Brown MS Weekly Update
Nov. 4, 2022
Dear Brown MS Community,
While the cold weather has not fully arrived yet, we are approaching cold and flu season. Healthy habits, like washing hands, eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep are so important to keep students in school. Our first Bear Belief is "Be Here" and on the most basic level, that means showing up every day. Students who attend school regularly and are on time demonstrate more success in school. In the coming days, I will be sending a letter out to families with a high number of absences to see how we can better support them in helping their children be at school. We do this to support and inform so that we can all "be here".
This coming Tuesday is an early release day and students will leave at 11:20. During that morning in an extended advisory session we will be kicking off a meaningful tradition we have here at Brown MS. Our annual Gift Drive is a wonderful event that strengthens and defines who we are as a community. We have done this now for two decades and it is one of my favorite traditions at Brown. Every year, we come together as an entire school to make the holiday season special for kids in need. Students and families are invited to participate by providing gifts for individuals living at the Brookview House in Dorchester. Brookview is recognized for its innovative approach to providing housing and services. The agency's objective is to provide a safe, supportive environment while moms and kids pursue education, job training, and/or employment leading to personal and economic self-sufficiency. Students truly enjoy this event, so please watch for information on this in the weeks ahead.
We are lucky to have a warm and sunny weekend in our future. I plan to get out for one last paddle in my kayak before we store it away for the winter. Hope you find some time to get outdoors, too! Also, don't forget to turn your clocks back this week - enjoy that extra hour of sleep!
Best,
Kim Lysaght, Principal
Peer Leaders Training
This week our peer leaders had their second training session with the ADL. These student leaders are preparing to present a program for their peers that promotes a positive environment, inclusivity and how to be up-standers for one another. Counselors, Kevin Travers and Sam Schneider are their advisors and will continue to lead the group as they plan for these presentations.
New SEL program for all students
As part of our ongoing commitment to student social and emotional support, growth, and wellness, next week we will begin our pilot of the Sown to Grow program within our advisory time. Sown to Grow (StG) is an evidence-based program that promotes easy and engaging student check-ins, personalized feedback, and built-in curriculum that empowers schools to improve student social, emotional, and academic well-being. StG has partnered with schools across the world, and you can read more about StG’s impact here.
Each Monday at advisory, students will log into their StG accounts, share how they are feeling that day (using an emoji scale), and respond to a reflection question about their experiences. Advisory teachers will see student entries and will provide feedback to each student within the portal. If a student indicates difficult or concerning feelings, advisory teachers and the grade level counselor will be notified right away, so that they can follow up with the student quickly. To learn more about StG, you can watch the 3-minute demo video below. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact one of our school counselors. Thank you!
Basketball Tryouts - for 7th and 8th graders
Basketball tryouts will begin Monday, Dec 5, 2022. If your child is in the 7th or 8th grade and is interested in trying out, please use the link below to gain more information and to register your child on FamilyID(ArbiterSports). Registration closes on Dec 1, 2022 @ 7:00pm.
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
Middle School Activities Fee Payment Information:
The middle school activity fee covers all school-sponsored, extracurricular activities within the middle schools, known as Triple E, not including athletics. The annual one-time fee allows students to participate in an unlimited number of Triple E activities.
$60 per student per year not including drama productions
$100 per student per year if student participates in drama productions
Payment Options
Pay online at www.MySchoolBucks.com
Select the Middle School Activity Fee Product/icon in the school store.
Select your student from the dropdown, select payment option, and proceed to checkout. If you have been approved for a waiver, select the waiver option. If you do not see your student, please make sure you have added your student to your MSB account. To view your students click on your profile icon on the top right of the MSB homepage and select "My Students."
Mail the application and check to: Business & Finance, Newton Public Schools, 100 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA 02460
If you wish to apply for a financial waiver, please complete an application located in Aspen. For more information on financial assistance, visit https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/1072
If payment or financial waiver is not received at time of registration, an invoice will be issued to your student’s MySchoolBucks account.
Contact feepayments@newton.k12.ma.us or 617-559-9025 for assistance
Asia Club
Asia club is a time and place to explore the cultures of Asia and to promote an increased understanding of this large and populous region of the world. Asia spans 11 time zones, has 48 independent nations with numerous languages, cultures and histories. The club meets every other Thursday from 3:00-4:00. Club facilitator, Ms. Lobo has lived in Asia for about a dozen years, (China, Japan, and Hong Kong) and traveled to many other Asian countries (Indonesia, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey).
Asian American & Pacific Islander Affinity Group (AAPI)
AAPI Group is a club for students who identify as a part of AAPI. The objectives for this AAPI affinity group are to provide a place for students to discuss their experiences, thoughts, and feelings and to connect with other students with similar identities/backgrounds. Students will also participate in some cultural activities to strengthen their identities. The club meets every other Thursday from 3:00-4:00 with advisors Ms. Mao, Ms. Thangapandian and Mr. Alford.
It's time to sign up for Ski Club!
It is time to sign up for Ski Club! Please click Here for the all of the Ski Club information. We ask that you read through the FAQ section carefully as it will answer most of your questions. Ski Club dates are January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 9, 16. Please reach out to shinm@newton.k12.ma.us with questions.
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 until Thursday, Nov. 10, 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.
It is time for the third annual Newton Neighbors Thanksgiving Gift Card Drive!
Did you know that 1 in 10 of our neighbors struggles to feed their family? 1 in 10 of our neighbors sits down to an empty plate. Help us to support our neighbors in need this holiday season.
Last year, through the support of our community, Newton Neighbors provided 150 families throughout Newton, Brockton and Waltham with $50 supermarket Gift Cards! With increasing food costs, the goal is to give out $75 gift cards this holiday season through partner agencies to families in Newton, Waltham, and Brockton.
The Thanksgiving Gift Card Drive will run from November 1 - 19. Any donation, of any size, will help us achieve our goal. Donate online at https://www.newtonneighbors.org/donate or mail a check to Newton Neighbors, PO Box 590141, Newton, MA 02459.
Newton Neighbors is working through partner organizations in Newton, Waltham, and Brockton to distribute gift cards to families and will not be distributing gift cards directly. All direct requests will be referred to appropriate partners.
Newton Neighbors’ mission is to facilitate community connection, mutual aid, and access to resources and support for all people who live, work, pray, play and/or learn in Newton, MA. Families inquiring about gift cards from this initiative can email newtonneighborshelping@gmail.com.
