Brown Elementary Update

As we move into spring, we are looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming Family-Teacher Conferences on April 8 and April 15. These are wonderful opportunities to connect with your child's teacher, celebrate progress, and partner together to support your student's growth.

Making the Most of Your Conference

To help you get the most out of this time, here are some concrete suggestions:

Before the Conference:

• Jot down questions — Write down specific topics you'd like to discuss (e.g., reading level, math concepts, social-emotional development, behavior)
• Ask your child — Have a conversation with them about what they're enjoying and what feels challenging
• Bring any relevant information — If you have concerns about learning, behavior, or home situations affecting school, share these with the teacher

During the Conference:

• Listen actively — Teachers have valuable insights from daily classroom observation
• Share observations — Tell the teacher about your child's interests, strengths, and challenges at home
• Ask specific questions — "What can I do to support this at home?" is far more helpful than general questions
• Take notes — Write down key points and any action steps discussed

After the Conference:

• Follow up at home — Implement any strategies discussed; consistency between school and home makes a real difference
• Celebrate wins — Share positive feedback with your child to boost confidence
• Check in with the teacher — If new concerns arise, don't wait for the next conference—reach out!

Thank you for your partnership in your child's education. These conferences are most powerful when families and educators work together!

In Partnership,

Dr. Even

Testing Schedule

Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

• Grade 4 ELA: March 31st and April 1st
• Grade 3 ELA: April 7th and April 9th
• Grade 3 Math: May 6th and May 7th
• Grade 4 Math: May 12 and May 14th

Supporting Your Child Through Testing

Testing can feel like a big milestone, and we know that your support at home makes a real difference in helping our students feel confident and prepared. We'd like to share some ways you can help your child succeed during this important time.

In the days leading up to testing, we encourage you to talk positively with your child about what's ahead. Frame testing as a chance to show what they've learned rather than something to stress about. You can also help by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule—aim for 8 to 10 hours each night—and encouraging healthy eating habits.

On test days please, send your child with a full, nutritious breakfast to fuel their focus and energy. Arrive on time to reduce any anxiety, and keep the morning calm and unhurried. A relaxed start sets a positive tone for the day. Most importantly, remind your child to do their best—and let them know that's all you ask of them.

Throughout this time, we encourage you to stay positive and trust that our teachers have prepared your child well. Children are very perceptive and often pick up on our attitudes, so your confidence in them truly matters. Try to keep routines as normal as possible, sticking to regular bedtimes, meals, and activities.

We're Here to Help

If you have any questions about testing dates, accommodations, or additional ways to support your child, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's classroom teacher or our office. We're proud of all our students and look forward to seeing them do their best!

Congratulations to the students who earned PAWSitive office referrals for demonstrating our PAWS core values in the last two weeks: Camryn from Ms. Kelleher's class, Mateo from Ms. Zeliger's class, Anna from Ms. Persechini's class, Nina from Ms. Culverhouse's class, Sanukshika from Ms. Quimby's class, and Aarya and Sanuka from Ms. Schmid's class.

Thank you for your support of Down Syndrome Awareness Day. The students were very interested in learning about Down Syndrome. It was a great opportunity to reinforce the importance of celebrating our diversity and making sure everyone feels respected and included. Ms. McGinty's class took a picture of all of their unique socks to commemorate the day!

If your child has illness symptoms:

• Please keep your child home and refer to the Reasons To Keep Your Child Home From School guidelines.

Reminder to parents:

Students will be going outside if we are not experiencing severe weather. Please pack appropriately for outdoor play, including boots, coats, snowpants, waterproof gloves/mittens and hats, as well as a change of clothes to be kept in their backpacks in case they get wet while playing.

Hydration:

Please send your child with a water bottle each day. It is important to hydrate even in the colder months!

Also: If anyone has any extra hand-me-down pants that they could contribute to the clinic for “emergency” situations, the nurses would greatly appreciate it!

There will be no school on Friday April 3 in observance of Good Friday.

Wednesday April 8th is an early release day for conferences. Please make arrangements for a 12:15 dismissal time. Please enter any changes in pick-up patrol no later than 11:30AM.

Drop-off begins at 8:20. For the safety of all Brown students, please confirm that a staff member is on duty prior to letting your child out of the car.

Make sure to update your default pick up plans in Pick Up Patrol (PUP). Any daily changes to your default plan must be entered on PUP by 1:30PM (11:30 on early release days). Please help us ensure that dismissal is safe and efficient for all Brown students!

March 30 & April 1 - MCAS Grade 4 ELA

April 3 - No School - Good Friday

April 7 & April 9: MCAS Grade 3 ELA

April 8 - Early Release: Conferences

April 15 - Early Release - Conferences

May 6 and May 7: MCAS Grade 3 Math

May 12 & May14: MCAS Grade 4 Math

Please see the flyer below for food resources available in the community. Please use this link to access live links and translations.

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5