A Note From Edith

The communication below provides important information from the Edith C. Baker School.

Translations and accessibility options are available at the top of the page.

Principal's Message

Dear Baker School Families and Friends,

As we enter the final week of October, it’s hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving along. With the cooler weather comes shorter days and the reminder that Daylight Savings Time ends next weekend. This is a good time to enjoy an extra hour of rest as we set our clocks back.

This week is full of excitement and community spirit. Our grades one through five students will enjoy performances from ArtBarn and we are looking forward to our annual Halloween parade, a fun tradition that brings smiles to students, staff, and families alike. Also, we are preparing for family–educator conferences, which means early dismissal days are ahead. These meetings are a great opportunity to strengthen our home–school partnership and celebrate each student's growth.

Thank you for your continued support as we move deeper into the school year. Your collaboration and encouragement make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students each and every day.

In this “Note from Edith,” please find some important announcements and reminders regarding:

Student attendance
Halloween parade
Brookline Early Education Program (BEEP) screening
Fall family-educator conferences
Independent/private school recommendation information
Cartwheel parent/caregiver webinar series
Arrival and Dismissal procedures

Student Attendance

Regular and on-time school attendance is crucial for any child's academic and social-emotional growth. At the Edith C. Baker School, our goal is to work together to ensure that every student attends school every day, arrives on time, and stays for the full school day. Consistent attendance helps prevent academic setbacks, as missing just two days a month can lead to falling behind and increased stress.

If your child is experiencing challenges with attendance, it's important that we address them early. Whether the issue is academic stress, personal challenges, or other factors, we want to work together to help find solutions..

For more information about attendance in the Public Schools of Brookline, please click the button below.

PSB Attendance Policy and Information

Halloween Parade

The Baker School will hold its annual Halloween Parade on Friday, October 31st at 8:15am. The Halloween Parade will be held on the basketball court and playground. Family members of students in kindergarten through grade 5 are welcome to attend. There will be a designated area to stand to view the parade. Please be sure to stay in the designated area (map attached below) so that there is a clear path for the parade route.

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Brookline Early Education Program (BEEP) Screening

The Brookline Early Education Program (BEEP) will be conducting preschool screenings on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This is a free and optional service to screen for special education needs for preschool-aged Brookline residents (ages 2.6 to 5 years old) who are not currently attending BEEP.

If you are interested in the BEEP screening day, please fill out this survey or contact Sarah Moynihan no later than November 13, 2025 to schedule a screening appointment time. She can be reached by phone at (617) 713-5473 or by email at sarah_moynihan@psbma.org.

Screenings will take place by appointment only at 194 Grove Street in Chestnut Hill.

Fall Family-Educator Conferences

Fall early release days (12:40pm dismissal) for family-educator conferences are coming up in November and December. Below are the dates of the early release days for the fall. Further details and specific information around signing up for conferences will be shared by your child’s teachers. Please note each early release day as some are just for students in grades K-6.

Thursday, November 6th: K-6 early dismissal at 12:40pm
Wednesday, November 12th: K-8 early dismissal at 12:40pm
Thursday, November 20th: K-8 early dismissal at 12:40pm
Wednesday, December 3rd: K-12 early dismissal at 12:40pm

From the Baker School Counselors: Independent/Private School Recommendations

Applying to independent/private schools can be an exciting time for families and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. Our school counselors and teachers are here to help guide families through this process and make sure everything is sent to the prospective school(s) on time. The attached guide includes important information about requesting recommendations, transcripts, and completing required forms.

To help us support your child(ren), please make all application requests as soon as possible and no later than Friday, November 14, 2025. This will ensure teachers and school counselors have plenty of time to complete everything your child(ren) needs for their application. If you have any questions, please contact your child(ren)’s school counselor. Their contact information is listed below.

Baker School Counselors:

Alexa Cuff, Grades K-2: alexa_cuff@psbma.org; 617-879-4518
Jeanette Sergeant, Grades 3-5: jeanette_sergeant@psbma.org; 617-879-4531
Katy Sazama, Grades 6-8: katy_sazama@psbma.org; 617-879-4515

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Independent-Private School Guide.pdf

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Cartwheel Parent/Caregiver Webinar Series

Cartwheel is offering a free yearlong webinar series designed to support student and family wellness and mental health. Each session features speakers sharing practical strategies on topics like anxiety, ADHD, healthy relationships, and more.

Please see the attached flyer for more information and to register for any of the webinars.

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Cartwheel Webinar Calendar 25-26.pdf

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Morning Arrival and Afternoon Dismissal Procedures

Morning Arrival

Students can enter the building starting at 7:55am, with classes beginning at 8:00am. If arriving late, please proceed to the Main Entrance for late check-in.
Be sure to adhere to grade level and waiting area protocols. Please review the attached Edith C. Baker School Entrance Map, if needed. There are designated entrances and waiting areas based on grade-levels and classrooms.
If you are dropping off your child(ren) in the front loop, please remember to pull all the way through the front loop before letting your child(ren) out of your vehicle. Be sure to have your child(ren) exit your vehicle on the right-hand side of your vehicle. Stay aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the Baker School personnel directing driveway traffic each morning.
Breakfast is served in the Edith C. Baker School cafeteria every morning before the start of school beginning at 7:30am. Students having breakfast are to meet at the Main Entrance door between 7:30am and 7:45am and will be brought to the cafeteria. Students arriving after 7:45am must wait outside at their grade level or classroom waiting area. Please review the attached Edith C. Baker School Entrance Map, if needed.

Afternoon Dismissal

All students are dismissed at 2:30pm on Mondays through Thursdays and at 1:40pm on Fridays. Students may only remain in the building after dismissal if they are participating in a supervised after-school activity.
Students will be dismissed from the same location used during morning arrival. Please review the attached Edith C. Baker School Entrance Map, if needed. There are designated entrances and waiting areas based on grade levels and classrooms. Students in kindergarten and grade 1 must be dismissed to an adult caregiver.

Parking

Please remember that the Faculty Parking Lot is reserved exclusively for faculty and staff during school hours, morning arrival, and afternoon dismissal. We kindly ask families and visitors to utilize the available parking along Beverly Road when dropping off and picking up students. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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Entrance Map 2025-2026.pdf

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