Principal John Jordan

  • OCTOBER

  • SEPTEMBER

First Friday Letter

  • October 4th, 2019

    Dear Brown MS Families,

    In mid-October, you will receive individual student results from spring 2019 Next-Gen MCAS testing.  At Brown Middle School, students in all three grades participated in the computer-based version of the Next-Generation MCAS testing.  In 2017, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) upgraded MCAS to better measure the critical thinking skills students need for success in the 21st century.   Over the next two weeks, all of our students will be participating in “i-Ready,” a formative reading assessment that our district has selected to replace the Gates-MacGinitie reading tests.  Additionally, we will begin to analyze the various data on student performance. The Massachusetts DESE has posted information on Spring 2019 school and district results. Some of the Test Items from Spring 2019 Test Items are also available on the DESE website, http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/testitems.html

    Math Workbooks:  The “Illustrative Math” program at the middle school level requires online resources and/or consumable workbooks for each unit. For this to be sustainable over time, the district is charging $12.00 per student per year, which will help to offset the consumable costs of the program.  The payment of $12 should be sent in to your child’s math teacher by Wednesday, October 16. Checks should be made out to Brown Middle School. Financial assistance is available by contacting your child’s school counselor or me: jordanj@newton.k12.ma.us

    Parent/Guardian Visiting Days:  You are invited to visit Brown Middle School in session on the following mornings between 8:45 and 10:00 a.m.: 

    Mon., October 21 (grade 7);
    Thurs., October 24 (grade 6); or
    Fri.,  October 25 (grade 8)

    We have identified grade levels in parenthesis for mornings that students are in their "team" classes.  It is strongly suggested that you check with your child about their schedule for the day you intend to visit.  We hope you will be able to join us.

    Middle School Enrichment and Athletics: The Brown Middle School Enrichment program is officially under way.  Programs generally run from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m.  Late buses are provided for students. Our goal is to offer a variety of options for students throughout the school year. All students are encouraged to participate and to suggest clubs of interest. Please contact Katrina Antonellis with any questions/suggestions: antonellisk@newton.k12.ma.us

    Please visit this link to pay the one time $60 User fee: https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx

    Our girls' and boys' soccer, and cross-country teams are in the midst of a successful fall schedule.  I know our student athletes and coaches greatly appreciate all of your support from the sidelines.

    School Musical:  Our all-school musical for this year will be a production of "Legally Blonde."  The two evening performance dates are Tuesday, February 11, 2020 and Wednesday, February 12, 2020. There will be an important informational meeting for all students interested in participating on Thursday, October 10 at 8:00 a.m.

    Flu Vaccine:  The Health and Human Services Department is pleased to offer the influenza vaccine to all Newton students.  The Brown Middle School flu clinic will be held on the morning of Tuesday, November 5, 2019.  All forms are due at Brown no later than Friday, November 1.
    Only the flu shot will be offered this year - nasal mist will not be available. Each student to be vaccinated must have a parent/guardian complete two forms:

    1. Consent/Screening form
    2. Vaccine administration record/Insurance form.

    Forms are available in the school nurse’s office, or may be downloaded at www.newtonma.gov/flu. There is no cost to receive the vaccine, but insurance information is requested.  Nurse Lucy Boyer's email: boyerl@newton.k12.ma.us and phone number is:  617-559-6906.

    Mid-term Feedback/Progress Reports:  The first term will end on Monday, December 9.  Mid-term feedback/progress reports will be going home with students during the week of October 28.

    Early Release Day:  On Wednesday, October 30, all middle school students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. for professional development workshops for teachers and staff.  Lunch will be served at school before dismissal.

    Turning Back the Clocks:  Please remember that Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3 (move clocks back one hour).

    Sincerely,
    John F. Jordan
    Principal