To the entire Upper School Parents’ Association Board, thank you for all your hard work connecting parents, the School’s administration, and students this school year. We have continued to improve communication both among parents and between the parents and the School. We have had frank and substantive discussions with Academic Dean Jackie Bonenfant, Dean of Students Jose Ruiz, Dean of Teaching and Learning Indu Singh, Director of Counseling Lisa Morin, Athletic Director Lamar Reddicks, Director of College Counseling Rod Skinner, and Director of the Academic Skills Center Katie Collins — all of whom were candid, informative, and interested in listening to and engaging with the parent concerns and ideas. We also held a very special evening panel discussion featuring Head of School Todd Bland, Upper School Principal David Ball, and Dean of Teaching and Learning Indu Singh. Those who attended enjoyed the conversation and insight the program provided.
We continue to seek ways to promote helpful, pertinent and easily accessible communications with all parents. The online parents’ newsletter, Centre Connection, is one of the best ways to keep abreast of what is happening on campus with students and parents. The College Counseling site provides information for students and parents regarding counseling meetings, test dates and college visits to the campus and surrounding area. Milton Magazine, accessible online at miltonmagazine.org, is published twice a year and features insightful writing, photography and discussion. It is a vehicle to keep alumni connected with the school and for students to see where alumni have made their marks.
Our president, Lisa Bell, and vice president, Ann Marie Oliver, have been dynamic leaders and we thank them for all their hard work in setting our goals and making this a successful year. Ann Marie will continue as president next year and we know her leadership will be reflective and receptive.
Parents of boarding and day students worked together over the year on many fronts from Apple/Donut days, class dinners, outreach to new families, and exam treats and Barn Babies, to the wonderful Faculty and Staff Appreciation Brunch. Parents’ Association liaison Jessica Kraus and Milton’s communications office, led by Erin Berg, have been instrumental in disseminating our message safely and effectively and we thank them for their help and support. Thank you to everyone who developed and fine-tuned our many events:
- Anita Karlsson-Dion and Jennifer Pincince expanded the New Parent Welcoming Program to a new level of warmth and welcome;
- Eileen Hogan and Bridgette Minicus and their Student Activities Committee continued to expand the offering of healthy fruit to the already popular Apple/Donut days and provided tables of healthy treats and cider throughout exam week; xx mention Barn Babies here too…
- The class dinners have been lovely connecting events – thank you Class Reps:
o Class I –(upcoming on May 30) Diana Maguire and Shashi Davae
o Class II – Elizabeth Hazard and Banu Atkinson
o Class III – Lisa O’Connor and Wendy Hill
o Class IV – Nina Panarese and Cindy Lareau
- Judith Webster, together with Jane Panariello and Jodi Feeney, continued to enhance and host our hospitality tables on Parents’ Weekend and Milton-Nobles Day each season
- We once again hosted an exam week de-stressing visit by Barn Babies.
- A special nod to Sara James who put together a remarkable parent team, who, in the midst of countless feet of snow, imagined and created a “summery” feel for our most important event of the year, our Faculty and Staff Appreciation Brunch!
Thank you all, those mentioned by name and those who worked just as hard. We look forward to your valuable and inspiring involvement again next year.
Over the summer, we will be reaching out to parents to fill our Parent Association board, so if there is a role you would like to explore, please let us know. Click here to view responsibilities assigned to the various board positions.
As the year ends, we look ahead to many special events, so please mark your calendars:
Upcoming Events:
Monday, May 4
Milton Parent Association Meeting 7–9 p.m. in the CSG Conference Room
Everyone is welcome to attend either in person or by phone. This month we are delighted to welcome members of the Senior Class at Milton Academy to our meeting. These soon-to-be-graduates will share reflections on their Milton experience and answer parent questions. From favorite classes to most cherished traditions, from life as a boarding student to experiences on the playing field, these time-tested Mustangs will give us an insider’s look at their life on campus.
If you are not able to join us in person, consider joining us remotely by dialing 800-867-0549, access code: 8982389.
To access the meeting via teleconference, click here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m.
The Annual Boat Dance for Class II students
A yearly favorite, students enjoy delicious food planned and donated by the Parents’ Association and a lovely evening on the water aboard a cruise boat that leaves from the Boston docks. Many thanks to Elizabeth Hazard for coordinating this event. We are seeking a few parent volunteers to help set up and decorate the boat. If you are interested, click here to contact Elizabeth.
Tuesday, May 19
Treats for students at 10 a.m.in the Schwarz Student Center.
Friday, May 22
Parents’ Association sponsors snack tables for Milton/Nobles Day
Saturday, May 30
Senior Class Prom and Class I Parent Dinner
While the School is planning a great and memorable prom, Class I representatives, Diana Maguire and Shashi Davae, are organizing the Class I Parent Reception.
This year, we are continuing the tradition of hosting the Class I parents for a final social gathering and light meal following the pre-prom picture-taking on the quad. The Class I Parent Reception will take place onSaturday, May 30 at 7 p.m. in Wigg Hall, immediately following the departure of the trolleys to Boston. Additional information regarding the prom, including pick-up time and location are forthcoming, as are invitations to Class I Parents.
Monday, June 1
Milton Parents’ Association Meeting 7–9 p.m. in the CSG Conference Room
Everyone is welcome to attend either in person or by phone/webinar. The guest speaker for the June meeting will be Director of College Counseling Rod Skinner.
Tuesday, June 2
Classes end for Class I
Wednesday, June 3
Classes end for Classes II-IV
Friday, June 5
Graduation 10:30 a.m. Dorms close at 3 p.m. Campus closes at 6 p.m.
Attire: For the graduation exercises, girls should wear light colored dresses, or skirts and blouses; boys should wear dark jackets (preferably blue), white shirts, ties, and light colored dress slacks. All students should wear dress shoes.
Day Students: The buses run in the morning on June 5, but one hour later than usual. This schedule should enable students to arrive at School around 9 a.m. and thus have plenty of time to prepare for the procession. The buses will leave School at 2 p.m. from the parking lot by the pool on Randolph Avenue. Parents picking up day students should do so in front of Ware Hall after 1:30 p.m.
Boarding Students: The ceremony should end around 12:30 p.m., followed by a light luncheon, and so midday flights (after 2:30 p.m.) should be convenient. Boarding parents who will pick up their sons and daughters are asked to do so before 3 p.m., as dormitories will close at the end of the afternoon.
