Penn Brook Elementary School
Weeks of December 15th and 22nd
From the Penn Brook Administration
Dear Penn Brook families,
As we head into the final stretch before December vacation, we want to share a few closing thoughts for the week. Our students have worked hard, supported one another, and brought a wonderful sense of energy to our school as we wrap up this part of the year. These last days before break are always filled with excitement, and it has been a joy to see our classrooms buzzing with creativity and seasonal spirit.
Please take a moment to review any updates from your child’s teacher regarding upcoming projects, materials coming home, or important dates when we return in January. We want everyone to come back refreshed and ready for a strong start to the new year.
As we enter a season filled with many traditions, I want to extend warm wishes to all who will be celebrating a holiday in the coming weeks. May your celebrations bring joy, connection, and meaningful time with loved ones.
We hope the upcoming break provides your family with time to relax, recharge, and enjoy time together. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful vacation.
Warm regards,
Penn Brook Administration - (978) 352-5785
Principal - Beth Benoit
Assistant Principals - Amy Wahl and Kate Donlin
Early Childhood Coordinator - Shannon Tenney
Penn Brook Office Dianne Collins and Jeannine Dion
Nurse - Collen Wilson and Zinta Gulens
Social, Emotional and Behavioral Learning
Penn Brook Curriculum
Georgetown Public Schools DCAP (District Curriculum Accommodation Plan)
The Georgetown Public Schools DCAP is based upon the language in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 38Q1/2 . This law requires that each school district in Massachusetts develop and implement a District Curriculum Accommodation Plan, or DCAP. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that “...all efforts have been made to meet students’ needs in general education.” The plan acts as a guide to administrators and teachers as they analyze and accommodate a wide variety of learning needs within the general education classroom. The plan also defines available resources within the school system and suggests how to utilize these resources. An effective DCAP encourages staff collaboration, mentoring and parental involvement.
This document is an instructional guide for teachers and administrators. Its use ensures a system-wide, uniform approach to the process of:
a) identifying general education students with specific learning needs,
b) selecting and utilizing accommodations focused on student improvement and achievement, and
c) assisting in the implementation of state law, Chapter 71, Section 38Q1/2.
The purpose of the DCAP is to ensure the shared commitment and responsibility of all staff members to help each student reach their personal goals by cultivating an environment that responds to the needs of diverse learners. In alignment with the mission of the Georgetown Public Schools, all students will be held to high standards in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment that allows students to build knowledge, skills and competencies to become resilient and productive community members.
Teachers offer a variety of scaffolds and accommodations within the general education classrooms. Scaffolds and accommodations are changes in how students gain access to information and demonstrate learning. They do not change the instructional level, content, or performance criteria. Such changes are made to provide students with equitable access to learning along with an equitable opportunity to be able to show what they know or can do.
Penn Brook Specials
Music
Please see a few pictures from the concert last week. We are so proud of our talented musicians.
Media
Our younger students have been busy building their tech confidence and creativity! This month, they are practicing important mouse skills, creating their own digital books in Book Creator, and exploring early coding by building simple block-coding sequences on Code.org.
They’re having a great time learning, experimenting, and discovering what they can create with technology! Every Friday, students check out library books.
Important Dates in December
12/17 - School Council
12/24 - December Break begins students return on January 5th
Lunch Menu
Bus information
Information regarding the school bus can be found on the district website, https://georgetown.k12.ma.us/transportation
From the Georgetown PTA
Please visit georgetownpta.com for more information
Spelling Bee
Wednesday January 28th - Penn Brook Cafeteria
Grade 2 & 3 - Check in at 4pm; Bee starts at 4:30pm
Grade 4 - Check in at 5:30pm; Bee starts at 5:45pm
Grade 5 - Check in at 6:45; Bee starts at 7pm.
Registration closes on 12/22/25
Community Board
Please use the link below to access the district’s new Community Board for local happenings!