Brown School Buzz

As a veteran principal, there's not much that surprises me anymore. However, the passage of time in a school year never ceases to amaze me. With the first day of April just 1 day away (and all that comes with elementary students' April Fools pranks), I sit once again surprised by the passage of the 25-26 school year. Indeed, trimester three is now underway and we have thoughts of spring activities and warmer weather on the brain.

Report cards for trimester two learning were made accessible in Aspen on Friday, March 27. Though we have had the standards based format in place for more than two years, it may still feel a bit new for some families. As you review your child's academic and social-emotional progress, please be sure to also review the attendance data. The typical illnesses have made the rounds this winter, which has certainly contributed to the absentee numbers, however, vacations and events have also been a bit higher than usual. I have included some information later in this newsletter about how the Massachusetts Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) calculates absenteeism.

If you find you need clarification or have any questions about any part of your child's report card, please reach out to the classroom teacher. Our teachers are more than happy to help you navigate the report to ensure a common understanding.

Thank you all for your continued support of the Brown School.

Wishing a Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all who celebrate this week.

Mary

Over the past few years, we, like many districts, have noticed an increase in absenteeism. Most districts send out alerts to parents whose children have had an unusual number of absences. We typically sent these letters in January and then again at the end of the third trimester. Recently, our Assistant Principal Matt Manfredi, sent letters to parents of students who had excessive absences.

Some of the most common questions parents ask about attendance include: What qualifies as a half day absence and what is a dismissal? What qualifies as an excused absence? What qualifies as an unexcused absence? Illness and health appointments are considered excused. Vacations, tough weekends, and time with family are regarded as unexcused. Chronic absenteeism usually occurs when a student has a few unexcused days because of a vacation, and then needs to take a few days during the year due to illness. It is interesting that the Massachusetts Education Department does not distinguish between the two.

Being present for instruction whenever possible is critical. Please know we are willing to work with you if your child struggles with coming to school. Our counselors can help with tough transitions in the morning. Also, if you are struggling to make the decision about whether or not to send your child to school, our school nurse is also available to consult with you.

We thank you for understanding how important classroom instruction from our professional educators is to your child's learning progress.

We are so fortunate to have some very empowered Marblehead girls working on their Silver Award as Girl Scout Cadettes. In hopes of doing their part to reduce screen time and increase outdoor playtime, they are working hard to provide a free after school opportunity for elementary students at Brown.

Here are the details:

The parents of our third graders are invited to begin the transition to fourth grade in April. Village School will be hosting an Informational Open House on Thursday, April 30th at 6:00 PM in the Village Auditorium! Current third grade parents and caregivers who will be entering Village School this fall as fourth graders should plan on attending. Meet Village School Principal, Mr. Williams, members of the fourth grade team, and fourth grade teacher leaders to learn all about fourth grade at Village! This is a parent only event - students will have the opportunity to visit Village during the day on Tuesday, May 12th!

The students in grades 1-3 did a rockstar job at their concert last week! The food inspired artwork on display was also outstanding! Special thanks to Music teacher, Ms. D'Amour and art teacher, Ms. H for all their hard work. Thank you to all the families who were able to come out and show your support!

The Marblehead Mom's Co-Op Annual Pop-Up Shops are happening on Thursday, April 9th 6pm-10pm and Friday, April 10th 6pm-10pm

The Pop-Up Shops feature a collection of 20+ local vendors & artists. Shoppers can peruse jewelry to clothing to original artwork and so much more.

100% of the proceeds raised go to the Friends of Marblehead Public School. Last year, we were able to raise nearly $20,000. With your support, we'd love to beat that this year!

Please join us for the shopping event of the season all while raising money for our schools!

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit here.

Thank you to all of the brave students, community members and parents who shared their musicality with us in the lobby this month. It was a great month filled with joyful sounds! Here are just a few of the folks who entertained us and made our lobby so incredibly joyful this month!

April 3-Early Release NOON - Good Friday

April 7-8-Grade 3 ELA MCAS

April 20-24-NO SCHOOL-April Vacation

April 30-Grade 3 Parents/Caregivers only Orientation at Village School

May 4-Kindergarten Concert

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Email: maxfield.mary@marbleheadschools.org
Website: https://www.marbleheadschools.org
Location: 40-42 Baldwin Road, Marblehead, MA, USA
Phone: 7816393112