Dear Families,
With June 1st here, we have officially reached the end of the year. Wow, how did that happen!? As an educator, June is always a very reflective time for me. That is particularly true this year as I finish my first year as principal. This past year has been one of the most rewarding years of my professional career. I love my new role as principal and have so many people to thank for the joy I have felt coming to work every day.
I am grateful to Todd Bland for the stellar leadership advice he has given to me all year that has made me a better principal, better colleague, and better person. It is an honor to work under his leadership. I am grateful to the faculty and staff of the Middle School for affording me the opportunity to lead this amazing school. Working alongside you this year has left me in awe of your content knowledge, pedagogical skill set, and unwavering care and love for our students. Thank you for the patient and encouraging way you have supported me as I’ve transitioned from teacher to principal and for extending the growth mindset you have for all learners to your new principal too! I am grateful to the students for reminding me every day what it means to be brave, resilient, and earnest.
I will miss greeting you in the morning over the summer months but I’ll be at the door ready and waiting come fall. And finally, a huge thank to you the families of our Middle School. Thank you for all of the times you expressed your support for our program as well as every candid conversation where you offered important perspectives on complex issues and pushed us to be explicit about our decisions. Having a diversity of opinions and perspectives is essential in any academic setting and you have fulfilled this need while also working in partnership with us to support your children. Our school is a more effectual, responsive, and inclusive community because of you.
I wish you all a very long, healthy, and relaxing summer. See you next year!
Sincerely,
Nancy
News and Announcements
Congratulations to this morning’s Middle School Award recipients and their families: Grade 6 – Gavin & Kenzie; Grade 7 – Omar & Soraya; Grade 8 – Jonah & Caroline
Congratulations to Ms. Sharon Mathieu, winner of the Talbot Baker Award—Sharon Mathieu personifies every quality of the educator that Talbot Baker sought to recognize and celebrate. An advisor, teacher, coach, faculty liaison for Black Student Union (BSU), Student Council faculty chair, and colleague who, when finished with one goal, immediately asks, “What’s next?” without ever seeking recognition or credit for any of her outstanding work. Sharon is an enthusiastic, vital, loyal and dedicated leader who, with her unique charm and warm sense of humor, is determined to help students do good and be good—in the classroom, on the field, and in the ways they treat every person in each interaction, large and small. Congratulations!
Staffing News
- Mary Sisson is our new Grade 7 English teacher. Mary is an Upper School English teacher at Princeton Day School in Princeton, NJ. Her past experience includes teaching English and history at grades 5 and 7. Mary graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with highest honors, Phi Beta Kappa, earning a double major in English and history. Mary earned her master’s at Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. She is active with volunteer working including Girls on the Run a nonprofit program that uses running to educate girls in grades 3-8 on life skills.
- Alan Rodi is our new Middle School music teacher. Alan is the music and chorus teacher at two middle schools in Framingham. He graduated with high honors from Wesleyan University and then earned a master’s in music education from Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. Alan is a piano player and organist and also served as music director for ten productions including Shrek Jr. Oliver, Hairspray. A performer himself, Alan’s credentials as an actor include roles in Peter Pan, West Side Story, and Oliver.
- Stephen Armandt will be the Grade 6 Social Studies sabbatical replacement for the fall semester. Stephen just completed his master’s in philosophy from Boston University. He holds another master’s in divinity from Gordon College where he also earned his undergraduate degrees in philosophy and biblical and theological studies. Before his time at BU, Stephen taught religion to students in grades 6-12 and AP modern European history at Boston Trinity Academy. He has also taught at Plumstead Christian School in Pennsylvania where he was the wrestling coach, baseball team, chess club founder and also the Senior High Dean of Students. Stephen has extensive experience in the realm of social justice including work as the Assistant Director of the Trinity Institute for Leadership and Social Justice in Boston.
Year-End Events
Grade 8 Social, Monday, June 3, 6–8 p.m. (NOTE THE TIME CHANGE), Wigglesworth Hall— Grade 8 students are invited to their final social before heading to the Upper School! This event also requires chapel dress. There will be a candy bar, snacks, and refreshments. Dinner will not be provided.
Class Day, Tuesday, June 4—Grades 6 and 7 will be going to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire, and Grade 8 will be going to Apex Entertainment in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Admission fees are covered. Students in Grades 6 and 7 should bring money for snacks and lunch. Students in Grade 8 will be provided lunch; students are welcome to bring lunch if they prefer.
Closing Ceremony, Wednesday, June 5, 8:30–10 a.m., King Theatre—Chapel Dress. Grade 8 families are invited to attend. Due to limited space in King, we are only able to guarantee seating for two family members per eighth-grade student. Following the ceremony, there will be a reception for Grade 8 students and their families on the Middle School Quad from 10–11 a.m.
Dismissal for Summer at 11 a.m. No ASP.
End-of-Semester Skills Evaluations available on MyMilton—Friday, June 14
Reminders
Come Celebrate our MILTON PRIDE, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., meet in the Trinity Church square—Join the 2019 Milton Academy community marching corps for the 48th Annual Boston LGBTQ+ Pride Parade, Looking Back, Loving Forward: 50 years post-Stonewall. Families are welcome to stay past 2 p.m. to enjoy the festivities. We will meet as a group at 10 a.m.(ish) by Trinity Church Plaza (specific time and location will be updated pending information from parade organizers). The parade ends at Boston City Hall. Marching tends to end by 2 p.m. If you would like to join us please fill out THIS SIGN-UP FORM today! We have t-shirts in limited sizes available.
After School Program
The After School Program will be available only on Monday and Tuesday this week, from dismissal until 5:45 p.m. 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.