Good Evening MTSD Staff and Families
Given the long duration snowfall and to assist with snow removal, the MTSD will be closed on Monday, January 26. This includes, Milton Elementary School and PreK program; Milton Middle School and Milton High School.
Thank You. Stay Safe and Warm.
Extreme Cold Safety Information
What's Happening
Starting tonight at 7pm through Saturday 1pm we are going to be experiencing dangerously cold wind chills of 20° to 40° below zero.
IMPACTS:
Frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes
High risk of hypothermia, especially with prolonged exposure
Ruptured water pipes due to extended freezing temperatures
Conditions are well outside typical cold weather norms
These temperatures are especially dangerous for vulnerable populations including children, older adults, individuals without reliable heat, and anyone spending time outdoors.
How to Stay Safe
Limit time outdoors whenever possible
Wear layers, including hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated boots
Cover all exposed skin
Bring pets indoors or provide adequate shelter
Check on neighbors, family members, and anyone who may need assistance
Keep phones charged and emergency supplies accessible
Heating & Home Safety
Keep indoor temperatures consistent
Let faucets drip slightly to prevent frozen pipes
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended
Forecast Information
Warming Shelters
Current shelters and warming locations:
https://vem.vermont.gov/shelters
Final Reminder
This level of cold can become life-threatening very quickly. Please take precautions, plan ahead, and help protect those around you.
MTSD School Board Community Forum – January 15
On Thursday, January 15, the MTSD School Board will host a community forum to provide an opportunity for open conversation between community members and the Board.
The Board will be considering options and seeking community input, including:
The potential use of the MTSD Education Reserve Fund to reduce the budget, and
The use of the FY25 fund balance to help buy down the tax rate.
Please join us!
Light refreshments will be provided to support these important conversations.
📍 In person: MHS Library
💻 Virtual: Via Zoom Link
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM
📅 Date: Thursday, January 15
Dear Families
The MTSD will do an early release schedule today, Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Although the snowfall is not expected to begin until noon, an early release will allow our second bus run (Milton Elementary School) to get the children home before the roads get too slippery and before darkness sets in.
The afternoon PreK will be cancelled.
MHS and MMS will dismiss at 1:30
MES will dismiss at 2:30.
Thank You and Happy Holiday
Students enjoyed an evening filled with music, friends, and plenty of fun. Check out some of the highlights from a great night below.
HEADS UP PARENTS! It's Spirit Week!
We are counting down to winter break with a week of serious fun starting today, Monday, 12/15!
Here is the official game plan:
🎨 MON 12/15: Class Colors Day! Show your grade level pride! 😎 8th: Black 👽 7th: Grey 🔴 6th: Shades of Red 🟢 5th: Shades of Green
👩🏫 TUE 12/16: Teacher Doppelgängers Students dress like teachers! (Get those Cardigans ready! 😉)
🏝️ WED 12/17: Tropical Vibes Break shirts and leis! We’re pretending it’s summer.
🦸♂️ THU 12/18: Character Day Dress as your FAVORITE character from a movie, book, TV show, etc!
🚫🎒 FRI 12/19: MMS Spirit & The "Anything But a Backpack" Challenge Wear school colors AND carry your books in anything except a backpack. Get creative! (Laundry baskets? Suitcases? Let’s see it!)
😴 MON 12/22: Ultimate Comfy Day Pajamas, sweats, cozy vibes only before break.
👯♀️ TUES 12/23: Matching Day, Find a buddy (or two!) and dress up as twins!
OPPORTUNITY FOR 8TH GRADERS!
Attention 8th grade families: The Milton High School International Club is organizing another trip to Germany and Austria in November 2026. This trip is open to all students attending Milton High School during the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. There will be a parent meeting on Tuesday, December 16th, at 6:30pm in the MHS Library to share details of the trip and how to register. Please see the attachments for additional information and reach out to Staci Ferris-Letsos with questions at frau@mymtsd-vt.org
This Friday!
MMS WINTER DANCE:
When:
12/12/25
What:
Winter Dance
Entrance Fee:
$5/student - - all proceeds support the 8th grade Boston Trip
Who:
5th/6th Grade from 5:00 - 6:30
7th/8th Grade from 7:00 - 9:00
UPCOMING EVENTS
12/10/25 - MMS & MHS Band Concert at 6:30 (at MHS)
12/17/25 - Early Release; students dismiss at 1:25 pm
12/24/25-1/2/26 - No School
STUDENT CHROMEBOOKS: As we return from our break, there have been many computers in need of repair. We have seen an increase in damage to school-issued devices. We need your help to address these concerns.
We are asking for your help in reminding your student about the critical importance of caring for this valuable technology.
Handle With Care: Remind them to always use two hands when carrying the device. It is important to never toss it. Even a soft surface like a bed or sofa can damage internal components or the screen.
Keep it Dry and Safe: Liquids are the number one enemy of electronics. Please enforce a strict rule: no drinks or food near the device. When not in use, the device should be stored in a safe, designated spot, not on the floor or near the edge of a table.
Charge Daily: The device needs to be charged every night, ensuring it is ready for a full day of learning. Please use only the school-issued charger, and make sure the charging area is safe and clear of other hazards.
Reminder: Fines may be issued to families due to the mistreatment of devices. Students are welcome to leave their devices at school and charge them here.
ACTION REQUESTED: Boston Fundraiser
The Boston trip is looking for donations for the February calendar raffle. If you have any connections to local businesses that would be willing to donate a gift certificate or an item to our calendar raffle, it would be greatly appreciated. Families who donate or secure an item will get credit for their student's Boston Account. Please let Joe Smith know at jsmith3@mymtsd-vt.org or 802-893-5529.
ACTION REQUESTED: MHS Fundraiser
The Milton High School class of 2029 (current 9th grade) are raising money for their future prom and/or class trip. As part of our fundraising efforts we are hosting family movie nights at the high school periodically throughout the year. Our December movie is Snow Buddies and will take place in the high school auditorium on Friday December 19th from 6pm to 8pm. Admission is $5/person or $20/family (whichever is cheaper). There will also be concessions available in the lobby so bring some extra cash to enjoy popcorn, candy or a beverage. The 9th grade class hopes you and your family will join us for this heartwarming and festive family movie on the Friday before the last short week of December!
PTA's November Newsletter:
The PTA wants to thank all those who helped make our book fair a big success! We were able to purchase over $1000 of new books for the school library, provide over $375 of books from teacher wishlists, and donate more than $200 in student awards so that all students were able to shop for a book.
Cocoa & Canvases event, January 23, 2026:
Join the Milton PTA for a family friendly paint & sip with hot cocoa & cookies! Sessions will be led by local artists. Follow along to create your own painting. Everything will be provided, just bring your creativity!
Register to paint: https://www.ticketleap.events/events/milton-pta
Signup to Volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094FA9A82FAAFB6-60067161-20226
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
SAVE THE DATES for our Community Connections:
We, as a middle school, want to continue to build opportunities for our community to be involved. This year, we have scheduled our community connection meetings in advance so all families could have enough notice to attend. Our Community Connection events are theme-based. Students and families have the option of joining us in person or virtually via Zoom from 6:30-7:30. All Community Connection events will be on a Wednesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 pm unless otherwise noted. We will also share any videos and resources on our social media pages and website.
After reviewing the feedback we received from families, here is a list of tentative topics and corresponding dates:
11/12/25- 6:30-7:00 Title 1 Presentation
11/12/25 7:00-7:30 Setting up PowerSchool
If you missed it, here is a resource: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u2dKPcEaRwUym7LKpnbrgeJSjEkzbyHJ/view?usp=sharing
1/14/26 - Hazing, Harassment, & Bullying
2/11/26- School Safety - ALICE
4/15/26- 4th Grade Middle School Introduction
As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Kind Regards,
Brandy Brown Megan Smith
bbrown@mymtsd-vt.org msmith@mymtsd-vt.org
(802) 893-5504 (802) 893-5530
To view all early release days please visit mtsd-vt.org and choose the "2025-2026 School Calendar" link on the homepage.
All after-school activities are cancelled today, Tuesday, Dec. 2nd - including athletics, Milton Minds in Motion, and all clubs.
December Employees of the Month: Celebrating our Unified Arts Teachers
Kendra Gorton, MES STEAM
Kaley Dickinson, MMS Art
Laura Taylor, MHS World Languages
UPDATED:
❄️ Movie Night: Snow Buddies ❄️
Bring the family out for a cozy winter movie night!
📅 December 19
🕕 6–8 PM
🎟️ Admission: $5 per person or $20 per family (proceeds benefit Class of 2029 Trip)
🍿 Concessions will be available.
📍Milton High School
Bundle up, come enjoy Snow Buddies, and spend some fun family time together. We’d love to see you there!
Dear Milton Families,
Due to staffing and student absences, all Milton Minds in Motion (MMM) clubs and after-school tutoring are canceled on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, AND Friday, November 21st, 2025.
There will be no late buses that day.
Elementary parents: Please update PickUp Patrol with your child’s dismissal plan for Thursday and Friday.
Middle School students: Please plan for your regular dismissal at the end of the school day.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. We appreciate your continued support of our programs. We apologize for the inconvenience this might have caused.
Warm regards,
The Milton Minds in Motion Team
Community Input: FY27 Budget
With the VT Education Funding system there is not a direct correlation between a school district's budget and the town tax rate. Last year, the MTSD budget increased by 7% and yet the tax rate decreased by -5.66%. There have been other years when the budget decreased and the tax rate increased. This is directly tied to the formula the State uses to disburse funds to schools. It is very complicated.
Districts do not receive the ‘estimated’ impact of their budgets on the tax rate until mid-December. They then only have a few short weeks to make adjustments. It is the goal of the MTSD Board of Trustees to bring forward a budget that achieves their goals for a high quality education while also being fiscally responsible.
The MTSD Board of Trustees is seeking community engagement and input to support this year’s budget process. Your perspective will help inform any decisions they may need to meet their goals.
How to Engage:
Attend a board meeting
Dates: December 4, December 18, January 8, January 22
Location: MHS Library at 6:00 p.m.
Join Via Zoom: Link
Visit our website FY27 Budget Page (this page is updated regularly as new information becomes available)
Take this Anonymous Survey
We, as a middle school, want to continue to build opportunities for our community to be involved. This year, we have scheduled our community connection meetings in advance so all families could have enough notice to attend. Our Community Connection events are theme-based. Students and families have the option of joining us in person or virtually via Zoom from 6:30-7:30. All Community Connection events will be on a Wednesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 pm unless otherwise noted. We will also share any videos and resources on our social media pages and website.
Tonight's topics are:
11/12/25- 6:30-7:00 Title 1 Presentation
11/12/25 7:00-7:30 Tentative: PowerSchool/ Schoology/Personalization
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89470435775?pwd=yoI4flbYs3wbxuUF1brioc5ZFdmQzD.1
Meeting ID: 894 7043 5775
Passcode: 156274