Brown MS Weekly Update
Oct. 28, 2022
Dear Brown MS Community,
It is hard to believe that November begins next month. We will turn the clocks back next weekend (Nov. 5-6) and that, of course, means darker afternoons. I must admit that I don't enjoy the loss of sunlight at this time of year, and I try to focus on the positives. I am seeing a lot of instances of students being responsible, kind and caring, and wanted to share a few with you. Just this week I saw:
- a student seeking a broom to clean up a spill they had accidentally made
- a student encouraging a friend to keep trying when they were frustrated in class
- students helping their teacher take items down from their bulletin board
- advisories inviting each other to come together for a bit of Friday fun
- students cheering on their teammates at the city-wide cross country meet (see pictures above and video below)
- students thanking teachers at the end of class
- cross country students helping a NSHS parent taking down a fence cup display just to be helpful
November is a busy month as we approach the end of our first academic term. In the coming week you will receive a "Term 1 Student/Guardian Reflection Form" from your child's team teachers. Educational research shows that the most important action a caring adult can take to help improve a child’s school performance is simply to show interest. To that end, we are asking students to reflect with their parent/guardian on their progress thus far. Schoology is the vehicle through which we provide students with feedback on assignments throughout the year. Teachers frequently make comments on student work that is important for student progress. We want you to also see this feedback. All students know how to log into Schoology and should be sharing their Schoology password with parents/guardians. Please continue to ask your child about what projects they are working on, what’s interesting to them, and what’s challenging them. It really does matter!
With election day around the corner, I want to encourage everyone to be sure to get out and vote - either early voting, by mail or in person. As my kids were growing up we would discuss the candidates and ballot questions so they could learn about the process. Now that my children are both able to vote it is even more exciting and I celebrate that they can make their own informed decisions. Teaching them about the voting process and making sure they stay informed, has made me better informed as well. For Newton residents, here is the City of Newton elections website for more information about the election on November 8. For Boston residents, here is the website for the City of Boston elections.
I wish you all a terrific, sunny, fall weekend!
Kim Lysaght, Principal
Lost and Found!
Our Lost and Found has become quite full in the past few weeks and is now overflowing. We will keep the items for the next two weeks, and will then be donating items that are not claimed to Good Will. Please take a look at some of these pictures and ask your child to check for their belongings. We will be reminding students at lunches to make sure to look through the items. All items will be donated on Thursday, November 10.
First Phone Presentation - Resources here!
We are so fortunate that Dr. Catherine Pearlman, author of First Phone: A Child’s Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety and Etiquette, led an engaging and informative presentation and discussion for Newton families this past Wednesday evening!
If you weren’t able to attend tonight’s zoom meeting or you’d like to listen to it again, please feel free to view tonight’s recording that included a 45-minute presentation and 15 minute Q & A session.
We encourage you to order her book! It is written for a student audience and equally helpful for parents.
First Phone by Dr. Catherine Pearlman (Amazon link)
Dr. Pearlman also shared some helpful resources including:
On behalf of the four NPS Middle School Principals, we want to thank each of our NPS Middle School PTOs for sponsoring this event!
After School Extra-Curricular Activities and Athletics
Getting involved in after school activities is a great way for your child to make connections with other students and become involved in the Brown MS community. There are late buses (4:15PM) available for any children that have a bus pass.
Click here to view the schedule of after school activities.
Athletics
It's time to sign up for Ski Club!
Please use the information below to register with Wachusett. You will receive more information about transportation and required forms after you sign up. Transportation cost will probably be around $125 (give or take) per student. The cost of transportation will be determined when we know how many students are participating and how many buses will be needed. As always, if you are in need of partial or full scholarship, reach out to shinm@newton.k12.ma.us.
How to Sign up by December 23, 2022
Parent Step One: Go to www.wachusett.com/schoolgroups
Parent Step Two: Enter Program Code BRWM to access the order form.
Choose the 6 Week Lift Badge option or, if you prefer, you can try to purchase a season pass. Click here for the Student Program Flyer
Wachusett is encouraging families to purchase the insurance.
HONK! - Brown MS Working Theatre Announces the 2023 School Musical!
Brown Working Theatre is thrilled to announce that this year’s musical will be Honk!
Auditions for students interested in performing on stage will take place after school on November 1st, 3rd, and 4th and applications for “behind the scenes” roles will be available for students interested in working on other aspects of the show.
More information to come soon! Please feel free to be in touch with Mrs. Cutler (cutlere@newton.k12.ma.us) with any questions.
About the show:
Honk! is an award-winning musical adaptation of one of the world’s most enduring and beloved fairy tales: the story of The Ugly Duckling. Ugly is a little different from all the other ducklings on the pond, rejected by everyone except for his loving mother, Ida. When the nefarious Cat lures Ugly away from the pond, he finds himself on an unexpected adventure, meeting a series of colorful animal characters (from a flock of dubiously military geese to a wise and hilarious bullfrog) who help him understand that being different might not be so bad after all. We love this witty and heartwarming celebration of family, individuality, and transformation, and we know you will, too!
8th Grade Dance
For our 8th graders: Friday, December 9th from 6:00-8:00 in the cafeteria. If you would be interested in helping out or chaperoning, please reach out to Blue Team science teacher, Jennifer Anderson at andersonj@newton.k12.ma.us. More information to follow!
PTO - Get Involved!
There are still a number of openings for parents to take on a role (big or small) with the PTO. Please consider helping out this year. Getting involved is a way to get to know other parents in the community. Please click on the link below for more information about how to get involved.
Brown PTO Committees - Click Here to Learn More
Questions? Please contact Denise Dandrea at brownpto@brownpto.org
