Calendar Updates
Sept. 15 Gold Rush at AHS- I will see you there!
Sept. 16 Hometown Hustle!
Sept. 18 Picture Day!
Sept. 20 Technology Staff Appreciation Day!! We love you Mrs. Santonocito!
Oct. 5 Fun Run
Oct. 6 No School- PD Day Brewster Fall Family Night at Blake's
Oct. 9 No School Indigenous Peoples' Day
Oct. 10 PTA ZOOM Meeting 7pm
Oct. 18 Bike, Walk, Roll to School Day
Oct. 31 Halloween Parade Time TBD
Fostering Student Well Being at Brewster
Dear Brewster Community,
We hope this newsletter finds you in good spirits after our first full week of school! At Brewster, we are committed to providing our students with a well-rounded education that not only nurtures their academic growth but also supports their emotional and social development. One essential component of this holistic approach is the Positivity Project.
What is the Positivity Project?
The Positivity Project, often referred to as P2, is a nationwide movement that brings the power of positive psychology to schools. It aims to empower students with a deeper understanding of character strengths and virtues, fostering their well-being and social-emotional growth.
How Does the Positivity Project Work?
At Brewster, we have integrated the Positivity Project into our curriculum and school culture in several meaningful ways:
Character Strengths Education: Students are introduced to 24 universal character strengths, such as kindness, perseverance, teamwork, and curiosity. These strengths are discussed, celebrated, and integrated into daily lessons.
Weekly Character Strength Focus: Each week, our students focus on one specific character strength. Teachers incorporate related activities, discussions, and reflections into their lesson plans.
Empowering Mindsets: The Positivity Project encourages students to develop a growth mindset, fostering the belief that they can improve and grow in various aspects of life.
Positive Relationships: P2 emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships. Students learn how character strengths can enhance their interactions with peers and adults.
Family Engagement: We encourage parents and guardians to participate in the Positivity Project at home. We provide resources and ideas for families to incorporate character strengths into daily life.
Supporting Student Well-Being
The Positivity Project is not just another program; it's a way of life at Brewster. Here's how it contributes to our students' well-being:
Enhanced Self-Awareness: P2 helps students understand their own character strengths and how to use them to overcome challenges and build resilience.
Improved Relationships: Students learn how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with others, leading to healthier relationships.
Increased Empathy: By exploring character strengths like empathy and kindness, students develop a greater understanding of others' perspectives and feelings.
Reduced Bullying: P2's emphasis on positive character traits helps create a school environment where bullying is less likely to occur.
Better Academic Performance: Research shows that students who are emotionally and socially well-adjusted tend to perform better academically.
In summary, P2 is a vital component of Brewster's commitment to nurturing the well-being of our students. It equips them with essential life skills and values that will serve them not only during their time at our school but throughout their lives. We invite you to explore the Positivity Project with your child and continue this journey of personal and social growth together.
Thank you for your ongoing support in making Brewster a place where our students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
With Brewster Pride,
Mrs. Kelly Dessy
Principal, Brewster Elementary
Brewster PTA Update
Membership Toolkit
Membership Toolkit is a website and app used by the Brewster PTA. On Membership Toolkit you can find a Brewster directory, calendar of events, and make secure purchases. You do not need to be a PTA member to use most of the features on Membership Toolkit. To create an account, you need to go the website first. Once you create your account on the website, you can download the app on your mobile device. If you already use Membership Toolkit, please log in to update your student’s information for the new school year. Use this link to create or update your account https://rhillsbrewsterpta.membershiptoolkit.com/
Brewster Facebook Group
The Brewster Facebook group is a great way to connect with Brewster families and learn about upcoming events. If you are a member of the Brewster Facebook group, please send an invite to Brewster families that are not yet members. For the safety of our students, the Brewster Facebook group is private. To join, you need to be a current Brewster family and answer the questions to join the group.
Join the PTA
You can join the PTA by going to the store on the Membership Toolkit app or clicking this link Join the Brewster PTA. By joining the PTA you will have access to the Brewster directory on the Membership Toolkit website and app.
FUN RUN T-SHIRTS
T-shirts have been ordered and should be received in time by the Fun Run. Kindergarten parents, the youth x-small shirts are on back order so if you ordered a youth x-small shirt, you will receive a youth small shirt. Shirts will be distributed to students during school hours.
PTA One & Done Fundraiser
“Race to Extra Recess”
The Race to Extra Recess is off to a great start. The classes are neck and neck so stay tuned to Facebook where we are posting the race updates. Thank you to all the families who made contributions. We could not do this without your support!
The PTA is doing their annual "One and Done" fundraiser this year. Our goal this year is to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of all the amazing events we hope to have. The funds raised go directly back to support the enrichment activities that benefit the students over the course of the ENTIRE year. These enrichment activities include Assemblies, Authors In April, Fun Run, Spring Carnival, Bingo Night, just to name a few. Donations can be made using Membership Toolkit.
https://rhillsbrewsterpta.membershiptoolkit.com/
Brewster Reads
The PTA’s monthly reading program Brewster Reads will start on October 1! If your child reads 500 minutes during a month, you can report their reading in the Membership Toolkit and they will get the chance to “punch” our prize board for a reward! More details are in the welcome letter attached to this newsletter. Also attached is a minute tracker if you’d like a tangible way to track your minutes. Happy reading!
PTA Committees
The PTA needs your help! We are in need of volunteers to chair these amazing committees. These events can only happen if there is a committee chair. Please take a moment to consider donating your time. Please reach out to Brewsterptapresident@gmail.com if you are interested.
Assemblies
Drama Club
Founders Day
Math Club
PAC Rep
STEAM Liaison
Michelle Endres
BREWSTER’S ANNUAL FUN RUN is set for Thursday, October 5, 2023. Parents can come and cheer on their student(s). Volunteer opportunities will be posted to Facebook in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more details.
BLAKES FALL FAMILY NIGHT is set for Friday, October 6, 2023 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Tickets are $14 and includes admission to Blakes Fun land and a campfire with reserved seating. TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE in Membership Toolkit. This is an annual tradition for our Brewster families and is a blast! We hope you can join us for a family fun-filled night.
PANERA FUNDRAISER UPDATE
A big thank you to ALL the amazing families that showed up for the PTA's first restaurant fundraiser for the year. It was a HUGE success thanks to our wonderful Brewster community. The fundraiser brought in an incredible $643.70. YAY!
President – Michele Endres BrewsterPTAPresident@gmail.com
Stay Connected!