Brockett Bulletin

Second graders from Buel and Newby joined forces last fall to create a musical ensemble of violin, viola and cello. The students are the first wave of building back a strings program in the district.

Sponsored by the Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES), the students started learning violin as kindergartners during music class. They continued through the first grade while the program launched with kindergartners at Wascher and Grandhaven. This year, the program debuted with kindergartners at Memorial and Willamette. After students learn during music time for two years, the program shifts to an after-school program and expands to include viola and cello.

The goal is to have an after-school orchestra through fifth grade and then launch a strings program in the middle schools and eventually the high school.

This week, students were practicing hard for their first concert as an ensemble next Wednesday, Jan. 29 in the Newby gym!

You are invited to a “Raising Resilience” presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 5 beginning at 6 p.m. at Mac High. Based on the premise of the The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness book, the event highlights the problem but focuses on solutions. After a presentation, attendees will break into groups to discuss steps they and our community can take to help our young people grow into well-functioning, emotionally healthy adults.

Find more info under your school’s Peachjar button.

If you are looking for ways to help your student develop better mental health, Yamhill County Family & Youth recommends “Sound it Out Together” to help families have discussions with their children about their emotions. With a variety of tools, examples and suggestions, the website has a wide range of resources and expert advice.

Grandhaven students got to see the Reptile Man in action today in a special assembly arranged and funded by the school’s PTA. Students had fun learning about various reptilian creatures and there were lots of volunteers willing to step forward and handle them!

See more on the MSD Facebook page!

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here whether we embrace it or not. MSD has convened a working group to explore how to best use AI in schools and implement the benefits of individualized learning and more. Here’s an article to help you understand what principles are guiding us in this new understanding of using technology in schools.

Want to keep your middle schooler busy in the afternoons? The second semester afterschool programs begin next Wednesday, Jan. 29. Click here to see the offerings at Duniway and Patton.

This week Wascher students attended school dressed up for a job they hope to have in the future. Helping children envision their future is one way to put them on the path to achieving their goals.

Check out more photos on the MSD Instagram feed!

This coming Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 27-28, are teacher in-service/grading days. No school for students.

The MSD Calendar Committee is working on future academic calendars and would like your input on the following:

• Number of calendar years to adopt
• Number of days off during the year
• When to start the school year

Please note that the input is one of several factors that must be considered by the committee. Find out more and click to the survey here.

What’s on the menu for classroom snacks next week? Elementary students can try starfruit and two different varieties of oranges in the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable program. Learn more about the fruit here.

The McMinnville Public Library is hosting a series of free workshops focused on financial literacy, including a session for teens about understanding credit.

The teen session is Saturday, Feb. 1 from 3 - 4 p.m. in the library’s Carnegie Room. Find details on other sessions under your school’s Peachjar button.

If you don’t donate your cans and bottles to Mac High’s Grad Night, you could involve your kids in helping return cans and bottles for their educational future.

Oregon College Savings Plan has a partnership with BottleDrop to put your return funds into your child’s college fund. Don’t think they’ll go to college? The funds can still go toward trade or vocational education. There are lots of options! Plus, family and friends can put their bottle return funds into your child’s account, too. Find out more.