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Last Friday several Brimmer and May parents and Jessica Christian, our Director of Diversity, attended Beacon Academy's annual symposium titled "An Honest Conversation about Race and Class in Independent Schools." The program included two current Brimmer and May students who graduated from Beacon Academy as members of the symposium's panel. Ms. Christian shared the experience upon her return, and I have included the article she wrote to members of our School community in response to the day's event. She and members of the Diversity Council met about the topics discussed at the symposium, and we look forward to continuing the conversation when we return from break.
I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I hope your children enjoy this well deserved break. I look forward to seeing you at the Thanksgiving programs next week when I will take a few minutes to share my thoughts on "Six Word Memoirs." Many of ourstudents in our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools contributed to this theme as they reflected on the tradition of giving thanks for the harvest.
Sincerely,
Judy Guild
Head of School
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Annual Fund Update
An incredible moment of your Annual Fund dollars at work in the Oceanography class. Throughout the semester, students will help researchers analyze their plethora of data using a crowd-sourcing website called Zooniverse.org.
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 Faculty Innovation Grants Awarded Brimmer and May is excited to announce that for the first time three Faculty Innovation Grants, all STEAM-related, were awarded to our faculty for the 2014-2015 school year. The recipient's of Brimmer and May's 2014-2015 awards are Elizabeth Hickey's proposal on Simple machines and Space-Integrating STEAM in Pre-K; Sara Murray and Molly Serventi-Gleeson for a proposal to create a STEAM lab program for first grade; and Kathryn Lee and Jason Bock's proposal to create a maker space. We congratulate them on their outstanding proposals. The Brimmer and May Faculty Innovation Award, given by two current parents, has been established as a way for teachers to obtain both classroom funding and personal reward based upon their ability to create a proposal for a teaching experience that transcends the normal school curriculum. Read more.
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Don't forget to ORDER your YEARBOOK!
The deadline is coming up! Just $50!
Go to coffeepond.com and enter the password: gators. You can pay by credit card or check directly to the yearbook company. It's SO easy!
Yearbook AD Deadline EXTENDED!
The deadline for placing an ad in the yearbook has been extended to December 15. Say congratulations and goodbye to the Class of 2015! Fill out an Order Form and return it to Ms. Robinson. Questions? Contact Kyla Graves at kgraves@brimmer.org.
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 Grandparents' & Special Friends' Day
Watch a Pre-K-12 Thanksgiving Assembly video teaser!
Middle and Upper
Monday, November 24, 2014
10:30 a.m.
Lower School Tuesday, November 25, 2014 8:00 a.m.
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 Peter Pan and Wendy Tickets
The Brimmer and May Creative Arts Department Proudly Presents:
Peter Pan and Wendy
Thursday, December 4, at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m.
Directed by Carl Rapisarda-Vallely. Tickets are free for both performances, but are required to attend. Click here to reserve your tickets at ticketstage.com. Tickets will also be available for sale at the box office one hour prior to the performance.
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 Auction Volunteer Meeting
Please join us for the "Passport to the World" Auction volunteer meeting on
Wednesday, December 3, at 8:00 a.m. in the Wright Conference Room (Chase, lower level, next to the Reenstierna Library.)
Amanda Spooner Frank '88
Director of Alumni Affairs and Special Events
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International Student and Family Potluck
Come and share some time with fellow international families as the holidays approach! I hope all Pre-K-12 international families join us for our International Student and Family Potluck in the Chase Dining Room from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9.
We have 67 international students from the United Kingdom, Canada, China, South Korea, Denmark, The Netherlands, Russia, Columbia, Italy, Colombia, Guatemala, and Spain who are part of our community! Please bring a dish to share--preferably a dish from your country. We are a nut free and shellfish-free community. Please also note that your dish should be labeled with ingredients.
Please RSVP to cchapman@brimmer.org.
Christine Chapman
Director of International Students
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Bus Update
The new schedule is below for the Boston Bus and the West Bus pick-up.
Boston Bus
PICK-UP: Monday - Friday
Huntington and W. Newton @ 7:02 a.m.
Columbus and West Canton @ 7:07 a.m.
Beacon and Charles @ 7:18 a.m.
Beacon and Fairfield @ 7:24 a.m.
Beacon and St. Paul /Holiday Inn @ 7:35 a.m.
DROP OFF: Monday - Thurs
Huntington and W. Newton @ 3:37 p.m.
Columbus and West Canton @ 3:41 p.m.
Beacon and Charles @ 3:49 p.m.
Beacon and Fairfield @ 3:55 p.m.
Beacon and St. Paul /Holiday Inn @ 4:05 p.m.
DROP-OFF: Friday
Huntington and W. Newton @ 3:25 p.m.
Columbus and West Canton @ 3:29 p.m.
Beacon and Charles @ 3:39 p.m.
Beacon and Fairfield @ 3:43 p.m.
Beacon and St. Paul /Holiday Inn @ 3:53 p.m.
West Bus - Pick-Up Only
Wellesley Square @ 6:55 a.m.
Weston High School @ 7:05 a.m.
Auburndale - Rt. 16 and Rt. 30 @ 7:15 a.m.
Newton City Hall @ 7:20 a.m.
Hammond and Tudor @ 7:30 a.m.
Tom Bray
Transportation Director
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Connect with Brimmer and May!
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Brimmer and May news and photos are posted to social media on a regular basis. Stay connected with us!
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News from Lower School
Dear Lower School Families,
We have a short but exciting week ahead of us. On Tuesday, we look forward to hosting our Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day. Please note the following information regarding registration: Pre-K-1 families will register in Mc Coy Hall, and Grades 2-5 families will register in the Chase Building. Please remember that Tuesday is a dress day for the students. Dismissal is at 11:00 a.m., and the Boston Bus will leave at 11:15 a.m.
The grade three parents' meeting regarding science scheduled for Friday, December 5, has been postponed and a make-up date has yet to be determined. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Ms. McGillicuddy and I want to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving--we all have much for which we should be thankful. Enjoy the time with your families!
Best wishes,
Thomas Fuller Courtney P. McGillicuddy
Head of Lower School Assistant Head of Lower School
Early Childhood Coordinator
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Lower School Bus Information
On Tuesday, November 25, which is Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day, the Boston Bus will depart campus at 11:15 a.m. The bus will arrive at the following stops at these times:
11:40 Colonnade
11:45 Columbus and West Canton
11:55 Beacon and Charles
12:05 Beacon and Fairfield
12:10 Beacon and St. Paul /Holiday Inn
Would you kindly contact Courtney McGillicuddy at cmcgillicuddy@brimmer.org or 617-278-2313 if your child/children will be taking the bus home that day.
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 Grade 1 Design Fridays
First graders have been doing STEAM-based activities during their Design Fridays period. Read more and see photos.
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 Grade 2 Learns about Chocolate in Colonial Boston
The second grade was recently treated to a presentation by members of the Old North Church about the production and consumption of chocolate in colonial Boston. Read more and see photos.
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Middle School News
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 Middle School Reminders
Dear Parents/Guardians
A few reminders as we head towards Thanksgiving Break:
Monday, 11/24 is a DRESS DAY for all of our students. There is a special schedule that day for our students due to the Grandparents/Special Visitors being on campus. The day will culminate with our Thanksgiving Assembly after which students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m.
There is NO lunch or AP on Monday, 11/24.
On Monday 12/1 through Wednesday 12/5 the students involved in the production of Peter Pan will be quite busy with Tech/Production week.
Performances for Peter Pan will be on Thursday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m and Friday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m.
Please expect lighter homework that week to accommodate the students who will be spending many long hours, into the early evenings, that week getting ready for and performing in Peter Pan.
I want to wish each of you a very relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving Break. This is truly a time to take a moment, push "pause" on all of our busy lives, hug your loved ones, and be thankful for all that we have.
Peter Gordon
Middle School Head
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Middle Schoolers participated in the American Mathematics Competition
Twenty three Middle Schoolers participated in the American Mathematics Competition on Wednesday. The 25 question, 40-minute, multiple choice test is designed to enhance and promote problem-solving skills. The problems cover a wide-range of applications and range from easy to difficult problems.
Nancy Bradley
Math Department Chair
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May Chorale -- Thanksgiving Assembly
Singers in May Chorale should wear their performance apparel to School on Monday, November 24, for the Thanksgiving Assembly and Concert. The performance apparel guidelines are outlined in the syllabus, available on eBackpack, and listed below
All Singers must wear:
* May Chorale polo
* Plain white undershirt or tank top (PLEASE NOTE: this is essential, as polos are white)
* Black pants, black shoes, black socks, and black belt
Frank Van Atta
Middle and Upper School Music Director
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Peter Pan Rehearsal Schedule
Monday, November 17 - 3:15-5:15
Saturday, November 22 - 9:30-3:00 (lunch provided)
Tech/Performance Week
Monday, December 1 - 3:15-7:15 (dinner provided)
Tuesday, December 2 - 3:15-7:15 (dinner provided)
Wednesday, December 3 - 3:15-7:15 (dinner provided)
Thursday, December 4 - call - 3:15, performance-7:00 (dinner provided)
Friday, December 5 - call - 3:15, performance - 5:30 (light dinner provided)
Please feel free to contact me with any questions!
Carl Rapisarda-Vallely
MS Drama Director
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Upper School News
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Upper School Upcoming Events 
Monday, November 24
Grandparents' and Special Visitors' Day/Thanksgiving Assembly
This is a Dress Day for Upper School students, and there is a special schedule for the day (this schedule has been sent to students via email and posted in the Chase and Almy Buildings). Students will be dismissed for Thanksgiving Vacation after the Assembly. No lunch will be available for Upper School students on this day.
Mid-Year Exam General Schedule for the Week of December 15
Monday morning: History
Monday afternoon: Science
Tuesday morning: English
Wednesday morning: Math
Thursday morning: World Languages
Friday: Ring Ceremony
Elective and conflict exams to be scheduled Tuesday - Thursday afternoon. Exam review materials will be provided to students for their use prior to the weekend of December 6-7.
Wishing you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving!
Joseph Iuliano
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Great Expectations Photo Video
Great Expectations photos.
Click here to view all professional photos/order online.
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Greenline -- Thanksgiving Assembly
Singers in Greenline should wear their performance apparel to School on Monday, November 24, for the Thanksgiving Assembly and Concert. The performance apparel guidelines are outlined in the syllabus, available on eBackpack, and listed below.
All Singers must wear:
* Greenline polo
* Black pants, black shoes, black socks, and black belt
* Please note: black leggings are not acceptable
Frank Van Atta
Middle and Upper School Music Director
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Boston Winterim Trip Seeking Destinations
If you have access to an interesting Boston site or institution, if you are proud of your work and want to share it with students, if you have an idea for a great field trip in the Boston area, consider contacting trip leader, Humanities teacher, Jan Sidebotham (617-278-2380, jsidebotham@brimmer.org) with your offer or ideas.
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Congratulations Athletes! 
Congratulations to Kevin Gates '15 for being named a New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Boys' Soccer All-Star. Kevin was captain of the Varsity Soccer team and was the team's top goal scorer with 20 goals and 5 assists. Read more.
The following students were selected as All-League players for the MBIL:
Kevin Gates '15 - Varsity Boys' Soccer
Shani Breiman '18 and Sophie Lapat '18 - Varsity Girls' Soccer
Liam Conklin '19 and Kyle Anderson '14 - Varsity Cross Country
Click here to read more about out All-League Athletes!
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College Counseling News
SAT Classes at Brimmer and May
Once again we will offer an SAT preparation class this winter to prepare juniors (Class of 2016) to take their first set of SATs in the spring. The twelve sessions will include an initial diagnostic exam, three full practice exams, and class work. All classes will be held at Brimmer and May; most are scheduled for Sunday mornings although there are two on Thursday evenings. Information and registration materials will be mailed home to juniors. An email with attached information will also be sent to parents and guardians. Although this class is recommended for juniors, it is open to any student who may be interested. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Looking Ahead for the Class of 2016
Weekly College Counseling classes begin for juniors in January when second semester begins. Junior College Night is Thursday, January 29. Although we are still working with seniors, the College Counseling team welcomes juniors who would like to come in to introduce themselves and begin conversations about the college process on an informal basis.
A breakfast for parents of 9th and 10th graders will take place on February 12 to give an overview of the college process at Brimmer and May. More information to follow.
Athletics in Admission
The Pingree School in South Hamilton on the North Shore has invited all BISCCA (Boston Independent School College Counselors Assoc.) member schools to attend a special evening program they are holding on their campus in 2 weeks. The guest speaker is Steven Binder, author of Your Recruiting Playbook -- Maximize your opportunities to play college sports! Steve is an expert on college sports recruiting for high school athletes. This will be a helpful and informative evening for any student who hopes to play a sport at the college level. All Brimmer and May students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend.
Where: Pingree School Athletic Center
When: Tuesday, December 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Class of 2015 Early Applications
Three quarters of the Class of 2015 have submitted applications to colleges under either the Early Decision or the Early Action plans. The twelve students who applied Early Decision (just over one third of the class) are committed to attending their ED school if accepted. Early Action applicants have no commitment to attend if accepted. All early applicants will receive a decision in mid to late December.
PSAT Results
PSAT scores will be mailed to schools in mid-December. All students in grades 10 and 11 who took the exam will be expected to meet with one of the college counselors to go over their scores and learn how to use this information to prepare for the SAT. An announcement will be made when the results are in. In addition, a mailing will go home to all parents and guardians containing a copy of the Score Report, detailed information about the exam, and how to interpret the results.
Professional Development Day - Focus on the SAT
Next week, faculty will attend a session with Charlie O'Hearn, Chief Executive Officer of Summit Educational Group, entitled "The Redesigned SAT: March 2016."
The SAT that the Class of 2017 will take is substantially different than the one we are all familiar with and different from the PSAT that the Class of 2017 took in October. The new test debuts in March 2016. All disciplines will be affected in the new SAT in terms of both content and presentation of material. For example, the math section will have more reading and will focus more on linear equations. The essay will have a long passage that students will have to analyze. They will not be able to simply memorize an essay rubric to plug into a prompt.
Cindy Pendergast Director of College Counseling
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| From the Parents' Association |
PA News and Reminders
Thank You for Your Involvement!
As Thanksgiving approaches, we would like to thank our wonderful parent community for all your contributions to the School, and to the lives of our children. Thank you for hosting parent gatherings, volunteering for Lower School lunch duty, serving student meals for the Middle School and Upper School plays, greeting new parents at the Welcome Breakfasts, chaperoning field trips, reading in the classrooms, attending PA meetings and student productions, chairing our committees, and all the other ways in which you give back to the School. We are truly grateful to have such a generous community of parents.
November and December School Events
We look forward to seeing you at the many School events taking place in November and December. Please refer to the Bulletin above for details about upcoming events, as well as a new ticketing policy for the Middle School play and the Holiday Concert.
Parent Volunteer Bank
Volunteer on your schedule with the PA Volunteer Bank. The PA is looking for parents who would like to be considered for one-off volunteer opportunities. Volunteer to pick up food for an event, help serve meals for a Saturday event, or replace a volunteer at the last minute. Please indicate your preference for weekends, weekdays or weeknights, as well as the amount of time you are available. We appreciate your willingness to be on our call list and to participate in Brimmer and May events!
Brimmer Apparel Sale - Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day
Brimmer and May Apparel will be available for purchase on Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day!
MS/US Families: Monday 11/24, Dining Room
LS Families: Tuesday 11/25, Dining Room
Download an order form, and to see Brimmer and May apparel offerings. Payment may be made by cash or check (payable to Brimmer and May Parents' Association).
Give back to the PA when you shop Amazon.com!
Our PA receives a portion of every purchase when you begin your Amazon shopping through Brimmer and May's website. To start, go to the PA page on the Brimmer and May website. The Amazon link is on the bottom. Then start shopping!
Parent Coffee Group
The Parent Walking Group heads indoors for the winter! Our weekly Parent Coffee Group meets every Friday morning at 8:15 a.m. in the Lower School French Library (Lower School Building). Grab a cup of coffee in the cafeteria and join fellow Brimmer parents for casual conversation. Parents and guardians from all grades are welcome.
Reminder to All Parent Volunteers: CORI Form If you haven't already done so, please fill out a CORI form as soon as possible if you plan to volunteer for an upcoming event (the form can take 3-4 weeks to be processed.) All PA and classroom volunteers must to complete a CORI form. Please sign and mail (with photocopy of picture ID) to Carol Croffy, Assistant Business Manager, or scan and email to ccroffy@brimmer.org. Please contact Carol Croffy with any questions.
Click here for the PA web page, Class Reps, Parent Liaisons, etc.
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| Click here for Brimmer and May School's website. |
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Please note that this email was generated from a "no reply" email box.
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Total Raised: $410,877
Parent Participation: 27%
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Important Upcoming Dates
11/24
Gr. 6-12 Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day
No after-school study hall
No MS/US lunch
Dress Day, Thanksgiving assembly,
12:00 p.m.
11/25
No School Gr. 6-12
Gr. Pre-K-5 Grandparents and Special Friends Day, 8:00 a.m.
Pre-K-5 early dismissal, no extended day,
11:00 a.m.
11/26-11/28
No School
12/1
School resumes
12/4
Middle School Play
Peter Pan and Wendy, 7:00 p.m.
12/5
Middle School Play
Peter Pan and Wendy, 5:30 p.m.
12/9
International Student and Family Potluck, 5 p.m.
12/11
Holiday Concert, grades 4-12
7:00 p.m.
12/15-12/18
Upper School Exams
12/18
Holiday Reception for Seniors, Alumni, and Trustees
6:00 p.m.
12/19
Dress Day, gr 6-12
No lunch, extended day, or after-school study hall
Pre-K-5 Community Service Day
Gr. 11 and 12 Holiday Breakfast
8:00 a.m.
Upper School Ring Ceremony
9:00 a.m.
Gr. 6-12 early dismissal
10:45 a.m.
Pre-K-5 early dismissal
11:30 a.m
View the full School calendar
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The Literary Gator
