Brown MS Weekly Update
Mar. 24, 2023
Dear Brown MS Community,
First, I want to say, "Thank You!" for the delicious PTO luncheon served for all Brown staff on Thursday's early release day (see pictures below). Denise Dandrea, Yvonne Chen and their terrific team out did themselves and provided us with sustenance. It was delicious and filling!
March is a tough time of year. Teachers are working hard to provide engaging lessons, care for students, plan field trips and finalize grades for term 2. This week has been difficult with the implications of the failed override vote now in the hearts and minds of our faculty and staff at Brown and across the district. This coming week NPS will share their finalized budget with the school committee after having to make some very difficult decisions that will impact our school and all Newton schools. It would be helpful for the staff to hear from parents to know how much they are valued. If you would consider writing a note of encouragement and appreciation to any of your children's teachers, please do so. They could use it right now.
There are wonderful things happening here each day. For example, this past Tuesday, we had the pleasure of cheering on our Unified Basketball Team in a home game against Oak Hill Middle School. (See the blurb and pictures below.) The number of faculty and students who made signs and applauded the players was heartwarming. It reminded me of the care and kindness that each of us has within us when we come together to appreciate one another.
Speaking of kindness, our PTO is working on a "Kindness Week" in an effort to help students look out for one another and develop as kind and caring community members. We will share more information on this in the weeks ahead. Please reach out to Janelle Phillips, PTO president, if you would like to help out in this effort. Students will discuss what it means to be kind and specific examples of kind actions such as smiling, listening, helping, showing empathy, forgiving, and simply pausing will be shared and practiced. Throughout, we will find ways to care for one another.
Best,
Kim Lysaght, Principal
Happy Nowruz!
This past Tuesday 4 of our seventh graders presented a display in the lobby about the holiday of Nowruz or Navruz. This holiday has been celebrated for over 3000 years in Iran, Uzbekistan and the Persian diaspora. The holiday is a New Year celebration on the first day of spring. Our presenters shared their stories, rituals, traditions and food. It was a great opportunity to learn about their culture and they did an amazing job presenting and answering our questions.
Chromebook Damage - Please Help
We have had a large increase in the number of cracked screens on Chromebooks this week. These damages are costly, and families without insurance will be billed for the damages. Students may not fully understand the cost of this to their families. Teachers have overhead students talking about intentionally breaking their Chromebooks in hopes of getting a new one with a touch screen. Please speak with your child about the importance of keeping their NPS Chromebook from harm. To avoid damage, we recommend a sleeve (click here for a link to them on Amazon).
After School Extra-Curricular Activities
Please take a look as there are changes to the extracurricular activities for the spring. There continue to be many opportunities for students to get involved. This is a great way for them to explore new interests and expand their friendship groups. Click here to view the schedule of after school activities.
Brown Middle School Spring Varsity Sports Information 7th and 8th Grade Only
Please use THIS LINK if your child is interested in trying out for baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse or Track and Field. Tryouts begin the week of Apr 3, 2023.
*Important Notes:
It is possible that cuts will have to be made in all sports except track and field. Cuts are dependent upon the number of students who register for each sport.
The spring play conflicts with the spring sports season, therefore, if your child is signed up for the spring play, they will not be able to participate in spring sports.
Please feel free to contact the head coach if you have any questions.
Girls Who Code Club at Newton North High School - Womxngineering Convention
The Womxngineering Convention aims to increase gender representation in STEM fields and is open to all NPS middle and high school students!
Details:
- Saturday, March 25th from 1 pm. - 3:30 pm in the Newton North Cafeteria
- Free entry!
- Trivia + games with up to $150 in gift cards & prizes!
- Featuring a keynote speaker: Dawn Woods, a Newton North alum, who has degrees in engineering and worked in the Army. She will speak about useful skills for career success and share a few funny stories.
- NNHS club presentation tables and activities
To get to the Newton North cafeteria enter through the main entrance on Tiger Drive, and then turn right. The cafeteria will be on your left.
Please sign up here to attend: https://forms.gle/AHCt5dtPrZHWp7m26
This event is hosted by NNHS Girls Who Code. Please email nnhsgirlswhocode@gmail.com with any questions.
MCAS Dates Set
Dates for the administration of the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) have been set as follows:
English Language Arts:
March 28 & 29 - 7th grade
April 10 & 11 - 6th grade
April 12 & 13 - 8th grade
Math:
May 15 & 16 - 8th grade
May 17 & 18 - 7th grade
May 22 & 23 - 6th grade
Science & Technology/Engineering:
May 24 - 8th grade only
