Parents’ Association Meetings
The Parents’ Association holds meetings on the first Monday of each month throughout the school year. Meetings, held in the CSG Conference Room and beginning at 7 p.m., are open to all parents, and include a presentation by a member of the faculty or administration, as well as a discussion of Parents’ Association business.
At our January meeting, we spoke with and got to know Academic Skills Center Director Katie Collins. Katie’s presentation provided insight into the range and breadth of help available to students, including study skills and subject-specific tutoring. We encourage you to review the minutes of the January meeting if you would like additional information.
Our February meeting featuring Director of College Counseling Rod Skinner was cancelled due to snow. Rod’s visit with the Parents’ Association has been moved to March 2 at 7 p.m. Please consider joining us either in person, by video conference, or via our telephone conference bridge.
Contact the Parents’ Association at miltonparentsassociation_us@milton.edu for more information.
Baby Animals Make a Return Visit!
Last year’s visit by Barn Babies was such a hit that we brought them back during this year’s exams. Drawing on the growing body of research that shows that animals and pets are a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, we once again hosted Barn Babies in the lobby of the Pritzker Science Center on the Thursday of exams. Over 250 students (and faculty) enjoyed holding and playing with the animals including kittens, puppies, bunnies, chickens and even a goat who walked on a leash! Thank you to Linnea Engstrom who worked with parent volunteers, including Bridgette Minicus and Eileen Hogan, to bring this favorite stress-buster to campus.
Our hard-working students also appreciated a table full of sweet treats provided by the Parents’ Association during exam week. The hot chocolate, cookies, and fruit were welcome during this year’s drawn out testing schedule.
View more photos from the event.
Class II Dinner and College Presentation
This January, Milton’s College Office held its traditional Class II College Weekend—a two-day program for juniors and their families to gain an understanding of the college admission and application process. The College Office notes that there is a delicate balance between getting the Class II families started on their college process and distracting students from their end of the semester coursework and final exam preparation. However, parent and student response showed that the weekend was fun, energizing and demystifying.
The weekend began on Friday night with the Class II Dinner. The guest speaker, Thrya Briggs, Vice President for Enrollment and Financial Aid at Harvey Mudd College, was informative and entertaining. The dinner was well attended and provided an opportunity for parents to connect and learn about the upcoming college process. Special thanks to Class II Representatives, Elizabeth Hazard and Banu Atkinson, for chairing this event.
Saturday was full of information, beginning in the ACC with a presentation by Deb Smith, Dean of Admission at Smith College. Ms. Smith described the college landscape and gave pointers about how best to conduct a fully informed and personally meaningful college search. Next, families split into two groups—with one going to King Theatre and the other to Wigg Hall. They heard, in turn, from Rod Skinner, Milton’s director of college counseling, who set out the nuts and bolts of the process ahead, and from a panel of Class I students—most of whom were still in the midst of their own college process—who shared their personal experiences. Rod’s presentation was calming and clarifying and the student panel, as one parent put it, was “fun and fantastic.” Every year parents say this glimpse through the students’ eyes is an essential component of the program. They are at once charmed and instructed by the students’ honest and uninhibited thoughts and anecdotes. These students share their observations about the process along with their lessons, successes and disappointments, which helps to focus and stimulate their Class II friends. In all, the weekend was a great way to start the college process with the key stakeholders all hearing the same information at the same time.
Senior Showcase
The Senior Showcase and raffle was held on Saturday, February 7. Proceeds from the raffle will help defray the cost of the senior prom. This year’s raffle raised over $11,500, lowering the cost of prom tickets to $55. Kudos to the students who enthusiastically sold tickets and to the Class I deans, Susan Karp and Ryan Stone, who encouraged the students’ participation. Every year, the Parents’ Association supports Kelly Reiser and Fran McInnis of the Student Activities Office and the Class I deans in their event-planning efforts. Thank you, also, to Class I reps, Diana Maguire and Shashi Davae, for all their hard work on this event, and to the many parents who generously donated items for the raffle. Congratulations to all for a successful effort. View a list of the winners.
Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day
On Wednesday, February 11, the Parents’ Association hosted our favorite event of the year—the much anticipated Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day. A wonderful opportunity for parents to thank those who help and encourage our children every day, the event was a great success. Given the never-ending snow, this year’s theme, A Taste of Summer, was truly inspired! From the breakfast yogurt parfaits to the trays of lobster rolls, pulled pork, and mac and cheese, to the colorful salads, amazing strawberry shortcake, festive, beachy decorations and beautifully mastered raffle, every aspect of the day was perfect.
Many thanks to Sara James who worked countless hours and whose attention to every detail ensured that the day was enjoyed by all. Special thanks to Sudie DiGiovanni who masterminded the amazing menu; Catherine Spahr who coordinated the beverages; Donna Morin for transforming Straus into a summer day; Jean Piazza and Denise Beaudoin who organized the entire raffle process and procured an amazing list of raffle items. What a SUPER job! Finally, the Faculty and Staff Appreciation event could not be a success without the scores of Milton Upper School parents whose generosity of time, skill, monies and raffle items demonstrate, each year, the sincere appreciation we all have for those who care for our children.
Upcoming Events
Monday, March 2: Parents’ Association Meeting, 7 p.m. CSG Conference Room, or by Conference Bridge by calling 1-800-867-0549. Once connected, dial the access code: 8982389 and follow the prompts.
Tuesday, March 10: An Evening with Todd Bland, David Ball and Indu Singh, 7 p.m., Straus Library
Join us for an evening of conversation and insight into our Upper School program. Kindly reply by Tuesday, March 3 to miltonparentsassociation_us@milton.edu.
Monday, April 6: Parents’ Association Meeting, 7 p.m., CSG Conference Room
Monday, May 4: Parents’ Association Meeting, 7 p.m., CSG Conference Room
Saturday, May 9: Class II Boat Dance for students
A favorite event, the boat dance departs from the Boston docks and provides a lovely evening on the water with delicious food planned and donated by the Parents’ Association. Contact Class II parent representative Elizabeth Hazard if you are interested in volunteering to send food treats or to help with set up for this wonderful tradition.
Friday, May 22: Milton/Nobles Day
Saturday, May 30: Class I Parent Reception / Senior Prom
The Class I Parent Reception will take place at 7 p.m., in Wigglesworth Hall. Class I parents can enjoy one another’s company after sending students off on trolleys to their Senior Prom at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. Parents will first have an opportunity to see (and photograph) the students adorned for Prom Night and then relax with fellow parents at a dinner sponsored by the Parents’ Association. Our Class I reps, Diana Maguire and Shashi Davae, are working hard to make sure that the Prom is a great and memorable event.
Monday, June 1: Parents’ Association Meeting, 7 p.m., CSG Conference Room
Tuesday, June 2: Classes end for Class I
Wednesday, June 3: Classes end for Classes II-IV
Friday, June 5: Graduation at 10:30 a.m. Quad
Photo Gallery: Barn Babies Visit During Exam Week
