Welcome Back!

The first two weeks are in the books and the fun has just begun! While we are busy working on our routines and procedures in the classrooms and throughout the school, I am quite sure you are all working on your own family morning and afternoon procedures and routines. It always takes a little time to work through the kinks both at school and at home. Thank you for all you are doing to get the kids to school on time every day.

Most students are coming into the school building all on their own and have learned the routine independently. While parents are welcome in the building on the first day, and maybe a couple more days for our PK students, All students should now be coming into the school building without a parent at this time. We understand there are a few students who may still be struggling with the independence and we are here to help.

Tearful drop-offs are hard on both parents and children, but kids almost always settle down within minutes of a parent leaving. Arriving on time at school and doing your best to maintain a consistent routine can definitely help with the new transition back to school. Here are a few other tips that can help when trying to "make the break".

• Keep goodbyes fast: As hard as it can be, refrain from lingering or stalling, long farewells can increase anxiety.
• Acknowledge emotions: Say "I know it is hard to say goodbye" without turning it into a long conversation. (tricky one)
• Never sneak away: Always tell your child goodbye so they learn to trust that you leave and come back..
• Talk to the teacher or counselor: Let us know about the challenge so we can greet your child and offer comfort and/or a distraction.

Struggling With Crying During School Drop-off

As always, we are here for you, so please don't hesitate to reach out.

We are looking forward to meeting you all at Open House next week. Please read on for more information!

My best to all,

Mary

Open House Night is broken into two sessions for parents. Parents begin with a 10-15 minute session with the principals in the cafeteria, followed by 30 minutes in the classroom with the teacher.

Session 1

5:30-Parents of PK, K and 1-Meet in the Cafeteria

5:45-6:15-Parents of PK, K and 1 meet in classrooms with Teachers

Session 2

6:15-Parents of Grade 2 and 3 students Meet in the Cafeteria

6:30-7:00-Parents of Grade 2 and 3 students meet in classrooms with Teachers

*Parents who have children in both sessions do not need to attend the cafeteria session twice.

Helpful Reminders:

-Open House is for parents/guardians. (not a student event)

-Parking will be at a premium, please consider walking if you live close enough

-Please be sure to respect our neighbors driveways and yards when negotiating a parking space

-Typically Tower School parking lots are available for overflow parking, unfortunately, they have an event on the same evening so parking is not available at Tower this year.

The Brown School PTO is looking forward to meeting with new and seasoned Brown School parents. There are two upcoming in-person opportunities to connect with this incredible organization.

1. Friday morning Sept. 18 at 8:45-We welcome new and seasoned parents to our Fall Volunteer Coffee. Just check in to the Main Office and they will point you in the right direction!

2. Open House Night-Our PTO representatives will be on hand during Open House to answer any questions you may have or to help get you started on ways you can help the PTO continue its efforts to make Brown the best place for our kids to be!

And of course, please SAVE the DATE for the Brown School Social Event of the Season-The Monster Mash!!!

Volunteers have been working behind the scenes for weeks already to plan and prep for this incredible event for our kids and families, but we need YOU to help us pull this off! There are many opportunities for helping with set up or pack up. And, please consider donating JUST 20 MINUTES of your time on the evening of the event at a booth of your choice. Let's continue this tradition by coming together and making it the best one ever! Scan the QR code to sign up today!

They've done it again! Friends of Marblehead Public Schools has funded another grant that has our kids so excited! Many thanks to first grade teacher, Melissa McGuinnes who wrote a grant explaining the need to have a space for imaginative play on our upper playground. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held this week for Hoppy's Play Pad and our kids couldn't be happier! Many thanks to all involved in helping this come to fruition!

Lifetouch will again be school photographer this year. The order forms have been sent home with students in backpacks. Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. You can also place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTDQMZQ7.

Orders after Picture Day must be placed online on mylifetouch.com

Friday, September 18-PTO Brown Volunteer Coffee

Monday, September 21-NO SCHOOL-Yom Kippur

Thursday, September 24-OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, September 29-PICTURE DAY

Monday, October 12-NO SCHOOL-Indigenous People's Day

Friday, October 16-Monster Mash

Email: maxfield.mary@marbleheadschools.org
Website: https://www.marbleheadschools.org
Location: 40-41 Baldwin Road, Marblehead, MA, USA
Phone: (781) 639-3112