MMS Newsletter
August 28, 2026
Dear Millis Middle School Families,
One of my favorite parts of being principal is having the opportunity to spend time in classrooms and see firsthand the learning experiences our students are having each day. This week, I had the chance to visit several classrooms across the building, and I wanted to share a few moments that really stood out to me.
During my visits to English classrooms, I was struck by the conversations taking place between students and their teachers. Students were being challenged to look beyond the words on a page, think carefully about what they were reading, and explain the reasoning behind their ideas. I watched students use clues from a text to better understand unfamiliar vocabulary, examine the motivations behind a character's actions, and reconsider opinions they had formed earlier in their reading. What stood out most was that students were not simply being asked to find the right answer. They were being encouraged to think more deeply, support their ideas, and recognize that sometimes our understanding changes as we learn more.
I also watched students in science examine experimental data and discuss what happens when the results do not support an original hypothesis. Rather than viewing that outcome as a failure, students were learning to draw conclusions based on evidence. Meanwhile, in math classrooms, students were working through challenges, checking their answers, learning from mistakes, and receiving support in ways that met their individual needs.
Another highlight was spending time in several of our smaller learning environments, where I saw teachers and paraprofessionals working together to create meaningful learning experiences for students. Whether students were practicing math skills, developing reading comprehension, or learning to make inferences, I was struck by the patience, encouragement, and thoughtful planning that went into helping every student experience success.
Across all of these visits, one thing became increasingly clear: Our students are doing much more than learning information. They are learning how to think, how to explain their reasoning, how to persevere when something is challenging, and how to grow from their experiences.
These moments also connect beautifully to our schoolwide core values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Reflection. I see these values coming to life in classrooms every day, often in small interactions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
I am grateful to our educators for the care and intentionality they bring to their classrooms, and I look forward to continuing to share these glimpses into the wonderful learning happening throughout Millis Middle School.
Sincerely,
Ron Taylor
Congratulations to our amazing trombone section!!
all Band students of the Week!
Charlie Hough, Luke Bickford, James Wilson & Alexander Ochoa
Way to go!!
Clubs are underway! Offerings include Cash Flow Club, Homework Club, Art Club, Terpsichore, Newspaper Club, and more.
The late bus will also begin running on Wednesdays, starting on October 7. Students may ride the late bus only if they attend a club meeting that day. Students must receive a Late Bus Pass from their club organizer at the end of the meeting to board the bus. Riding the late bus is a privilege, and students are expected to follow school rules and behave respectfully while waiting for and riding the bus.
MMS Parent Teacher Conferences will begin on the evening of November 10 and continue during the afternoons of November 12 and 13. These conferences provide an opportunity for families and teachers to discuss student progress and how students are adjusting to the school year. More information will be shared next week regarding instructions for signing up for conference times.
If you plan to attend and require an interpreter, please notify your child’s teacher as soon as possible, preferably at least one week in advance, so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Mandated health screenings for students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 will begin in October.
Students in Grades 6 and 8 will receive postural screenings.
Grade 7 students will receive height, weight (BMI), as well as vision, hearing, and postural screenings
The purpose of postural screening is to identify early signs of possible spinal concerns (scoliosis) in students in Grades 5–9. Students will be screened individually, and parents or guardians will be notified if the school nurse identifies any concerns. All screenings will take place in the Health Office.
If your child has already been screened by their healthcare provider, you would like to opt your child out of any screening, or you have questions, please email Lynn Molinari at lmolinari@millisschools.org.
Tuesday, November 10 - Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences Thursday, November 12 - Afternoon Parent/Teacher Conferences Friday, November 13 - Afternoon Parent/Teacher Conferences Thursday, November 19 - Picture Retake Day