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
12/19/25
UPCOMING EVENTS
12/24/25-1/2/26 - No School
1/5/26 - Students Return
1/14/26 - Early Release; students dismiss at 1:25 pm
1/19/26 - No School
1/28/26 - Early Release; students dismiss at 1:25 pm
BOSTON FUNDRAISER:
The Calendar Raffle is now up and running. Students can sell calendars for $10 a piece and each calendar sold is $8.75 into their account. All money and tickets are due January 30th. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Smith at 802-893-5529 or jsmith3@mymtsd-vt.org.
There is a correction to the letter that went home about the calendar raffle. There is no early bird raffle this year. Sorry for the confusion
REPORT CARDS
MMS report cards were mailed out. If you have not received them, please call 802-893-5523 or email dbunnell@mymtsd-vt.org
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.
SPIRIT WEEK
Monday (12/22): Comfy day
Tuesday (12/23): Matching day
ACTION REQUESTED: Photos for the MMS yearbook
FYI: 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:
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:
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
December 19, 2025
Dear Milton Elementary and Milton Middle School Families,
In accordance with MTSD policy F3: Fire and Emergency Preparedness Drills, we are notifying you that Milton Elementary and Milton Middle School will be having an Options-based Drill on December 22, 2025.
This notification only applies to Milton Elementary and Milton Middle School students.
As a reminder, the MTSD uses ALICE as its option-based approach to critical incidents such as an intruder in the building. This approach allows staff to guide students to take action based on the safest choice with known information.
Alert-observe (use all senses), orient, decide, act
Lockdown-always do when the attacker’s location is unknown; barricade door, spread out, seek alternative routes to evacuate; only open the door after confirmed first responder/authority identity or in order to evacuate; call 911 if safe to do so
Inform-Call 911 when safe; share real-time information-Who, What, When, Where, How; use any means to communicate-Phone, PA systems, text, email, radios, voice
Counter-last resort; done in order to interfere with aggressor’s plan; movement, noise, distance, distraction;
Evacuate-always get out if you can; leave all belongings; hands up, empty, and fingers spread; move to the relocation point.
Each school year, students are provided with education prior to initiating an ALICE Drill. The Drill is then conducted in an age-appropriate, trauma-informed manner.
Thank You,
Milton Elementary and Milton Middle School Administration
Here is the letter:
Boston Trip Fundraiser Calendars are ready and it is time to
SELL, SELL, SELL!
This is a 100% profit fundraiser that goes directly to the 8th grade class trip, and $8.75 from every ticket your student sells will go into his/her Boston account.
There is $3,400 worth of prizes on the calendar. The cost of each calendar is $10.00.
This is how the calendar works:
Each calendar will contain 2 tickets that will be stapled to it. Remove the top ticket and have the buyer put his/her name and phone number on the back. This is the ticket you will keep and turn in with the $10. The buyer keeps the calendar with the ticket still stapled to it. The tickets are good for 28 days, even if the ticket has already won a prize. This year there is an early bird drawing for a Smuggler’s Notch Bash Badge. Tickets need to be turned in by January 10th.
Please keep the tickets and money together in an envelope. All calendar money and tickets are due back at the school by January 30, 2026. Please return all unsold calendars. If you need more calendars to sell, please have your student ask their advisor.
Checks should be made payable to Milton Town School District.
If you have any questions, please contact Joe Smith at 893-5529 or jsmith3@mymtsd-vt.org
Thank you for your support.
P.S. This calendar makes for a good gift.
Just a reminder — today is an early release day.
To view all early release days please visit mtsd-vt.org and choose the "2025-2026 School Calendar" link on the homepage.
Join us this Wednesday, December 10th at 6:30 PM, for an evening of music featuring our Middle School and High School Bands and the High School Chorus. The performance will be held in the Milton High School Auditorium. Don’t miss it!
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.
If you have kids in the Milton schools and want a schedule that matches theirs, or you’re simply hoping to be part of our school community, this could be a great fit.
Interested? Send your application to tmazza@mymtsd-vt.org or apply at mystsd-vt.org/careers.
Milton Town School District Community, we need your help!
Your participation can significantly impact our students and schools. While the Universal Meals Program has streamlined meal access, there remains a vital opportunity for us to secure additional federal funding through accurate data collection. If you've completed this form since August 2025 you do not need to do it again.
We’re asking every Milton family to take a few moments to fill out the Household Income Form. By doing so, you’ll help us unlock critical resources that benefit our entire community.
Why is this important? Although all students in Vermont receive free meals under the Universal Meals Program, completing this form is essential for Milton. It allows us to:
→ Unlock vital federal funding that supports our programs and services.
→ Continue providing healthy, free meals for every student.
→ Keep school meal costs low while ensuring we have resources for educational opportunities.
By sharing your household's information, you help Milton schools access millions in funding that supports student success—from meal programs to classroom initiatives and beyond.
Rest assured, it’s quick and secure—the information you provide is kept confidential and protected by law.
Ready to help? Please fill out the form here:
https://education.vermont.gov/householdincome/2025-2026-household-income-form
Your participation matters, and together, we can ensure Milton students continue to thrive!
Photo provided by Vermont Agency of Education for Sharing Purposes.
Survey closes tomorrow (12/2) at 12pm! Please take this anonymous survey about the MTSD FY27 Budget!
December Employees of the Month: Celebrating our Unified Arts Teachers
Kendra Gorton, MES STEAM
Kaley Dickinson, MMS Art
Laura Taylor, MHS World Languages
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
Visit our website FY27 Budget Page (this page is updated regularly as new information becomes available)
Take the Anonymous Survey - Link available on our website.
Please click on the link to view the MTSD Emergency Response - Afterschool: Family Notification
Emergency Response - After School Activities: Family Notification
They heard from motivational speaker & leadership trainer, Ed Gerety, author of "Shine Your Light", and "Combinations Opening the Door to Student Leadership"
Due to staffing and student absences, all Milton Minds in Motion (MMM) clubs and after-school tutoring are canceled on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025.
There will be no late buses that day.
Elementary parents: Please update PickUp Patrol with your child’s dismissal plan for Tuesday.
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
MHS Presents "Rock of Ages" (Teen Edition) Fall Musical - November 14th and 15th @ Milton High School
Milton High School Theatre is proud to present: Rock of Ages Teen Edition, a romantic comedy set in the mid-80s on LA's Sunset Strip ... we're talking Poison, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, White Snake, Joan Jett, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Extreme, and many, many more.
Please save the dates and strongly consider supporting our scholar-actors as they prepare to tear the roof off and melt your faces ... plus they'll make you giggle.
Our goal is to fill every single seat, all three shows, but we need your commitment to help make that happen. Save the date, buy the ticket, spread the word, share your stoke, and help make this one of our greatest and best-attended shows ever.
This Weekend!
Friday, 11/14 - 6:30pm
Saturday, 11/15 - 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm
$5 Students - $10 Adults (Cash or Check at the door)
