Dear Middle School Families,
Thank you to everyone who attended Maria Trozzi’s lecture this week. I hope you found her advice and insight both informative and helpful. At our school, we strive to develop the five skills (Managing Feelings, Delaying Gratification, Grit, Mindfulness, and Kindness/Empathy) to foster children’s resilience outlined in Maria’s presentation, and our work is strengthened with your partnership. Thank you for allowing us to share this journey with you.
This week, as we began the second semester, there have been several changes in Ware Hall. First, we welcome back Nicci King from her sabbatical. With that, we also thank Amy Corral for her service and wish her well in her next endeavor. Second, the new semester brings some changes to academic schedules for Grades 7 and 8 as they switch their drama and art courses. Third, as you will read below, students have the opportunity to select new Wednesday afternoon activities. Finally, in Grade 6, sections are shuffled, giving students the opportunity to get to know each other in new ways and allowing for some new classroom dynamics.
In this week’s Middle School Newsletter, you will find information about weekend activities, a link to RSVP for your Grade 7 or Grade 8 student to attend next Friday’s social, and details about the week ahead. Thank you to our speech parents who are making it possible for us to host Sunday’s tournament here. Good luck to all our speechies, particularly our sixth graders for whom this is a first tournament.
Have a good weekend,
Will
The Week Ahead
Speech Tournament, Sunday, February 5, at Milton Academy—Students should plan to arrive at School at 7:30 a.m. and go directly to the top floor of Ware. The estimated end time is 2 p.m.
Special Olympics Basketball Tournament, Sunday, February 5, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., ACC—The Community Engagement Program is hosting its annual Special Olympics Basketball Tournament on Sunday. Thirteen teams from the greater Boston area, including our own home Milton-Quincy team, will be competing. Upper and Middle School students will be volunteering as referees, score- and time-keepers. Athletes love to have a cheering audience, so we welcome any Milton Academy families to stop by and join in the fun!
Activities Fair, Wednesday February 8, 12:30 p.m., Ware Hall––It’s time for students to choose their Wednesday activities for the spring semester! At this students-only event, Middle Schoolers will have the chance to learn about the offerings. Spring offerings include Speech Team; Jazz Ensemble; Student Council; a cappella; board games; origami; Codesters; Girls Who Code; chess; salsa and bachata dance and culture; hiking/outdoor adventure; gym games; Math Club; and BOLD (a girls’ group run by Upper School students).
Grades 7 & 8 Student Social, Friday, February 10, 6:30 p.m., Its2cool, Canton—Students will enjoy the first half of the evening in the jumpy house/obstacle room, which also features arcade games, and spend the second half dancing! RSVP your child today. The RSVP form includes additional information about timing, transportation and food. Contact Jacqui Pennini with any questions.
Important Reminders
Have You Shared Contact Information for Lower and Middle School Grandfriends’ Day on 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.
Add These Dates to Your Calendar
February 15––Grade 8 Parent Meeting: Course Planning for Upper School; Spring Trip
February 20––No Classes in Observance of Presidents’ Day
February 21––Play Production Week
February 23––Middle School Musical Wonka Opening Night
February 24––Winter Season Nobles Day
March 2––Dr. Richard Ginsburg, author of Whose Game Is It Anyway?
March 3 ––Parent, Faculty & Staff Spring Social
March 7––Grade 8 Congressional Focus Day
March 9––3 p.m. dismissal for Spring Vacation
March 27––Faculty Professional Day; No Classes
March 28––Classes Resume; Tuesday Schedule