Superintendent Gormley releases updates for week of April 30, 2020

Updates include student registration, school committee, business office update, and more. 

On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, Governor Baker announced that schools in the Commonwealth would be closed through the end of this school year. In response to that announcement, Commissioner Riley issued updated guidance on April 24, 2020- Strengthening Our Remote Learning Experience. This document builds on previous guidance issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education- March 26, 2020, Remote Learning Recommendations During the COVID-19 School Closures.

In particular, Strengthening Our Remote Learning Experience (MA DESE 04/24/20) focuses on two areas:

• Further defining the recommended elements of a quality remote learning program, including a focus on teaching the content standards most critical for student success in the next grade level.
• Encouraging districts to move all students towards successful engagement in remote learning, with a focus on addressing fundamental needs.

As companions to this document, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education published MA DESE Prerequisite Content Standards: Elementary Grades K-5 and MA DESE Prerequisite Content Standards: Secondary Grades (6-12).

Since the release of this new guidance, Milton Public Schools’ teachers, curriculum leaders, and principals have been taking stock in the degree to which the MA DESE Prerequisite Content Standards have been addressed this school year, discussing the implications for the learning opportunities students currently have at home, and further focusing professional development in order to support educators as they address new content and ensure that students are successfully engaged with this content at home.

Moving forward, your child will likely experience an expansion of “teacher facing” online opportunities. It is possible that this instructional teacher facing time will be pre-recorded as we have found that for many reasons this is optimal for student engagement. In addition, you will see pre-scheduled formal opportunities such as “office hours” or “study halls” so that your child has live access to his/her teacher(s) on a regular basis. Finally, teachers and curriculum leaders are working collaboratively to refine the ways in which they determine a child’s success in meeting prerequisite content standards and to expand the manner in which they provide additional support to students who do not meet them. Your principal will continue to communicate with families at each grade level regarding grading.

We thank you for your partnership during the previous and now extended school closure. Your feedback about what is working well for you and your child as well as what might be an opportunity for growth has been invaluable to us. If you have specific questions about your child’s work or progress on work, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher. If you have other questions, please contact your child’s principal. As a reminder, we have many additional supports and resources available to you and your family. Please let us know how we can help you. We look forward to continuing our partnership with you and shifting our work in order to best meet the needs of our students.

Be well and be safe,

Mary C. Gormley, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Karen Spaulding, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Glenn Pavlicek, Assistant Superintendent

STUDENT REGISTRATION

During the School Closure, Registrar Sarina Burke will be registering students online when applicable. Effective immediately, the Milton Public Schools will be accepting online registrations for students enrolling for:

• The remainder of the 2019-20 school year
• Kindergarten for the 2020 – 21 school year
• Students enrolled in private Kindergarten and wish to enroll their child in Grade 1 in the Milton Public schools for the 2020-2021 school year.

Please do not delay in registering your student in the above categories. As we plan for the 2020-21 school year, accurate numbers are important for staffing and logistics.

All other registrations for the school year 2020-2021 will be conducted in July and August 2020.

IMPORTANT MPS DATES

As many of you know, Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, is a Muslim religious period that includes fasting from dawn until dusk. This year, Ramadan began on April 23 and will last one month, during which time many Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. The month of Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. I urge the Milton community to support the well-being of our Muslim students and families so they can practice their religion while maintaining anti-coronavirus safety practices. Students who observe Ramadan will have an excused absence for any work that falls during the Eid al-Fitr celebration. Further, I wish a generous Ramadan to all our Muslim students and families.

MPS SEPTEMBER SCHOOL OPENING TASK FORCE

As a district, we are beginning to plan for what reentry into school will look like for students and staff in September. The Commissioner of Education and others are talking about a wide variety of issues and potential plans. There are questions around safety, social distancing, student achievement, technology, social-emotional learning, food service, and dozens of other concerns that arise daily.

To this point, MPS is forming a Reentry Task Force made up of various stakeholders with representatives from different groups including Central Office, School Committee, Principal Representatives, Technology Department, Facilities, Athletics, MEA Unit A, B, C, D and HRS (teachers, administrators, and support staff), AFSCME, Food Service, Parent Representatives , MPS Head Nurse, Board of Health, Town Hall, Milton Police Department, and medical experts.

This committee will meet virtually and later in person as guidelines permit over the next 6 or more months. If you are an MPS parent/guardian with an interest in serving, please email your school PTO by Friday, May 8th to express your interest in serving and share any areas of expertise you may bring to the committee.

MPS Principals are also working together on similar committees on transitions from grades 5 to 6 and grades 8 to 9. Details to follow.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

At the next School Committee meeting on May 6, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., the Milton School Committee will hold its annual School Choice Hearing via remote access followed by a regular Milton School Committee meeting. School Committee meetings can be watched On Demand on Milton Access TV or you can join the meeting remotely.

SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE

The School Building Committee has submitted a Statement of Interest to the MA School Building Authority. School Committee Member Ada Rosmarin shares details below.

As the first step in what might be a long relationship with the MSBA, this week the School Building Committee submitted its Statement of Interest (SOI). The submission of the SOI does not commit either the town of Milton or the MSBA to begin a school building project, but it is a necessary step to get the ball rolling. Both the School Committee and the Select Board voted to approve this submission. The MSBA funding process requires about five years before you actually can open a new school – requiring districts to go through further eligibility and feasibility studies, prior to assembling a project team and actually building a new school.

BUSINESS OFFICE UPDATE

Now that the Governor has closed school for the rest of the year, the Milton Public Schools will begin to process refunds for fees paid for canceled events and services. We will be sending further communication about this in the coming weeks.

STAFF NEWS – COLLICOT AND TUCKER

It is with excitement that Collicot announces the appointment of Ms. Ellen Lohan as the Curriculum Coordinator and Assistant Principal for the 2020-2021 year. Ellen’s positive working relationships with teachers, warm and approachable style, along with her ability to provide support and actionable steps for improvement make her an excellent fit for the position. Ellen has cultivated community partnerships that have provided rich professional development for teachers and robust enrichment opportunities for students. As Elementary Science Coordinator, she has used an interdisciplinary approach that required close work with Curriculum Coordinators and Directors, in ELA, Math and World Languages. This collaboration has allowed her to stay current on all elementary initiatives across the district. Ms. Lohan holds a PK-8 Principal/Assistant Principal license in the state of Massachusetts, as well as a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology. We are thrilled she will bring these skills to Collicot.

Collicot has been so fortunate to have had the guidance of Mrs. Hamada and Ms. Lohan in different capacities. We are thrilled both administrators will continue to lead Collicot in their new positions. Ms. Lohan will assume this role when Mrs. Hamada assumes her new role as Director of World Languages on July 1. Congratulations and thank you to Ms. Lohan and Mrs. Hamada.

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The Tucker School team is pleased to announce that Mrs. Kirsten Driscoll will be stepping into the role of the Assistant Principal/Curriculum Coordinator beginning the 20-21 academic year. Mrs. Driscoll has taught at Tucker over the last decade as both a classroom teacher and the instructional technology teacher. She has also served as the Title I Coordinator this year overseeing both the budget, instructional resources and beyond the bell program options. She has been a member of the site council and is a founding member of the Tucker teacher leadership team. The Tucker faculty is very excited for Mrs. Driscoll in this next phase of her career.

Particularly in these unprecedented times we are deeply grateful to Mrs. Deptula for stepping into the interim Assistant Principal/Curriculum Coordinator role this year. She has done a phenomenal job supporting the faculty and families throughout the year in person and virtually these last few weeks.

A NOTE FROM THE PTOS

Even though our school buildings are closed for the rest of this school year, the MPS staff has continued to work hard on our behalf! Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week has always been how we showed our thanks for all they do. This year we’re taking it ONLINE the week of May 4-8, 2020.

There are many ways to show everyone at MPS how much you care, especially now. Here are two specific ways to share your expressions of gratitude:

Take a picture of your student with a sign of appreciation and drop it in this google album by Tuesday, May 5th. These pictures will be used in a MPS appreciation video.

In addition, here are some suggestions to thank a MPS staff member directly:

• Make a card or picture then snap a photo of it
• Write a poem to or about a staff member
• Send a virtual bouquet: take a photo of some flowers in your yard or that you see on a walk or create some flowers out of art supplies or found objects and take a picture
• Write a note via email to someone you appreciate at MPS
• Send your picture or thoughts of appreciation directly to the MPS staff member.

Our teachers, educational assistants, custodial staff, administrative assistants and cafeteria staff work hard all year long on behalf of our students. Please take a moment to thank them during Teacher and Staff Appreciation week starting May 4th!

Every act of kindness and appreciation will be very welcome by our hardworking staff. Please reach out in any way you feel comfortable!

Thank you! The Cunningham, Collicot, Glover, Tucker, Pierce PTOs and the MHS PTSFO

FOOD SERVICE

Over the last 6 weeks, our School Lunch Heroes have really shown just how amazing they are! Each week they make and safely distribute hundreds of breakfasts and lunches to MPS students and families during the school closure. Thank you to our Food Service Professionals!

Weekly to-go bags with 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches are available for pick up every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at MHS and Tucker. These FREE 7 day to-go bags contain low sugar cereal, shelf-stable milk, sun butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and snack bags. ANY Milton family is welcome to pick up a weekly to-go bag as the goal is to support any food insecure student. Thank you to the Fruit Center for their continued donation of shopping bags towards this effort.

These weekly to-go bags of breakfasts and lunches are available to ALL Milton students during the school closing.

If you have a hardship and are in need of more convenient hours for pick up, please contact Food Service Director Jackie Morgan via email at [email protected] or phone at 617-898-1051. MPS families in need of support during this time are also encouraged to email MPS Family Outreach Liaison Marti O’Keefe McKenna at [email protected] or by phone at 617-980-7343.

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

Congratulations to the students who placed in the top 10 in the state Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competitions. Students placing in the top 4 qualify to compete in and attend the National Leadership Conference.

FBLA Co-Advisor, Maura O’Brien stated, “Great job everyone! Thank you all for your flexibility during the competition. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance does not go unnoticed!” FBLA Co-Advisor, Pat Ellis added, “It is great to see students going above and beyond their school work to compete in this competition. It shows incredible personal drive for success. We are proud of each student that competed.”

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MHS would like to promote life-long healthy habits for our students, staff, visitors, and the community by getting into the habit of drinking water instead of sugary drinks. We have started a campaign with the Tap Water Watch Group to solicit funds to replace our current water fountains with new hands-free water filtration systems. This would allow everyone at MHS to stop using so much plastic and keep hydrated with good-tasting, filtered water throughout the day. Moreover, by replacing our old water fountains with new hands-free water filtration systems, we will be reducing the number of high-touch surfaces while at the same time, reducing the spread of germs.

Please help us by contributing and/or sharing this donation campaign to your network of friends and family so we can reach our goal! Every little bit helps us get to our goal. On behalf of the Milton High School community, thank you in advance for your consideration!

PIERCE PAGES

Congratulations to the 2020 Classics Exams award winners from Pierce! Our students performed extremely well and we are please to recognize them here.

National Latin Exam: Over 100,00 students, from all 50 states, and 24 countries around the world, take this exam.

National Mythology Exam: This exam is given to over 10,000 students in approximately 400 schools around the United States and in several foreign countries.

INSIDE OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

All elementary district-wide learning opportunities can be found on the Elementary At-Home Learning Opportunities website, which is linked on each school website as well as the MPS website.

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The teachers of our youngest students at each of our schools have been safely delivering some supplies, schoolwork and socially distanced love! We have loved seeing the smiling faces of our youngest students over the last few weeks. Keep learning and we will see you soon!

MSAPC

Mattleman is Back, Milton! At 7:00 p.m. on May 6th, Milton favorite, Jon Mattleman, will discuss, “Teens, Tweens, and Quarantines”. This interactive presentation for parents is the first in the Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition’s webinar series, Milton Learns Together: Webinar Wednesdays.

Jon Mattleman is a mental health counselor and trainer with 30 years of experience working with children, teens, young adults, parents and families. We welcome his return after presenting “Minding Your Mind” at Pierce Middle School in 2017 and the Secret Life of Teens and Tweens earlier this year at Milton High School.

“Teens, Tweens, & Quarantines” is a presentation for parents focusing on the impact of COVID-19 on our children. In a dynamic fashion, this talk will address the teen/tween brain, explain why this pandemic is so difficult for this age group, survey the process of loss, discuss issues related to independence, autonomy, and privacy, and offer perspectives and suggestions that parents can implement immediately. In addition, parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and get concrete answers for practical steps they can take in real-time – who has time to wait?

MILTON FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION

If distance learning has given you a new appreciation for our MPS teachers, now is the time to give them credit!

The Milton Foundation for Education invites you to nominate that special teacher for our OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD PROGRAM, also known as TEACHER OF THE YEAR. Our teachers are second to none, which is what makes this event so special to us. We are currently seeking nominations for teachers who promote achievement in our children and garner the respect of colleagues, students and parents alike. We look forward to hearing from you, and learning more about the amazing teachers who inspire Milton students every day.

Nominations are due Friday, May 8.

CURRICULUM CHALLENGE

Brian Selig, MPS K-12 Math Director has a Math Challenge that is appropriate for students at all grade levels.

Each week, I will display the first three steps in a pattern and then pose questions related to that pattern that increase in difficulty. My hope is that all students regardless of grade level can find enjoyment and success in investigating these patterns even if they are unable to formally describe how the pattern grows over time. Good luck!

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Administrator for Pupil Personnel Services, Susan Maselli, shares the following. She can be reached anytime via email.

I hope this message finds you all well. Please find attached coordinates from the Department of Education related to the provision of support and learning opportunities related to special education students during school closure.

The Office of Pupil Personnel Services appreciates your cooperation and patience while Remote Learning Plans are developed, implemented, evaluated and adjusted for all our students with special education needs. In alignment with the guidance from last Friday, you can expect to see the new state recommended Remote Learning Plan in use as service plans are updated for individual students. We will continue to host parent coffees on all issues related to special education services during school closure, and as always, you can reach out to Patty Lesenechal at [email protected] to RSVP.

I hope this letter and attached tool kit is a resource you find helpful. As always, please be in touch with any questions.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

Audiobooks! Are you tired of looking at a screen? Try reading with your ears! There are plenty of Audiobooks available online. This week AudioFile announced their Young Adult Spring/Summer season of free audiobooks that are released weekly. They will release two audiobooks with a common theme that are free for you to download.

AudioBookCloud provides access to audiobooks for children and young adults. The username is: tumble2020 and the password is: A3b5c6. This database also includes titles in Spanish.

Every year there are associations that highlight the best audiobooks of the year based on different categories. These are great places to find recommendations. They include the Audie Awards by Audible, The Odyssey Award and Amazing Audiobooks List by YALSA.

As always, if you are looking for book recommendations, research assistance or need help troubleshooting your technology feel free to reach out to MHS librarian, J Troy at [email protected]. Happy Reading!

FAMILY RESOURCES

Milton Residents Fund (MRF): Any Milton residents 18 or older facing a financial crisis can reach out to the MRF for help with things like rental or mortgage assistance, utility assistance, winter heating oil, small car repair fees, educational or professional development fees, or medical expenses. To determine if you might qualify, please email Noreen Dolan, LCSW at [email protected] or leave a message at 617-696-1214.

Support Services: The BRYT (Bridge For Resilient Youth in Transition) Family Engagement Team is offering support to families to help manage these difficult times during the state school suspension.

Parent Support Group – BRYT offers daily support groups around various topics based on what parents report they need. These are open to ANY family, not just BRYT families. *May 1 will be the start of their Spanish speaking group.*

Parent Support Webinar – If you missed a group, but you still want to be able to participate. The Family Engagement Team will be adding mini webinars for their topic-based groups so parents can watch at a time convenient for them.

Facebook – BRYT offers a closed Facebook group for peer to peer support. Come talk with parents who are going through similar situations. Just search “BRYT Family Support” and ask to join.

Tutoring: Free Tutoring Resource for Military Connected Students. Tutor.com/military, an online tutoring program for active military-connected students has been temporarily expanded to include U.S. Department of Defense affiliated personnel and their families to alleviate the academic stress experienced during the COVID-19 public health crisis. The program provides on-demand academic support 24/7 online in more than 100 subjects for students in kindergarten through college. The program is available at no cost to any adult or child in a Department of Defense civilian or Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve or Wounded Warrior military family who is trying to continue learning while managing unexpected changes to their routines.

Food Resources:

If you are in need of food beyond May 2nd, the Interfaith Social Services Food Pantry, located at 105 Adams St., Quincy is open Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. and Wednesdays 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. for families in need during this difficult time. The food pantry asks those families arriving by car to please remain in your vehicle and you will be directed by a volunteer. Those who walk to the pantry are also welcome and should enter through the pantry lobby. New clients are welcome.

MPS Family Liaison: Milton Public Schools is committed to being a resource for you. Whether you are unsure of how to connect with school staff or directly need a referral for services or supplies please don’t hesitate to reach out to Marti O’Keefe McKenna, MPS Family Outreach Liaison at 617-980-7343 or by email at [email protected]. All calls and emails are confidential.

COUNSELING CORNER

Each week, one of our MPS Adjustment Counselors will share information or resources. Last week, Glover’s Mr. Powers wrote to the MPS community. This week, Mr. Cadet from Tucker checks in below.

As our governor informed us that schools will remain close for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, I imagine like me, many of you have mixed emotions about this announcement and entire ordeal. I wished we would be able to safely close out the year in our schools, but given the precarious nature of this novel virus, I am resolved and concur it is best to remain in social distance. These turbulent times affect us in profound ways as it does our children and the stress of being both parent and teacher simultaneously for such an extended period of time is leaving me with fewer hairs from the little I had. Although these past few weeks have been quite challenging, I have learned the need to keep things light (having a dose of humor each day), spend more time playing together as a family, make use of deep breaths (using mindfulness) when I really want to yell and scream, reminding myself that my wife and kids are not the enemy but this virus that is causing so much stress, frustration, worry, sadness, fear, pain, and the vast range of emotions I experience is the enemy.

I am reminded of what I often tell your children at Tucker that it’s okay to think and feel anything, it’s what we do with those thoughts and feelings that can be expected or unexpected. In essence, it’s okay for me to experience these feelings at the moment; given I can only control me, I can choose to do something to help myself so as to not prolong the undesired emotion or transfer it onto my family. It’s important for me to remember that my kids look for and pick up cues from how I am managing, being gracious with them and when I mess up, they too can be gracious with me.

That said, the question that many of us may grapple with at this time is what do we do to make the most of this experience as a family? I want to thank my adjustment counseling colleagues who have listed so many helpful ideas over the past few weeks; I am fortunate to work alongside so many talented and incredible people. Like you, this is hard for us, we are taking this day by day.

Here are a few more ideas to consider. As much as we’re thinking about this situation, our kids are doing the same and need our perspective to reach an appropriate conclusion we can approve of. As disrupting as this time is, we need to reassure them that school is closed for the rest of the year to keep us healthy and safe. We have to take proactive measures by having honest, age-appropriate conversations that are informative without burdening them. It’s imperative that we offer accurate age-appropriate information, being careful to gently correct their misunderstanding or distortion. In doing so, we must remain empathetic and attentive to their emotional needs, focusing our actions on doing the best we can to remain healthy and safe.

Additionally, it is helpful to maintain a consistent daily routine/schedule with clear expectations, limiting their screen time, being mindful of watching the news in their presence, encourage connections with friends/peers via phone, FaceTime, or video chat. Throughout this time, be sure to have some fun, use humor as much as possible and play games as a family. Make cleaning, cooking, or baking an activity that involves everyone in the family; practice expressing ongoing gratitude for one another, extended family, friends, and all essential workers. Engage in movement activities, taking walks when possible, practicing yoga, calming breathing techniques, mindfulness, listen to music, and dance if desired.

Finally, as adults, let’s model connections with those in our lives to talk through our big emotions and find laughter through books, tv shows, magazines, etc. We’re in this journey together, let’s stay connected; as counselors, we are here for you, your children and family. I long for the day we can celebrate being back together again as different as it will be. We will get through this together, you are AMAZING!!!

Your MPS school Adjustment Counselors: Jennie Beliveau, Mary Bianca Mattocks, Kenneth Adelmann (Milton High School); Myriam Francoeur, Kara Sheridan, Kelly Dearing (Pierce) Jaclyn Germano (Cunningham); Elizabeth Caruso (Collicot) ; Ramsay Cadet (Tucker) Brian Powers, Christine Howley (Glover)

ART AND MUSIC

Elementary students across Milton were so creative with their sculpture materials! From cardboard and clay to Legos and Magna-Tiles, students made an amazing variety of art projects while exploring the art element Form!

ATHLETICS

Senior Student-Athlete Spotlight
Each day we will spotlight our senior student-athletes from the spring season. Our student-athletes have worked for years towards their senior year. Some are captains, some are playing their last competitive season, others were looking for a 3rd straight State Title. Social Distancing will without a doubt save lives, but for our student-athletes, right now, it still hurts to miss out on their final season. Let’s give them the recognition they deserve! Here are this week’s highlights.

Mikel Descopins: Wiry and with wings on his feet, Mikel’s desire to reach the try line is a force to be reckoned with. His raw talent will only improve with age. He is a quiet student and lets his play do the talking. Very good teammate who is always cheering on the success of others.

Michelle Gauvin: Michelle is a three-year varsity letter track and field athlete. Michelle has improved every year. This past Indoor Season was her best season. Michelle’s toughness is shown by her event of choice. She races over ten hurdles that are almost half her height. Watching her attack the first hurdle is a thing of beauty. She is vicious coming out of the blocks and then once she crosses the finish line her smile becomes contagious to all of her competitors. Pound for pound Michelle is one of the toughest hurdlers in the state.

Kyle Hipp: There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe this student. He has the biggest heart of anyone and cares deeply about his peers and their success. In the Spring of 2019, we started the Unified Track and Field Team, looking to break down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities in a really fun way. Kyle epitomizes what it means to be a student-athlete and role model. He values inclusion and citizenship and hard-work. The Unified Track season would not have run as smoothly without Kyle. I am sure he will be back next season as a graduate to help out because that is the kind of person he is.

Jack Boylan: Starting second baseman and lead off hitter for the Baseball Team. Hit .333 last year while playing terrific defense. Jack brings a great attitude and effort every day and is an absolute pleasure to coach. Also Team Captain for the Golf Team and two-time All-Star. Helped bring the Hockey Team back to the Tournament his senior season as one of two assistant captains!

Taylor Vrettas: From Coach Assarian, “I have had the pleasure of coaching Taylor in both Unified Track and Girl’s Basketball. Taylor joined the first season of Unified Track and Field as a junior, and has been a positive influence on the team. With her comedic sense of humor and high spirits, Taylor brought a sense of joy to the team. She is very involved both on and off the field, and continues to spread her positivity through the team. With her knowledge of track, Taylor has been an awesome asset to the team, and will continue to have a positive impact in her future endeavors. ”

COMMUNITY NEWS

The U.S. Census Bureau has extended the deadline for the national census to Saturday, October 31. Individuals can respond online, over the phone by calling the number in the invitation that was mailed to their home, or by mail.

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Chess Club with Mr. Vigorito is on! International Chess Master David Vigorito has been teaching chess in Milton for over 10 years. Classes begin Monday.

With school done for the year, let’s make the best of it! Mr. Vigorito will be doing online chess classes in May. All information can be found on the Chess Club website

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Milton participates in #ClapBecauseWeCare!

Every Friday at 7:00 p.m. open up a window, or stand in front of your house, and clap and whoop, ring a bell, or bang some pots and pans together, for five minutes as if J.D. Martinez just hit a home run in Fenway Park.

Organizers are hoping residents will cheer for the doctors, nurses, and first responders; the pharmacists and grocery workers, delivery drivers and postal employees, restaurateurs who have stayed open, and other essential personnel who are risking exposure to COVID-19 so everyone else can stay home and stay healthy.

The plan is to keep this up EVERY Friday at 7:00 p.m. until we emerge on the other side of this pandemic. Post a video of your celebration on social media with the #ClapBecauseWeCareMilton and make sure that the video is set to ‘public.’

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The annual Brookwood Farm Seedling Sale is available for online shopping only this year along with any remaining CSA shares at www.brookwoodcommunityfarm.org. All details can also be found here. Thank you to the MPS families who have been helping out at the farm, while volunteering with just their own families.

SNAP farm shares are going to be available soon through a signup form & allow for HIP benefits. If you want to receive a form, please send an email to [email protected].

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There is much fun to be had virtually this season in the Children’s Room at the Milton Public Library!

Cool family activities including electronic and audiobooks, live programs, virtual storytimes, and more are available every day from ​www.miltonlibrary.org​ and the Library’s Facebook pages. We have these exciting online programs happening for young people in your life during the week of May 3-9.

IMPORTANT MPS CONTACTS

• Mary Gormley, Superintendent of Schools, [email protected]
• Glenn Pavlicek, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, [email protected]
• Dr. Karen Spaulding, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Human Resources, [email protected]
• MHS Principal James Jette, [email protected]
• PMS Principal Bill Fish, [email protected]
• Glover Principal Karen McDavitt, [email protected]
• Cunningham Principal Jon Redden, [email protected]
• Tucker Principal Dr. Elaine McNeil-Girmai, [email protected]
• Collicot Principal Holly Concannon, [email protected]
• Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Special Education, Susan Maselli [email protected]
• Director of Food Service Jackie Morgan, [email protected]
• Family Outreach Liaison Marti O’Keefe McKenna, [email protected]
• Milton Health Department Caroline Kinsella, [email protected]

MPS school Adjustment Counselors: Jennie Beliveau, Kenneth Adelmann (Milton High School); Myriam Francoeur, Kara Sheridan, Kelly Dearing (Pierce), Jaclyn Germano (Cunningham); Elizabeth Caruso (Collicot) ; Ramsay Cadet (Tucker) Brian Powers, Christine Howley (Glover)

Central Office is staffed every day (we are practicing safe social distancing) and you can reach the Superintendent’s office any time via phone at 617-686-4808 or via email.

AMBASSADOR PAGE

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:

VOLUNTEERS: Our partnership with both Steel and Rye and the Fruit Center continues throughout the school closure.

Steel and Rye and Dan Kerrigan have made dinners available to MPS families each weeknight, facilitated and delivered by our Family Outreach Liaison Marti O’Keefe McKenna. We are so grateful for this continued partnership! Please visit the Steel and Rye website to donate to this effort or to order yourself a delicious take out meal.

The Fruit Center and the Mignosa Family have been very generous with grocery bags – both new reusable bags and sturdy paper bags which has allowed our Food Service team to safely and efficiently pack the meals to go for our MPS families. We are so thankful to them for this generous donation.

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