Dear Middle School Families,
I was glad to see some of you yesterday for Dr. Richard Ginsburg’s presentation. He did a fantastic job speaking with the kids in the afternoon and I thought he provided helpful advice about how to navigate the world of youth sports with tips that apply broadly to adolescent life. Maintaining a balance in activities is an important part of his message. Most importantly, we need to follow the lead of the kids and remember that if they are passionate about something, it’s worth pursuing or continuing. Decisions to change activities need to be treated as decisions and not as failures. As we strive to strike a healthy balance in our community, his research supports a positive and constructive program that keeps children at the center.
Along the lines of maintaining balance and providing opportunities for kids, I am thrilled to share that on Wednesday we had an affinity group “open house” and more than 100 Middle School students participated in one of our groups during that time. It was tremendous to hear about all of the different conversations occurring and I look forward to continued progress.
Thank you, also, to the company of Willy Wonka Jr. for a great presentation this afternoon. I know it wasn’t ideal to have a week between performances, and I applaud you all for a job very well done! To all who were involved in the production, we thank you for sharing your joy and your talent with us. Roald Dahl would be proud!
This week’s Middle School Newsletter includes a reminder to Grade 8 families regarding the forms for the D.C. trip, information about this weekend’s double speech tournaments (good luck to our Speechies!), and details about the week ahead.
Have a good weekend,
Will
News and Announcements
Spring Break Outings—We are again offering several student outings during March break! The dates are March 15, 21 & 23. Once we know our attendance, we will confirm the details of what the outings will be. Contact Jacqui Pennini if your child would like to attend one, two, or all the dates.
From our K–8 Nurses—In addition to the uptick in viral illnesses across Milton Academy, there has also been a rise in the number of students with strep. The most common symptoms of both illnesses are headache, fever, and sore throat. If your child complains of a sore throat or headache, please check his/her temperature and keep him/her home. And, consider taking him/her for a strep test. For the good of our community, do not give your child cold medicine and send him/her to school. Children must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications before they return.
The Week Ahead
Next week is the second week of Mud Week––Click here for the afternoon program by day. Note that dismissal remains at 3:45 p.m. on most days.
Shrewsbury High School Mardi Gras Speech Tournament, Saturday, March 4—This tournament is for experienced speechies only. Speech parents, please consult the SignUp.com site. We need volunteers to attend Thursday’s practice party, to judge, and to provide snacks for the day.
Pike School Speech Tournament, Sunday, March 5—Bus departs Ware Loop at 7 a.m.
Grade 8 Congressional Focus Day, Tuesday, March 7, Kennedy Institute—Grades 6 and 7 in Spring Athletics.
Grade 8 HSR / Grades 6 & 7 in Spring Athletics, Wednesday, March 8.
Grade 8 HSR / Grades 6 & 7 Grade Level Meetings, Thursday, March 9.
Dismissal for Spring Break, Thursday March 9 , 3 p.m—The After School Program will be available until 4 p.m.
Faculty Professional Development, Monday, March 27—No Classes.
Classes Resume, Tuesday, March 28—We will follow a Tuesday schedule.
Important Reminders
Grade 8 Families––In preparation for the trip to D.C., we ask that you sign and return the permission slip. If your child will need to bring any medication on the trip, over the counter or prescribed, please fill out and return the overnight medication form. Please return all forms to Jacqui Pennini by today.
Youth Clothing Available at The Milton Academy Bookstore—The bookstore recently received a shipment of youth clothing! If you haven’t made a trip to the bookstore recently, now is a great time. The bookstore is located in the lower level of the Schwartz Student Center (the glass building on Centre Street near Randolph Avenue). The bookstore is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Add These Dates to Your Calendar
March 30––Speech Team Speech Practice Party
April 1––Speech Tournament at Brown Middle School
April 5––Middle School Revisit Day
April 5––Opening Day of Middle School Spring Athletic Games
April 5––Grade 8 Parent Meeting with Upper School Administrative Team
April 13––Middle School Parent Meeting with Will Crissman
April 17––Patriots’ Day, No Classes
April 18–April 21––Grade 8 Trip to Washington
April 27––Middle School Faculty Appreciation Celebration
April 28––Grade 6 Sustainability Gala