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This past fall I had the opportunity to hear Natalie Nixon, author of Strategic Design Thinking: Innovation in Products, Services, Experiences and Beyond, speak on the subject of collaboration. She outlined several key reasons why we need to create a learning environment where collaboration is valued and experienced as part of the learning process. Below is a paraphrasing of her ideas regarding the importance of collaboration.
Collaboration brings self-awareness. People are forced to articulate their competencies when collaborating on challenges. They articulate and distill what they do well and what they do poorly. Knowing what a person's strengths and weaknesses are can force them to ask for help when necessary.
Collaboration combines resources in talent, experience, and knowledge. We thrive when diverse and complimentary skills and knowledge work together.
Collaboration can sometimes fail to produce solutions. However, when working together, there are often safety nets for failure, and opportunities for growth in that failure helps learners move forward and learn.
Collaboration often requires a person to extend beyond his or her comfort zone and grow. In turn, students stretch their boundaries and often complete the work required when doing it alone may have caused them to stop before meeting their goal.
As part of our School's teaching philosophy, collaboration is a significant part of the learning process at Brimmer. As we move into the second half of the year, I encourage students to form study groups and to use the power of collaboration to meet and even exceed the goals their teachers set for them.
Judith Guild
Head of School
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Incredible Moments of Brimmer's Annual Fund at Work!
The collective participation of our parent community has an incredible impact on Brimmer's ability to help provide an excellent program for today's students. Please help us to reach 100% parent support. Every gift matters! Thank you to those of you who have already given!
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| | 7th graders in Ms. Pan's science class tested their hand prosthesis projects this week. |
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5th graders explored how circuits work.
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Thanks so much,
Sharin Russell
Director of the Brimmer and May Annual Fund
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 Bissell Grogan Humanities Symposium Video and Photos
See video and photos and learn more about the Bissell Grogan Humanities Symposium! |
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Family Skating Night
Please join the Alumni Office and members of the Alumni Association for our annual Family Skating Night, on Friday, February 12, from 5:00-7:45 p.m. at the Larz Anderson Skating Rink in Brookline. The skate rental shop will be open as well as the concession stand for food, snacks, and cocoa (for purchase).
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Spring Break Camp and Photo Camp
REGISTRATION for SPRING BREAK CAMPS running from March 14 - 18 is OPEN.
This March we are offering camp for students in Pre-K to 10th grade!
Kathryn Lee is offering her signature PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP for 6th - 10th graders. This 5-day camp includes daily trips (on the T) in and around Boston to take photos. Afternoons will be spent on campus learning about developing and experimenting with digital work. Each student will end the week with a personal portfolio of images. Email Mrs. Lee with questions: klee@brimmer.org.
Lower School students are welcome to join us for an exciting week of SPRING BREAK DAY CAMP, running from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day. Students will cook, engage in STEAM activities, play outdoors and in the gym, write and produce a play, and much more. Email Laura Foley for more information: lafoley@brimmer.org.
Register for camp via your Ultracamp account or create one here. |
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Birthday Wishes Community Fundraiser
Birthday Wishes, an organization that provides birthday parties for homeless children, believes that all children, regardless of their living situation, should celebrate their birthdays joyfully. A "Birthday Box" allows a parent to have a party for their child no matter what their living situation is. As a community service project, Brimmer's goal is to donate 40 Birthday Boxes. The eighth-grade class will put the Birthday Boxes together; however, we hope to have the entire Brimmer community (Pre-K-12) will get involved by donating any of the following items for the boxes.
Each box will include the following items:
 1 Cake Mix 1 Frosting 1 Disposable cake pan 1 Box of candles 1 Tablecloth 5 Juice boxes Small pack of plates Small pack of napkins Pack of spoons or forks Pack of party hats Decorations/Filler: streamers, balloons, blowers, masks, birthday banner, etc Extra Fun Items: stickers, jewelry, card games, etc. Please put a post-it note on your box that includes your name and the age/gender of the child you prepared the box for. Birthday Gifts (optional): Provide 3-4 birthday gifts totaling approximately $40. Gifts should be age appropriate, new, unused and unwrapped. We will be collecting items throughout the month of February. Please help make us meet our goal of 40 Birthday Boxes! Collection boxes can be found in grade 6-12 homerooms, the Dining Room, and the entry of #69.
Nancy Bradley Community Service Activity Advisor - Grades 6-12 Math Department Chair |
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News From the Nurse
I hope winter break was a happy time away from school and your children are back in the swing of things by now. Even though it looks like we might be lucky in the weather department this year, many people aren't aware that the flu season peaks in February. It is not too late to get a flu vaccine--it is the single best way to prevent the flu! This year's combination seems to be a better mix than last year's formula. Teachers can't teach to an empty chair, but it's important for sick children to stay home until they're feeling better. By keeping sick children home, we can keep the rest of our community healthy. Be well. Beth Escobar Director of Health Services |
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Spring Auction
Current parents, new parents, come on and hear,
About our Spring '16 Auction, which needs volunteers!
The theme this year is "Oh, The Places You'll Go,"
click on this link and you'll be in the know!
 Did you go away for the Holiday Break? Did you travel outside the state or country? Think Worldly about donations for our Dr. Seuss themed Auction! Stop by "Auction Central" on the 3rd floor in Cummings Hall to drop off any items you may have acquired. The Auction Volunteers will help gather the items and make beautiful baskets filled with treasures from your travels!
Our "Oh, The Places You'll Go" section of the Brimmer website is up and running . . . purchase tickets, sign up to volunteer, and donate! Join us!
Amanda Spooner Frank '88
Director of Alumni Affairs and Special Events |
Buy a Special Message in the 2015 Yearbook
Congratulate an Individual or Class Member! Promote your Business!NEW! Gator Note: $20 (50 characters of text, no photo) Business Card size: $50 (3.5" X 2") 1/4 Page: $90 (3.5" X 5") 1/2 Page: $140 (7.5" X 5") Full Page: $200 (7.5" X 10") NEW DUE DATE! Complete the form and submit no later than February 1, 2016. Questions? Email kgraves@brimmer.org
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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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Dear Lower School Families,
Well, we liked this January better than the one last year--nice not to be buried under a deep blanket of snow! The month concluded with the Pre-K/K Informance, which was a big hit. The beginning of February is right around the corner and starts with a bang for the faculty and staff. Next Friday the P.A. will be hosting the Faculty Appreciation Luncheon, an event that is looked forward to for weeks by those who work at Brimmer!
An important calendar reminder: The Skating Party at Larz Anderson takes place on Friday, February 12 (not February 5).
Finally, I encourage you to book some time this weekend to read the accompanying brief article about school libraries and how they are changing.
Thomas A. Fuller
Head of Lower School
Courtney P. McGillicuddy
Assistant Head of Lower School
Early Childhood Coordinator
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Middle School News
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
A reminder that if you have not yet met with your child's advisor, please contact him/her to set up a meeting for next week.
You should have received an email from the School indicating that grades and comments have been posted, with directions on how to access them. Please let me know if you either can not access them or have not yet received the email.
This week in my classroom walk-throughs I observed some wonderful teaching and learning. Students in Science 7 with Ms. Pan and Ms. Balles tested their prosthetic arms while students in grade 8 began to explore World War II and the Holocaust as they prepare to read Night by Elie Wiesel. All students in grades 6-8 began learning music in preparation for auditions for this year's Middle School musical. The halls are filled with The Sound of Music!
Friday, February 5, is a DRESS DAY in observance of Staff Appreciation day.
Sincerely,
Carl Rapisarda-Vallely
Middle School Head
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Upper School News
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From the Upper School 
Important Reminders and Events
Semester I Grades
Grades and comments for Semester I have been posted to the grade portal of the School's website. Look at your email for instructions on how to access grades.
While Semester II grades for full credit courses are averaged with Semester I grades to create the final year grade, students and parents should note that grading for coursework begins anew in the second semester. Students have a significant opportunity to improve their grades going forward as well as one to maintain excellent grades that they have already earned. Upper School students are encouraged to redouble their efforts where needed and are to be congratulated for their successes in the classroom to date. They should continue to seek out their academic and intellectual interests, follow their passions, and take the opportunity to develop new ones as we begin the second semester.
Semester I Advisor-Parent Meetings
As of the publication of Semester I grades and teacher comments, parents and guardians are invited to meet with Upper School advisors at their mutual convenience. These meetings should be arranged during at the mutual convenience of parents or guardians and advisors.
Semester II Courses Add/Drop Deadline
The deadline for adding or dropping courses (Semester II, .5 credit courses only) without penalty has passed as of Wednesday, 1/27.
Upper School Semi-Formal, Saturday, January 30 This year's Upper School Senate sponsored Semi-Formal Dance will once again be held in the Chase Dining Room. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and concludes at 9:30 p.m. This year's theme is "Winter Wonderland." The cost per student is $5 before the event and $20 at the door. Upper School students may bring one guest each to this event, but this does not include students in Middle School. All Upper School students are encouraged to attend this social event, which is a wonderful, annual mid-winter tradition at Brimmer and May. All School rules apply, and all students are discouraged from hosting after-parties for this event.
Upcoming Events
Friday, 2/5
Dress Day for Students in Grades 6 - 12: Faculty Appreciation Day
Saturday, 2/6
ACT Testing
Joseph Iuliano
Upper School Head
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From the Parents' Association
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Two Important PA Events Next Week!
Parents' Association Meeting Next Thursday, February 4
Parents and guardians of all grades are invited to attend our PA Meeting next Thursday, February 4 at 8:15 a.m. in the Wright Conference Room.
In Perfect Harmony: Music Education at Brimmer, Pre-K through Grade 12
Speakers: Elizabeth Wooster, Lower School Music Teacher and Frank Van Atta, MS/US Music Teacher Learn about the Pre-K - 12 integrated music curriculum, and hear how Brimmer parent volunteers support the music program.
Annual Staff Appreciation Lunch Next Friday, February 5 We need your help to make this day a success! Join us in honoring Brimmer's dedicated staff at this well-loved annual event, sponsored and run entirely by parents. We are accepting donations of $25 gift cards to popular coffee shops, restaurants, and stores. No time to pick up a gift card? Please consider making a monetary contribution towards the catered lunch. Gift cards and donations may be delivered to Mrs. Beech and Ms. Robinson by Monday, February 1. Click on the Parent Information Letter for full details on how you can be a part of the celebration! Please contact our Staff Appreciation Lunch Chair, Paulette Adams P'22, jpadams27@gmail.com, with questions. Thank you for helping to show our gratitude to the amazing people who teach and care for our children every day!
Parent Coffee Group
As the weather turns chilly, join us for coffee and casual conversation every Friday at 8:15 a.m. in the Lower School French Library. Parents and guardians from all grades are invited.
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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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1/30
Upper School
Semi-Formal
7:00 p.m.
2/4
Parents' Association Meeting
8:15 a.m.
2/5
Dress Day (Gr. 6-12)
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
2/6
ACT Test
2/12
Academic Warnings (Gr. 6-11)
Family Skating Night
5:00 -7:45 p.m.
2/15 - 2/16
No School - Winter Weekend
2/19
Grades 1 & 2 Celebration of the Arts
8:00 a.m.
2/24
No School for Pre-K-Grade 5
Parent Teacher Conferences (Pre-K- Grade 5)
Extended Day available for Enrolled Students
2/26
Mid-Semester II (Gr. 12)
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