Dear Parents,

Happy New Year!

A busy January for the Parents' Associations began with a reception on January 10, for the Nesto Gallery exhibition by Michael Beatty. Remmi Lyons coordinated refreshments. Susan Gershenfeld chaired the Summer Opportunities Fair, a presentation of summer programs by camp and trip leaders, was held on Sunday, January 12. The Fair raises money for the Parents' Association speakers at School and our contribution to the Milton Food Pantry. By all accounts many students and families garnered exciting ideas for summer plans. On Friday, January 17, parents of students in Classes V and VI enjoyed dinner with Lenna Dower, associate dean for classes V and VI, who led a discussion based on the book Get Out of My Life, but First Take Me and Cheryl to the Mall.

On Thursday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m., Milton parent Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair who will speak to parents on teen eating disorders. The college counseling office presents a weekend introducing the college process to Class II families on February 8 and 9. In conjunction with the weekend, the Parents' Association sponsors two events. Friday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Straus, Dr. Ned Hallowell will offer his perspective on the college process. A child psychiatrist and founder of the Hallowell Center in Sudbury, Massachusetts, Dr. Hallowell also teaches at Harvard University. On Saturday, February 8 the Parents Association will invites parents to join the annual Milton Mix-Up - a fun evening with parents from Classes IV-I meeting in parents' homes and sharing Milton experiences. Alina Luccio and Laura Jeppesen, co-chairs, are working to organize a great evening. On February 14, the Parents' Association thanks faculty and staff with an Appreciation Luncheon in Straus Library. Victoria Croll chairs an energetic group of parents preparing this event. Victoria expanded the appreciation concept and message this year to include "periodic thank you's," for faculty and staff over the course of the year. All parents are welcome at the February 27 Parents' Association business meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Straus Library. In March, Milton celebrates cultural sharing at the 7th annual CultureFest on Saturday, March 8, 2003. Thank you to Diane Pierce-Williams, chair of the Diversity Committee for assisting with the event. Diane is eager to find parents who would like to bring ethnic or national regional foods, flags and dress, as well as to create cultural displays, lead ethnic arts and crafts demonstrations, and or provide cultural performances. Please call Diane at 617-524-4637 by February 7 to participate in the festival.

Good luck to students during their exams, from January 27 to 31. We send words of encouragement to our Class I students in college process. We're all rooting for you.