July 9th E-Blast

From: Mary C. Gormley
To: Parents/Guardians and Staff
Re: E-blast Update
Date:  Thursday, July 9th, 2015

FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

The Milton School Committee recently passed a Residency Policy that states “students who are enrolled in the Milton Public Schools shall be required to re-establish residency prior to entering grades six and nine as well as those Milton Public School students who attend school out-of-town.”  Families who have students in these categories are required to fill out the form that has been mailed to their homes or go to the following link: http://www.miltonps.org/documents/2015ReestablishmentDocs_11515.pdf and provide all necessary documentation.

This process is one of the safeguards used by the Milton Public Schools to ensure that all students enrolled in our schools are residents of the town of Milton. Although the re-registration process may be an inconvenience for some families, we hope that residents understand that this is a valuable tool to protect taxpayers in the town of Milton. We work year-round on residency issues and this is simply one more method to assist us with ensuring residency compliance.

Ms. Patty Lesenechal, Milton Public Schools Residency Coordinator, will be working morning and evening hours all summer beginning on July 14th to facilitate parents/guardians work schedules. Ms. Lesenechal will be in the Milton High School main office (25 Gile Road) on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7am to noon; and Tuesday evenings from 4-8pm.  Parents/guardians must submit Re-Establish Residency packets by September 2nd, 2015 to ensure their child’s uninterrupted placement in Grades 6 and 9.

Ms. Lesenechal can be reached at 617-696-4470 ext 5516 or at plesenechal@miltonps.org

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We have some good news from the State House. The conference committee budget was just released and it includes level funding for Full Day Kindergarten. This means that we will not have to increase tuition for our incoming K classes.  I would suggest that this is a good opportunity to contact Senator Brian A. Joyce and Representative Walter F. Timilty and thank them for their support.

The governor will have 10 days to review, approve or veto hundreds of line item appropriations and outside sections. In the meantime, the state is maintaining operations through a temporary budget that runs through the end of July.

The Legislature’s budget would maintain funding for Kindergarten Development Grants at $18.6 million in fiscal 2016, which is a major victory for the 117 communities and school districts — including Milton —  that depend on these funds.

We are very grateful to Sen. Joyce and Rep. Timilty for their work on this budget.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE UPDATE

There have been two School Committee meetings since my last E-blast, held on June 24th and July 8th. Please see the June 24th summary below. The July 8th meeting will be summarized in my next E-blast. The next School Committee meeting will be held July 29th at 7 pm in the Milton High School library.

June 24th:  The meeting began with a group of Milton High School Student Athletes who had qualified for spring tournaments and/or post-season play. These included the Boys and Girls Crew State Championship (Coach Bill Hamel); Rugby Division 2 State Championship (Coach Joe Dolan); Girls Tennis Division 2 South Sectional (Coach Liz Mercer); Boys Tennis Division 2 South Sectional (Coach Paul Ajemian); Boys and Girls Outdoor Track (Coaches Tom Shaw and Chuck Ajemian.) Next, there was a presentation on the End of Year Report/Internal Assessments, by Data Specialist Vy Vu. An Edline update was given by Technology Administrator Dr. Angela Burke.  There was discussion and a vote regarding the Special Education Program Review contract award. As part of the Chairman’s Report, the FY16 School Year Calendar was discussed, as well as the Strategic Issue Committee Package. There was a first reading of the new Residency Policy Addendum, which was tabled for a vote at the next meeting. There was a finance subcommittee report, approval of Vendor Warrants. The committee adjourned to move to Executive Session.

CURRICULUM NEWS

We hope you are all enjoying the summer season so far. Please note that school begins on Wednesday, September 2nd for Grades 1-12 and both kindergarten and preschool begin on Tuesday, September 8th.

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Our friends at Milton Early Childhood Alliance (MECA) have sent us their newsletter, full of great information and free summer events for children. Please check out the link here:

http://miltonearlychildhoodalliance.org/MECA%20Newsletter%20Summer%202015%20Free%20Summer%20Fun.pdf

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Please note the following start and end times for each of our six schools:

Milton High School 7:50am – 2:19pm
Pierce Middle School 7:48am – 2:26pm
Collicot 8:20am – 2:49pm
Cunningham 8:20am – 2:49pm
Glover 8:50am – 3:14pm
Tucker 8:50am – 3:14pm

GRANT/FUNDRAISING NEWS

The following item was sent to us by Bill Ritchie, Director of Consolidated Facilities:

We just received news that Milton has been awarded a $244,248 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy! Congratulations are in order to our entire Green Communities Team for working so tirelessly over the last year and a half. Their work was recently recognized by the Competitive Grant Round for energy funding.  Our team has spend many hundreds of hours over the past year, conducting detailed energy audits, project costs, filling out detailed grant forms, and writing project scope in applying for the grants.

It is not often that a town receives energy grants for nearly $245,000 to fund energy efficiency projects.  These energy projects once implemented will have many years of benefit for the entire town.  The energy reduction and cost savings over the years will also be a huge savings.

I have also applied for an additional $100,000 of utility funding to offset the remaining project costs so that each energy upgrade that was awarded today would be 100% funded.   We should hear the news in the coming month from our utility.

Milton’s 2015 Competitive Grant award will be used for the following energy conservation measures: exterior lighting retrofits with LEDs at Cunningham/Collicot Elementary, Glover Elementary, Tucker Elementary, Pierce Middle, Milton High and the Public Library; interior lighting retrofits with LEDs at Pierce Middle, Glover Elementary, Cunningham/Collicot Elementary, and Tucker Elementary; and installation of walk-in cooler/freezer controls at Pierce Middle, Cunningham/Collicot Elementary, Glover Elementary, Tucker Elementary, and Milton High School.  

FAMILY OUTREACH LIAISON NEWS

The following item was submitted by Marti O’Keefe McKenna, MPS Family Outreach Liaison:

The Milton Public Schools has partnered with the Milton Public Library and Milton Early Childhood Alliance to bring some exciting programs.

Summertime Stories for children age birth to 6 years old along with a parent or caregiver.  Miss Sara, Milton Public Library Children’s Librarian will read stories, sing songs and engage children at four sessions held around town.  On July 2nd and August 6th the story time will be held at the Tucker Elementary School Playground (rain location will be in the gymnasium).  On July 16th and August 20th, story time will take place at the Cunningham Hall.  (Please park across the street at Collicot School).  If the weather is nice be sure to bring a blanket as we will be outside.  All sessions begin at 10:00am.  Why not bring your soon-to-be Kindergartener and have them wear their yellow “I’m going to Kindergarten” t-shirt?  It’s a great way to meet new friends who might be in your class!

Summer Reading Challenge is off to a great start. Before summer vacation began school librarians registered over 1300 students in grades K-4 for Every Hero Has A Story.  The Milton Public Schools approach to summer reading at the elementary level in both French and English is to ask that students READ EVERY DAY in any language.   By registering for the Summer Reading Challenge, students can log on to their very own home page and keep track of the minutes they have read.  If you have not received an email with your child’s user name and password or didn’t have an opportunity to complete the form before the end of school please contact Marti O’Keefe McKenna.  If you would like to sign up directly please visit, http://iread.evanced.info/miltonlib/sr/homepage.asp?ProgramID=8.

Milton High School and Pierce Middle School Summer Reading Requirements

For Milton High School 2015 REQUIRED Summer Reading Program please visit http://www.edline.net/files/_FZKBD_/0105b788635c7ca33745a49013852ec4/Summer_Reading_List_to_be_distributed_in_June_2015-1.pdf

For Pierce Middle School 2015 REQUIRED Summer Reading Program please visit http://www.edline.net/pages/Charles_S__Pierce_MS, scroll down to NEWS and click on Summer Reading.

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”.     Sir Richard Steele

The office of the Family Outreach Liaison will be open during the summer months.  Please feel free to reach out with any questions you might have about the upcoming school year or if you are in need of a resource.  My contact information is: Marti O’Keefe McKenna, Family Outreach Liaison, 617-696-5040 ext. 5588 or mmckenna@miltonps.org .

PAC/SPECIAL ED NEWS

The Milton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) has launched a new website. This group is an advocacy group for parents/guardians of special needs students. Click the link to check out the website: http://www.miltonsepac.org/

NEWS AROUND TOWN

The Trustees of Reservations are inviting local residents to the Blue Moon Campfire at Governor Hutchinson’s Field, Adams Street, Milton on July 31st at 7pm. Join the Trustees to celebrate the second full moon of the month! We’ll gather around our campfire, make roasted snacks, play games, and enjoy the blue moon. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and bug spray! For more information, click here: http://www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/greater-boston/event-3636.html?srregion=&srrelated_property=56508503&srevent_type=&dateType=srevent_start_date&srstartDate=&srendDate=&x=46&y=10

MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Summer is here – and so are fun things for kids to do at the Milton Public Library! Don’t forget: registration for our annual Summer Reading Challenge is open now. To learn more, check out the Children’s page at www.miltonlibrary.org . 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 July 19 – 25:

Monday, July 20, 2015 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Circus Minimus, All Ages

Please join us for Circus Minimus’s enthralling, whimsical show One-Man Circus in a Suitcase! From Kevin O’Keefe’s suitcase an entire circus emerges: tent, band, lights, the boisterous ringmaster Steve Fitzpatrick, the officious Mervin Merkle, the incredible Bumbilini Family, the Magician to the Stars Clyde Zerbini, and Keefer–an innocent trying to runaway and join the circus. However, the most important performers emerge from the audience. Each performance becomes a dialogue between the characters and the audience–a light-hearted collaboration. For all ages. Registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Milton Public Library.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Fun en Français, Gr. 1

Get ready to enter the French language program in the Milton Public Schools! Led by beloved Tucker first-grade teacher Mr. Alex Leite, this program is for children entering first grade in fall 2015 who will be in the French program. Mr. Leite will introduce students to foundational French vocabulary such as greetings, personal expressions, counting, colors, and the alphabet through fun activities like songs and games. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Milton Public Library.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Crafternoon for Tweens, Ages 10-13

Kids aged 10-13 are invited to join Miss Sara (Children’s Librarian) and Lilly (Teen Librarian) for crafting fun.  Each week we’ll be making something different, using such materials as recycled materials, hardware, jewelry and more!  Registration is required.

Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 2:30 – 3:15 pm
STEM Stories, Ages 4-7

Join us for an exploration into the world of “STEM.” (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) Each of our “STEM Stories” programs will focus on one or two topics. Stories, songs and related activities will be featured in this program for children ages 4-7. Registration is required.

Friday, July 24, 2015 from 10:00 – 11:00 am
Yoga Woga, Ages 3-5

Yoga Woga is back. Children ages 3-5 are invited to come to this fun time learning yoga with Jill Pokaski Azar, certified yoga instructor. Registration is required (separate sign up for each session). This event is sponsored by the Friends of the 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. Also, like the Milton Public Library 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:

http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=MILTONPL

VISUAL ARTS

The Milton Art Center is now registering children and teens for summer art classes.  Please click here for course descriptions and dates:

http://www.miltonartcenter.org/index.php/back-to-main-site/kclass

ATHLETICS

Summer is a great time to get a jump on fall sports registration. Parents/guardians can take the concussion course, register on FamilyID and request copies of annual checkups from your doctor’s office, all in advance of the fall deadlines.  Please see below for the timeline and coach’s email addresses:

Milton High School Athletics – 2015 Fall Sports Registration

IMPORTANT DATES

July 21 – August 26, 2015 – FamilyID Fall Sports Registration

    • Fall Sports Sign-ups at FAMILY ID.COM – if you are a returning MHS student-athlete from 2014-2015, you can sign into Family ID with your username and password. If you are new to Milton HS or did not play a sport at Milton HS in 2014-15, you must create a new FAMILY ID account.
    • Milton HS Athletics https://www.familyid.com
    • You must complete the online NFHS Concussion Course and print the certificate (both student-athlete and parent/guardian) www.nfhslearn.com

 

  • You must have an updated physical exam (DATED WITHIN THE LAST 13 MONTHS
  • You must complete the online registration before you can come into MHS Athletic Department for your Fall Sports CLEARANCE CARD
  • Call FAMILY ID directly at (888) 800-5583 with any Family ID registration questions

August 19-21, 2015 – OBTAIN YOUR MHS CLEARANCE CARD

  • Time – TBD
  • Bring in your UPDATED PHYSICAL EXAM and COPY of the NFHS Concussion Course Certificate (of both student-athlete and parent/guardian)

August 24, 2015

  • Milton HS Football Practice Tryouts
  • Time – TBD

August 27, 2015

  • Be sure to choose the correct sport under ATHLETIC FEE – FALL 2015

Milton High School 2015 Fall Sports Varsity Coaches

Football Head Coach – Steve Dembowski – coachdembo@yahoo.com
Boys Cross Country Head Coach – Chuck Ajemian – cajemian@comcast.net
Girls Cross Country Head Coach – Tom Shaw – tshaw@miltonps.org
Field Hockey Head Coach – Sarah Smith – ssmith@miltonps.org
Golf Head Coach – Ben Kelly – bkelly@miltonps.org
Boys Soccer Head Coach – Mike Madden – Mrmadden1@verizon.net
Girls Soccer Head Coach – Brian Borde – bborde@miltonps.org
Volleyball Head Coach – Al Mirabile – aemirabile@yahoo.com
Cheerleading Head Coach – Erica Dunton – edunton@miltonps.org

MILTON HS 2015 FALL SPORTS

PRACTICE/TRYOUT DATES

    • August 24 – FOOTBALL
    • August 27 – Boys & Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Golf
    • Email the coaches above with ‘sport specific’ questions regarding practice/tryouts
  • FamilyID Registration – July 26 – August 21, 20th.  www.familyid.com

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

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

AMBASSADOR PAGE

Students:  I would like to recognize Walker Stroud, a rising Milton High School senior, who auditioned for and was accepted into a very prestigious orchestra program, the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. This summer, Walker and the entire orchestra and staff will travel to Europe for a series of concerts in some of the greatest concert halls in the world. We wish him well on this incredible adventure!

Staff:   I would like to recognize and thank one of our long-time custodians, John Studley. Mr. Studley has been with the Milton Public Schools since 1985 and has worked at Milton High School his entire career. We wish him all the best in his retirement.

Volunteers:  I would like to thank Beth Neville, an amazing Pierce Middle School volunteer, for her work on the Outdoor Classroom. Ms. Neville has taken the lead on this challenging project and, with the help of some dedicated Pierce students, has transformed sections of the Pierce campus into a beautiful garden. We cannot wait to see what grows there this summer!

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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