Brown MS Weekly Update
March 22, 2024
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Dear Brown MS Community,
It has been a busy week at Brown MS starting with the March Madness Foul Shot Challenge (see pictures below). Our color teams had a blast competing with each other to make the most foul shots and our PTO parents did a wonderful job of selling concessions and tracking their foul shots. In the end it was Magenta Team vs. Emerald Team. While Magenta showed amazing team spirit, Emerald prevailed and are now 3 year champions!
Additionally this week, parent volunteers joined us in the lunch room on Monday and Friday to spread some kindness (see picture here). Students were given scenarios to read that described difficult social issues that arise in middle school. They talked about the scenarios and worked at developing empathy by writing down how individuals felt in each scenarios. A big "thank you" to Janelle Phillips and her team of wonderful parents who helped to distrubute both the forms and some candy treats for the students.
Spring continues to be a time of celebration for many cultures in our community. Starting on Saturday evening, our Jewish community members celebrates Purim, a holiday about triumph over adversity, by sending gifts of food and drink to loved ones, giving to those in need and gathering for a festive meal. This Sunday is the start of the Christian Holy Week, and we do not have school Friday in honor of Good Friday. This coming Monday is Holi, one of the most popular and major religious festivals of Hindu religion. It is celebrated as the festival of colors and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Wishing all that observe any of these occasions a happy holiday!
My daughter flies into Logan Airport for spring break tonight, and we get to spend the week with her. She has not been home since January, and it will be so great to have her energy back at our home. Also, she likes to cook, so we also get the bonus of a meal or two made for us!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend,
Kim Lysaght
Upcoming Dates:
Sat., March 23: Tenacity Challenge Competition
Tues., March 26: Unified Basketball Jamboree at Day Middle School (after school)
Wed., March 27: Peer leader training with ADL in the library
Thurs., March 28: 8th Grade ELA MCAS
Fri., March 29: No School for Good Friday
April 2 & 3: 7th Grade ELA MCAS
April 4 & 5: 6th Grade ELA MCAS
Mon., April 8: 8th Grade ELA MCAS
Mon. April 8, 2:50 - 4:00: Eclipse Watch Event after school on the back hill - we will provide eclipse glasses! All students are welcome.
Fri., May 10: Principal-Parent coffee, 8:30AM in the library
Peer leader training with ADL
This past week a group of 6th and 7th graders met on Wednesday morning for the first of 3 training sessions with trainers from the Antidefamation League. This is funded by Newton's Hate Prevention Grant. The students are learning how to respond to instances of discrimination against any marginalized group. In light of the recent antisemitic events in Newton, it is important to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring our schools are welcoming and safe for all student. Our peer leaders are preparing to lead our future sixth graders in lessons that will explore identity and confront the impulse of "othering" those that are different from themselves. Thank you to counselors Sam Schneider and Kevin Travers for organizing and leading this group this spring and next year.
In Classrooms & Around Brown this Week
8th Grade Civics
Students engage in a "gamefied" version of learning how the U.S. Government uses the different branches as balances of power.
6th Grade ELA
Students use highlighters to examine poems for figurative language. On this day they were exploring simile, metaphor and personification by using color to highlight specific instances of each.
7th Grade Math
Using cards to pracitce simplifying algebraic expressions by combining like terms.
MCAS Begins with 8th Grade ELA this Thursday
Please be sure to help 8th grade students get a good night's sleep Wednesday night and a solid breakfast Thursday morning. They will be taking the 8th grade ELA MCAS. Please check this document so make sure your child's Chromebook is ready to go.
Joint Middle School Clothing Drive - March 25 - April 5
This is part of a school sponsored student leadership program by 5 eighth graders from Brown and Oak Hill.
Eclipse Watch Event - April 8
On Monday, April 8 we will hold an Eclipse Watch Event for any students that wish to stay after school to observe. Students learn about eclipses in 6th grade and our science teachers will be reminding 7th and 8th graders as a review before the event.
The eclipse will begin at 2:15 (while school is still in session) and will be at its maximum coverage of 93% at 3:30. Students that ride the bus can take the 4:15 late bus home. We will provide eclipse glasses for all students and emphasize the importance of wearing them to look up at the sun.
If you are a parent that would like to join us and help chaperone, please reach out directly to Kim Lysaght.
Brown Middle School Spring Varsity Sports Information
7th and 8th Grade Only
Please use THIS LINK if your child is interested in trying out for baseball, softball, girls lacrosse, boys lacrosse or track and field. Registration closes March 28th. Tryouts begin the week April 1, 2024
NOTE: We currently have low numbers for girls registered for lacrosse and softball. We will need more students to fill the teams. This is a GREAT opportunity for girls to try out a new sport. Please encourage your daughters to consider registering. Students can speak with Ms. Antonellis if they have questions.
Please use THIS LINK if your child is interested in trying out for ultimate frisbee. Registration closes on March 21st. Tryouts begin the week of March 25, 2024
*Important Notes:
It is possible that cuts will have to be made in all sports except for track and field. Cuts are dependent upon the number of students who register for each sport.
Spring Sports are a 4 Day Commitment
The spring play conflicts with the spring sports season, therefore, if your child is signed up for the spring play, they will not be able to participate in spring sports.
Please feel free to contact the head coach if you have any questions.
Athletics & After School Enrichment
Please click the link above as we have additional offerings now!
If you have any further questions, please email Katrina Antonellis our after school program director. She can be reached best through email antonellisk@newton.k12.ma.us
For Students Observing Ramadan
For students who would prefer to not be in the cafeteria during lunch, we are providing a space in Ms. Messina's room (136) for students to go to during lunch. For students that need a space for prayer, we offer Mr. Mathieu's room (229A) during extension. Students can reach out to their teachers so we can support their needs.
5th Grade Parent Night Follow Up
On Wednesday night, March 13, parents of 5th graders assembled in our auditorium to learn about Brown Middle School. It was a well attended night and many parents purchased some Brown swag for our newest Brown Bears!
For any 5th grade parents that may have missed it, here is a link to the powerpoint we presented. Should you have questions, you can contact the school directly 617-559-6900 and we will connect you to the appropriate person for your inquiry.
If you have not already completed the world language selection for your 5th grader, please click this link to do so.
8th Grade End of Year Events
Mark Your Calendars
We are currently working on our 8th grade End of Year Events. A big thank you to PTO Co-chairs Wendy Cohen and Lucy Mermagen. Below are the dates we have determined thus far:
- Friday, May 3, 6:30 - 8:30: 8th Grade Dance - This is now the official date!
- Friday, June 7: Step Up Day
- Monday, June 17: Boston Harbor Boat Cruise
- Thursday, June 20: Graduation Rehearsal
- Friday, June 21: 8th Grade Graduation - 10:00AM - NSHS field
Laps at Lunch - The kids need this and we need you!
Laps at Lunch continues! It is a program for students to get outside, stretch their legs and walk during lunch. Laps at Lunch monitors are outside with the kids as they walk laps.
CLICK HERE to find a time slot that works with your schedule!
Laps at Lunch Monitors will need to complete and submit CORI/SORI forms
- CLICK HERE To PRINT FORMS
- Completed forms with a copy of photo ID ( drivers license -passport works as an ID -must be up to date)
- Scan and email to Courtney Ross at the front office at Brown rossco@newton.k12.ma.us
- Processing usually takes 5-7 business days to be run through NPS - HR office. You only will be notified if there is a problem
Looking for Parent Volunteers
Parents, if you are interested in helping plan events for Asian American Pacific Islander Month which is in May, please reach out to Ms. Priya (thangapandians@newton.k12.ma.us). She is beginning to work on this and would love to have help from parent volunteers.
MCAS Dates
ELA Tests:
Grade 6: April 4 & 5
Grade 7: April 2 & 3
Grade 8: March 28 & April 8
Math
Grade 6: May 15 & 16
Grade 7: May 21 & 22
Grade 8: May 17 & 20
Science/Technology
Grade 8: May 9 & 13 (Please note change here!)
Social Studies
Grade 8: May 2 & 29
CAREGIVER BOOK CLUB: SUPPORTING KIDS' BELONGING
Caregivers of Brown Middle School students (parents, guardians, and educators - that's you!) will gather to discuss ideas and share how we can help our kids feel seen, heard, and welcome in the Brown community.
Choose one book and join our discussion - current choices include:
- Above Ground, Fierce Femmes & Notorious Liars
- This Is How It Always Is,
- The Emotional Lives of Teenagers
We meet May 8 on Zoom. Facilitated by 6th grade parent Ashia Ray.
Newton Community Education Opportunities
New April Vacation opportunities
Calling all middle schoolers! It’s your choice - check out this great lineup of classes tailored just for you. Whether you want to master your 3-pointers in "Basketball Skills & Drills" or hone your artistic skills in "Cartooning & Illustration," we've got you covered. From sports to technology to the arts, there's a camp to explore. Enroll now in our course offerings on our flyer or visit our website to sign up today!
School Transfer Requests 2024-2025
Please click here if you are interested in applying for a school transfer within Newton Public Schools.
How to report an instance of discrimination, harassment or retaliation.
NPS is committed to preventing discrimination, harassment and retaliation. 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 should be reported, you can contact the school directly or you can fill out this Online reporting form.
Brown MS Meal Calendar
Withdrawing your student?
If you are moving or your student will be leaving Brown MS, please use this link to unenroll them from Brown.
Calendar and School Hours
School Hours:
8:20AM - 2:50PM - Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.
8:20 AM - 2:05PM - Wed.
Click here for the2023-24 School Year Calendar (revised due to strike)*
Click here for the 2023-2024 Brown Middle School days of the cycle full year calendar. (revised 2/5/24)
The School Committee has voted the calendar for the 2024-25 school year. 2024-25 School Year Calendar
*Please note for the 2023-24 school year calendar, additional revisions may need to be made if there are any snow days.
Brown Middle School
125 Meadowbrook Road
Newton, MA 02459
617-559-6900