News and Announcements
Chromebook Update—The web filter on student Chromebooks will be updated during the winter vacation. This important work will not impact any school days. For some period of time over break, students will not be able to access the internet via their Chromebooks. Please plan accordingly.
First Lego League Qualifying Competition—Congratulations to our Robotics Team for their competition at Boston University Academy. Both our Grade 6 and Grade 7 teams competed well, with our Grade 6 team placing fourth! The sixth graders also received the Gracious Professionalism award and were invited to compete in the Eastern Massachusetts State Championship on December 17. If you’re available and would like to come cheer on the team, join us at Newton North High School anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Milton Teachers at National Association of Independent Schools Conference—Grade 7 Math Teacher Jin Lee is among the twenty-four Milton Academy representatives at the NAIS People of Color Conference in Atlanta this week. This year’s theme is Advancing Human and Civil Rights: Fulfilling the Dream Together. Pictured are Jin, second-grade teacher Sachiyo Unger, and featured conference speaker John Palmer. Dr. Palmer is chair of the department of educational studies at Colgate University and author or The Dance of Identities: Korean Adult Adoptees Reflect Upon Their Identity Journeys.
Skate Exchange—The Robbins Rink community skating program is in full swing, with a number of open skate times available on weekends and over winter break. Since children grow so quickly, skates don’t always last from year to year. If you have skates that no longer fit anyone in your home, send them to school for our skate exchange. Beginning Monday, there will be a skate exchange box in the mezzanine. Students may bring and exchange skates as they wish.
Follow the Middle School on Instagram—Our Instagram account offers a window into the daily activities of our students and faculty—in moments both big and small. Follow us @miltonacademy_ms. Our account is private and requires that users “request” to follow.
Bookstore Extended Holiday Hours––We are working with Bookstore personnel to begin stocking youth and adult extra small sizes in January. In the meantime, the bookstore, located in the lower level of the Student Center, is open for holiday shopping Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until December 16, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from December 19-22. Click here for a 20% off coupon.
The Week Ahead
Screenagers Screening, Tuesday, December 13, 5 p.m., King Theatre—The Middle School, in conjunction with the Middle School Parent Association, invite you to join us for a special screening of the documentary Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age. To watch the official trailer for the film, click here. We hope you will make every effort to attend. Students are invited as well. Refreshments will be provided following the film.
Student Showcase, Thursday, December 15, 10 a.m., Thacher––This students-and teachers-only event is a wonderful celebration of the talent and humor of our middle schoolers. Thank you for honoring their time as a community.
All-School Holiday Assembly, Thursday, December 15, 11 a.m., ACC—Students in grades K-12 will gather to celebrate before the winter break!
Dismissal for Winter Break, 12 p.m., December 15—Buses will do one pick-up at 12:15 p.m. The Middle School After School Program will not be available. Campus will be closed following dismissal.
Important Reminders
Elizabeth Englander Presentation, Thursday, January 12, 6:30 p.m., Thacher—Elizabeth Englander, director of MARC (Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center) and a psychologist will discuss online safety and digital citizenship. Mark your calendar, also, for a presentation by Maria Trozzi on Thursday, February 2. Ms. Trozzi is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine and a consultant to the Child Development Unit at Children’s Hospital. She will speak with parents about “Five to Thrive.”
Add These Dates to Your Calendar
- Tuesday, January 3—Faculty Professional Day, no classes
- Wednesday, January 4—Classes Resume
- Thursday, January 5—Speech Practice Party: Speechies planning to attend the Novice Tournament at Nashoba Brooks should come to the practice from 4–5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, January 8—Novice Speech Tournament at Nashoba Brooks School
- Sunday, January 8—Lower and Middle School Family Skating Party, 1 p.m.