Smore logo
remove_red_eye 1.2K
page background

PIERCE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Family Update

PIERCE MIDDLE SCHOOL Family Update
PIERCE MIDDLESCHOOLFamily Update

November 9, 2026

Dear Pierce Families,


This week’s newsletter includes details about upcoming events in and around the school community. If you would like to view this newsletter in another language, you'll find the translate button at the top right corner of the document.


Please do not hesitate to be in touch with any questions.


Sincerely,


William Fish, Ed.D.

Principal

Upcoming Dates

  • November 10th – Site council meeting (7:00 a.m.; virtual)

  • November 11th – No school (Veterans Day)

  • November 12th - MHS Information Night

  • November 18th – Early dismissal day for conferences (11:21 a.m. dismissal)

In this Newsletter

Pierce News
  • Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences
  • Pierce Debate Team
  • MHS Information Night for 8th Grade Families 11/12
  • Washington, D.C. Trip Registration
  • Health Room Updates Screenings
  • Pierce Wrestling Program
  • Pierce Ski & Board Club
  • Pierce PTO Updates
  • Fruit Center Shopping Week - Starts Now
  • Private School Applications
District News
  • MHS Theatre - The Addams Family
  • November Flu Clinic
  • MultiCultural Showcase Night 11/13

Pierce News Pierce News

Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences (November 18, 2026)

As we prepare for our upcoming Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences, we want to share some important information about this year’s schedule and what families can expect.


Wednesday, November 18, will be an early dismissal day at MPS to allow time for fall conferences. Because the conference schedule will look a little different than in previous years, we want to provide an overview so families can plan accordingly.


Following early dismissal on November 18, all Pierce teachers will make three hours of conference time available, with appointments scheduled in 10-minute increments. Pierce conferences will be held by team, so most families will meet with two teachers on their child’s team during the ten minute block. In addition, families can sign up to meet with teachers off team (world language, exploratory, special education teacher, etc). Families will receive a separate email on November 12th with instructions for signing up for conferences.


Teachers may also offer an additional hour of conference time that day or arrange a meeting during the school day on an alternate date. If all available appointment slots have been filled, please reach out directly to your child’s teacher to coordinate an alternate time to meet.


To help ensure that every family has the opportunity to meet with their child’s teachers, we ask that you arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment and remain mindful of the 10-minute meeting window.


Our goal is for these fall conferences to provide a meaningful opportunity for open communication and collaboration. We appreciate your partnership, flexibility, and continued support. We look forward to connecting with you!


Pierce Debate Team

On Saturday, November 7th, the Pierce Debate Team participated in its first tournament of the year. Students debated whether the federal government should impose a moratorium on hyperscale data centers. Students analyzed both sides of the issue, examining the economic, environmental, and technological impacts of expanded data centers and artificial intelligence. Students Ava Bertolina, Luke Brandi, Hannah Diep, Tiamat Donabed, Ayla Goldstein, Thomas Griffin, Patrick Hron, Georgia Howard, Caleb Howes, Albie Klein, Scott Lovely, George Mai, Naveesh Raghunath, Navi Zerai, and Kingsley Zhong competed in this tournament. We are very proud to announce that Tiamat Donabed, Georgia Howard, and Albie Klein won speaker awards for delivering arguments and speeches in an articulate and convincing manner. In addition, Caleb Howes, Ayla Goldstein, and Hannah Diep won team awards after winning numerous rounds within the tournament. The Pierce Debate Team looks forward to competing again in December!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

MHS Information Night

At MHS Information Night, Principal Karen Cahill and Vice Principals Ngoc Tran and Brian Mackinaw will share what makes MHS so special. We are proud of our many and varied extra curriculars - students are able to participate in close to sixty clubs, many concerts, plays, and musical performances, as well as over two dozen Freshman, JV, and Varsity Athletic teams. Learn more about our Clubs and Activities here.


Academic excellence is an ongoing priority at Milton High School. Our Program of Studies linked here includes classes for all learners at the College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement levels.


At MHS Information Night, students and families will take tours of our campus, meet student leaders and learn all about MHS!


  • Thursday, November 12

  • 6-7:30PM

  • 25 Gile Rd

8th Graders - Check out the MHS Freshman Olympics Fun! 8th Graders - Check out the MHS Freshman Olympics Fun!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Washington, D.C. Trip Registration

All of the trip details (e.g., dates, cost, registration process, financial aid, etc.) can be found in the follow up email that Ms. Mazzola sent to families on 10/21/26.
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Health Room Updates & Screenings

Below please find some announcements from the health room regarding annual health screenings and immunization requirements for students.


Annual Health Screenings

Annual health screenings will begin at Pierce on November 30th. Screenings will be conducted during students' PE or health classes.

  • Grade 6: Postural

  • Grade 7: Postural, hearing, vision, and BMI (height and weight)

  • Grade 8: Postural and SBIRT


Postural screenings involve an assessment of the spine and back, which is best performed without a shirt. However, students may choose to wear a sports bra, bathing suit top, or other appropriate attire that allows the back to be viewed for their screening. Screenings are conducted with student privacy and comfort prioritized throughout. If you wish to opt your child out of any applicable screenings, please contact Bridget Nims, Pierce Middle School Nurse, at bnims@miltonps.org.


Grade 7 Immunization Requirements

The school nurse must have an up-to-date physical examination and documentation of the meningococcal (MenACWY) and Tdap vaccinations for all grade 7 students.

If a medical or religious exemption applies, appropriate documentation must be submitted to the Health Office annually.


Students who are not in compliance with immunization requirements may be excluded from school and will be unable to participate in sports or extracurricular activities until the requirements are met.


Please submit updated immunization records to the school nurse by Monday, November 16th, to avoid potential exclusions.


For additional information about mandated health screenings and immunization requirements, please visit the MPS Health Services website or contact Nurse Nims directly.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Pierce Wrestling Program

Registration for Pierce wrestling will begin December 7th. Students in grades 6-8 are welcome to join. All practices and scrimmages will take place at the Milton High School Copeland Field House. More details about the program can be found here.


If you have questions, please reach out to Kevin Doyle at kvn_doyle@yahoo.com.

Pierce Ski & Board Club

The Pierce Ski & Board Club is a parent volunteer-led, 4 week ski and snowboard program at Nashoba Valley Ski Resort in Westford, Mass. It runs on four Wednesdays: January 20, January 27, February 3 and February 10. Buses will leave from Pierce at 3 p.m. and return at approximately 9:00 p.m. for each trip. It is open to 100 Pierce students on a first come, first serve basis via Signup Genius links. Ski lessons are not available this year.


Cost:

Ski pass and bus: $423

(NOTE: Unfortunately, the cost for the bus and lift passes increased over last year. The cost of a four-week pass increased $20 - from $270 to $290 - while the cost of the bus trips increased by $18 per student to cover fuel surcharges. The total increase for the program over last year is $38 per student)


Rentals will be available for $160 for the four weeks (NOTE: This price remains the same as last year).

A fitting date will be held on Wednesday, December 16 at 6 p.m. at Pierce Middle School. Families will make payment directly to Nashoba Valley for rentals.

There will be two signup opportunities and a separate signup for the waitlist.

  • 50 sign up slots will be available on Tuesday, December 9 at 7 a.m.

  • 50 signup slots will be available on Tuesday, December 9 at 7 p.m.

  • A waitlist signup will open at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9.


Dr. Fish will send an email with links to the Signup Genius to all Pierce families on Monday, December 8. The Signup Genius links go live at 7:00 am, 7:00 pm and 7:05 pm so all will have the same opportunity to sign up. You may only sign up multiple participants if they are siblings, no exceptions. It is possible to sign up siblings in one slot.


If you would like more information click here.


If you have questions about Pierce Ski Club please email Dave Wedge, Jessica Heslam, Melissa Arbour, Chris Poirier and Maria Conley at pierceskiclubmiltonma@gmail.com.

Pierce PTO Updates

Calling for donations and/or volunteers to ensure a successful parent teacher conference afternoon on 11/18!

  • Can you offer an hour (or more) of your day to assist with setup/cleanup of the teacher lunch, keep the staff room stocked with snacks/caffeine, and sell Pierce SWAG at our pop up shop? Sign up HERE

  • Would you like to show appreciation to Pierce staff by donating snacks, caffeine, supplies during parent teacher conferences? Sign up HERE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 17th Annual Fruit Center Marketplace Fundraising Program kicks off 11/9 through 11/15!

  • Over the past 16 years, the Fruit Center has donated over $210K to K-12 schools in Milton and Hingham through this program.

  • How it works:

    • Each school has its own shopping vouchers, available HERE

    • Present the shopping vouchers (unlimited trips) when you shop/check out at the Fruit Center through 11/15. Each voucher has a chance to enter into a $100 Fruit Center gift card raffle also!

    • If you have children who go to Pierce and other schools in Milton, feel free to mention all applicable schools for donation credit!

    • After the shopping week ends, the Fruit Center will calculate 20% of total Pierce purchases made using vouchers and donate the amount back to the school.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stay Connected

  • Website: piercemiddleschoolpto.org
  • Facebook: Pierce Middle School PTO
  • Email: piercemiddlepto@gmail.com
Pierce PTO Website
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Fruit Center Shopping Week - Starts Now

The 17th Annual Fruit Center Marketplace Fundraising Program for our schools is this week!


Over the past sixteen years, the Fruit Center has proudly donated, though this program, over $210,000 to schools in Milton and Hingham. The program is open to all K–12 schools in these towns, including both public and private schools.


Here’s how it works:

  • Dates: The program runs from Monday, November 9 through Sunday, November 15, 2026.

  • Vouchers: Each school has its own shopping vouchers, available here. Present the shopping voucher for your school when you shop during the fundraising week. You can use your vouchers for unlimited shopping trips during the week.

  • Give Back: After the week ends, we’ll calculate 20% of the total purchases made using vouchers from each school and donate that amount back to the school. Some restrictions apply — see all details are on our website.

  • Raffle: Parents who shop with a vouch can participate in our raffle to win a $100 Fruit Center gift card! Just fill out your name, email, and phone number on your shopping voucher to enter. One winner will be selected from each store.


Thank you to the Fruit Center for supporting our schools!

Private School Applications

If your child is considering applying to a private/parochial school, please follow the guidelines listed here.

District News District News

MHS Theatre - The Addams Family

Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with a perfectly normal boy, and for her delightfully creepy family, that's a nightmare! When the two families come together for one unforgettable dinner, secrets spill, chaos erupts, and the Addams family discovers that being normal might just be the strangest thing of all!


Catch The Addams Family at MHS on November 20, 21, 22. Tickets available now at this link.

User uploaded image
open_in_new zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
open_in_new zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Important Links Important Links

MPS Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Pierce Student Attendance Google Form
MPS One Page Calendars
MPS Virtual Backpack
Pierce Website
MPS Website

Helpful Contacts

Dr. William Fish, Principal, wfish@miltonps.org

Ms. Janice Mazzola, Assistant Principal, jmazzola@miltonps.org

Mrs. Kristin Hallisey, Assistant Principal, khallisey@miltonps.org

Mrs. Erin Jaquette, Grade 6 School Counselor, ejaquette@miltonps.org

Mrs. Lisa Veldran, Grade 7 School Counselor, lveldran@miltonps.org

Mrs. Erica Benjamin, Grade 8 School Counselor, ebenjamin@miltonps.org

Mrs. Lynne Henry, School Adjustment Counselor, lhenry@miltonps.org

Ms. Katie Hewett, School Adjustment Counselor, khewett@miltonps.org

Mrs. Kara Sheridan, School Adjustment Counselor, ksheridan@miltonps.org

Ms. Amanda Gray, Special Education Team Chair, agray@miltonps.org

Dr. Seth Harmon, Special Education Team Chair, sharmon@miltonps.org

Mrs. Bridget Nims, School Nurse, bnims@miltonps.org

Mrs. Sandra Wyse, Administrative Assistant, swyse@miltonps.org

Mrs. Kristen Lesser, Administrative Assistant, klesser@miltonps.org

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Pierce Middle School

School Hours: Pierce's school day is 7:57 a.m.-2:26 p.m.

Email: wfish@miltonps.org
Website: https://www.miltonps.org/pierce/
Location: 451 Central Avenue, Milton, MA, USA
Phone: (617)696-4568

William Fish
William is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter