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From the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Mid-terms: Mid-term reports will be sent home with students next week. Mid-term reports during the third term are given to students who are not meeting expectations. We ask that you please review the mid-term report(s) with your child and send back a signed copy to your child’s teacher. If you have concerns about your child’s work at any time, please call or email her/his teacher or school counselor.
Spring Sports & Triple E Activities: There is an ambitious schedule during the month of May for the baseball, lacrosse, softball, and track & field teams. We hope to see you on the sidelines!
Teacher Appreciation Week: The week of May 8 - 12 marks Teacher Appreciation Week. I would like to publicly thank each of our teachers for the excellent work that they do on behalf of students at Brown. Our teachers are very talented and outstanding at what they do. Please remember that School Policy does not permit teachers to accept personal gifts from parents or students. If you would like to recognize or thank your teachers a card, note, or email is suggested as an appropriate gesture.
MCAS testing: During the weeks of May 15 - 31, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) will be administered to all students in grades six, seven and eight. Students at these grades will be participating in various forms of the Massachusetts statewide assessment testing. Although the MCAS tests are designed to be untimed, the recommended length of each test session is 60 minutes. Let's hope the weather is cool. All sessions will take place in the morning. The best preparation is a good night's sleep and healthy breakfast. Listed below is the schedule for the upcoming testing dates:
Grade |
Tests |
Dates |
|---|---|---|
Grade 6 |
Mathematics |
Mon., May 15 & Tues., May 16 |
Grade 7 |
Mathematics |
Wed., May 17 & Thurs., May 18 |
|
History/Social Science Tryout |
Thurs., May 25 |
Grade 8 |
Mathematics |
Mon., May 22 & Tues., May 23 |
|
Science and Technology/Engineering |
Wed., May 24 (two sessions) |
Spring Concert: Our Spring Concert will be held on two evenings. On Wednesday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m., the following groups will perform: Acappella Group, Concert Band, King’s Men, Melody Makers and String Ensemble. On Wednesday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m., the following groups will perform: Charlie Brown Music Makers, Redwood Singers, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band.
School Council: The next Brown School Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 25, at 4:00 p.m. On that day, we will discuss planning for next year and the school improvement plan. This is an open meeting and all are welcome to attend.
NSHS Sports Night: There will be an “Eighth Grade Sports Night” held on Thursday, May 25, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Field House at Newton South High School. This will be the time for students to meet coaches and sign-up for sports. This is an important meeting because many of the fall sports begin at the end of the August. Eighth grade students and their families are encouraged to attend this event.
No School: School will be closed on Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day.
AIDS Walk: Students on the AIDS Walk Committee at Brown Middle School are organizing a team to participate in the 20th Annual AIDS Walk. Brown Middle School has raised more money than any school in the state for the past five years and hopes, once again, have a strong team of students, parents, and teachers. The 6.6 mile (10K) walk will start at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 4, beginning and ending at the Hatch Shell along the Charles River. If you would like to register and join our team, please contact Mr. Allsbrook (richard_allsbrook@newton.mec.edu) or Ms. Cline (emily_cline@newton.mec.edu).
Step-up Day: On Friday, June 9, fifth grade students will be visiting Brown. Our present sixth grade students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Seventh grade students will follow their regular schedules and eighth grade students will visit Newton North or Newton South. If you have any questions about next year’s program, please contact your child’s school counselor.
Looking ahead to June: Our “Moving On” Ceremony for eighth grade students (and their families) will be held on Thursday, June 22, at 9:30 a.m.
Last Day of School: The Newton School Committee voted to establish the last day of school for students as Thursday, June 22, 2006. Dismissal will be at 11:30 a.m.
Thank you,
John F. Jordan
From Brown
PARENTS-WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR MCAS—AGAIN!
REMINDER TIPS THAT WILL BE OF HELP TO YOUR CHILD DURING THE MCAS TESTING PERIOD IN MAY.
- Please be aware of the days that your child will be involved in testing.
- Discuss with your child the importance of doing his/her best on all tests.
- Since all testing starts at 8:30-please make sure that they arrive at school on time.
- Have them get plenty of rest the night before each test and eat a good breakfast on the testing days.
- Have them come prepared with a reading book (if they should finish early), and a calculator if they are in 7th and 8th grade for the second session of math in May.
Please visit the MCAS website for further information www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/
Thank you in advance for your help and support with the testing program,
Ms. Snyder-Assistant Principal
From the PTO
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are always impressed with how hard our faculty work to educate our children in all areas, and how diligently our support staff and administrators toil to make things run smoothly. We are very fortunate to have dedicated, talented, energetic, creative, intelligent individuals working together to make Brown a great place for learning. Our deep thanks to all, this week (Teacher Appreciation Week) and every week of the year!
We kick off Teacher Appreciation Week this Monday, May 8, with a luncheon for our faculty and staff. There’s still time to contribute, if you’d like to make something as a token of your appreciation. Just bring your item to school before 11:30am on Monday. Or, contact Carolyn Drucker (csdrucker@rcn.com or (617) 244-4474).
Another way to show your appreciation is to make a contribution to the Library or Music Fund in honor of any special teacher(s). A donation form can be found at http://www2.newton.mec.edu/~mike_sylvia/PTO/PDF/book_donation.pdf
Or simply send a check, payable to Brown PTO; include a note with your child’s name, teacher(s) being honored, and which fund you wish to support.
This week is the Farina Bike fundraiser – gear up for bike season and help our school at the same time! Buy anything from Farina’s (http://farinas.com/index.cfm), mention that you’re from Brown, and they will donate part of the proceeds to the Brown PTO! What could be easier? Flyers went home this past week.
Have you thought about being part of the Brown PTO next year? We need numerous volunteers in many areas. Please browse the committee descriptions at http://www.brownpto.org/site/archive/commitees.html to see if something appeals to you. We can’t do it without you! Get involved and make a difference!
We welcome your feedback. Always feel free to contact us at any time.
Sincerely,
Nancy Leipzig (617-244-9508) and Karen Spier (617-965-0742), brownpto@brownpto.org
PTO Co-Presidents
BROWN MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARBOOK ***Important Ordering Information***
Believe it or not, June is around the corner...and that means it’s time to order your 2005-06 Brown Yearbook! We are pleased to announce that there is a new format for ordering books. There are a limited number of books, 350, and we will be taking orders on a first come first served basis.
The cost of the yearbook is $23.00 and the deadline to place orders is Thursday, June 1. You may place orders directly through Coffee Pond’s online ordering system. Here’s how:
- Log on to www.coffeepond.com
- Go to “Place an Order” and click on “Yearbooks”
- Enter School Password: brown06
- Place Order
THERE ARE THREE OPTIONS FOR PLACING AN ORDER:
- Order online at Coffee Pond’s secure website using a credit card,
- Complete and print out the online order form and mail it with a check or money order to: Coffee Pond Yearbook Orders, 1239 Washington Street, West Newton, MA 02465-2128,
- Pick up a copy of the online order form in the Brown Main Office to fill out and send to Coffee Pond with a check or money order.
Checks in the amount of $23.00 should be made out to Coffee Pond Photography.
Please contact Robyn DeFonseca or Emily Cline, (617)552-7409 or robyn_defonseca@newton.mec.edu, with any questions.
School News
LONG-TIME ANGIER TEACHERS NANCY SWIDLER AND DICK HANELIN ARE RETIRING!!!!
All students and parents are invited to a family and community party to honor these favorite teachers.
DATE: Thursday, June 15
WHEN: 3:00 – 5:00 pm
WHERE: Angier School Library
NOTE: All students must be accompanied by an adult.
RSVP so that we can plan for appropriate numbers, Diane Greer: dhgreer@rcn.com
METCO/NEWTON FAMILY PICNIC
Please join us for a family picnic Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 2 - 5pm (Rain date May 20th from 2 - 5pm) at John Pope Paul II Park in Dorchester
This outing is being organized to build upon and strengthen the relationships that have been made between students and families from Boston, Newton and all METCO towns. This is a great way for parents, grandparents, kids and extended family members to meet and greet each other and to share their stories. Hopefully the connection made will last a lifetime! After all, we hear our kids making reference to their friends' families and this would be a wonderful time to connect the face to the stories being told.
The picnic is a brown bag affair. If you prefer not to bring food, there are several places in the neighborhood that can accommodate you.
Your Boston Liaisons and the Newton PTO Council are coordinating this effort. Any questions, please call your liaisons, Joy (617-282-4696), Bernadette (617-364-5512) or Diane Greer (617-964-8677).
NewKids summer programs for middle schoolers
Newton Community Education is offering two great options for middle school kids this summer. If you're interested in computer design, try Animation Studio, the week of July 24 at Newton South. And if you're an aspiring performer or producer, we have Create a TV Show, at NewTV Studios in Newton Highlands. Due to popular demand we've added a new session of this program, running the week of July 10. And we have openings in our August 14-18 session as well. Call our office at 617-559-6999 for more information or to register, or visit our website at www.newtoncommunityed.org.
Newton Community Ed is part of the Newton Public Schools. When you support our program, you support our schools.
Honor Thy Teacher/Let Me Count The Ways
The Newton Schools Foundation is pleased to announce the 9th annual Honor Thy Teacher Celebration. This is our most satisfying campaign during the year. We celebrate our inspirational teachers and raise funds to support the innovative and high impact grants of our own NPS educators. "Honor Thy Teacher" celebrates our teachers in four ways:
- Honored teachers receive a card of thanks in the donor’s name.
- Your child and the community sees his or her honored teacher celebrated in the annual “Honor Thy Teacher” spread in the Newton TAB.
- Principals and the Superintendent are notified of all honorees.
- Your donation directly supports our teachers’ innovative programming through Foundation grants in the Newton Public Schools.
For details, visit http://www.nsfonline.org/support.html.
Community News
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse in Our Homes and Community, Wednesday, May 17, 2006, 7 PM – 9 PM, Newton Community Service Center Auditorium, 492 Waltham St, West Newton. A special program for Newton parents, professionals and concerned adults featuring: Robert Baker, Director of Operations, Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board and Jetta Bernier, Chairperson, Massachusetts Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Partnership and Executive Director, Massachusetts Citizens for Children.
Directions to NCSC available at: http://www.ncscweb.org/directions.html. For more information, please contact the Newton Partnership at Newton@enoughabuse.org or (617) 742-8555 x. 108. RSVP not required, but will be helpful for planning refreshments.
Fall registration has started for Newton Girls Soccer!!
The Newton Girls Soccer Intramural Program is open to girls who live or attend school in Newton, and who will be enrolled in grades K-8 this fall. Newton Girls Soccer is committed to providing girls the best possible youth soccer experience and the opportunity to learn soccer skills in a fun, safe and age-appropriate environment. Professional coaches from Mass Premier Soccer work with our parent coaches.
The 10-week season for Grades 1-8 starts September 9. The Kindergarten program will run 7-8 weeks. Games are played on Saturdays. Grades 2-8 also generally have one practice each week.
To register, or to find out more information about the NGS IM Program, please visit our website at www.newtongirlssoccer.org. Scholarships are available based on need.
Tonight’s Performers, Tomorrow’s Legends
A Benefit Show to Support the Teen REACH program at Newton Community Service Centers. June 1, 2006, 7:30-10PM.
Featuring performances and artwork by the best and brightest Newton teens. Anthony J. Bibbo Youth Center, 429 Cherry Street, West Newton, MA, 617-244-1404. Tickets: $20. 50/50 raffle.
Hey Middle Schoolers - Looking for something fun to do this summer? Why not go to Acres in the Falls a theme and trip day camp for youth ages 11-14 sponsored by the Newton Parks and Recreation Department.
Weekly sessions run Monday through Friday from July 10 through August 11, 2006. Enjoy weekly field trips, sports, arts and crafts, swimming at Crystal Lake, group challenges, field games, cooking, and lots of other fun activities.
For more information contact Channon Ames at Newton Parks and Recreation, (617) 796-1529, or go to our website at www.ci.newton.ma.us/parks and click on Activities, Summer Camps and Clinics, and then Acres in the Falls.
Save the Date 4th Annual Jordan Bennett Weiss Fund Golf Tournament In memory of Jordan Weiss to raise funds to help improve awareness about DIABETES. Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at the Lost Brook Golf Course, Norwood, MA (8:00 a.m. tee time); Lunch/Auction at Union Street Restaurant, Newton, MA.
Children (age 10 and over) and adults are welcome to play in this friendly and fun par 3 tournament. First time golfers are welcome!!! You can attend the luncheon and auction (great prizes: sports memorabilia, sports events tickets, jewelry, art, all types of gift certificates, etc.) even if you do not golf! (GREAT idea for Mason-Rice kids!) For more information, please contact Sara Weiss: JBWfund@aol.com or Ken Powtak: KPOWtak1@aol.com
Remembering Rachel Carson On the 99th anniversary of Rachel Carson's birthday, you are invited
to celebrate her legacy by reading your favorite Rachel Carson quotes and brief excerpts. Do you have a favorite Rachel Carson book, quote, or essay? How did Rachel's work influence your life? We will create a video testimony to promote Rachel's living legacy. A project of GreenCAP, the Committee for Alternatives to Pesticides of the Green Decade Coalition/Newton. May 27, 2006, Drucker Auditorium, Newton Free Library, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. To RSVP and for more information, please contact: Ellie Goldberg, (617) 965-9637, ellie.goldberg@gmail.com.
Waban Village Day: Sunday, May 21st, 11am-3pm
- 10am: Fun Run
- All Day: Petting Zoo, Amusement Rides, Games, Activities, Handmade Crafts, Gifts & Jewelry and Food
- 11am: David Polanksy: legendary children’s entertainer mixes it up!
- 11:30am: Karate: Derrick Clark’s Demonstration team
- 12noon: Smilin’ Jones: Tom Rudd’s classic rock
- 2pm: MBY Jazz Project
First Annual Waban Village Day Fun Run Starts 10am at The Windsor Club’s parking lot, 1601 Beacon Street,
Waban. Entry Fees: $15 per person, $30 per family, $20 per person day of race. Registration: WIS, PO Box 6,
Waban, MA 02468. Day of Race Registration: Windsor Club parking lot. Race course: information at
www.wabanimprovement.org. Winners: 1 male and 1 female per age category. T-shirts will be given to all
participants on the day of race. Children, age 10 and under, are allowed to use scooters and bikes on the race course and will be considered Fun Run participants.
Troop 9 Waban, MA In 1997 we restarted a Boy Scout troop in Waban with a 60 year history of serving young men in our neighborhood. We now have 12 boys in the troop and we are hoping to grow this fall.
Scouting is about the outdoors – camping, hiking, biking, rafting, and exploring. It’s about teamwork, leadership skills, new friendships, and advancing toward the Eagle badge, one of the highest esteemed accomplishments in our society. It’s about citizenship, practical skills, and physical fitness for future challenges.
We are hoping to draw boys from the 6th through 8th grades. No need to have been involved with scouting before or even have any outdoor experience – everyone is welcome. Want to learn more? We welcome you to come to our football game and meeting on Sunday, May 7, at Angier school field from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Parents are encouraged to stay and watch. Hope to see you there! If you can’t make this date and want to know more, please contact: Alex Pergament, Senior Patrol Leader, djbruticus@hotmail.com, or Robert Mashal – Scoutmaster (617) 332-1848.
Newton Symphony Orchestra May 7, 7:30 PM, Rashi Auditorium, 15 Walnut Park, Newton Corner; Jeffrey Rink, Music Director. Program: Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 Emperor; Randall Hodgkinson, piano; Franck Symphony in D Minor
Pre-Concert Talk – 6:30PM, Tickets $25 & $30; $10 youth under 12; $5 student/senior discount, 617-965-2555.
Guys & Dolls will be at the Turtle Lane Playhouse, 283 Melrose Street, Auburndale, from April 28th – June 4th, with performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00PM and Sundays at 2:00PM.
Tickets are $24. Students and children are $17 on Fridays. Senior tickets are $17 on Thursdays. We also offer $2 off the regular price tickets for groups of 15 or more. The 16th ticket is free and is often used by the group organizer or given to the bus driver but it may, of course, be used in any way that you choose. A $2 discount on all $24 tickets is available to Massachusetts Teachers Association members for any performance. Box-office hours are 11:00am to 5:30pm Monday thru Saturday, and noon to 5:30pm on Sundays. For further information, call 617-244-0169.
The Stories Mothers Tell - The Stories Daughters Hear
Fifth Annual Celebration in Honor of Mothers’ Day
Tuesday May 9, 12 noon – 2:00 pm, Brandeis University Women’s Studies Research Center
Epstein Building, 515 South Street, Waltham MA
Treasures found in attics, memoirs, and shared work will be featured at the Brandeis Women's Studies Research Center’s annual Mothers’ Day celebration. Forty years after her mother died, Resident Scholar Ruth Nemzoff found letters her mother had written her in the 1950’s. Thirty years ago, historian Selma Williams asked her daughter, Resident Scholar Penina Adelman, to help her write a book on witchcraft and persecution. This effort became the noted book Riding the Nightmare: Witchcraft in Europe and Old Salem. Over the last 40 years, Resident Scholar Marcie Tyre's mother and maternal grandmother both wrote memoirs of their experiences during Hitler's invasion of Austria and their family's flight to safety.
This event will begin with a dramatic reading from these writings by the Scholars and their mothers. We will also discuss how these writings both transmit family history and form family bonds of understanding. Each scholar will share how these maternal treasures have changed their perceptions of themselves and their mothers.
Free and Open to the Public; Questions call Leah at 781-736-8102
New Rep on Tour/Student Matinees series
The Ice-Breaker, A drama by David Rambo, October 25 – November 19, 2006
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, December 10-24, 2006
Silence, A Comedy by Moira Buffini, directed by Rick Lombardo, January 17 – February 11, 2007
For more information contact Sarah Rose Roth, Education Associate at education@newrep.org or by phone at 617-923-7060 x206
Newton Health and Human Services Department Rabies Clinic Dates Spring 2006
All clinics will be held at Fire Station #4, 195 Crafts Street, Newtonville, MA. Cats and Dogs must be caged or leashed, and escorted by someone over age 14. There is a $10 fee. Time & Dates: 5:30 – 7:30 PM on Mon., June 5, Wed., June 7.
Classified
A Step Ahead at Cabot Park & School Newton MA
Dates: July 24-28, July 31- Aug 4, Aug 7-11, Aug 14-18 & Aug 21-25
Time: 8:30am-2:30pm
Ages: ASA Week 1 & 2 - Boys & Girls 8-13 / Week 3, 4 & 5 Boys & Girls 11-17
Site: Cabot Park & School
For more information contact Brendan Smith at 617-909-5990, email him at Coachb@asahoops.com or visit our website at www.asahoops.com.
ALL NEWTON MUSIC SCHOOL
Fall 2006 registration has begun. To register, visit www.allnewtonmusicschool.com/Registration.
Music in May is May 13. Everyone is invited and admission is FREE!!! From 9 AM - 6 PM.
Some highlights will include excerpts from "The Wizard of Oz,” courtesy of our Musical Theatre Club, "Annie" by the Broadway Music Class, Rock & Blues Band Jam from 3 to 6 pm outside. Details at www.allnewtonmusicschool.com/Music_in_May.
Summer lessons and workshops are available. For details, call 617-527-4553 x 100 or visit www.allnewtonmusicschool.com.
Kumon Math and Reading Center Open House: Tuesday May 2, Tuesday May 16, Tuesday May 23, and Tuesday, June 6, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. At the Bishop Mackenzie Center, 1337 Centre Street, Newton Centre.
Great after-school program to improve math and reading skills, strengthen study habits, and build self-confidence. FREE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. Call 617-928-0446 for more information or visit our website at www.kumonnewton.com.
Brown PTO Newsletter
The newsletter will publish, at the sole discretion of the PTO, articles and other information of interest to the Brown Middle School Community.SUBMISSIONS: by email to editor@brownpto.org,by US mail to Brown Middle School PTO, Newsletter Editor, 125 Meadowbrook Road, Newton, MA 02459, or by drop off in the Brown Office Mailroom. Deadline Saturday evenings.
Important Email Addresses
PTO President - brownpto@brownpto.org
Newsletter Editor - editor@brownpto.org
Webmaster - webmaster@brownpto.org