Millis Middle School
Weekly Community Newsletter
Archived MMS Weekly Newsletter
week ending 3/8/24
Principal's Note
It is such a joy to see the sun a bit longer each day! It's hard to believe that we are getting well into March at this point and with the close of Trimester Two we have completed 67% of this school year! Tonight we will have our first dance of the year for Grades Six and Seven starting at 5:30, entry is $5 for Millis Middle School Students only and pick up is at 7:30. Should you need to pick up your child early, please come to the cafeteria doors to connect with a staff member.
This week our sixth graders had a fabulous field trip and our chorus sang at the Providence Bruins game. We had our second Education Visioning Session with community members, parents, students, staff and administrators last night and it has been impactful and meaningful to reflect on our priorities and values when thinking about a potential MS/HS Building project. We also had a wonderful treat to learn about MANY civil rights leaders and activists from sixth grade students in Mrs. Saccardo's and Mrs. Robinson's ELA classes- the growth and depth of knowledge was VERY impressive!
This coming week we will have our incredible Grade Seven STEAM Fair, and the presentations and experiments completed by students have been wonderful! We can't wait for everyone to check them out! If you'd like to.sneak a peek, here is a link to a virtual exhibit of all of their hard work. Please join us on Wednesday evening for our community celebration of our student learning and accomplishments! Kudos to our seventh grade scientists and their dedicated and hard-working teacher, Mrs. Deb Hickey!
This week we will also be doing our Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) This will occur on Tuesday, March 12th, with our grade seven students. Please review the specifics here and complete the opt out process if you choose.
Please don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday and that there is NO SCHOOL for students on Monday due to a Professional Development Day for staff! Enjoy the long weekend!
Take care,
Ana
Congratulations to 7th grader Emma G. who competed at New Balance Nationals on March 7th in the 1 mile and ran a personal record of 5:37! Way to go Emma!!
What's been happening in the Middle School
6th Grade Field Trip to the The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate offers a dynamic, interactive experience in democracy. The student's visited a full-scale representation of the United States Senate Chamber, were able to sit in the senate seats, saw a replica of Senator Kennedy's Washington office, and used digital tablets to engage with the exhibits. They participated in the process of voting and passing a bill for "climate control". It was a great experience!
Middle School Chorus sang at the Providence Bruins game
On Friday March 1st, 2024, the middle school chorus students took a trip to sing America The Beautiful for the Providence Bruins game in Providence RI. There were roughly 3,000 people in attendance that evening. They did an amazing job!!! Thanks to Mr. Femino for organizing this annual event for our kids! Also, a big thank you to chaperones Stephanie Copice, Sondra Manzano, Amy Kuphal and Jen Zarutskie!
Congratulations to the following winners for Black History Month Door Decorating!
With the end of February and Black History Month, we have completed our BHM door decorating contest. Congratulations to the following PLT's and students!!
Grade 6
Mrs. Saccardo’s PLT featuring inspiring quotes from black change makers.
and special recognition to: Maya, Lucca, Chloe, Emily and Quinn for their detailed presentation about and Tim, Will, Logan, Mason and Enzo
Grade 7
Mrs. Shaughnessy’s PLT celebrated black athletes and their accomplishments. Their door had a wonderful amount of information, research and even 3D decorations!
Grade 8
Mrs. Shepardson’s which featured black musicians and even had spotify songs on QR codes
and Mrs. Rooney’s PLT which creatively highlighted Doritos' Solid Black celebration of change makers
Great job everyone!!
All the winners were treated to milk and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies made by our very own Mr. Fallon. Thank you Mr. Fallon and Congratulations to all the winner's and to all who worked so hard decorating their classroom doors as well.
Black History Month - Hall of Fame
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Ms. Shockley's PLT
Celebrating Black Astronauts
Mrs. Cantoreggi's
Win for Wetherbee! The Middle School will be hosting a week of lunchtime fun to raise money and show our support for Aedan Wetherbee, a Millis High School student who is battling brain cancer. During the week of March 18-22 we will be hosting a raffle, games and more during middle school lunches. We hope you will participate!
Things you should know
MCAS TESTING DATES
MCAS TESTING for Spring 2024 are listed below. It is important that students come to school on these testing dates. Please consider this when making appointments for your students. Thank you.
Visioning for MS/HS Building Project
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We have ONE more session coming up for our Visioning Group regarding our MS/HS building project. It will be virtual on, Thursday, 3/21 6-8:15 PM. If you are interested and available, please consider joining us. Reach out to ahurley@millisschools.org for more information.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SUCCESS TIPS FOR PARENTS
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 #7 - BUILD SELF-ESTEEM
Students with a positive self-image are less influenced by peer pressure. Help your child find something they are good at and enjoy. In our experience children find worthiness, belonging by being helpful and of service to others. Encouraging our children to help others, supports their character development and awareness of their own gifts and talents.
Important dates and events coming up
MARCH
March Madness Read-a-thon Tournament!!!
8th - Grade 6 & 7 Dance - MHS Cafeteria 5:30 - 7:30pm
8th - Trimester Two Grades Close
11th - Professional Development Day - No School for STUDENTS
12th - First Day of Trimester Three- new UAs!
13th - MS STEAM Fair - 2:30 - 3:30 pm & 6:30-7:30PM
15th - Annual Talent Show, 8:00 am
15th- Trimester Two Grades posted
18th - 22nd - WIN for WETHERBEE week of lunchtime fun!!
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
2nd - 8th grade State House Trip
17th - Early Release Day, dismissal @ 10:55 am
(13 - 21st) - MCAS Testing
27th - Memorial Day, no school
DISCO DANCE PARTY!!
Attention all 6th and 7th Graders - There will be a dance this Friday, March 8th, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Our 8th graders have their dance toward the end of the school year.
Details below
This is for MILLIS students only
The date is March 8, from 5:30 - 7:30
The students voted for the theme of "DISCO PARTY"
Many students wear dresses and collared shirts (almost always with sneakers) but, there is no dress code
Snacks such as candy and chips are available for sale, as is water
Admission is $5.00
GRADE 7 STEAM FAIR
The 7th grade will be hosting their annual STEAM Fair Open House on Wednesday, March 13th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Cafeteria. We hope you can all make it!
Students have been doing a great job presenting their STEAM Fair projects in 7th grade Science class! We hope you can join us in celebrating our student's accomplishments at the Open House from 6:30-7:30pm on March 13. See you there!
CPR Classes offered
Lori Dwarika will be hosting classes once a month at the Millis Public Library for any teacher or employee that will need to be certified or recertified. She can be reached at Americanhealthsafetytraining@gmail.com.
Host Family needed in the fall for Spanish Consular Classroom Assistant
Would you enjoy sharing your home with our incoming Spanish Consular Classroom Assistant beginning in late August? Please see the attached letter.
Projects and events our students have been working on
Sixth Graders at MA Destination Imagination Tournament
The following students participated in Massachusetts Destination Imagination Tournament this past weekend and received second place in their Division: Fine Arts "In Motion" Middle School, as well as an invitation to move forward and participate in Global Finals!!
Max K, Charlie R, Parker H, Will V, Jack G and Enzo D as "The Pickles" .
We are so proud of these kiddos- so many have been participating since 1st grade and have really shined during this after school activity.
What an amazing job these kids did, Congratulations!!
6th Grade Civil Rights Lesson
Grade 6 students did an amazing job working on their Civil Rights projects and presentations. We are very proud of them!
Grade 7 Math Lessons
*****
Order you YEARBOOK now!
why?? because you're IN IT!
Sports
Please click on the link below for Middle School sports schedules
2024 Spring Registration now open
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Boys Tennis Interest Form - Spring 2024
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!
LAST CALL FOR SPRING BASEBALL!
MARCH 1 is last day to register without late fee
www.millisybs.org email millisybs@outlook.com with any questions
Practices and games scheduled mid April through June. - Instructional (Ages 5+): $120/player - AA (Ages 6-8): $150/player *Family discount of 20% for 2 or more players
- AAA (Ages 8-10) and Majors (Ages 10-12): $200/player
AAA and Majors evaluations 3/23 12-2pm at Sluggers Academy in Medfield
AA evaluations TBD. Opening day parade is 4/21 at 9AM.
Millis Senior Projects
Hailey Bassett is a senior at Millis High School. She is hosting a student vs faculty basketball game on March 14th from 6-8 pm for her senior project. Her goal with this project is to raise money for a girls basketball Final Four banner. This will be put in the gym after she evaluates the quotes and decides on a company to use.
If any staff are interested in playing on March 14th, please let her know by emailing her at haibas24@millisschools.org. She will be providing t-shirts for the game and will ask for sizing after break.
Community Events
2024 Millis Recreation Spring/Summer Brochure
click on the link below to pull up the Spring Summer 2024 Millis Recreation Brochure