Dear Millburn Staff and Families,
Board Meeting Highlights
I want to share the presentation from Monday’s Board of Education meeting about the Climate Education programs that an integral part of the curriculum, and in practice in our schools. Thanks to Chrystie, Young, Hoda Abdelwahab, Brent McGuinness and Emily Blumstein for sharing the breadth of activities in this important arena.
Equity Audit Survey
Reminder: Equity Audit Survey Deadline Today
Please submit the Parent/Guardian/Staff Equity Audit Survey by midnight tonight.
The Equity Audit is compiling feedback from our students, staff and parents via a confidential electronic survey. All responses will go directly to US² Consulting for analysis.
Thank you for your help in this important district initiative.
The Student Surveys will be administered in school/classrooms next week. The surveys are designed to be developmentally appropriate, with guidance as needed.
Annual Summer Update Information
It’s time for the Annual Summer Update! This is our electronic method accessed through the PowerSchool Parent Portal to submit all of the annual forms and acknowledgments, and update contact information for your family.
This year the district will ask families with 5th and 8th grade students to submit proof of residency (entering 6th and 9th in 2024-2025.)
All other grades will just need to submit the Update Forms.
More information and details will be sent out next week.
Wellness Week
Millburn Schools celebrated Wellness Week this week with programs and activities for staff and students. It is being celebrated in May to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month and Teacher Appreciation Week.
Thanks to Amanda Dean from Explore Millburn Short Hills for coordinating with local businesses to provide informational programs for students on ways to stay healthy and fit, both physically and mentally. Thanks also to Lead Nurse and Wellness Coordinator, Trish O’Gorman and our school nurses and wellness committees for their support.
Students heard from representatives of these businesses and organizations: ArteVino Studio, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools, Curious Kids Early Learning Studio,
F45 Training, GameChanger Fitness, Gold Medal Gymnastics Center, One River School of Art & Design, Pure Barre Millburn, SLT MY Skin, Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, SwimQuest, TeenSkin, Tiger Schulmann's Martial Arts.
Thank you also to the Millburn Public Library who shared information about reading as wellness, and the Summer Reading Program.
The South Mountain Conservancy told Washington students about the Fairy Trail and other resources that can be discovered on their trails. Find out more here.
Mark your Calendar: Parent Education Opportunities
Monday, May 13 - Cyber Safety Seminar
With concerns about cyber-safety and security on the rise, thanks to the Millburn Short Hills Neighborhood Watch for bringing this presentation to the Library on Monday. The Millburn Police Department will provide valuable insights into identifying potential risks, teaching responsible online behavior, and implementing effective strategies to safeguard personal information and privacy online, and being aware of the consequences.
Be sure to register and attend! RSVP at evite.me/eNYk189A7m
MMAC and Millburn Police: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Thursday, May 16
MMAC and the Millburn Police Department invite you to this important Parent Education evening. Learn from the PD what they see in our community, and get tips from mental health professionals. RSVP HERE
The Parent Wellness Series Consortium - College Mental Health - Wednesday, May 22
The Consortium presents its last parent education session of this school year, with important information for parents and students preparing for the adjustment to college. Learn strategies to optimize your child’s success. Open to all parents in the community.
I want to thank Shannon Dahse, MHS Student Assistance Counselor, and all of the Consortium SACS, for providing these topical and informative workshops for parents and families each year.
All of these workshops on these relevant subjects are free and open to the public. Please take advantage of them.
Good News!!
🌟 Math Olympians
Alexander Wang (10th grade) and Allen Wang (12th grade) both won gold medals at the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO). The USAMO is a prestigious national math competition hosted annually by the Mathematical Association of America. Approximately 250 top students earned their qualifications based on their excellent scores in the AMC 12 and AIME contests combined. USAMO is also part of the selection process for the US Math Team, which represents the country at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). This year, the top 16 students were awarded Gold medals and they will be honored at the "MAA MathFest 2024: Mathematical Olympiads Award Ceremony '' in August. 2024 USAMO Awardees.docx (maa.org)
🌟 Congressional Art Award Winner
Esther Hong won 1st place in the Congressional Art Competition for the NJ11 district, represented by Mikie Sherrill. Esther’s piece will now be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the coming year, alongside the winning pieces from every congressional district in the country. Learn more here.
🌟 National Junior Science Symposium
Neel Ahuja won 2nd Place in the oral presentation competition at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), in Albuquerque, NM, in the Environmental Science category. For: "Reducing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Water Contamination With Mycorrhizal Hydroponics Plants
🌟 Physics Team Finalist
Yujie Sun won the gold medal for the USAPhO! The USAPhO is part of the US physics team selection process to represent the US at the International Physics Olympiad This year, the top 500 students taking the F=ma exam qualified for the USAPhO, and the top 20 finalists of the USAPhO were invited to a rigorous study camp at the University of Maryland to prepare for the IPhO. The next 25 students received the gold medal.
🌟 Varsity Golf Champions
The Millers Boys Varsity Golf Team won the North 1 & 2 Group 3 Section Championship! The team shot a 294 and beat second-place Ramapo by 5 strokes.
🌟 Walk, Bike & Roll Poster Winners
In honor of National Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the Pedestrian Safety Advisory Board and Millburn PTOC Safety Committee held a contest for township students in grades K through 8 to design posters commemorating the day. The 3-5 and 6-8 winners are siblings! Congratulations to all!
🌟 Millburn High School Signing Day
Nine senior student-athletes are committed to play a sport in a college or university next year. Seven of them were in attendance with their families to sign their commitment letters and celebrate Signing Day on May 8 at Millburn High School.
Congratulations to:
Quentin Kuehn - Lacrosse - Ursinus College
Zach Lipton - Lacrosse - Rochester Institute of Technology
Lena Cakulev - Track - Johns Hopkins University
Damiya Graham - Basketball - Ramapo College Liam Kelly - Track - Trinity College
Simon Glass - Track - Denison University
Matias Feoli - Tennis - United States Military Academy West Point
Zach Benmorits - Basketball - Union College
Maggie Tratnyek - Girls Lacrosse - Muhlenberg College
Join the festivities next week at Hartshorn School on Wednesday, May 15. All are invited to head over for rides, games, prizes, food and fun for all ages!
Strawberry Festival Fun!
I got into the Strawberry Spirit at the South Mountain Strawberry Festival on Wednesday.
Thanks to teachers Katie Mattis and Karin ODell for their face-painting skills!
Happy Mother’s Day to all of our moms, near and far! Celebrate all who have the role as mom in their family!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Be well and stay safe.
Christine Burton
Dr. Christine Burton
Superintendent of Schools
