at home. Students then tied in the writing process to their learning by writing and sending friendly letters to members of the community in conjunction with their project. As a result, many community members have agreed to visit the classroom and talk about their roles in our Milton community. So far, the class has visitors lined up from the Milton Fire Department, the Milton Post Office, Pat’s Pizza, Launch Trampoline Park, Citizens Bank, and a local veterinary clinic. This is a great real-world connection to our first unit in Reach for Reading!

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Glover’s Diversity Committee began an initiative last year to introduce all Glover Kids to prominent diverse authors. We were fortunate last year to meet Varian Johnson, Veera Hiranandani, and Jessica Hische. This year, we have plans to bring author, librarian, and researcher Meg Frazer Blakemore to Glover in December and a Diverse Reads Family Book Club event planned with Erin Entrada Kelly in the spring.

On Wednesday, we welcomed volunteers from neighboring Milton Academy into each classroom to participate in a special One Book, One School project. The PTO generously purchased a copy of Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson for every classroom. This unforgettable book is written and illustrated by the award-winning team that created The Other Sideand the Caldecott Honor winner Coming On Home Soon. A  group of students led by Ms. Morris are also studying Ms. Woodson’s work as part of Glover’s extracurricular programming.

After reading Each Kindness with our volunteers, students completed activities and connected this powerful story to the conversations we have every day about kindness, empathy, compassion, and friendship. This special One Book, One School initiative is brought as a joint effort between Glover’s Diversity Committee and the Glover PTO.
With its powerful anti-bullying message, Each Kindness resonated across every Glover classroom as we continue to recognize National Bullying Prevention Month, a campaign founded by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Alongside schools across the country, we will unite by wearing orange on Wednesday, October 23 in honor of “National Unity Day”. “Together against bullying- united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.”

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Science is alive at Cunningham! The third graders are studying Life Science and have been observing various seeds and discovering how they develop into plants. After focusing on plants, students transitioned onto a new organism this week…crayfish! Students observed their crayfish in small groups and discussed the structures they noticed. Teams then discussed what function they thought each structure served. This will help them understand how different organisms have developed structures to better adapt to their environment and how this increases the chance of their survival. Our 3rd grade teachers were sure to wear their special crayfish socks for the special delivery!

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Once again, the Marylin Rodman Theater for Kids program has treated our Milton Public Schools students to an exciting night at the theater! 50 of our MPS students and chaperones were treated to a spectacular presentation of Disney’s The Lion King on Tuesday of this week. Those attending boarded a bus at the Tucker School and travelled to the Boston Opera House where they were dazzled the minute the opening act began. As the curtain rose, giraffes loped gracefully across the stage while gazelles floated in unison just above the stage floor. A life size elephant stomped down the orchestra aisle to the wonderment of the audience. Throughout the performance students and chaperones were entertained by amazing scenery, familiar songs and music and outstanding performances, some by actors the same age as the MPS audience members! This special theater performance was dedicated to Don Rodman, a patron and benefactor of the arts, for many years, and a friend to Milton Public Schools.

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It’s raffle time once again at Tucker Elementary School! This year the raffle has 22 amazing prizes, including gift certificates to favorite local spots, Patriots and Bruins tickets and even a getaway at the Park Plaza hotel! Raffle tickets are only $10 each and every purchase enters you to win ALL 22 prizes! Want to get in on the fun? Tickets can be purchased online. Don’t know a Tucker student? No problem! Simply enter “Tucker Tiger” in the student name field. Thank you and good luck in the raffle drawings!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Milton Times ran an excellent story about our full day Professional Development day on September 27th and they have given me permission to share it here. I urge you to read it as it gives a full picture of our day of (adult!) learning at Milton Public Schools that we were lucky to recently experience.  Page 1, Page 2, Page 3.

The Milton Times covers much of what happens in the Milton Public Schools. Our sports teams are often featured, special events in our schools are regularly highlighted and articles on the “business” of running a school system are reported on in detail. If your household does not receive the Milton Times, I encourage you to consider a subscription to stay abreast of the news both in our schools and in our town.

SPECIAL EDUCATION 

Milton Public Schools holds periodic preschool screenings once a month and the next opportunity is Oct 23rd. If your child is ages 3 to 5, and not yet eligible for kindergarten this message may be helpful. If you have concerns about your child’s development MPS offers screenings through the early childhood department. This screening is open to Milton Residents who have concerns related to their child’s development. If you would like to discuss this opportunity for your child, please contact Jaymne Szymaczak via email. 

TRANSPORTATION

Due to unforeseen challenges with the FirstView app we are unable to roll it out for bus tracking and messaging purposes this year and we will again be utilizing the Remind app system for bus delay notifications. This year families will be invited to join the messaging system for the specific route(s) their student(s) ride. Families can join more than one route. Emails have been sent from the Transportation Department to the emails submitted in the bus registration process. The email included a unique code for their student’s bus route that when texted to 81010 allows families to OPT IN to the messaging system. To receive updates you MUST OPT IN by texting this code to 81010. Families can leave the message alert system at any time. If you did not receive an invitation please email bus@miltonpsorg requesting a code. Please include your student’s name, school and bus route number. If your child rides different am and pm routes, please include both in your request (for example, 5c am and 8c pm).

FOOD AND NUTRITION

There is a terrific opportunity for substitute jobs in our food services department. We are hiring for substitute positions at all schools.  This can be a great opportunity for parents and retirees and food service experience is a plus, but not required. The starting pay for the food service substitute position is $15.05 per hour and these positions often lead to permanent positions. Please email Jackie Morgan or call (617-696-5040 X 5514)  for more information.

ATHLETICS 

The Boys and Girls Cross Country teams will host a fundraiser on October 20th at Cunningham Park. The Kids Trail Run is a big hit every fall!

All game schedules can be found on our  MHS Athletics website.

NEWS AROUND TOWN

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the Milton Police Department, 40 Highland St is on Saturday, October 26th from 10am – 2pm. The Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and the Milton Police Department are sponsoring our local Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Research has shown that the majority of abuse prescription drugs come from home medicine cabinets. Protect our community and protect our environment by turning in your unused or expired prescription drugs, safely and anonymously.

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A speaker on Deaf and Hard of Hearing is coming to Milton on October 30th.
Milton’s Commission on Disability is hosting a town-wide event to educate Milton residents on deafness and hearing loss, communication, and assistive technology. Jonathan O’Dell who is Assistive Technology Manager/Training Specialist from the Massachusetts Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is coming to Milton on Wednesday, October 30th at 7pm in the Milton Public Library’s Keys Room. Mr. O’Dell will present information and answer questions on communication, assistive technology, and accessibility related to persons who have hearing loss and/or deafness.

Americans are likely to experience hearing loss either personally, or in our immediate family and/or circle of friends, as according to the Hearing Loss Association of America, 20% of Americans experience some hearing loss. Anyone who has hearing loss, or who has friends or family members with hearing loss, with whom communication has become more difficult, will benefit from this presentation. Additionally, anyone who has wondered about how to best communicate with people who are deaf, will benefit. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend. The Milton Commission on Disability will try to have the event broadcast on local access television as well, for those who are unable to attend in person.

Anyone needing reasonable accommodations to access this presentation are encouraged to request them early by contacting Milton’s ADA Coordinator by email to [email protected].

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Registration has opened for the 24^th Annual Milton Cotillion.  Cotillion is a progressive course in social skills, dance and etiquette education – all learned while having a blast!  The classes will run bi-weekly on Sunday evenings beginning January 12, 2020 at the Granite Links Golf Club.  Please go to cotillion.com to learn more and register. When you think about adding yet one more activity to your families schedule, it feels good to know that the skills learned at Cotillion will last a lifetime.

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Forbes House Museum presents Ghost Stories in the Barn… an afternoon of Halloween fun including visits with the Kitchen Witch, crafty activities and other tricks and treats!
Sunday, October 20th , 3-5 pm. Costumes encouraged! $5/child; caregivers and members are free.

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The Milton Public Library has terrific children’s programs all through October.

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Run or walk the THIRD annual Mike’s 5k to Crush Substance Abuse to raise money for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs! Mike’s 5k was founded in 2017 in memory of Mike Mulcahy who passed away on December 1, 2016 after a heroic battle against addiction. In 2018, we were very proud to dedicate our 5k in memory of Michael Jesson of Milton, who passed in 2017 after valiantly fighting addiction. Race day registration starts at 9 AM at the Collicot/Cunningham School Cafeteria and the 5k begins at 10 AM on October 19th through the beautiful streets of Milton. All details can be found here.

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The Friends of the Milton Public Library invite you to help them celebrate the success of the Milton Public Library! On October 21st at Steel and Rye, 95 Eliot Street, from 6:30-8pm , join them for raffle prizes,  light refreshments and a cash bar. With programs like the Summer Reading Club, Cooking with Miss Debbie, Story Times, Taste Test Tuesdays, family concerts, the Cookbook Club and many other programs for children, teens, and adults sponsored by the Friends of the Milton Public Library, we have a lot to celebrate!  Be sure to come early and bring your friends to this complimentary event (with cash bar). For more information, please contact Alice Jamal.

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Brookwood Community Farm is hosting their  annual Thanksgiving Sale & Family Fun at the DCR property where they farm from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm on Sunday November 24th. All are welcome to enjoy the farm, walk the farm roads, purchase fresh produce and other items to use for holiday gatherings into the winter. Turkeys can be picked up on site if ordered from Dasilva Farm and produce lists will be published on our website and FB page with at least a week to go before the sale. You will also find honey bee education, lawn games, warm drinks, and maybe a food demo!