March 24th E-Blast

From: Mary C. Gormley
To: Parents/Guardians and Staff
Re: E-blast Update
Date:  Friday, March 24th, 2017

  • Golfers needed! Come to Granite Links on Monday, May 1 at 11:00 AM for a fun day of golfing – and a reception — to support Science from Scientists. Register for the tournament by clicking here.
  • Tickets to MFE Celebration 2017 are now on sale. The cost is $95 per person. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, donate, or find out more about the Milton Foundation for Education, please click here.

FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

As many of you know, our community has been dealing with recent incidents involving the discovery of swastikas on school property. This topic was discussed at the most recent School Committee meeting. In response to these incidents, the Milton Interfaith Clergy Association (MICA) is organizing an initiative entitled, “It’s Time To Talk About Hate.” Please read the letter below, written by MICA and signed by many members of the Milton community. We will keep all of our MPS families apprised of this initiative and will pass along the time/date when it is announced.

The Milton Interfaith Clergy Association expresses again our deep sadness and dismay over anti-Semitic behavior in the town of Milton, expressed in more graffiti depicting swastikas at the Pierce Middle School. We commend Superintendent Gormley and Pierce Middle School principal Spaulding for their swift and decisive response, both in addressing the behavior and in informing the larger community. As faith leaders in a town that continues to grow in knowledge of diversity and interdependent life, we feel it is now necessary for this community to initiate a comprehensive response to the presence of hate and fear of difference.  No single authority – whether parents, or school officials, or clergy, or civil servants – can address systemic issues that confront us.  This is the second swastika graffiti incident since December, following the desecration of the Holocaust Memorial at Milton Cemetery in September.  Together, we must create an opportunity to go wider and deeper in our understanding of what it takes to establish a justice-centered civic life.

With this in mind, MICA has begun working with town leaders to put together an initiative entitled “It’s Time To Talk About Hate” that will invite the participation of every family in Milton with children in grades K-12. Drawing upon the knowledge of experts in the field, we will create age-appropriate “Talking Point Resource Sheets” for parents and guardians that will help guide them in how to have constructive conversations about hate, civility, respect, and interdependence with their children.  In addition we will also set up a response listing where Milton families can publicly and proudly affirm that they have participated in this initiative and “Talked About Hate.” Everyone in the town, of course, can benefit from having these kinds of conversations. We feel it is essential for everyone to internalize the understanding that embracing diversity is a reflection and expression of mutual respect, and the only way to thrive both as individuals and as a community is to welcome varied walks of life into our days.  By creating this “It’s Time To Talk About Hate” initiative, we seek intentionally to empower one another to find a common language toward deep and abiding welcome of each other’s humanity, and to instill that empowerment in our children. Our Jewish neighbors and friends were once again maligned in a way that hurts and diminishes us all.  May courage and wisdom flow in their lives in abundance, for fielding senseless disdain is hard to bear.

  • Katie Conlon, David Burnes & J. Thomas Hurley – Milton Board of Selectmen
  • Michael Dennehy – Town Administrator
  • John King – Chief, Milton Police Department
  • Mary Gormley – Milton Public School Superintendent
  • Dr. Glenn Pavlicek, MPS Assistant Superintendent for Business
  • Janet Sheehan, MPS Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Personnel
  • Dr. Karen Spaulding – Pierce Middle School Principal
  • James Jette – Milton High School Principal
  • Holly Concannon – Collicot Elementary School Principal
  • Jonathan Redden – Cunningham Elementary School Principal
  • Karen McDavitt – Glover Elementary School Principal
  • Dr. Elaine McNeil-Girmai – Tucker Elementary School Principal
  • Margaret Gibbons, President of Milton Educators Association
  • Julie Marotta – St. Mary of the Hills School Principal
  • Heather Flewelling – Director, Multiculturalism & Community Development at Milton Academy
  • Leroy Walker, Dr. Kevin Donahue, Dr. Elaine Craghead, Margaret Eberhardt, Sheila Varela & Kristen Bagley Jones – Milton School Committee
  • Corinne Perkins – Headmistress, Delphi Academy
  • Kevin Chrisom, Bob Kelly & Regina Malley – Milton Parks Commissioners Board
  • Jason Beckett – President, Milton National Little League Baseball
  • Michael McArdle – President, Milton American League Baseball
  • Board of Directors – Milton Youth Football and Cheer
  • Kevin Keating – President, Milton Youth Hockey
  • Cathy Smith and Robert Callahan – Co-Directors, Milton Youth Lacrosse

If you know of a Milton-based organization which would like to sign on as partners in this initiative, send an email to MICA chairperson The Rev. Hall Kirkham (hkirkham@stmichaelsmilton.org)

SCHOOL COMMITTEE UPDATE

There have been no School Committee meetings since my last E-blast. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, March 29th at 7 pm in the Milton TV Access studio, Room 245, Milton High School.

The Warrant Committee has finalized their recommendations for the FY18 budget. They will be proposing that Town Meeting vote and the Community vote for a Proposition 2 1/2 Override for next year. As a result, the School Committee has voted two budgets: one assuming an override passes and a second assuming it fails. Details for both budgets with their impacts are available on our website by clicking here.

CURRICULUM NEWS

Also, as I mentioned in a prior E-blast, we are in the midst of celebrating Music in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month. Please note the upcoming art fairs, titled “Passport to the Arts.” Each of our six schools will host a “Passport to the Arts,” event, which will feature displays of student artwork.

  • March 30         Tucker Passport to the Arts, 6:00-7:30pm
  • April 3              Milton High Passport to the Arts 6:00-7:30pm
  • April 4          Cunningham Passport to the Arts, 6:00-6:45 p.m. & Collicot  Passport to the Arts, 6:45-7:30pm
  • April 5             Glover Passport to the Arts, 6:00-7:30 p.m. & Pierce  Passport to the Arts, 5:30-7:00pm

Please see the photos below for a sample of elementary artwork:

passport1 passport2 passport3

 

The following item was submitted by Dr. Angela Burke, Technology Administrator:

The Milton Public Schools are currently at 100% participation of having scholars in grades 2-12 utilizing their district-issued Google accounts. These accounts deliver personalized log-ins to Chromebooks, providing a safer, more controlled access to these devices. The Google accounts also provide access to the host of G-suite applications under the Google Apps for Education offering. Scholars are able to create work in Google: Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc. that allow for collaboration amongst peers and teachers. This also makes for an easy submission process when it is time to turn in work. Gone are the days of losing assignments or missing deadlines, since teachers can easily access anything shared on the drive. Teachers are able to see work in real time and provide valuable feedback on the spot. Opening up these platforms will ultimately help save a tree as we begin to reduce our use of paper and traditional worksheets. We are excited to continue the widespread use of these tools, as these are all tools that they will continue to use and need in their career choices.

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The following item was sent in by Kacy Dotoli, who coaches the MHS Debate team, along with Dana DePaul:

Six students are preparing for the state finals this Saturday. The topic is: Resolved: The United States should no longer pressure Israel to work toward a two-state solution. In order to compete in this weekends tournament, students had to qualify at another local tournament this year. Domenic Jancaterino and Aislinn O’Brien are preparing to compete at the National Tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky this May. They qualified for this tournament by coming in first at a tournament in Shrewsbury this past February. Our hotel rooms have been funded by a donors choose project we set up and was overwhelmingly supported by friends, family, teachers and the Milton Community very quickly. However we still have $1500 to raise to cover airfare which will hopefully be done through our other upcoming fundraisers: California Pizza Kitchen (3/31), Chipotle (4/25), Concert Ticket Raffle, and a potential car wash in May.

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The following item was submitted by Amy Gale, Elementary Curriculum Coordinator:

This was the final week of our BoomWriter Bee and excitement was in the air! Elinor Johnson (Glover), Saanah Lefevre (Tucker), Mae McKenna (Collicot) and Fiona Zimon (Cunningham) were the four finalists who competed for the coveted BoomWriter Bee title. The students all voted today and the winner will be announced on Monday, March 27.

The BoomWriter Bee Publishing Party will take place next Thursday, March 30 from 5-7 (awards at 6 pm) at the Hoosic Club- 193 Central Ave. Come honor the amazing writing of all of our students and meet Jeff Cohen, Chunk from the Goonies who inspired our story.  All are welcome!

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The following item was sent in by Pierce Teacher Nancy Warn:

The 2017 Pierce School wide spelling bee was a true sensation! It took place on Friday, March 10th and was an impressive competition that kept audience members on the edges of their seats, as they supported the contestants!  Last year, a 6th grader emerged victorious so all students were hopeful they would have a good showing in the 2017 Pierce Spelling Bee.  The following students triumphed over their Pierce teammates to participate in the school-wide spelling bee:  Michelle Tran, Michael Duffy, Oisin Allen, Ben Garrity, Ha-Yen Nguyen, Nick Reason, Barron Clancy, Dylan Beaulieu, Jonathan Waldmann, Henry Synnott, Jordan Elliot, Chloe Zhong, Anna Fahy, Saoirse Killion and Ella O’Hanlon.  All participants first won their class bees, then their team bees – to make it to the school-wide bee.  At the school-wide bee, the group was so impressive, that they completed all prepared rounds (14 rounds were prepared).  Each year, we prepare an emergency list of extra words, just in case the talent of our student body blows us away.  That happened this year and we were impressed.  Although all our participants were incredible spellers, Saorise Killion was the runner-up and Barron Clancy emerged as the winner, by correctly spelling the word Velocipede!  The entire Pierce community congratulates seventh grader and Yellowstone team super star Barron Clancy for winning the 2017 Pierce Spelling Bee.  In addition to congratulating all our contests, we also want to thank the Pierce P.T.O. for generously supplying Barnes and Nobles gift cards to all participants in the school bee.  We also want to thank all the teachers who gave up time to run team bees and to run the school-wide bee.  In particular, we’d like to thank Lauren Hoyt for helping organize and run the 2017 school-wide bee.

pierce bee pic

Also, I would like to offer congratulations to the 61 Milton Musicians in Grades 5-12 who participated in the MMEA All State Festival in Boston last week! Happy Music in Our Schools Month!

MHS All State Brass Quintet All State Chorus at Symphony Hall MHS Chamber Strings Orchestra All State Treble Singers2jpg MHS All State Rehearsal All State Treble Singers All State Treble Singers3

 

And finally, I would like to congratulate all the Glover K, 1 and 2 students who participated in the recent Musical Concerts at Glover Elementary School. For those of you who did not attend, please check out this video, made by Principal Karen McDavitt: https://animoto.com/play/lsjFZcBzal2npHXJhxVfDw. The cuteness factor is off the charts!!

UPCOMING MPS EVENTS

Please note, Grade Five Information Night will be held on Monday, March 27th in the Pierce Middle School auditorium.

GUIDANCE NEWS

The following items were submitted by Karen Cahill, Guidance Director:

Parents/guardians of high school students are invited to join the Guidance Department on Wednesday, March 29th for our annual Program of Studies/AP Information Night. This event offers a comprehensive overview of our course offerings, level choices, graduation requirements and overall course selection process. Following the presentation in the auditorium, AP Teachers and department heads will be available to answer specific questions you may have. The event begins at 6:30 in the MHS Auditorium. All parents/guardians and students are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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SOCK…Is your child the first in your family to go to college? Share Our College Knowledge (SOCK) is a volunteer group of parents who have children in college now and who have been through many of the challenges that MHS parents face when trying to help their children understand the often-confusing process of picking and paying for college.  These volunteers will meet with MHS parents in small groups, either in their homes or at the library, to provide additional support and advice.  These volunteers work closely with the MHS Guidance Department so that all parents will have the information and tools they need to help their children with the college selection and application process.

The topics we will review are included in three steps:

  • Choosing a College (Rising Seniors): College Board, Naviance, College visits and interviews
  • Applying to College (First Semester Seniors): Timeline of activities: deadlines for juniors and seniors, SAT and ACT tests, AP classes and tests, Common Application and waivers, College Essay
  • Paying for College (Second Semester Seniors): Financial Aid Overview, CSS Profile, FASFA, other Scholarships and Grants

For more information, please contact your child’s guidance counselor.  The counselor will refer you to the SOCK program and a SOCK volunteer will contact you and arrange to meet you in your home, at the library, or at another convenient location.

LETTER FROM THE COMMISSIONER

Please read the letter below, sent out by Mitchell D. Chester, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education:

Dear Parents and Guardians: This spring marks the start of the next-generation MCAS assessments in English language arts and math in grades 3-8. The next-generation MCAS marks our transition to computer-based testing. For the next-generation MCAS tests this spring, most students will take the computer-based version in grades 4 and 8. Many schools have also chosen computer-based testing in grades 3, 5, 6, and 7; the remainder will be taking the paper version.

Why do we Conduct Statewide Testing?

Many parents ask us why we conduct statewide testing. These tests are required by both state and federal law, but more importantly:

  • Test results help you gauge whether your child is making academic progress.
  • Test results help your child’s teacher identify strengths and weaknesses in their curricula and instructional methods.
  • A student’s participation in statewide testing helps provide context to other students in the same school, students in other schools within the district, and students in other districts. Failure to participate denies this perspective not only to the student who refuses to participate, but to other students and parents in the school, district, and statewide.
  • Test results help the state target additional resources to underperforming schools.
  • Test results help document our progress to the Governor and the Legislature as we seek to ensure adequate funding for all our schools.

Connection between MCAS and our Status as Number One in the Nation

MCAS was first instituted as part of the 1993 Education Reform Law. The programs and funding in that law have led to nearly a quarter-century of steady improvement in our K-12 schools. Today Massachusetts is number one in the nation in elementary and secondary education.

Questions about Participation in State Tests

Every year, some families ask whether students are allowed to opt-out of taking a statewide test. In brief, the answer is no. Testing is a mandatory part of the curriculum, the same as a spelling test or math test, and statewide assessments are most useful when all students take them. Neither the Commonwealth nor Congress provides an opt-out provision. Tenth graders who refuse to take MCAS jeopardize their high school diploma. In addition, refusals to test can impact a school’s accountability rating. The accountability system is set up to encourage high participation rates (if it weren’t, results would not be reflective of school-wide achievement). The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires a 95 percent participation rate. Schools with a lower participation rate run the risk of having their accountability rating lowered.

Under draft regulations that  the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education sent out for public  comment on February 28, 2017, schools and districts that fall below a 90 percent participation rate will have their accountability status set to Level 3 (out of 5). Further, the 2016-17 and 2017-18 participation rates will be combined to determine participation rates for the 2017-18 accountability levels. In other words, refusals to test in spring 2017 could impact a school’s accountability rating for two years.

If you are interested in learning more about the next-generation MCAS, information is available online at our MCAS page at http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/. Questions relating to testing requirements can be directed to Deputy Commissioner Jeff Wulfson at jwulfson@doe.mass.edu.

FAMILY LIAISON NEWS

This article was submitted by Marti O’Keefe McKenna, MPS Family Outreach Liaison:

Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren?

The Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is offering workshops across the Commonwealth addressing a number of issues grandparents who are raising their grandchildren face. Workshops are being held statewide in South Boston, Brockton, Lawrence, Northampton, Worcester and Hyannis.

Local workshops are scheduled for 4/4/17 from 9:30-12:30 at So. Boston Neighborhood House, 136 H Street, South Boston, Ma. and  4/12/17 from 9:30-12:30 at The Brockton Public Library, 304 Main Street,  Brockton, Ma. The South Boston workshop will include a presentation on legal information for caregivers followed by a panel presentation of resources and services for grandparents including representatives from DCF, DTA, Mass Health, and more. The Brockton workshop will include a presentation by Karen MacDonald from AdCare to discuss the disease of addiction followed by an informational panel which will include representatives from DCF, DTA, Masshealth, and more.   Breakfast pastries, coffee, and tea will be provided.  Please register by contacting Colleen Pritoni  at 617-748-2454 or via email at colleen.pritoni@state.ma.us

In addition the Quincy Family Resource Center located at 1120 Hancock Street in Quincy offers a support group, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren –Attend a meeting, meet other grandparents and get support from each other in the challenges and joys of raising grandchildren at this drop-in support group. Childcare is provided. No registration is required. Please contact Debbie at 617-481-7227 ext. 196 or dbaker@baystatecs.org for more information.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions you might have or if you are in need of a resource. My contact information is: Marti O’Keefe McKenna, Family Outreach Liaison, 617-980-7343 or mmckenna@miltonps.org .

SEL NEWS

The following item was sent to us by Laurie Stillman, MPS School District Facilitator:

From a school-based perspective, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) can be put into three major buckets:

  • Facilitating Character Development in students. This includes developing the ability to have empathy for others and appreciation for human differences, work in groups, address peer pressure and make healthy decisions, and be socially aware and civically engaged.
  • Supporting students’ Emotional Grounding.  There are many things that can be done to support resilience in youth, such as their ability to cope successfully with adversity, seek out help when emotional problems arise, as well as be self-aware of feelings and manage those feelings in a healthy way
  • Cultivating a Safe and Supportive School Environment.  A school climate, where students feel welcomed, supported, respected and appreciated works hand in hand with social and emotional learning—just as the home environment does.

The Milton Public Schools will be working in more intentional ways to support the emotional intelligence and capabilities of our students over the coming years.  Fostering strong home and community engagement will be part of our key strategies.  We look forward to a continued partnership with you and with our other Milton colleagues.

FOOD SERVICE NEWS

The following item was sent in by Jackie Morgan, Food Service Director:

There was a wonderful celebration held at Tucker Elementary School earlier this week, as staff and students celebrated a milestone for Food Service employee Alex Giokas. Ms. Giokas became a US Citizen this week. To mark the occasion, Kim DiBona, manager of the Tucker cafeteria, prepared a special “stars and stripes” dessert, with the help of fifth-graders Daniel Thomas and Anna Labbe. Please see the lovely photos below from this special day, and congratulations to Ms. Giokas.

CITIZEN SNIP1

 

citizen snip2

PAC/SPECIAL ED NEWS

There will be a SEPAC Roundtable Discussion on Tuesday, March 28th in the Milton High School library. Come meet the special education service providers, educators and administration.  Learn what to expect as your child enters a new grade or new school.  This will be a roundtable discussion designed for parents to ask questions and meet other parents in the special education program.

GRANT/FUNDRAISING NEWS

The following item was sent in by Bernadette Butler, MPS Elementary Science Coordinator and Suzanne Murphy, Chip in Fore Science Parent Organizer:

On May 1, the Chip in Fore Science Golf Tournament (http://www.chipinforescience.org) will be held at Granite Links Golf Course in Quincy, MA to help support and sustain the Science from Scientists (SfS) Program in the Milton Public Schools.  The Milton Public Schools has partnered with Science from Scientists (www.sciencefromscientists.org) for four years now to help inspire our fifth graders in the areas of STEM, and the feedback from students, parents, teachers, and administrators about the program has been overwhelmingly positive.

Please consider gathering a foursome of golfers to come out to Granite Links on May 1 at 11:00 AM for a fun day of golfing to support a fantastic cause!  Please note that there will be a reception at Granite Links following the tournament, and entrance to the reception is included when you register to golf.  Tickets to the reception only are also available – so tell all your friends!  Register for the tournament by visiting http://www.chipinforescience.org and clicking the registration tab at the top right corner!

If you or your company would like to sponsor the event, contact Bernadette Butler at bbutler@miltonps.org, or sign up as a sponsor at chipinforescience.org. Many sponsorship levels include a foursome of golf!

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The following letter was sent to us by Aprile Burnes, Nichole Gimbrone, Elizabeth Thomas Laura O’Melia and Jessica Gillooly:

Caitlin Clavette was a dedicated art teacher who inspired our children through her teaching and artwork. Sadly, a tragic accident took her life in February of 2016. As a community, we would like to honor her dedication and inspiration to her students.

Ms. Clavette was always so proud and excited to showcase her students’ artwork. However, our elementary schools do not have art display boards to feature students’ creativity. We intend to honor Ms. Clavette by purchasing art display boards for each of the four Milton elementary schools. Our amazing PTOs at each elementary school are supporting this project. The art display boards cost approximately $1,000 each. Our goal is to purchase one per school for use in our schools’ lobbies, libraries and at future annual “Passport to the Arts” and other events.

In addition to purchasing the art display boards, we will be hosting an Art Show on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in the Keyes Room at the Milton Public Library. Organized by Milton elementary school art teachers and parent volunteers, the 5th grade ACE students’ artwork and other student artwork inspired by Ms. Clavette will be displayed.

If you would like to join us in contributing, please send your donation by April 28, made payable to Glover PTO, who has agreed to coordinate collections for all schools. Please note on your check: Honoring Caitlin Clavette and the name of your child’s elementary school. Each elementary school’s administrative assistant in the main office will accept contributions. While your contributions will go toward the purchase of art display boards, any remaining proceeds will be donated to the Caitlin Clavette Foundation (www.caitlinclavettefoundation.org).

Please feel free to reach out to your PTO or school’s parent ambassador below with any questions. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you on June 14.

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Please read the item below, sent to us by a Pierce student about a community service project:

My name is Dominique Thomas and I am an 8th Grader at Pierce Middle School. I am Milton’s Project 351 Ambassador for 2017-2018. This spring, Project 351 Ambassadors from all over the state are leading service in support of Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit that provides everyday essentials for children in challenging economic and homeless circumstances.

Project 351 is a nonprofit service leadership organization started by former Governor Deval Patrick and continues with Governor Baker. Project 351 unites one 8th grade Ambassador from each town in Massachusetts for a year of service, leadership development, and unity.

Please support a Clothing and Shoe Drive. Collection bins have been placed in ALL Milton Public Schools and St. Mary of the Hills Church, March 27-April 3rd.  Please donate gently-used/like new clothing and shoes from Birth-12 years old. Please contact divinebeing57@hotmail.com with questions.

MFE NEWS

The following item was sent to us by Karyn Viveiros of the MFE:

The Milton Foundation for Education is Making History! Don’t Miss Out on Milton’s Biggest Dance Party on April 8th!

Get your dancing shoes ready as the Milton Foundation for Education will be celebrating like never before at Celebration 2017, the foundation’s annual fundraising fete which is taking place on April 8th at Lombardo’s in Randolph. Thanks to our four Celebration Event Sponsors, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton, Curry College, Milton Academy and The Sarah W. Rollins Charitable Trust, over 700 MPS parents, teachers and supporters are expected to have an incredible night out at the event, which will have a whole new “vibe” this year with a cocktail reception, plenty of scrumptious appetizers and food stations including a sushi bar, dance floor complete with a lounge-like atmosphere and featuring live music by “Boston’s best dance band”, The Marsels.  Our online silent auction will also be back so you have a chance to bid on our most popular auction items like MHS Graduation Reserved Seating and VIP Parking and the coveted Naming of Your School’s Driveway!  Be sure to charge those cell phones.  This year Celebration 2017 will fund academic programs that enhance student learning and achievement within the history, civics and humanities courses of study in all six of our schools.  The MFE looks forward to “Making History” and in doing so, encouraging our students to do the same.  We are thrilled to honor the work and contributions of Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys and his wife Jen (Larner) Casey, both MHS Class of ’88, who will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs.

Tickets to Celebration 2017 are $95 per person ($65 per person for Milton public school teachers and staff). To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, donate, or find out more about the Milton Foundation for Education, please visit http://www.miltonfoundationforeducation.org and like us on Facebook. Tickets are only available online and the MFE has sold out in the past so kindly purchase your tickets soon. Sales end on Wednesday, April 5th.

NEWS AROUND TOWN

The Forbes House Museum would like you to “Save the Date,” for their annual Spring Fundraiser– Cocktails on the Orient Express. This event will be held Saturday, June 10th. More details to come!

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The following item was sent to us by Allan Bishop of the Milton DPW:

The first yard waste collection for 2017 begins Wednesday or Thursday, April 5th or 6th, depending on your regular collection day. Some simple guidelines:

    • Please remember to place all yard waste into barrels or in a paper leaf bag.
    • Leaf bags may be purchased at your local hardware and lawn care centers.
    • Branches should be less than 4 inches in diameter.
    • Branches should be less than 3 feet in length.
    • Branches may be bundled and securely tied with natural fiber string.
    • Bundles should be under 40 lbs in weight.
    • Grass clippings should be in paper bags or barrels labeled as “YARD WASTE”
    • Yard Waste stickers from DPW are no longer used.
    • Please add your own “YARD WASTE” label on barrels.
  • And please, no plastic bags!!

If you have any questions please call our DPW line at 617-898-4900 and select the TRASH LINE.

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The following item was sent to us by Don Grace, Head of School, Thacher Montessori School in Milton:

I am writing to invite you and your school’s staff and parent/guaridans to attend presentations at Thacher Montessori School by two nationally-known experts:

Both events are free and open to the public. Reservations are requested. Please visit www.thacherschool.org for event details and registration.

MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

The following items were sent to us by Sara Truog, Children’s Librarian:

Spring has sprung at the Milton Public Library! Fun family activities including books, programs, coloring, games, puppets and more are available every day for you to check out. In addition to our regular storytimes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, we have these exciting programs for the young people in your life happening during the week of April 2 – 8:

Tuesday, April 4, 2017 from 7:15 – 7:45 pm
SPUB Club, Ages 7-11

Join the SPUB Club! Our Super Popular, Unbelievable Book Club is a read-aloud book club for kids aged 7-11. Miss Sara will read a few chapters of a book each week; your job is to listen, while engaging in hands-on activities like Lego building, play-dough sculpting, Rubik’s cubes, and more. No registration is required.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017 from 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Half Day Family Movie, All Ages

It’s an Early Release Day for the Milton Public Schools… so come to the library and watch a movie in the Keys Room! We’ll be showing popular 2016 release Sing, just out on DVD: In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario’s attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists find that their lives will never be the same. Rated PG; runtime 1 hour, 48 minutes.

Friday, April 7, 2017 from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Free Play Friday, Ages 0-5

Drop by and enjoy puzzles, games and activities in the Story Hour room. The room will be open for two hours in the morning for you to enjoy with your little ones (ages 0-5). In partnership with the Milton Early Childhood Alliance.

Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Family Dance Party, Ages 3 and up

Come join Miss Sara for a rockin’ kids dance party! Dancing is a great form of physical activity for all ages, from little kids to grandparents! We’ll be doing some free dance, some guided dances, and also playing some musical games, but don’t worry – no dance experience necessary. For ages 3-adult. No registration is required.

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. Also, like the Milton Public Library Children’s Room on Facebook and get updates right in your news feed! Please contact the Children’s Room if you have questions about any of our programs or services.

To see a complete listing of library events, please click here:

VISUAL ARTS

The Milton Art Center will be hosting its Second Annual Juried Show. The opening reception will be held tonight, 3/24 at 7pm and the show will run through Saturday, May 13th.  For more information, click here.

ATHLETICS

The Milton High Rugby Team will be hosting a Car Wash at Cunningham School from 9:00- 12:00 on Saturday, April 1st   $10.00 per car!

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The Milton High School Boys Tennis Team is hosting a Cans for Cats Collection on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Milton High School from 9:00 – 12:00.

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

AMBASSADOR PAGE

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

Students: During a recent “Learning Walk” at Tucker School (scheduled onsite visits by our leadership team designed to 0bserve and give feedback to classroom teachers in each school) one of our administrators was moved by the actions of a Tucker student. James Jette, our high school principal, observed a STEM classroom and noticed fifth-grader Gabriel Veal offering support to a classmate who was struggling. This young boy’s gesture of kindness, in addition to his enthusiasm during class, led Mr. Jette to email Gabriel’s parents to let them know what a thoughtful child they had raised. Thank you to Mr. Jette for pointing this out to us, and thank you to Gabriel Veal for his kindness.

Staff:  Please read my item abovewhich details Tucker Food Service employee Alex Giokas, who recently became a US citizen. Congratulations to Ms. Giokas, and also to the staff of Tucker School, who helped her to celebrate this momentous occasion!

Volunteers: I would like to recognize and thank Mike Zullas, Cunningham Parent and former School Committee member, who will be moderating the upcoming Milton Speaks Candidate’s Forum on Monday, March 27 at 7pm in the Milton Access Television Studio, Room 245 at Milton High School. Mr. Zullas has given generously of his time and expertise for the town of Milton and we appreciate all that he does!

The Milton Public School system does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, gender identity, transgender status, gender transitioning, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, pregnancy/parenting status, marital status, sexual orientation, homelessness, or military status, in any of its programs, activities or operations. These include, but are not limited to, admissions, equal access to programs and activities, hiring and firing of staff, provision of and access to programs and services, as well as selection of volunteers, vendors and employers recruiting at the Milton Public Schools.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, students, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.  The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum & Human Resources, 617-696-4812

 

 

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