You 🦦 Know
News from the Dothan Brook School
Save the date/upcoming events
1/19 - Inservice - No school
2/6- PTO Movie Night
2/10 - PTO Meeting @ 6:00
2/16 - 2 Hour delayed Start
2/23-3/2 - February Break
3/3 - Inservice - No school
3/10- PTO @ 6:00
3/19 - Early Release - Parent Conferences
3/20 - No School Parent Conferences
3/21-27 - Book Fair -Norwich Book Store
3/30 - Two Hour Delayed Start
4/16 - Drama Club Performance of "CATS!"
Happy Friday
Happy Friday DBS Otter Families!
The week after a long break is always filled with energy as our Otters settle back into school routines and reconnect with what it means to be a student. This week was no exception! It was wonderful to feel that lively energy back in the building—DBS was certainly very quiet over winter break, and your Otters were truly missed.
We continue to be amazed by the joy, curiosity, and learning that take place each and every day at DBS, thanks to both our students and the dedicated staff who support them.
As we move fully into winter, we’d like to take a moment to review our recess expectations. When temperatures are 35 degrees or below, all students are expected to wear a coat. When temperatures drop to 15 degrees or below, students must also wear hats and gloves. In snowy conditions, students need boots in order to play in the snow; without boots, they will be asked to play on the blacktop only.
Please help your Otter remember to bring appropriate winter gear so they’re ready for outdoor winter fun at recess. If your family needs assistance obtaining winter clothing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Nurse Lillian, who is always happy to help.
We hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and we can’t wait to see your Otter back at school on Monday!
Patrick Peters
Interim Principal
Dothan Brook School
Spotlight Staff: Ashley Broderick
This week, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on our very own Art and World Cultures teacher, Ashley Broderick! Mrs. Broderick has been a proud member of the Otter family for nine years. Before joining Dothan Brook, she taught PreK–8 art at Winter Hill School in Somerville, MA.
One of the things Mrs. Broderick loves most about working at Dothan Brook is the strong sense of community. She shares, “It feels like a family,” and appreciates how deeply the staff care for one another and for our students.
When she’s not teaching our Otters, Mrs. Broderick enjoys spending time with her family biking, swimming, skiing, and going on adventures together. As a student herself, her favorite parts of elementary school were PE and recess—no surprise there!
Dothan Brook is incredibly lucky to have Mrs. Broderick as part of our Otter learning community. We are so grateful for the creativity, care, and joy she brings to our school each day.
Curiosity Corner from Julia
Week 16: Proficiency Based Learning
Another way for schools to adhere to the Education Quality Standards, is to move to a proficiency-based learning (PBL) model of education. PBL is an educational approach that shifts the focus from traditional grade-based evaluation to students demonstrating mastery of clearly defined skills and standards. Instead of advancing students based on seat time or receiving an “A-F” grade, learners must show they truly understand and can apply the knowledge and competencies expected for their grade level before moving on. This model emphasizes personalized learning, multiple ways to demonstrate what a student can do, and detailed feedback to support growth over time..
Proficiency-based learning is closely connected to equity because it aims to give every student the support and time they need to succeed. Traditional systems can unintentionally advantage students who already have more resources or prior knowledge, while penalizing those who need more time or different types of instruction. By allowing flexibility in pacing, providing multiple chances to demonstrate learning, and making expectations transparent, proficiency-based learning reduces barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized students. In this way, equity is promoted by ensuring that success is based on learning and growth, not on background, privilege, or speed.
Cold Weather Clothing
Dress for recess
Students have recess every day except in bad weather (rain or extreme cold). In the winter, students are expected to wear snow pants, winter hats, mittens/gloves, and boots. DBS does have a limited supply of extra winter gear that is accessible next to the recess doors. Any Student that has forgotten their winter gear will be given the option to borrow whatever is needed. If you need assistance obtaining winter gear, please contact the school nurse at Ext. 5106. Children who do not dress for the weather will have their recess privileges limited.
