Dear Milton Community and MTSD Families,

Please join us for an upcoming Community Forum focused on Defining Milton’s Values as part of the Milton Town School District (MTSD) merger study process.

This forum is an opportunity for community members to share their perspectives, discuss what matters most to Milton, and help shape the values that will guide MTSD throughout the merger study process.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026

Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Location: Milton High School Library

Your voice and perspective are important as we work together to identify the values and priorities that will help guide this process. We encourage all interested community members to attend and participate in this important conversation.

Please mark your calendar, and we hope to see you there!

On Monday, October 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM - MHS will host a Parent/Guardian Engagement Meeting (in the MHS Library/ on Zoom) about Title I opportunities. We will be gathering information from families about ways to engage with schools and about our grant funded programs. Please see your email for details about the meeting.

💙💛Throwback Thursday!💙💛

As Homecoming Week is in full swing at MHS, let’s take a trip down memory lane! Here’s a look back at MTSD Homecomings from years gone by, featuring the Class of 1989 and Class of 1996.

So many memories, traditions, and familiar faces! We’d love to hear from our alumni:

What do you remember most about your Homecoming days?

Please check out early October's AI Minute in your email, or linked below!

October's AI Minute

Head to our Merger Group 19 page and watch as Nick DeVita, MTSD School Board Member, dives into the newly formed Merger Study Committee, explaining what to expect, and how to stay informed about MTSD’s merger conversations.

Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/IJEjKwkAuKM

Link to Page: Merger Group 19

Champlain North Merger Group 19

Greetings All MTSD Staff and Families

This memo serves as official notice that the Milton Town School District (MTSD) is participating in the newly formed Champlain North Merger Group 19. MTSD will be working alongside the Alburgh, Champlain Islands Unified Union, Colchester, and South Hero School Districts. Nick DeVita will serve as the MTSD district representative.

First Meeting Logistics

The meeting is hosted by the Colchester School District and is open to the public.

• Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

• In-Person Location: Colchester High School Library, 131 Laker Lane

• Remote Access: Live via Zoom (link included in attached agenda) and broadcast on LCATV

Background & Purpose

These merger groups were established under Act 170 (The Education Transformation Act), enacted in June 2026. Facilitated by a neutral, trained third-party coordinator, each committee is tasked with conducting a feasibility analysis to explore potential merger options into a single, unified school district.

Information and Website Resources

All merger-related updates and materials—including upcoming agendas, approved minutes, and an ongoing FAQ—will be posted on our dedicated district webpage. You can access all documents and updates here: https://www.mtsd-vt.org/page/merger-study.

The agenda for this first meeting is attached to this message. All community members are encouraged to attend or tune in.

Merger Study - Question Follow Up

Why was there only a 3-day window to respond to this survey without adequate background information on the options and trade-offs?

Currently there is no context or background information to share other than what was stated in survey summary:

As part of ACT 170, the Education Transformation law, that went into effect this past June, the MTSD will soon be joining other SUs and SDs around the State to participate in Merger Study Committees. Each committee will include Board representation and be facilitated by a neutral, trained facilitator. 

The task of each committee is to 

• Conduct a feasibility analysis for the members to merge into a larger, single School District. 

• Create a report to include a recommendation and By-laws for a proposed merger.

The merger committees will conduct the feasibility study which will include financial modeling - tax impact, expenses related to salaries and merging contracts… 

The committee will determine the conditions or by-laws for any recommended merger  - for example, they will determine if there will be school choice and if so, would it just be for high school aged students only or all students and would there be transportation… 

The survey window was short because the Board recently received a deadline for affirming participation in their assigned merger group or requesting a change. They wanted your input before they met on Tuesday, September 22 to make a decision and comply with the Thursday, September 24 deadline.

Mark Your Calendar

Merger Study Community Forum: Defining Milton’s Values

Date: Thursday, November 5

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Milton High School (MHS) Library

What We Will Accomplish Together

• Identify top priorities for student programming, 

• Highlight what we value regarding local traditions, athletic/extracurricular programs, and community identity.

• Draft the official "MTSD Community Values" document that will guide the Board and its committee designees during merger feasibility evaluations and discussions.

Please see your email for information about the MMS Community Connections: Title I meeting / Powerschool Information Meeting: Wednesday, September 23rd from 6:30-7:30PM in person and on Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88648453378?pwd=g3soJnfHBghQiB6MCwNGX1Xa30uDxO.1

Meeting ID: 886 4845 3378
Passcode: 680390

Please see your email for information about the MES Title I meeting Wednesday, September 23rd from 6-6:30PM in person and on Zoom.

AI Minute: September: What Is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is computer software trained to spot patterns and complete tasks and make decisions that typically require human reasoning. 

Everyday AI (Working in the Background) A lot of AI runs invisibly in the background. You don't have to turn it on or give it orders—it works automatically to make daily tech smoother and safer.

• Smart Filters: Catches spam before it reaches your inbox and flags fake transactions to protect credit cards.

• Personal Recommendations: Learn what you watch or listen to on apps like YouTube, Spotify, or Netflix to suggest videos and songs you’ll enjoy.

• Daily Helpers: Powers smartphone autocorrect, improves camera photos automatically, and predicts traffic to find the fastest drive home.

Interactive AI (Waiting for Your Direction) Other AI tools act like digital assistants. They sit quietly until you give them specific instructions or questions (often called "prompts").

• Writing Assistants: Summarizes long articles, helps draft emails, or explains tricky homework topics based on what you ask.

• Creative Tools: Turns your written descriptions into brand-new pictures, artwork, or music tracks.

• Research Helpers: Answers detailed questions about specific documents, books, or spreadsheets you upload.

MTSD Merger Preference - Survey

As part of ACT 170, the Education Transformation law, that went into effect this past June, the MTSD will soon be joining other SUs and SDs around the State to participate in Merger Study Committees. Each committee will include Board representation and be facilitated by a neutral, trained facilitator. 

The task of each committee is to 

• Conduct a feasibility analysis for the members to merge into a larger, single School District. 

• Create a report to include a recommendation and By-laws for a proposed merger.

If it is recommended that a merger is beneficial to the involved participants then it will go to the voters of each community in March of 2028. 

The MTSD Board of Trustees would like your input for a merger preference. Once our final merger group has been identified, then the Board will continue to engage the community on identifying the values to guide our merger trajectory. 

Currently, we are grouped with Colchester School District and Grand Isle Supervisory Union. However, we can request to belong to one of the other groups listed. Please indicate your preference within the survey

MTSD Merger Preference Survey

Milton Elementary kicked off our Year of the Book celebration today! 🎉
Children’s Literacy Foundation founder and storyteller Duncan McDougall joined us to share his love of reading. After an inspiring story time, every student got to choose a brand-new book to take home! 📚✨
Reading definitely sparked some serious joy at MES today!
#YearoftheBook #CLiF

This year, the Milton Town School District will be conducting an AI Safety and Awareness Campaign for caregivers and families. This will consist of monthly "bite-sized" information about AI (AI Monthly Minutes), and corresponding resources so that you can dig deeper if you wish. Our goal is to equip families with accurate information and strategies for safety and learning.

Monthly Topics:
September: Awareness, MTSD Principles and Academic Integrity
October: Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
November: Algorithms, Social Feeds & Screen Time
December: Creative AI & Copyright Ethics
January: Fact-Checking, Hallucinations & Deepfakes
February: AI and Balanced Perspectives
March: AI in Careers & Skill-Building
April: Environmental Impact
May: Summer Digital Boundaries & Year-End Wrap-Up

Join Us for Milton's Activities Fair & Community Dinner!

We’re excited to welcome students, families, and community members to this special evening in Milton!

🍽️ Community Dinner

Sponsored by: Milton Town School District

5:00–7:00 PM
Milton High School Cafeteria

Menu:

• Marinated chicken breast

• Fresh garlic-roasted green beans

• Scalloped potatoes

• Apple Crisp

• Lemonade & water

🎉 Activities Fair

5:30–7:30 PM
Milton High School Gymnasium

Discover local programs, clubs, organizations, businesses, and services for all ages!

📍 Location

• Dinner: Milton High School Cafeteria

• Activities Fair: Milton High School Gymnasium

Everyone is welcome!❤️

This special evening is proudly sponsored by Milton PTA and Milton Recreation & Parks.

MTSD IS SEEKING SUBSTITUTES 🍎

Flexible work. Meaningful impact.

Looking for a flexible job where you can make a difference in students’ lives? Join our substitute team!

Why Substitute?

• Flexible scheduling - work the days that fit your schedule

• Indicate your preferred location or position: Elementary, Middle, or High School; Teaching and Learning; Van Drivers; Food Services or Buildings and Grounds

• Opportunities for consecutive-day assignments

• Make a difference in your local school community

Competitive Pay

Non-Instructional Staff
$21/hour

Instructional Support Staff
$23/hour
$26/hour with a Bachelor's degree

Substitute Teachers — Daily Rates
$160/day — High School Diploma or Associate Degree
$180/day — Bachelor's Degree
$240/day — Licensed Teacher

Whether you're looking for occasional work or want to work a few days each week, there's flexibility to make substituting work for you.

Apply today: https://www.schoolspring.com/

🚌 Pre-K Bus Routes Are Now Available!

Dear Pre-K Families,

Pre-K bus routes are now available on our website.

View the bus routes: https://www.mtsd-vt.org/page/bus-routes.

Thank you, and we look forward to a wonderful school year! 📚

MTSD Families,

The Apptegy Rooms invite has arrived!

Please check you inbox for an email from accounts@thrillshare.com. The email was sent around 9:30 this morning.

We've also attached a Next Steps Guide to help support logging in and getting started.