As all media report, Thanksgiving launches a month of seasonal spending across America. Once again, I am reminded that our culture does not always use its resources wisely and puts great pressure on children to acquire without thinking about the present or future cost. As I mentioned at this time last year, Bridget Johnson, dean of students,  and I have been considering how best to develop systems and practices that will help parents teach the next generation to handle money more consciously. Last year, we banned all charges to students' IA accounts for clubs selling food and clothing as fundraisers. The former remains a cash-only enterprise and the number of other sales has been reduced.
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The Upper School Principal Search
Update and Timeline
Throughout the fall, the Upper School Principal Search Committee sounded the faculty and the administration about next steps for the Upper School Principal position. The Committee used a survey, open forums, departmental discussions, and individual conversations. After considerable deliberation, the Search Committee recommended to Todd Bland that Milton Academy conduct a full search, open to internal and external candidates.  Sarah Wehle, who was lauded by her colleagues for her experienced, dedicated and wise leadership as interim Upper School principal over the last three years, has decided not to enter the search.
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Music Kicks off the Holiday Season

Holiday spirit will fill King Theatre this weekend, thanks to Milton singers and orchestra members.
On Friday, December 11, beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Chamber Singers and full orchestra perform in the first of the weekend's concerts. The Chamber Singers will begin with three pieces from the English and Spanish Renaissance and two modern day spirituals. The orchestra will then perform five selections, including a quirky Polka, from "The Age of Gold" by Soviet composer Dimitri Shostakovich. As a finale, Kevin Huang (I) will conduct the strings of the orchestra in the Palladio by Karl Jenkins.
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Student Faculty Directory Improved, Improving, and Open for Feedback

Bookmark the Directory for Quick Access

Mourning the student-directory that many of us knew and loved—the glossy, spiral-bound volume—a number of parents asked the School to print that directory.  Alternatively, they hoped Milton would make the old-style directory available for them to buy. The short answer to that request is that Milton will stay with the online directory (reminder — parents can print any or all sections of the online directory).  The longer answer is important, particularly for those who had hoped for a different outcome.
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Milton Offers Programs to Study Off-Campus

If your child is interested in any of Milton's off-campus programs—CityTerm, the Chewonki Semester School or the Mountain School Program of Milton Academy—they may pick up an application and instructions from Jessica Davis in the Deans' Office. Completed applications, along with a list of teachers who will be providing recommendations, need to be returned to Jessica Davis by January 19, 2010. Students may apply for multiple programs. Click here for more information about these off-campus programs. Contact associate dean of students, André Heard, at andre_heard@milton.edu if you have questions.

Assessing our Multiculturalism Naming our successes and setting new goals
During the spring of 2009, Milton's faculty Cultural Diversity Committee recommended that we assess our climate as a community. As a diverse and inclusive school community, we would like to name both our successes and our challenges.  We want to rely on qualitative and quantitative data, to make sure we plan for the future on solid ground.  To accomplish this project, the Committee chose an instrument developed by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The NAIS instrument engages trustees, faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni in dialog about shared experiences.  The instrument, An Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism (AIM), asks us to reflect together in ways that will both educate and unify us.  We are excited to introduce this process to the community.
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New Pediatric Practice will Care for Milton Students
On February 1, a new group of pediatricians will provide care for Milton students. Pediatricians from the Children's Hospital Division of Adolescent Medicine will now hold office hours each week on campus; physicians from this practice will also take call around the clock for emergencies and consultations. We will also send students to the practice in Boston, and to the various specialty divisions of the practice, as needed. We are pleased that this group, from one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country, will be our physician health care providers.
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Winter: Annual Request for Courtesy and Safety
Once again, please do not stop on Centre Street to drop off your passengers. That practice backs up the drivers behind you, who are equally eager to discharge their passengers on time. It also exposes your students to danger. Other drivers are trying to negotiate a busy street at "rush hour" and may not see your child dashing to a sidewalk.

From the Archives
In case you missed them, below are links to a few featured news articles posted on www.milton.edu.

*Nesto Exhibits Black, White, Color and Shape
*Fredrika Brillembourg Performs in Straus
*Milton Raises Funds for Oxfam
*Class IV Students Present Lady Dracula
*Akins '97 is Veterans' Day Speaker
*Spirit Week at Milton
*Writer Series Presents Sally Bliumis-Dunn '77
*Great White Sharks Among Us
*Louis Lortie Performs at Gratwick Concert
*Making Sense of Modern Art

For the first time ever, the Parents' Association sponsored the Class IV Parent Dinner the night before Parents' Weekend.  It was a rousing success. Class IV Parent Representatives, Barbara Lemperley Grant and Win Heath, welcomed 185 parents to the Robert Saltonstall Gymnasium. It was a cold, rainy night, but with the Gym decorated beautifully and pictures of the Class IV students projected onto hanging screens, no one seemed to notice.  Entertainment consisted of the a capella group, Three For Each of Us, and performances by three members of the speech team.  Guests included Class IV deans, Larry Fitzpatrick and Mickey Steimle, and Academic Dean David Ball.  Flik prepared a wonderful meal and everyone left ready to return early on Friday for Parents' Weekend.  Once again, thanks to Barbara, Win and their committee for all of their hard work.  

Parents' Weekend was held on October 16 and 17, 2009. The weather started rainy, but that soon ended and everyone truly enjoyed the opportunity to meet their children's teachers, and to listen to and participate in various classes. Todd Bland, head of school, at his first Parents' Weekend at Milton, presented a State of the School address in the late afternoon, followed by a discussion outlining the new Drug and Alcohol Committee, headed by Bridget Johnson, dean of students. The Parents' Association then hosted its second annual Wine and Cheese Reception at the end of the day on Friday. The Robert Saltonstall Gymnasium was decorated by the Parents' Association, led by Helene Haddad, and Judy Reilly, Class I Parent Representatives and Andrea Peabody, Vice President. Thank you all. Parents had a chance to relax and talk with old friends and meet new ones. We received great feedback about this new Parents' Association event and welcome your comments. Finally, Saturday found the weather improved and Parents' Association food tables to accompany sports events of the day.  

The Parents' Association would like to thank Rickie Harvey, mother of Jackie Porfilio (II), and all of her volunteers who contacted parents to coordinate snacks this past fall sports season for the JV and Thirds teams.  If you have a son or daughter playing on a JV or Thirds winter team, please consider providing a snack if Rickie calls on you.  The teams all greatly appreciate it.  

The Class III Parent Dinner was held on Friday, November 13, and approximately 100 Class III parents attended the evening in Wigglesworth Hall.  Alyce Lee and Cathy Toren, Class III Parent Representatives, coordinated the evening and did a great job. Thank you, Alyce and Cathy. Entertainment was provided by the a capella group, EPIC, and parents also had a chance to hear remarks delivered by Head of School Todd Bland. Parents then enjoyed a meal prepared and served by Flik. Thank you to everyone.  

On Veterans' Day, Parents' Association Vice President Andrea Peabody and her committee (Mark Kaplan, Helene Haddad and Shannon Ollerhead) hosted the second Donut Day of the year for Upper School students. Over 700 donuts (and many apples) were set out in the ACC lobby. There actually were enough left over to supply the athletic teams on their buses to away games that afternoon. For those of you who have never taken part in this event, it is a great opportunity to hear our kids say "thank you" over and over.  

We would like to remind you to mark Wednesday, February 10, 2010 on your calendar. The Parents' Association will be hosting the annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Brunch. More information will follow from Wendy Ballinger, mother of Kate (III). Any help and/or donations will be appreciated.  

Parents' Association Dues
Please remember that to continue sponsoring these events, we need everyone to pay their dues. Please let Gail Hoffman, treasurer, know if you would like to have dues added to your Milton bill you or if you want to send her a check. Upper School Parents' Association dues are $60 for one child and $100 for two or more children.  

Gail Hoffman
65 Sterling St.
Newton, MA 02465  

We Would Like to Hear From You
What questions can we answer or direct to the right person to answer for you? Please email Mark Kaplan at mwkaplan@partners.org or Andrea Peabody at andreapeabody@earthlink.net.  

The Parents' Association Board would like to wish all parents, students, faculty and staff a happy and healthy holiday season. We will see all of you back in 2010.

Rachel Klein-Ash, College Counselor, on Why She Loves Her Job
I had never heard of this private school gig called "college counseling." In my regional public high school in Maine, I had a guidance counselor whom I barely knew: probably a missed opportunity on my part.

My parents and I limped along together through the college process, the blind leading the blind. After a horrendous go at the PSATs, they insisted I take a prep class. I did improve, slightly. (Believe me, I can relate to those students who describe themselves as "not very good standardized testers.") The first draft of my college essay was my last draft. I cringe when I think about all of its megablunders; I'm certain it must have been horrific.
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It's the most wonderful time of the year…House Traditions Ring at Milton

Tradition is a source of joy, comfort and connection for most of us. Milton's boarding students may miss their families' own special events until they return home for break, but they join with their family away from home in traditions that thrive at Milton. On Academy Road, a giant "W" in white lights singles out Wolcott House. Paper snowflakes and candy canes adorn Forbes dining hall, and more than one faculty member sports a Santa hat.
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Milton Prepares for Premier Prep Hockey Tournament, Flood-Marr

Every holiday season, the best talent in prep school hockey gathers on the rinks of Milton and Nobles for a chance to claim the coveted championship title of the Flood-Marr Tournament. A tradition started in 1965 and named after long-time Milton hockey coach Dick Marr and former Nobles coach Richard Flood, this three-day tournament draws a crowd, not only of family and friends, but also of college scouts looking for recruits. 
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Grant Jones and Amelia Whalen are Archy and Mehitabel

In the early part of November, Milton's performing arts department presented Archy and Mehitabel, a musical written by Joe Darion and Mel Brooks and based on a series of stories penned by New York Evening Sun writer Don Marquis. Directed by faculty member Darlene Anastas and ably acted by a cast of veterans to Milton's stage—including Grant Jones (I) as the cockroach Archy and Amelia Whalen (I) as the alley cat Mehitabel— the play took audiences into the world of two unlikely friends facing the grit and temptations of city living. Click here to see the story unfold through photos.

A Successful Season for Milton's Own "Wolfpack"
Milton's varsity girls' soccer team advanced all the way to the New England semi-finals, having finished their season with a commendable 12-3-2 record. In their first game of the New England championship tournament, the girls beat Greenwich Academy in a shootout after tying 1-1 at the end of regulation time. They went on to face Loomis Chaffee in the semi-finals, again tying 1-1 at the end of regulation and being eliminated on PKs in a shootout battle.
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Leaders of the Pack: Henry Russell (II) and the Boys' Cross Country Team Have Much to Celebrate This Season

When Henry Russell (II) finished his first season on Milton's cross country team two years ago, he couldn't imagine a season that would top it. This year he co-captained, with Dylan Watson (I), a team that exceeded his high expectations: Milton's varsity boys' cross country team placed third in the Independent School League and then went on to finish third in the New England Championship race. Competing on the 5K course, Henry placed first in New England with a time of 18:05. One week before, competing in the ISL race, he set a personal record of 16:29.
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Mustangs Are Set for a Great Winter Season
Milton's Mustangs look strong this winter with some returning leaders and new talent that should help the varsity squads add marks in the win column. Use the links below to view varsity game schedules and come out to support our teams.

Boys' Basketball
Girls' Basketball
Boys' Hockey
Girls' Hockey
Skiing
Boys' Squash
Girls' Squash
Swimming
Volleyball
Wrestling

Parents Finish 2009 with a Great Start
As 2009 is coming to an end, Milton's Parent Giving Program has experienced a fantastic start. Throughout the first half of the 2009–2010 academic year, over 130 families have contributed to Milton Academy through the Parents' Annual Fund or the Class I 2010 Parent gift. The Parents' Annual Fund consists of all gifts from Milton Academy parents to the Annual Fund, which supports Milton's faculty, student financial aid, and the academic and athletic programs that define the Milton experience.  As of November 30, 2009, 106 families gave nearly $320,000 to the Parents' Annual Fund.  Thank you very much to each family who made a gift. We would also like to thank the dedicated group of Parents' Annual Fund volunteers—your efforts and commitment are crucial to the success of the Parents' Annual Fund.  

What is the Class I Gift?
The Class I Parent Gift is a special tradition at Milton which allows Class I parents to celebrate their children's Milton experience with a "thank you" gift to the Academy.  The Class I 2010 Parent Gift will support the Pritzker Science Center, the Annual Fund, and Milton's Endowment.  The Class I 2010 Parent Gift Committee is comprised of nearly 30 Class I parents who dedicate their time to encourage fellow Class I parents to demonstrate the strength of the Class of 2010 with a contribution to the Class I Parent Gift. If you have not already done so, please consider making your gift by December 31. You can make a gift online at Milton's secure Web site: http://www.milton.edu/donate or send a check dated by December 31, 2009 to:  

Milton Academy Development Office
170 Centre Street
Milton, MA 02186  

For more information about Milton Academy's Parents' Annual Fund or Class I 2010 Parent Gift, please contact Shannon Ollerhead at 617-898-2374 or shannon_ollerhead@milton.edu.  

It's Calling Time
Milton's 2009-2010 Parent Giving Phonathons are scheduled for the following dates:  

Tuesday, February 9 @ 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 @ 6:30 p.m.  

Please join us on campus, make calls from home, or just answer the call from a fellow Milton parent. For more information, call Shannon Ollerhead at 617-898-2374.

Sign me up
This year, nearly 75 parents with children in grades K–12 are volunteering for Milton Academy's Parents' Annual Fund or Class I 2010 Parent Gift. Parent connections through phone calls, emails, and letters are crucial to the success of both gift efforts and directly affect your child's own education, as well as the entire community that you value.  You can be a volunteer from anywhere.  We have parent volunteers from Massachusetts to California to Korea; please consider this great opportunity to become involved in Milton's parent community.