From: Mary C. Gormley
To: Parents/Guardians and Staff
Re: E-blast Update
Date: July 21, 2015
FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
I would like to share with you an important update regarding state funding for Full Day Kindergarten, which remains in jeopardy. Last week, on Friday, July 17, Governor Charlie Baker signed the fiscal year 2016 state budget into law. This budget contains $162 million in line-item vetoes. The vetoes include a $5 million reduction in funds for early education and care programs, as well as a $17.6 million reduction for full-day kindergarten grants. The Legislature can vote to override these vetoes. Senator Brian Joyce and Representative Walter Timilty, both of whom represent Milton, have pledged to support a veto override.
This veto, if not overridden, could have a dramatic and negative impact on Full Day Kindergarten across the Commonwealth. Here in Milton, the impact could be a tuition increase of as much as $600 per child, effective in September of 2015.
An advocacy group we support, Strategies for Children, maintains a blog with more information on this topic, as well as a form to contact your state legislators at this link:
SCHOOL COMMITTEE UPDATE
There has been one School Committee meeting since my last E-blast, held on July 8th. This meeting is summarized below: The next meeting will be held July 29th at 7 pm in the Milton High School library.
July 8th: This meeting began with an update on the Special Education department. Next, there was a presentation from Mike Lynch of MPEG, who outlined plans for the creation of a television studio at Milton High School. Ms. Padera was approved as the committee’s representative to the MASC conference and Facilities Subcommittee appointments were made. There was a review of Milton School Committee FY14-15 District Goals. Members voted to approve a new Residency Policy for the district, which includes re-registering students at certain grade levels and those who attend schools outside of the district. Five sets of minutes were approved before the committee adjourned to executive session.
CURRICULUM NEWS
More than 80 families have come to Milton High School’s front office during the past week to re-establish residency. 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 — 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.
“Feedback has been extremely positive,” said Patty Lesenechal, Milton Public Schools Residency Coordinator. “People have actually reached out to thank us for taking this extra step.”
Ms. Lesenechal 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
STAFF/HIRING NEWS
We are pleased to announce the following staff changes/new hires in the Milton Public Schools:
Dr. Nicholas Fitzgerald has been named Dean of Students at Pierce Middle School. Dr. Fitzgerald has been an English teacher at Milton High School since 2005, and has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards. He has served as the Debate Team coach and has been the advisor to Student Leaders, Outdoors Club and the Recycling Club. He has also been a teacher mentor, chair of the scholarship committee and has served as a design team member for MAAP, which planned PD conferences for Advanced Placement teachers. Dr. Fitzgerald has also served as a commander in the US Army, serving both overseas and in the US. He also served as an Adjunct Professor of education history at UMass/Boston. We are very pleased to have Dr. Fitzgerald join the leadership team at Pierce Elementary School.
Alex Campea has been named Athletic Director and Director of Physical Education & Wellness. Mr. Campea previously served as AD at Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury, where he had served since 2001. He also served as head baseball and football coach for the school and was recently inducted into the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He served on the MIAA tournament committee for both baseball and wrestling and is a member of the MIAA Board of Directors. He has also coached football at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, Bridgewater State College and UMass/Boston. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Campea to the Milton Public Schools.
Ben Kelly, Vice Principal, Milton High School. Mr. Kelly has been a math teacher at Milton High since 2010. He also coaches the Varsity Golf Team and the JV Baseball team. He has served as a new teacher mentor and as a member of the Milton High School site council. Mr. Kelly previously taught in the Saugus Public Schools and has been an administration practicum student here at Milton High School. We are confident that Mr. Kelly will make an excellent vice principal.
Michelle Kreuzer, Director of Mathematics/Business/Technology Department K-12. Ms. Kreuzer has served as vice principal of Milton High School since 2012, and as part of this role, has served on the Bullying Prevention Advisory Committee, Security Task Force, Digital Learning Team, School Site Council and other various boards and committees. She has been instrumental in coordinating both MCAS and PARCC exams and has been an outstanding member of the district’s leadership team. Ms. Kreuzer previously served as the Department Head for Mathematics, Business and Technology from 2010-2012. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at Northeastern University. This is a new position within the MPS, which was created as a result of a reorganization. Ms. Kreuzer’s strong content background combined with her administrative experience makes her uniquely qualified to lead math teachers and drive the math curriculum district-wide.
FAMILY OUTREACH LIAISON NEWS
The following item was sent by MPS Family Outreach Liaison Marti O’Keefe McKenna:
New Families: If you have recently registered your child(ren) in the Milton Public Schools and have questions or concerns regarding the upcoming school year please do not hesitate to contact the Family Outreach Liaison office at 617 696 5040 ext 5588 or via email mmckenna@miltonps.org
Looking for some fun activities right here in our own community? Here are some to consider:
Story Walk: Daily 8:30am-5:00pm. The Milton Early Childhood Alliance is hosting a story walk daily through August 31, 2015 at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1094 Canton Avenue, Milton. “What’s a StoryWalk? Children go for a walk and stop along the way where the pages of a book are posted so they can hear the story read aloud — or read it themselves or to a younger sibling. Susan Dolan, the director of the Milton Early Childhood Alliance, organized this StoryWalk with the Trailside Museum, and she explains that StoryWalks promote early literacy, encourage parents and children to do outdoor activities, and support the crucial idea that parents are their children’s first teachers. In addition, Dolan says, StoryWalks introduce parents and children to new books .”
Brookwood Community Farms: July 22, 2015 and on alternating Wednesdays at 9:30 am during the months of July, August, September, and October children (ages 3 through 9) and their caregivers will have the opportunity to listen to a story and then explore the farm. Exploration may include activities like picking seasonal produce to bring home, using farm veggies to make a smoothie, exploring the insects in our learning garden, or creating a craft using flowers from the farm. The cost is $7 per child. The program is limited to 12 children, so reserve your spot early. This is not a drop-off program. You can register for this program here.
Milton Farmers Market: Thursdays from 1-6pm through the end of October, located at Wharf Park in the Milton Village area. Please visit here for more information and upcoming events including a blueberry festival tentatively scheduled for July 15, 2015 and a 20 year anniversary celebration on July 23, 2015.
National Night Out – August 6, 2015 from 6:00-9:00pm. The Milton Police Department invites everyone in the community to join them at Milton Police Headquarters, 40 Highland Street for their annual community celebration which includes a Police Vehicle Display, Headquarters Open House, Milton Police Canine Demonstration, Cookout, Ice cream, Children’s Rides and more! Mark your calendars and don’t miss this wonderful community event.
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 .
NEWS AROUND TOWN
The following item was sent to us by Gene Boylan of the Milton Farmers Market:
Farmer’s Market Celebration! On Thursday, July 23rd at 3pm, there will be a special celebration at the Farmers Market. Milton Police Chief Richard Wells is back cooking hot dogs for the 20th Anniversary of the Market. We have invited back our founders, Elise Brink and Susanna Place, and all who have made the first two decades such a success.
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The Rotary Club of Milton is proud to present the Baron Hugo Lira Musical Series, “Music in the Streets of Milton.” This jazz combo and string quartet will perform in the business district of Milton from 9:30 to 11:30am; and the farmer’s market (on Wharf Street at Milton Landing) from 3 to 5pm on the following dates:
- Saturday, August 1st – Central Avenue Business District
- Thursday, August 6th – Farmer’s Market
- Saturday, August 8th – East Milton Business District
- Saturday, August 15th – Central Avenue Business District
- Thursday, August 20th – Farmer’s Market
- Thursday, August 27th – Farmer’s Market
These concerts are performed by some of Milton High School’s most talented musicians, including Hannah Solomon, Liezel Werner, Alice Truong, Michael Wyatt, Liam Hines, Matt Nolan, Mairead Dambruch, Shane McLaughlin, Isabelle Neville, Natanya Mark, Eva Chou and Hue Ninh Nguyen. Donations to the Baron Hugo Lira Fund are welcome and can be sent to: Milton Rotary Club, Attn Baron Hugo Lira Fund, Box 243, Milton, MA 02186
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 here.
In addition to our regular story times on Tuesday and Wednesday, we have these exciting programs for the young people in your life happening during the week of July 26 – August 1st:
Tuesday, July 28th 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 29, 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.
Friday, July 31, 2015 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.
Friday, July 31, 2015 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Mad Science: Electricity, Ages 6-11
Join us for a mysterious workshop with Mad Science of Greater Boston! Learn how to send secret messages to your friends, and become a detective by using your observational skills to solve mysteries! For ages 6-11; registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Milton Public 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.
ATHLETICS
The MHS Cheerleading team will be holding a car wash and bottle & can drive on Saturday, August 22nd from 8am to 12pm in the driveway of Cunningham/Collicot. Please come to support these Milton High School student athletes in their fundraising efforts.
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The following information was sent to us by Friends of Milton Crew:
Dear Friends, Rowers, Parents, and Guardians:
The Friends of Milton Crew Inc. are excited to share some news about changes in our program for the 2015 Fall Season. This fall we will offer our crew program to Milton High School athletes, and we will also welcome athletes from other local schools that want to experience the sport of crew. We will continue to launch from the Milton Yacht Club dock on Wharf Street and we will still be competing in exciting competitive races like the Head Of The Merrimack, the Textile River Regatta, the New Hampshire Championships and the South Shore Invitational. If we are lucky enough to be chosen in the lottery, we will compete at the Head Of The Charles Regatta for the third year in a row!
Registration packets are being finalized now and we hope to have online registration available for the NRC Fall season. Although we will be rowing as Neponset Rowing Club, athletes may wear their Milton High School uniforms on race day. Milos will be returning as program director, Bill Hamel as Boys Head Coach, Lucy as Novice Coach and we are talking to some strong candidates to replace Mike as Girls Head Coach.
We hope you are as excited about this change to our fall programming as we are. The Neponset Rowing Club provides the opportunity to expand rowing in Milton while keeping true to our mission of developing personal character, an ethic of cooperation, and physical fitness within the ultimate team culture of the sport of rowing!
SOME KEY FACTS:
- Our program has grown from approximately 20 athletes in 2011 to over 60 athletes today.
- 8th graders are welcome to participate in the fall program.
- All of our graduating seniors this year plan to row in college this fall.
- Fall season begins August 31st.
- Although fall crew will not be a varsity sport crew will return to a varsity sport next and every spring.
- Crew will continue to race competitively in the best local and regional regattas.
- Parents and guardians will always be important to our continued success. We urge you to consider volunteering of your time or talents to the crew program.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Terry Driscoll at directors@neponsetrowing.org
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For information on registering for Fall Sports, please click here:
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.