Dear Middle School families,
“Silence is the respite of the confident and the strong.” -Ryan Holiday
This mantra was on full display in our Middle School today as our students observed a day of silence to highlight the silence and erasure of people who identify as LGBTQ+ in schools. So many students chose to participate in the day and faculty also supported their efforts with “silent friendly” lessons and activities in their classes. The silence felt and heard in the Middle School all day conveyed a strong and confident message of support and allyship for the LGBTQ+ community. The Day of Silence is just one of many wonderful moments to recognize and celebrate.
I hope you read through the contents of this newsletter for more exciting news and announcements. And speaking of excitement… Grade 8 departs for Washington, D.C., on Monday! I am grateful to Sharon Mathieu and Josh Kronenberg for their leadership and to all of the faculty chaperones (Barbara Benitez, Samantha Cristoforo, Jacqui Hardaway, Josh Kronenberg, Tom Troy, Sharon Mathieu, and Melissa Vazquez). Please send warm wishes for a safe journey and transformative experience for us all.
Have a good long weekend.
Sincerely,
Nancy
News and Announcements
Foley Fest Speech Tournament is looking for volunteers! Sunday, May 5. Prior experience with Speech or Speech events is not necessary. All are welcome! Click here to sign up. If you have any questions about the tournament schedule, please reach out to Yoshi Makishima, or our parent coordinators Lisa Wilson and Kerri Polimeno.
Milton well represented at two national math conferences — Last week, faculty members from all three divisions attended two national mathematics education conferences. First, Nancy Anderson, Doana Marcellus, and Melissa Vazquez attended the annual conference of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM) and gave a talk entitled, “Avoiding Hidden Hazards on the Road to More Equitable Math Classes.” Over 60 educators attended this talk and in the week that has followed, Nancy, Melissa, and Doana have received many requests to share their message via podcasts or publications. Nancy also gave a talk at the annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) entitled, “Must the Guide Stand on the Side? Examining (False) Dichotomies in Mathematics Education.” Upper School mathematics faculty members, Phil Robson and Tory Lockwood also attended NCTM.
The Week Ahead
No Homework Weekend—Friday, April 12: Happy Patriots’ Day Weekend!
No Classes, Patriots’ Day—Monday, April 15. When we return to school on April 16, we will follow a Monday schedule.
Speech practice — Tuesday, April 16, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Ware Hall
Grade 8 Students depart for Washington, D.C.—Monday, April 15, 5:30 a.m.
Grade 8 Parent Tour of Upper School—Tuesday, April 16 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. or Thursday, April 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. If you are interested in attending please RSVP to Nina Panarese with the tour you would like to attend.
Grade 8 Students return from Washington, D.C.—Thursday, April 18, between 8 and 9 p.m.
No Homework Weekend—Friday, April 19: Happy Easter and Passover to all who are celebrating.
Reminders
ERB Testing week of April 29—We will administer the ERB’s Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) to all students the week of April 29. Each grade will complete all testing in one day: Monday, April 29 (Grade 6); Tuesday, April 30 (Grade 7), and Thursday, May 2 (Grade 8); Friday. There is no test preparation needed except for ensuring that students’ Chromebooks are charged and that they’ve had a full night of sleep before their testing date.
Add These Dates to Your Calendar
Grade 7 Field Trip, Monday, April 22
MS Parents’ Association Book Club, Tuesday, April 23
Orchestra Concert, Friday, April 26
Parent Coffee: Math Department, Tuesday, April 30
Foley Speech Tournament, Sunday, May 5
MS After School Program
The After School Program is available Monday to Friday from dismissal until 5:45 p.m. The Middle School ASP is open Monday through Friday—Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:30–5:45 p.m.; and Wednesday and Friday from 2–5:45 p.m. (unless otherwise noted on the Milton Academy Calendar). The program closes promptly at 5:45 p.m. If you are unable to pick up your child by this time please notify rebecca_veira@milton.edu or call 617-898-2537. Students who have not been picked up by 5:45 p.m. will be escorted to Cox Library by an ASP teacher where they can wait for rides.