Brooks Community Update

From the desk of Mrs. Demos...

Happy New Year, and welcome back to school!

I hope the winter break provided time for rest, connection, and moments of joy with family and friends. As we begin 2026 together, I am grateful for the opportunity to return to a community grounded in care, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our students.

The start of a new year offers a natural moment to reflect and to look ahead. At Brooks, we remain focused on creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where students can continue to learn, grow, and thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Each day, I am inspired by the curiosity of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the partnership we share with families.

As we move forward, we look ahead with optimism and purpose, continuing to support one another and to build a strong, connected school community. Thank you for all that you do to make Brooks a place where children feel valued and excited to learn.

Wishing you a healthy, joyful, and successful 2026! We are so glad to welcome everyone back!

Warmly,
Shannon Demos
Principal

Kindergarten Registration Opens Today

Even though we are only approaching the halfway mark of the 2025/26 school year, it's not too early to begin thinking about our newest class of Mustang students! Kindergarten registration for the 2026/27 school year will open on Monday, January 5. Students who turn 5 years old before September 1, 2026 are eligible to enroll in Kindergarten for next school year. Visit Here to learn about the registration process and required documents.

To help educate families on the Kindergarten process and timeline, we will be hosting "Welcome to Kindergarten" information sessions throughout early 2026. Previously known as Building Bridges, Welcome to Kindergarten will inform caregivers on what students will learn in the classroom, how to connect with their new school communities, and where to find valuable resources.

The first Welcome to Kindergarten session will take place on Thursday, January 22 at Medford High School at 6:30 p.m. The Registration Office will be open until 6:30 p.m. that night to allow families to register for Kindergarten ahead of the meeting's start time.

Coffee with the Principals

Thursday, January 15th

8:30-9:15 AM

Morning Coffee with the Principals will be held in person in the PTO room.

We will be holding a PM session the first week of March to accommodate families who cannot make the morning time slot. Information regarding the PM session will be shared in a future newsletter.

From the Cafeteria...

Breakfast will be served in the cafe from 8:10 - 8:25 daily.

Students arriving after 8:25 will need to take the breakfast as a grab and go to have at snack time.

Students arriving by bus will go straight to the cafe when they enter the building.

Breakfast and Lunch Menu

https://www.mps02155.org/students-families/school-breakfast-and-lunch

Arrival Reminders:

Students must be supervised by an adult until 8:10 AM.
Staff report to their arrival duty at 8:10 at the loop and Auburn Street door.
No dogs on school property at any time.

Upcoming Important Dates...

Coffee with the Principals

Thursday, January 15th from 8:30-9:15 in the PTO room.

Early Release Dates

February 4, 2026 - Noon Dismissal for Kindergarten Report Card Conferences

NO SCHOOL

January 19th - MLK, Jr. Day
February 16th - 20th - Winter Break
March 20th - Eid Al-Fitr
April 20th - 24th Spring Break
May 25th Memorial Day

Full Day Professional Development (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS)

January 20, 2026
March 3, 2026

Read-A-Thon

February 27th – March 13th

Scholastic Book Fair

March 23rd - March 27th in the library.

2025-2026 MCAS Dates

ELA (March 23–April 17)

Grade 3- 4/7, 4/8
Grade 4- 3/31, 4/1
Grade 5- 4/9, 4/10

Math (April 27–May 22)

Grade 3- 5/5, 5/6
Grade 4 - 5/12, 5/13
Grade 5 - 5/7, 5/8

STE (April 27–May 22)

Grade 5- 5/14, 5/15

ACCESS Window

January 7–February 13

Parent/Caregiver Teacher Conferences

For Students Grade K

February 4th

Anticipated Last Day of School

June 17th (with no snow days)

Stay Updated & Contact Information...

https://www.mps02155.org/ (District website)

https://www.mps02155.org/about/printable-school-calendar

https://brooks.mps02155.org/ (Brooks website)

781-393-2166 Main Office Line

Mrs. Shannon Demos, Principal

Mr. Alessandro Cornelio, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Michelle Hardy, Secretary