May 3, 2019

Dear Families,


This year, the week of May 6 - 10 marks Teacher Appreciation Week. I would like to publicly thank each of
our teachers for the excellent work that they do on behalf of students at Brown. Our teachers are very
talented and outstanding at what they do. If you would like to recognize or thank your teachers a card,
note, or email is much appreciated as an appropriate gesture. You may also want to make a contribution to
Brown Middle School PTO to support our school community. I would also like to thank Felice Scheff, Sarah
Healy, Denise Dandrea and all of the parent volunteers on the PTO Teacher Appreciation Committee for
the delicious dessert buffet being organized for Tuesday, May 7 in recognition of our Brown Faculty and
 Staff.


National School Nurse Day will be held on May 8th. This day of recognition has been set-aside since 1972 to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. This specialized practice advances the well-being, academic success and life-long achievements of students. At Brown, we are extremely grateful for all of the caring and professional attention that our highly talented Lucy Boyer provides to the entire school community.

As we begin the process of organizing student placement on teams for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year, it is important to verify enrollment. If your child (ren) in sixth or seventh grade will not be returning to Brown in September, please notify our student services office at 617-559-6907. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions regarding this request, please do not hesitate to call me at 617-559-6900.

Next-Gen MCAS Testing: In May, MCAS testing in Mathematics for all grades and Grade 8 Science/Tech. Eng. Specific Next-Gen MCAS testing dates are listed in the schedule below:

Grade                Tests                                                         Dates
Grade 6            Mathematics                                                Wed., May 8^th
                            (Math testing sessions on two days)

Grade 7            Mathematics                                                Tues., May 15
                         Math testing sessions on two days)             Thurs., May 16

Grade 8            Mathematics
                       (Math testing sessions on two days)              Tues., May 14
                       Sci./Tech. Eng. MCAS                                    Mon., May 20
                       (Sci/Tech.Eng. testing on two days)               Tues., May 21

 Spring Sports & Triple E Activities: There is an ambitious schedule during the month of May for the baseball, softball, track & field and lacrosse teams. We hope to see you on the sidelines! This year, the last day for “Enrichment” activities will be on Thursday, June 6.

No School: School will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.

Spring Art Showcase: Come celebrate the Spring Art Showcase on Wednesday, May 29th from 4:30-6:00pm in the Brown Middle School Lobby! The showcase will feature a selection of over 400 inspiring pieces from Term 3 artists across the 6th, 7th and 8th grade.This is an opportunity to support the vibrant art community at BMS and celebrate the incredible creations our student have completed. If you are unable to attend the opening please feel

free to come look at artwork in the school Lobby from May 24-May 31. Please contact Ms. Rosen with any questions (rosensh@newton.k12.ma.us)

The Giving Project: The Giving Project is a special community event that brings families together from Brown and Oak Hill together over a delicious meal while raising awareness and funds for some of the many charities supported by our students and faculty. All nominations will be shared with both the Brown and Oak Hill communities, and 5 charitable organizations are then selected to be showcased at our fundraising community potluck dinner on Thursday, May 30, 6-8 p.m. (at Brown Middle School). The funds raised at the dinner are then shared among the 5 charities. We can’t wait to hear about the charity or cause that inspires you! The potluck dinner volunteer sign-up coming soon!

AIDS Walk: It’s time to dust off your walking shoes and join the Brown Bears at the 34th annual AIDS
5 Mile Walk on Sunday, June 2. Brown Middle School will continue our proud 20 years old tradition of being one of the largest teams to walk in support of the AIDS Action Committee! Information on registration and T-shirt orders will be sent home with your child this month. Should you have any questions about this years walk, please contact our AIDS Walk Team Captains Elizabeth Messina and Jen Anderson.

Step-up Day: On Friday, June 7, fifth grade students will be visiting Brown. Our present sixth grade students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. on that day. Seventh grade students will follow their regular schedules and eighth grade students will visit Newton North or Newton South. If you have any questions about next year’s program, please contact your child’s school guidance counselor.

Looking ahead to June: Our “Moving On” Ceremony for eighth grade students (and their families) will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 8:15 a.m. in the Newton South High School field house.

Last Day of School: The Newton School Committee voted to establish the last day of school for students as Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Dismissal will be at 11:30 a.m.

Best regards, John F. Jordan