Happy Sunday, 6th Grade Families,

We have a short but meaningful week ahead with only four school days. The weather forecast looks great, which means outdoor recess is on! Our students enjoy being outside, getting fresh air, and having a break with their friends—and we love seeing them have that time to connect and recharge.

That said, I want to share a gentle reminder: while outdoor time is fun, it can also lead to occasional conflicts between students. If your child experiences any issues—whether it’s feeling left out, being spoken to unkindly, or anything else—I encourage them to let me know. I’m always present at outdoor recess, not just to supervise, but also to support students and help them navigate challenges in the moment.

Recently, I’ve noticed a rise in mean-spirited behavior, including exclusion and hurtful language. Please know: if a student reports that they are being bullied, I am legally obligated to investigate—and I take that responsibility very seriously. I also understand that many students worry about being seen as “snitching.” I respect their feelings and handle these reports with discretion.

At our school, we prioritize safety, respect, and belonging. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported at school. That includes addressing both bullying and the teasing that can come from reporting it. As I like to say: "Snitches don’t get stitches here—they help keep our community safe."

It is truly a joy to work with your children. Sixth grade was one of my favorite grades to teach, and I understand that this transition from elementary to middle school can be full of growing pains. But believe it or not—we are in the final stretch. There are only eight weeks left of the school year!

We’ve come so far, and I’m proud of the growth we’ve seen. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to support our students in becoming kind, confident, and responsible members of our Evanston community.

Warm regards,

Ms. Brunson

Last Friday, Teacher K and Ms. Galliani led an exciting and interactive math lesson focused on adding and subtracting integers. To help students truly grasp the concept, they used real-life scenarios to bring the math to life.

Teacher K created fun and relatable situations, such as: "You’re playing a video game and gain 2 lives, but then lose 3—where are you on the number line?" Students were then asked to physically demonstrate their understanding by moving their bodies to the correct position on a large vertical number line in the hallway. Once in position, each student wrote the corresponding equation on the whiteboard—for example, +2 – 3 = -1.

Every student had a chance to participate, combining physical movement with critical thinking. This hands-on strategy made the abstract concept of integer operations more concrete, engaging, and memorable for students. It’s a great example of how learning can be both fun and effective.

If your child is in Teacher K’s class, ask them about this activity—they’ll likely have something to share!

We’re thrilled to have Teacher K on our team this year. As a first-year teacher, they bring fresh energy, innovative teaching strategies, and a genuine enthusiasm for both math and student growth. Their passion for the subject and dedication to student success are truly inspiring.

Greetings Fellow Parents and Caregivers,

Our week 2 focus involved consideration of a "blueprint", or guide, for the path a life will take.

We watched and discussed a speech Dr. King delivered to a group of middle school students in Philadelphia just months before his assassination.

Dr. King challenged each of them to consider the vision they have for their life. The blueprint for realizing a worthwhile vision includes having a belief in oneself and a determination to persevere through challenges.

The Risers then broke into small groups and shared their respective blueprints. It was heartening to listen to so many bold plans.

We concluded the discussion with a reminder that the path to manhood will require choosing to avoid situations and people that prevent them from achieving their life goals. When confronted with such a choice, we reminded them that anything worth having is on the other side of hard.

As always, thank you for trusting us with your children. We look forward to seeing them next weekend.

-John Brownlee,

Founder and President

Black SonRise