July 31, 2013 Eblast

 

 From the Desk of the Superintendent:

Greetings to all our Milton Public School families! I hope you are all enjoying your summer. I wanted to send out a brief “mid-summer” update to keep everyone informed on what has been happening in our district since the end of school.  I am also sharing some research on the importance of summer reading and the value of both independent reading and modeling reading by parents and guardians.  During my teaching career, I could easily identify the students who read at home independently.  These children usually showed the following characteristics:

Their vocabulary was superior
Their oral and independent comprehension skills were outstanding
Their “love of reading” was evident
They were familiar with the local library and visited often

The lifelong habit of reading for pleasure is developed at a young age. By providing children with time and opportunities to read for pleasure, and by allowing children to see their parents/guardians reading at home, a true love of reading can be instilled. The following research is from a Hanover Research study released in June of 2013. I find it to be an excellent synopsis of the benefits of summer learning:

Best Practices in Summer Literacy Programs: There is growing concern among K‐12 educators about the effects of “summer learning loss,” or “summer slide”— terms that refer to students’ decline in academic ability during summer months when they are away from school. Research shows that during summer vacation, students lose “too much of what they learned during the school year” and “typically score lower on standardized tests after the summer break than they did before it.”

All students are susceptible to summer learning loss, but low‐income students are at greater risk, especially in reading. Findings from a 1996 meta‐analysis of 13 studies on summer learning loss indicate that low‐income students lose two to three months of reading ability during the summer, while their middle‐class peers usually make slight gains. Research also suggests that achievement loss is greatest during elementary grades.  National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) reports that “more than half of the achievement gap between lower‐ and higher‐income youth can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities.”  Different rates of summer loss, when repeated annually, contribute to widening achievement gaps as students enter middle and high school.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has described summer learning loss as “devastating,” and advises that summer learning gaps be addressed through the development of new summer programs. Research suggests that “high quality academic enrichment programs can decrease and perhaps eliminate summer learning loss for low income children.”  Providing learning opportunities to children is typically viewed as the responsibility of school districts, but summer programs offered by traditionally non‐ academic organizations also appear poised to meet the challenge. The American Camp Association (ACA), for instance, explains that summer camps are “assuming a greater role in year‐round education and youth development, recognizing that the same ‘fun’ activities and programs they have traditionally offered can be packaged as highly effective alternative learning models.”

KEY FINDINGS

*Independent reading, often the centerpiece of effective summer literacy programs, has been shown to improve student achievement. Research indicates that increasing students’ reading time is crucial to improving literacy ability. In addition to allowing students ample time for independent reading, effective elementary literacy program educators:

  • Ensure students read appropriately complex materials
  • Read aloud to children
  • Model effective reading techniques
  • Tutor children one‐on‐one
  • Consider children’s reading preferences
  • Integrate reading into other camp activities

* Speaking and writing activities are vital to improving students’ literacy achievement. Though literacy programs typically emphasize reading, highly effective programs also facilitate meaningful discussion on relevant topics and ask students to write creatively.

* Research suggests that a typical, 12‐week summer program should provide students with at least four hours per week of literacy activities. Scientific evidence indicates that out‐of‐school time (OST) learning programs must devote a total of at least 44 hours to literacy activities in order to improve student achievement. Researchers note that programs lasting fewer than 44 hours may not be long enough to fully engage students and affect learning outcomes.

* Effective summer reading programs offer students a wide variety of high‐quality reading materials. Research suggests that offering varied reading materials to children increases their motivation to read. Furthermore, a range of materials is necessary to ensuring students read appropriately challenging texts. Many programs have addressed the need for reading materials by creating an on‐site library and/or visiting community libraries.

* Effective camp‐based summer learning programs often seek collaboration with local schools to facilitate staff development, align learning activities with school‐ year curricula, and attract more participants to the program. Experts encourage summer learning programs to access educational expertise by cooperating with local schools. Teachers can provide opportunities for staff development and help make learning activities engaging and relevant. Youth organizations should approach partnerships with schools strategically by evaluating prospective partners, anticipating school personnel concerns, and marketing their summer learning program.

* Program evaluation is an essential component of effective summer learning programs that strengthens program quality when conducted properly. The suggested guidelines for a comprehensive assessment of summer literacy programming include quantitative data analyses and qualitative surveys or focus groups.

* Summer literacy programs can obtain easy‐to‐use guides and other useful materials from web‐based resources. ReadWriteThink, Reading Rockets, and Reading is Fundamental (RIF) offer free, evidence‐based resources that can help program staff improve student achievement.

I hope that you have found this information helpful. We are looking forward to seeing everyone return, safe and healthy at the end of August. Please enjoy the remainder of the summer season.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE UPDATE

There have been two School Committee meetings since my last E-blast. The first meeting was held on June 19th.  The meeting was called to order to move into executive session. No official business took place during the public portion of the meeting.  The second meeting was held on July 10th and this was the School Committee’s annual Retreat.

CURRICULUM NEWS

The following update was provided by Cunningham Principal Jonathan Redden, who served as the director of Milton Summer Enrichment this year:

With only one week left, I am pleased to write this letter celebrating the great summer we had at MSE.  MSE has been a great experience for 445 Pre – K through grade 5 students and over 50 middle school students.

At MSE, students were able to select from over 20 courses, many of which were taught by current Milton educators. Teachers brought the same enthusiasm and energy that is expected of them during the school year to the summer program. Since many of the teachers were returning, they were able to build off their past success and implement stronger more engaging activities for campers.

Many of these activities require students to work, learn, and compete with their peers. This has created a level of excitement that was evident and led to many additional campers signing up after the initial enrollment was closed.

This environment could not have been created without the hard work of our teachers and Blue Shirts.  Safety was a priority, and we worked hard to make sure we had adequate adults available in the classrooms and at the exits.  I would also like to recognize the administrative team and the custodial staff at the high school for checking in daily and being flexible to accommodate the program.

Whether it was strengthening teamwork, completing an art project, learning in French, creating a dance routine, experimenting with science concepts, or working with computers, every student will take something positive/enriching away from MSE 2013.  Thank you for all you support in ensuring a successful program.  Enjoy the rest of your summer!

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The update below was provided by Deborah Fidrocki, who ran the Title 1 Summer Scholars Program at Tucker Elementary School this summer:

This summer, 85 students participated in the Tucker Scholars Program. Students in entering Kindergarten through Grade Five worked with their teachers to solidify reading, math and writing skills.  Students also engaged in enrichment activities focused on scientific inquiry, art and literature, and poetry and puppetry.  In addition, the students participated in physical education, arts and crafts and Lego activities.  The students entering grade 5 produced a talent show and children entering grade 4 piloted the Liftoff:  Engineering Rockets and Rovers unit for the Museum of Science.  It has been a very productive summer for all of our Tucker Scholars!

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The following update was sent by Karen Clasby, Director of Pupil Personnel Services:

Milton’s  Extended School Year (ESY) program is winding down.  Moving most summer services to the Milton High site, facilitated students ability to participate in a variety of Milton Summer Enrichment activities.  Throughout the building, MHS has been buzzing with positive activity! At Cunningham, during this very hot July, after completing their work in the mornings, twice a week, students enjoyed a nice cool swim at the pool, which was much appreciated by all! ESY will finish up August 8-9 (depending on the students program) and parents will receive Progress Reports soon thereafter.

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Please note, the first day of school for Grades 1 – 12 is on August 28th. To see the complete 2013-2014 school calendar, click here: http://www.miltonps.org/documents/2013-14SchoolCalendar.pdf

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“Meet the Artists” is a parent-run volunteer art history program for grades K-3 in the Milton schools (Tucker, Cunningham, Collicot and Glover). The program will be expanding into 4th grade this fall. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Milton Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact your PTO or Jessica Gillooly at jesskgill@gmail.com.

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There is an exciting project taking place in Milton that some of our Pierce students have already been connected with. The project is called “Sky Over Milton.” A pair of performance artists by the name of “PearlDamour” are visiting five towns named “Milton” in the United States, interviewing lots of different kinds of people and making a theater performance that they will will bring back to each of the Miltons.

They just launched the first version of “skyovermilton.com,” a website where you can track the project, see photos of other Miltons and connect with other Miltons by answering shared questions and posting pictures of your own.

The project organizers have asked our Milton students to take a moment, answer one of the questions or send them a photo of the sky over our hometown. They have some exciting plans for the website over the next few months– so check back often to discover new ways to interact, share your stories, and more.

They are asking for Milton residents to send the link to friends and family in Milton who would enjoy participating — the more the merrier.  Some of our teachers and classrooms will also be participating.

Last year, our Pierce Drama teacher Bill Deschenes and his seventh-graders did amazing work with this group and they are featured on the website. If you click on Milton, MA, there is a photo gallery that includes some of these students.

http://www.skyovermilton.com/

SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS 

Milton High School’s website lists all the different assignments by grade level and course. Please click here to view: http://www.edline.net/files/_pQEYY_/18892ee564f367fd3745a49013852ec4/Summer_Assignments-1.pdf

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Parents and guardians of Pierce students are asked to remind their students about the summer reading and summer math for students entering grades 6-8. Specific requirements for each grade level can be found at the Pierce Middle School Edline Site: http://www.edline.net/pages/Charles_S__Pierce_MS

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Elementary School students also have summer/math requirements along with Study Island requirements. All these lists are available on each of the four elementary schools’ websites:

Collicot: http://www.edline.net/pages/Collicot_Elementary_School

Cunningham: http://www.edline.net/pages/Cunningham_Elementary_School (look under “News” for math; and under “Elementary Language Arts Coordinator” for reading)

Glover: http://www.edline.net/pages/Glover_Elementary_School

Tucker: http://www.edline.net/pages/Tucker_Elementary_School

STAFF/FACULTY CHANGES

We are pleased to announce that we have appointed a new Human Resource Specialist for the Milton Public Schools.  Laurie Dunn has joined Central Office after having worked in Community Schools for the past nine years and as the Facilities Rental Coordinator for the past two years.  Laurie and her husband Scott are the proud parents of three Milton Public School students, Matthew, Courtney and Lindsey.  We are thrilled to have Laurie join our Central Office team!  According to Assistant Superintendent John Phelan, “Laurie has hit the ground running!  I feel she will be a wonderful addition to the Central Office.”

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We also would like to announce that we have appointed a new Athletic Director and Physical Education/Health/Wellness Director. Lawrence Rooney will be taking over responsibilities for this job. Mr. Rooney has been a teacher, coach, advisor and Admissions Officer during his tenure at Thayer Academy.   He is also a  trainer/coach for Dale Carnegie Training at Bentley University.  He earned his bachelors degree from Providence College and is currently enrolled in a Masters of Professional Studies in Sports Leadership from Northeastern University.  “I am excited to have Mr. Rooney join the Milton High School family,” said Suzanne Johnson, a member of the screening committee. “I truly feel he will be a great addition.”

I would like to thank the members of the screening committee who helped to make this selection.  In addition to myself and Assistant Superintendent John Phelan, the screening committee included Milton High School Principal James Jette; Milton High School Vice Principal Michelle Kreuzer; Milton High School Teacher Representatives Dave Mazzuli and Sean LoPresti; and Parent Representatives Suzanne Johnson, Margaret Carels and Charles Sidoti.  The Milton School Committee was represented by Kristan Bagley Jones and Mike Zullas.  I would like to express my gratitude to all members of this committee for their time and dedication to this process.

* * *

We also recently learned that Milton High School Vice Principal Yolanda Beech will be leaving the Milton Public Schools. Ms. Beech is resigning from her position at Milton High to launch her own business.  The focus of the company will to provide initiatives that empower teenagers and educators.  Ms. Beech has been an incredible asset to the students, families and staff of Milton High School and she will be genuinely missed. We will be forming a search committee to begin screening candidates for this position. Principal James Jette will be emailing Milton High School parents and guardians to see who may be interested in serving on this committee.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Milton High School Pre-K Program is holding an Open House on September 5th.

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 Pierce Middle School is hosting the following events:

August 20th at 6 pm: Information Night for Families of Students in Grades 6-8 Who Are New to the Milton Public Schools

August 27th at 6 pm: Information Night for Families of Incoming 6th Grade Students

August 19-August 23rd:  Welcome to Middle School for students entering grade 6.  There are still slots available.  Interested families can download the application from the Pierce Middle School Edline Site and return it with payment to the Pierce Middle School main office, which is open 8 am to 2 pm Monday- Friday.

Milton Foundation for Education 

The following item on the Spring Grants was submitted by the Milton Foundation for Education: 

Garden beds and easels and pedometers, oh my! Teacher Grants in full bloom this spring. We are so lucky in Milton that each of our six schools is bursting with talented teachers. Their dedication and ingenuity goes above and beyond. That’s why, when they come to us with grant requests for equipment or materials that will help them reach and teach our children even more effectively, we’re honored that, with your support, we’re able to help out.

This spring’s proposals were as exciting as they were unique. With your help we were able to purchase raised garden beds for Pierce Middle School’s outdoor classroom. Glover students will now have new manipulatives to help learn complex math concepts and build electrical circuits. Tucker has received CDs, books and fun programs to help children become excellent social thinkers.

The 5th grade Growth & Development program across all four elementary schools now has updated, more contemporary DVDs, so they will no longer be getting the talk from a Vinnie Barbarino look-alike. And Glover Elementary received 36 pedometers with which they plan to take math to the streets (or the paths) and even start a mathematical walking club.

These are important elements that our teachers need to keep doing their job at such a high level. Again, we thank you for your generous support that keeps Teacher Grants, and so many other great initiatives, funded.

Milton Public Library

There are many programs and exciting events for students taking place at the Milton Public Library this summer. Please visit www.miltonlibrary.org for a complete listing of children’s and teens’ events.

TRANSPORTATION

The following item was written by Pam Dorsey, our Transportation Director.

Hello Parents:  We hope you are enjoying your summer. Due to some staff restructuring, I will continue as the Transportation Director through December 31, 2013.  I will be happy to help you with any issues surrounding the big yellow school buses at the new email address:  bus@miltonps.org   Please send all bus inquiries to that email.

Bus passes will be mailed out in early August.  If you registered for the bus but have not yet paid, please do so immediately; bus passes cannot be mailed out if there is a fee due. Please note that the following routes are now full:

PMS/MHS:  1A, 6A, 7A, 8A

Collicot/Cunningham/St.A:  6B

Seats remain available on all other routes until August 15; the Transportation Office is closed from August 15 – September 15. For a complete list of routes, please click here: http://www.miltonps.org/departments-transportation.php

ATHLETICS 

Update on Brooks Field: The final installation stages of replacing the synthetic turf on Brooks Field are nearly complete. This project started in June when the field was stripped of its original 10-year-old synthetic turf. William Ritchie, Consolidated Facilities Director believes that the entire project went very smoothly over the hot summer months. He hopes to turn over the field for use by our athletes by the second week of August.  The project was on time and within budget. The final field painting should be completed this week and final punch list items to be completed shortly thereafter. The synthetic turf replacement project was made possible due to the generosity of the Copeland Foundation, capital funding from the town budget and rental fees from the School Department to make up the estimated $450,000 project cost. This new turf should last another ten years with routine and preventative maintenance measures.

“As Consolidated Facilities Director, this project was one of my summer highlights,” said Mr. Ritchie. “I was involved from the very  beginning in assisting with preparing bid specifications, field design/selection and acting as project manager.  This is a such great gift that many students and visiting teams will enjoy for many, many years.”

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Milton High School students who are planning to participate in a fall sport should visit the following link:

http://www.edline.net/pages/Milton_High_School/Athletics/Sign_Up_Info

This page will list all the forms for student-athletes to sign up for the fall, along with parental obligations. Payments for sports fees can be made to:  https://unipaygold.unibank.com/Transactioninfo.aspx?transid=10735

PAYMENT: After making the user fee payment, parents/guardians will need to print out their receipt.  Athletic fees will be reimbursed if the student does not make the team.

PHYSICAL: Your child’s physical must be current and within thirteen (13) months in order to be eligible to participate.

PARENT PERMISSION FORM: The “Parental Permission” must be downloaded and completed.

PRE-PARTICIPATION CONCUSSION FORM: The “Pre-Participation Concussion” forms must be downloaded and completed.

CONCUSSION COURSE CERTIFICATE: Parents must complete this on-line course. It  can be found at: http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=15000

Please complete one and print a hard copy of your certificate.

DATES TO SIGN UP FOR SPORTS: The dates and times to register will be announced via email and phone alert over the summer however, parents can pay NOW

SIGN UP @ MHS: Signups will take place at the Athletic Director’s Office located next to entrance to MHS Field House.

SIGN-UPS AFTER THURSDAY AUGUST 22nd  WILL BE SUBJECT TO MISSING 20% OF THEIR TEAMS SCHEDULED GAMES OR MEETS. OPPORTUNITIES TO TRYOUT AND PLAY MAY BE LIMITED FOR STUDENTS WHO SIGN UP AFTER A TEAM HAS STARTED PRACTICING ON THURSDAY AUGUST 22nd.

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