Brophy Bulldog Family Bulletin
January 12, 2024
Brophy Bulldog Bulletin - Parent/Caregiver Edition, January 12, 2024
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Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we approach the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, we want to take a moment to reflect on the values of determination and resilience that Dr. King exemplified. His inspiring words remind us that determination is a powerful force that propels us forward, even in the face of challenges.
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King Jr.
This weekend, let's celebrate the strength of our school community and the determination that our students embody. Together, as caregivers, educators, and students, we can inspire and support each other to take those important steps towards a brighter future. Wishing you a reflective and empowering Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.
Sincerely,
John
Upcoming Dates: January
January 15: No School , MLK Jr. Holiday
January 17: PTO Meeting, 6:30 P.M.
January 18: Brophy Family Fun Day Apex Entertainment, 4:00-9:00 P.M.
Brophy Principal Search 2024
Dear Brophy Community,
Do you want to be part of a team that will help with the process of identifying the new leadership for Brophy Elementary School? This is an important opportunity to engage in a collaborative process that will help us determine the next Principal for Brophy Elementary School.
Framingham Public Schools (FPS) encourages you to express your interest to serve in this critical process, as well as to complete the Focus Group Survey that will identify key characteristics of the new Principal, as well as to share your input regarding their priorities in the first six (6) months.
The process and timeline for the Brophy Principal search will be as follows:
Step 1: Initial Blind Candidate Selection: The Cabinet, which consists of the Assistant Superintendent for PK-12 Assistant Superintendent for Equity, Belonging, and Community Engagement; Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources; Executive Director for Student Services; and Executive Director for Finance and Operations will blindly review and screen resumes for all applicants. Blind screening involves the removal of personally identifiable information, such as candidate names and other identifying factors, from resumes and applications throughout the assessment phase, rather than personal characteristics that might introduce unconscious biases. The Cabinet will recommend candidates to be interviewed by February 2, 2024.
Step 2: Interview Committee: We are seeking up to 11 volunteers (4 Brophy staff, 2-3 Brophy parents/guardians, 3 administrators, 1 other community member (i.e. CRD, community member, etc.)) to serve on the Interview Committee. Members selected for this Committee will meet virtually for a 3.5 - 4 hour Orientation, which includes an anti-bias training. Then the Committee will conduct 30-minute virtual interviews with selected candidates. At the end of all interviews, the Committee will select 3 - 4 candidates who will proceed to interviews with the Superintendent and his Cabinet. Dates and application link are included below. This part of the process takes place between February 12 - 29, 2024.
Step 3: Cabinet and Superintendent of Schools Interviews: The Superintendent and his Cabinet will interview the candidates who progress from the Interview Committee interviews and submit 2-3 finalists. This will happen during the week of March 4, 2024.
Step 4: Virtual Finalists Forum: The finalists will spend the day at Brophy and meet with stakeholders of the Brophy community and answer questions (anticipated to take place the first/second week of March).
Volunteer Opportunities and Commitment
Focus Group Survey: Community members may complete this google form to help identify key characteristics of the new Principal, as well as to share your input regarding their priorities in the first six (6) months.
Interview Committee: If you wish to be considered to sit on the Interview Committee, please complete this Application by Friday, January 19, 2024. The Committee will be announced on or after January 29, 2024. All meetings will be virtual via Google Meet. Interview Committee members MUST attend ALL meetings and be FULLY PRESENT for the ENTIRE duration of each meeting date. If you require any accommodations, please let Inna London know in advance.
Orientation Dates:
February 12, 2024 from 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm
February 13, 2024 from 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm (if needed)
Interview Dates:
February 26, 2024 from 4:30pm - 9:00pm
February 27, 2024 from 4:30pm - 9:00pm
February 28, 2024 from 4:30pm - 9:00pm
February 29, 2024 from 4:30pm - 9:00pm (if needed)
In rare circumstances, dates will need to change to ensure a better pool of applicants; in such a case, an announcement will be made as soon as possible. It is very important for us to have a diverse screening committee that celebrates and mirrors the diversity of our students. Please complete the application BY Friday, January 19, 2024.
Inna London
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Dear Brophy Families and Caregivers,
I am writing to share with you our Brophy School MCAS Schedule for the spring of 2024. As you may already be aware, students in Massachusetts in grades 3, 4, and 5 all take the Massachusetts Comprehensive Achievement System (MCAS) tests in the spring of each year. I wanted to share our schedule with you as soon as we had it ready so that families can plan accordingly. Though we have built-in a few days for each test for make-up testing, it is important that all children do their best to attend school on their testing days. Please refer to the MCAS parent web page for additional resources: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/parents/ and/or contact me with any questions.Caregivers’ Ultimate Guide to Snapchat, Instagram and Tik Tok
We have encountered an increase in the use of social media that has found its way into the school on a weekly basis. We have discovered that many students have not had guidance on the use of social media and some have frequently misused it, allowing for carryover into the school setting. While students are not allowed to use their phones at school, at times what occurs outside of school has impactful carryover to the school day for some. Here is a guide created by educators that we hope can help you navigate this area with your children as we work together to support them.
Message from the School Nurse
Mobile Dental Service
Brophy Elementary School will be hosting the Commonwealth Mobile Oral Health
Services again in February 2024! This mobile dental service sets up a clinic in our
building over a few days and is able to provide routine cleanings as well as treatment of
dental caries and other routine dental work. These services are available to all students.
If you are interested in having your student participate, please fill out the dental form
COMPLETELY that will go home in your student’s backpack this week. Please make
sure that you fill out the insurance information section thoroughly as the program
does bill insurance. All students qualify including Mass Health and Mass Health Limited,
so do not hesitate to fill out the paperwork and return it to the school. Please reach out
to the school nurse, Kelley Bradford, with questions at 508-782-6102.
Drama News
The FHS Drama Company presents The Wizard of Oz, opening tonight at Framingham High School! 90 FHS students are in the cast and another 21 students from FPS elementary schools will be playing the roles of munchkins—including several Brophy students! Plus, there are 40 students working on the tech crew and in the orchestra pit! That's a cast and crew of 151 Framingham Public School students! Oh, and the little dog too—there is a live action Toto! This show will be a complete interdisciplinary work of art, with collaborations between all four FPA disciplines to make a brilliant cohesive whole! So, follow the yellow brick road to the Framingham High School Performing Arts Center from January 12th through the 20th. Tickets are available at www.showtix4u.com
Once the Wizard of Oz ends its run, please attend The Fuller Middle School Drama Company's presentation of Disney's Frozen Jr., which has many Brophy graduates in the cast, crew, and orchestra! All ages are welcome to visit Arendelle (Fuller Middle School) for this heartwarming show in a variety of performance opportunities.
Performances
Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 4:00pm: Sensory-Friendly, Open Dress Rehearsal (Free) Seats are first come, first served!
Friday, February 2, 2024 at 7pm (Buy Tickets)
Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 3pm (Buy Tickets)
Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 7pm (Buy Tickets)
Determination is the key that unlocks the door to success for students. It's the unwavering commitment to persevere, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. With determination, students can overcome obstacles, learn from failures, and achieve their goals. It's the driving force that turns dreams into reality and transforms aspirations into accomplishments. By cultivating a strong sense of determination, students not only develop resilience but also discover the incredible power within themselves to overcome any hurdle on their educational journey. With determination as their compass, students can navigate the path of learning with courage, resilience, and the assurance that every effort brings them one step closer to reaching their full potential.
Classroom Happenings
Music Classes Rock the Brophy House
Music classes continue to prepare for our Winter Concert on February 6, 2024
Math Games Galore in Grade 1
Students have been using math games to learn math in Grade 1... Can you believe it?!
PE Classes Enjoy Some Tunnel Tag!
Students run, tag, and collaborate to enjoy movement together!
Winter Concert on February 6, 2024
Our students continue to work very hard preparing for the Winter Concert! Please join us!
FPS Calendars
Brophy Elementary School has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence; a child centered teaching approach, and a highly qualified, dedicated staff. Our focus is to identify individual student strengths and needs and to create learning opportunities that appropriately motivate and challenge our students to perform and achieve their highest potential.