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For the adults in our community, September 11th is a day in our lives we will never forget. Today only our older Upper School students have a memory of what happened 14 years ago. What should we say to our children about this National Day of Service and Remembrance?
I hope the conversations we have with our students will focus on the courage of those who helped others during those dark hours and days that followed. I want our students to know that being human is great when we reach out and care for others, that good people act with courage even when it is hard, and that every day people are willing to put themselves in harms way so we can be safe.
I hope we will discuss those who dedicate their lives in service to others so people can have a better life. I hope we spend time talking about the people who pursue peace and freedom, do good, and share the weight of another person's burden. Our students like to hear about heroes and about people who pursue lives of consequence. Young people like to imagine how they themselves can be like that. As adults we need to talk about those who set good examples and offer hope.
Sincerely,
Judith Guild
Head of School
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Seeking Parent Volunteers for the 2015-2016 Annual Fund Team
Welcome back returning families, and welcome new families to Brimmer. Are you looking for a way to be involved and help the School yet not able to spend a lot of time on campus? Well, the Annual Fund Parent Volunteers would like to have you join its enthusiastic team. Connect with parents and help the School to have another banner fundraising year, which directly impacts all of our Pre-K - 12 students.
Please contact Sharin Russell at srussell@brimmer.org for more exciting information about being a part of this growing team.
Sharin Russell
Annual Giving Director
srussell@brimmer.org
617.278.2342
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 STEAM Lab Produces New Brimmer Athletics Logo
You may notice the new Brimmer athletics logo on the doors of the gym and on the new practice uniforms. With a new School logo being rolled out, STEAM Lab decided to adapt the new logo to produce the new athletics logo. STEAM Lab is both a class, taught by Mr. Chris Hardman, and an entrepreneurial enterprise producing T-shirts, hoodies, decals, etc. The start-up was created by the students of the 2014-15 STEAM Lab, and toward the end of the school year they secured a contract to produce the practice uniforms for the entire Middle and Upper Schools. However, all the students from STEAM Lab graduated in May-so Mr. Hardman was left with a contract to produce 350 practice uniforms and nobody to do the work. Up stepped three STEAM Diploma candidates that will be a part of STEAM Lab for the upcoming year: Kate Eastwood '16, Lexy Hogan '16, and Sean Lee '16. Sean could not quite put in the same amount of time as Kate and Lexy as he was working the International Student Orientation. The students spent the week prior to preseason learning on the job and were able to complete the uniforms ahead of schedule. With the remaining time the group produced a four foot banner with the new athletics logo and vinyl decals that were installed on the doors to the gym and the athletics office.
 Chris Hardman
Physics and Chemistry Teacher
Director of the STEAM Diploma Program
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State of the Arts
Brimmer's Creative Arts Department is off and running with a host of new and exciting projects and productions for the fall semester. In the Lower School, we are pleased to welcome Cathy DeBruyn who will be working with Mrs. Wooster in the Lower School Music classrooms. Ms. DeBruyn is a student at Berklee College of Music where she is pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. We look forward to working with her throughout the fall.
The Middle School is pleased to announce the focus of this year's Global Connections Unit:
Asia: Beyond the Silk Road
The Creative Arts team--including our newest members, Diana Gleason (drama) and Brent Ridge (art)--met during the summer to plan for this year's global learning focus in the Middle School. We have a host of engaging, hands-on activities in drama, music, and art. We also have guest artists planned and some interesting field trip possibilities. We look forward to working with the World Languages Department, the Technology Department, and the Kitchen, among others to help create additional cross-disciplinary connections throughout the first semester.
We will be implementing a new facet to the Global Connections program this year, focusing on presentation. In an effort to move away from the tri-fold board and expand our iPad facility, we will be giving each grade a particular presentational medium and focus for their projects. It's our hope that this sustained focus on presentation--verbal, written, and digital--will have our Middle Schoolers moving into high school with the necessary skills to explain their ideas clearly, succinctly, and with panache.
The Middle School students held auditions for their production of Charlotte's Web while they were at Camp Cedar last week, and the Upper School is currently auditioning for a production of The Universal Language & Other Comedies by David Ives. Be sure to check the school calendar for production dates and instructions on how to order tickets for our shows.
Bill Jacob
Creative Arts Chair
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After School Music
For All Brimmer and May Students
Register your child now for music lessons after School! The After School Music Program is open to ALL Brimmer students (Pre- K - 12th grade) and provides excellent, high-quality music instruction on campus. Registration is open ONLINE this year at Ultracamp (families who have registered for after school clubs or summer programs at Brimmer can use their already established Ultracamp account for music registration).
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Website/eBackpack Orientation for New Parents
New parents, do you you have questions on the website or eBackpack? If so, there will be opportunities to receive some answers at Back-to-School nights.
Lower School (9/17)- A table will be set up in the Dining Room. Parents are welcome to check in with questions and for information between 6:30-7:00 p.m.
Middle School (9/24)- A session will run from 6:15-6:45 p.m. in the Wright Conference Room.
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Connect with Brimmer and May!
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Lower School News 
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News from Lower School
Dear Lower School Families,
Today was a very exciting day for your children because we had our first Share of the year, and we were entertained by Solar Winds.
We are counting down the days to our apple-picking trip and speaking of that trip--if you have not returned the field trip permission form, your child will not be able to go to the orchard. Please make sure you give the form to Ms. Beech in the main office. Also, please do not forget to send in the transportation form.
We look forward to seeing you next week at Back-to-School Night. Please read the following information so that you are prepared.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Fuller
Head of Lower School
Courtney P. McGillicuddy
Assistant Head of Lower School
Early Childhood Coordinator
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Reminder to Lower School Families:
Please return the following Field Trip Permission Form and Lower School Transportation Form
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Lower School Music Announcement:
Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are eligible to join the Band! Please click on the link below to read an invitation from Mrs. Wooster.
Important Dates:
Band for Grade 3 begins on October 23.
Band for Grades 4 and 5 begins on October 16.
After-School music lessons begin the week of October 12.
Sign-up information will be sent home this week in your child's backpack. Thank you so much for considering this wonderful opportunity.
Read more and register here.
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After School Clubs for Lower School Only
Brimmer offers your Lower School student a variety of After-School clubs. Clubs begin the last week of September and are open to ALL Lower School students. Each club meets once per week from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Led by both Brimmer and May faculty as well as outside specialists, these clubs encourage students to explore, experiment, and learn in a more informal and interactive setting right here on campus. Clubs are open to any student who fits into the required grade range, and Extended Day is available to any enrolled student both before and after sessions meet. Registration is open now, at Ultracamp
Families who have registered online in the past or for summer programs should use their already established Ultracamp account. To see our list of offerings and enroll click on the link below.
Fall After School Clubs
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Middle School News
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
What a great beginning to the school year it has been! The trip to Camp Cedar was the perfect way to begin for both the new and returning students. The hallways are buzzing with excitement as the students continue to figure out the routine of the Middle School.
Below is some important information I thought would be beneficial for you to have:
* The school day ends at 3:10 p.m. on Mondays, which is the day Middle School does not participate in athletics. On Tuesday through Friday, the academic day ends at 2:30 p.m., at which point after-school sports begins. The ONLY exception to this is for those Middle School students who are playing on varsity teams. At 2:30 p.m. they are to attend study hall in the Almy Wing until 3:10 p.m., at which point they should then head off to sports. If they have an early release for a game on a particular day, they should then abide by the early release time.
* Students who are not picked up from School after sports or who are waiting to be picked up from School after 3:10 p.m. on any day of week, must go and sign into AP, which is held in room 139. Students do not need to let the proctor know that they plan to attend AP prior to showing up.
* Middle School Back to School Night is on Thursday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. There will be a website and eBackpack orientation for new parents beginning at 6:15 p.m. More information about this night will be sent out next week.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Carl Rapisarda-Vallely
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Charlotte's Web Auditions
Auditions for the Middle School's fall production of Charlotte's Web took place last week while at Camp Cedar, and there was a great turnout! Every student who auditioned can expect to be cast in this production. The cast list will be announced today, and the first rehearsal will take place on Monday 9/14 from 3:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. for the full cast. More details and a full rehearsal schedule will be shared with families soon!
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Upper School News
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 Upper School Information
The Humanities Department has nominated Simon Acevedo, '16, Julie Blazar, '16, Sang Ha Lee, '16, Owen Meredith, '16, and Jiaqi Zhang, '16
to represent the School as James Otis Scholars this year. The Massachusetts Association of Trial Advocates sponsors the James Otis Lecture annually. Students are invited to attend the James Otis Lecture on Thursday September 17, Constitution Day, at Faneuil Hall in Boston. The lecture topic this year is "How Worcester County Saved the Jury System (and why it matters)" to be delivered by United States District Judge (Ret.) Nancy Gertner and Professor of Law Andrew G. Ferguson of the University of the District of Columbia.
Sean Hussey '16 and Sam Ravina '17 will represent Brimmer on Representative Joseph P Kennedy's Youth Cabinet. Congressman Kennedy represents the Fourth Congressional District, in which the School, Sean, and Sam reside. The Youth Cabinet will have two representatives from the high schools in the District to "talk about what issues are affecting them and their peers the most, and what policies and initiatives their areas need to be successful." Sean and Sam will be expected to meet monthly with their fellow Youth Cabinet members.
Upcoming Events
- September 13-15 Rosh Hashanah
- September 17 James Otis Lecture, Faneuil Hall (see above for nominated scholars)
- No School, Wednesday, September 23 for Yom Kippur
Joseph Iuliano
Upper School Head
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College Counseling Office
The College Counseling team is pleased to welcome Ms. Helen Du to Brimmer. Ms. Du is the new Director of International Students and, as a member of our team, she will be working with international students in the college process. All students are welcome to meet with any of the counselors at any time: Mrs. Pendergast, Mr. Murphy, and Ms. Du.
College Visitors to Brimmer and May
Thus far more than 50 colleges have scheduled visits to Brimmer this fall. These admissions officers come to meet with the College Counseling team and interested students. This is an excellent way for our students to learn more about the colleges as well as express their interest in the colleges, something that has become very important in the admissions process. It also gives us a chance to better acquaint colleges with Brimmer and the unique programs we offer. An ever-changing schedule of these visits can be found on the Brimmer website in the College Counseling section. Parents of seniors can also find the schedule on Naviance.
PSAT
All students in grades 10 and 11 will take the PSAT during regular school hours on Wednesday, October 14. Registration for the test is done at School, and parents will be billed for the $15 fee. Information bulletins containing a full practice exam will be placed in the school mailbox of each student next week. It is very important for students to read through the booklet and take the practice exam. An information session for students will also be held at School. Further information will be mailed to parents in the coming weeks.
Fall College Night
Our Fall College Night be take place on Thursday, October 15, at 7:00 p.m. This is a required event for juniors and strongly encouraged for seniors, but the entire Brimmer community is invited to attend. This year's panelists are from Boston University, Penn State University, and Colby College. More information about this event will follow.
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From the Parents' Association
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PA News and Reminders
Volunteer Opportunities
Many thanks to everyone who has already signed up to volunteer! There are still lots of opportunities available to fit all schedules at www.signupgenius.com. We hope that every parent will have the opportunity to spend a couple of hours at a Brimmer event this year!
All PA and classroom volunteers are required to complete a CORI form. Please sign and mail (with a photocopy of picture ID) to Carol Croffy, Assistant Business Manager.
Save the Dates: Fall PA Meetings
Parents and guardians of all grades are invited to attend.
Thursday, October 1, at 8:15 a.m. in the Wright Conference Room
The PA, Brimmer, and You! Learn how parents connect to the School, and share your story about your family's first days at Brimmer.
Thursday, November 12 at 8:15 in the Theatre
Educator, author, and New York Times columnist Jessica Lahey will speak on the theme of her recent book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed. Ms. Lahey was featured in a recent NPREd segment.
Friday Parent Walking Group
Catch up with old friends or meet new ones at our weekly Parent Walking Group! Join us at 8:15 in front of the Chase Building for a 40-60 minute walk around the Reservoir (weather permitting). Babies, strollers, and leashed pets are also welcome.
Support the PA When You Shop Amazon
Give back to the PA every time you shop Amazon.com! Our PA receives a portion of every purchase when you click here. Or go the "Discover Brimmer and May" tab on the Brimmer website. Thank you!
Sincerely,
PA Co-Chairs
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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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9/11 Friday Dismissal Pre-K-K at 2:00 p.m. Friday Dismissal Gr 1-3 at 2:20 p.m. Friday Dismissal Gr 4-5 at 2:35 p.m. 9/17 LS Back-to-School Night, 6:30 p.m. 9/23 Yom Kippur -No School 9/24 MS Back-to-School Night, 7:00 p.m. 9/25 LS field trip to Honey Pot Hill Orchards
10/1
8:15 Parents' Association Meeting 8:15 a.m.
10/2
Academic Warnings, Period 1 (Gr 6-12) |
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