2009 Annual Report.pdf - Town of Milton

Science:
The Milton Public Schools partnered with Mass Insight Education & Research
Institute to implement the MMSI program. This initiative, funded by
Mass Insight, helped prepare our students for college. Highlights of our participation
in the grant included: Large increase in students taking AP courses;
Vertical Teaming with MHS and PMS supported by NIMSI staff; Content-based
PD for PMS and MHS staff focused on instruction for Pre-AP students (both
A and Honors level); activities from this PD were used in MS science and HS
Biology and Chemistry classes. It also included Saturday Prep Sessions at
Northeastern University and MHS for AP students. In the springtime, three
MHS staff members were chosen as trainers for the State-wide Program, with
teacher Tom Shaw chosen to lead AP Physics institute. In other science news:
• Biology MCAS: 86% of MHS 9th graders scored either proficient or advanced
on the 2009 Biology MCAS (State average: 65%)
• Senior Lab Assistants: New course, seniors served as teaching assistants
preparing materials for labs (solutions, gels etc) and assisting with small
group instruction during labs (helping with dissections, giving assistance
during experiments). Lab assistants visited Biogen’s Community Lab to
perform an advanced PCR lab, one which we are currently doing with
this years Biotech classes
• Created three new courses in the Science Department: Biotechnology,
Human Body and Chemistry of Life. These are one semester courses
that are designed to give students an opportunity to explore a viable career
path, especially here in Massachusetts (Biotechnology), assist students
who need additional preparation for the Biology MCAS (Human
Body), prepare students for the rigors of a traditional chemistry course
(Chemistry of Life)
• Continued support of Biotech efforts by funding from MFE and Mass
BioTeach grant. All biology (honors and A level), Anatomy and Physiology
and AP Biology students used the lab
• Students and faculty enjoyed a variety of field trips sponsored by Schools
to Career Partnership- (Biogen, Siemans Engineering, South Shore Hospital).
Music:
During the 2008-2009 school year, our music program was proud to see
many of its students in grades 7 through 12 selected for Senior and Junior Eastern
District Music Festivals. Many were also chosen for the Senior and Junior
SEMSBA Music Festivals and the Massachusetts All State Music Festival.
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