Community Newsletter
2023-2024 School Calendar
Early Release - Wednesday, November 8, 2023 & Thursday, November 9, 2023
Due to Parent Teacher Conferences
No School - Friday, November 10, 2023
In Observance of Veterans Day - All BSD offices will be closed.
Click here to view the 2023-2024 School Calendar
Emergency Preparedness
Dear Staff, Students, and Parents,
Although, we have experienced a more typical school week, undoubtedly, last week's events have raised questions about how secure our schools are and what measures we have in place to prevent, or at least reduce, the possibility of a violent act occurring in our schools.In the wake of last week's tragic shooting in Lewiston, I wanted to remind our Brunswick school community that the safety of our students and staff is my top priority. Our dynamic emergency management plan is designed to address all possible hazards. All staff and students practice how to evacuate, how to shelter in place, and how to decide on their own which is best course of action. Our district emergency management team meets monthly to review our plan, our preparedness, and our resources. We partner continuously with the Brunswick Police Department and Brunswick Fire Department to ensure that our plans are in alignment.
Our current Emergency Management Plan can be found here. This EMP Update to the Brunswick School Board in September provides additional information.
With warm regards,
Superintendent Potenziano
BHS students show their support for the Lewiston Community
Bus Transportation Update
We are excited to announce that we are implementing BusRight - a school bus tracking app on November 13, 2023!
Be on the lookout for additional information starting on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
DEIB Parent Advocacy Group Meeting
December 6, 2023
6:00-7:00pm
BHS Library Classroom
The Brunswick Superintendent of Schools Parent Advocacy Group provides transparency and direct two-way communication between the Superintendent of Schools and Parents, Guardians, and Community Members, explicitly focusing on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). This group comprises Parents, Guardians, and Community Member representatives from each school throughout Brunswick. The group will regularly meet with the Superintendent and other district staff during the school year.
The advocacy group works together to Advise, Bring Awareness, and Advocate in the following ways:
Identify everyday needs and goals among the parents/guardians of students enrolled in Brunswick Schools.
Suggest strategies to increase educational equity and belonging.
Provide the Superintendent (and administration) with direct feedback and insight from Parents/Guardians and Community Members on DEIB, School Processes, and Initiatives to ensure the needs of students and their families are included in decisions made by the District.
Bring attention and awareness to existing and emerging issues expressed by Parents/Guardians/and Community Members.
Serve as an advisory, not a decision-making body, that makes recommendations and provides opportunities for Parents/Guardians/and Community members involvement.
Please let us know if you need childcare for this meeting and it can be arranged. If childcare is needed, please let us know before November 29, 2023 by emailing: info@brunswicksd.org
November Observances
November 1st – All Saints Day
This day honors saints or martyrs who have been canonized in the Catholic Church.
November 12th – Diwali
One of the most important Hindu festivals of the year, Diwali focuses on celebrating various gods and goddesses.
November 27th – Guru Nanak Ji’s Birthday
This day celebrates the birthday of Guru Nanak Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
November 27th – Jain New Year
This is celebrated after Diwali, on the first day after the month of Kartika every year.
Brunswick Superintendent's Notebook: When does learning not feel like learning?
Mary Poppins had the right idea. A spoonful of sugar does make the medicine go down, and the Brunswick School Department has found a way to sweeten the learning experience in our science-based programs.
Brunswick schools have been working with the Cathance River Education Alliance to bring kids outdoors to learn in a hands-on environment, something that offers a long list of benefits. And the program is a hit with our students, who tell us it’s so much fun learning outdoors.
Click here to read the full article from Superintendent Potenziano.
Have questions about the Educator Apprentice Program?
Contact our Human Resources Director,
Dawn Blanchard: dblanchard@brunswicksd.org
Still time to donate to TEAN's Winter Gear Drive!
Have questions for TEAN?
Class of 2024 Fundraiser at Gelato Fiasco
Tuesday, November 7th
11:00am - 11:00pm
Gelato Fiasco in Brunswick
Don't forget to mention you're there to support the class of 2024 and a portion of the proceeds will go directly to the BHS class of 2024! Celebrity scoopers - Mr. Williams and Mr. Pressley will be scooping from 3:00-4:00pm.
New Gaga Pit at BJHS!
Exciting News! Our Brunswick Junior High community has a brand new Gaga Pit, thanks to the incredible teamwork of our students and the generous donation of materials by Hammond Lumber. Kudos to our amazing students (Henry Putnam, Jameson Gross, John O’Connor) from our community Outreach Class for their hard work and dedication in building this fantastic addition to our school! This Gaga Pit will provide countless hours of fun and active play for everyone.
Huge thanks to Hammond Lumber for supporting our school and helping us make this dream a reality. Together, we're creating a space where our students can be active, have fun, and build lasting memories.
Special thank you to our adult helpers: Superintendent Potenziano, Officer Greg McCarthy, and Custodian Steve Cumback. Come check it out and let the Gaga games begin!
Not sure what Gaga is?
Check-out the rules here.
BHS Music's Annual Poinsettia Sale
It is time for the BHS Music Department's Annual Poinsettia Sale! The sale is taking place from now until November 10. We are partnering with Skillins Greenhouse to brighten up your holiday season. Orders will be available for pick up on Saturday, November 25 from 11am–2pm. If you want a poinsettia to help decorate your home for the holiday season, let us help you!
Can't have a poinsettia at home because your cats will eat it? Consider purchasing a plant to donate to Meals on Wheels!
Mindy Kebles
Second Grade Teacher at Kate Furbish Elementary School
Mindy grew up in Bath and attended the University of Maine. Her and her husband, Jeremy, have a 13 year old daughter named Kasey. Together they have two dogs and three cats. They currently reside in Georgetown.
What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
Everyone is so passionate!
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
My favorite place to go is the beach! I also enjoy shopping and hiking.
What is your favorite line from a movie?
"If you're a bird, I'm a bird" - The Notebook
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
TAYLOR SWIFT!
What is something you learned in the last week?
Avacados are large berries.
Current Open Positions Include:
- Groundskeeper
- Long Term Substitute SEB Teachers at KFS
- Long Term Substitute FLS Ed Tech at BHS
- Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher at BHS
- Indoor Track Assistant Coach at BHS
- Anticipated Functional Life Skills Ed Tech at BHS
- Special Ed Resource Room Teacher at BHS - 1 Year Position
- Part Time Ed Tech at HBS - 1 Year Position
- Part Time Ed Tech at BJHS - 1 Year Position
- Self-Contained Tech Tech ay HBS
- Restorative Practices Ed Tech - Half Time
- Self Contained Program Teacher at BHS
- School Counselor at BJHS - Long Term Substitute
- Substitute Teachers, Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
- ...And MORE!
We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view all current
employment opportunities or click the image above!
Open to the public free of charge!
For more information, contact Lynn Brettler at lbrettle@bowdoin.edu or 207-725-3465.
Sponsored by the Brodie Family Lecture Fund and the Department of Education.
Check-out these two great offers from BCEF and Bolos!
Sundays at Bolos - Kid's Karaoke from 11:00am - 1:00pm
Wednesdays at Bolos - Kids Eat Free!
Did you miss a newsletter?
You can view previous Community Newsletters on our website: click here!