Brown MS Weekly Update
May 27, 2022
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Dear Brown MS Community,
This Monday is Memorial Day, a day to honor those who gave their lives in service of our country. Originally it was known as Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War. In 1971 it became an official federal holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May. While it also marks the beginning of the summer season for many, it is important that we not forget the purpose of this holiday. For those of you with loved ones or ancestors who made the ultimate sacrifice, please accept our humble gratitude.
This past week was difficult for parents, teachers and students. Hatred and violence are unfortunately common headlines, and it is important (and at times difficult) to take care of ourselves so we can better take care of the children in our care. This week some students chose to engage in conversations about the tragedy in Uvalde, TX and others did not. Our teachers faced the day after the tragedy bravely. I am so thankful for each of them and their careful approach to students. While middle school only spans three years, the range in maturity levels and ability to process such events is wide. Some families chose to tell their children about the tragedy while others did not. We recognize that every child is different and we do our best to engage them at their own level. Our counseling staff and administration will continue to be available to support students and teachers in the days ahead. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Such horrific events can make us feel powerless and I am pleased to report that our NPS community will have an opportunity to take some action this coming month. The principals at all of the Newton secondary schools have met and are now planning a "No Place for Hate" March for Thursday, June 16 from 3:00-4:00. Middle schools on the south side of the city will march to Newton South where they will meet student leaders and faculty to march around the school. The same will happen on the North side of the city. There are still details and logistics to work through, but we welcome parents that may want to join in support. I made an announcement earlier this week to students asking for anyone who may be interested in creating signs to carry.
I am headed to Maine for the long weekend and look forward to having some time away with family. We have 4 days until my daughter's prom and graduation is one week away! It is all so bittersweet - long days, but short years. Weeks like this remind me how important it is to let others know you love them. Be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug this weekend.
Best,
Kim Lysaght, Principal
After School Enrichment End Date
All after school enrichment activities and athletic programs will conclude this coming week. Friday, June 3 will be the final ending date for all after school enrichment activities. We thank all students, staff and coaches for participating and making these programs a success.
5th Grade Information
This week I finished up my 5th grade tour with parent meet and greets at Williams and Angier. It was great to meet all so many parents and eager 5th graders. We look forward to welcoming them on June 10 to step up day.
- Mark your calendars: Thursday, Sept. 1 9:00-9:45AM - incoming 6th grade visiting We will welcome all incoming 6th graders to come into the building, receive a map and find their homebase. (They will have received this information the third week of August.). This is an exciting tradition that we are happy to bring back this September!
Additional 5th grade information:
PTO information: click here for their website
5th grade parent night: click here for the slide deck
World language selection: click here (The form also gives you an opportunity to sign your child up for our optional band, orchestra or chorus electives.)
Returning library books!
Summer Reading and PTO Book Fair
The selections for this summer's reading for middle schoolers are below. Consider reading one of these with your child. It makes for a terrific way to connect over the summer!
Incoming 6th Graders: Frazzled by Booki Vivant and another book of their choosing
Incoming 7th Graders: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and another book of their choosing.
Incoming 8th Graders: Select 2 books from this list.
NSHS incoming 9th Graders: Read one book on this list. Students will be expected to complete an assignment based on their reading in English classes in the fall.
Click here to link to the Brown Library website for more suggestions.
The PTO will be holding their annual book fair at Brown on June 1, 2, and 3. Students will be able to browse and purchase books on these days during their ELA classes. More information to come in the Brown Bear Report from the PTO.
Brown MS Music Department - Spring Concerts This Week!
Brown Middle School Music Department is proud to present our spring concert dates! All ensemble members are expected to attend their concert. Details (call times, dress code etc.) to follow.
Wednesday June 1, 2022, 7:00pm
6th 7th & 8th grade Orchestra
7th & 8th grade Chorus
6th grade Chorus
Brown Middle School, John Jordan Auditorium
Thursday June 2, 2022, 7:00pm
7th & 8th grade Band & 6th grade Band
Brown Middle School, John Jordan Auditorium
Step Up Day - June 10
Step Up Day will be Friday, June 10th this year. On this day our 8th and 5th graders will have an opportunity to tour their new schools and learn about what to expect in the fall.
All 6th and 7th graders will be dismissed at 12:50 that day. There will be regular bus services for 6th and 7th grade students who regularly take the bus home at that time.
5th graders will arrive at Brown from each of the 4 feeder schools at 12:50 and will see a short presentation in the auditorium. They will then be put into groups and met by our 6th grade teachers who will share more about what they can expect in 6th grade and give them a tour of the building. At 2:20, 5th graders will be transported back to their elementary schools for regular dismissal time.
8th graders will have lunch at 11:15 and then walk over to Newton South at 12:00 for a presentation and tour. They will return to Brown in time for our 2:50 dismissal. Buses will be available to 8th graders at 2:50 just as usual.
8th Grade Year End Events
Step Up Day to NSHS - Friday, June 10
8th Grade Party - June 21 - 3:00PM
Canobie Lake Park Trip - Thursday, June 23
Graduation - Friday, June 24 at 10:00AM
Look for more information in the BBR's from the PTO.
End of Year Events
June 3 - 7th grade dance (7-9pm)
June 10 - step up day (6s and 7s out at 12:50)
June 16 - No Place for Hate walk (3-4pm)
June 17 - 8th grade Chromebook collection
June 20 - Juneteenth (observed) - no school
June 21
- A block (2:00): 8th grade graduation rehearsal
- After school: 8th grade partyJune 22 - 7th grade trip to Castle Island
June 23 - 6th grade trip to Cove & 8th grade trip to Canobie
June 24 - graduation at 10:00AM at NSHS football field (if rain, then in NSHS field house)
Covid Update
This week there were 21 individuals that reported testing positive for Covid this week. Given the increase in cases in our community, the Newton Public Schools STRONGLY recommends students and staff wear a mask. A well-fitting mask is very effective in reducing the transmission of COVID.
Please have your child continue to follow the daily health assessment guidelines above each morning. Students enrolled in our testing program should all take their tests on Tuesday morning as usual.
To “opt-in” to the testing program.
Access the Opt-in form through Aspen parent/guardian account: Aspen
Follow these instructions (link) once you are logged into Aspen
Only positive results need to be reported by completing this Form - Positive Result from At-Home Rapid Antigen Test - State Program. Nurses will provide follow up information to families, including the date for return to school, following a positive test.
The data dashboard can be found here: COVID Testing Data Dashboard and on our website here: COVID Testing Webpage. For information on COVID cases and vaccination rates in the Newton Public Schools, please visit this page on the City of Newton Website: Newton HHS COVID Data.
ELPAC event
Click the invitation below to register.
SPACE Camp for Summer 2022!
S.P.A.C.E. Camp is a four-week summer enrichment program run by the Newton Public Schools from July 5th through 28th. Students entering kindergarten through 9th grade in the Fall of 2022 are eligible to attend. We offer two programs - an upper camp (entering grade 5-entering grade 9 in the Fall of 2022) and a lower camp (entering kindergarten-entering grade 4). Check out the S.P.A.C.E.website for more information or REGISTER NOW! Questions? SPACE@newton.k12.ma.us
Bus registration 2022-2023
Bus registration for the 2022-23 school year will open the week of May 23rd. Please watch your email for instructions on how to register your student(s) for the bus. NPS strong recommends that you complete your registration prior to the end of this school year. As always, please visit the NPS Transportation website for more information.
Food Services for 2022-2023
The Newton Public Schools Food Services website has been revised for easier use and with updated information. Please check out the new format and to learn about upcoming changes for the 2022/23 school year.
The current free meal service program that has been operating the past two years is ending on 6/30/22, which will require a return to paid meals for those students not eligible for free or reduced-price meals. In addition, all meals will need to be served only in the cafeteria and students will need to have their meal counted or to pay for their meal or a la carte items.
Recommendations for paid-meal pricing will be shared with the School Committee as part of their 5/23/22 agenda.
How to report an instance of harassment, discrimination or retaliation.
NPS has recently updated their non-discrimination protocol and reporting process. Here is a link to a document that gives an overview of the process and how to report incidents. If you experience an incident that you feel needs to be reported, you can contact the school directly or you can fill out this Online reporting form.
Discrimination includes, but is not limited to, excluding from participation, denying the benefits of, or otherwise discriminating against individuals on the basis of a Protected Class, or any other category protected by state or federal law.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome, inappropriate, or illegal physical, verbal, written, graphic, or electronic conduct that relates to an individual’s actual or perceived Protected Class, that has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile education or work environment. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to, conduct that denigrates, demeans, or stereotypes a person and/or group based upon disability, gender identity, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. Sexual harassment is also included in this category.
Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, coercion, intimidation, interference, punishment, discrimination, or harassment against any member of the school community in response to that member’s oral, written, formal or informal reporting or filing a complaint, cooperating in an investigation, aiding or encouraging another member to report or file a complaint.
Need to update your information in Aspen?
The Annual Student Information Update is available on Aspen. Please update your information. Directions for families can be found here.
Calendar and School Hours
School Hours:
8:20AM - 2:50PM - Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.
8:20 AM - 2:05PM - Wed.
Click here for the NPS 2021-2022 school calendar.
Click here for the NPS 2022-2023 school calendar.
Click here for the Brown Middle School 6-day rotation calendar with early release days and days of the cycle.
Absentee Line:
To report a student absence call: 617-559-6980
Brown Middle School
125 Meadowbrook Road
Newton, MA 02459
617-559-6900