Dear Middle School Parents,
Thank you to the many students and parents who came to this week’s viewing of Screenagers! It was a great turnout and the film provided thought-provoking information for us to consider over vacation.
In this newsletter, you will find information about our Chromebook update, details about our Grade 6 Robotics state bid, and updates for the short week of our return from vacation.
Happy Holidays,
Will
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.
Eastern Massachusetts State Lego Robotics Championship, Saturday, December 17, Newton North High School—Best of luck to our Grade 6 team! If you’re available and would like to come cheer on the team, join us at Newton North anytime between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Grade 7 CSP Video—Grade 8 students (Miranda, Eleanor, Nikhil, Jana, Kayla, Conner, Colin, and Louise) were interviewed to share their “prior, during, and after” thoughts about the Grade 7 Creative Scholars Project (CSP). The CSP asked students to explore a social justice issue about which they were deeply passionate. Click here to watch the video.
The Week We Return
Faculty Professional Day, Tuesday, January 3—No Classes
Classes Resume, Wednesday, January 4—There will be a Wednesday schedule.
Speech Practice Party the Novice Tournament, Nashoba Brooks School, Thursday, January 5, 3:45–5:15 p.m., Ware Hall—Novice speechies who are planning to attend the Nashoba Brooks Tournament should attend this practice session.
Novice Speech Tournament, Nashoba Brooks School, Sunday, January 8––Students who are planning to take the bus should arrive at school by 7 a.m.
Lower and Middle School Family Skating Party, Sunday, January 8, 1 p.m., ACC––See Parent Association section for details.
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.”
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.
Add These Dates to Your Calendar
January 12––Elizabeth Englander Presentation, 6:30 p.m.
February 2––Maria Trozzi Presentation
January 16––No Classes in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; K–12 Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch (information is forthcoming)
January 26––Geography Bee
February 2––Second Semester Begins
February 15––Grade 8 Course Planning for Upper School
February 17––Student Socials
February 20––No Classes in Observance of Presidents’ Day