News and Announcements
Managing Your Children’s Online Presence presentation by Elizabeth Englander, Ph.D., Thursday, January 12, 6:30 p.m., Thacher––Dr. Englander, author of Bullying and Cyberbullying, and Director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center will speak with parents about how to manage their children’s online social life. If Screenagers was our introduction to the topic of the online worlds of teens, Elizabeth’s presentation is practical advice about what parents need to be doing to keep their children safe and manage social media.
Sharing a Special Thank You––At Thanksgiving, students made cards which they sent to the VA Hospital. Just before winter break, the Middle School office received the message below:
11/23/16
To all the students:
Thank you to all of the artists at Milton Academy. You just made my day. I came to the VA for my appointment and was so glad that I arrived an hour early. I had enough time to read every card that was placed on the window sill. It was a big cheer for me as I do not have a lot of family in the United States that I am able to celebrate with over the holidays. I was born in Germany and my parents were Polish. I became a United States citizen when I was 12 years old. I was so happy and proud to be an American that I decided to join the Marines. I became a Marine because I wanted to protect all the citizens of my country. Today I am an old man but I am happy. I am so grateful that I was a soldier helping All Americans to be able to live in a free country. Since all the students live in a free country, you are able to go to school. I am glad you are learning as it is evident that you are all so smart and talented.
Thanks again,
Robert Mila
Geography Bee, Thursday, January 26, 4–6 p.m., Thacher––The National Geographic Bee is an annual competition organized by the National Geographic Society, designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. Each year, thousands of schools across the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee, competing for college scholarships and the glory of being the National Geographic Bee Champion. Students in Grades 4 through 8 are eligible to compete in the Geography Bee. Click here to register your child.
Eastern Massachusetts State Lego Robotics Championship Results—The Mechanical Mustangs had a stellar showing in their statewide competition over vacation. With a snow storm raging outside, the boys were undeterred and remained focused on the competition throughout the day. First performance scored an impressive 99 points, only to be topped by their best showing in the third round with 111 points. The team finished the day 16th of 48 teams competing. To finish in the top third in their first appearance (against more seasoned teams) is something to celebrate!
The Week Ahead
Novice Speech Tournament, Sunday, January 8, Nashoba Brooks School––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.
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.
Important Reminders
No classes in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 16.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch, Monday, January 16, 10 a.m., Wigg Hall—Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. Everyone is invited. Click here to RSVP.
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.
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.
Add These Dates to Your Calendar
January 26––Geography Bee
February 2––Second Semester Begins
February 2––Maria Trozzi Parent Presentation
February 15––Grade 8 Course Planning for Upper School
February 17––Student Socials
February 20––No Classes in Observance of Presidents’ Day
March 2––Parent Presentation by Dr. Richard Ginsburg, author of Whose Game Is It Anyway?