Millis Middle School

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to 7th grader, Josie Burr, whose artwork just won the 6-8 grade category for the Youth Art Month State Flag Contest. This year's theme was "Dream in Art." Josie's artwork will be displayed in the Massachusetts Art Education Association's virtual exhibit in March. In addition, Josie will receive a $100 art supply gift card for herself, and a $100 art supply gift card for the art room! This highly competitive contest sees entries from all across the state. This is now Josie's second year in a row winning this category.

Way to go, Josie!!

This week we had a successful school-wide launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System and the Signs of Suicide (SOS) curriculum with our seventh graders.

We also had a wonderful celebration of Mrs. Leman and Mrs. Blessing for School Counselor Appreciation week. We love our counselors!

Several PLT's began working on our Black History Changemakers Hall of Fame and we wish a Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate this weekend!

As we embark on the month of February, it is the perfect time to honor and celebrate the significance of Black History Month. This annual observance, which originated in the United States, is also recognized as African-American History Month. It offers a splendid opportunity to delve deeper into the vast and remarkable heritage of Black culture, accomplishments, and contributions that have shaped history.

During this special month, we take a collective journey to acknowledge and appreciate the important achievements, resilience, and struggles of Black individuals throughout time. School-wide and classroom lessons and activities will be happening throughout the month of February. The students are also decorating their classroom doors, in honor of Black History Month.

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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!

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Thank YOU to Jocelyn B, Erynne S, and Bella G for helping Mrs. Hurley during the visioning session held regarding the MS/HS Building Project. Very much appreciated!

Student council had a dress up day where students dress like teachers and teachers dress like students. We had a few staff members really get into the festivities!

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 #5 - MONITOR HOMEWORK

Be interested and supportive, but insist that your child be responsible for keeping track of and completing their own assignments. We have homework calendars for each grade, students have paper planners they are encouraged and instructed to use daily and most of our classes have Google Classrooms. There are many ways to keep track of assignments and student progress here at Millis Middle School. If you have concerns or questions the best place to begin is to with your child's teacher or Team Leader. Another quick note, Trimester Two will wrap up in the 2 weeks following vacation!

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/

The MS/HS staff was treated with Valentine's treats and chocolates this week. Thank you so much to our HSA for always thinking of us and bringing us joy!

Click on the link below to view the letter related to the annual report card for the Millis Schools.

MARCH

1st - Aedan Wetherbee Comedy Show Fundraiser - MHS Auditorium

- doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8 pm. hope you can make it!

8th - Trimester Two Grades Close

11th - Professional Development Day - No School

12th - First Day of Trimester Three

15th - Annual Talent Show, 8:00 a.m.

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 Wetherbee is a courageous 15-year-old from Millis, MA who is battling CNS primary, ALK+ Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). ALCL is a rare form of brain cancer - rare due to Aedan’s young age and the cancer’s location in his brain. Since June 2023 Aedan has been receiving treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Department. Despite the scary and emotional rollercoaster of treatment which has included intense chemotherapy, stem cell retrieval, and cancer spreading in his body, Aedan has continued to impress his medical team, family, and friends with his positive attitude. In November Aedan received the wonderful news that he is in full remission. Thankfully doctors found a bone marrow donor match and a transplant is scheduled for February 2024. Once he receives his bone marrow transplant Aedan will spend eight to ten weeks inpatient at Boston Children’s Hospital and one year in quarantine at home.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email any of the following folks:

Michelle Panciocco mpanciocco@millisschools.org

Shannon Graham sgraham@millisschools.org

Beth Morrill bmorrill@millisschools.org

Thank You for Your Support!

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

We had our All School Assembly Friday morning. This month we focused on RESILIENCE. Students also presented wonderful exhibits of Black changemakers, Black History Month and Lunar New Year celebrations during assembly.

The 6th Grade sent home permission slips for a class trip to The Edward M Kennedy Center. The slips are due 2/27. The trip is on March 5th!

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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

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!

click on the link below to pull up the Spring Summer 2024 Millis Recreation Brochure