Superintendent Gormley Releases Updates For The Week Of February 24

FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

The COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) is an emerging health concern and we are closely monitoring this evolving situation.  We understand that families have questions about the Coronavirus and how it may impact our schools and local community.  For any public health matter, we take our guidance from State and Federal agencies, in particular the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The CDC is providing daily updates and recommendations that you may find helpful and informative.  Please visit the  Center for Disease Control website and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website to stay updated.  I have asked Kimberly Coughlin, Milton Public Schools Director of Nursing, to share more information with you.

While this is a public health concern, the CDC continues to report that the immediate risk to the general public remains low at this time. Yet, in today’s connected world, with a large number of District families traveling during school vacation weeks, the potential for infectious disease is always of concern. As with seasonal flu and strep infections, there are general precautions we can all take to remain as healthy as possible.

• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Use Alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. You can also cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid sharing drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, dishes, towels or other items. Wash these items thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick whenever possible.
• Practice other good health habits: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

It is important to keep children home from school when they are ill. If your child has any of the following symptoms please keep them home from school:  temperature greater than 100.4, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, any rash not yet diagnosed by a physician, red or pink itchy eye, and/or drainage from eye, and any contagious illness such as chicken pox, strep throat, or flu.

Please rest assured that we are monitoring student health concerns. We are in close communication with the local Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health/School Health Unit, as well as pediatric health care providers in the community. Our School Facilities Department is vigilantly sanitizing our educational spaces as we typically do during cold and flu season.  We are following all recommended guidelines to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

We remain deeply committed to student and staff wellness and will continue to share new information with you, as necessary, about this evolving situation.

MILTON FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION 

On April 4th, 2020, the Milton Foundation

for Education invites you to the 24th annual MFE Celebration! This annual event is the mainstay of the MFE’s fundraising efforts in support of our six Milton Public Schools.

How does the MFE support our schools? In ways big and small, 12 months a year, for almost 25 years , the MFE has funded innovative programs and opportunities that are beyond the reach of the school system’s budget. If you are a weekly reader of my blog, you will see mentions of MFE support sprinkled throughout. This is a natural result of their systemic generosity and support of our students and teachers. Almost weekly, a teacher or principal sends me an item that includes a thank you to the MFE – for technology, enhanced art supplies, curriculum add ons, flexible seating, interesting classroom tools – the list is endless and we are so grateful to the MFE for their ongoing support.

MFE Trustees are people from the community who donate considerable time to help the Foundation achieve its goals. Will you join them on April 4th at Granite Links to celebrate our school system and raise funds for the amazing work they do in support of our schools?

• Get your tickets now! This is a smaller venue and will likely sell out.
• Tickets are only available online and can be purchased at this link. 
• 6:30 p.m. Registration and Cocktails, Silent Auction
• 8:00 p.m. Dinner, Program, Merriment
• Festive Cocktail Attire Encouraged

We look forward to seeing you at this fun and festive event!

PARENT SPEAKER SERIES

Up next in our PARENT Series we welcome Ivy Watts presenting “Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness: How You Can Make A Difference” to be held on Tuesday March 3rd at 7:00pm in the MHS Auditorium.

• Learn about Ivy’s story of her struggle with her mental health as an athlete (anxiety, depression), her fear of speaking up due to the stigma around mental illness in athletics, but how speaking up saved her life.
• Feel empowered as a parent/guardian, teacher or coach to provide support for the mental health of their children/students
• Feel empowered to recognize the warning signs of mental health issues and how to have conversations with your child about mental health
• Understand the importance of practicing mindfulness and how to be an advocate for yourself and others
• Learn about the vast number of resources available in the school system, locally and online
• This presentation would be appropriate for parents, guardians, caregivers and teachers of students ages 10 and older.

UPCOMING MPS DATES 

Feb 27 MHS Program of Studies Night
Mar 2 1st Grade STEM Information Night
Mar 3 Parent Speaker Series, Ivy Watts, Mental Health Empowerment
Mar 4 Milton School Committee
Mar 5 Early Release Day
Mar 7 Minority Job Fair
Mar 10 Harlem Wizards vs. Staff Basketball
Mar 12 MIOSM Strings Concert
Mar 17 MIOSM Band Concert
Mar 18 Milton School Committee
Mar 19 After School Conferences
Mar 24 MIOSM Chorus Concert, Gr 6
Mar 26 MIOSM Chorus Concert

Current kindergarten families are invited to STEM Information Night on March 2nd at 6:30pm , in the Collicot/Cunningham cafe to preview an overview of the STEM Program in the English Innovation Pathway and participate in a hands-on engineering activity.

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The 4th Annual South Shore Regional Minority Educator Recruitment Fair, hosted by Milton Public Schools  and sponsored by PROforma Printing & Promotion will take place at the Copeland Field House at Milton High School on Saturday, March 7th from  8am- 12pm.

The number of Latino, African-American, and Asian students in kindergarten through grade 12 public school classrooms is expected to exceed the number of non-Hispanic, white students, but the racial and ethnic makeup of our country’s teaching staff does not reflect this shift. There is a shortage of African American, Hispanic and Latino, Native American, and Asian educators, and this recruitment fair helps to encourage those individuals to pursue a career in education.

During the event, representatives from South Shore public school districts (all levels: elementary, middle/Jr. high and high school) will meet with potential employees in an effort to find the most qualified minority teachers, administrators, librarians, administrative assistants, instructional aides, custodians, food service personnel, coaches and more. Please contact James Jette via email or phone (617-696-4470) with any questions.

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The Harlem Wizards vs. the MPS staff game is coming to Milton High School!  Save the date for this family friendly night out on March 10th at 7pm in the Copeland Fieldhouse at MHS. Come and show your school pride by wearing your school colors or gear with your school’s name. Check out the fun in this video  and be sure to get your tickets at this link now!

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Recent School Committee meetings can always be watched on Milton Access TV.  The next School Committee meeting is on March 4 , 2020 at 7pm. School Committee agendas and documents can be found in the School Committee tab on the front page of our website. 

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS  

All parents/guardians of rising 9-12th graders are invited to join us  – TONIGHT  -Thursday, February 27th  at our MHS Program of Studies Information Night. During this evening presentation we will review graduation requirements, course offerings and answer any questions you may have about our program of studies.  The presentation will begin promptly at 6:30 pm in the MHS Auditorium. Following the presentation department heads will be available to answer any questions you may have. We are committed to taking comprehensive steps to ensure you have the information to make an informed decision about your student’s courses for next year. The MHS Program of Studies booklet can be found here.

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On Saturday, Feb. 29th, the Milton High School Theatre Program will be participating in the 2020 Massachusetts High School Drama Festival at Joseph Case High School in Swansea, MA. Milton High School will be bringing their student-directed/designed production of The Women of Lockerbie to compete in the program that includes over 100 other one-act plays produced by member high schools. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, this festival provides opportunities for students and teachers to create, share, and respond to theatrical experiences with other participating schools. Student excellence in acting and technical design is recognized at each level of the competition. Of the 112 one-act plays that enter the festival, fourteen will be selected as State Finalists, of which three will be named winners.

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Milton High School is pleased to offer preparatory classes for the May 2020 SAT to students who are looking to improve their scores. Students can sign up for Reading, Writing, & Language Prep, Math Prep, or both classes. All sessions will be held at Milton High School and are designed to prepare students for the May 2nd SAT Exam. Please email Mathematics Director Brian Selig with any questions. All details on the MHS SAT Prep Classes can be found here.

PIERCE PAGES 

This year’s Pierce Middle School Geography Bee participants wowed a packed house of their peers on January 31, showing off their ability to name the world’s rivers, capitals and famous landmarks, along with a myriad of other questions. 6th grade teacher Ms. Connell hosted the annual event, and all fifteen participants were outstanding.

The participants earned a spot on the stage after competing with other students in their Social Studies classes, so each team at Pierce had someone on stage. Two students from each of the 6th and 7th grade teams and one student from each of the three 8th grade teams represented their classmates.

Victoria Kirkham, Rafael Lukasse, Grayson Chojnowski-Yoder, Zahria Daley, Elias Caros, and Jordan Munsey represented the 6th grade. Luke Grant, Sebastian Mann, Will Malec, Nick Gray  Owen Crowley and Leo Waldbaum represented 7th grade and in the 8th grade Moses Mann, Karim Camara and Ethan Nowak took the stage. The eventual winner – after nine rounds of competition – was Moses Mann. Congratulation to Moses!

The Pierce Geography Bee is part of a national competition that will be held in May. Moses is eligible to compete in the state – and potentially national – Geography Bee. He will take an on-line qualifying exam to determine if he will represent Milton in the statewide competition.

Special thanks  to Ms. Kelly Connell, who coordinates the entire Geography Bee, from the classroom competitions through the final Geography Bee and is also tasked with  pronouncing lots of places that are very hard to pronounce!

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Our 3rd school now has Grow Racks! Pierce students planted their new Grow Racks this week with 4 types of lettuce, kale & basil. We are growing our own greens at Tucker,
MHS and Pierce with Glover, Collicot & Cunningham still to come!

The Milton School Food Service program is bringing the Farm INTO our schools, allowing immediate access to the most nutrient dense organic foods while educating the students in schools. The Farm-to-School movement is trying to improve access to local foods and education practices in schools while boosting the local economy. EvanLEE Organics Super Grow Rack is our solution to bringing the gardening into the schools by empowering the children’s futures by helping them make informed food choices. Teaching children how to garden and grow their own food with their own two hands is sustainable! Gardening is no longer seasonal, our Grow Unit produces predictable harvests all year long. A school garden project can teach the art of growing with students being able to see and taste the fruits of their labor. Our Pierce School enjoyed a great day of planting this past week. We
can not wait to serve their lettuce, kale and basil in the cafeteria.

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Just before February break, 6th English classes at Pierce participated in the National African American Read-In. Students listened to stories written by and about African Americans. The literature was read aloud by Ms. Borde, Ms. Jarrett and Ms. Martland. Students heard autobiographies, biographies, short stories and folktales. We also listened to music by Louis Armstrong while celebrating African American authors and literature.

This event is sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. “The Read-In has been endorsed by the International Reading Association. Over a million readers of all ethnic groups from 49 states, the West Indies, and African countries have participated. The goal is to make the celebration of African American literacy a traditional part of Black History Month activities.” -NCTE

It’s easy to have a family Read-In. Just select a book or short story written by or about an African American. Read your chosen literature with your child and encourage your child to share information about your family Read-In with their English teacher.

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INSIDE OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 

All Milton families are invited to the 2^nd Annual Glover/Tucker Diverse Reads Family Book Club at the Milton Public Library on March 12th at 6:30pm. Prior to March 12th, students will be reading Lalani of the Distant Sea by Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly, . Inspired by Filipino folklore, Lalani of the Distant Sea is an unforgettable coming-of-age story about friendship, courage, and identity. Erin Entrada Kelly will join us via Skype to answer questions from readers. Please see the Diverse Reads Family Book Club flyer for more information.

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During the week of  February 10th, the Milton Public Schools held their first-ever Digital Citizenship Day in all four elementary schools. All Milton Public School elementary students took part in two or three engaging digital citizenship lessons during this exciting day. The lesson topics included;  digital footprints, internet privacy, copyright, cyberbullying and  creating passwords.

Digital Citizenship Day lessons were facilitated by family volunteers. The engaging lessons were developed by Common Sense Media and are intended to help our students better understand how to interact with digital technology and their peers in a healthy, respectful way. Each lesson took on real challenges and digital dilemmas that students face today, giving them the skills they need to succeed as learners, leaders, and citizens.

Each lesson included an at-home exercise that your student was invited to take home so the family can help continue the conversation and reinforce the guidance provided during Digital Citizenship Day.

Milton Public Schools would like to thank all of the family volunteers for supporting this important initiative. Without their support, this day would not have been possible.

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On February 13, children’s book author Beth Ferry visited Glover to share her work with students in grades K-2. Beth Ferry is the author of many picture books including
the New York Times bestseller  Stick and Stone.  Students were delighted when she read this book aloud to the audience and shared her favorite parts and the decisions she made as an author during the writing and editing process. Among many accolades, Beth is the winner of The Chickadee Award – The Maine Children’s Choice Picture Book Award for her book Land Shark. Students enjoyed her presentation, the way she shared some beloved titles, and her thoughts about how she uses the world around her to construct stories.

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The Cunningham Science fair this week was a huge success! Students in Grades K-5 participated by formulating a hypothesis and testing it out using the scientific method. Students from the MHS Robotics team also led demonstrations for students and families, as well as a captivating lesson with the 3D printer from Technology teacher Mrs. Van Hill. It was a great night filled with creative projects and smiling scientists!

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3rd graders in all four classes at Glover recently joined forces to conquer some challenging math problems!  One student from each class worked in a small group of four and put their mathematics brains together to solve challenging problems involving area, perimeter, and fractions. Students were supported by their teachers and Mrs. Shapiro as they worked through the problems. Students enjoyed integrating knowledge from their own classrooms and sharing what they have learned from their teachers. Math is always more fun when solving problems with new friends!

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHT 

Raising a middle school student can certainly be challenging. The raging hormones, epic mood swings, challenges with communication and the messy room! Now consider having to motivate and manage up to 50 tweens/teens in a gymnasium all at once. It seems daunting, but it’s what our amazing physical education teachers excel with everyday in our Pierce PE program. They provide our middle schoolers with the knowledge, skills and confidence, to prepare them for the rigors of high school and beyond, so they can enjoy a lifetime of physical activity and health-enhancing behaviors.

Middle school is a brand new world for students and Physical Education class requires one of the biggest changes besides having a rotating schedule of teachers. Having to use a locker room and changing into active clothing is a new routine for them. But, it’s an essential part of pre-teen development, we’re looking to foster personal responsibility, develop proper hygiene routines, self-management skills, and self-awareness. Students build on the foundational skills and knowledge learned at elementary school. They begin to develop personal fitness plans, learn advanced concepts and principles, continue to practice movement skills, work on social-emotional skills and by the end of 8th grade should recognize the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction.

There are many exciting activities and skills that are linked to National Standards that students get to experience through their time in Pierce PE. Students learn about the five components of fitness and assess what level they are at and set goals to maintain or improve. Team sport activities include: Soccer, Flag Football, Volleyball, and Badminton. There are “Teamwork Thursdays” that involve a variety of cooperative/collaborative activities. There are “Project Adventure” lessons using ropes and obstacles. “Fitness Fridays” have students learning proper technique and appropriate form while using cardio equipment, fitness stations and strength training equipment. And there are a variety of other indoor/outdoor activities that students get to participate in throughout the school year to work on their skill development.

Recently 8th grade students have been learning about the cardiovascular system, target heart rate zones, exercises intensities and how exercise prepares the brain to learn. They train with “Polar” heart rate monitors. Students get individualized, instant feedback on their productivity during class activities and can make personal goals with the advice from their teacher. One thing we always notice at the end of class is the change in mood, students are left smiling with their brains ready to learn,focused and engaged. Now, if we could just help with that messy room! If you have any questions about the Pierce Physical Education program you can contact your student’s teacher or PreK-12 Health & Physical Education Director Noel Vigue.

FAMILY RESOURCES 

United Way provides My Free Taxes, a resource for free tax preparation services for those who made less than $66,000 in 2019. Thank you to the MPS Family Outreach Liaison Marti O’Keefe McKenna and the Milton Residents Fund for sharing this resource.

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person, in every community. We give people the financial education and tools to build a solid foundation to improve their lives and the lives of their children. Tax refunds are often the largest paycheck a family receives and can be used to pay bills, save for the future, buy groceries, etc. 70% of US filers are eligible for free tax preparation but don’t take advantage, potentially paying to access tax credits or deductions such as the EITC.

Since 2009, almost 1 Million taxpayers filed using MyFreeTaxes, bringing $1.4 Billion back to communities in tax refunds, and saving individuals and families $191 Million in tax filing fees. United Way and H&R Block partner to offer MyFreeTaxes– free online tax preparation- to individuals and families who earned $66,000 or less in 2019.

ART AND MUSIC 

March is both Music In Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month. There is plenty to celebrate in all of our schools this spring!

As we enter Music in Our Schools month, the music department will be well represented at the Massachusetts Music Educators Association’s Conference in March. MHS Juniors Sam Higgins and Philip Phan were selected as members of the MMEA All State Orchestra and Jazz Band respectively. Sam and Philip will rehearse for two days with their ensembles, culminating in performances at Boston’s Symphony Hall on Saturday, March 7th. Bravo to these two outstanding musicians!

The Pierce Middle School Chamber Strings, under the direction of Ms. Debra Miller, was selected to perform at the prestigious Concert Hour for all of the music educators in attendance at the conference on Friday, March 6th. Music ensembles from all over Massachusetts submit recordings for the opportunity to be one of four groups to perform at the conference. The Pierce Middle School String Ensemble is comprised of non-auditioned students in grades seven and eight that rehearse during the school day as well as before school and have put together a beautiful program for this performance. Congratulations to Ms. Miller for having one of her ensembles selected for the second time in four years!

MHS Senior Coleman Rose was selected as a recipient for the Young Composer’s Competition for his work “Out for a Stroll”. Coleman will be recognized and have the opportunity to share his composition at a workshop at the MMEA Conference where he will receive feedback from Berklee College of Music faculty. Well done, Coleman!

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The following elementary students have been selected to have their artwork displayed at the State Transportation Building in Boston. This exhibit, sponsored by the Massachusetts Art Education Association (MAEA), is part of Youth Art Month (YAM), a national celebration held each year during March, that emphasizes the value of art education for all children and encourages support for quality art programs in schools.

Across Massachusetts there are numerous celebrations and exhibits happening in schools, in districts, and regionally. The Boston exhibit, Take a Journey Through Art is the only statewide YAM Exhibit in Massachusetts and features student work from over 50 communities.

Students representing Milton are John Devine, Caroline Melanson, Katherine Field, Benjamin Nguyen, Hayla Fuller, Neave Kelly, Zoe Sullivan, An Nguyen, Aaron Pullia, Zadie Schopf-Malone, Jeremiah Sitkoff, and Nebyat Ejigu.

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In preparation for Collicot and Cunningham’s art shows, 3rd and 4th grade students are making underwater creatures to transform the art room into a glow room. Using ink dabbers, students participated in a guided drawing of various sea creatures followed by a fluorescent painting session under the black lights.

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5th grade ACE students are learning about Wayne Thiebaud, the American painter widely known for his delicious depictions of pies, cakes, and sweet treats. Students began this project by measuring out a template from recycled cereal boxes to tape together and turn into a 3-D wedge. The next class students learned how to use plaster and cover their templates to give the texture and look of their chosen desserts. Up next, decorating!

The MISOM and Art Month Calendar of Events is below.

March 3: Cunningham K-2 General Music Showcase, 9:15am
March 4 Glover Art Showcase, 6:00pm
March 5-7: MMEA All State Conference & Festival
March 4: Collicot K-2 General Music Showcase, 9:15am
March 12: MIOSM Strings Concert (Grades 5-12), 7:00pm
March 13: Boston Symphony Orchestra Fieldtrip (Grade 4)
March 13-14: MMEA Eastern District Junior Festival
March 17: MISOM Band Concert (Grades 5-12), 7:00pm
March 20-21: SEMSBA Senior Festival
March 24: MIOSM Chorus Concert (Grades 6 & 9-12), 7:00pm
March 26: MIOSM Chorus Concert (Grades 7-12), 7:00pm
March 27: Glover K-1 General Music Showcase, 2:15pm
March 28: MMEA Eastern District Treble Choir Festival
March 30: MHS Tri-M Induction Ceremony, 8:00am
April 15: Cunningham Art Showcase, 6:00 – 7:30
April 16: Collicot Art Showcase, 6:30 – 8:00
May (TBD): Tucker Art Showcase
MHS and Pierce Art dates TBD

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Sleepless in Milton? Not after March 1! The Milton Music Department is excited to announce their 6th annual mattress fundraiser on Sunday, March 1, from 10am to 5pm.
The MHS auditorium will transform into a mattress showroom during the one day only sale, with 25+ brand‐name, brand-new mattress models to test, all discounted 30 to 50% off retail. Brands include Simmons Beautyrest, Wellsville, Intellibed and Therapedic beds, which are manufactured locally here in Massachusetts.

For more information about the sale, please visit the Beds4Milton website.  Take a peek of what to expect in this video. Please see this link for a special offer.

ATHLETICS 

Track: Four members of the track team qualified for the 25th Annual Girls’ & Boys’ Indoor Individual Pentathlon. Michelle Gauvin, Audrey Mak, and Demi Davis participated on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 and Kevin Harvel participated yesterday, Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at the Reggie Lewis Track Center. Stay tuned for results.

Ski: Ben Catudal has qualified for the Mass State Alpine Championships, to be held at Berkshire East on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. He will be participating in both Slalom and Giant Slalom events.

Wrestling: Congrats to Alex Paxhia 5th place and therefore qualifies for All States in Methuen on Friday. He is the first Milton wrestler to qualify since 2014.

Basketball: Boys Basketball will travel to Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School, after beating Nauset Regional High School in the preliminary round of the MIAA Tournament. Captains Earl and Daylon led the scoring while Andrew Lynch was the best defensive player on the court, as usual. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:30pm. Travelling fans should wear white!

Ice Hockey: The Wildcats ended their season with a 4-2 loss to Natick High School. They took a 2-0 lead early in the 2nd period thanks to freshmen Jimmy Fallon and Sean McDougall, but Natick evened the score later in the period. The game was in the balance in the third and the ‘Cats had a shot saved off the goal-line which would have put them up 3-2. Natick capitalized on their Powerplay to take the lead and then tapped in the empty netter as time expired. It was a great season for the Wildcats and they will look to build on their success next season!

Be on the look out for an Athletics Email regarding Parent/Guardian Meetings and Spring Sports Information. There are meetings next week, see below for the schedule. More information to follow.

Thursday, March 5th in the MHS Copeland Field House
5:30pm – Boys/Girls Tennis, Unified Track, Boys/Girls Crew
6:00pm – Baseball, Boys/Girls Outdoor Track
6:30pm – Boys/Girls Lax, Rugby
Softball will have their own meeting during tryouts in the field house at a date and time TBA.

All schedules and athletic information can be found on the athletics website. 

IN THE COMMUNITY 

Milton Girls Softball invites you to their Spring Social!  Please join us on Saturday, March 21 at 7pm at the View for an evening to support Milton Girls Softball. Milton Girls Softball is a volunteer led organization that offers over 350 girls in our community the opportunity to learn and play softball in a fun and competitive environment. Funds raised will be used to improve fields and the game experience for players and fans alike. Dress: Casual Attire
Please support this great cause! Tickets can be purchased here.

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Milton Chess Club with International Master David Vigorito will take place on Tuesdays March 17-May 26 at Milton High School, 25 Gile Rd. Milton. Chess Club is open to students in grades 1-6. There are two levels: Beginners 5:15-6:15pm:  This is a class for students who are new to the game, as well as those who would like to brush up on their basic knowledge. Intermediate/Advanced  6:30-7:30pm: This is a class for students with a good understanding of the rules who are looking to further develop their knowledge and skills. All details can be found on Mr Vigorito’s website. 

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The Friends of the Milton Public Library present the ninth annual Chess-a-Palooza on Saturday April 4th,  9:30-1pm at the Milton Public Library (Keys Room lower level). Chess-a-Palooza is open to all Milton residents, Milton school students, children of Milton teachers, and returning Chess-a-Palooza players!Please join us for a fun and friendly chess tournament with International Master David Vigorito.  All details can be found here.

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The Milton Early Childhood Alliance has spring programs available to families with young children.

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The Milton Public Library has programs available all month for children and families.

As part of our E-blast, we highlight students, teachers or members of the community whose hard work deserves recognition.  Please read about some of their accomplishments below:

STUDENTS: I am always happy to receive notice of the Student of the Quarter ceremony at Milton High School. These students are making a contribution to our community, and are nominated by their teachers. Students may have shown marked improvement, may have done a significant project or may have shown outstanding effort. Because of these individuals, Milton High School continues to be an outstanding school and it is a pleasure to recognize these students.

STAFF: I would like to thank the teachers and administrators who presented to parents and guardians this week during 1st Grade Information Night.  During 1st Grade Information night, kindergarten families learn more about our two first grade programs: the English Innovation Pathway (with STEM & Spanish) and French Immersion. Our teachers and administrators work together to deliver a comprehensive and engaging presentation and I would like to recognize their commitment to our district here. Thank you to Assistant Superintendents Dr. Glenn Pavlicek and Dr. Karen Spaulding, our elementary Principals Karen McDavitt, Dr. Elaine McNeil-Girmai, Holly Concannon and Jon Redden, Director of World Langauges Dr. Martine Fisher, and our Curriculum Coordinators and teachers who participated and presented: Zeina Hamada, Ellen Lohan, Brian Selig, Sara MacNeil, Nicole Grant-Heal, Caroline Morton and Caitlin Deptula.

If you were unable to attend, the PDF of the 1st Grade Information Night can be found here.

Thank you to my blog contributors this week: Sara MacNeil, Karen McDavitt, Ryan Madden, Marti O’Keefe McKenna, Jon Redden,  Zeina Hamada,  Caroline Morton, Noel Vigue, Kevin Black, Barbara Wright, Christie Chiappetta, Karen Cahill, Jackie Morgan, AJ Melanson, Jess Gillooly, Laurel Bernini and Dawn Sykes.