Dear Millburn Staff and Families,
Dear Millburn Staff and Families,
Board of Education Meeting TUESDAY
Next week’s Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 26. Thanks to the Board for supporting this change of date to give all who wish to attend the Challenge Success College presentation on Monday to do so.
Please join us on TUESDAY, for a presentation from our Wyoming School Wildcats to learn more about the school and its initiatives.
Our high school robotics students will demonstrate the Boston Dynamics Spot Robot that they have been working with this year to create a curriculum for its use in other schools and programs. A high-tech initiative indeed!
Middle School Principal, Mr. John Connolly and High School Principal, Dr. Bill Miron will share updates on their school schedules.
Challenge Success College Admissions Presentation on Monday, 6:30 pm, MHS
Join Millburn High School’s College and Career Center for an evening with Jon Kleiman from Challenge Success at Stanford University. Mr. Kleiman was last here in 2019, when he presented a program on the “Well-Balanced Student.”
You won’t want to miss his return for this special program on college admissions. Hear about our implementation of the suggestions we received from Challenge Success at that time. Learn how to support your students' well-being and minimize stress as they prepare for life after high school.
This presentation is recommended for parents of students currently in grades 8-11.
A Health Update about Pertussis from Lead Nurse, Patricia O’Gorman:
I want to make our school community aware that there have been several confirmed cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in our area and some of our staff have family members who have tested positive.
Pertussis is a bacterial infection that is highly contagious and spread through droplets produced during coughing or sneezing.These droplets don't travel very far through the air and usually only infect persons nearby.
Symptoms of whooping cough may include:
Coughing, violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale, causing a "whooping" sound.
Sneezing.
Nasal discharge.
Fever.
Sore, watery eyes.
Lips, tongue, and nailbeds may turn blue during coughing spells.
Pertussis begins with cold symptoms and a cough, which become much worse over 1-2 weeks.
While most people have been vaccinated against pertussis, there is some loss of protection after several years. If your child has had a cough for several weeks which is worsening, please ask your healthcare provider to test your child so they can get the appropriate care. Pertussis is treated with antibiotics.
Good News!!
🌟 Youth Art Month Celebration
The creativity on display at last night’s Youth Art Month exhibition showcased the artistic proficiency of students ranging from kindergarten to high school seniors. Once again, the high school gym was a feast for the eyes with the talents of budding artists and the tireless dedication of our inspiring educators. The dazzling array of colors and forms offered but a glimpse into the rich tapestry of our fine arts curriculum. Many thanks go to our extraordinary team of art teachers for fostering a nurturing environment where students explore all forms of artistic expression. On view last night were everything from traditional media like drawing and sculpture to cutting-edge digital art, with each student displaying their unique passions.
Enjoy these galleries of pictures from the show.
🌟 Music in our Schools
March is also Music in our Schools Month. I want to congratulate the MHS Wind Ensemble who performed at Verona High School last week in the North Jersey Concert Band Festival. They were treated afterwards to a clinic conducted by the Director of Bands at Rutgers.
Two of our jazz musicians, Christopher Baxter (12) and Richard Chen (9) auditioned and were selected to the North Jersey Region Jazz Band. They will perform with the region ensemble in April.
Mark your calendar for the annual MHS Pops Concert on Wednesday, April 3 where you can hear all of these talented in person!!
🌟 Winter Sports Recap
Congratulations to our winter athletes and their coaches for some exceptional seasons. Read the recap here, and get ready for Spring sports!
Congratulations also go to Millburn Basketball Coach Pat Leonardis who was named the Sideline Chatter Essex County coach of the year.
Sideline Chatter:
“He learned from one of the best coaches in the state in Rodger Blind who he had served as an assistant for before his mentor retired in 2017. Leonardis’ 2023-2024 squad was a cohesive, senior-led squad which was the first Millers hoops squad to capture a state sectional title since the 2009-2010 edition led by point guard Joey Kizel and forward Alex Rosenberg. Leonardis had a terrific rapport with his players and they responded with a strong overall 22-7 season and a terrific run in the North 2, Group 3 tourney with a series of hard-earned victories over Summit, Payne Tech and Cranford.”
STEAMFest Time!
Millburn Education Foundation is honoring Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math with STEAMFest 2024. During March and April, they are hosting STEAM-related competitions for K-12 students that are sure to be a challenge.
All are invited to join in this STEAM celebration!
STEAMFest Registration is NOW OPEN
Here are the upcoming challenges. For details on each challenge visit our STEAMFest Website.
Virtual Filmmaker Challenge (Grades 5-12) – Films DUE March 27
In-Person Math Contest (Grades K-3) – Contest on April 20
Virtual Math Contest (Grades 4-12) – Contest on April 20
Virtual Coding Challenge (Grades K-12) – Submissions DUE April 15
Virtual Environmental Challenge (Grades K-12) – Submissions DUE April 15
In-Person USCF-Rated Chess Tournament (Grades K-12) – Event on April 27
In-Person Art Challenge (Grades 9-12) – Challenge on April 27
Saturday, April 27, 2024 will be STEAMFest Day at Millburn High School from 12 pm-7 pm that will include a FREE Robotics Demo, Screening of the winning FilmFest Films and a STEAMFest AWARDS SHOW where we will honor and celebrate all of the winners from all of our STEAM challenges! More details to follow.
MMS Musical This Weekend!
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to go Somewhere Over the Rainbow at the Middle School This Weekend! Limited tickets are available for the Middle School’s production of The Wizard of Oz this weekend. Friday and Saturday at 7 pm, Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are $15 and are on sale online at mms.booktix.com and at the door.
Earth Day
Please mark your calendar for an Earth Day Event on Sunday, April 28th at Taylor Park from 12-3 pm Millburn Township School District is collaborating with the Millburn Environmental Commission, Millburn Recreation Department, and the PTOC Green Schools Team. There will be many activities focused on promoting environmental awareness and sustainability practices within our community.
Millburn Teachers will be facilitating many of these activities including DIY projects, storytelling, a nature scavenger hunt, seed planting, science experiments, and more. Young people will learn about ways they can support the environment in their own community.
Use the QR code on the flyer to RSVP by April 4th if you plan to attend and participate in the teacher-led activities. They need a count to order enough supplies. All are welcome to come out and enjoy the day and support these environmental efforts. Thank you!
Calendar Updates
The school district is closed next Friday, March 29.
Have a great first weekend of Spring!
Be well and stay safe.
Christine Burton
Dr. Christine Burton
Superintendent of Schools