MHS Families,
Our newsletter has been on a bit of a hiatus, as we have transitioned between platforms. Previously, our newsletter was created on a platform known as "Smore". We have now navigated to a platform called "Engage", which is more deeply connected to our new website and the mass communication systems we will soon use to share information with our families and stakeholders. There will be some growing pains as we learn to utilize the new system, but in the end, it should provide a more seamless connection between our website, our newsletter, and the social media platforms we utilize to keep you informed. The format should look familiar and you will still find our events calendar and useful links at the bottom of each edition.
I hope you find today's newsletter to be extremely timely and helpful. It is jam-packed with information, as we enter a very busy period between now and the Thanksgiving Break.
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We have so much to share with you. I think this newsletter truly represents just how much is happening in our school community and the myriad of opportunities your students have to become evermore academically, artistically, and athletically active through the programming we have on offer at MHS.
Your students will be challenged over the next 3-4 weeks. We will wrap up the academic quarter and assess progress in reading and mathematics. We will prepare for our fall conferences, take the PSAT, and do a ton of work around preparing students and families for the college application process. Our athletic teams will enjoy their homecoming and then compete in state tournaments. By mid-November, our theatre arts program will be ready to showcase our fall musical (Rock of Ages) for what we hope will be a packed house in the MHS auditorium.
It has been a great start to the year. It's a great time to be a Yellow Jacket! Enjoy the posts below and have a wonderful weekend.
Best,
Scott Sivo
Milton High School Principal
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The End of Quarter One is Approaching - Things to Know |
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F-List Communications and Make Up Day
With only 3+ weeks remaining in the marking period, we are beginning to think about course grades and ensuring our students have every chance to be successful in the first quarter.
Each quarter we make a concerted effort with about three weeks remaining to communicate failing grades to students and families. Beginning next week, every student who is failing a course will get a direct phone call home from either a case manager, a school counselor, or a teacher. We want to make sure that families are aware of the failing grade and offer support in getting that score up.
On October 31st, we will offer a make up day. On make up days, students who are passing all of their classes do not need to attend school. Any student with a failing grade MUST attend school and work to bring any failing grades up to passing. This is a strategy that pays great dividends for our students. It rewards students who have all of their grades in order by the end of the quarter and provides targeted support for those who need it.
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STAR and mySAEBRS Assessments
This month students will participate in several important assessments:
STAR Reading assessment during the week of October 13-17 in English classes for grades 9 and 10.
STAR Math assessment during the week of October 20-22 in math classes for grades 9 and 10.
All students will be taking mySAEBRS which is a self-reporting social, academic, and emotional behavior risk assessment tool. The results will help us better support students in the classroom and with their emotional well-being.
These assessments give us valuable insight into students’ progress and needs, helping us individualize support so every student can thrive academically and emotionally.
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PSAT for All 11th Grade Students |
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Each year our juniors have the opportunity to take the PSAT during school hours, free of charge. Creating this opportunity takes a huge lift by our guidance department and our teachers. They provide the organization and support necessary to administer the test during the school day without interrupting instruction at the other grade levels.
The PSAT will be administered to all 11th grade students on Wednesday, October 15th. We hope that all MHS juniors will take advantage. More information will be coming out via email to families prior to the 15th.
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Fall Conferences - Save the Date(s) |
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MHS families should mark the week of November 10th down on their calendars, as we will hold our annual fall conferences. Students will begin preparing for the conferences over the coming weeks in HIVE time. They will reflect upon the start of their school year, their goals, and their hopes and dreams for the future. Families will get a chance to hear from their students TA
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Homecoming Week and Dance Information |
Homecoming 2025 is right around the corner during the month of October. Here is the full schedule of Homecoming Week games:
Mon10/6. V Field Hockey. 6:00 PM. Mt Abe
Thu10/9. JV Girls Soccer. 4:30 PM. Rice
Thu10/9. V Girls Soccer. 6:00 PM. Rice
Fri10/10. V Football. 6:30 PM. Mt Abe
Sat10/11. JV Boys Soccer. 4:30 PM. Winooski
Sat10/11. V Boys Soccer. 6:00 PM. Winooski
Homecoming Dance
Students should mark their calendars for Saturday night, October 11th. Our Homecoming dance will take place directly after the Boys Soccer game from 8:00 PM - 10:00PM in the MHS cafeteria.
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Rock of Ages is Coming to MHS |
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A new year, a new YJTV adventure! Enjoy this first episode and all episodes on YouTube.
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Ryan Bushey’s class brought physics to life this week! Students strapped into giant, inflatable balls to explore the concept of velocity by safely, and enthusiastically, running into each other. Using motion detectors and laptops programmed to collect data, they measured and analyzed the collisions to see science in motion. |
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Yellow Jacket Bass Fishing Takes 5th in Division |
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Varsity: Braydon Abell, Charlie Abell, Connor Eaton, Trevin Trumper |
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The Bass Fishing team reeled in a 5th place finish out of 20 teams on Saturday, 10/4 at the VPA State Championship. The JV team made quite a splash landing 5th out of 20 boats in their division. They showcased their dedication, team work, and hard work. Way to keep things reel, MHS anglers! |
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Reminder: No School on October 23rd or 24th |
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A reminder to families that our school calendar can be found at the bottom of this newsletter. We want folks to take note that there is no school on either October 23rd or 24th, as our district and all of our regional partners pause during the celebration of Diwali. |
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Substitute Teachers Needed - Join Our Team |
Are you looking for a flexible and rewarding way to make a difference? Milton High School is seeking substitute teachers who enjoy working with teens—the best people in the world! If you’re organized, enthusiastic about education, and ready to support students in their learning, we’d love to have you join our team. Give us a call if you want more information. |
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Howard Center Caregiver Information Series - Mental Health Supports |
Our partners at the Howard Center are providing a year-long series of learning opportunities for parents and caregivers who are concerned about mental health support for their students. The topics vary, but the sessions are free of charge and available from the comfort of your own home.
So many families want to better understand the supports available for their children. This is a unique opportunity that we feel MHS families should consider.
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Health Office Update: Information About Zyns |
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Zyns (nicotine pouches) are becoming increasingly popular among teens. These small pouches, placed between the lip and gum, contain high levels of nicotine—a highly addictive substance that can harm a young person’s developing brain.
Why it’s concerning: Nicotine affects attention, learning, and mood regulation. Many students think Zyns are a “safe alternative” to vaping or smoking—but they are not risk-free.
Just one pouch can contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.
What to look for: Round tins (often white) labeled with flavors like “Cool Mint,” “Citrus,” or “Peppermint.”
Increased irritability, restlessness, or trouble focusing.
Hidden use—students may discreetly place pouches in their mouths during school.
How we can help: Our school has a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist who provides education and support to students struggling with addiction, including nicotine use. Support is confidential and focused on helping, not punishment.
Together, we can help our students make healthy, informed choices.
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