Brown MS Weekly Update
Friday, Nov. 12, 2021
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I hope many of you were able to enjoy the day yesterday as we celebrated Veteran's Day. Some of our advisories collected candy and wrote thank you notes to veterans for their service. This is annually organized by Kate Daoust, one of our 6th grade teachers - a big thank you to her!
This year is proving to be both fulfilling and challenging for parents, students and teachers. I am sure you have been hearing in the news that a number of schools in the area and the country are struggling with student behavior. Some of the reports are truly alarming and remind me that while we are back to "normal", the impacts of the pandemic continue. After over a year communicating with others mostly through Zoom, Facetime or social media, students are relearning how to be together again. For some, they are still trying to build up their stamina for a more stimulating environment. For others, they are relearning how to be a friend or manage a social group.
While their social maturity is a bit behind, we can help them to develop the necessary social skills over the course of this school year. We need to be patient with ourselves and with them because this will take time. Teachers are working to explicitly teach expectations and empathy in both advisory and in their classes. We continue to use the Bear Beliefs (see below) as our guiding principles and remind them of these frequently. Parents can provide quality time for their children to socialize with others through activities or sports. Additionally, being a good listener and spending quality time with them (even when they act like they don't want to) will help them to know they are supported and loved.
What we are seeing at Brown is that students are truly happy to be back with each other and their teachers. I am incredibly grateful that our students are in the building - finally together daily. The hard work ahead is well worth it.
Enjoy the weekend!
Kim Lysaght, Principal
National Native American Heritage Month! - Newton FORJ Meeting Next week
FORJ Newton November Meeting is happening Wednesday, November 17th, at 7:30PM!!!
November is National Native American Heritage Month. This month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges. Please use this month to reflect, engage, and learn around Native American history and culture.
FORJ Newton will be hosting the November citywide meeting on Wednesday, November 17th, at 7:30PM! All are welcome to join. This month, we will be focusing on the importance of Native American heritage month and how we can better support the advancement of equity for Native American communities in newton and beyond.
Please mark your calendars. This meeting will occur during zoom, so we hope you can join us. This event is primarily for leaders of the school groups, but everyone is welcome to attend! If you would like to join this meeting, sign up here and you will receive the zoom information to join. If you have any questions, feel free to email School_Coordinator@FORJ.org.
Brown Middle School's Families Organized for Racial Justice (FORJ) - Meeting Dec. 7 at 7:30
FORJ is an organic organization that evolves to meet the needs of the community. We believe the organization needs new leaders on a regular basis so as to stay limber and agile. FORJ is a community-building organization - the more people who take on leadership roles, the stronger the community will become and the better the group can embrace all the experiences, perspectives, skills, creativity and compassion of this wonderful and vibrant community.
Jingjing and Rachel will be in touch with more details and the zoom link as it gets closer.
Please discuss our cell phone expectations with your child.
Cell phone expectations
Appropriate use of technology
Texting during school is distracting
Update from Brown Working Theatre!
The informational meeting for BWT’s cabaret is being this Monday morning, November 15th at 7:45AM in the auditorium. All interested students are encouraged to attend. In addition to performers, we have roles for stage crew and students who are interested in working on lights and sound. Any students who are not able to attend this meeting can see Mrs. Cutler in room 130 for more information. Auditions will now take place the week of December 6th. More information to follow!
Please note: Normally, the policy of Brown Working Theater is to include all students who want to be involved in the show. This year, due to Covid restrictions, we will unfortunately be limited in the number of students that we can accept. Other opportunities, including Brown’s annual spring play, will be made available for any students who are not able to participate in the cabaret this year.
Brown Middle School Important Winter Athletics Information (2021-2022)
Ski club is full!
Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic for Children Ages 5-11
All children must be accompanied by an adult to their appointments. In addition, all minors must have a parent or legally authorized representative complete the consent form (found on the registration page) and bring it to their appointment. If you cannot print this form, they will also have them available on site. Dates for the clinic are Sat., Nov. 13 and Sun., Nov. 14, from 9:00 -5:00 at Newton North High School Cafeteria and at Oak Hill Middle School Cafeteria. Click HERE to register.
Second dose clinics in Newton will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 5 at the same locations. Your child will be scheduled for their second dose on site.
COVID Communication
This week (3rd in a row!) we had zero COVID cases. Information on districtwide COVID cases and vaccination rates can be found on the Newton Health and Human Services website here: NPS COVID Case Count and Vaccination Rates.
Annual Gift Drive!
Understanding Depression in Tweens and Teens - Thurs., Nov. 18
Please click the picture below for information on a free virtual workshop for parents and caregivers.
Winter 2021 Artificial Intelligence Project Course by MIT Graduate Students
Reporting Absences
To report a student absence call: 617-559-6980
Website: https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/43
Location: 125 Meadowbrook Road, Newton, MA, USA
Phone: 617-559-6900
Need to Update your Information in Aspen?
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 school calendar.
Click here for the Brown Middle School 6-day rotation calendar with early release days and days of the cycle.