Milken Mini Stories: The Great Shakeout, Famed Author Visit, and Grade 10 Parent Social
Milken Participates in the Great Shakeout
Milken joined millions of others worldwide participating in the annual Great Shakeout earthquake drill on Thursday, October 19. The campus practiced what to do if an earthquake strikes. As soon as the drill was announced, and instructions to drop, cover, and hold-on were broadcast through our campus wide emergency notification intercom system, students, faculty, and staff swiftly took shelter, huddling underneath desks and tables and holding there for the one-minute drill.
The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is of the utmost importance. It is imperative to be prepared in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake. And while this was just a drill, it was a stark reminder of how important it is to be prepared.
Director of Operations and Campus Safety Nathan Humphreys noted, “Earthquake drills are an integral part of our emergency preparedness. This drill was a success.”
According to the Great Shakeout website, the correct safety procedure to follow during an earthquake is to: Drop where you are, onto your hands and knees; cover your head and neck with one arm and hand; and hold on until shaking stops. Want more tips? Click here
Author Sonya Sones Visits Middle School
Young Adult Author Sonya Sones visited the Middle School on Wednesday, October 18 for a writing workshop and a reading. In her presentation to the students, Sones spoke candidly about her sister’s mental illness and read poetry and excerpts from her book “Saving Red.” She answered questions from students like, “Which character do you identify with most?” and “What happened to Molly’s brother?” She identified most with her main character, Molly, and noted that the only way to find out what happened to Molly’s brother was for her to write a sequel, which she does not plan to do. Sones also signed copies of her novel, struck up conversations with students, and posed for pictures with her adoring fans.
Earlier in the day, Sones ran a workshop with students in Creative Writing Teacher Jane St. Clair’s creative writing class. As part of the event, students had the unique opportunity to receive written feedback and writing tips from the famed author.
“Saving Red” was an all-school read for the Middle School over the summer. The book tackles the serious issues of homeless youth and mental health. Advisory groups and Humanities classes have been discussing those issues and exploring them through lesson plans throughout the semester. On the day of Sones’ visit, the Humanities classes were spurred to action and assembled 100 hygiene kits and lunch bags to People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), for their outreach programs.
"The Library was pleased to work with the Middle School Humanities Department to bring to campus such a dynamic young adult author as Sonya Sones with engaging Advisory lessons about homelessness and mental illness. We hope that this will be an annual author event at the Middle School like Sunday Wordplay at the Upper School," remarked David Kates, the director of library services.
Sones’ visit was organized by Kates, Librarian Claire LaPolt, and Middle School Humanities Chair Sirida Terk. The event was sponsored by the Smith Family Library.
Grade 10 Parent Social
It was a night to remember! On Thursday, October 19, nearly 100 parents of grade 10 students gathered at the Head of School’s house for an evening of great food, great company, and to watch an amazing Dodger’s game. Parents had a chance to mingle poolside or watch the game inside while they enjoyed a delicious Poke bar, wide drink selection, and a number of sweet treats. This event was one of several parent socials hosted by the MPA throughout the year, one for each grade level. Thanks to the time and effort of the MPA, Milken’s Parent Association, as well as Milken administrators, the event was a huge success. To find out when the next socials will be held, visit either the calendar or the MPA tile on the myMilken Resource Board.
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