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Centre Connection Vol II Issue I • August 2003

Dear Parents:

The administration of Milton Academy together with the Parents’ Association encourages parental involvement in many areas of School life. Whether your family is new or returning to Milton, we work to insure our journey together is based on the heart of life at Milton: for our children to experience an environment of cooperation and respect grounded in the values of our motto "Dare to be true."

Co-Presidents Rhonda Corey Myers (boarding '00, '04) and Judy Tucker (day '05) worked with many members of our community to offer an exciting calendar of events for 2003-2004. Meetings with Head of School Robin Robertson, Dean of Students Lukie Wells, Parents' Association Liaison Lesly Freed and the Communications Office have all resulted in an informative and exciting year of meetings, presentations, speakers and social gatherings where parents of boarding and day students can meet and share ideas.

The goal of the Parents’ Association is to foster communication and spirit within the Milton Academy Community. We offer the following suggestions to enhance your connection with Milton.

INFORMATION

Do you and your child know the rules governing common room, in-room dorm visitation and overnight guest policies for both day and boarding students? Drug and alcohol policies? What the Sanctuary Program is? How to contact teachers, advisors or your child? Academic expectations? Expectations for student conduct while on or off campus and during vacations? Rules for automobile, computer and cell phone use? Athletic expectations both on and off the field? Attendance requirements? The variety of clubs and organizations your child can join? Do you know what “conduct prejudicial to the Academy” means?

Be Informed…Read The Milton Academy Handbook....(and you thought the students were the only ones with required reading assignments!)
Your child will make friends among both boarding and day students and the expectation is that parents are aware of all the guidelines instituted to insure our community is safe and enjoyable. The Handbook also provides the opportunity for discussion with your child regarding the contents and expectations for everyone who is a member of our community.

Make www.milton.edu your homepage - or add it your "Favorites"
See daily what is happening at Milton and be informed of current events. Being knowledgeable about life at Milton can also help keep the lines of communication open with our children, something all parents strive for especially during the teenage years.

Visit the Parents' Association Web page
Our Web site is constantly being updated and includes, among other topics; The parent newsletter Centre Connection, the PA welcome letter, Calendar of Events, Committee Chairs and Volunteer Opportunities, Minutes of Meetings, Forms, FAQ's, Lodging and Dining Information, Listing of Traditional Activities and Your Dues at Work and, of course, the Milton Academy Student Handbook.


COMMUNICATION


Refer to your Handbook for whom to contact within the Administration for information, advice and suggestions regarding student life at Milton.

Contact the Parents' Association via phone mail 617-898-2599 or email
parentsassociation_us@milton.edu to volunteer in activities or with suggestions.

PARTICIPATION
Volunteering whether you are far away or nearby can make you feel more connected. Even though teenagers sometimes "protest too much" students usually enjoy knowing their parents are helping to make possible many of the services the PA provides for everyone: those goodie bags students receive in their mailboxes from the PA as a gift from all parents the first week of school ...did they mention that? Ask them after school has begun what they received - they may wonder how you knew about it, but they will feel good that you do. Keep informed so you won't miss out on what else your PA is doing throughout the year for and with the students, parents, administration, faculty and staff of the Academy.

Membership
All parents are automatically members of the Association. Dues are voluntary, but encouraged in either the suggested amount, or whatever amount the donor wishes. Along with the annual Summer Opportunities Fair, dues are our only means of funds. The events we sponsor each year are dependant on the success of our “dues drive” in the fall of each year. To see all the events we sponsor, see the link on the Parents’ Association Web page. Highlights include Welcome Table at registration, Parents’ Weekend dinner and speaker, Class Dinners, the annual Milton Mix Up, Appreciation Day for Milton faculty, administration and staff (everyone who cares for our children all year long), Exam Treats for students and more. During registration this year you will receive your laminated PA Events Calendar. Volunteer opportunities and a dues form are mailed to each family in the fall.

Achieving the goals of the Parents’ Association would be impossible without the incredible volunteer efforts of our members.  Please read our Web site for the many opportunities available for boarding and day parents. We will find something for you to do, near or far. If you can’t find your niche, or have suggestions and ideas, please contact us and we will work with you to find a place for your talent or interest.

We welcome your thoughts, suggestions and participation and most of all we welcome you to (or back to) Milton Academy.

Rhonda Corey Myers & Judy Tucker
Representing the Milton Academy Parents’ Association