Money is on everyone’s mind these days. Between the recession and the seasonal cries of the barkers in all media, the question of what we can and cannot afford hangs ever-present in the air. I was raised in a time when spending and consumption were not the sports they have become and when the operative motivation was need not desire. That is not a premise familiar to some of the younger generation. As is painfully clear, we have become a culture that lives beyond its means. Several of us have been wondering whether we, as a school, can better support your efforts to teach fiscal responsibility. Out in the world beyond Milton, the acceptance of credit cards for even the smallest transaction lulls far too many consumers into complacency and enables them not to think carefully about money. At Milton, while the incidental account (IA) is an important convenience for students buying necessary items, like books and toothpaste, charges to that account are more often discretionary, but are made without the judgment that the term discretionary implies. The correlation between the charge and money earned is not obvious; IA charges do not always seem like “real” money.
[Read More]

 

Student Government: How Old is That at Milton?
Looking for constitutional guidance on how to elect a new person for an existing, open position, head monitors Sam Rosen and Sarah Diamond uncovered a problem. The most recent set of amendments to the Self Governing Association (SGA) constitution were adopted in 2005–2006, or were they? Amendments written in 2003–2004 were ratified by the student body, but Sam and Sarah could not find a record of a full constitutional ratification since then. The SGA constitution should be reviewed and voted on by the student body every year, they discovered, followed by a vote of the SGA Council and the full association. Sam, Sarah and the SGA Council remedied the situation, proposing the SGA constitution with 2008–2009 amendments to the full student body for a vote in November.

Their encounter led to some investigation in the Academy archives, which turned up an interesting commentary written in the Graduates’ Bulletin of October 1927: “Student Government at Milton Academy.” Click here to read the Graduates' Bulletin.

What About That Process of Meting Out Discipline?
Discipline at Milton, Dean of Students Bridget Johnson often says, is a process. As a teaching tool and a reinforcement of community values, it is an important one. As a demonstration of the idea that choices have consequences, the Discipline Committee (DC) always draws student attention. Recently, implementing an idea of head monitors Sam Rosen and Sarah Diamond, Milton’s Self Governing Association (SGA) hosted a forum about the DC, and invited all students to come with their questions.
[Read More]

A Day to Celebrate Milton Academy
On Saturday, November 8, the community raised a collective cheer for Milton Academy at Celebrate 2008. We dedicated Millet House, broke ground for the Pritzker Science Center, shared a tailgate lunch in between Milton-Nobles games, and finally, at dinner, thanked generous donors who contributed more than $85 million to Milton over the past five years. Everyone was invited—faculty, students, parents and alumni—to be part of the numerous happy events. Click on the links below to read remarks from Sasha Frissora '09 during the dedication of Millet House and to view photos of the day's events.
[Sasha's Remarks]
[Photo Gallery]

Milton's Off-Campus Study Programs
If your child is interested in any of Milton's off-campus programs—CityTerm, The Main Coast Semester of the Chewonki Foundation or The Mountain School Program of Milton Academy—they may pick up an application and instructions from Jessica Davis in the Deans’ Office. Completed applications, along with a list of teachers who will be providing recommendations, need to be returned to Jessica Davis by February 3, 2009. Students may apply for multiple programs. Click here for more information about these off-campus programs. Contact associate dean of students, André Heard, at andre_heard@milton.edu if you have questions.

Crash Prevention Training
Milton Academy Campus Safety Department is making available a half-day course developed to increase students’ driving skills, particularly their ability to avoid accidents and to deal with hazardous conditions. The “Crash Prevention” course, offered by the firm In Control, was developed through analysis of the most common accident types and most dangerous driving situations. The program’s instructors provide training for police, fire and other emergency personnel. Their clients include any drivers who are interested in the hands-on training directed toward building a set of skills and attitudes that increase a driver’s safety.
[Read More]

In Case You Missed It
From the archives: Below are featured news articles posted on www.milton.edu over the past two months, click here to read the full stories. If you have an idea for a news story, please use our online News Submission form.

• Felipe Fernández-Armesto is Heyburn Lecturer
• Milton Hosts Conference on Economic Crisis
• First Milton Alumni Webinar
• Goodwin Goes Green
• Pippin Opens in Kellner
  
• Aaron Goldberg '91 Performs at Milton
  
• Sustainability Catalyst Energizes Faculty
  
• Advertising’s Power in the World of Alcohol, Tobacco and the Image of Women
  
• Milton’s Mustangs Win Samson Lorden Bowl
  
• Milton Hosts Annual Oxfam Hunger Banquet
  
• Concert Organist Returns to Milton
  
• Big Day for the Orange and Blue
  
• David Lindsay-Abaire ’88 Pens Two New Productions for the Stage and Screen
  
• Class IV Students Perform in La Casa Nova
  
• Claremont Trio Visits Milton
  
• Former Milton Sailors Star in Disney Documentary
  
• Eric Vincent Performs at Milton
  
• Two Graduates From the Class of 1983 Elected to the Board of Trustees
  
• Nesto Gallery Presents Dan Wasserman
  
• Theodorick (Todd) B. Bland Will Be the Twelfth Head of Milton Academy
  
• China, Africa, United States: can all three work together to benefit Africa?
• Alumna Cara McKenney Wins Emmy

 

What's available on www.milton.edu?
Milton Academy’s Web site serves as a primary resource for each of the School’s constituencies — prospective families, current families, alumni, faculty and staff, students and the general public — for information about Milton Academy. Click here to view a simple navigation guide to find out what is available on www.milton.edu.

 

Parents’ Weekend was held on October 17 and 18, 2008. The weather was great and it looked like everyone truly enjoyed the opportunity to meet their children’s teachers and to listen and participate in various classes. Rick Hardy, interim head of school, presented a State of the School address in the late afternoon, followed by a new Parents’ Association event. This year, we hosted an Upper School Wine and Cheese reception at the end of the day on Friday. The Robert Saltonstall Gymnasium was decorated by the Parents’ Association, led by Marianne McNamara, mother of Hilary, Class I. Thank you, Marianne. Parents had a chance to relax and talk with old friends and meet new ones. We received great feedback about this new Parents’ Association event and welcome your comments.

The Class III Parent Dinner was held on Friday, November 14, and 112 Class III parents attended. Kathy Ticknor, Class III parent representative, and a new Milton parent this year (mother of Ben), coordinated the evening and did a great job, according to those that attended. Thank you, Kathy. Entertainment was provided by the Milton Academy Gospel Choir, under the direction of Ms. Lori Dow, accompanied by Mrs. Louise Mundinger. The parents also had a chance to hear remarks delivered by Class Dean Michael Edgar and Academic Dean David Ball. Thank you to everyone. Parents then enjoyed a meal prepared and served by FLIK.

On Veterans’ Day, Andrea Peabody, Parents’ Association treasurer, and her committee hosted the second Donut Day of the year for Upper School students. Over 700 donuts were eaten within a 20-minute period. For those of you who have never taken part in this event, it is a great opportunity to hear our kids say ‘thank you’ over and over, many times.

We would like to remind you to mark Wednesday, February 11, 2009 on your calendar. The Parents’ Association will be hosting the annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Brunch. More information will follow from Cat Malone, mother of Charlie, Class III. Any help will be appreciated.

Training/Volunteer Opportunity
Karen Arras, a professional bookbinder who has been repairing books in Cox Library, is offering to train interested volunteers. The plan is to create a cadre of book repairers who can help maintain the collections in the three Milton Academy libraries.

To obtain further details, contact Karen by phone (617-909-9550) or by email (karenarras@comcast.net).

Parents’ Association Dues
Please remember that to continue sponsoring these events, we need everyone to pay their dues. Please let Andrea Peabody, treasurer, know if you would like to have Milton bill you or if you want to send her a check. Upper School Parents’ Association dues are $60 for one child and $100 for two or more children.

Andrea Peabody
23 Canton Avenue
Milton, MA 02186
andreapeabody@earthlink.net.

We Would Like to Hear From You
What questions can we answer or direct to the right person to answer for you? Please email Rita Rooney at Rita0620@aol.com and Mark Kaplan at mwkaplan@partners.org.

The Parents’ Association Board would like to wish all parents, students, faculty and staff a happy and healthy holiday season. We will see all of you back in 2009.

 

Milton Presents Annual Winter Concerts 
 
This weekend the weather outside may be frightful, but the music in King Theatre will surely delight audiences as Milton presents the much-anticipated Winter Concerts.

On Friday, December 12, Milton’s Chamber Singers kick off the night beginning at 7:30 p.m. with back-to-back pieces by brother and sister, Felix Mendelssohn and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel. Later in the evening, Milton’s full orchestra introduces its rendition of lesser-known composers such as Emma Lou Diemer, Jaromir Wienberger and Georges Bizet, and performs The Sea’s Swallow, a piece written by Milton Academy senior Jonah Francese.

On Sunday, December 14, the Chamber Orchestra performs Johann Hummel—featuring senior soloist Chris Cote on trumpet—Ralph Vaughan Williams, Bela Bartok and Juventino Rosas. Following a brief intermission, Milton’s Glee Club will take the audience on a journey around the world with an arrangement of international folk songs. Sunday’s concert is also in King Theatre and begins at 4 p.m.

Click here to view a full list of pieces being performed during the two concerts. Parking for the event is available on Chapel Road and in the ACC parking lot. For more information, please contact Music Department Chair Don Dregalla at don_dregalla@milton.edu.

The Best Defense is a Good Offense 
 
Milton's Mustangs are the 2008 New England Prep School Champions. Though the football squad, under the direction of Head Coach Kevin Macdonald, has been exceedingly strong every season—with winning records to back that claim—Milton has not earned the right to call themselves New England Champions since 1996.
[Read More]

Milton Presents... 
 
Two productions livened Kellner’s main stage in November and provided “quite a spectacle” for Milton theatergoers. The Class IV play—a long-standing tradition—was La Casa Nova by Carlo Goldoni. The play was Goldoni’s solution to legitimizing the largely improvised Italian theater of his day. Milton’s biennial musical filled Ruth King Theatre two weeks later and was, according to director Pam McArdle, one of the largest shows Milton has staged in some time. Pippin, by Stephen Schwartz, told the story of the title character coming of age in a colorful, lively “Cirque du Soleil meets Commedia dell’Arte” show. Click on the links below to view photos of both productions.
[La Casa Nova Photo Gallery]
[Pippin Photo Gallery]

A Window into the Class IV Health Course 
 
No grades, no papers, no tests, no homework. And on top of that, beanbag chairs. This is the setting for the 45-minute period each week when Class IV students gather—in groups of 10 to 13—to discuss topics that relate to their everyday lives.

In Class IV Health, the first of four affective education courses at Milton, students discuss issues they’re facing now. At the start of the school year, when students are equal parts excited and anxious—meeting new people, learning a new landscape, getting accustomed to the work load—we ask questions like, What makes for a healthy, productive community? What breaks down a community? Where do stereotypes come from? How can we combat stereotypes? Milton students unanimously name “diverse” as one of the Academy’s defining—and most cherished—characteristics, so we spend time learning about and appreciating differences.
[Read More]

Photos of the Month 
 
Milton Academy's Web site features photos on its homepage to tell the story of daily life on campus; highlight students, faculty, guest speakers and visiting artists; and keep our community informed about events. In case you didn't have a chance to visit Milton's site every day, below is a link to a few of these photos.
[View Photos]

Winter Athletic Schedules
 
The Mustangs took charge of the ice, water, mountains, courts and mats in early December to begin the 2008–2009 winter athletic season. Use the links below to view varsity game schedules or click here to get updates on all of Milton’s winter teams.

Varsity Game Schedules
Boys' Basketball
Girls' Basketball
Boys' Hockey
Girls' Hockey
Skiing
Boys' Squash
Girls' Squash
Swimming
Volleyball
Wrestling

 

Welcome to December! It is hard to believe that the first semester is coming to an end. Over the past four months, many generous families have contributed to Milton Academy’s Parent Giving program, which consists of the Parents’ Annual Fund and the Class I 2009 Parent Gift. This support is crucial to providing Milton students with the highest caliber education that is the Milton tradition.  

The Parents’ Annual Fund consists of all gifts from Milton Academy parents to the Annual Fund. As of November 30, 2008, 73 families have given nearly $285,000 to the Parents’ Annual Fund. Thank you very much to each family who has made a gift. We would also like to thank the dedicated group of Parents’ Fund volunteers who have reached out to fellow Milton parents over the last two months. Your efforts and commitment are key to the success of the 2008–2009 Parents’ Annual Fund.

The Class I Gift is a special tradition at Milton which allows Class I parents to celebrate their children’s Milton experience with a significant gift to the Academy. The Class I 2009 Parent Gift will help complete funding for the Pritzker Science Center, which includes building a new Health Center. The Class I 2009 Parent Gift Committee is comprised of nearly 35 Class I parents who are dedicating their time to encourage fellow Class I parents to demonstrate the strength of the Class of 2009 with a gift to the Class I 2009 Parent Gift.

For more information about Milton Academy’s Parents’ Annual Fund or Class I 2009 Parent Gift, please contact Shannon Ollerhead at 617-898-2374 or shannon_ollerhead@milton.edu.

Milton’s Web site is a great resource for further Parent Giving information. Please click here to learn more.

Become a Parent Volunteer
This academic year, 50 volunteers support Milton’s Parents’ Annual Fund and 35 Class I Parents are serving on the Class I 2009 Parent Gift Committee. Parent connections through phone calls, emails and letters are crucial to the success of both the Annual Fund and the Class I 2009 Parent Gift, and serve as wonderful opportunities to meet fellow Milton parents.

Whether you are a day parent or a boarding parent, this is a fantastic way to reach out to and connect with other Milton families, as you can be a volunteer from anywhere. We currently have parent volunteers from Massachusetts to California to China. Please consider this great opportunity to become involved in Milton’s parent community.

If you are interested in becoming a parent volunteer or would like to learn more, please contact Shannon Ollerhead, associate director of annual giving, at 617-898-2374 or shannon_ollerhead@milton.edu.

Upcoming Events

Parent Giving Phonathons
Phonathons are great opportunities to meet fellow Milton parents and encourage support of the School.

Wednesday, February 4
Tuesday, April 21

Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., Calling at 7 p.m.
Milton Academy Development Office, Caroline Saltonstall Building, Second Floor

Please contact Shannon Ollerhead at 617-898-2374 or shannon_ollerhead@milton.edu for more information or to R.S.V.P.

Parent Giving volunteers who are unable to come to Milton are encouraged to use these evenings to make phone calls from home. Please call or email Shannon Ollerhead, associate director of annual giving, at 617-898-2374 or shannon_ollerhead@milton.edu during the phonathon so we can include your results in the evening’s tally.