Congratulations to 8th-grade students Russell (earning first place pictured on the right) and Maddox (earning second place pictured on the left) in the Optimist Club Public Speech Contest.

The Grosse Pointe-Lakeshore Optimist Club sponsored their annual speech contest on March 16, 2023, at the GP War Memorial. There were a total of nine, 8th grade contestants from Brownell and Pierce Middle Schools. Maddox won second place and Russell earned first place. The two will advance to the regional competition later this Spring.

The 2022-23 Optimist Oratorical Topic is "Discovering the Optimism within Me." Since 1928, the Optimist Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International. The contest is designated for youth to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship.

A special thanks to the Brownell Staff sponsors Mrs. Duffield, Mrs. Corden, and Dr. Niforos who worked with students by encouraging them along the way with practice/s, suggestions, and support.

Congratulations to Brownell Bronco Wrestlers Mick M. (pictured on the right) and Matthew D. (pictured on the left).

The middle school wrestling season is underway and both Matt and Mick have found success in their final seasons wrestling. Both Matt and Mick have accumulated over 10 wins this season. Mick finished third in a recent invitational and Matt earned first place capturing the regional title. Wish you both continued success in the second half of the season.

Thank you for your continued effort and patience navigating the drop-off and pick-up procedures (CLICK HERE TO VIEW YOUTUBE VIDEO) here at Brownell Middle School. The safety of students is our priority.

I'd like to remind all of our drivers to drop-off and pick-up in the prescribed areas using the methods described in the instructional YouTube video. Please do not use the parking lots, both front and rear of the school, for this process. This helps to decrease traffic across the sidewalk used by our student pedestrians. I appreciate you working with me to keep our students safe before and after school.

Thank you once again, have a wonderful weekend, and an enjoyable St. Paddy's Day evening.

All current 7th-grade parents (student/s may attend as well) are encouraged to attend the informational meeting if your child(ren) would like to take part in the 8th-grade Washington, D.C. Trip in the Fall of 2023.

At the meeting a presentation will be provided containing trip dates, pricing, sign-up, itinerary details, etc. Please note that a deposit will be necessary to hold a spot on the trip. Trip participation is a first-come-first-served process. Each deposit is timestamped by the Travel Agency and spots can be limited based upon numbers who commit to the trip. Deposit opportunities will be made available starting the evening of the meeting.

The slide presentation and sign-up information will be distributed the following day and in subsequent Bronco Bulletin's starting on March 24th. Once again, please note that reserving a spot on the trip is time sensitive and those who do not place a deposit earlier than later could be placed on a waiting list.

Every year at Brownell students, staff, and community highlight the importance of kindness -- not just to one another but also to ourselves. Kindness is such an important part of developing, as well as, maintaining social and emotional wellness in our life.

We kicked-off March Kindness with an all school assembly in the MPR (Multi-purpose Room). At that time I spoke with students and staff about how the smallest gesture of kindness can be the largest, most impactful moment for someone else in a day (or even a lifetime). We also addresses the Power of Our Words with one another, and reinforced what it means to be an Upstander. During this time I shared this brief video CLICK HERE.

I’d ask for your support during the month of March to promote acts of kindness and to help your child(ren) continue to develop positive self-esteem. We’ll conduct several activities this month to promote our theme March Kindness. Some of these activities are Kindness Spirit Days on Wednesday's in which we all Wear Pink (an/or Red), a Kindness Door Decorating Contest in Advisory, creating a Kindness Video, and a Pink Bronco Buck Raffle.

On Friday, March 24th 7/8-grade students will participate in Career Day. The 5/6th-grade students will be part of a modified version. This is a GPPSS scheduled half-day of school and it is just prior to Spring Break. On Wednesday this week the 7/8th-grade students took a survey to assist in developing a schedule for Career Day. We're excited to have guests present their careers and conduct this learning experience with our students.

On Wednesday evening a parent meeting was held in the MPR (Multi-purpose Room) to go over the details of the 5th-grade camp experience scheduled from May 31st to June 2nd at Bair Lake.

At the parent meeting all information was shared including camp costs, chaperone availability, activities, and more. All the necessary forms and slide show presentation is attached. The 5th-grade students will meet with Mr. Hunwick and the teachers next week during Advisory class to discuss the camp experience.

Due to the Winter Storm on Friday, March 3rd, the 5/6th-grade Clue Night Activity was canceled. The event will be rescheduled for Tuesday, April 4th right after school from 3:30-5pm. Students who choose to participate will meet in the MPR after school. Student pick-up at 5pm will be in the rear of the school at the MPR doors.

The Brownell Middle School parent Teacher Organization is a non profit organization made up of parents to support student learning. For more information visit our Facebook website at https://www.facebook.com/BrownellMiddlePTO/ or email us at BrownellMiddlePTO@gmail.com. Memberships are $25.00.

Your support is always welcome.

Monday, March 20th, 2023 -- Late Start

• Late Start Monday Schedule
• 9am start and 3:13pm end
• Monday is a ADay for 5/6th grade electives
• 7/8th-grade ALunch & 5/6th-grade BLunch
  

Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 and Wednesday, March 22nd 2023

• Advisory Bell Schedule
• 8:15am start and 3:13pm end
• Building Entry Bell is at 8:05am
• 7/8th-grade ALunch & 5/6th-grade BLunch

Thursday, March 23rd, 2023

• Bell Schedule
• 8:15am start and 3:13pm end
• Building Entry Bell is at 8:05am

• No Advisory Class -- 59 minute class periods
• 7/8th-grade ALunch & 5/6th-grade BLunch

Friday, March 24th -- HALF DAY OF SCHOOL

• Bell Schedule
• 8:15am start and 11:28am end
• Building Entry Bell is at 8:05am
• No Advisory Class -- Alternate Schedule for Career Day
• Student LyFE sponsored "Hat Day"

Spring Break is March 27-31 -- No School

Dear Students and Parents,

Brownell's Career Day will be taking place on Friday, March 24th in the morning. This is the half day before spring break.

The Career Day committee has been busy preparing for this exciting event. We will have over 20 presenters representing a wide range of careers (architect, teacher, doctor, nurse, lawyer, law enforcement, engineer, chef, airline pilot, cinematographer, etc.).

The entire student population will start the day in the MPR to listen to our keynote speaker, Anthony Ianni. The 7th and 8th graders will be attending 4 individual sessions throughout the morning. The 5th and 6th graders will have plans determined by their team of teachers. The half day will end with a musical performance.

We are excited to host this special event and hope every student enjoys their experience.

We wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable spring break.

Corinne Oderfer Angie Niforos
oderfec@gpschools.org niforoa@gpschools.org
(Last names A-K) (Last names L-Z)

18 Brownell/Pierce Wrestling @ Chatterton tournament, 9:00 am

20 PTO Meeting @ main conference room, 6:00 pm

20 6th Grade Basketball @ Pierce, 4:00 pm

21 Grade 8 Washington, D.C. Parent Meeting @ MPR, 6:30 pm

22 Tornado drill during 4th hour, 1:15 pm

24 Hat Day, sponsored by Student Lyfe

24 Brownell Career Day

24 Spring Vacation begins at the end of the day

24 ½ day for Students, dismissal at 11:28 am, PM Professional Development

3 School resumes after Spring Vacation, 9:00 am

3 6th Grade Basketball vs Pierce, 4:00 pm

5 Principals’ Roundtable Meeting @ cafeteria, 2:00 pm

5 6th Grade Basketball @ Parcells, 4:00 pm

6 End of third quarter

7 No School

11 Distribute Grade 8 Cedar Point field trip forms during Advisory

11 Tornado drill during 6th hour, 3 pm

12 5th Grade Basketball @ Parcells, 4:00 pm

12 PSAT Test - Grade 8

14 Heroes & Villains Day, sponsored by Student Lyfe

14 Grade 7 Fun Night sponsored by the PTO

15 Grade 8 Spring Formal sponsored by PTO 7-9PM

17-June 2 NWEA ELA & Math Grades 5-8 Window Period

17 5th Grade Basketball vs Parcells, 4:00 pm

18 Staff Meeting, 3:30 pm

18 3rd Quarter Report cards available via Parent Portal

19 5th Grade Basketball @ Pierce, 4:00 pm

21 Twin Day, sponsored by Student Lyfe

24 Swim and Dive VS. Parcells @ 5PM at South Pool

25 5th Grade Basketball vs Pierce, 4:00 pm

27 Swim and Dive VS. Pierce @ 5PM at South Pool

The Brownell school store, The Stable, is open every day right after school. Students may stop by and purchase a snack on their way home. The Stable sells ice cream, chips, drinks, and various snack items. We accept cash only (no Bronco Bucks). All the proceeds go directly back to Brownell to support students and programs. In addition, we have an ongoing loose change drive that supports local charities. Thank you for supporting your school store.

Do you love working with photography and technology? If this is an interest of yours the Yearbook Club might be something you find to be fun. Join the club and help chronicle the memories of the 2022-23 school year by creating the school's yearbook. The first meeting was held Thursday, November 17th after school. If you're interested in the club please contact Mrs. Birchmeier or Mrs. Reygaert.

Monday through Thursday, after school, from 3:30-4:30pm Brownell offers students the opportunity to work on their homework in a quiet, structured, and supervised atmosphere. Homework Club is typically held in the Library or another designated area (i.e. Mrs. Abud's classroom B-1). It is open to all students and it is supervised by Mrs. Abud with assistance from other Brownell Staff members and, at times, National Honor Society Members from the high school. Students are asked to arrive on time at 3:30pm, sign-in upon entry, and work quietly.

If you're looking to enjoy art, have fun with friends, and/or just some creative quite time then the Art Club is for YOU! The Art Club meets on Wednesdays as advertised on the daily announcements after school from 3:30-4:30pm. The informational meeting as held on October 5th. The club meets with Mrs. Rapp in room C1.

The Student LyFE Club is a great way to get involved at Brownell and lead Bronco Spirit. The group hosts pop-up events, runs the Student LyFE rewards window, hosts spirit days, and organizes other leadership opportunities. The first meeting was held on Wednesday, September 14th -- if you're interested in being part of this club please see Mr. Kauffman's in room A7. All (grades 5-8) are welcome to come and check it out.

Looking for a way to relax and have fun after school? Come to Yoga Club every other Monday starting Monday, October 3rd. At Yoga Club we will focus on building a creative yoga flow, participate in mindfulness centered activities, and learn a variety of breathing techniques. Look forward to seeing you on the mat!

Do you like to talk, listen, or meet new people? Are you looking for a safe place just to "hang-out" after school? Do you have thoughts on how to make Brownell a happier, better place for ALL of us? If you've answered yes to any of these questions then the Bridge Club is for you. After the Winter Break on Wednesday's the Bridge Club will begin meeting led by Mr. Sonnenberg and Mrs. Jordan.

If you love to write and would like to spend time with others who do as well, the Brownell Creative Writing Club is for you! We are looking for students interested in writing, sharing their writing with an interested audience, and improving their craft. Join Mrs. Frame and Mrs. Callaway-Burke who launched this club on Thursday, October 6th. Check the announcements for upcoming meeting opportunities after school from 3:30-4:30pm. All grades are welcome to join. All meetings are held in Mrs. Frame's room, C5A.

Are you interested in Chemistry? Brownell is putting together a team of up to 4 students from any grade level to participate in a national Chemistry challenge called “You Be The Chemist”. If you are hard working, curious, and think you may have what it takes, please contact Mr. Kauffman for more information!

If Lego's are what you like -- this is the club for you. The Lego Club began meeting on Wednesday, November 10th, from 3:30-4:15pm in Mrs. Kifer's Room A59. All interested students are welcome to attend.

If you enjoy board games, chess, checkers, DnD, or some other non-electronic based gaming then this is the club for you. Game Club meets every other Thursday after school from 3:30-4:30pm. If you have any questions please see Mr. Kettel for more details.

Jazz Band held an informational meeting on Wednesday, November 2nd after school. If a 7/8th-grade student is interested in Jazz Band please contact Mr. Doss.

Listen for announcements on the PA or updates here for when this club will meet again. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Ernst, the staff leader of this group.

This club will meet on Monday's and Friday's after school from 3:30-4:40pm. It will meet in Room A-5 under the guidance of Mrs. Jordan. If you have a questions please contact her.

6th-grade Boys and Girls basketball started this week. Both 6th-grade teams performed well and defeated their crosstown rival Parcells yesterday after school.

All students interested in participating need a physical examination on file to participate. All students who choose to participate are on the team. The 5th-grade season starts immediately following the 6th-grade season.

Brownell Swim Club is open to students in grades 5-8. A physical examination is needed prior to participation. Contests take place the end of April and in early May. If you're interested in participating a QR Code is provided or can CLICK HERE to access the information sheet.

If you should have any questions regarding swim club you can contact Coach Ann-Marie Smihal at smihala@gpschools.org

The 7/8th-grade Track information is available to students and parents via the QR Code on the image provided.

Practices start after Spring Break. If you should have any questions please contact Mrs. Birchmeier, Mrs. Reygaert, and/or Mr. Borland.

A team meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 21st, after school in the Breezeway.

Brownell has many activities, clubs, and sports. As the school year progresses we'll post and announce the dates when they begin. Typically most will not get started until late September unless it's a sport that has planned contest dates to prepare for against other schools. Participation in a club is a one time fee of $52 and an interscholastic sports is a one time fee of $125. Please us the participation "button" below to get started.

In our ongoing efforts to celebrate the diversity within our schools, GPPSS will be continuing our Communities United in Diversity meetings with monthly sessions for the community. This is a parent-initiated group that began over 10 years ago in GPPSS.

Please take some time to review the GPPSS Student Code of Conduct and the GPPSS Student Dress Code. Students who are in violation of our student code of conduct will be referred to administration. Our main goal with student discipline is restorative and what can be done to repair the harm. In addition, we use lunch detentions, after-school detentions, school service hours, in-school separations, and out-of-school separations depending on actions. We encourage students to always let an adult know of any violations so that they can be addressed immediately.

Please note that we also use a point system with consequences and consequences are progressive.

• lunch detention = 0.5 points
• after school detentions = 1 point
• In-school separations = 2.5 points
• Out-of-school separations = 3 points

Students who earn 3 or more points are not permitted to attend educational field trips without an adult chaperone and not permitted to attend non-educational field trips (such as Cedar Point).

We have been experiences an increase in student absences and tardies to school. Please note the arrivals times to school each day and ensure our students are here on time. Students need a few extra minutes to prepare for class. Tardies/absences are tracked and followed up by administration.

• 4-5 tardies = notice home
• 8 tardies = after school detention/create plan to arrive on time
• 12 tardies = parent meeting

Excessive absences will be communicated by administration once 10 absences occur.

One of our highest numbers of tardies are Monday morning. Please help us decrease these numbers and classroom interruptions.

Please be reminded to fully charge your school Chromebook or laptop each evening so you're prepared for school. We have seen a large increase in students needing to check out devices for the day and we only have a small supply. Setting up a routine each night and charging your device would be very helpful.

Students may bring backpacks to and from school. However, backpacks are to be stored in the student's locker throughout the school day. During the school day students may utilize a protective technology device carrier, pencil case, drawstring bag, and/or other mini tote bag.

All students are to have access to a technology learning device. The GPPSS Bring-You-Own-Device Policy supports the districts strategic plan for student learning and growth. Students use their technology learning device to access Schoology -- the GPPSS's Learning Management System. For families who have indicated a financial hardship, the district will provide a device to the student. If you would like your student to receive a device for the 2022-23 school year due to financial need, please fill out the linked form.

Additionally, just a reminder that our school policy is that cell phones and other electronic devices (not Chromebooks and/or technology learning device) are OFF AND OUT OF SIGHT. If students need to be reached during the school day, please continue to contact our main office.

Please be reminded that we go outside for recess whenever possible. We use the Weatherbug Grosse Pointe North Location for our temperature reading. We will be outside for recess if windchill temperatures are Zero Degrees and above. We advocate that students dress accordingly and be prepared -- a little drizzle doesn’t stop us.

Brownell hosts free breakfast for students in the cafeteria. Any student seeking this opportunity will need to enter the building using the rear door/s near the cafeteria (or entrance "K" on the building map). The breakfast is from 8:30-8:50am on Mondays and 7:45-8:05am Tuesday through Friday. It is supervised by a Brownell Staff member. Students who attend will need to stay in the cafeteria until the breakfast time concludes.

We ask that a parent/guardian call the 24 hour attendance line at (313) 432-3901 and leave a message as early as possible regarding an early dismissal. The office will email the classroom teacher, write the student’s name and dismissal time on the notice (dry erase) board, the student will proceed to their locker and then wait in the office for the parent to arrive. We ask parents to park in the Chalfonte visitor lot only and use the door buzzer by the main office when picking up their child early. We refrain from calling classrooms unless it’s an emergency in an effort to not disrupt learning.

When a parent is dropping off an item for their child, please park in the Chalfonte visitor lot and drop off the item labeled with their child’s name and grade in the red bin near the office door, then ring the door buzzer and let the office staff know. Then, the item will be retrieved by the office staff and your child’s name will be written on the notice board. Students will then come to the main office to obtain their item(s). All lunches are brought to the cafeteria 20 minutes before lunch begins. Once again, we refrain from calling classrooms unless it’s an emergency in an effort to not disrupt the learning process.

Thank you in advance for your continued effort to respect the sanctity of the learning environment in each and every classroom.

Help us to keep all students safe during Drop-off and Pick-up time. Please do not use the rear or front parking lot, driveway, or church lot/s for drop-off and pick-up as the signs indicate. Also we’d ask you to reinforce with your child(ren) to cross at the traffic light on Chalfonte Avenue and use the designated crosswalk on Williams Road. Take a few minutes to review the brief video on our vehicle Drop-off and Pick-up procedures. These parameters help provide for a safe process for our students before and after school.

Please know that we make sure every student here has lunch -- no exceptions. If your child(ren) forgets their lunch we can provide a meal here from the cafeteria. We’d ask for your continued support in avoiding having lunch(es) brought to school by outside delivery organizations i.e. Jimmy Johns, Panera, UberEats, etc. This request is to protect students and staff alike, as it’s a precautionary measure to maintain everyone's safety at school by keeping strangers from our doorstep/s. Thank you in advance for helping us to provide the safest possible environment here at Brownell.

The attendance office needs to receive a phone call whenever your child misses a class. Otherwise, the absence remains unexcused. When teachers, counselors, administrators, and the attendance secretary review these unexcused absences, we are concerned about the student(s) and we will follow-up -- we truly appreciate you communicating with us.

PLEASE call the attendance line at 313-432-3901 ANY day or time. Please make it a ”Favorite” or a “Contact” on your phone.

• Make the call once,

• go into your phone recent and hit the “i” (info) icon,

• Create a new contact,

• type in BMS Attendance

If your child needs support from his/her counselor, please reach out by emailing Mrs. Corinne Oderfer (last names A-K) oderfec@gpschools.org or Dr. Angie Niforos (last names L-Z) niforoa@gpschools.org. If your student is experiencing technology issues, please report it to both the attendance line and have your child email their teacher immediately, if able to do so.