Here is a copy of the letter sent home with students in the first week of January.

January 5, 2015

Dear Families and Guardians,

We are excited to be holding the second annual Milton Middle School Science Fair on the evening of February 12, 2015. This will again be on the same evening as the February Milton Community Dinner so you can enjoy a great meal before experiencing the impressive work our students will be showcasing.

All students in grades 6-8 will be expected to participate in the science fair. Hands-on scientific investigation and engineering will be highlighted that evening with students demonstrating their understanding and application of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) principles. Over the next six weeks students will research, design, test, analyze, and present a project that uses scientific inquiry to solve a problem. As twenty first century citizens, our students will have to make some of the toughest decisions of any generation, based on their understanding of emerging science and technology. Doing science is essential to understanding science. Science fairs involve students in the practices of science and engineering, requiring them to apply those skills to a topic of interest to them.

Time will be given to students during the school day to work on their project. We recommend that students continue much of this work at home as well. Students will be given project guidelines and time-lines at school and teachers will check in with them periodically. However, much of the work will be self-directed. Families are encouraged to offer support and reminders, but allow children to do the projects by themselves.

We are encouraging support from the community in helping to once again make this experience a beneficial one for our students and for Milton Middle School. Please call or email with any questions or potential resources. More information will follow as the night of the Science Fair approaches.

Thank you very much in advance for your support!

Sincerely,

Milton Middle School Science Teachers:

Rob Decicco – House A Greer Krembs - House B Nathan Caswell – House C Janet Smith – House D

rdecicco@mtsd-vt.org gkrembs@mtsd-vt.org ncaswell@mtsd-vt.org jsmith2@mtsd-vt.org

893-5511 893-5519 893-5507 893-5528