The Braintree Buzz
Principal's Update
As you'll see in this week's Braintree Buzz, we had a wonderful week full of enrichment opportunities for Braintree students!
Students in grades 3-6 have been working hard on their Cognia math, reading, and science assessments. While just one measure of many, they've learned so much this year, and it's a great chance to "show what they know".
Please look at the important dates section of our newsletter - there is a lot going on at the end of the year! A reminder that Tuesday is a half day and we will dismiss at 11:05.
Happy Mother's Day to all Braintree moms and other caregivers!
Morgan Toney Concert
Thanks to a community partnership with the BarnArts Center for the Arts, we welcomed First Nations artist Morgan Toney to Braintree on Thursday. Morgan, joined by guitarist Keith, first led a workshop for intermediate students to learn dances and instruments. Then, we had a whole-school performance. Students danced, sang, and learned from Morgan about the importance of music to the Mi'kmaq people.
Student-Led Math Investigation
During a math chat about the number of days in a school year, first grader Ramona posed a question: What grade would you be in after 1,000 days of school?
The question sparked a lot of interesting conversation in the class, but the first graders quickly realized they needed help. So they called on some fantastic 3rd graders. They joined forces to solve the problem! In the coming weeks, older kids are going to have a go too, and then compare their strategies for solving.
Yoga Tuesdays
Thanks to a generous grant received by our family council, Partners in Education, we were able to invite Deonne Myrick to teach yoga during PE for 5 Tuesdays! Deonne will also be visiting classrooms for chair yoga, mindfulness, and other activities that support students' whole selves in school.
Guest Readers
Alex and Bruce from the Randolph Sunrise Rotary Club delivered personalized books to kindergarten and first grade students, and then stayed to read a story to Ms. Richards and Ms. K's classes.
Waking Up the Gardens
Farmer Anne was back on Monday to wake up our garden beds. Students weeded and planted in raised beds. Can't wait to see the flowers, potatoes, and other veggies popping up soon!
Staff Appreciation Week
Thanks to Partners in Education and generous donations from Realtor Shannon Freeman, Gear House, Motio Rec, and Chimney Savers, Braintree staff got some well-earned pampering, including a yoga session with Deonne and hand massages! Thank you to the many families who gave our teachers a little extra love this week!
Spring Concert
Thanks to everyone for coming to the primary grades' spring music concert!
Graduation Slideshow
The 6th grade students are creating a slideshow for graduation! It would be great if each graduate could collect 10-15 photos celebrating their accomplishments throughout elementary school. No naked baby pics, please.
Please send any photos to Ms. Emma ejanicki@orangesouthwest.org . If a student has paper photos they can bring them to school to be scanned. If you have any questions please email kbranstetter@orangesouthwest.org.
Looking for Braintree Clothing? Order here!
Important Dates
May 16 - Half Day for Students - 11:05 Dismissal
May 17 - Grade 6 4H Field Trip
May 26 - Half Day for Students - 11:05 Dismissal
May 29 - Memorial Day - No School
June 1 - Music in Our Schools Concert - 6pm RUHS
June 8 - Intermediate Field Trip
June 12 - Family Fun Night! 6pm Braintree School
June 14 - All School Field Trip
June 14 - Preschool Celebration 10:15am
June 15 - Last Day of Preschool
June 15 - Intermediate Skits Time TBD
June 16 - K-3 Field Day, 4-6 Fishing & Swimming Trip
June 19 - Sixth Grade Graduation - 6pm Braintree Multipurpose Room
June 20 - Last Day of School - Half Day for Students - 11:05 Dismissal