Brackett PTO
November Newsletter
Friday, November 15th - 6:30-8pm
We are looking for families to share their culture with the Brackett community.
We identify ourselves in so many ways – by language of origin, abilities, family structure, ethnicity, etc. We want to highlight and celebrate the cultural diversity of our community.
We’ll enjoy the evening with “museum tables,” arts and crafts, music, activities, and a sampling of diverse cuisines from around the world!
Students, parents, and other family members or guardians are welcome to make a poster, bring artifacts/items/food, demonstrate activities and share with us!
Keep in mind that there are many sources of culture. You may choose to share the culture of your family’s country of origin, but you could also teach us about another group, language or shared history that is meaningful to you. Some examples are:
- Do you or one of your family members speak Sign Language or read Braille? Teach us!
- Are your grandparents from a part of the United States that’s different from Massachusetts? Share with us the food and music of their hometown.
Community Wraps at Henry Bear's Park
- Join us for the Community Wraps fundraising program through Henry Bear's Park (685 Mass Ave.) on November 23rd (10am-7pm). We will wrap gifts purchased by patrons of the store and collect donations for our efforts.
- The Brackett PTO keeps 100% of donations made during our wrapping day, and Henry Bear's Park supplies all the gift wrapping materials.
- Have the whole family get involved and spread the holiday cheer while supporting our learning community!
First Annual Winter Gear and Spirit Wear Swap
Reduce waste and help Brackett families recycle and reuse clothing- join us in the cafeteria on Saturday, November 9th, 1-3 pm to share gently used winter gear and Brackett spirit wear.
Donations of gently used winter gear (coats, hats, gloves, snow pants, skates, boots) and Brackett branded clothing will be accepted at drop off and pick up Nov. 4-Nov. 8. Items donated must be rip-free (patches are fine), clean and in good condition. Skis and snowboards will not be accepted. All leftover items will be donated. If you would like to volunteer to accept donations or help out on the day of the swap, you can find the sign up genius at BrackettPTO.org/green.
Did you know that Brackett always has snacks on hand for students? Has your student ever grabbed pretzels or an applesauce cup from the front office? If so, you have been supported by Arlington EATS. Arlington EATS works to engage the community in eliminating food insecurity and hunger in Arlington.
Brackett and EATS have a long time partnership, and this November we are kicking off our fall food drive. We encourage you and your students to learn more about EATS. If you are in a position to do so, please consider donating items to this year’s drive. Grade specific requests are below.
Thank you for your support!
P.S. Stay tuned for more information about special volunteer opportunities for 5th graders to support the food drive.
Arlington Health and Human Services' Holiday Help Program is a volunteer-managed project that provides direct support and gifts to Arlington youth during the December holiday season. Through generous donations, Holiday Help brightens the lives of hundreds of Arlington children each year, while helping to relieve some of the financial stress families face during the holidays.
Prior to 2020, the program provided gifts that were purchased by givers, organized by volunteers, and distributed to receiving families. Over the past two years, the program has made the shift to distributing gift cards to families, allowing them the opportunity to choose and purchase items directly for their children. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution by November 17th to support this year's Holiday Help program.
Halloween Candy Buy Back
Bring your leftover candy to Arlington Orthodontics (800 Mass Ave.) on Friday, November 8th (9am-5pm) or Saturday, November 9th (8am-1pm) and they will pay you $2/lb of candy (max $10) and make a matching donation to Brackett PTO. Candy received will be shipped to our troops serving overseas.
APS is Hiring School Crossing Guards
The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values and experiences. We welcome staff that are aware of the role of bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates that welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.
We are looking for School Crossing Guards and Substitute Crossing Guards. Crossing Guards work 45 minutes in the morning before school and 45 minutes in the morning after school, assuring that students cross streets safely on the way to school.
Training will be done by the Arlington Police Department.
Apply here.
Arlington Heights 4th Annual Winter Themed Window Painting
Winter images of snowmen, polar bears, people at winter play and more will brighten storefront windows in Arlington Heights on Saturday, December 7th from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
Paint a window by yourself or grab your friend or parent and paint a window together in 60+ designated storefront windows in 26 Heights businesses. Paintings will remain on display through January and will be a feature highlight in the fourth annual Heights Holiday Stroll on Saturday, December 14, 2-5pm. (rain or shine)
Online Registration: Saturday, November 9 - Saturday, November 23 (2 weeks)
A $25 registration fee covers paint supplies (an assortment of selected acrylic paints and paint brushes which will be supplied to painters the day of the event).
Eligibility: All residents and any individuals who attend a school in Arlington are eligible for this event. Painters under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Minions Family Movie Night Fundraiser - 11/09 (4-8pm) at AHS
Fundraising Fighters Club at Arlington High School raises money for organizations that research and spread awareness for childhood cancer. On November 9th (4-8pm, $5 at the door), they are hosting a family-friendly movie night fundraiser at the high school, where all the proceeds will go to the Childhood Leukemia Society.
The event will also feature arts and crafts, face painting, as well as a snack table and food sponsored by Otto’s Pizza.