Brookside School News

Dear Families,

February was a busy month of learning, celebrations, and fun! For Black History Month, our morning Google meetings highlighted African American inventors who made important contributions in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students in all classes researched and presented on African American heroes: including musicians, athletes, authors, activists, scientists, and more. Our fifth graders hosted a Black History Museum where they dressed as significant African American figures and shared information about themselves to families and friends. You will see pictures below that highlight the amazing work from our students throughout the month. I am so proud of all the students for their wonderful effort and love for learning!

You might be hearing a BUZZZZZ from your children about the work that just started at Brookside. Students from grades K-5 have been asked the essential question, “Can the world live without bees?” As spring arrives, they will be immersed in an innovative learning experience where they inquire, research, collaborate, and grow their thinking around the importance of bees. This learning will empower the children to make change and teach others about why we should save the bees! We look forward to sharing this work with you as it unfolds!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Squicciarini

Check out these great pictures showing our students' research on Black History Month! They had so much fun creating their posters and learning about African American heroes who have made an impact on their lives!

Our kindergarteners and first graders paraded through the building celebrating the 100th day of learning at Brookside! They dressed as 100 year old ladies and gentleman, and showed their creative projects! Second grade joined in the 100th day fun too!

Showing acts of kindness happens every day at Brookside! Check out these fun pictures of our Spirit Week! We wore red on Valentine's Day and students ran at recess with Mrs. Squicciarini on Workout Wednesday!

On February 28th, the PTA hosted a fun dinner dance celebrating Founder's Day. Parents, guardians, teachers, and students danced, ate, and had tons of fun recognizing Ms. DiBennedetto and our PTA President, Ms. Cameron for their dedication and service to our students.

As stated throughout the year, breakfast and lunch are no longer free for all students. Please be sure to check your Myschoolbucks account to pay outstanding balances. Consider filling out the "free and reduced lunch" application in this link to assess your eligibility. https://www.baldwinschools.org/Page/3037. Thank you for your cooperation.

In an effort to maintain safe and efficient drop off and pick up procedures, I ask that you follow these important tips:

• Students should be prepared to exit the car with their backpack and belongings ready to go for when the security guard opens the door.
• No students should be let out of their car on the entrance side of the property to walk across (when cars first pull into the property). Families should drive around to the sidewalk near the school to let their child out.
• Please do not double park.
• If you pull into a parking spot, the security guard will cross your child. Drivers must be mindful of this crossing.
• For driver and student safety, please do not make U-Turns on Stanton Ave.
• Parents are strongly encouraged to park on the side streets and walk their child to the gate for drop off or pick up at dismissal spot to alleviate the congestion in the circle.

Please see that chromebooks are safely being stored in the chromebook bag when not in use at home. Students have been reporting damage to their chromebooks and that it has occured at home or in aftercare. This results in a repair charge to parents/guardians. We will continue to reinforce rules for proper chromebook usage in school and I ask that you kindly remind them at home as well.

Thank you for your support!

The Blueprint is our final anchor tool to support students' emotional intelligence. It allows students to develop empathy when conflict arises by having them discuss and reflect:

• What emotions were experienced by each person?
• What caused each person's feelings? How did each person express those feelings?
• What each person could have done differently to manage their emotions effectively and make the situation better for all involved?

Students will become familiar with the language of the BLUEPRINT so that eventually they will be able to solve conflicts with a friend on their own.

Our fifth graders work together to explore concepts like creating clouds in a bottle, measurement and moisture. See these great pictures of our student scientists at work!

Skating Reminder 3/9 (Next week!)

Apparel Sale 3/1-3/17

Spring Book Fair 3/16/3/17

Dinosaur Rocks Assembly for students in school 3/23

Spring Picture Day 3/27

Tues. 3/7-Fri. 3/10: Incoming Kindergarten Screening

Thur. 3/9: 5th Grade Fundraiser: Family Skate Night 6:30-8:30

Thur. 3/16: Parent Teacher Conferences 6:00-9:00/Report Cards Distributed

Fri. 3/17: Parent Teacher Conferences 8:30- 3:00 School closed for students

Thur. 3/23: PTA meeting 7pm.

Mon. 3/27: Spring Picture Day (information to come)

Wed. 3/29: Spring Concert for Grades K-3 9:00 a.m. (information to come)

Tues. 4/4: Spring Concert for Grades 4/5 7:00 pm. (information to come)