Brown MS Weekly Update
Dec. 9, 2022
Dear Brown MS Community,
At Brown each week we strive towards inclusivity for all students regardless of differences in ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, language, or health status. We do this through our delivery of academic content as well as in our advisories and extracurricular activities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing educators and paraprofessionals who work tirelessly to make Brown an inclusive space each day. There are many opportunities for inclusion such as our performing groups, drama productions, art extension, math team, affinity clubs, intramural sports, Unified Basketball, podcast club, Ursa Major literary magazine and many more.
This past week was Inclusive Schools Week, an annual international event during the first week in December. It’s a time designated to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of teachers, administrators, students, and parents in making schools more inclusive and, thereby, significantly contributing to the development of a more inclusive society. The theme this year is “Unity in the Community”. At Brown this week we united together to provide support to Brookview House with our annual gift drive. Students pulled together to provide gifts and gift cards for children living at the Dorchester shelter, and had lots of fun wrapping the gifts! (See picture below.) Next week the truck comes to pick them up and deliver them to families at Brookview House.
Being inclusive goes farther than coming together for community outreach. Teaching empathy to students is integral to a truly inclusive environment. The world we live in has so many examples of exclusion, violence and division. We send our thoughts of hope and peace to communities impacted recently such as the LGBTQIA+ community recently affected in Colorado, the Jewish community affected by recent antisemitic celebrity comments, and any communities that have felt ostracized.
One of my favorite quotes is. "Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." I encourage you to ask your children what it means to them to be inclusive and empathetic. As you may recall, middle school can be an exclusive time. We need to ask children how they include others and discuss making it a goal for themselves going forward. If we work together to build their potential for including others and showing empathy, will we see the change we wish to make in the world.
My weekend plans include enjoying the 8th grade dance tonight here in the cafeteria! The committee is currently hanging decorations and making preparation. Excitement is in the air! I wish you all a good weekend - stay warm!
Best,
Kim Lysaght, Principal
8th Grade Dance
Our 8th graders will be having their school dance tonight, Friday, December 9 from 6-8 in the cafeteria. It promises to be a fun event with a DJ, photo booth, games, pizza, snacks, drinks and lots of fun. Thank you to all of the chaperones and a special thanks to Jen Anderson for being the advisor for the dance planning committee.
Ursa Major Digital Literary Magazine
A special thanks to Becky Cohen, 8th grade ELA teacher and Felicia Quesada Montville, Librarian, for advising them!
After School Extra-Curricular Activities Update
There have been some changes to our after school clubs and activities as the seasons change. Please click the link below to view the most up to date schedule. There may be a new activity that your child would enjoy! (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.
Stress Survival Guide Workshop for Teens
The City of Newton Youth Services Division is partnering with Families for Depression Awareness, the Newton Free Library, and the Newton Youth Commission to host a “Stress Survival Guide Workshop” for teens ages 13 and over on Wednesday, December 14, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Newton Free Library. This workshop led by Families for Depression Awareness staff, will teach teens how to identify symptoms of stress in themselves, their peers, and their family, identify strategies to manage day-to-day stress, as well as how to find help if things start to feel like “more than just stress.” Teens will create a survival guide of their own by utilizing a workbook tool created by FFDA! Light refreshments will be available! To register CLICK HERE.
