Dear Lower School Families,
Thank you to all who attended Maria Trozzi’s lecture this week. I hope that her Five to Thrive message resonated with you and offered you some food for thought.
This morning at our assembly, we met Mr. Jimmy Douglass of our Facilities Department; discussed babies with new parents Ms. Spinello and Mr. Green; got to know Mr. Broome, who is managing the Greenleaf Office; and discussed the history and importance of inaugurations in a civil democratic society.
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This afternoon, a dozen of our Lower School students (from Kindergarten through Grade 5) shared lunch with our trustees. Armed with favorite projects, iPads, games, conversation topics, and smiles, they were the stars of the afternoon! The trustees with whom they sat were absolutely delighted by their poise, charm, and ability to speak on a breadth of topics!
In today’s Lower School Newsletter you will find an announcement about the plans for Susan Wheelwright’s return, registration materials for our upcoming Geography Bee, and updates for the week ahead.
Enjoy the long weekend,
Racheal
News and Announcements
Welcoming back Susan Wheelwright––Over the next week, Susan Wheelwright will return to her role in Grade 3. She is excited to be back among the students, and in our community. To ensure a smooth transition for the children, Susan will shadow Tammy Vyas for throughout the week, taking over the class at week’s end. Join me in welcoming Susan.
Saying Good-Bye to Tammy Vyas––With Susan’s return, Tammy Vyas will transition from our Lower School community back to her job at Massachusetts General Hospital. Join me in thanking Tammy for her service to our School. Tammy’s last day in Grade 3 will be Friday, January 27. We look forward to seeing Tammy around campus and perhaps on a special Grade 3 trip!
Skating Celebrations for Grades 3-5––The week of January 30, Grades 3–5 will complete their P.E. skating rotation. Grades 4 and 5 will hold their celebrations on Tuesday, January 31; the Grade 3 celebration will be Wednesday, February 1. Additional, grade-specific information will be sent by the Class Representatives.
Computer Coding for Kids Afternoon Sessions—The Lower School After School Program is excited to offer computer coding classes for students in Grades 2–5! Our students learn a number of coding languages in technology class. This essential 21st-century skill will be at the forefront of future entrepreneurship. These after-school sessions will be an opportunity for students to build and develop cutting-edge computer coding skills. Each session will run for 7 weeks (February 2–April 6; then April 13–May 25)* in Greenleaf and will cost $280.
Sessions are available to eight students at a time on a first-come, first served basis. Click here to register your child. Our instructor, Bret Raper is an engineer and a veteran in the technology industry, having spent the last 20 years building complex systems for large financial companies, health care startups and educational institutions. In addition to learning new programming languages and algorithms, he also loves scuba diving, mountain biking, snow boarding, and coaching girls softball. Bret and his family have enjoyed being a part of the Milton Academy community since 2007.
*Session 1 (February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 30, April 6)
Session 2 (April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25)
Important Reminders
Share Contact Information for Lower and Middle School Grandfriends’ Day, Friday, May 12––In late March, invitations will be mailed to our students’ grandparents and intergenerational friends. To confirm that we have the correct addresses on file, or to share the names and addresses of those whom you’d like invited, click here. Please complete this form by February 15.
A Message from the Nurses––Winter is here and so are colds and other illnesses. You don’t want your child to miss school; but neither do you want to send a sick child to school to endanger him/her or infect others. When should your child stay home? Here are a few guidelines for you to follow:
- Students may return to School once they have been fever-free for 24 hours, without any fever-reducing medication (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc).
- For students with stomach bugs, there is no 24-hour clearance needed. Students may return to school once they are able to resume a normal diet and level of activity.
- When indicating that your child will be absent from school due to illness, also email the nurses at Diane_Holland@milton.edu or Annmarie_Martens@milton.edu with the nature of your child’s illness. The Health Center tracks illnesses across campus, and the information you provide is helpful to them.
- Remind your children to wash their hands well and frequently and to drink plenty of fluids. Vitamin C drops, zinc drops, and Emergen-C are also helpful in combatting the germs in the air.
- If you haven’t yet gotten your child a flu shot, it isn’t too late!
Staffing Changes––Last week, Mallorie Reinecke joined the Kindergarten team as the second teacher in Brendan Farmer’s classroom for the remainder of the year. Mallorie is co-teaching with Brendan and will provide continuity for the children during times of his absence. Patrick Broome replaces Mallorie at the desk in Greenleaf. Students and families will remember Pat from Scott Green’s fall paternity leave. We are delighted to welcome both Mallorie and Patrick to their roles.
Traffic Notices––There is absolutely NO drop-off on Randolph Avenue or at the gate to the Greenleaf Loop. Randolph Avenue is very busy and very dangerous.There have been several accidents in the Pool Lot this year. When walking in the Pool Lot, be careful of our less-experienced student drivers; when driving in that lot, be aware of students large and small who are walking on paths and between cars.
The Week Ahead
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. Students in Grades 4 through 8 are eligible to compete in the Geography Bee. Click here to complete the permission form.
Friday, January 27—Early Release. Special programming skating lessons are available. Contact Noah Spofford to make arrangements.
Add These Dates to Your Calendar
- Thursday, February 2—Second Semester begins
- Friday, February 3—Early Release — Special Programming: Skating Lessons
- Friday, February 10––Grade 4 Arts Assembly
- Thursday, February 16––Grade 2 Family Museum Celebration
- Friday, February 17—Early Release — Special Programming: Skating Lessons
- Monday, February 20—No classes in observance of Presidents’ Day
- Friday, February 24––Middle School Musical Wonka presentation for Lower School
- Friday, March 3––Kindergarten Penguin Breakfast
- Friday, March 3––Parent Conferences