Superintendent's Blog

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As you may know, on February 13^th, the Millis Public Schools, in partnership with the Millis Police Department, conducted a sweep of the hallways, common areas, locker rooms and parking lots of the middle school/high school campus with canine units from neighboring law enforcement agencies. This is a standard practice in most school districts due to the fact that students are using marijuana at higher rates than in the past. The 2010 MetroWest Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that 26% of Millis high school students report having used marijuana in the past 30 days. This is similar to the state average of 27% and the regional average of 23%. The Millis High School average was 20% in 2006 before marijuana was decriminalized statewide in late 2008.

How lucky am I?

You might ask what being a Superintendent is like. To be sure, there are days that are tough but more days that are wonderful, like yesterday.  The more time I can be in classrooms and talking with students, teachers and parents, the better.

I started my day with two wonderful high school students who are making a video about the new educator evaluation system that Massachusetts is developing. Their questions were thoughtful and mature. They had a real curiosity about how this new system would affect teachers and students and were very professional.

Ok- I'll admit it. I'm an addict. And it's an addiction that I truly hope will spread to every student in our schools. I'm addicted to books. I cannot walk into a bookstore without emerging with at least $60 worth of books and I can't stay away from bookstores! My addiction has gotten worse with the advent of electronic books since it's so easy to click, purchase, and settle in! With so many electronic resources so easily available and so many webinars, blogs, tweets, posts etc. coming in daily, it can be hard to keep up with! My oldest daughter, a high school English teacher, provides me with a supply of great suggestions as well.

Given that today might be a record breaking high temperature, to reflect on the winter solstice doesn’t quite seem appropriate. But winter did indeed begin today, at least according to the calendar. Last night was the longest night of the year and all locations above latitude of 66.5 degrees north (the Artic Polar Circle) will not see the sunrise at all.

News from the Desk of Athletic Director, Chuck Grant:

Dear Families:

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a very inspiring event, one that I wish every student, teacher and parent could attend! The Millis Lions Club sponsors a Speech contest every year and over 20 high school students in Mr. Caulfield’s Speech class delivered their speeches on the topic “A teacher who has changed my life.”  Student after student overcame their jitters to present moving portraits of the Millis teachers at all three schools and coaches who have made such a difference in their lives.

Go to the attached link for the C.O.W (clip of the week)

Music fills the air! Our Millis High School Band was invited to lead the Boston Diabetes Walk on last Saturday, October 22nd on Boston Common. Check out these fabulous photos! No snow last weekend thankfully!

This Sunday, October, 30th our Chorus will be performing the National Anthem to kick off the Providence Bruins game at the Dunkin' Donuts Center!

On this past Wednesday I had the privilege of attending a joint Millis Garden Club and Lions Club meeting to honor Ms. Maryann Ziemba, a teacher at Millis High School in the Social Studies department, with an award for her many contributions to the town of Millis and beyond.