Brown School Buzz
September 8, 2023
Dear Families
Happy New Year!!! We are off to a wonderful new school year new year together at the Brown School and I couldn't be more excited. I want to thank you all for helping me navigate my first year at the Brown School. Working together makes all the difference in the world for us as a school community and for our students' growth. Indeed, our students made significant progress last year with regard to student achievement, as well as social emotional growth and development, and we promise to continue supporting every student on their learning journey.
This first week has been both busy and successful. Our students in grades 1-3 had a terrific start on Tuesday and our kindergartners and preschoolers were full of smiles yesterday on their first day! For most of our families, it's been quite a change from the summer schedule. The kids (and staff) were all looking a little more tired today than on Tuesday!
Thank you all for beginning your routine on positive note by arriving on time, sending in water bottles and snacks, and making sure your child has a good night's sleep.
In the coming days and weeks, we'll continue working on developing classroom communities, introducing academics, teaching routines and procedures with lots of breaks next week as students build their stamina for being at school all day.
Read on for more reminders and special events coming next week.
School Picture Day Next Week!
School Picture Day is THURSDAY, SEPT 14. Paper packets were sent home for ordering photos, however, Coffee Pond has created a QR code with directions to also make it easier for you to order online. Check it out!
Open House is Thursday Sept. 14 for PK-3 in Marblehead!
Open House at the Glover and Brown Schools for parents and guardians is Thursday, Sept. 14 from 5:30-7:00, with 45 minutes allotted for each grade.
PK, Kindergarten, and Grade 1- 5:30-6:15
5:30-5:45-Parents from PK, K and Grade 1 will meet with the principal and staff in the cafeteria
5:50-6:15-Parents will then explore the classroom where the teacher will introduce you to the topics of the year and answer any questions you may have
Grades 2 and 3-6:15-7:00
6:15-6:30-Parents from Grades 2 and 3 will meet with the principal and staff in the cafeteria
6:35-7:00-Parents will then explore the classroom where the teacher will introduce you to the topics of the year and answer any questions you may have.
**Our Allied Arts Teachers, Special Educators, Counselors, Nurse, and other specialists will be on hand in the lobby to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
PARKING NOTES for Open House: If the weather is good and you live close enough, walking is the likely the best option.
-PK, K and 1 Parents-If you are attending from 5:30-6:15, please free up the spaces for the grade 2 and 3 parents in a timely manner if possible.
-The Tower School Circular lot on the corner of Dartmouth and Cornell is available for our parent that evening.
Annual Student Information Update
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for all families to update your Aspen information each year. This is the information we rely on for contacting families, uploading secure documents, navigating communication in the event of an emergency, as well as managing critical health information.Completing the health update allows us to take care of students in the most effective way possible. It will give us information about your child’s health, like if they have any allergies, while also informing us if we have your permission to give an over-the-counter medication, should we assess that to be an appropriate nursing intervention.
The system works well....however, a system is only as good as the information in it. Please be sure to log on and verify your information so we can maintain accurate communication and safety. CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO UPDATE
Brown School PTO is Back and Stronger than Ever!
In addition to supporting our teachers, students and families, our Brown School PTO makes great efforts to create ways to bring our families together. One important way they do this is via the PTO Directory.
Please sign up for the PTO Directory when you have a chance! The PTO will use the directory to be in touch about ways to volunteer and upcoming events including the beloved Monster Mash! The directory also helps you connect with your child's classmates and families.
Being Safe in our Neighborhoods and our Parking Lots
Now that we have all students in grades PK-3 traveling to and from school, there is a lot to manage from a safety standpoint and so far, we are doing fairly well with only the need for a few reminders.
Thank you to all who have been moving cautiously and carefully in our parking lots. Your patience is greatly appreciated.
Walking to and From School: Our crossing guards are back in action and want to remind you to wait for their signal and to review this with your children. A hot spot for challenging traffic has been the intersection at Cornell and Dartmouth. This is a 4-way stop. If pedestrians are crossing that intersection, all four directions of traffic need to stop and wait.
Walkers at the Front Door: We appear to have more walkers being released at the front door this year and may need to designate specific areas for grades/classes. Stay tuned for more on this. In the meantime, please be sure to stand behind the concrete pillars while waiting at the front doors and always make eye contact with your child's teacher before taking your child.
Navigating the Parking Lots: We have managed to free up a few more interior spaces in the parking lot. Please be patient with one another as you search for an open space at arrival and dismissal.
Handicapped Parking: There are handicap parking spaces in our lot parallel to Baldwin Road. We have had reports of people making quick drop offs and using the spaces without the proper designation. Please only use these spaces if your vehicle has the designated placard or license plate.
PK and Kinder Lane: The lane in front of Brown school that runs parallel to Baldwin Road and adjacent to the handicap paring is for PK and Kindergarten families dropping off at the classrooms on that side of the building(Hecht, LeBlanc, Simmons, Connelly). Please leave this lane open for those families.
Thank you for keeping our kids safe!
Dates to Note
Thurs. Sept 14-School Picture Day
Thurs. Sept 14-Open House
Mon. Sept. 25 -No School-Yom Kippur
Friday, Oct. 20 -Monster Mash
L & J Brown School
Email: maxfield.mary@marbleheadschools.org
Website: https://www.marbleheadschools.org
Location: 40-42 Baldwin Road, Marblehead, MA, USA
Phone: 7816393112