Roland Hayes School

Our North Star

“When children and teachers feel engaged, safe, and supported we have room to grow and learn through collaboration and risk-taking with our peers.”

Previous "Community Notes" can be found here: https://www.brookline.k12.ma.us/domain/718

The "Community Notes" is sent every other week. Thanks for reading!

Learn more about Roland Hayes here, from our own Young Scholars!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MyhdW04fd4

Back To School Staff Appreciation Lunch

The Staff Appreciation lunch last week was a wonderful gift to our team. For veteran teachers who have enjoyed this tradition in the past, it is a comfort and reliable celebration to look forward to. What I really love is watching NEW staff members as they walk into the luncheon space – their eyes become wide and they can't really believe what is happening. So much delicious food! Moments like these completely affirm why they accepted the job offer!

10,000 thanks to Anabelle and Robin for taking on the event and sincere appreciation to all of the families who cook, donate, set up, and clean up. It really makes a huge difference at Hayes School!

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Our Back to School Social on September 5th was out of this world! Thanks to everyone who did the heavy lifting of making this annual event a great event. Our Middle School Media Team (lead by the intrepid Janice) took these great photos for us:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YAxcz1VdpF6ciKMfA

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No Dogs on Campus

We ask that you leave dogs at home when you visit campus. Dogs and children together can be an unpredictable mix. Plus, we have a number of students who are afraid of dogs.

From our handbook:

"Please do not bring your dog’s onto campus. We have several students who are afraid of dogs, dogs have been in fights with each other, several students in the past few years have been attacked by dogs while on campus, and many dog owners have not picked up after their dogs. Therefore, please leave your dogs at home.

If you have your dog with you, in an effort to make Roland Hayes School as safe as possible for us all, we ask that:

• Dogs remain under the control of a responsible adult at all times and away from all student activity.

• Dogs do not enter the school. If you have a service dog in your care or your dog is a part of an event, please check with the main office to make the proper arrangements for entering the building.

• If you bring your dog along at morning drop-off, please stay with your leashed dog and say goodbye to your children off campus. If you bring your leashed dog to pick-up in the afternoon, please make a plan to meet your child at a location away from other activities.

Dogs must be leashed at all times if on school property.

Working together, we can help ensure Roland Hayes remains a safe school in which all children can thrive."

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New Parking Signage and Patterns in Front of School

Please note the new traffic pattern and signage in the front of the school. In short, DO NOT park or idle in the yellow zone at drop off or pick up.

Two More Open House Events Next Week: Grade 5 and Middle School

We are excited to have you in the school and see where your kids spend so much of their lives!

1. Please see the schedule below for when your child's Open House Event is occurring.
2. Come to the front of school and enter through the front entrance; at 8:15 families will be able to walk to their child's classroom.
3. Each classroom hosts their own Open House session

Because of scheduling, we are not able to have you meet our many, many Specialists at these events. We encourage you to learn more about some important members of our team here: Meet the Specialists!

*** 3F Open House is now Oct. 3 at 8:15

This is a friendly reminder that School Picture Day is coming up on September 29th. Please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately (tuxedo not required, but it has happed! 😀) and ready for their photo. Information on ordering pictures is coming soon! Or, order pictures here: https://www.coffeepond.com/

We strive to offer clubs and activities that help feel our students feel seen, connected, and accepted. Here are the clubs we currently offer our students here at Hayes School:

• AAPI Affinity Group (Grades 6-8, for students of Asian American Pacific Islander descent). Contact: Hang Yee "Grace" Hung

• GSA (Grades 6-8). Contact: Sara O'Shea and/or David Chaet

• Math League (Grades 4-8). Contact: Kirtan Patel

• METCO Connections (all METCO students welcome). Contact: Nancy Dillon

• Middle School Play (Grades 6-8, Spring). Contact: Sara O'Shea and/or Elyse Terry

• Model UN (Grades 6-8). Contact: Elyse Terry

• Rainbow Club (Grades 3-5). Contact: Alissa Ovadia, Ellen Mills, and/or Lauren Stewart

• Ski Club (Grades 5-8, Winter only). Contact: Matt Durant

• Student Council (Grades 4-8). Contact: Kirtan Patel

• Yearbook Committee (Grade 8). Contact: Melissa Mooradian and/or David Chaet

• Young Scholars (Grades 3-8, for Black and Latine students). Contact: Tatiana Beckwith and/or Karen Shashoua

Staff emails are firstname_lastname@psbma.org

Need to speak with your child's teacher? Here are their office hours: link

Be sure to reach out in advance, make an appointment, and let the teacher know in brief what you'd like to discuss.

Field Day 2025 Wishlist! We need your help getting some supplies for the big day. The link is here. Field Day is Thursday Sept 25th (Rain date Friday Sept 26th). An amazing day when students Pre-K-8 and staff come together to celebrate our amazing school! A day filled with laughter, movement, joy, teambuilding, and community. Please bring items in by Monday Sept 22nd rather than on Field Day. This helps us know if we have what we need before the big day.

If you purchase an item please label it "Field Day" and drop it off at the drop off table (located when you walk in the main entrance of the school). If the link to the item is no longer available something similar works great! Thank you for your help! It is so appreciated!

Attendance Matters

When students are absent, they miss out on both classroom learning and valuable social interactions. In middle school especially, grades can drop quickly if work isn’t made up. Missed assignments are often marked as zero, and while each teacher has their own policy, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate and arrange for any make-up work.

We understand that illness can play a major factor in student attendance. Please let us know when your child is sick. Absences due to illness, with communication, are excused. Keeping us informed helps us maintain accurate records and offer any needed support.

When Your Child is Absent—We Notice

We miss your child when they’re not at school—and they miss out, too. School is where students grow academically and socially. Missing school means missing instruction and falling behind in peer relationships, which can be hard to rebuild.

A Few Important Reminders

• Family vacations are considered unexcused absences. These count toward chronic absenteeism and can negatively impact grades in Grades 6–8.

• Unexcused absences contribute to learning loss and social disconnection across all grades, affecting skills like self-regulation and sense of belonging.

• Tardiness matters. If your child arrives after 8:00 a.m., they are marked tardy. Chronic tardiness is recorded on a student’s permanent record and may affect future opportunities, including private school applications.
  For example: being just 5 minutes late every day adds up to 15 hours of missed school over the year.

What Counts as an Excused Absence

• Death in the family

• Verified doctor visit

• Documented illness or injury

• Nurse dismissal

• Religious holiday

• Court or legal matters

• Extenuating circumstances (approved by school administration)

All other absences are considered unexcused.

The Support Team

Who can you reach out to if your child is in need of specific, targeted support to access school:

• David Chaet, School Counselor (3rd-8th), david_chaet@psbma.org
• Alissa Ovadia, School Counselor, K-2, alissa_ovadia@psbma.org
• Carolyn Magnanti, School Adjustment Counselor K-8, carolyn_magnanti@psbma.org
• Gail Corcoran, School Nurse, gail_corcoran@psbma.org

All absences, regardless of reason, must be reported daily to the Main Office Team at 617-879-4570.

Please help us support your child’s growth and success by prioritizing regular, on-time attendance. We’re here to help—if you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out.

For more PTO news and events, please visit: https://www.hayespto.org/newsletters/22351

As the year progresses, we will use this space to highlight work happening in our classrooms. Stay tuned!

September is:

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct 15)

Rosh Hashanah is September 22nd-24th - Shanah Tovah!

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• Monday, September 22nd: Grade 5 Open House, 8:15-9:15am

• Monday, September 22nd: Model UN, 11:15am-12:00pm

• Tuesday, September 23rd: School Closed: Rosh Hashanah (Category 1 Holiday)

• Wednesday, September 24th: Middle School Math Club + Grade 4-5, 2:40-3:45pm

• Thursday, September 25th: Field Day!, 8:00am-2:30pm

• Thursday, September 25th: Young Scholars, 2:35-3:35pm

• Friday, September 26th: Field Day! (RAIN DATE)

• Friday, September 26th: PEP, 8:00-8:32am

• Friday, September 26th: PTO Meeting, 8:05-9:35am

• Monday, September 29th: Picture Day

• Monday, September 29th: Model UN, 11:15am-12:00pm

• Tuesday, September 30th: HOLD: Middle School Open House, 8:15-9:45am

• Tuesday, September 30th: GSA, 10:35-11:12am

• Tuesday, September 30th: Faculty Meeting, 2:45-3:45pm

• Wednesday, October 1st: PreK-Ta Open House, 8:15-9:15am

• Wednesday, October 1st: AAPI Affinity Group, 10:35-11:15am

• Wednesday, October 1st: Middle School Math Club + Grade 4-5, 2:40-3:45pm

• Thursday, October 2nd: School Closed: Yom Kippur (Category 1 Holiday)

• Friday, October 3rd: Term 1: Midpoint for Grades 6-8 IPR

• Friday, October 3rd: 3F Open House, 8:15-9:00am

• Monday, October 6th: Model UN, 11:15am-12:00pm

• Tuesday, October 7th: GSA, 10:35-11:12am

• Wednesday, October 8th: Middle School Math Club + Grade 4-5, 2:40-3:45pm

• Thursday, October 9th: Young Scholars, 2:35-3:35pm

• Friday, October 10th: Term 1: Grades 6-8 IPR Published

• Friday, October 10th: PEP, 8:00-8:32am

• Friday, October 10th: Art Barn Presentation for Grades 1-3, Auditorium, 8:30-9:15am

• Friday, October 10th: Art Barn Presentation for Grades 4-6, Auditorium, 9:45-10:30am

Field Trips:

Wednesday, October 1st: 8th Grade Field Trip to Great Esker Park, 8:15am-2:00pm

Marijuana Prevention: Understanding Risks, Building Resilience

October 22nd, 2025

6:00 PM to 7:00 PM over Zoom (registration below)

This presentation is designed to educate parents on the risks and consequences associated with marijuana use, particularly during adolescence. Through a combination of current research, real-life stories, and interactive discussion, participants will explore the effects of marijuana on the brain, academic performance, mental health, and decision-making. The presentation also addresses myths and misconceptions, peer pressure, and the impact of legalization on youth. Students will gain practical strategies for making healthy choices, resisting pressure, and supporting friends who may be struggling. Empowering and age-appropriate, this session encourages critical thinking and personal responsibility while promoting a drug-free lifestyle.

About the Speaker

Cory Mashburn, M.Ed., has over 20 years expertise in the field of prevention services and more than 25 years’ experience working with youth and people with disabilities. He has overseen the planning and implementation of prevention programs within communities and schools in the New England Region, including substance use and abuse, bullying, cyber safety, and human rights. In addition, Cory has developed multiple health and wellness curricula in schools across the state of Massachusetts. He holds master’s degrees in educational leadership, project management and criminal justice, in addition to his bachelor’s degree in recreational management. As the father of two young children, he understands the importance of equipping youth, their parents, and their communities with the knowledge and skills to enable young people to become the best version of themselves.

Registration

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uX4j6ODTQ4OM7WSZWgPwqw

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Do you have a girl in grades 3-5? Then check out GOTR! This has been a super popular program here and we are hopeful for a great crop of new and returning runners. Give it a shot!

Walnut Street in Brookline is literally on an ancient Indigenous path, only blocks from where a tribal village, burial ground and planting field once were. But the town has little evident memory of the native Massachusett people who were violently dispossessed of the land four centuries ago by white English settlers and their militia. Even today, an Indigenous woman lies in an unmarked grave in the Walnut Street Cemetery (Old Burying Ground). But Brookline also has a history of activists and allies who stood up against racist policies. It’s time to tell the full story of Brookline’s history.

Called by a long-neglected need for repair, Jody Leader and Paul McLean lead free walking tours of Indigenous history in Brookline.

We hope you will join us. Our next tours are scheduled for:

• SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 3pm

Footprints is written and conducted by Paul and Jody, husband and wife, members of the Town of Brookline’s Indigenous People’s Celebration Committee, UU Mass Action, and First Parish in Brookline, Unitarian-Universalist. We are former newspaper reporters. Sources include indigenous authors and local historians such as Barbara Brown (Hidden Brookline) and Thomas Green (Massachusett tribal nation), who is a local historian and part of the Tribal Council of the Massachuset at Ponkapoag. We incorporate poetry, essays, some seed distribution (!), and much more. We regularly update the script with new discoveries and welcome feedback and suggestions.

We’ve given the tour about 12 times in the past few years and it has been well received. It is about 1 mile in length with some hills and wooded paths. Plan on 2 hours.

Please email us at brooklinefootprints@gmail.com or register on our website, https://brooklinefootprints.com/ You are encouraged to bring friends and others you think would be interested. Please have them register with us directly so we can keep track of the number on the tour. Alternatively, if you have a group of at least four people (20 max) that you would like to take the tour, please contact us and we can set a date that is mutually agreeable. The tour is free.

We will cancel the tour in the event of inclement weather.

Thank you for your interest!

Here is our website: https://brooklinefootprints.com/

Another week in the books! We are off to such a strong start this year and for that I am grateful.

Autumn begins on Monday; the Rosh Hashanah holiday begins then, too. No matter how you mark the occasions, may they be a time of well deserved connection, relaxation, and joy.

~ Asa

This parcel of land that our school sits upon is a special and sacred place.

Before this place was a Town, before our school was here, before this neighborhood was called “The Settlement” or “Chestnut Hill,” and before this land was a farm, this land was held by the Massachusett, the people Indigenous to this place. The Massachusett were the caretakers of this site, living full lives, raising families, and burying their dead right here. We recognize and honor this history, and seek to create thoughtful land stewards and citizens for generations to come.

As a public school, our primary objective is to ensure access, membership, and participation of all community members in our care; with this land acknowledgment we state our willingness to work towards that vision where all feel a true and abiding sense of belonging.

Roland Hayes School

The Public Schools Of Brookline | A METCO Partnership School

Dr. Asa Sevelius, Ed.D. | Principal

Email: asa_sevelius@psbma.org

Pronouns: he/him

Mr. Kirtan Patel | Vice Principal

Email: kirtan_patel@psbma.org

Pronouns: he/him

Website: https://www.brookline.k12.ma.us/Page/17
Location: 100 Eliot Street, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467
Phone: 617-879-4570