All classes have their own personalities, of course, and like students, each is special in its own way. This year’s senior class stands out, for me, as one particularly eager to become involved both in activities here and with the world beyond this campus. They are already making their mark here. Heartfelt and engaging, the opening speeches from the Class Councilors on Class Day and Co-head Monitors at Convocation addressed the issues of looking for a guiding tenet and a sustaining joy, of personal responsibility and of using every opportunity to its fullest. We are proud that our students have the courage to articulate the messages dear to them. Lessons coming from fellow students earn attention and respect for the ideas and the speakers alike and, more than that, encourage others to step forward.
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PSAT Testing on Saturday, October 18
Each year, all Class II students (and all Class III students who have repeated a year during high school) take the PSAT. Although the results of this test are not reported to colleges, the test allows students to have a practice experience before taking the SAT. The test also allows high scorers to compete in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Unlike the SAT, the PSAT is administered on just two days each year, and each participating school must choose one of the two test dates to give the test. We have elected to administer the test on Saturday, October 18. Students will need to arrive at the Fitzgibbons Convocation Center at 7:45 a.m., and the testing will be complete around 11:00 a.m. that morning. We have announced these times to all students taking the test, and we have also urged any of them who anticipate conflicts to speak with Academic Dean David Ball immediately.
Join Us Next Week on Parents' Weekend
On Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18, you are invited to share in your child’s school life by attending classes, meeting with teachers, talking with advisors, cheering on athletic teams, and learning about Milton programs. The schedule of events for this year's Parents' Weekend includes an open forum about the college process, presentations on off-campus opportunities, Parents' Association receptions, performances and remarks on the School by Interim Head of School Rick Hardy.
Click here to download a printable schedule (PDF) of Parents' Weekend activities. For more information, please contact the Upper School office at (617) 898-2145.
Reverend Doctor James Forbes
Sixth Speaker, The Endowment for Religious Understanding
“Don’t be microscopic in your individualism,” urged The Reverend Doctor James Forbes, Senior Minister Emeritus of The Riverside Church in New York City. Rev. Dr. Forbes challenged Milton students to begin to solve the “greatest challenges facing America,” which, he contends, are based in a serious lack of community. A skilled and charismatic orator, Dr. Forbes argued that a renewal of spirit, an active belief in the essential relatedness of people and systems was critical to our realizing the promise of our country, as well as peace and prosperity throughout the world.
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Milton Presents Political Cartoonist Dan Wasserman in Nesto Exhibit
On Tuesday, October 21, the Nesto Gallery opens its doors to the second exhibit of the academic year with the work of Dan Wasserman. An editorial cartoonist for the Boston Globe since 1985, Dan is the author of two books, We've Been Framed and Paper Cuts, and his work can be seen in 40 papers around the world. His exhibit, Out of Line: The Art of Political Cartooning, will run in the Nesto from October 21 to November 21. An opening reception will be hosted by the Gallery on October 21, from 5:30–7 p.m., and Dan will present an art lecture on October 22, starting at 9:10 a.m. in Greeley Auditorium.
The Nesto Gallery's first exhibit of the year, Paradigm Tipping (and other questionable activities), featured the work of Peter Evonuk. If you missed it, click here to view a few photos from the show.
Watching Our Waste
The annual Watching Our Waste program, sponsored by the community service program and Lorax, proved to be a great success in 2008. Formerly known as the dorm clothing collection, Watching Our Waste expanded its cleanout and recycling efforts this year to include books, sneakers and batteries.
Organized by faculty coordinators Andrea Geyling and Heather Sugrue, along with assistance from Sarah Mills and student volunteers, the end-of-year dorm cleanup allows Milton the opportunity to reuse items that are not necessary trash and keep valuable items from ending up in local landfills.
Click here to view a list of everything that found a useful afterlife.
In Case You Missed It
From the archives: Below are featured news articles posted on our Web site 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 Submssion form.
Jazz Combos Present Tribute to Duke Ellington
Anne Neely Presents Just the Elements
Jazz Students Help Celebrate Milton
Ron Carter is Melissa Dilworth Gold Visiting Artist
Spanish Exchange Students Visit the State House
Seniors Set the Course for 2008 at Milton
Michael Kassatly Holds Lee Family Teaching Chair
Who's New at Milton
“Team 50” Wins Boston Scavenger Hunt
“Can we question the culture of distraction?”
Trustees Welcome Two New Board Members
Greetings from the 2008–2009 Parents’ Association.
The Parents’ Association held the first Class Dinner of the 2008-2009 year on Saturday, October 4. Parents had a chance to make new friends and catch up with old ones while enjoying a glass of wine and dinner catered by Flik. Entertainment was provided by the Miltones, a group of Milton Academy Upper School students, and two speech team performances. David Ball, academic dean, also spoke to parents at the dinner. Thanks to Alyce Lee, the Class IV parent representative, for coordinating the evening.
Save the Date: The Class III Parent Dinner will be held on Friday, November 14, in Straus Library. Class III Parent Representative Kathy Ticknor is planning this event. Class III parents should look for an email shortly with all of the details.
Once again, this year, the Parents’ Association will be sponsoring a number of refreshment times at recess for our students. The first Donut Day was held in the Student Center on Tuesday, September 16. Students and faculty enjoyed this treat and look forward to the next one, scheduled for Veterans’ Day, Tuesday, November 11.
We hope that as many parents as possible will be able to be on campus for Parents’ Weekend on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18. Please use this opportunity to shadow your son or daughter as they attend classes on Friday. If you haven’t had to chance to do this before, we know you will be extremely impressed with what is being taught and what they are learning. Then, relax with the Parents’ Association as we sponsor a wine and cheese reception in the Robert Saltonstall Gymnasium. We hope that you will be able to spend some time between 4:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. A number of events will be held on Saturday morning, including PSATs for Class II students and the chance to meet with your child's teachers. A full schedule of games will be held on campus in the afternoon. Please stop by the Parents’ Association tables at the different athletic games for a drink and a cookie.
Save the date for the much acclaimed Faculty and Staff Appreciation Brunch, coordinated again this year by Cat Malone, on Wednesday, February 11, 2009. We hope you will be able to help us on this wonderful day. Please contact any board member if you are interested in helping in any way.
The Parents' Association would like to remind everyone about opportunities to support the Community Service Program at Milton Academy. Andrea Geyling, director of community service, needs help driving students to various sites in the Milton and Boston areas. This is your chance to help. Many times and days are available. Please email Andrea at Andrea_Geyling@Milton.edu or call her at 617-898-2320.
Plans are currently underway for a Book Group and a speaker event. Your thoughts and ideas are always welcome. Please contact any board member with your ideas.
A gentle reminder that the only way we can sponsor these events is if you support us by paying your dues. We would greatly appreciate if you could let us know to have the business office bill you. If it is easier, you could send a check to Andrea Peabody, Treasurer, at 23 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186. One child is $60 and 2 or more children is $100. Thank you so much.
