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Whether we call it quiet time, down time, or alone time, it is important that we create space in the day for our students to be quiet. The pace of life is increasingly challenging for adults, and it can even be more challenging for our children, especially for those who are more introverted. As the month of October gets underway, I hope we can remember to provide time during the week and on the weekends for our students to be quiet so they can reflect, think about their priorities, settle their minds, and read.
In a recent article entitled " When Schools Overlook Introverts" by Michael Godsey, the author reminds us of Susan Cain's work revealed in her book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. While collaborative projects, group discussions, and active learning are important learning practices, being quiet and reflective is also important, and we need to help our students find the space to do that. Perhaps as the weather turns cooler, we can encourage our students to carve out a block of time this weekend to retreat a bit and have some quiet time. Happy autumn to all of you!
Sincerely,
Judith Guild
Head of School
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Please help us spread the word about our Admissions Open House by putting an Open House car magnet on your car! Car magnets are available in the Lower School and in Chase.
Sunday, October 25
Lower School: 1 p.m.
Middle and Upper Schools: 2 p.m.
Thanks in advance for your support!
Brian C. Beale
Director of Enrollment
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State of the Arts
 In the Lower School, grades Pre-K through 5 are exploring the question, "What is art?" and contributing to an interactive exhibit that will soon be on display in the Chase Building hallway. Following is a contribution from Kindergarten student, Annabelle Texas: "Art is a kind of thing where you get to be an artist. If you are shy, you won't become one. You can just draw a dot and become an artist." The Middle School hosted Chinese acrobat Li Liu at a special assembly on Wednesday as part of their Global Studies focus on Asia: Beyond the Silk Road. In addition, the 6th grade has been exploring Garageband software; the 7th grade has been focusing on Japanese calligraphy and translating and writing their names; and the 8th grade has been adding movement for their drum piece to accompany their performance of Jai Ho. The Upper School Ensemble is embracing a Mozart Quintet, a Renaissance piece by Josquin De Prez, and a song by Blink 182. Photography classes have completed their pinhole camera projects, and the work is currently on display in the Chase building, on the bulletin board next to the darkroom. The video classroom and the Corkin Art Studios were thrilled to receive new computers this week--a total of 14 new computers in all. The Creative Arts Diploma students returned to the Charles Sumner School in Roslindale to meet and teach children in grades 2-5. This is a yearlong partnership between the two schools that has been in place for over 10 years. See the photo on the top left. Bill Jacob Creative Arts Chair Director, Creative Arts Diploma Program |
 Families, staff, alumni, and friends
Please join us for
HOMECOMING
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Brimmer and May's Orr Field, Dedham Street
11 a.m. - Varsity Girls' Soccer vs. Bradford C. A.
1 p.m. - Varsity Boys' Soccer vs. Bradford C. A.
Shuttle bus service provided from Brimmer and May
as there is limited parking available at Dedham Street.
* A BBQ lunch and refreshments will be served *
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School Photos Available Online
Coffee Pond Photography emailed information to families regarding ordering school portraits on September 17. If you did not receive this information by email, please contact their Customer Care Department directly for assistance. Please be sure to have your spam blocker set to accept emails from lifeguards@coffeepond.com
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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,
Boy, did we have a terrific time apple picking last week, and there were a lot of apple-related math activities going on this week (iPads come in handy for apple-related work)! While on a technology tangent, this year teachers are continuing to focus on helping our students with the etiquette of using their technology tools. We appreciate your support with this endeavor.
Pre-K and Kindergarten parents: Please join Head of School, Judy Guild, Director of Counseling Services Dr. Beth Meister, Ms. McGillicuddy, and me in the library on Friday morning, October 9, at 8:15! At that time we will have coffee, tea, orange juice, and assorted treats while we talk about life in the Early Childhood Program.
Ms. McGillicuddy and I want to thank you all for doing a great job at dismissal--we really appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Fuller
Head of Lower School
Courtney P. McGillicuddy
Assistant Head of Lower School
Early Childhood Coordinator
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Lower School Technology Announcement
Dear Families of Fourth and Fifth Graders,
The Technology Department and I would like you to repair your children's iPads if the screen is cracked or shattered. We make this request for the safety of all children.
Thanks,
Thomas Fuller
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 Buddy Apple Picking Video
Click here to watch a video of the Lower School Buddy trip to Honey Pot Hill Orchards. Students had a wonderful day with their Buddies! |
Middle School News
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From the Middle School
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Despite the rain, we had another fantastic week in the Middle School. The Sports BBQ on Tuesday was a huge success, and both the 3rds and JV Soccer teams put forth a solid effort in their games. On Wednesday, the Creative Arts department hosted a special assembly. In connection with this year's unit, Asia: Beyond the Silk Road, students were treated to a presentation by Chinese acrobats. It was a wonderful performance!
Ms. Shannon has been busy planning the Middle School Outdoor Education day that is scheduled for Friday, October 9. Please see her note in this Bulletin for more information on the trips.
Tonight is the first 7th and 8th grade dance of the year. It begins at 7:00 p.m. and will end at 9:30. The cost is $5. We hope to have a great turnout!
Carl Rapisarda-Vallely
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Fall Outdoor Education Day
The Middle School Fall Outdoor Education day is coming up next week on Friday October 9. The 6th grade will hike Mt. Watatic in Fitchburg, MA, the 7th grade will bike on the Minuteman Bikeway, and the 8th grade will hike in the Blue Hills Reservation. Hopefully, you have had a chance to look through the packing list and information sheet that your child brought home. You can also find the information sheets at the bottom of this article or on eBackpack. Please remember to send students to School with a packed lunch and reusable water bottle so that they can keep energized and hydrated throughout the day. Students should meet in the theatre at 7:50 a.m., and we should return to the school for a normal dismissal at 2:25. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!
Bethany Shannon
Science Department
Brimmer and May School
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Middle/Upper School News 
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Athletic Ceremonies
On Tuesday, November 3, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Brimmer will host a fall Sports Celebration and Awards Ceremony for those students who participated on a Middle School or Junior Varsity team this fall. Students are expected to attend and parents/guardians are welcome to join us as well. Dessert will follow the program.
The Fall Varsity Dinner and Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 4, with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. and awards directly following dinner.
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Upper School News
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Senior Class Election Results
Several seniors ran for class offices last week after presenting brief speeches to their classmates. The results of the election were:
Senior Class President: Simon Acevedo
Senior Class Vice President: Jacob Quiles
Senior class officers conduct homeroom meetings twice weekly, act as liaisons with their homeroom teachers and the Upper School Head, plan class events and assist with communications to the class about School events, help organize fundraising efforts for the class gift, etc. Congratulations to our new officers!
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, October 6
Special Events for Grades 9 - 12
Grade 9
Introduction to College with Cindy Pendergast, Director of College Counseling
This is an "unanxious" preview of the high school transcript and Common Application so that freshman can learn what colleges look for in their applicants.
Grades 10 and 11
PSAT Preview with Sherry Brass from Kaplan Test Prep.
2015 is the first year for the new PSAT.
Grade 12
College Counseling Boot Camp 2 with College Counselors Jack Murphy and Helen Du. This is a checkpoint for seniors as they approach Early Action and Early Decision Deadlines.
These events will be scheduled simultaneously during a special block on Tuesday morning.
Saturday, October 3
SAT I & II
Wednesday, October 7
Greenline trip to The Book of Mormon, Boston
Thursday, October 8
Senior Parents Dinner (see invitation that was sent to you for details)
Friday, October 9
Senior Lunch, sponsored by Brimmer and May's Alumni Office
Monday, October 12
Columbus' Day - No School
Wednesday, October 14
PSATs for Grades 10 and 11 (see below)
Thursday, October 15
College Night - all Upper School students, parents, and guardians are invited and encouraged to attend
Saturday, October 17
Homecoming - an event for the entire school community!
Testing in October
CWRA - Grade 9
The School will administer the College Work and Readiness Assessment (CWRA+) to members of the freshman class during the month of October. Click here for the CWRA+ Student Guide.
PSAT - Grades 10 and 11
Students in Grades 10 and 11 have been given PSAT information booklets in their mailboxes at school. Parents may want to remind their children to pick these up and bring them home to look at them and complete a practice test prior to the actual testing date (Or click here for the 2015 Guide). Annually, the School offers an information session to students in early October (see above) and will administer the test on Wednesday, October 14.
On Tuesday, October 6, all students in grades 10 and 11 will attend a 45-minute introduction to the new PSAT that will include a Power Point presented by Sherry Brass, a member of the Kaplan Test Prep team in Newton. This session, together with the work the students should be doing with the information booklet from the College Board they were given in early September, should prepare them well to take the exam on October 14. This new PSAT will prepare students to take the newly designed SAT that will debut this March.
Joseph Iuliano
Upper School Head
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If you would like a copy of the Brimmer All-School Family/Student Directory, please stop by Mrs. Gates' office and pick one up. You can also email her at mgates@brimmer.org to request that she put a copy in a sealed envelope for your child to bring home.
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College Counseling Office
College Visits
Monday, Oct. 5
8:15 a.m. Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
9:30 a.m. High Point University
Tuesday, Oct. 6
9:00 a.m. Nova Southeastern University
10:00 a.m. St. Joseph's University
Wednesday, Oct. 7
8:00 a.m. Goucher College
9:30 a.m. U of the South/Sewanee
10:15 a.m. U of Rochester
11:00 a.m. Washington and Jefferson College
1:00 p.m. Florida Southern College
Thursday, Oct. 8
10:00 a.m. St. Lawrence University
12:00 p.m. Johns Hopkins University
Friday, Oct. 9
10:00 a.m. Drew University
11:00 a.m. St. Anselm College
12:30 p.m. College of Charleston
College Night- October 15
Mark your calendar! College Night is Thursday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Corkin Theatre. Panelists from Boston University, Colby College, and Penn State University will attend. These admissions officers will present brief remarks about their own institutions as well as more extensive information on general topics involving the college process and the financial aid process.
San Diego
The National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) is holding its annual meeting in San Diego this week. College admissions professionals and secondary school counselors come from all around the world to attend this conference. It is a time for gathering with colleagues to discuss current topics of interest and share common concerns as well as new ideas. It is also a time to cement old friendships and forge new bonds. Without a doubt, this is a professional opportunity not to be missed. I will be happy to share highlights of my time in San Diego with anyone who is interested.
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From the Parents' Association
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Next PA Meeting: Thursday, November 12, at 8:15 a.m. 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. Copies of Ms. Lahey's book will also be available for purchase at the meeting.
Photo Credit: Kristen Hoebermann
PA Meeting Thank You
Our first PA meeting had a great turnout--32 parents from all three divisions! A tremendous thank you to Lower School Admissions Director Ellen Foley, Director of Enrollment Brian Beale, Carla Leeder P '15, '20, and all our parents for sharing their Brimmer stories. And thank you to Cynthia Bell P '20 for providing delicious home-baked treats for everyone to enjoy!
Parent Potluck Gatherings
The parent potlucks are getting under way in October! We would like to thank families generously hosting this year's potlucks: the Maks, Bernons, van Dams, Ostrers, Aslams, Kasses, Eastwoods, Iselins, Leeders, Mynahans, and the Donnellys.
PIN Meeting,
(Parents' Independent School Network)
All Brimmer parents and guardians are invited to attend the first PIN meeting of the year, "Promoting Wellness in Our Schools," on Wednesday, October 7, at Berwick Academy in Berwick, Maine. Brimmer is a longtime member of PIN, a volunteer group made up of independent school parents. To see the schedule of LS/MS meetings and to learn more about PIN, click here. Note that Brimmer will host PIN's Annual meeting on January 29.
New Brimmer Logo Apparel Sale, October 13 and 15
We will be selling new Brimmer logo apparel on October 13 and 15, after drop-off in front of McCoy Hall. See new T-shirts, updated classic apparel, and Brimmer hats and scarves. In-stock items also on sale. Credit cards are now accepted.
All-School Spirit Day, October 16
Homecoming, October 17
Two perfect opportunities to wear your new Brimmer Apparel! Students and parents are encouraged to wear green and white to school on All-School Spirit Day on Friday, October 16. Then come cheer on our Girls' and Boys' Varsity Soccer teams at Homecoming on Saturday, October 17, at Brimmer's Orr Field on Dedham Street, Newton. Go Gators!
Harvestfest, October 30
Sign up here to volunteer for Brimmer's all-school fall celebration! Help pop corn, decorate the field, assist Lower School students and their MS and US buddies in a fall art project. The students will be on the field from 9:15-10 a.m.
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.
Friday Parent Walking Group
Catch up wit  h old friends or meet new ones at our weekly Parent Walking Group! Join us at 8:15 a.m. 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.
Equal Exchange Fundraiser
The PA's traditional fall fundraiser runs until October 30. Equal Exchange offers globally responsible products while teaching the values of equity and sustainability.
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,
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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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10/2
Academic Warnings, Period 1 (Gr 6-12)
Middle School Dance
7:00 p.m.
10/3
SAT I & II
10/8
Senior Parents' Dinner
7:00 p.m.
10/9
Fall Middle School Outdoor Education Day
10/12
No School- Columbus Day
10/14
PSAT's (gr. 10 &11)
8:00 a.m.
10/15
Fall College Night
7:00 p.m.
10/16
All-School Sprit Day
Grade 6 Open Gym Night
7:00 p.m.
10/17
Homecoming
11:00 a.m.
10/22
Board of Visitors' Day (Dress Day gr. 6-12) 8:30 a.m.
Community Diversity Night
5:00 p.m.
10/25
Lower School Admissions Open House: 1:00 p.m.
Middle and Upper Schools Admissions Open House:
2:00 p.m.
10/26
Photo Re-take Day Grades Pre-K-12
8:50 a.m.- 10:50 a.m.
10/30
Harvest Fest
8-9:15 a.m. set up
9:15-10 a.m. All-School event
10/31
Mid-Semester 1/End of Quarter 1
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