

Middlebrook
Mountain Lions
December 20, 2024
Dear Middlebrook Families,
On behalf of our entire staff, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful luncheon our PTA organized. Your thoughtfulness and effort were truly appreciated by everyone. The delicious food and warm atmosphere were a perfect way to bring us together and lift our spirits. Your dedication to supporting our school community means so much to us, and we are grateful for all you do. Thank you for making us feel so valued and appreciated!
Winter officially begins today, Friday, December 21, 2024, marking the shortest day of the year and the start of the colder season. It’s a wonderful opportunity to talk with your child about the changes we see in nature, like shorter daylight hours and the possibility of snow. This day also marks the start of our winter break, giving families time to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the season together.
We wish you all a warm and joyful start to winter and look forward to seeing everyone back in the new year!
Debbie Ponte, Principal
Michele Molloy, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Stanton: Our Morning Elf in Action!
A Farewell Message from Your School Nurse
Dear Parents and Students,
It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that I will be leaving my role as the Middlebrook school nurse. After 6 years of working alongside all of you, I will be moving on to a new chapter in my life.
It has been such a privilege to serve as your school nurse and to be a part of this incredible community. From bandaging scraped knees to offering comfort during times of illness, I have cherished every opportunity to care for and support each student.
What I will miss the most are the connections I’ve made with so many of you. Whether it was a quick conversation in the nurse's office or simply seeing the smiles of the students as they go about their day.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives, and for the trust and kindness you’ve shown me. While I am excited about my next adventure, I will carry these memories and the joy of working with all of you for years to come.
Please give a warm welcome to Nurse LeAnn Creutzmann, who will be joining Middlebrook as the new School Nurse. Nurse LeAnn’s email is: lcreutzm@trumbullps.org, Health Office Phone: 203-452-4412.
Wishing you all continued health and happiness.
Warmly,
Nurse Jeanne
Winter After School Enrichment
Kindergarten Registration for 2025-2026
We will begin registering students for the Class of 2038 on Wednesday, January 8th! If you are looking to register your child for the 2025-2026 school year, please click here for all the information you need.
IMPORTANT DATES
Saturday, December 21st
First day of winter
Monday, December 23rd - Wednesday, January 1st
Winter Break
Wednesday, December 25th
Christmas Day
Hanukkah begins in the evening
Thursday, December 26th - Wednesday, January 1st
Kwanzaa
Wednesday, January 1st
New Year's Day
Online Registration begins at noon for ASE
Thursday, January 2nd
School resumes
Hanukkah ends in the evening
Wednesday, January 8th
Father's Club Meeting in the cafe at 7:00pm
Saturday, January 11th
SHU Hockey Game 7:00pm
Submissions due for the MLK Jr. Essay Contest
Monday, January 13th
PTA Meeting 7:00pm in the library
Monday, January 20th
NO SCHOOL - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Wednesday, January 22nd
Spelling Bee Competition 6:00pm (snow date: Thursday, January 23rd 6:00pm)
Friday, January 24th
5th grade activity at Bowlero 6:00pm
Wednesday, January 29th
Chinese New Year
Friday, January 31st
School Store
TPS Budget Season Reminder
Please be reminded our budget season is in full-swing. Please take every opportunity to educate yourself on the needs of our district. Remember, once the Board of Education approves our budget, it will move to the First Selectman, Board of Finance, and Town Council. Contacting the Board of Finance and Town Council members to approve our budget is vital for all of our schools to ensure we are providing the highest level of education for our students.
Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00PM
Thursday, January 9 at 7:00PM
Tuesday, January 14 at 7:00PM (if needed)
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Families observe Hanukkah by lighting the menorah, enjoying traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and spending time together. It’s a time to reflect on themes of perseverance and faith. We wish all our families who celebrate a joyful Hanukkah!
Click on the link below to learn more about Hanukkah.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a special holiday celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, honoring African American heritage and culture. It focuses on seven principles, such as unity, creativity, and self-determination, which inspire reflection and community-building. Families often celebrate with festive meals, music, and the lighting of a kinara, a special candleholder with seven candles. At our school, we value sharing and learning about different cultures, so this is a great time to talk with your child about the diverse traditions that make our community so rich and vibrant!
Click on the link below to learn more about Kwanzaa.
Student Spotlight
The student council did an amazing job organizing our annual school sing-along, bringing the whole school together in celebration and joy. Students and staff filled the gym with cheerful voices, singing holiday favorites and other spirited tunes. They led songs ensuring everyone had a chance to participate. Their leadership and teamwork created a memorable event that truly embodied the spirit of community and togetherness. It was a heartwarming way to celebrate the season and strengthen our school bond!
Congratulations to our students who have been recognized for their PAWSatively Awesome attitude.
Not pictured: Eleanor, Gabriela, Cooper, Jackson, Sarah, Khadija, Colleen, Zuhaib, Scarlett, Lucy, Rown, Jasmine, Kaihan, Quinn, Kyrie, Janie, Jemma, Anaya, Musa-Ali, Eliseo, Matthew, Akshika
Staff Spotlight
Middlebrook Carolers
On Tuesday, December 17, staff members visited some homes of Middlebrook students showcasing their holiday cheer. Below are our singers who entertained our Holiday Boutique winner's family and neighbors. As one parent stated "they go above and beyond the duties of a teacher!! "
Paraprofessional Team- A4
We are so fortunate to have many talented paraprofessionals at Middlebrook. Below we have Miss Lynn, Miss Romy, Miss Madison, Miss J and Mrs. Neivin. Miss Lynn will become a grandmother in February and Miss Romy enjoys traveling around the world. Miss Madison is a former Middlebrook student who has always wanted to work with special education students. Miss J is an excellent dancer and finally, Miss Neiven is very good at science and enjoys the study of energy. Our students and staff are thankful for the support and expertise they share with our school community.
Fathers Club
Join Us for an Unforgettable Middlebrook Hockey Night!
Shake off those post-holiday blues and join the Middlebrook Fathers Club for an exciting Hockey Night at Sacred Heart University on Saturday, January 11th, at 7:00 PM!
We’ve reserved special center-ice seating exclusively for our Middlebrook community, ensuring the best view of the action as the SHU Pioneers take on the Cornell Big Red.
Purchase your tickets online at this link.
See the below flyer for more details!
To purchase hockey tickets, please click the link below:
https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Middlebrookpta25
Ryan Mones & Max Palmer
Co-Presidents, Middlebrook Fathers Club
**If you have any questions about the club, please email your Co-Presidents** at middlebrookfathersclub@gmail.com
PTA
5th Grade Activities
A Message from our 5th grade activities committee
Our next virtual meeting for the 5th Grade Activities committee will be Thursday, January 9th at 7pm. Please join us to get involved in events! Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89071693835?pwd=Djm4SKiMYJJaYQiIZDJuatjYuy2aDN.1
Please take note of the save the date flyer for our January and February events. Tickets will be for sale on the membership toolkit on January 2nd!
Community News
Elementary Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Inclement Weather Schedule
Delayed Opening Hours
1 ½ hour Delay – 10: 05 AM – 3:20 PM
2 hour Delay – 10:35 AM – 3:20 PM
2 ½ hour Delay – 11:05 AM – 3:20 PM