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"The ability to solve complex problems of a sort no one has seen before, to be creative, to synthesize material from a wide variety of resources and see the patterns in information others cannot see, to work with others in productive ways, to take a leadership role when necessary, to be a good team member when needed, and to do all of this with high ethical skills" defines what educators around the world have identified as the skills needed for high levels of success. According to the recently published book Surpassing Shanghai edited by Marc S. Tucker, seventy nations have come together to agree on these qualities as the criteria for the PISA (The Programme for International Student Assessment).
One way the teachers of the top performing nations instruct, according to Tucker, is to have students "select and design their own projects and decide how to go about addressing them, this becomes student-directed learning in which the teacher becomes a facilitator" (Tucker). I believe two capstone projects at Brimmer do this well. The fifth grade exhibition requires the students to synthesize information and direct their own projects. Yesterday, our students did an outstanding job on their "Independence" themed projects. Likewise, over the past several weeks our seniors' capstone project called the Thesis Defense reveals their ability to form an idea, synthesize information, and draw conclusions while being self-directed. As with the fifth grade exhibition, they also have an assigned faculty member as a facilitator.
The national criterion holds educators to a high standard, and our teachers at Brimmer strive for that level of excellence. During teacher appreciation week, I wish to applaud our faculty for their expert work and outstanding commitment to our students and their success.
Sincerely,
Judy Guild
Head of School
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All Families to Enroll in Smart Tuition
The School has contracted with Smart Tuition for our tuition billing beginning with the 2015-2016 academic year. We ask that all families enroll by May 15. Please see the enrollment instructions. Our contract with Tuition Management Systems (TMS) will end effective June 30, 2015.
Please contact me with any questions.
Thank you,
Patty Bray
Business Office
617-278-2325
pbray@brimmer.org
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Almost, Maine, a Student-Directed Play
Directed by Mia Kundert '16
Play by John Cariani
Friday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. (1 hour run time)
Ruth Corkin Theatre
Free admission, reserve your tickets at www.ticketstage.com/BMS or get them at the door.
Mia Kundert '16 is singlehandedly reviving the tradition of the Student-Directed Play at Brimmer and May. In her debut as a director, Mia has assembled a cast of 6 students to perform 5 short scenes from John Cariani's award winning play, Almost, Maine. Set in a fictional New England town, the play explores love and longing in charming and often startling ways.
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Auction Photos & Video
The Passport to the World Auction was a great success, raising approximately
$90,000. All proceeds will be used for financial aid, STEAM programming, and classroom technology in all three divisions.
Read more and see video and professional photos by David Barron ox Oxygen Group.
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 All-School Celebration of the Arts
Save the date for the All-School Celebration of the Arts!
Thursday, May 21, 3 p.m.
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Tickets to Cinderella
Tickets for the Middle School musical, Cinderella, are now available. Please visit www.ticketstage.com/BMS to reserve your seats for the performances!
Carl Rapisarda-Vallely
MS Drama Director
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Connect with Brimmer and May!
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News from Lower School
Dear Lower School Families,
You can tell it is May; the opportunities to visit campus are starting to grow. Next week's offering is the following:
Thursday, May 14 - Grades 2-5 Chorus and Band Concert at 6:30 p.m. in the theatre: You must go online to reserve FREE tickets to reserve your seats!
Also, make sure you mark your calendar for the All-School Celebration of the Arts on Thursday, May 21!
Wed., May 13 is an early dismissal day: Pre-K & K at 11:30 a.m. and grades 1-5 from the playground at noon.
Fourth Grade Parents: Your children need to decide whether they will take French or Mandarin by Friday, May 15. Please make sure your child returns the selection sheet, which will be backpacked today, to their homeroom teacher.
Finally: Yes, spring has finally arrived, and the warm weather brings a need to refresh our memory regarding appropriate clothing.
Please address the following with your child(ren):
- Boys and girls should wear shorts that reach mid-thigh.
- Boys should wear shirts with sleeves.
Best wishes,
Thomas Fuller Courtney P. McGillicuddy
Head of Lower School Assistant Head of Lower School
Early Childhood Coordinator
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 After-School Recital Photos
After-School Music Program participants recently had an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of peers, parents, and teachers at the Annual Music Recital. See more photos.
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Lower School Music Performances
This morning in Share Assembly our Lower School instrumentalists displayed their amazing ensemble skills. The Grade Three Band presented two selections entitled
Down in the Valley and The Colorado Trail. The Intermediate Band of fourth and fifth graders presented four songs entitled Blazing Saddles, Spirit of the Wolf, Legend the Fort Apache, and Big Sky Round-Up
. As you can tell from the titles, we enjoyed a musical trip to the Wild West! The musicianship and teamwork of our band members was truly noteworthy.
Please join us for our Spring Concert on Thursday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. Both Lower School choruses will join our bands to present music celebrating Western Skies.
Elizabeth Wooster
Lower School Music Educator
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Sports Club
Monday Afternoons 3:20 - 4:20 p.m.
May 11, May 18, & June 1
Does your child want to have fun with his/her Brimmer friends after school? Once a week, members of the Sports Club will spend time outside playing different team sports such as soccer and flag football. The Sports Club has a strong focus on incorporating teamwork into our games. Boys and girls of all ability levels in grades 1 - 3 are invited to join. Let's get out there, and have some fun! The cost of this club is $50. In order to enroll, please email MVaughan@Brimmer.org.
Matt Vaughan
Director of Extended Day
Middle School English Language Support
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Sign Up for Summer Camp!
We have several new programs (Baseball Camp, Graphic Novels) and old favorites (STEAM, Eco Adventures, Photography, Brimmer in the Backyard, Global Explorers, DAY CAMP). See the Camp website for more information. To register for any of the summer programs, click the link on the Camp homepage or right here.
Contact Cassie, the Camp Director at camp@brimmer.org with any questions.
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Middle School News
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 From the Middle School
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Sunday, May 10 is Mother's Day- Happy Mother's Day to all moms and guardians!
Friday, May 15 - MS Outdoor Ed Day
Grade 7 will be sea kayaking out of Hingham.
Read the information and sign permission form. A packing list is also included. Please also sign and return the company's Release Form. Please be on time to school on Friday, May 15. We will attend the MS/US morning meeting at 7:50 a.m.and then board the bus at 8:00 a.m.
Peter Gordon
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You are cordially invited to the Grade 8 Service Fair
When: Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Where: Wright Conference Room, Almy 85, and 86
Time: 9:15 a.m. to 10:25 a.m.
Read more.
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Upper School News
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 Upper School Information
Senate Candidate Speeches
Twelve students in grades 8 -11 presented speeches to their peers during Assembly on Wednesday, May 6. Students in grade 8 (rising freshmen) were eligible to run for the position of Upper School Senate Treasurer, while rising sophomores seek election to the position of Secretary. Rising upperclassmen may seek the position of Vice-President as juniors, and President as seniors. All speeches were well-delivered and well-received. The election was held during Upper School lunch and results will be published in next week's Bulletin. Here is the list of candidates by position:
Treasurer: Emma Hastings, Charlotte Um
Secretary: Olivia Griffin, Monica Morales, Tingyi (Harry) Tan
Vice President: Wanghao (Charlie) Li, James Querusio, Sarah Smith
President: Simon Acevedo, Nathaniel Friedman, Sang Ha (Sean) Lee, Owen Meredith
AP Exams and Exam Schedule
Students must arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of each exam with needed materials (pencils, pens, calculators, etc.). Students who arrive late will not be allowed to sit for an exam. Exams will be held in either the College Counseling Office or the Wright Conference Room. No electronic devices are allowed in the exam room. Students are provided a break during AP exams and should not seek other breaks than those provided already within the testing period.
Friday, May 8, 8:00 a.m.: Studio Art and Studio Art 2D portfolios
due for submission
Monday, May 11, 8:00 a.m.: Biology, Wright Conf
Wednesday, May 13, 12:00 p.m.: Statistics, Wright Conf
Thursday, May 14, 8:00 a.m.: World History, Wright Conf
12:00 p.m.: Macroeconomics, Wright Conf
Junior-Senior Prom - Saturday, May 16
Junior-Senior Pre-Prom Gathering, 5:30 p.m., Brimmer and May
Junior-Senior Prom, 7:00 p.m., Newton-Marriott Hotel
In order to make this year's prom a safe, fun, and memorable evening Brimmer and May has organized the following activities and made the following arrangements:
Pre-Prom Party at 81 Middlesex Rd. (Head of School's House) with professional photographer, David Barron. This event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome! David will be posing the students in pairs, in friendship groups, and randomly. Parents, family, and friends are welcome and should be sure to bring their own cameras too.
Present the 2015 Junior-Senior Prom at the Newton Marriott at 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton. The Prom begins at 7:00 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres followed by dinner and dessert. Dinner will be the "Night to Remember Buffet "with an unlimited soda bar and a make-your-own-sundae bar. Following dinner there will be dancing until 11:00 p.m. Faculty and administrators will be chaperoning, and a special Photo Booth (free of charge) will be part of the entertainment.
Prom tickets are $75 per person. Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 13. Please see Mr. Murray to purchase tickets.
So that the prom can be fun for all those attending, we ask that students remain at the prom until 10:30 p.m. Once students begin to leave, the party is less exciting for those who stay. We hope the students will respect this community value well.
We look forward to seeing our students at the pre-prom party!
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Sunday, May 10 Mother's Day
Tuesday, May 12 Special Schedule for Special Assembly:
Traditional Chinese Arts
Wednesday, May 13 Assembly: Improbable Players
Wednesday, May 13 Course Sign Up Forms for 2015-2016
due to Mr. Murray
Saturday, May 16 Alumni-Student Soccer Game, 11:00 a.m.,
School Field
Pre-Prom Gathering, 5:30 p.m.,
81 Middlesex Road
Jr-Sr Prom, 7:00-11:00 p.m., Newton-
Marriott Hotel
Final Exam/End-of-Year Schedule
Please read the schedule. It is being sent out via email to all families and will be posted in the Chase and Almy Buildings.
Joseph Iuliano
Upper School Head
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 Thoughts and Reflections from a Brimmer Lifer
Read about Senior Project through the eyes of Chardon Brooks, a Senior Project Student Admissions Associate.
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 AP Studio Art and Video Assembly
Students in AP Art and AP Photography, as well as those in Video Production, shared their work with entire Middle and Upper Schools and faculty. See video and photos.
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 CAParet Assembly
Students in the Creative Arts Diploma Program (CAP) exhibited their performing and visual arts at CAParet. See video.
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College Counseling
Class of 2016/ Mark your Calendar
NEACAC College Fair at Stonehill College
Ames Sports Complex
Tuesday, May 19th. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Colleges That Change Lives Program
Wednesday, May 20, 7:00 p.m. at the Newton Marriott
Essay Workshop - May 18 (new date)
The Class of 2016 will take part in a 2-hour college essay workshop on Monday, May 18, led by a college admissions officer.
Cindy Pendergast
Director of College Counseling
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| From the Parents' Association |
PA News and Reminders
PA Meeting Thank-You
A tremendous thank you to Brimmer librarians Megan Dolan and Annabelle Ambrose for their wonderful presentation on Raising a Reader from Pre-K through Grade 12! Ms. Ambrose emphasized the importance of imagination and curiosity in fostering a love of reading in Lower School students. Mrs. Dolan offered insight into the challenges encountered by Middle and Upper School readers, such as activities that compete with reading time, and reading for school versus reading for fun. Both librarians encouraged parents to let students choose their own reading material based on their interests, from classic to popular genres. Mrs. Dolan and Ms. Ambrose answered parents' questions following their presentations. Minutes, as well as a list of Mrs. Dolan's and Ms. Ambrose's suggested reading for students and parents, will be posted here next week.
Thank you for attending the Parents' Association meetings throughout the year. Your energy and input have been invaluable. We welcome your feedback on the meetings, as well as your ideas for future meeting topics.
Save the Date: All-School Celebration of the Arts,
Thursday, May 21, 3 p.m.
Watch as Brimmer is transformed into an art gallery, displaying works of art by every student, from Pre-K through grade 12. Join a scavenger hunt, create crafts, and enjoy snacks for sale. The Middle School musical, Cinderella, follows at 5:30 p.m.--be sure to reserve a ticket online if you'd like to attend!
Book Fair, June 1-5
Come browse Pre-K through grade 12 titles, volunteer to decorate, set up, or staff the register at the PA's annual end-of-year fundraiser!
Be sure to check the calendar for new dates and times for the Grade 8 dinner, MS/US Honors Convocation, and LS Closing Ceremonies. Also check the Bulletin for end-of-year events, including the MS Musical, US Chamber Concert, Academy Awards, and MS/US Athletic Awards. Parents and guardians of all grades are invited to attend.
Equal Exchange Online
Last chance! The Brimmer and May Equal Exchange online store will be closing at the end of May. It's your last chance to stock up on fabulous products and help raise funds for the school. Did you know the school cafeteria serves Equal Exchange Organic Mind, Body & Soul coffee? Hurry and stock up on some now.
Reminder: CORI Forms for Parent Volunteers
If you are planning to volunteer for the June Book Fair or other end-of-year School events, please remember to submit a CORI form as soon as possible. Please sign and mail (with a photocopy of picture ID) to Carol Croffy, Assistant Business Manager, or scan and email to ccroffy@brimmer.org.
Parent Walking Group
Break out the walking shoes and jogging strollers! The Parent Walking group meets on Fridays in front of the Chase Building at 8:15 a.m. for a 45-60 minute walk around the Reservoir (weather permitting). Parents and guardians from all grades are welcome to join us for a leisurely lap or a power walk.
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Please note that this email was generated from a "no reply" email box.
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5/13
LS Early Dismissal
Pre-K-K, 11:30 a.m.
Gr. 1-5, 12:00 p.m.
5/14
Gr. 2-5 Chorus and Band Concert
6:30 p.m.
5/15/-16
Alumni Weekend
5/16
Junior/Senior Prom
5/20
MS Musical
Cinderella
7:00 p.m.
5/21
MS Musical
Cinderella
5:30 p.m.
5/25 No School - Memorial Day 5/26 Sr. Project Exhibit 3:30 p.m. Chamber Concert 6:00 p.m. 5/27 Academy Awards Reception 3:30 p.m. Academy Awards Ceremony 4 p.m. 5/28 Dress Day
Athletic Awards Gr. 6-12 3:30 p.m. 5/29 Early Dismissal
Pre-K-K, 11:00 a.m.
Gr. 1-5, 11:30 a.m.
Gr. 6-12, 12:00 p.m.
Graduation of the Class of 2015
5:00 p.m.
View the full School calendar
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