September 16th E-blast

From: Mary C. Gormley
To: Students, Parents/Guardians and Staff
Re: E-blast Update
Date:  Tuesday, September 16th, 2014

FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

As you know, we consider the safety and security of your children a top priority when they are in our care in the Milton Public Schools.

Several of my previous E-blasts have communicated safety and security initiatives that the Milton Public Schools have implemented during the past 22 months. Immediately following the Newtown tragedy, I convened a multi-disciplinary Safety and Security Working Group that included Milton Police Chief Richard Wells, Jr., Milton Police Sergeant Jack Richman, Milton Police Officers Maria Poles and Christopher Potts, School Committee Chairman Leroy Walker, Assistant Superintendent Glenn Pavlicek, Consolidated Facilities Director Bill Ritchie, Community Schools Director Pam Dorsey, Fine Arts & Family/Consumer Studies Department Head Dr. Noreen Diamond Burdett, Information Technology Director Bob Pattison, Milton High School Principal James Jette, Milton High School Vice Principal Michelle Kreuzer, Pierce Middle School Principal Dr. Karen Spaulding, Glover Elementary School Principal Dr. Sheila Kukstis, Milton High School Athletic Director Larry Rooney and Milton High School Senior Custodian Jason Scherer. The Safety and Security Working Group developed a plan under the leadership of the Milton School Committee, with the financial support of the town’s Capital Committee and Milton Public School budget and in close collaboration with the Milton Police Department. The group identified five key areas of focus and two implementation phases as outlined below:

Phase One:

  • Improve police communication capability
  • Harden physical facility perimeters
  • Control access to school buildings

Phase Two:

  • Strengthen response capability during after-school activity hours (3-10pm)
  • Create a culture of security

I am pleased to report that all of the above objectives have been accomplished. We have recently completed the last objective regarding a “culture of security” by training all school personnel in our lockdown procedures and response guidelines in the event of a violent intruder situation. Over the next few weeks, teachers will be discussing (in age-appropriate terms) these procedures with all students. For all students, these discussions will include when stay-in-place or evacuation procedures are appropriate. Middle- and high-school students will have conversations with their teachers about instances where assistance with barricading and/or distraction measures may be an appropriate last resort.  We have been working hard to ensure that our district is among the most proactive schools in the Commonwealth when it comes to safety issues and have been assured that this is now the case.

In addition to routine fire drills, students in all six of our schools are also regularly trained in lock-down procedures and practices. The training of our administrators and teachers/staff is supervised by Milton Police Sgt. Jack Richman, who is recognized across the state as a leader in School Security and Training.

“Over the past several years, Milton has been involved in an ongoing program to increase the participation by faculty and staff to increase security in our schools,” said Sgt. Richman. “This enhanced training that we are providing this year will further advance the safety of the children in our school buildings.”

Governor Deval Patrick is quoted in the Massachusetts Task Force Report on School Safety and Security as stating that “No child will be able to succeed academically if they don’t first feel safe in school.  No teacher will be able to reach their best if they aren’t confident there’s a plan in place to ensure their school is well prepared for an emergency.”

We have dedicated one full professional development day per level (elementary, middle and high) to train your children’s teachers, staff, custodians, lunch staff and administrative assistants in the enhanced lock-down procedures and protocols. Now that every Milton Public Schools employee has been trained in these procedures, we are now prepared to have our teachers and administrators train our students and conduct practice drills under the direction of the Milton Police and Milton Public School administrators.

As noted above, your child’s teacher will be sharing age-appropriate procedures to use in drills with students in the classroom. My primary goal is to assure each of you and our staff members that the Milton Public Schools have prepared our staff and students on a variety of emergency responses.  We will do our best to answer any and all questions from you or your children.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

               I would also like to note that we have had a smooth start to the school year. The buildings were all meticulously cleaned during the summer months. Student schedules, registrations and class assignments were all in order and opening day was a big success. We did have some issues with bus routes, but those issues have since been resolved. If you have questions about bus routes or other transportation questions, please email bus@miltonps.org and add my name to the “cc” line: mgormley@miltonps.org.  I am grateful to all of those who helped get the 2014-15 school year off to a great start.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE UPDATE

The most recent School Committee meeting was held Wednesday, September 10th. Please see the summary below:

September 10th: The meeting began with a back-to-school update, including information on teacher orientation, mentoring, bus issues and class sizes. Next, as part of the Chairman’s Report, there was an executive session vote report-out. After approval of vendor warrants, the meeting adjourned to executive session. The next meeting will be held October 1st at 7pm in the Milton High School library.

PRESCHOOL INFO

               Milton’s Integrated Pre-School program at the Collicot Elementary School has additional openings for four-year-old Peer Role Models!

These are for PM sessions, which run from 12-2:30, Monday-Friday.  Tuition is required. Interested parents must complete registration with Jane Barrett in the Registration Office at Milton High School.

Additional Information about the Integrated Pre-School Program can be found on the MPS Website (http://www.miltonps.org/documents/UPDATED1-14IntPKWebInfo.pdf) or by contacting Karen Clasby at kclasby@miltonps.org

CURRICULUM NEWS

Note: In addition to the curriculum news we have always included in each E-blast, I will now be highlighting specific curriculum initiatives from each level.

The following item was submitted by Alyssa Buchanan, English Language Education Coordinator.

English Language Education Update:  Core academic teachers who teach English Language Learners and administrators who supervise those teachers have been participating in Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement courses in Milton and surrounding cities and towns.

This is the second year that Milton educational professionals have participated in these courses.  The courses are required as part of RETELL, the Rethinking Equity and Teaching for English Language Learners Initiative.  The course provides researched based background in language acquisition; effective teaching methodologies particularly focused on developing academic language associated with content as well as provides an understanding of cultural issues which effect language development.

The training is sponsored and funded by the MADESE and Milton will offer an on- site course for one additional school year.  After that time, teachers of English Language Learners and administrators will be required to seek out and participate in the endorsement course or pass an SEI MTEL in order to renew licensure. Additional information regarding this initiative can be found at the RETELL website http://www.doe.mass.edu/retell/

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I wanted to make you aware that due to contractual changes the school day has been extended by 5 minutes. This means that all four elementary schools and our middle school all have a later dismissal time.

This change has been made to the elementary and middle schools effective the first day of school.  Additional information will be distributed regarding arrival and dismissal procedures and routines.

Please see all changes to times below.  As always, I appreciate your support as we work to enhance the instructional day and maintain the safety and security of the buildings.

New Start & Dismissal Times for Schools:

GLOVER: 8:50am – 3:19pm
TUCKER: 8:50am – 3:19pm
COLLICOT: 8:20am – 2:49pm
CUNNINGHAM: 8:20am – 2:49pm
PIERCE: 7:57am – 2:26pm
MILTON HIGH SCHOOL: 7:50am – 2:19pm (did not change)

Also, please note that there will be NO SCHOOL on Thursday, September 25th in observance of Rosh Hashanah.

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An innovative program which brings Milton High School students directly into local places of business has become increasingly popular among high school students who are interested in exploring career options.

The program, known as the Schools to Career Partnership, brings together schools, businesses and organizations to offer industry- specific seminars, business site visits, guest classroom speakers, mentorships, internships, shadow days and advisory boards to make academic learning relevant.

The program is open to all Milton High students, although the majority of participants are upperclassmen, according to Dana Giannattasio, a MHS Biology teacher who coordinates the program.

“As local team leader for Milton High School, I value the emphasis that the School to Careers Partnership places on the connection between the school and the professional world,” said Ms. Giannattasio. “By giving students opportunities to explore different fields while in high school, they are becoming more knowledgeable about the intricacies of potential careers, and are better prepared for the requirements of higher education.”

On-site visits to local businesses occur during the school day and students get the opportunity not only to see and tour the workplace, but also get a chance to talk to employees about their careers.

The next opportunity for high school students will be the Bio-Tech Futures event on Tuesday, October 7th, when the program will key professionals from leading bio-tech and medical groups at Canton High School.

The objective is for students to discover interests, talents and opportunities through this program. The hope is that they use the information to formulate college and career goals that excite them, resulting in self-motivated and achieving students.

The School to Careers Partnership program exists in fifteen middle and senior high schools the Boston area. For more information about Milton High School’s involvement with this program, please contact Dana Giannattasio:  dgiannattasio@miltonps.org

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Pierce Scientists Use Notebooks as a Tool for Learning: With the passing of the 1.0 Advancement Budget by the Milton Public Schools’ School Committee came a much needed influx of science curriculum materials to the Pierce Middle School.  Curriculum selections were done based on a commitment to engage students in “doing” science “as scientists do” such that students would develop both important ideas in science, as well as, the skills and habits of mind of scientists and engineers.

One critical aspect of engaging students in “doing” science is maintaining science notebooks.  Scientists and engineers use notebooks for a number reasons including recording data, raising questions, planning experiments, brainstorming solutions, recording emerging ideas and explanations, and communicating with each other.  The scientist’s notebook becomes an artifact of his or her own evolution of understanding of scientific phenomena.

Given that, using science notebooks with students can also serve as an invaluable tool for formative assessment for the teacher.  The kinds of notebooking experiences in which Pierce Middle School students engage include: recording data, sketching observations, authoring predictions and hypotheses, making note of step by step procedures and experimental designs, reflecting on one’s ideas and explanations, graphing and analyzing data, and drawing evidenced-based claims.

Science notebooks are a powerful tool for supporting the development of scientific ideas in students not to mention enhancing their ability to write and support their ideas with evidence, and so have become an integral part of the science program at the Pierce Middle School.  To read more about the use of notebooks in the middle school science classroom, please visit the FOSS Science Curriculum web site:  https://www.fossweb.com/delegate/ssi-foss-ucm/ucm?dDocName=D1423685

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Last year, thanks to generous funding from the Milton Foundation for Education, we were able to pilot an educational program in the fifth grade classes at the Cunningham and Collicot Schools called Science from Scientists.  Based on feedback from students, teachers, and parents, the program was a success. Glover and Tucker teachers may remember attending the Science Theater event, run by Science from Scientists, last June.

We are excited to announce that the Science from Scientists program will be expanding into the fifth grades in all four elementary schools for the 2014-2015 school year!

Science from Scientists provides hands on lessons, materials, supplies and curriculum that is standards based. The model includes a full menu of lessons that can be chosen by the district.  Science from Scientists provides a Scientist to co-teach with the classroom teacher bi-weekly to deliver a 45 minute lesson.  The person who comes to your classroom bi-weekly will be the same person for the entire year, creating a relationship between the instructor and students.  Watching an actual scientist teach in your classroom on a regular basis will be an excellent professional development opportunity for you and a fantastic learning opportunity for our students.  In addition, Science from Scientists offers a rich PDP program that you may wish to take advantage of.  The program allows teachers to earn PDPs by creating and implementing follow-up science lessons in their classroom.  A representative from Science from Scientists will share more information with the Milton Public Schools about that opportunity this fall. Funding for this program was shared by the Milton Public Schools and the Milton Foundation for Education.

The link below will lead you to a one minute video of some of the lessons that took place at the Cunningham School last year: http://youtu.be/iaqN39KbRks

Feel free to check out the Science from Scientists website to learn more:  http://sciencefromscientists.org

UPCOMING MPS EVENTS

Open House events will be held at the following dates/time:

Pierce Middle School Open House on Thursday, September 18th at 6:30pm
Cunningham, Glover and Tucker Open House on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:30pm
Collicot Open House on Thursday, October 2nd at 6:30pm.

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Online registration has already begun for Adult Education classes. Walk-in registration for Adult Education classes will be held at Milton High tonight (September 16th). Please see the brochure below for more info:

http://www.miltonps.org/documents/AdultEdBrochure-Fall2014-1.pdf

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Exercise for Evan: Fundraiser to Support Milton High School’s Weight Room

When Evan Jones, MHS Class of 2011, passed away at the age of 19 from Sudden Unexpected Death due to Epilepsy (SUDEP), the entire town mourned the untimely loss of this generous and kind athlete.  Now, his family and friends continue to turn their grief into something positive by raising money to improve the weight room at MHS, something very important to Evan.

On Saturday, October 11, the Second Annual fundraising event at the high school entitled “Exercise for Evan,” and will feature a wide array of games and activities including a Dunk Tank, Zumba class, Boot Camp, Dodge Ball, a 50/50 raffle and more.  The event is from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Brooks Field.  In the event of rain, the fundraiser will be moved to the Copeland Field House.  Admission is $20 per person, and $5 for children 10 and younger.

The money raised at this event will support updating the weight room equipment, as well to support scholarships that will be awarded next spring to two graduating seniors at Milton High School.  For more information or to volunteer, contact Kristan Bagley Jones at bagleyjones@comcast.net

NEW APPOINTMENTS

I would like to announce the appointment of the district’s new Technology Administrator.  Dr. Angela Burke will be starting in this position, which was created as a result of the Advancement Initiative, with funds approved by the School Committee, Warrant Committee and Town Meeting.

Dr. Burke comes to the Milton Public Schools from the FUSE (Family Urban Schools of Excellence) educational management organization in Hartford, Connecticut, where she served as the director of curriculum, instruction and assessment.  She previously served as the Academy Director for Orchard Gardens Pilot School in Boston, a Project Coordinator/Teacher Quality Specialist for the Massachusetts Department of Education and was a Founding Academic Dean for Achievement First in Hartford, Connecticut.  Dr. Burke is also a published author and has served as a classroom teacher in Boston and New Britain, Connecticut.

Dr. Burke earned her bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, her master’s degree from Simmons College and her doctoral degree from the University of Hartford.

“Dr. Burke comes with an impressive background to the position that we expect to shape the Digital Technology and Instruction Strategy for the Milton Public Schools,” said Leroy Walker, Chairman of the Milton School Committee. “I welcome her to the Milton Public Schools Management Team and encourage her to take the lead in helping us meet this important challenge.”

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I would also like to inform you that Martha O’Keefe has been appointed as the district’s new Parent Liaison. This position was also created as a result of the Advancement Initiative, with funds approved by the School Committee, Warrant Committee and Town Meeting.

“This is a valuable position for the Milton Public Schools as it will provide a much-needed link between families and the schools,” said School Committee Member Kristan Bagley Jones. “It is well understood that a strong connection between home, school and community results in better academic achievement for all.”

Ms. O’Keefe has been employed by Milton Public Schools since 2009, as a Librarian/Library Paraprofessional and as a Future Problem Solving teacher and coach. She previously served as Program Director at the Parent to Parent Program in Quincy and also served as the Interim Program Director and interim home visitor for the Parent Child Home Program in Quincy. She was a Social Worker/Case Manager/Adoption Worker for the Department of Social Services in Weymouth.

Ms. O’Keefe earned her degree in Social Work from Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont.

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Please help me to also welcome Patricia Lesenechal, who has been appointed our new Residency Coordinator.  Ms. Lesenechal will be filling the vacancy left by Doreen Walsh. Ms. Lesenechal previously served as a Senior Campaign Manager for Boston Globe Media, as well as in the company’s client service department and as an inside sales representative.  She also served as Personnel Assistant for the US Navy in Boston. We encourage all Milton Public School families and Milton taxpayers who may have tips on residency issues to contact Ms. Lesenechal via the Student Residency Anonymous Tip Line: 617-698-1213 or plesenechal@miltonps.org

GRANT/FUNDRAISING NEWS

Milton High School was recently approved for a Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Community Health Grant in the amount of $1,500.  The grant will help supplement the high school’s Good Decision Making and Healthy Choices program.  As part of the program, the MHS Student Leaders’ work with the freshman class and facilitate small group discussions that center around making healthy choices about substance abuse, how to handle bullying, conflict resolution and managing stress.  The grant will allow for approximately 40 Milton High Student Leaders to be trained by Caron Treatment Centers in group facilitation skills.  The training reinforces communication and collaborative problem-solving skills as a way to reinforce healthy values and good-decision-making.

The Good Decision Making and Health Choices program is also supported by funds from the Milton Junior Women’s Club.

The Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Community Health Grant check will presented to the Milton High School Student Leaders and the other winning organizations at the hospital’s annual Community Health Walk and Health Fair on Saturday, September 27th at 10 a.m.

MFE NEWS

The Milton Foundation for Education wishes all students, parents, and teachers a wonderful start to the 2014/2015 school year. In the next week, you will receive our Annual Appeal Mailing. Donations made to the Annual Appeal directly benefit students and teachers through our Teacher Grant Program. Please be on the lookout for this mailing and help us to “Fund a First” in your children’s education. We have also set the dates for our two biggest community events, our Monster Dash 5k Road Race on Sunday, October 26 (see below) and the Celebration for Education on March 14, 2015 at the Boston Marriott Quincy. Visit our website at www.miltonfoundationforeducation.org to learn more about the MFE or contact Co-Presidents Patti Elliott, Meg Kaster, and Denise Queally for more information.

* * *

Save the Date! This year’s Monster Dash that will take place on Sunday, October 26th. This will be a fun day for all — runners, volunteers, sponsors and there will even be science-related activities to keep young students engaged and entertain.

The Monster Dash is an annual 5K Road Race, which is held in loving memory of Sam Cichello, a Tucker student who died tragically in a playground accident in 1999.  The Milton Foundation for Education created Sam’s Fund to raise money in support of science enrichment in all four of Milton’s elementary schools. Proceeds from this race enable the Milton Public Schools science coordinator to undertake hands-on science lessons, train teachers and partner with the Blue Hills Trailside Museum on a number of educational projects.  To register, click here:  http://www.active.com/milton-ma/running/distance-running-races/milton-s-16th-annual-monster-dash-2014?int=

The race organizers can be contacted via email:

bethvplunkett@hotmail.com  flashygreg@gmail.com   nvernazza@gmail.com

FOOD SERVICE

The following item has been submitted by Food Service Director Jacqueline Morgan:

The National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. They provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free breakfasts and lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. School lunch must meet meal pattern and nutrition standards based on the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The current meal pattern increases the availability of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the school menu.

Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through the National School Lunch Program. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced‐price meals, for which students can be charged no more than 40 cents.

We offer breakfast every school day in all of our schools.  Breakfast is free for all REDUCED and FREE students and it is a great way to start the day. Breakfast is $1.25 for all paid students. These funds can come right out of your students Nutrikids account. Student’s who qualify for the reduced program pay $.40 for a complete lunch.

All children come through a computerized Point of Sale system which keeps student information private.  All students state their name in elementary school or use a four /five digit PIN number in both middle and high school. Below is the federal income chart to help you understand if your family may qualify for meals assistance.

FEDERAL ELIGIBILITY INCOME CHART School Year 2014-2015
Household size Yearly Monthly Weekly
1 $21,590 $1,800 $416
2 $29,101 $2,426 $560
3 $36,612 $3,051 $705
4 $44,123 $3,677 $849
5 $51,634 $4,303 $993
6 $59,145 $4,929 $1,138
7 $66,656 $5,555 $1,282
8 $74,167 $6,181 $1,427
Each additional person: +7,511 +626 +145

 

Nearly 32 million children receive meals throughout the school day. These meals are based on nutrition standards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. New nutrition standards for schools increase access to healthy food and encourage kids to make smart choices. Schools are working to make meals more nutritious, keep all students hunger-free, and help children maintain or reach a healthy weight.

  1. Healthier school meals for your children

Your children benefit from healthier meals that include more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lower sodium foods, and less saturated fat. Talk to your child about the changes in the meals served at school.

  1. More fruits and vegetables every day

Kids have fruits and vegetables at school every day. A variety of vegetables are served throughout the week including red, orange, and dark-green vegetables.

  1. More whole-grain foods

Half of all grains offered are whole-grain-rich foods such as whole-grain pasta, brown rice, and oatmeal. Some foods are made by replacing half the refined-grain (white) flour with whole-grain flour.

  1. Both low-fat milk (1%) and fat-free milk varieties are offered

Children get the same calcium and other nutrients, but with fewer calories and less saturated fat by drinking low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk. For children who can’t drink milk due to allergies or lactose intolerance, schools can offer milk substitutes, such as calcium-fortified soy beverages.

  1. Less saturated fat and salt

A variety of foods are offered to reduce the salt and saturated fat in school meals. Main dishes may include beans, peas, nuts, tofu, or seafood as well as lean meats or poultry. Ingredients and foods contain less salt (sodium).

  1. More water

Schools can provide water pitchers and cups on lunch tables, a water fountain, or a faucet that allows students to fill their own bottles or cups with drinking water. Water is available where meals are served.

  1. New portion sizes

School meals meet children’s calorie needs, based on their age. While some portions may be smaller, kids still get the nutrition they need to keep them growing and active.

  1. Stronger local wellness programs

New policies offer opportunities for parents and communities to create wellness programs that address local needs. Talk with your principal, teachers, school board, parent-teacher association, and others to create a strong wellness program in your community.

  1. MyPlate can help kids make better food choices

Show children how to make healthy food choices at school by using MyPlate. Visit www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for tips and resources.

  1. Resources for parents

School meal programs can provide much of what children need for health and growth. But for many parents, buying healthy foods at home is a challenge. Learn more about healthy school meals and other nutrition assistance programs at www.fns.usda.gov

Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for more information.

BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL – MILTON

Concerned about your child texting and driving? Then you won’t want to miss the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton Community Health Walk and Health Fair at the hospital on Saturday, September 27 from 10 am – 2 pm. In addition to the 5k and 1 mile health and wellness walks, health fair, family-oriented games and activities and complimentary barbecue lunch, the hospital is presenting the nationally noted Arrive Alive texting and distracted driving prevention simulation program from Unite http://arrivealivetour.com/unite/. Funds raised at the event will go towards facility improvement and new equipment for the hospital’s outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Registration is $5 per walker, except children under the age of 12 who are free. Visit www.bidmilton.org  and download registration forms.

NEWS AROUND TOWN

The following item was submitted by Allan Bishop with the Milton DPW.

On Saturday, September 20, 2014, the Milton Department of Public Works will hold a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day for Milton residents. Collection hours are from 9 a.m. to noon. No early arrivals! The collection takes place at the DPW Yard (629 Randolph Avenue), rain or shine.

Materials should be left, where possible, in their original containers. Containers should be put in sturdy boxes and placed in the trunk of a vehicle so that contents will be easy to remove by the attendants. Residents will remain in their vehicles during the entire collection process

The following items can be brought to the collection:

  • Adhesives and glues
  • Aerosol cans
  • Engine degreaser, brake & transmission fluid
  • Hobby and art supplies
  • Household cleaners and spot removers
  • Non-alkaline batteries (these are found in camcorders, cordless power tools,
  • cordless phones and laptop computers).
  • Oil-based paints
  • Photo chemicals and chemistry sets
  • Poisons, insecticides, pesticides, and
  • weed killers
  • Solvents and varnishes
  • Swimming pool chemicals
  • Waste fuels (kerosene, gasoline)
  • Wood preservatives and fiberglass residue

These items will NOT be accepted:

Latex paint (for information on how to dispose of latex paint, please call the DPW)
Alkaline batteries such as AA, D, etc. (These can be placed in your trash)
Mercury-containing items, and fluorescent bulbs (collected at the Recycling Center the first Saturday of each month)
Prescription medicine or syringes
Commercial or industrial waste
Asbestos

Except for the items listed below, the collection is free for Milton residents:

Tires: $3 each
Car Batteries: Up to 3 for $3.00
Waste Oil, Antifreeze: Up to 3 gallons for $3.00
Propane Tanks: $3.00 each
Fire Extinguishers $3.00 each

No cash will be accepted. Please pay by personal check or Trash Sticker.

For more information, please call the DPW at (617) 898-4900

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The Sunshine 5K is on Sunday, September 28th at 10AM at Cunningham Hall. Registration is online at www.racewire.com or on race day starting at 9AM. There will be prizes for top finishers and T-shirts for sale. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Sunshine School. To sign up, click here: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=3945

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The Milton Park & Rec Department is holding its Middle School ID Sign-Up Program. This is a way to sign up middle school students for a variety of fun events, dances, field trips, etc. For more information, click here:

http://www.townofmilton.org/Public_Documents/MiltonMA_Recreation/ID%20EVENTS%20FALL%202014%20My%20Version.pdf

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The Master Plan Committee invites everyone to join them at their final public forum on September 29 from 7-9pm in the Milton High School Auditorium. The Master Plan Committee and the consultant team will present the draft of Milton’s Master Plan at that meeting and will seek input from attendees on prioritization, strategies and timing of the implementation steps.

* * *

Please save the date for the Milton Library Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Literary Gala. This year’s event will be held Thursday, October 23rd at Lombardo’s in Randolph. The gala will feature authors Dr. Lisa Genova and Greg O’Brien, who both have covered the topic of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Genova is the author of Left Neglected, Love Anthony and Still Alice; Mr. O’Brien is the author of On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s.

In addition, the gala will also feature a short presentation by our own MPS Librarian Lori Henry, who will be sharing the podium with Milton Public Librarian Sara Truog. The pair will be discussing the recent grant they have been working on — MPL and MPS: Community Partners for Student Success. I am very proud that they have been chosen to highlight the meaningful collaboration taking place between the Milton Public Schools and the Milton Public Library. For tickets and more information, click here: http://www.miltonlibrary.org/foundation/documents/2014MLFJulyGalaSummary.pdf

MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

The following item was submitted by Children’s Librarian, Sara Truog:

School may have started, but the fun for kids continues all year long at the Milton Public Library! In addition to our regular story times on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, we have these exciting upcoming programs for the young people in your life:

Friday, September 12, 2014 from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Free Play Friday, Ages 0-5

Drop by and enjoy puzzles and games in the Story Hour room. The room will be open for two hours in the morning for you to enjoy with your little ones.

Saturday, September 20, 2014 from 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Cooks ‘n Books, Grades 1-5

Join Miss Debbie for another tasty exploration for your taste buds. Children entering grades 1-5 are invited. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Milton Library.

Don’t forget to check the library web calendar for a listing of the many programs we offer year-round. Information about and registration for all of our programs can always be found on our online calendar at www.miltonlibrary.org, or by calling the Children’s Room at 617-898-4957 during business hours. Please contact the Children’s Room if you have questions about any of our programs or services.

VISUAL ARTS

The Milton Art Center proudly announces the lineup for its Milton Music Series. The series features performers whose singing and songwriting skill has won them a national following. It’s a terrific opportunity to catch the excitement of live performance! This program enjoys the generous support of the Milton Chamber of Commerce. For more information and advanced tickets visit: MAC Music

The MAC is also offering their fall adult and child art classes, a series of concerts, yoga and several “tryIt’s” nights of workshops.  please visit their website at miltonartcenter.org for more information and to register.  Classes start the first week of October.

ATHLETICS

Boosters Events:

  • The first Boosters meeting takes place tonight Tuesday, September 16th at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at the High School; enter thru the field house, take a right and we meet in room 133. Meetings take place the second Tuesday of the month and are open to all.
  • The Swing for Sports Golf and Tennis event at Wollaston Country Club will be held on Tuesday, October 21st. Details will be posted to the Boosters website soon at www.miltonboosters.com. Volunteers and donations are needed so please consider helping out.

Booster membership applications will soon be in the mail to all residents. Different levels of membership are available. All funds collected go to the teams, scholarships and the annual awards banquet.

Those wishing to support MHS athletes can buy Wildcat athletic wear at all football games and at the Boosters’ indoor concession stand in the Copeland Field House and also at MHS home football games.

The Boosters are a volunteer group of high school parents, coaches, students, and community members whose mission is to enrich the MHS Athletic community and the community at large by providing financial support and assistance for the Milton High School athletics, raising money through membership, concessions and other fundraising events and initiatives.

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The following update was submitted by Athletic Director Larry Rooney:

FIELD HOCKEY
Current record is 1-4. Meghan Kelly and Kate Driscoll are our top scorers. Mackenzie Scanlon had an outstanding stroke against Newton North. This week we have four games against top teams in our division but we will be ready! And as Mia Hamm said “I am a member of the team, I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.”

BOYS CREW
The boys’ crew team has started the season with a wonderful new crop of motivated novice boys. The varsity boys have really taken to guiding and teaching the younger rowers to get them up to speed for the racing season. We could not be more excited with the start of this season. We are also looking forward to reconnecting with our four seniors from last year at the fall “head races”, all of whom will be rowing in college this fall!

GIRLS CREW
Girls Crew had a terrific week where of land training. This week, we’re practicing on the water getting ready for our first race, September 27th in Methuen. After that, it’s one race a weekend at: Lowell, Pembroke, New Hampshire, the Head of the Charles in Boston, the state championship in Worcester and finally the South Shore Invitational at home in Milton.

VOLLEYBALL
We are 4-1…team goal is to try and take the BSC Herget Division Championship this season..it won’t be an easy task but girls are very goal-oriented and on a mission. We have been working hard one game at a time with the leadership of our tri captains Ciara Swan, Meredith Kelly and Olivia Taber as our trifecta. We hope it is within our reach. We just beat division friends Norwood in Friday 3-1 and will take on rivals Natick in the Copeland Field House on Tuesday, Sept 16th at 4pm as we look to improve our record to 5-1.

GIRLS SOCCER
We are 2-2, with a 2 game winning streak! We already Qualified for Tournament with win over Norwood last Friday! Sophie Cousineau has scored in all 4 games. Games coming up are vs. Natick High School on 9/16, and Walpole HS on 9/19.

BOYS SOCCER
0 wins, 3 losses , 1 tie. We play 2 tough games this week, Tuesday – Natick away and Friday – Walpole home . When we played Framingham (#12 in state) we had seven sophomores and two freshman on the field at the same time. This is truly a rebuilding year for the boys soccer program.

GOLF
The Varsity Golf team beat Natick High School today, led by team captains Walker Stroud and Lloyd Hill. Milton has won four straight and will take on Framingham on Tuesday at home.

FOOTBALL
MHS Varsity Football is 0-2 with losses to Stoughton HS and Mansfield HS, both non-league games. In the Mansfield game, the Wildcats were down 0-14 at halftime, but came back to take a 20-14 lead in the 4th quarter.  Mansfield came back to win 21-20 late in the 4th quarter.  Up next is BSC rival Norwood HS on Saturday, Sept 27th at Milton’s Brooks Field.

BOYS XC
The boys cross country team has a record of 1 win and 2 loses. Even though the team lost to Walpole last Wednesday, many of the boys ran their best times on the Houghtons Pond course.

GIRLS XC
2-1 Record. Our top five runners beat the number two runners from both Norwood and Framingham. Freshman Bridget Mitchell won her first race against Framingham and Norwood. The Girls XC team participated in a scrimmage race on Friday, Sept 12th at Ursuline Academy. Next meet is Wednesday at Wellesley vs. Wellesley and Brookline.

CHEERLEADING TEAM
The Fall cheerleaders cheered on the Varsity and JV football teams. They are preparing for their competition season that begins at the end of October. They are lead by captains Daysia Fox and Madelyn Driscoll.

For sports schedules for all MHS teams, please click here:

http://www.usatodayhss.com/school/milton-high-school-milton-ma/scores-and-schedule

STUDENT WORK

The image below is a piece of artwork created by Milton High School senior Maddy Hoy, who created the work as part of her summer work for her AP Art class this year. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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 AMBASSADOR PAGE

Students: One of our Milton High School students, Harry Kong, deserves a special mention. Harry got great news this summer that he received qualifying scores on four AP courses he took at MHS last year.  Harry attended Harvard Summer School this past summer, and took courses in directing, stage and film production and Microeconomic Theory.  Although Harry is relatively new to Milton High School, he has managed to achieve a great deal. Nice job!

Staff:   Please join me in thanking Janet Potts, who recently retired from her position as administrative assistant for Special Services. I would like to recognize her loyalty to the Milton Public Schools. Janet Potts began her career in the Milton Public Schools in 1997 as a Teacher Aide at the Cunningham Elementary School and moved to Special Services more than 15 years ago. She is the proud parent of three Milton High School graduates – Gregory, Timothy and of course, our School Resource Officer and Milton Police Officer Christopher Potts. She and her husband, Richie, are avid supporters of the MHS athletic program and can still be seen at many of the boys’ basketball games.  On behalf of the Milton Public Schools I want to personally and professionally thank Ms. Potts many years of dedicated service to Milton’s students, staff, parents and this Superintendent.

Volunteers: I would like to recognize this year’s Monster Dash Co-Chairs: Beth Plunkett, Nora Vernazza and Greg Gordon. This race is not only a highly-successful fundraiser for Sam’s Fund, which benefits our elementary science programs, but it is also a wonderful community event.  Please visit http://www.miltonfoundationforeducation.org/events.php for more information about the Monster Dash. Thank you to this year’s chairs for all their hard work.

The Milton Public School system is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the provision of quality educational programs for all students.  The Milton Public School system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, age or sexual orientation.

 

 

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