Greetings!

Well, another week has passed and we would like to keep you up to date on everything that is going on here at Millis Middle.

Progress Reports

We wanted to inform you that progress reports for this term have been emailed to you. Please take the time to review them in PowerSchool and discuss your child's progress with them. If you have any questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teachers and our support staff. They are always available to address your concerns and collaborate with you to find solutions for the second half of this trimester.

Midway Point of the School Year

It's amazing that we have reached the midway point of the school year! It's tremendous to see how much our students have grown and progressed since the beginning of the year. Their dedication and hard work truly shine through. We encourage you to celebrate this milestone with your child and acknowledge their efforts and achievements.

Also, in order to ensure your child's growth and mastery of content, we have conducted several screeners throughout the week. These assessments provide valuable insights into their understanding and help drive our instruction. We will be analyzing the results and tailoring our teaching strategies to meet the specific needs of each student.

Lastly, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support and collaboration. Your involvement in your child's education provides a strong foundation for their learning journey. We value your input and feedback, so please don't hesitate to share any thoughts or ideas you may have.

MCAS TESTING is coming up April 4 -11, 2024 and May 13-24, 2024. Please avoid scheduling family appointments and vacations during these windows of time. Thank you!

Dear Millis Middle Schoool Families,

Social-Emotional Wellness

At Millis Middle School, we prioritize the social-emotional well-being of our students. We understand that mental health plays a crucial role in their overall development. To further bolster their social and emotional skills, we have implemented various initiatives such as yoga and mindfulness exercises, counseling support (Thank you, MERIT!), and character education lessons (Second Step Anti Bullying Curriculum in Power Learning Time). We encourage open lines of communication and are here to assist your child whenever they may need it. Each child has a School Adjustment Counselor assigned to them and is listed in PowerSchool. We also have two Team Leaders at each grade should more personalized support be needed.

Addressing Critical Issues for Students
We believe in addressing critical issues that affect our students in order to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Our dedicated staff actively works to promote understanding, respect, and acceptance among students. We have a few new resources will be rolling out over the next few weeks, one of which is from The Sandy Hook Promise organization that provides an anonymous tip line called Say Something, for students to reach out to a 24/7 crisis team should they have safety concerns for themselves or a peer. There is a caregiver letter with more information about this tip line and resource below. We will be introducing this to students in early February and this is a 6-12 community-wide initiative to support the mental health and safety of our whole small school, big family.

Supporting the Whole Child
We recognize that education extends beyond academics and encompasses the well-rounded development of our students. We are exploring a digital tool called CloseGap where students do a quick check-in to share their mood, how their sleep and breakfast were and if they feel supported and ready to learn and recommendations on a few quick steps to help settle in. This is a 3-5 minute check in that students would complete on Tuesday mornings and the results are only shared with counselors and administration. This is a wonderful resource to help build the skills of self awareness, self regulation and self advocacy. We are excited about this tool because it will allow students to signal for help and support quickly and quietly on a weekly basis.

If you are curious to learn more about Closegap, please feel welcome to peruse their website to learn more and we will send a caregiver letter before implementation and an opt-out survey if you'd rather not have your child participate.

It is important to us that our curriculum includes a comprehensive range of subjects and activities designed to nurture the whole child. From physical education to art and music classes, we strive to provide a balanced educational experience that promotes intellectual growth, creativity, and physical fitness. Our School Adjustment Counselors have been presenting lessons through our Power Learning Time as yet another avenue to connect with our students to make sure that they have multiple trusted adults for support.

Tools and Resources for Students and Families
To enhance our students' learning experiences, we have gathered an array of tools and resources that are easily accessible for both students and families. Second Step, Closegap, Say Something are just a few in our extensive toolbox. These resources cover a wide range of subjects and grade levels, ensuring that every student can find support throughout their middle school journey. Please visit our school website for more details and to explore these valuable resources.

Triage, Tools, Screeners, and Surveys
In order to facilitate personalized support for our students, we utilize various assessment tools, screeners, and surveys. Students have recently completed their academic screeners of STAR and IXL to monitor their academic growth. These instruments assist us in understanding students' specific needs and tailoring interventions accordingly. Teachers will gather in data team meetings to review student needs and points for growth to design interventions and personalized learning.

Prioritizing Privacy
We understand the importance of privacy in the digital age. Rest assured that all data collected or shared with us is handled in accordance with our strict privacy policy. We honor your right to protect your child's personal information, and offer opportunities for opting out of certain information-sharing practices. Please always feel welcome to contact me at ahurley@millisschools.org for any questions and concerns and again, should you wish to proactively opt-out of Closegap or other upcoming surveys, let me know.

Your continued partnership and support are invaluable to us. We deeply appreciate your trust in our school and our commitment to providing the best possible education for your child. Together, we can create a thriving educational community that empowers our students for lifelong success.

Thank you for being part of our Small School, Big Family.

Ana Hurley
Middle School Principal

Dear Millis Community Members,

As a school district, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators, administrators, and the community at large.

To do this, we believe this must involve community-wide programs and initiatives involving parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health and wellness professionals, and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our students.

I am happy to announce the upcoming district-wide launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS). This program teaches students, teachers, and administrators how to recognize warning signals and threats, on social media, in school, or in their community, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and Say Something to a trusted adult OR use its anonymous reporting system. Specifically, the program educates students and adult participants to:

• Recognize the signs and threats of at-risk behaviors
• Take every sign and signal seriously and act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult, OR
• Report it anonymously to the SS-ARS 24/7/365 Crisis Center via a mobile app, website, or telephone hotline
• Respond to and manage the submitted tips using a tip management system overseen by a designated school team
• Sustain the curriculum and awareness via student clubs, in-school activities and call-to-action weeks

Our students are often aware of the problems their peers are facing, so we must empower them to recognize the danger signs and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained and caring adults. As you know, most conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to look out for one another as these digital conversations are taking place. SS-ARS teaches them what to look for in text, video and photos while empowering them to act quickly to help a fellow student. The program also teaches students to recognize at-risk behaviors in friends and classmates at school and in their local community.

The SS-ARS program is provided by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a nation-wide non-profit organization. SHP’s programs are in 50 states – with 14,000+ schools and over 12 million students and adults trained. They have a track record, reputation, and knowledge of how to work effectively with kids, parents, and teachers to improve school safety and culture. The program is age-appropriate and research-based. To date, SS-ARS and other SHP prevention programs have helped stop multiple school shootings, suicides, and gun threats, The program has reduced bullying and cyberbullying, intervened upon cutting, drug use, and other violent acts. We know this program will do the same for our district.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call, or email me directly at ahurley@millisschools.org.

Sincerely,

Ana B. Hurley

Principal

Just a reminder that we need to be very careful with nuts and other allergens when sending snacks in with your student. Please do not send any snacks that are made with nuts or have nuts in them. We need to be careful and considerate of our friends with allergies. THANK YOU!

Here are some tips that are geared to Middle Schoolers, to help your student achieve their very best! Each week we will share a tip. We hope you can incorporate these tips into your daily routines with your child or children:

WEEKLY TIP #2 - HELP YOUR CHILD STAY ON TRACK

Encourage your child to use a planner to write down assignments, tests, quizzes, and anything else they need to remember.

Thanks so much for your help!

Mass Partnership for Youth (MPY) is an organization that supports schools and other youth programs in the state. They also have an extensive library of resources for parents. MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students' families thrive. Parents can watch or just listen to experts who get right to the point solving big and small challenges. Each Library includes 10-minute videos and handouts, The science behind child development and parenting is abundant. Peace At Home Parenting experts translate it into easy-to-use, strategies for long-lasting change. Tap into the power of the brain-body-behavior connection to gain clarity and confidence to help your family thrive.https://peaceathomeparenting.com/mpy-solution-libraries/

January

29th - Talent Show Auditions 2:20 p.m. - for Millis Middle School students only

February

5th- Student Council's Spirit Week

15th - Talent Show

19 - 23rd - February Vacation, no school

March

1st - Aedan Wetherbee Comedy Show Fundraiser - MHS Auditorium

11th - Professional Development Day - No School

29th - Early Release Day, dismissal @ 10:55 am

April

4 - 11th - MCAS Testing

12th - Early Release Day, dismissal @ 10:55 am

15 - 19th - April Vacation - no school this week

MAY

17th - Early Release Day, dismissal @ 10:55 am

13 - 21st - MCAS Testing

27th - Memorial Day, no school

Aedan's Army is hosting a Comedy Show fundraiser on March 1st here at the Millis Middle/High School Auditorium. Doors will open at 7pm, show begins at 8:00 pm. Please attend this event if you can to support Aedan or you can scan the code below to donate to the GoFundMe page.

THANK YOU!

Unfortunately one of our grade seven middle school students, Autumn S, and her mother were hurt in an awful car accident last weekend. They are both healing and resting, but they've been through a traumatic event. Please click here to support them as they recover from their injuries.

Would you enjoy sharing your home with our incoming Spanish Consular Classroom Assistant beginning in late August? Please see the attached letter.

Spanish Consular Classroom Assistant Host Family.pdf

Mr. Kendrick, one of our PE teachers, organized a cornhole tournament to raise funds for Aedan Wetherbee, a Millis sophomore who is currently waiting for a bone marrow transplant due to a rare type of brain cancer. The Millis staff and students enjoyed the friendly competition as they helped raise money for Aedan. Please consider making a donation to Aedan's gofundme page to help relieve the stress of paying the medical bills. Aedan has continued to impress his medical team, family and friends with his unbelievably positive attitude!

Mrs. Hickey's science classes are testing their bridge projects that they have been working on. This was a tremendous engineering project including all sorts of real-life challenges including budgeting for supplies, testing capacity and making several iterations of their bridges. Great job, Grade Seven!!

In Math PLT, 7th graders practiced converting among fractions, decimals and percents while playing the game Capture the Square.

Eighth graders in Mrs. Shepardson's classes prepared homemade Play-doh today using all of their mathematical smarts!

As a crucial part of our commitment to fostering open communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and the school community, we want to remind you about the existence and importance of our Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).

Our SEPAC continues to be led by Mary Calo and Scott Humphries, who are both parents within the district. A SEPAC is an important part of any school district and town. A SEPAC provides direct input to school district leaders about policies, programs, practices, and services that have an impact on students with disabilities and their families. Its purpose is to advise, advocate, and offer guidance, not to decide policy. An effective SEPAC can increase the proactive, productive involvement of families by inviting their input in ways that can be used to shape local special education policy. Mary, Scott and I are dedicated to working together to create a solid bridge between the school district and families. In addition, each school has a parent liaison. If you have questions for the SEPAC members or are interested in attending meetings, please contact Mary and Scott at: millissepaccc1@gmail.com and millissepaccc2@gmail.com

Thank you,

Nealy

Nealy Koumanelis-Urquhart
Director of Student Support Services
Millis Public Schools

P: (508) 906- 3521 E: nurquhart@millischools.org

7 Park Road, Millis, MA 02054

Monday, January 29th @ 2:20pm

Mrs. Samantha Laney, our beloved Social Studies teacher was hurt in an accident earlier this fall. We are so happy to share that she has been discharged from the hospital and her rehabilitation facility. Now, moving back home she will still need a great deal of care and support. If possible, please consider a donation to help Sam and her family.

The library has new books thanks to the Scholastic book fair and an Amazon wish list to fulfill the needs that Scholastic could not. Click on the link below for more information.

Please click on the link below for Middle School sports schedules

We will be offering Boys Tennis at the JV level for grades 7 - 12 this spring again. If interested, please complete the form below.

Thank you!

https://forms.gle/c9EkSBYAg3DhetFQ7

Interest meeting for the 2024 fall season will be this Thursday morning in Mr. Kraby’s room at 7:30am for current students in grades 7-11. Please complete the form below so we can have accurate information about those interested. If you can not make it, please fill out the form and contact Coach Martellio at football@millisschools.org. Thank you!

The Millis Class of 2025 is excited to host a movie night on Friday, February 2nd! This night will be hosted by the 2025 student council in the Clyde Brown cafeteria from 6-8 PM for children in kindergarten to 5th grade. Concessions will be sold ($1-$2 each) and adult supervision will be provided. Cash and venmo will be accepted, and please email Rachel Hayden (rhayden@millisschools.org) with any questions! Use this form to sign up: https://forms.gle/vGBgwaLwa3xwUzkz6

Please help support the Millis High School Class of 2025 by eating at Chipotle on February 3rd from 5:00-9:00 PM in Medway! Show the cashier a digital or paper flyer prior to paying OR order online and pick up Chipotle by using the Promo Code LE3RGD2 on the Chipotle app or website.

Paige Zarnofsky, a senior at Millis High, is seeking donations for her senior project. She is fundraising for a service dog for the middle school. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a significant rise in students’ mental health issues at the middle school level. We’ve seen the benefits of having our beloved Harry, the service dog, at the high school level. We would love for our middle school students to be able to have the same opportunity. I’m hoping our community can come together and make this happen for our middle school students. Any donations or sharing this senior project is greatly appreciated. If interested in donating or have any questions you can reach Paige through email at paizar24@millisschools.org. Thank you!