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Brown School Buzz
November 7, 2022
Dear Families
This morning I was listening to a kindergarten class share about their weekend, and many of the students mentioned the holiday decorations they saw in the stores on Saturday and Sunday. How is it possible that the holiday season appears to be creeping up on us already? For so many, adults and children alike, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. It is chock full of special activities, fun, tradition, and excitement for our families. And while this is truly a magical time for so many, it's also a time when the balance in our lives is a little out of whack. It can be challenging to stay on track when typical schedules are often interrupted, including regular bedtimes, dinner times and down time. And, like families, we are challenged with this balancing act at school as well.
The holiday season and the end of the school year are arguably two of the most challenging times of the year for teachers, staff members, administrators and families to keep children engaged in their learning. In November. we will have just two full weeks of school, and in December, we have just one full week of regular instructional days. During this time we will also have two school community meetings, an additional assembly to recognize our veterans, and then of course, there's the excitement leading up to the break. All of these observances and celebrations are wonderful, and they are an important part of our school culture. So while it's a challenge, we certainly wouldn't change these special opportunities that inevitably produce priceless childhood smiles, joy and laughter.
So, as we bid adieu to October, welcome November, and we prepare for the next seven weeks of a fragmented calendar, our efforts to keep our students engaged and excited about learning will be strong. And so, I appeal to you to be our partners in the endeavor to make each and every one on the next 27 school days a healthy balance of learning, fun, and wonder.
Meet our First Grade Team!
These wonderful women are the teachers of our first graders at the Brown School. They were very festive pumpkins on Halloween this year!
Ms. Judy O'Flynn. Ms.Rachel Leavitt. Ms. Melissa McGuinnes. Ms. Nicole Hall. Ms. Paige McGonagle
Getting to School On Time. For some families, the struggle is real.
For some families, getting children out the door and into school on time is a daily challenge. I get it. As a mom who raised two active boys who never really understood the timeliness associated with the morning routine, I understand. There is an endless list of early morning challenges that can impact getting to school on time: sleepy kids, parent work demands, anxiety, traffic, the unexpected breakfast catastrophe, forgotten homework...and the list goes on. We all understand these things can occur from time to time. That said, being late for school should be the exception, rather than the norm. Unfortunately, at the Brown School we have a steady flow of students lined up for their tardy slip every morning. When students arrive in the classroom in the morning, school, is always a "Morning Warm Up" or "Morning Work" to get them thinking and ready for a day of learning. It's an important part of getting them off on the right foot. While a few minutes may not seem like a big deal, it can be uncomfortable for students to enter the classroom when the day and the work is already under way. It can also make a student feel like he/she is starting the day already behind. I urge all parents to do what you can to make sure your children are in class by 8:15. It's a life-long habit that will serve them well and will start their day off on the right foot.
For a perspective from a parent and who struggled to get her kids to school on time, check out her journey and how she was able to improve her family's morning routine:
End School Morning Tardiness, Really
And for more suggestions and tips, check out Getting the Kids to School without a Struggle
If your child is struggling to get to school due to anxiety or medical concern, please reach out to our school counselor and/or school counselors. We are here to help.
We all know a veteran!
CORI, Fingerprinting and Volunteering and Chaperoning
Recently, we've received a number of inquiries regarding our CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and Fingerprinting requirements for volunteering at the Brown School and for chaperoning field trips, in our schools.
The CORI process is a multi step process:
1. The potential volunteer goes to the DISTRICT WEBSITE to begin the process of requesting a background check and and makes an appt. for fingerprints if applicable.
2. District Admin responds to the CORI request and sends the application to the potential volunteer
3. The potential volunteer submits the application with a copy of the a valid license
4. Then the submission for the CORI occurs
5. The CORI approval can then take some time to be approved (this time varies)
If potential volunteers and district administrators are able to respond promptly and fingerprinting appointments are completed in a timely manner, the process takes about 3 weeks. That said, if there is a delay in any one of these steps, it can take longer. So if parents are interested in volunteering or chaperoning any time this year, it would be wise to go through the CORI process as soon as possible.
**CORI is good for 3 years. Some of our third grade parents who have been volunteering, and are interested in volunteering this year, and may need to be updated.
The Construction in Marblehead Continues
There will be some upgrades on West Shore Drive that may impact our Brown Families during arrival and dismissal. Both the Tower School and Superintendent Buckey have shared the following information:
“The Town of Marblehead is enhancing crosswalk safety at several locations in town. The project includes narrowing the road adjacent to crosswalks and painting new, high-visibility crosswalks. [We] applaud the town’s decision to include the crosswalk on West Shore Drive/Rail Trail in the scope of this project and [we] look forward to significantly safer crossings for everyone.
The published dates for construction and lane closures are as follows. As with any outdoor project, [we] understand that weather conditions are just one factor that may cause extended timelines. [We] will communicate significant updates if/as they arise.]
- 11/7-11/14 Lane closure on West Shore Drive, traveling away from Lafayette Street
- 11/14-11/21 Lane closure on West Shore Drive, traveling toward Lafayette Street”
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to help stock the Marblehead Food Pantry is under way at the Brown School. Each grade level will be collecting specific items to help those in need. We're excited to tally up the number of items we are able to collect this year!
Here are the items each grade is collecting:
Grade 1-SPAGHETTI SAUCE, CANNED RAVIOLI< CANNED PASTA
Grade 2-CEREAL (all types including oatmeal)
Grade 3-Canned Fruit and Fruit Cups
Many thanks!
Dates to Note
Friday, November 11-No School-Veterans Day
Monday, November 14-FOOD DRIVE BEGINS
Wednesday, November 23-Early Release-12:00
November 24-25-No School Thanksgiving Break
December 8-No School-(Parent Conferences)
December 15-Early Release -12:00-(Parent Conferences)
December 13-PTO sponsored Holiday Shop
December 22-Early Release -12:00
December 23-January 2-Holiday Break
TUESDAY, January 3-Return to School
L & J Brown School
Email: maxfield.mary@marbleheadschools.org
Website: https://www.marbleheadschools.org
Location: 40-42 Baldwin Road, Marblehead, MA, USA
Phone: 7816393112