May 10, 2018

From: Mary C. Gormley
To: Parents/Guardians and Staff
Re: Weekly Update
Date: May 10, 2018

FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

As we close out Teacher Appreciation Week 2018, I want to share my gratitude to all who work at the Milton Public Schools. Our teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, nutrition professionals, nurses, support staff and administrators work tirelessly on behalf of our students each and every day and while we show our thanks in ways large and small throughout the year, it has been wonderful to see the outpouring of support and appreciation this week across all six of our schools. Please enjoy the video below which captures the spirit of the Milton Public Schools and the people who have dedicated their professional lives to educating and caring for your children.

  

MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENT

There is a wonderful opportunity coming next week  for all of us as The Milton Public Library is hosting Amor Towles, author of A Gentleman In Moscow on Wednesday, May 16th in the MHS Auditorium at 6pm. The event is FREE and open to all.  We are thrilled to support this endeavour and look forward to welcoming Mr. Towles.  

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

The Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is proud to sponsor its first youth-led community meeting on Thursday May 17th at 6:30pm at the Milton Public Library. The title of the program is: When One Suffers: We All Suffer.  A keynote presentation will be provided by Arielle Solomon, a Milton High School senior, who will be followed by a panel of three other high school students. They will be presenting their perceptions about the high rates of depression amongst Milton teens, and how adults might support them.  These students are to be commended for taking the lead on mental health issues and I hope the community will support them by attending this community meeting on May 17th.  

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

Milton High School recently celebrated Scholastic Honors Night and I share Principal Jette’s words here and join him in congratulating these exemplary students. Scholastic Honors Night  is an evening to recognize and honor students for their high academic achievement, excellent leadership skills and civic responsibility. The students who were honored exemplify and embody all that we hope for in every Milton High School student. They are intelligent, hard working, goal oriented and self  motivated; they exude a commitment to academic excellence that should serve as a blueprint for others to follow. Moreover, these individuals make the school and community a better place. These prominent members of the school community will be the leaders of tomorrow, and I am certain that they will continue to succeed in life and make their families, Milton High School and the Milton community very proud. Any of the photos below can be enlarged. 

L-R Ryan McGroarty, William Purcell, Emmet Kevaney, Andrew Viveiros, John Daly, Jess Harris and Kendall Smith

The Milton High School Newspaper was recently awarded a Meritorious Achievement Award in Scholastic Editing and Publishing from The New England Scholastic Press Association at Boston University.  Advisor Michael Young shares that this recognition is most welcome as the staff works on improving the newspaper and he is proud of this year’s staff. Congratulations to these students on their recognition.  

 

 

Congratulations to Milton High School, Principal Jette and MHS students, staff and parents/guardians. Milton High School has been ranked prominently in the latest US News ranking of high schools.  Well done!


MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

As a component of the Model UN, Pierce Middle School students participated in an act of diplomacy at the Commonwealth School Model United Nations Conference. At this conference student representatives attempted to solve the problems facing the world at different points in history.  Student delegates congregated into different committees to address a variety of crises. Some crises faced by our students were the Vietnam War, Great Northern War, Intergalactic Authority, a Security Council crisis in the South China Sea, and a crisis in facing the World Health Organization on the issue of air quality. In each committee students eloquently utilized diplomacy to resolve pressing issues to rectify a variety of situations presented to the committees. Congratulations to  Best Delegate winners Hoku Panerio- Langer, Anderson Korman and Michael Howard, Best Position Paper winners Baron Clancy, Stella Yuan and Jonathon Waldman and Best Negotiator winner Rosbald Tejada. 

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Congratulations to our Pierce Latin students who performed with distinction on the recent National Latin Exam and National Mythology Exam. You can read more about our rigorous Latin program on Latin teacher Danielle Huebner’s website.

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Thank you to the many generous donors, volunteers and golfers who stuck it out through some pretty ridiculous weather to play a round of golf last Monday.  We are thrilled to report that more than $16,000 was raised in support of expanding the athletic program at Pierce Middle School. Meetings are already underway with MPS Athletic Director Ryan Madden, Dr. Karen Spaulding and others to determine the best use of the funds we raised.  Stay tuned for exciting updates for the 2018-19 school year. 

INSIDE OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Goal! Tucker students welcomed Coach Jules from Curry on Tuesdays and Wednesdays  this spring to the Tucker Soccer Pitch to work on soccer skills and scrimmage one another. Coach Jules is a senior at Curry College who has a strong background in soccer and wanted to share her talents with the students at Tucker.  Thank you, Coach Jules!

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Collicot 5th graders recently visited their new friends at Unquity House Senior Residence, on Curtis Road in Milton. Residents entered the resident hall with enthusiasm in anticipation of the day’s event. Students and seniors introduced themselves and engaged in informal interviews where they learned about one another’s families and about their most memorable experiences throughout their lives. Later on in their visit an impromptu musical guest, student pianist Riley McKnight, had the crowd clapping and singing! Everyone enjoyed playing games including a few exciting rounds of Bingo. Students and residents collectively agreed that this second visit was as fun as the first and they are all looking forward to another visit.

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

I am pleased to announce that Martha Sandoval has been offered the position of Director of Community Schools and has accepted the position with a start date of July 1st. Ms. Sandoval comes to us from the City of Cambridge where she served as the Community School Program Director for 3 years. Our initial screening committee, led by Assistant Superintendent Janet Sheehan and consisting of parent representatives and principals, reviewed dozens of candidates and moved several exceptional candidates through to the hiring committee composed of principals, School Committee members, Assistant Superintendent Sheehan and Superintendent Gormley. The hiring committee interviewed many excellent candidates and one name rose to the top -Ms Sandoval. We are thrilled to have her join the team at the Milton Public Schools and know that her understanding and appreciation of the role as well as her experience in Cambridge will enable her to bring our already excellent program to another level. We look forward to introducing her to the Milton community at an upcoming School Committee meeting.

I would be remiss if I did not thank our current Director of Community Schools, Pam Dorsey. Pam Dorsey has been Milton Public Schools’ Director of Community Schools for the past 32 years and is solely responsible for the growth of our before and after school programs, vacation camps and Camp Cunningham’s Summer Program. Milton’s Community School Program offers before and after school programming that combines enrichment activities, academics, athletic experiences and homework time. In addition,  Milton’s Community Schools Program provides an unbelievable service to our parents/guardians whose lives and work schedules need this important on-site service. I want to personally and professionally thank and acknowledge Pam Dorsey for creating and building Milton’s unique and thriving Community Schools Program. I have often referred to Pam Dorsey as a legend and the Community Schools Program she has built is truly amazing. Please join me in wishing Pam Dorsey a well deserved, wonderful retirement. 

PARENT SPEAKER SERIES

On Monday June 4, at 6:30pm in the Milton High School Auditorium we are pleased to present “The Truth About Vaping” , A Community Presentation. This presentation is FREE and open to the public. The Caron Treatment Centers’ Student Assistance Program will provide an educational presentation on vaping and e-cigarettes for parents/community members in Milton. This program is intended for an adult audience. 

UPCOMING MPS EVENTS

Squash is coming to Milton High School and interested Pierce and MHS students are invited to an open house at the Milton Academy Squash Courts. Milton Academy Boy’s Coach Morgan Poor will be on hand to introduce the game to all interested. There is a session for those interested TONIGHT, May 10th at Milton Academy at 7pm. All that is needed for equipment is non-marking court shoes.

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In Milton, there is no excuse to not have a clean car this weekend! On Saturday May 12th, the MHS Girls Track Team will be hosting a Car Wash from 9-12pm in the Cunningham driveway – $10 per vehicle. Then, on Sunday, please come out and support the Future Business Leaders of America at their annual Car Wash. The Mother’s Day Car Wash is on Sunday, May 13th, 8am-1pm in the Cunningham driveway.  Come give your (or Mom’s!) car the spring cleaning it needs at Cunningham and “Name Your Price” – all donations are welcome! Please consider supporting one of these student groups and drive away with a clean car.

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Have someone headed to Pierce 6th grade this fall? Don’t miss Welcome to Middle School – a 3 or 4 day introduction/orientation to all things Pierce! Get the lay of the land, learn the Pierce routine, make new friends, meet some of the Pierce teachers. Not to be missed! There are two camps offered – end of June (just after school gets out) and end of August (the week before school starts) – choose the one that works for your new middle schooler. Deadline to register is coming fast – May 25th – so don’t delay!  

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The Class of 2019 is hosting a Savers FUNDrive on May 19th. Finish your spring cleaning, clear out your closets and help the MHS Class of 2019 at the same time. If you would like to drop off in advance, we will be accepting donations that are boxed or bagged from May 14th – 18th at the MHS main office during school hours. By donating gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, linens, small and large household items you can help raise funds for the Class of 2019. Start gathering up your donations today!

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The MHS Diversity Committee is hosting the 5th Annual Heritage Festival at the Milton Public Library on May 23rd, 5:30-7:30. Families are invited to cook and share foods that represent their heritage and culture as well as share cultural performances and tables that display the many cultures that are represented by Milton’s families. Interested students and families can sign up using Sign-Up Genius or by scanning the link on the attached flyer.  Thank you to MHS Senior Patrick Davoren who has taken the lead on this event and to Larry Jordan and Ginny Kime for advising. We hope to see many of you there as we celebrate our cultural diversity together.

SEPAC

The Milton Special Education Advisory Council is accepting nominations to the Board for the 2018-2019 school year. Elections will be held during the meeting scheduled for May 22, 2018, at the Glover Library from 7-9 pm.

FOOD AND NUTRITION

Super Lunch Hero Day was a success in the Milton Public Schools and our students loved celebrating our nutrition professionals!

MILTON FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION

Save the date for the Teacher of the Year Ceremony to honor the educators chosen as the 2018 Teacher of the Year at each school. The MFE ceremony will be at Milton High School on Wednesday May 23rd at 6:30pm.  

NEWS AROUND TOWN

The town of Milton offers lots of great summer programs for kids!

There is a Milton Community Blood Drive on Monday May 14th, 2-7pm sponsored by the Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills.  

The Milton Public Library has many interesting and fun programs planned for kids and teens over the next few weeks.

Celebrate the Milton Mattapan Neponset Greenway grand opening  on Saturday, May 12th 12-3pm on the Greenway Path!

The Forbes House Museum will recognize the winners of the Lincoln Essay and Drawing Contest at an awards ceremony on Sunday, May 20th, at 1:00 pm. The ceremony will take place outside, weather permitting, at the Museum, located at 215 Adams Street. The winning drawings will be displayed in one of the gallery spaces on the main floor of the Museum from May 20th  – June 24th. After the awards ceremony, there will be live music, Civil War reenactors, games and special tours from 2:00 – 4:00 pm as part of our 2018 Lincoln Day Celebration. This very special event is sponsored in part by a grant from the Milton Cultural Council and  Molloy Landscaping. All are invited to attend. Tickets are $10/person, $5/members, with a $20/family max.

ATHLETICS

The Softball Team extended their best start in recent history with a win over undefeated Braintree!  They are now 6-3 heading into a rematch with Norwood High School on Friday. They will also play Brookline under the lights on Wednesday 5/16 and honor the Milton Youth Softball Program.

The Girls Track Team beat Norwood on their home track to improve their record to 2-2 in the league.  The Girls and Boys head to Braintree HS for the Bay State Conference Championships on Wednesday 5/16.

The Girls Tennis Team has won two straight games, tallying four wins on the young season.

Julia Scannell has broken the points record for Girls Lacrosse and needs just a few more goals to break the goals record.  Julia is just continuing her tremendous senior year!

Rugby won 67-12 over Blue Hills Regional Technical School after beating Hanover 35-21 on their Senior Night last Friday.

Game alerts and updates as well as instructions on how to set up game alerts to your phone and email are always available.

The MHS Girls Track Team will be hosting a Car Wash on Saturday May 12, 9am-12pm in the Collicot/Cunningham Driveway – $10.00 per vehicle. 

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 accomplishments below:

Students: The Forbes House Museum recently announced the winners of the 2018 Lincoln Drawing and Essay Contest, and among them are many of our own students here at the Milton Public Schools. A panel of 18 judges from the board of trustees and the community at large selected the winners and I am pleased to recognize these students who will be honored at the Forbes House on Sunday, May 20th at 1pm. 

Thank you to Glover’s Mrs. LeBlanc and all of our school nurses!

Staff:  As we celebrated Nurses Day this week, please join me in thanking our school nurses for the incredible care they give our students every day. Thank you to Barbara Perry and Pam Noonan at Pierce, Maureen LeBlanc at Glover, Kerri Joyce at Tucker, Jeanne Sgroi at Collicot, Alison Joyce at Cunningham, Head Nurse Margaret Gibbons at MHS and MaryJane Walsh for District Support. These caring professionals are involved with everything from bandaids to life threatening illnesses and give our students the support and care they need on a daily basis.  

Volunteers:   I would like to recognize Milton resident Barbara Martin who was recently awarded a Certificate of Honor for her years of dedicated service to the Veterans of Milton. Director of Veterans Services, Kevin J Cook – USN (Ret.) shared the news of Barbara’s honor and stated that she has earned his respect and thanks for her unwavering support for our Veterans and their families.   

Thank you to my blog contributors this week: Karen Spaulding, Karen McDavitt, Holly Concannon, Jon Redden, Laurie Stillman, Noel Vigue, Amy Gale, Nancy Warn, Jackie Morgan, Karyn Viveiros, Ryan Madden, Elaine McNeil-Girmai, Cat DesRoche, James Jette, Michael Young, Danielle Huebner, Susan DiSandro, Janet Sheehan, Jean Scarborough, Yvonne Nequist, Jennifer Grubler, Rebecca Damiani, Heidi Vaughan and Margaret Gibbons.

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, marital status, sexual orientation, 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, employment, 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: Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Human Resources, 617-696-4812.

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