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Homecoming, Diversity Night, Buddy Walk, Senate-run social events, Harvest Fest, Share, and special assemblies are some of the events that occupied the month of October. These events brought members of the Brimmer community together in fun and supportive ways. Events like these, when we share common goals and values, help celebrate and support our fellow community members.
November will include more opportunities to build community as we host Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day, conduct parent -teacher conferences, attend athletic dinners, and watch the upcoming creative arts performances. When we share common experiences, our community is strengthened and our students benefit. When I was listening to Greenline sing at the Board of Visitors' event last week, I was reminded of the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." Let's use each opportunity to build our community with an intention of supporting every child who belongs to it.
Sincerely,
Judith Guild
Head of School
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 Jared '19 and David Heller Publish Book Jared Heller '19 and his father, David, have published their second book together, WHEN DARKNESS REIGNED AND LIGHT WAS BARELY VISIBLE: Reflections on WWII By the Son and Grandson of a Holocaust Survivor. Click here to read more about Jared's inspiration at Brimmer. |
Book Signing with Parent/Author Ben Mezrich
Join us for a book signing with Brimmer
parent Ben Mezrich, author of The Accidental Billionaires. The Founding of Facebook and Bringing Down the House on November 18 at 10:20 a.m. in the Upper School Library.
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Board of Visitors' Day
Board of Visitors' Day, in October, focused on the theme "Empowered to Lead." A panel of Lower, Middle, and Upper School students made presentations on "Student Leadership and Voice at Brimmer" and parent Regina O'Neill gave the keynote presentation, "Creating Strong Leaders for Tomorrow." See video and photos and read more.
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Massachusetts Music Educators Association All-State Treble Honor Choir
Students in grades four through six are invited to audition for the Massachusetts Music Educators Association All-State Treble Honor Choir. The performance will occur on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. Click here for audition and performance information. Mr. Van Atta and Mrs. Wooster hope that you will consider this amazing opportunity for your child.
Elizabeth Wooster
Lower School Music Educator
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Brimmer Welcomes New Extended Day Director
Cassie Abodeely, the Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programming, is excited to announce the appointment of Laura Foley as Extended Day Director. Ms. Foley, who has been teaching in the Extended Day program and substitute teaching in the Lower School for two years, will be taking over the day-to-day operation of Extended Day from Matt Vaughan beginning November 1.
Ms. Foley joined the Brimmer community after graduating from Lesley University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Psychology. She has over 20 years of summer camp experience both as a camper and counselor at Camp Seashore in Long Branch, New Jersey and loves to surf!
You will continue to see Mr. Vaughan on campus as he has joined the Brimmer faculty on a full-time basis.
Read more about Extended Day program here.
Read the Extended Day Newsletter here.
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Diversity Night Photos
The fall Diversity Night with Master Story Performer Leeny Del Seamonds was a great success. See photos and video here.
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State of the Arts
In the Lower School
Band has begun rehearsing! Intermediate band members began two pieces in their first rehearsal and listened for balance between sections.
Third graders are enthusiastically attending their first rehearsal on Friday when we will hear our first notes from flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, baritone, glockenspiel, and snare drums. Twenty children are excited to start their instrument ensemble adventure.
Our student teacher, Cathy, is teaching full-time in the music classroom. She will complete her time with us next week.
First, second, and fifth graders are writing their own rhythmic compositions. Third and fourth graders are preparing to write with syncopation and sixteenth notes.
The 5th Grade Pledge of Allegiance play is coming! The students helped write the script, and we are now in rehearsals. There is a noteworthy group of 5th grade dancers who have volunteered to spend their recess with Mrs. Wolf once a week to create a student-choreographed dance number that will be part of the play. The show will be performed at Share on 11/6.
In the Middle School
6th graders started reading Chinese folk tales in Drama. They will select specific folk tales to dramatize for their exhibition in December.
7th Graders are putting the finishing touches on Japanese scrolls in art class and working hard on their Japanese fan dance.
All of the Middle School was treated to an a capella performance by a male singing group from Yale last Friday.
In the Upper School
The Video class is working on a teaser for the Halloween Haunted House that Senate is preparing with alum Trevor Sullivan '11.
Student in the Upper School Ensemble performed at Open House and are preparing to play for Harvest Fest. In addition, many of the Band students are preparing for MMEA Mass Music Educator Association for January orchestra festival auditions.
Greenline did a terrific job singing at Homecoming and Open House. This past Saturday, select members of Greenline traveled to participate in the Massachusetts Allstate Choir at Umass Amherst where they rehearsed and sang "Carmina Burana."
This month CAP and Greenline students enjoyed a field trip to The Book of Mormon, and CAP students attended New Rep's production of Caryl Churchill's drama, A Number.
AP Studio Art, AP Photo & CAP took a field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts on Wednesday to look at Western painting since 1900 and to take in the recent Herb Ritts photography exhibit.
CAP has begun their series of guest artist visits. Two weeks ago, they hosted Broadway stage manager, Rebecca Monroe who spoke about her career as a professional stage manager. Using her original cue sheet and a YouTube video, students had a chance to call a production number from Riverdance. Last Friday, professional photographer David Barron shared his work and talked about how he got started, what he does to keep his business going, and why he enjoys the life of a freelance photographer.
CAP continues to meet weekly with our young friends at the Sumner School
Bill Jacob
Creative Arts Chair
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Connect with Brimmer and May!
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Join the Conversation!
Follow Brimmer on social media for lots of news, photos, & video!
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Lower School News 
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News from Lower School
Dear Lower School Families,
Harvest Fest was a blast, and the weather was very fall like! It is always fun for me to watch the Middle and Upper School students interacting with the Lower School. Special thanks to Ms. Hellmuth, Ms. McGillicuddy, Mrs. Clamage, and the Harvest Fest Committee!
Grade-One Parents: I will be hosting a light breakfast meeting in the Lower School library on Friday, November 13. Ms. McGillicuddy and Ms. Sammetta will be speaking about our literacy program.
Please do not forget to turn your clocks back this weekend, and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors --enjoy the extra hour of sleep, too.
Finally, check out this month's appetizer: the topic is technology, I hope it helps start a conversation at home.
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 Grandparent and Special Friends' Day
You are cordially invited to Lower School Grandparents' & Special Friends' Day Tuesday, November 24, 2015, 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Please join Head of School, Judith Guild, for an opportunity to visit classes and enjoy a Thanksgiving Assembly.
8:00 a.m.
Registration in the Chase Building- Grades 2-5
Registration in the Lower School Library- Grades Pre-K-1
Visitors for Pre-K-Grade 1
8:30 a.m. Classroom Visits
9:45 a.m. Assembly- Ruth Corkin Theatre
Visitors for Grades 2-5
8:30 a.m. Assembly- Ruth Corkin Theatre
9:30 a.m. Classroom Visits
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Middle School News
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From the Middle School
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I want to highlight a few outstanding things I witnessed in the Middle School classrooms last week. The students in History 7 with Mr. Purcell participated in a mock trial focusing on the Boston Massacre. The students were fully engaged in their work, and they demonstrated a clear understanding of the event. Students in Science 7 with Ms. Shannon conducted an experiment on transpiration that explored the role of plants in the water cycle. Students in Art 6 with Mrs. Lee began their Mongolian Shadow Puppet project, which are inspired by the characters they are portraying in their folktales in drama. Students in History 8 with Ms. Graves and Mr. Purcell presented their research on the major religions of the Indian subcontinent. Finally, students in Music 8 with Mr. Van Atta practiced Indian drumming and sang in Hindi and Spanish. Having the opportunity to watch the excellent instruction and learning that happens here everyday is always the highlight of my week. Important Upcoming Dates/Events Friday, October 30 Halloween Party, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Gym Thursday, November 5 Parent Teacher Conferences, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Friday, November 6 No School for Students, Parent Teacher Conferences, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 11 No School - Veterans' Day
Carl Rapisarda-Vallely
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Middle/Upper School News 
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Middle and Upper School Grandparent and Special Friends' Day
You are cordially invited to Middle and Upper School Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day Monday, November 23, 2015
Please join Head of School, Judith Guild, for an opportunity to visit classes and enjoy a Thanksgiving Assembly.
Registration & Reception: 10:30 a.m.- Chase Building
Class Visits: 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Assembly: 12:00 p.m.
Dismissal immediately following the assembly
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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.
NEW DATE: The Fall Varsity Dinner and Awards Ceremony will be held on Monday November 16 with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. and awards directly following dinner. We have three teams in league championships, and we are excited to celebrate after the championships take place.
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Upper School News
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Soccer
The Varsity Girls' Soccer team will host a second round playoff game in the Independent Girls Conference Tournament on Monday, November 2, at 3:00 p.m. The Girls' team finished the season in second place in the league this year.
The Varsity Boys' Soccer team traveled to Gann Academy on Thursday, October 29, for a first round game in the Massachusetts Bay Independent League Tournament. If they win in the first round they continue play on Tuesday, November 2, with a semi-final game against the Newman School. The Boys' team finished in sixth place in the league this year.
Cross Country
Brimmer and May's Cross Country Team runs in the MBIL Championship Race at Gann Academy on Wednesday, November 4, at 3:00 p.m. Brimmer and May's Cross Country is the two-time defending League Champion (2013 and 2014) and hopes to three-peat in this year's championship meet. Please support our runners before and at the race.
Fall Sports Dinner, Monday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m.
(This is a new date.)
To celebrate the accomplishments of our fall varsity teams--cross country, field hockey, and Boys' and Girls' soccer--the Athletic Department is hosting a dinner and awards presentation for all team members and their parents/guardians. This is a dress event for students. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by team presentations in the Corkin Theatre at 7:15 p.m.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thursday, November 5, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Friday, November 6, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
No School for Upper School Students
Friday, November 6 -- for Parent-Teacher Conference
Wednesday, November 11 -- for Veterans' Day
Joseph Iuliano
Upper School Head
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College Counseling
College Counseling Classes
For most of the fall in our College Counseling classes, we have been working on the Common Application, essays, and refining college lists. In each class we also make time to discuss important topics such as the pros and cons of various decision plans, the importance of visiting as many colleges as possible, and the financial aid implications students should consider when building their lists.
Last week, each student was given a list of web sites and search engines to help them research merit scholarships. Students were also urged to use the Net Price Calculator found on every college website to help the family understand what they may be expected to contribute to the cost of their college attendance. This figure is called the EFC, the Expected Family Contribution. Families must be mindful of the fact that not all colleges will meet full demonstrated need; this is called "gapping." Other colleges will award need-based aid on a sliding scale that is tied to the academic credentials of the student. Some colleges give merit aid to students without a financial need who are strong students, leaving less money in their coffers for students who are needy. It is very important to research the financial aid policies of the schools a student is applying to if receiving aid is a factor in the ability of the student to attend the school. When building college lists, we strive to include not only admission "safety" schools, but also try to include colleges we know have generous financial aid and/or merit scholarship programs.
PIN Lecture
The next meeting of the Parents' Independent School Network will be held at The Noble and Greenough School in Dedham on Tuesday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m. I bring this program to your attention because the topic is "Navigating the College Process." It will be a panel presentation with admission representatives from Elon University, Connecticut College, and Northeastern University. These three institutions are very popular with Brimmer students, and each is slightly different, thus giving the audience a good cross section to learn about. This is sure to be a worthwhile evening for all parents of Upper School students as well as for those who are looking ahead for younger children.
Early Deadlines
Approximately two-thirds of the senior class are submitting at least one Early Action or an Early Decision application by November 1. Early Decision is a long established program that has gained in popularity during the last 20 years. Originally it was intended to serve students who had decided early in their senior year that they had one first choice college that they would like to attend if admitted. These students had done their research and campus visits and were ready to commit to that one college; if admitted, the process would be over for them early in their senior year. When the numbers of graduating high school seniors dropped in the early 80s, some private colleges begin to scramble to attract more applicants. To do this, they began to use the Early Decision Program to lock in more students; it was a one for one admit and enroll. To persuade students to apply ED, some colleges would give a slight advantage to ED applicants. And, as the fascination with the US News rankings grew, colleges figured out that accepting more students at ED would help their yield numbers-- a factor in the ratings. It is fair to say that today, the ED program helps the colleges at least as much as the students. Early Action decisions are NOT binding; it is a win-win for both student and college. (Colleges get to read and make decisions at a more gradual pace). A more recent trend is for state universities to have Priority Deadlines, which are also usually November 1. For some universities, students must meet this deadline to qualify for merit scholarships, and for some, the admit rate for those applying by the Priority date is much higher. How has this impacted our students, faculty, and counselors? It has forced us to speed up the process. Several years ago we changed our calendar and now begin our College Counseling classes and curriculum for second semester juniors rather than wait for fall of senior year. Regardless of how much work we complete during that semester and over the summer, the weeks leading up to November 1st are still stressful. Next week we will breathe a collective sigh of relief!
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From the Parents' Association
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Next PA Meeting: Thursday, November 12, at 8:15 in the Corkin Theatre
All Brimmer parents, guardians, and Brimmer friends are invited to attend! 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
November PIN Meetings
Brimmer parents and guardians are invited to attend these upcoming PIN meetings:
PIN Lower and Middle School: Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Host School: Chestnut Hill School, 428 Hammond St, Chestnut Hill, MA
Topic: "Secondary School Admissions"
PIN Upper School:
Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Host School: Noble and Greenough School, 10 Campus Dr., Dedham.
Topic: "Navigating the College Process"
Panel discussion with admissions representatives from Elon University, Connecticut College, and Northeastern University.
Friday Parent Walking Group
Join us Fridays at 8:15 a.m. in front of the Chase Building for a 40-60 minute walk around the Reservoir (weather permitting).
Equal Exchange Fundraiser Extended to November 12
Purchase delicious treats and beautiful handcrafted goods while also supporting fair-trade farmers and benefitting the school. Order by catalog or order online at http://fundraiser.equalexchange . Catalog orders will be delivered to school the first week of December, in time for the holidays. Online orders ship directly to your home, and
online orders over $75 ship free!
 If you have any questions, please contact:
Veronica Picon, P '22
Rossanna-Lizama-Soto, P '22
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!
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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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10/30
Mid-Semester 1/End of Quarter 1
Middle School Party in Gym
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Upper School Haunted House
7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
11/3
M.S. and J.V. Athletics Assembly
3:30 p.m.
11/4
No School Pre-K-5 Parent Conferences (Pre-K-5)
Extended Day for all Enrolled Children
11/5
Grade 8 Breakfast
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Parent-Teacher Conferences (gr. 6-12)
3:30 p.m.
Alumni Parent Reception
6:30 p.m.
11/6
No School for gr. 6-12
Parent-Teacher Conferences (gr. 6-12)
8:00 a.m.
11/7
SAT I & II
11/11
No School Veterans' Day
11/12
Parents' Association Meeting
8:15 a.m.
U.S. Play - The Universal Language & Other Comedies
7:00 p.m.
11/13
U.S. Play - The Universal Language & Other Comedies
7:00 p.m.
11/14
U.S. Play - The Universal Language & Other Comedies
7:00 p.m.
11/16
Varsity Dinner 6:15 p.m.
Varsity Athletics Assembly
7:00 p.m.
11/18
Admissions Walk-in-Wednesday
8:15 -10:00 a.m.
11/23
Middle and
Upper School Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Thanksgiving Assembly (gr. 6-12), Dress Day
12:00 PM
11/24
No School for Gr. 6-12 (Professional Development)
Lower School Grandparents and Special Friends Day
8:30 a.m.
Pre-K-5 - early dismissal, no extended day
11:00 a.m.
11/25
No School
11/26
No School - Thanksgiving
11/27
No School
11/30
School Resumes
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