Brown School Buzz

With October coming to a close and Parent-Teacher Conferences on the horizon, we are happy to report that majority of our students are arriving at school on time each day ready to learn. We have just a few students who are still struggling to make it in the door on time every day. For some it is a traffic timing issue or morning family chaos getting the best of them, and for some it's more complicated.

Every family can have one of those mornings and get out of the house a little later than usual. That said, "those mornings" should be infrequent. If your child has been tardy to school more than 3 times in the 38 days we have been at school this year, we would ask you to do your best to change that pattern. It can be hard for kids to enter the classroom when instruction and activities are already under way.

For a few students arriving late to school is more of a difficulty transitioning from home to school. If your child is struggling to make the transition from a social or emotional perspective, please be sure to work with your child's teacher and our school counselors. We are all here to help and support you and your child. We want every child to start the day on a positive note.

As a reminder, breakfast is offered for free, starting at 7:50. We appreciate your support and partnership for getting kids off to a positive and productive start each day.

SIgn up for a Conference and Mark your Calendars!

Throughout the school year, holidays, professional development, and happenstance can make maintaining our learning routines challenging. November is arguably the most challenging month of all. Having days off from school for conferences, the Veterans Day holiday and Thanksgiving Break can make the instruction a bit more fragmented, thus making it a critical time for kids to be in school when we are in session.

As we move into November:

*Please make note of the November calendar and plan accordingly

*Please be sure to schedule a conference with your child's teacher if you have not yet done so.

We thank you for your understanding, planning and support.

Halloween is handled a little differently in public schools (Marblehead and beyond). Some schools have costumes, some have social time, and other schools choose to keep it a home or town event. In my experience, the same is true for families. Some do it up big, while others do not celebrate at all, and many others are somewhere in between. As the principal, I am approached by both teachers and families each year about my stance on Halloween activities, costumes, parades, etc..., so here you go:

I have asked that the Halloween celebrations be kept to 30ish minutes in the classrooms, preferably at the end of the day. If students choose to wear a costume to school, please be sure they are nonviolent in nature and do not include any type of weapon, or facemask. In terms of classroom activities, crafts and fall/Halloween themed learning activities may be occuring in some classes. Your children's teachers can share the details for their individual classrooms.

Our K and PK students will participating in a hallway parade for the first, second and third graders to view. If you are a PK or K parent, those teachers can answer your questions about that activity. I thank you for your understanding as we navigate these decisions to assure minimal impact on instruction, and yet preserve opportunities for students to experience community and childhood traditions.

Community Building is a Priority for a Safe and Happy Learning Environemnt!

Last week we held our first student led Community Meeting. A school wide community meeting where students are empowered to lead, participate, show respect, and learn from one another is a critical part of our Responsive Classroom approach. The community meeting helps up build a strong sense of community, creates a safer school environment, and reinforces school-wide values and skills. This monthly opportunity at the Brown School brings students, teachers, and staff together, helping them become familiar with one another and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.Our PK-2 students gain confidence by participating, while our third graders learn to lead. Kudos to our Third Grade Leadership Council for facilitating their first meeting, to our third graders for sharing their learning about Jacques Cousteau with everyone, and to our PK-2 graders for practicing our core values!

All classes will have the opportunity to visit the Book Fair next week, 11/3-11/7. The Fair will also be open for parents to peruse before or after your conference on Wednesday, 11/5.

Thank you to our incredible PTO who brought us another stellar Monster Mash! There was much laughter and miles of smiles! Huge thanks to all the volunteers who made the night such a hit! Special shout out to Adriana de Katow and Annie Vayner whose tireless efforts behind the scenes were nothing short of outstanding! Here are just a few of the happy kids at the Monster Mash!