Dear Lower School Families,
Welcome back! I trust the winter vacation was rejuvenating and restorative for all. The faculty, staff and I are delighted to have your children back in our midst.
As we return to School, we also welcome back Sarah Spinello to the role of Lower School Counselor. Sarah is here Tuesday to Friday and can be reached either through her email at Sarah_Spinello@milton.edu or on her office line at 617-898-2931. At the same time, we thank and bid farewell to Carla Ko, who ably stepped into Sarah’s role while she was on maternity leave. Thank you, Carla, for taking such good care of our Lower School students.
At this morning’s assembly, we surprised Head of School Todd Bland with a birthday celebration. The children presented him with cards and gifts and songs. It was a wonderful way to start the day!
In today’s Lower School Newsletter you will find a reminder about our upcoming Five to Thrive discussion with Maria Trozzi. I know there’s a lot going on, but I hope that you will make time to join us for this important discussion. We’ve also included a special invitation from Middle School Principal Will Crissman to attend a lecture by Dr. Elizabeth Englander. Dr. Englander’s presentation provides practical advice for managing children’s online presence. Today’s newsletter also includes information about our planned celebrations for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and important updates for the week ahead.
Best,
Racheal
News and Announcements
Five to Thrive by Maria Trozzi, Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 p.m. Thacher—As parents, we worry: Are we doing enough? Are we doing too much? How do we raise resilient children who will be successful in school and in life? Join Maria Trozzi for an interactive and enlightening conversation during which she will share evidence-based strategies for building resilience. Trozzi’s refreshing and honest approach focuses on five useful strategies that are often counter-intuitive for dedicated parents but lead children to master the coping skills that promote resilience.
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 about what parents need to be doing to keep their children safe. This invitation comes from Middle School Principal Will Crissman.
The Week Ahead
Lower and Middle School Family Skating Party, Sunday, January 8, 1 p.m., ACC––See Parent Association section for details.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Assembly, Friday, January 13, 8:30 a.m., Thacher––Grades K, 1, 4 & 5 will be on stage.
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.
Skates––Students in Grades 3–5 should bring skates to school on P.E. days (Mondays and Wednesdays for Grade 3; Tuesdays and Thursdays for Grades 4 and 5). Grade 5 students who would like to play pond hockey must be equipped with a helmet with protective face cage (can be a lacrosse helmet), protective gloves (hockey or lacrosse), shin guards (hockey, lacrosse, hard soccer shin guards), skates and a stick.
Lower School Snacks—A reminder as we begin the new year, that products explicitly containing nuts, nut traces, nut products and nut oils, as well as those products that state they may contain peanuts or nut traces, are not acceptable in any classroom. Any product with a label stating that it was manufactured on shared equipment with peanut/nut products or was processed in a facility that also processes peanuts and nuts is also not acceptable. Because of the seriousness surrounding these health issues, we will not be accepting baked goods. Unacceptable snacks will be sent home unopened. Click here for a list of acceptable snacks.
Birthday Snacks—Remember that the only birthday snacks that are allowed are Rice Krispies® treats, Chloe Bars, Oreo® cookies, Chips Ahoy® cookies, and fruit platters.
Follow the Lower 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_ls. Our account is private and requires that users “request” to follow.
Add These Dates to Your Calendar
- Monday, January 16—No classes in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Thursday, January 26—Geography Bee
- Friday, January 27—Early Release, Special ASP Programming Available – Ice Skating. Click here to register.
- Thursday, February 2—Second semester begins
- Friday, February 3—Early Release, Special ASP Programming Available – Ice Skating. Click here to register.
- Friday, February 17—Early Release, Special ASP Programming Available – Ice Skating. Click here to register.
- Monday, February 20—No classes in observance of Presidents’ Day