The other day on my drive to Milton, I noticed the first signs of autumn, the leaves on a tree changing from green to a vibrant orange. Just as we see the leaves change, we also see the changes occurring in your sons and daughters. Adolescence is a period of rapid change—physical, intellectual, social, and emotional. One of the first signs that may affect a parent is your child’s lack of communication compared to when he or she was a younger child. As Middle School students search to form their own identities and reflect on their daily interactions, they tend to communicate less. Therefore, we want to keep you informed of all the exciting activities in the Middle School.

Morning meetings are a great way for us to start the day as a community and to celebrate the students. From athletic competitions to student performances, we provide a forum for students to express their voices and to celebrate their talents. Additionally within our weekly assemblies, Lenna and I have been laying the framework for academic integrity and study skills.

In our first assembly of the school year, we talked about academic integrity and Milton’s expectations for students’ academic work. Instead of receiving a lecture, our students observed three skits portraying students in predicaments or making poor choices. After each skit, the students were asked to identify the issue of academic integrity and to come up with possible solutions. Although the skits were very entertaining, students received some useful information about honesty and representing their own work. Additionally, they obtained clarity with the gray areas involving group work and gathered advice on how to deal with peer pressure.

In our second assembly, Kathy Burek and Melissa Rubin from the Skills Center, spoke to the students about study skills. The two of them shared valuable insights on time management and organization. Afterwards, students met with their advisors to talk about their own personal organizational systems. The Milton planner was highlighted as students showed advisors how they were using it to record homework and to keep track of upcoming tests or quizzes. As the year progresses, students will receive additional support with study skills and feedback on their academic performance from their teachers and advisors.

As we move through autumn, we are excited to work with your child each day. For the last several weeks, seventh grade students have been learning their schedules and finding their rhythm throughout the day. Instead of having one or two self contained classes, your child has successfully navigated eight different classes without getting terribly lost. Eighth graders are assuming leadership positions in student government and on the athletic fields. Teachers are challenging the students with interesting assignments, experimental labs, and engaging discussions. Students have been actively involved with sports, performing arts, and other co-curricular activities including: speech, chess, weight training, movie making, outdoor club, homework club dance, jazz combo, knitting, community service and advanced chorus.

We will continue to challenge your son or daughter in classes while nurturing them and providing them with increasing doses of responsibility. Just like the leaves inevitably change, so will your child over the next year. The Middle School advisors at Milton are here to support you and your child during this period of transition while celebrating their brilliance. We look forward to meeting with you on Parents’ Day, October 17.

Read more about Middle School Principal Mark Stanek in the August 2003 Issue of Centre Connection