A Note From Edith

As we welcome the official start of winter today, we are looking ahead to several meaningful moments in the days to come. Our annual Winter Assembly is just around the corner and promises to be a wonderful celebration of our students’ talents and school spirit. With the December break approaching and the end of 2025 in sight, this is a natural time to reflect on all that our community has accomplished and to express gratitude to those who have supported us in times of need. We look forward to finishing the year strong and sharing these special experiences together.

Earlier this month our school nurses shared a health update about an increase in flu and strep cases, along with a small number of pertussis cases. Please find attached below the letter and two handouts which provide some helpful information about symptoms, prevention, and when to keep students home from school. If you have any questions, please reach out to our school nurses at (617) 879-4515 or by email at ellyn_mulock@psbma.org or diane_purcell@psbma.org.

Last June, our graduating 8th graders wore purple “Be a Buddy” shirts to honor their beloved math teacher, Mr. Goldstein. The shirt design, now also available as a sweatshirt, is based on a student sketch from Mr. Goldstein’s whiteboard. Purple was his favorite color and “Be a Buddy” were words he lived by.

This fundraiser, organized by Baker’s 7/8 GSA with support from the Baker School PTO, will help fund student activities that were especially meaningful to Mr. Goldstein.

If you choose to pick up your order at Baker, please plan to collect your order at Baker School on Thursday, January 15th between 2:45pm and 4:15pm.

For more information and to place your order, please see the attached handout.

The Brookline Teen Center is launching Session 2 of its after school program for 4th and 5th graders! The program will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays until January 29th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Brookline Teen Center.

Students will enjoy healthy snacks, receive homework help, and take part in engaging enrichment activities like STEM, art, music, cooking, and sports. The program is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment that combines academics, mentorship, and enrichment.

Morning Arrival

• Students can enter the building starting at 7:55am, with classes beginning at 8:00am. If arriving late, please proceed to the Main Entrance for late check-in.

• Be sure to adhere to grade level and waiting area protocols. Please review the attached Edith C. Baker School Entrance Map, if needed. There are designated entrances and waiting areas based on grade-levels and classrooms.

• If you are dropping off your child(ren) in the front loop, please remember to pull all the way through the front loop before letting your child(ren) out of your vehicle. Be sure to have your child(ren) exit your vehicle on the right-hand side of your vehicle. Stay aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the Baker School personnel directing driveway traffic each morning.

• Breakfast is served in the Edith C. Baker School cafeteria every morning before the start of school beginning at 7:30am. Students having breakfast are to meet at the Main Entrance door between 7:30am and 7:45am and will be brought to the cafeteria. Students arriving after 7:45am must wait outside at their grade level or classroom waiting area. Please review the attached Edith C. Baker School Entrance Map, if needed.

Afternoon Dismissal

• All students are dismissed at 2:30pm on Mondays through Thursdays and at 1:40pm on Fridays. Students may only remain in the building after dismissal if they are participating in a supervised after-school activity.

• Students will be dismissed from the same location used during morning arrival. Please review the attached Edith C. Baker School Entrance Map, if needed. There are designated entrances and waiting areas based on grade levels and classrooms. Students in kindergarten and grade 1 must be dismissed to an adult caregiver.

Parking