Brown School Buzz

March has certainly been a whirlwind at the Brown School! It's hard to believe we are on the eve of a new month and have begun our last trimester of the school year. Report cards for trimester two learning were completed and made accessible in Aspen on Friday, March 28. 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. Our absenteeism this year has been higher than typical, with a number of variables impacting the data. The stomach bug, flu and some cases of strep made the rounds this winter, which has certainly contributed to the higher-than-normal numbers. Your child's absenteeism may appear higher than normal due to illness, as well as the impact of the February Break days. Please keep in mind, though December 23, February 18-21, and April 23-25 (8 days total) are considered excused absences, they are still added to the total number of absences. This means this year is even more important for students to be in the classroom whenever they are healthy. 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.

As we close the chapter on another month and look to April, I am amazed at how much we were able to accomplish as a school community, as well as in the classroom during the month of March. Building community through activities, assemblies, events and whole school meetings is as important as the standards-based instruction we diligently provide for our students to reach their learning potential. The challenge is to get the balance just right, so we are always learning, as well as developing a positive and thriving school community culture. We thank you for your support of both aspects as you show interest and enthusiasm for our events and activities, and your child's learning experience.

Mary

Our 3rd Annual Brown School STEAM Fair was a tremendous success! Congratulations to all of our participating students and many thanks to our PTO and our staff volunteers for all their work to coordinate such a great event! Special thanks to PTO Event Chair, Susan Koelle, Brown School Fair Liaison, Gianna Blanchard, and our staff volunteer scientists for all their efforts! Our students were shining brightly with creativity, confidence, and pride!

READ MORE HERE!

The monthly meeting of the Brown School Advisory Council was held last week. We reviewed the goals of our current School Improvement Plan. One of the objectives of this year's plan is to promote parent education of our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. We have done some of this at Open House, at conferences and in past newsletters, but it's been awhile, so I'd like to make sure we are continuing the conversation in whatever ways helps our families understand our approach to meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of all students.

Our School Improvement Plan is aligned with our Marblehead Plan for Success which outlines our primary goal for teaching and learning as:

Fully align teaching & learning, Prek-12, with our multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework to ensure all students meet or exceed academic & social emotional learning

Here's what the Academic Tiers Look like in Action at the Brown School:

Tier 1-(What Everyone Gets) Wit and Wisdom Reading Curriculum, Small Group reading instruction with Classroom Teachers, The Illustrative Math Curriculum, Small group math work, i-Ready targeted Math and Reading practice -Standards based assessments

Tier 2-(What Some Kids Need)-Data driven additional targeted small group instruction in and/or out of the classroom, Specific targeted instruction with a math/reading tutor, Specific interventions, progress monitoring every 4-6 weeks “Double dosing” (WIN Time and more)-and more!

Tier 3-(What a few kids need)Specialized instruction, closely monitored learning plan, “double and triple dose”, Targeted instruction with Learning Specialists, tutors, and related service providers (WIN Time and More)

Additionally, we are also working hard to create math and reading learning experiences for students who can benefit from extended learning and enrichment.

In our next newsletter, we will include the tiers on Social Emotional Learning and how we are working to meet these needs across the grade levels.

We all know how important it is for our children (and adults) to hydrate throughout the day. There has been an ongoing effort to make water available in the cafe for students during lunchtime. We are happy to announce there will be a water fountain with bottle filler installed in the cafe soon. In the meantime, we have been afforded a water dispenser for students to access. This week we will outline the procedure for water during lunchtime, practice the procedure and assure everyone's safety. Students wishing to access water during lunchtime will need to bring a water bottle with them when going to lunch. We have many new donated water bottles we are happy to provide for students needing them. Milk still be provided with every cafeteria meal. If you are interested in making sure your child has water at lunchtime, please be sure to send a water bottle to school. If you would like a water bottle for your child, please let your child's teacher know and we will make sure it gets delivered to the classroom. Happy hydration everyone!

A number of families have inquired about the recent change in crossing guards at the Brown School. Unfortunately, the number of crossing guards in Marblehead has decreased and some of the usual crossing areas have had to be combined. One of our police lieutenants, well versed in Marblehead traffic patterns and crossing areas has been studying our needs. The short answer to the issue is that more crossing guards are needed. If you, or someone you know is interested in starting and ending your days with grateful children and families, please consider applying for one of these positions.

We have already begun to plan for the 2025-26 school year and we start with our youngest learners headed our way for the first time! On April 10th we will hold the first of three opportunities for our parents to learn and ask questions about kindergarten at the Brown School. This first opportunity will answer all of your questions about registration and the next steps to getting ready for kindergarten in the fall. Here's how the three opportunities will be provided to help prepare you for the year ahead:

Part 1- Orientation/Registration Night- (Next week-Apr. 10)

Part 2-Kindergarten Screenings (May)

Part 3-See the Classroom and Meet the Teacher (August)

We are looking forward to seeing our Kindergarten families on April 10.

HERE IS THE INFORMATION you need to get started with your registration.

*If you know a first time kindergarten parent, feel free to forward this information.

HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION: TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Marblehead High School Drama Club Presents: Hadestown: Teen Edition

April 11, 7 pm; April 12, 2 p; and April 13, 2 pm

MHS Auditorium

Get ready for a journey to the underworld in Hadestown, the mesmerizing musical that blends Greek mythology with a fresh, folk-inspired score. Follow the love story of Orpheus and Eurydice as they navigate fate, desire, and the power of song. With stunning scenes, unforgettable music, and a captivating storyline, Hadestown will transport you to a world where love and destiny collide. Don’t miss out – get your tickets today!

https://www.ticketstage.com/T/MHSCHOOLS

In March the third grade team Leadership Council presented at the Marblehead School Committee Meeting. They shared how they were selected, their goals and responsibilities, and their projects. They presented and led with confidence and grace. Nice work!

The Marblehead Mother's Co-Op Annual Pop-Up Shops are happening Friday, April 4th 6-10pm & Saturday, April 5th 10am-2pm. The Pop-Up Shops feature a collection of 20+ local vendors & artists. Find bespoke goods—from 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.

Our PTO will sponsor an Author Visit with JARRETT LERNER in April! Jarrett will be entertaining students and families on Monday evening, April 28th! More details coming soon!

April 8-9 -3rd Grade ELA MCAS

April 10-Kindergarten Information Night

April 14-Kindergarten Concert

April 15-Grade 3(Rising 4th graders) Orientation at Village School-(See email from Mary for details)

April 18- Early Release NOON - Good Friday

April 21-22-NO SCHOOL-April Vacation Days

April 23, 24, 25-School is IN SESSION

April 28-Author Jarrett Lerner

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