2011-2012 News Archive
Chuck Silverston - Thank You!!
The PTO Board wishes to thank Chuck Silverston for his 3 years as PTO Co-Chair. Chuck's 'can do' attitude and overachieving outlook helped us to reach beyond our goals and exceed our fundraising expectations. In particular, we would like to thank him for this year helping us reach our highest participation rate in the Annual Appeal ever and for introducing a very successful new event, Trivia Night, to our community. We wish him all the best and look forward to his continued volunteerism with the PTO. Please thank him if you see him! PTO Board - Dr. Smith-Mumford, David Weinstein, Stacey, Gioia and Daria
Massachusetts Rugby Skills announces Summer Clinics
U-15 clinic July 9-13; U-19 clinic July 16-20 in Belmont.
For Registration at www.massrugbyskills.com
For more info contact Jack Miller at curleymiller@gmail.com.
For Registration at www.massrugbyskills.com
For more info contact Jack Miller at curleymiller@gmail.com.
Kudos to Kids!!
Congratulations to the Brookline Youth Orchestra and Voices of Brookline for their outstanding performance on May 29th. The Brookline Youth Orchestra is led by John Ferguson, the strings music teacher at Pierce. Pierce students included Dania (6G) (Voices of Brookline), as well as Arthur (gr 8), Henry (gr 7), Emerson (6L), Scott (6G), Ella (6F), Charlie (5A), Cassidy (5A), and Cherry (5VW). Well done all!
The Physical Education Department held its annual 5/6 and 7/8 Track and Field meet at Downes Field last week.
All the students at Pierce participated in our T&F unit during P.E. class. Students in grades 5-8 who were interested signed up for events and competed for Pierce at the meet. Mr. Parent and Ms. Croteau also held practice after school, where the student/athletes came to practice and train for their events.
All the students who were selected to go represented Pierce in a very positive manner and competed to the best of their ability. We are proud of all of the students who represented Pierce.
Michael Miceli, Ralph Parent and Sarah Croteau
All the students at Pierce participated in our T&F unit during P.E. class. Students in grades 5-8 who were interested signed up for events and competed for Pierce at the meet. Mr. Parent and Ms. Croteau also held practice after school, where the student/athletes came to practice and train for their events.
All the students who were selected to go represented Pierce in a very positive manner and competed to the best of their ability. We are proud of all of the students who represented Pierce.
Michael Miceli, Ralph Parent and Sarah Croteau
Congratulations to Jayden (5VW), Sasha (4H) and Callie (5A) for their great designs, Beadrock Designs, now being sold at Redress Boston. All profits go to Children's Hospital. Stop by and check them out!
redressboston.blogspot.com/2012/04/introducingbeadrock-designs.html
redressboston.blogspot.com/2012/04/introducingbeadrock-designs.html
On May 25th , Pierce sent 7th and 8th grade students to participate in the Middle School Model UN Spring Conference held at Brookline High School. The Pierce group met through late winter and early spring to prepare for this event. Thank you to club advisor and Spanish 7/8 teacher Kelly Hayes for stepping up to lead this enthusiastic group of students. Congratulations to the Pierce Middle School Model UN Club members: Eva C., 8th Josh G., 8th Jennifer T., 8th Jack M., 8th Michela O., 8th Ivy Y., 8th Priscilla C., 8th Barbara D., 8th Malcolm C., 8th Jonah S., 8th Linda O., 7th
2012 Annual Charitable Golf Tournament - KIDS CLOTHES CLUB
Friday, 6/15, 7am @ Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course
Sponsored by Brookline Chamber of Commerce & Brookline Rotary. Proceeds to benefit the kids Clothes Club of Brookline and Chamber of Commerce. More details atwww.brooklinechamber.com/events/event-registration
Sponsored by Brookline Chamber of Commerce & Brookline Rotary. Proceeds to benefit the kids Clothes Club of Brookline and Chamber of Commerce. More details atwww.brooklinechamber.com/events/event-registration
CALLIGRAPHER NEEDED FOR ONE PROJECT: amateur or pro!
Would you like to help Pierce by volunteering your calligraphy talent for a one-time project that can be done at home any time before Monday, 6/18? If you can help or have questions please contact: huntley.martha@gmail.com or call 617.650.4688. Much appreciated!
BROOKLINE TEEN CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Matthew Cooney, a 1991 graduate of Brookline High School, will assume the role June 18. Cooney, whose three children attend Brookline public schools, served as director of residential services for seven years at Walker Needham campus, an organization that provides academic and therapeutic support for children with severe emotional and behavioral issues.
Read more at brooklineteencenter.org/news-a-events/upcoming-events
Read more at brooklineteencenter.org/news-a-events/upcoming-events
Come Play at Spring Carnivale at Devotion School's Back Field!
Monday, 6/11, 3-8 pm (Rain dates: June 12 or June 14).
30+ rides, events and games; Devo Cakewalk with 150 cakes; Get a mohawk; D.J. and karaoke; 3 on 3 basketball tournament (email ctungate@planitmktg.com with names of team members, the team name and school represented).
Ready to take the next step with your garden? Seasoned Gardener Workshop
Sunday, June 3, 1-4 p.m., Greenside Out Garden, 40 Webster Pl.
Co-sponsored by Brookline Recreation and Bountiful Brookline, this workshop is intended for
gardeners who have mastered the basics and want to test the limits of urban gardening.
Led by Bountiful Brookline's urban farmer, participants will learn how to extend
the growing season and get the most out of their gardening space, big or small, container or in-ground.
Sign up through the Brookline Recreation website at www.brooklinerec.com under "Nature Activities".
For questions contact bountifulbrookline@gmail.com.
Co-sponsored by Brookline Recreation and Bountiful Brookline, this workshop is intended for
gardeners who have mastered the basics and want to test the limits of urban gardening.
Led by Bountiful Brookline's urban farmer, participants will learn how to extend
the growing season and get the most out of their gardening space, big or small, container or in-ground.
Sign up through the Brookline Recreation website at www.brooklinerec.com under "Nature Activities".
For questions contact bountifulbrookline@gmail.com.
School Committee
The School Committee will be meeting on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 6:00 PM
in the James F. Walsh School Committee Room, 5th Floor Town Hall, 333
Washington Street. More info here.
in the James F. Walsh School Committee Room, 5th Floor Town Hall, 333
Washington Street. More info here.
Attn: 6/7/8 Grade Parents: Middle School Community Forum
Wed., May 30, 8:15-9:15 am Town Hall - email to follow with details.
Family Math Game Afternoon on May 24th was a terrific success!
Thank you to all Pierce families who came out to play math games! Thank you Pierce PTO for your support!
“I never knew math could be so fun.”
(Pierce student at Family Math Game Night on May 24th)
We had 55 third, fourth and fifth grade students playing math games with their families and teachers! It was quite a sight to see so many children and families engaged and excited about math.
Thank you to all Pierce families who came out to make it such a successful evening! We’d like to extend a special thanks to the Pierce staff for helping to create such a memorable evening, especially – Gretchen Adams, Elise Dabritz, Jeanne Wilson, Caroline Babbage, Kim Barnum, Jenna Goodearl, Brian Gallagher, Ben Conlon, John Galligan, David Vitale-Wolff, Amy Woogmaster, and Kaity MacDonald from 4S.
Thanks to 2 parent volunteers – Dianne Malabanan and Bobby Zuker. And thank you to Pierce's exceptional custodial staff!
A note to families: if you're interested in playing more of these games at home, many can be checked out from Pierce's library.
-Tara Washburn and Dave Carter
Mark your calendar for the Annual Pierce School Picnic
Wednesday, June 6 (rain date June 7) 5:30pm @ Pierce Park
You are welcome to bring your own food or purchase food there. Sixth Grade parents, this is your opportunity to get involved. To volunteer contact Nora O'Farrell at noraofarrell3@gmail.com or Adele Munger Mathieu at madelemm@gmail.com
You are welcome to bring your own food or purchase food there. Sixth Grade parents, this is your opportunity to get involved. To volunteer contact Nora O'Farrell at noraofarrell3@gmail.com or Adele Munger Mathieu at madelemm@gmail.com
ELECTIONS FOR TWO NEW SCHOOL COUNCIL MEMBERS: MAY 30
The Pierce School Council will be holding elections for two new Council members on May 30th. Please consider running and contact council co-chair, Karen Sutton at kehsutton@gmail.com for information.
The Pierce School Council is an advisory board, consisting of parents, teachers, and the principal. It helps identify students' educational needs and school goals. Council meets once a month during the academic calendar to discuss current issues, policy, and school-related affairs introduced by the Principal. This is a structured volunteer opportunity, with a limited commitment of time, with a total of eight Council meetings over the course of the school year. Meetings typically run an hour to an hour and a half.
The Pierce School Council is comprised of teacher representatives, parent representatives, and the principal. Specifically, the Council:
The Pierce School Council is an advisory board, consisting of parents, teachers, and the principal. It helps identify students' educational needs and school goals. Council meets once a month during the academic calendar to discuss current issues, policy, and school-related affairs introduced by the Principal. This is a structured volunteer opportunity, with a limited commitment of time, with a total of eight Council meetings over the course of the school year. Meetings typically run an hour to an hour and a half.
The Pierce School Council is comprised of teacher representatives, parent representatives, and the principal. Specifically, the Council:
- Makes recommendations to the Principal about the development, implementation, and assessment of the curriculum.
- Assists in reviewing the annual school budget.
- Helps formulate an annual school improvement plan to improve student performance and meet designated goals.
- Coordinates the Principal Forum events held throughout the school year
Driscoll School 29th Annual Spring Fair
Wednesday, 5/30, 4-8pm (rain date next day). Tickets at the door.
Carnival for all ages with rides, games, food, music, dancing, and more.
Carnival for all ages with rides, games, food, music, dancing, and more.
Artbarn calling 4th - 6th grade actors:
Follow The Leader -A Look Beyond Leadership
Audition: Wednesday, 6/6, 3pm-6pm
To sign up for 20 minute audition slots call 617,975.0050 or email info@artbarn.org
Audition: Wednesday, 6/6, 3pm-6pm
To sign up for 20 minute audition slots call 617,975.0050 or email info@artbarn.org
LAST CALL FOR PIERCE PTO CO-CHAIRS!
We need at least one and preferably two co-chairs for next year. Please step up to help fill this void. Without new leadership, we will begin to reduce PTO activities and fundraising for next year. Please contact pierce.pto@gmail.com if you can help.
PIERCE BOOK FAIR
May 29-31, 2012
The annual Pierce School Book Fair sells books donated by Pierce families - read more here.
BROOKLINE VIPERS AAU BASKETBALL CLUB FOR GIRLS
7th and 8th Grade
4 Tournament Dates: April 21-22; June 2-3; June 9-10; June 16-17
AAU is a national sports program that opens opportunities for kids to play sports at a more competitive level. The Brookline Vipers was founded 3 years ago to give girls the opportunity to play AAU basketball. Our team is unique and each girl is able to play in at least 1 tournament regardless of experience.
Call Coach Ramos for details at 617-935-2902 or check us out on the CrossFit Iron & Grit website under Iron Kids: www.crossfitironkids.com
You can also reach Coach Dalzell: jdalzell@isaacsmoving.com
4 Tournament Dates: April 21-22; June 2-3; June 9-10; June 16-17
AAU is a national sports program that opens opportunities for kids to play sports at a more competitive level. The Brookline Vipers was founded 3 years ago to give girls the opportunity to play AAU basketball. Our team is unique and each girl is able to play in at least 1 tournament regardless of experience.
Call Coach Ramos for details at 617-935-2902 or check us out on the CrossFit Iron & Grit website under Iron Kids: www.crossfitironkids.com
You can also reach Coach Dalzell: jdalzell@isaacsmoving.com
Brookline Smart Summers!
Summer enrichment programs for children 5-13. Registration form at www.brooklineadulted.org
Math Games Afternoon (Grades 3-5)
Thursday, May 24th, 4:00-5:30 pm
Pierce Auditorium
It'll be an afternoon of fun with plenty of math games for all. Drop by and play a game with your parent, friend or favorite teacher. And you'll go home with your own math game to keep!
Questions? Or interested in volunteering? Contact Tara Washburn.
Pierce Auditorium
It'll be an afternoon of fun with plenty of math games for all. Drop by and play a game with your parent, friend or favorite teacher. And you'll go home with your own math game to keep!
Questions? Or interested in volunteering? Contact Tara Washburn.
The Saker Family Fund and Pierce PTO Present:
Award-winning author and illustrator Bryan Collier
Thursday, May 24, @ Pierce School
Some of his most well-known titles include Uptown, Martin's Big Words, Dave the Potter, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, and Rosa. He will speak with students in grades 2-7.
To purchase Bryan Collier's signed book(s) please fill out a form by Tuesday, 5/15 and return to you child's classroom teacher. Click here for book description. The signed purchased books will be distributed after his visit.
Thursday, May 24, @ Pierce School
Some of his most well-known titles include Uptown, Martin's Big Words, Dave the Potter, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, and Rosa. He will speak with students in grades 2-7.
To purchase Bryan Collier's signed book(s) please fill out a form by Tuesday, 5/15 and return to you child's classroom teacher. Click here for book description. The signed purchased books will be distributed after his visit.
Pierce School Arts Night
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
6-8 pm Auditorium and Cafeteria
Performances by the 5th grade Chorus, the 6th Grade Chorus and our new
7/8th grade Chorus.
Our K-8 Art Exhibit will be the same evening. Between performances, you
can explore our "pop-up gallery".
6-8 pm Auditorium and Cafeteria
Performances by the 5th grade Chorus, the 6th Grade Chorus and our new
7/8th grade Chorus.
Our K-8 Art Exhibit will be the same evening. Between performances, you
can explore our "pop-up gallery".
STUDENT SEEKS MOTHERS TO INTERVIEW ABOUT PARENTING
Sara Rosenblum-Fishman, M.A, a clinical psychology doctoral student at UMass Boston, is conducting a dissertation project focusing on mothers of school-age children.
She's exploring what experiences contribute to whether mothers feel effective about their parenting. Contact her at Sara.Rosenblum001@umb.edu about the opportunity to participate in this project.
She's exploring what experiences contribute to whether mothers feel effective about their parenting. Contact her at Sara.Rosenblum001@umb.edu about the opportunity to participate in this project.
UPDATE: Principal's Forum on Technology
Parents learned about how Pierce students use digital technology to learn across all grades at the April Principal's Forum. The parents and teachers who attended shared ideas about how Pierce can move forward with digital technology by ensuring a robust wireless environment and giving teachers the opportunity to share technology-based work with their colleagues.
Next year's School Improvement Plan will include a goal related to the continued improvement of instructional technology at Pierce. Parents who missed the forum may view the same exhibit of student work at next fall's open house.
Next year's School Improvement Plan will include a goal related to the continued improvement of instructional technology at Pierce. Parents who missed the forum may view the same exhibit of student work at next fall's open house.
Celebrity Series of Boston - $10 Tickets for Pierce Families!
For over 20 years, the Celebrity Series of Boston’s “Take Your Seat” program has encouraged participation in the arts with young audiences within the Boston Area. Click here to download the order form, which details upcoming events and how to place orders for tickets. For more information, please contact Pierce School parent Mara Littman, coordinator of the Celebrity Series' "Take Your Seat" program.
PTO ANNUAL MEETING
Thursday May 17, 7pm
All parents, guardians and teachers are invited to join us for the PTO's Annual Meeting. At the meeting the PTO membership will:
- approve changes to the PTO by-laws
- approve next year's slate of co-chairs and executive board
- discuss the PTO budget and next year's program plans. Our success will depend on sufficient parent and teacher leadership!
We are still actively recruiting co-chair and other volunteer positions. Remember: get involved, stay connected and have fun. It's what we do!
All parents, guardians and teachers are invited to join us for the PTO's Annual Meeting. At the meeting the PTO membership will:
- approve changes to the PTO by-laws
- approve next year's slate of co-chairs and executive board
- discuss the PTO budget and next year's program plans. Our success will depend on sufficient parent and teacher leadership!
We are still actively recruiting co-chair and other volunteer positions. Remember: get involved, stay connected and have fun. It's what we do!
KUDOS to Kids!
Congratulations to all the 7th/8th graders who completed the Walk for Hunger this past weekend under the leadership of Jamie Lyons! Pierce raised almost $28,000 this year and over $116,000 over the last six years!
BROOKLINE REC EVENTS
Saturday, May 19 :: Revs vs Houston Dynamo Relax and take our luxury (air-conditioned) buses from Brookline, which will arrive right on time for the Tailgate BBQ. After dinner and mingling with fellow Brookline soccer families, we will all walk over to our category 2 seats and watch the game. The first 100 families who purchase tickets will be allowed to enter their children in the post-game "Shot on Goal" contest ON THE FIELD!
Time Table
Buses leave from Brookline High School: 4:30pm
Giant tailgate party: 5:30pm
Game time: 7:30pm
Ticket Price: May 29th Revs vs Houston Dynamo with giant tailgate party is $25 per person
Luxury bus ride is $5 per person or $20 per family
SPECIAL EVENT Sunday, April 29 :: 1pm at Skyline New this year for ages 8-12 is the Special Kids Clinic with Revs players and Revs Academy coaches. It promises to be a fun and memorable addition. If your child is interested, please purchase your Revs tickets now in order to sign up for the clinic on April 29th. (The $10 fee is for the special high-quality official Revolution shirt.)
April 29th Clinic: additional $10 with purchase of tickets
Purchase your tickets now and your child will be included in the post-game "Shot on Goal" contest ON THE FIELD!
Time Table
Buses leave from Brookline High School: 4:30pm
Giant tailgate party: 5:30pm
Game time: 7:30pm
Ticket Price: May 29th Revs vs Houston Dynamo with giant tailgate party is $25 per person
Luxury bus ride is $5 per person or $20 per family
SPECIAL EVENT Sunday, April 29 :: 1pm at Skyline New this year for ages 8-12 is the Special Kids Clinic with Revs players and Revs Academy coaches. It promises to be a fun and memorable addition. If your child is interested, please purchase your Revs tickets now in order to sign up for the clinic on April 29th. (The $10 fee is for the special high-quality official Revolution shirt.)
April 29th Clinic: additional $10 with purchase of tickets
Purchase your tickets now and your child will be included in the post-game "Shot on Goal" contest ON THE FIELD!
Give your kids a Fenway Fantasy -- while supporting Brookline Mental
Health Center!
SATURDAY MAY 19 1-4:00 PM AT FENWAY PARK: BELIEVE IN BROOKLINE KIDS 2012
What’s included: VIP tours (into the Sox clubhouse! on top of the Green Monster!), a chance to use the batting cages and find out how fast you can pitch, unlimited free concessions, photos with the World Series trophies
and Wally the Green Monster. You’ll also take home amazing memories of the day (Fenway flip books, caricatures, airbrush tattoos, balloon art) and
enjoy entertainment by the Yo-Yo People and Lil' Phunk (the kids who make up the official Junior Dance team for the Boston Celtics)!
Special bonus: Your family will be helping kids in our community get the care and support they need in times of crisis (all proceeds benefit the Brookline Center Kids' Fund).
Click here for info.
What’s included: VIP tours (into the Sox clubhouse! on top of the Green Monster!), a chance to use the batting cages and find out how fast you can pitch, unlimited free concessions, photos with the World Series trophies
and Wally the Green Monster. You’ll also take home amazing memories of the day (Fenway flip books, caricatures, airbrush tattoos, balloon art) and
enjoy entertainment by the Yo-Yo People and Lil' Phunk (the kids who make up the official Junior Dance team for the Boston Celtics)!
Special bonus: Your family will be helping kids in our community get the care and support they need in times of crisis (all proceeds benefit the Brookline Center Kids' Fund).
Click here for info.
Write Under the Willows
Saturday, 5/19, 1:30pm at Griggs Park (rain date is Sunday, 5/20)
Brookline's inaugural poet laureate Judith Steinbergh invites all Brookline residents and families to join her for an hour of writing and drawing.
Free and open to public. For more info contact Ms. Steinberghbrooklinepoetlaureate@gmail.com or by calling 617-734-1416. RSVP or just stop by! Further info: brooklinearts.org
Brookline's inaugural poet laureate Judith Steinbergh invites all Brookline residents and families to join her for an hour of writing and drawing.
Free and open to public. For more info contact Ms. Steinberghbrooklinepoetlaureate@gmail.com or by calling 617-734-1416. RSVP or just stop by! Further info: brooklinearts.org
Art Barn Community Theatre Barncats Ensemble (5 & 6 grades) presents: ANNIE
Saturday, 5/19, 7.00pm and Sunday, 5/20, 4.30pm
The Maliotis Cultural Center @ Hellenic College, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline
Tickets: $10 at the door; Info: www.artbarn.org
The Maliotis Cultural Center @ Hellenic College, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline
Tickets: $10 at the door; Info: www.artbarn.org
Centennial celebration of the gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan to the US!
Saturday, May 12th from 1-3 pm at the BHS.
Brookline Hub Youth Awards
Do you know a Brookline teen who has gone above and beyond to contribute to the greater good of the community or his/her peers? Please join us in celebrating and encouraging engagement, involvement and service in our teens at the second annual Brookline Hub Youth Awards. Complete the form below describing, in detail, how this remarkable teen contributes to the greater good within the community through service, leadership, selflessness, perseverance, etc. http://www.brooklinehub.com/index.php/community/youth-awards/youth-awards-nomination
MARIJUANA AND THE TEEN BRAIN - MIDDLE SCHOOL IS THE TIME TO START THE CONVERSATION
At Brookline High School marijuana use has increased 25% over the past two years, according to the recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey. BHS Peer Leaders claim that marijuana is simply part of the school culture and 70% of BHS students say marijuana is easy to get. Peer Leaders contend that it is being used throughout the grade levels and throughout different social groupings.
Don't wait to have the conversation! Check out the new Parent NetworkNewsletter from B-PEN.
Don't wait to have the conversation! Check out the new Parent NetworkNewsletter from B-PEN.
TALKING TO MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS ABOUT SEXUALITY
LET'S BE HONEST WORKSHOP MAY 1ST AND 3RD, PIERCE LIBRARY
Let's Be Honest is a workshop designed to help parents of middle school-age kids communicate with their kids about sexuality by taking a lead role in their education in this area.
Recent studies show that positive communication between parents and children about sex and sexuality topics helps establish family and individual values, enabling young people to make healthier, safer and better-informed decisions related to sexuality.
We have two upcoming Let's Be Honest events for different age groups.
May 1, 7-9 pm, Pierce Library - Parents of 5th and 6th graders
May 3, 7-9pm, Pierce Library - Parents of 7th and 8th graders
As your teen approaches high school, it's time to learn strategies for bringing up the tougher sexuality topics such as: What is a healthy versus unhealthy relationship? What is the meaning of mutual consent? What are the dating rules in our family? What is sexting and what are its consequences? What are the risks of sexual behaviors? What are some common myths about sexuality topics?
Let's Be Honest is a workshop designed to help parents of middle school-age kids communicate with their kids about sexuality by taking a lead role in their education in this area.
Recent studies show that positive communication between parents and children about sex and sexuality topics helps establish family and individual values, enabling young people to make healthier, safer and better-informed decisions related to sexuality.
We have two upcoming Let's Be Honest events for different age groups.
May 1, 7-9 pm, Pierce Library - Parents of 5th and 6th graders
May 3, 7-9pm, Pierce Library - Parents of 7th and 8th graders
As your teen approaches high school, it's time to learn strategies for bringing up the tougher sexuality topics such as: What is a healthy versus unhealthy relationship? What is the meaning of mutual consent? What are the dating rules in our family? What is sexting and what are its consequences? What are the risks of sexual behaviors? What are some common myths about sexuality topics?
Brookline Asian-American Family Network Meet & Greet
Monday, May 7, 7pm @ 14 Marion Terrace with new members of the Brookline School Committee. Come join us, ask questions, share concerns, or just say hello. Pizza & dessert served. RSVP to chichiwu@hotmail.com
Good Work!
Pierce 8th grader Emma just returned from working with a Vision Team for Common Hope in Guatemala, where she helped build a house and worked in a school.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, 5/3, 6:00pm @ Town Hall, James F. Walsh School Committee Room,
5th floor.
Docket for this meeting can be found at brookline.k12.ma.us.
The public is invited to attend.
5th floor.
Docket for this meeting can be found at brookline.k12.ma.us.
The public is invited to attend.
SUPPORT THE WALK FOR HUNGER
Pierce community walkers have raised more than $100,000 over the past six years for the Walk for Hunger. This is our final fundraising week. If you have not yet had the opportunity to donate please consider making a pledge today.Our team page is projectbread.org/goto/pierceschool
You can pledge the team as a whole or to a team member. Questions? Contact Jamie Yadoff Lyons
You can pledge the team as a whole or to a team member. Questions? Contact Jamie Yadoff Lyons
The Baker School PTO 1st Annual Spring Spree & Fun Run Fundraiser
6th Annual Art for Art's Sake Gallery Fundraiser
Lincoln School, Thurs., April 26th, 7-10pm
Adults Only - Cash Bar - Live Music
Still Seeking Artists with Gallery Ready Work! (60/40 split)
Email Liz Forti for more info: liz40@rcn.com
Annual Pierce Parent/ Guardian Survey is live
We would like to invite all members of the Pierce School Community to take a minute and complete the annual Parent/Guardian Survey. Pierce School Council uses the results to help assess progress on this school year's School Improvement Plan (SIP) and to help determine new goals for next year's School Improvement Plan. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. --Pierce School Council
Soccer in April
The Boston College Women's Soccer program will be hosting its annual April Vacation Clinic from April 17 - April 20. Registration can be found online. This will be a great opportunity to improve your technical skills and have a ton of fun in the process! Any questions can be directed towards soccercl@bc.edu.
Update on School Committee Policy Setting
Highlights:
Details:The School Committee Policy Subcommittee met last week and restated its current policy on Fiscal Management (Section D from Brookline Policy Manual) that states in Section 7, “Revenues from Non-Tax Sources (Grants and Fundraising)” that “public education is primarily the responsibility of the public and that it must be financed primarily, if not solely, from public tax sources.” The manual then goes on to define the conditions under which PTO fundraising will be permitted. The full section can be found on the School Committee’s web site. The Heath School parent group that was seeking permission to launch a capital campaign for a new auditorium withdrew their request at that meeting.The Superintendent’s office, along with the parent leadership from PTO and School Council at each school in the district, will work to revise the guidelines for PTO and other friends group fundraising, to present to the School Committee in May. The Policy Subcommittee, where this matter is considered, will meet again on 4/11 and 5/16 at 8:30 am.
- Heath School officially withdrew its capital campaign proposal (see TAB for info)
- Policy subcommittee continues to work on revising guidelines for private funding, next meetings 4/11 and 5/16
- Any revisions to guidelines will impact how PTOs raise and spend funds (next PTO Meeting 5/15 7pm) Update on School Committee Policy Setting Details
Details:The School Committee Policy Subcommittee met last week and restated its current policy on Fiscal Management (Section D from Brookline Policy Manual) that states in Section 7, “Revenues from Non-Tax Sources (Grants and Fundraising)” that “public education is primarily the responsibility of the public and that it must be financed primarily, if not solely, from public tax sources.” The manual then goes on to define the conditions under which PTO fundraising will be permitted. The full section can be found on the School Committee’s web site. The Heath School parent group that was seeking permission to launch a capital campaign for a new auditorium withdrew their request at that meeting.The Superintendent’s office, along with the parent leadership from PTO and School Council at each school in the district, will work to revise the guidelines for PTO and other friends group fundraising, to present to the School Committee in May. The Policy Subcommittee, where this matter is considered, will meet again on 4/11 and 5/16 at 8:30 am.
SEPAC presents: Superintendent Lupini, an open forum focusing on special education in the Brookline schools.
Tuesday, 4/10, 6pm @ Edward Devotion Elementary School , 345 Harvard Street, 2nd floor Auditorium. Visit www.brooklinesepac.org
Pierce Student Authors!
Pierce 6th grader Lily Saki is now a published author! The book, Alien Attack, is available for purchase here. She with her brother Isaac (Pierce 5th grader and the book's illustrator) will be signing copies at the Main Library on Saturday April 14 from 10:30am -12:30pm.
Principal's Forum 4/11
Would you like to see examples of how Pierce students are using technology to enhance their learning? Come to the Principal’s Forum on Wednesday, April 11, 7:00 – 8:15 PM in the Pierce School Library. We will look at student work produced in Pierce classrooms across the grade levels and talk about where Pierce should go next with its use of instructional technology. (You can also learn more about technology from Lupini 03/09/12 Q&A notes here.
Seeking 4 Volunteers for Cleat Exchange, April 2 & 3
Brookline Rec needs 2 volunteers each morning from about 7:30 am - 8:15 am. The volunteers would simply have to collect the cleats, store them in a bin and hand out
tickets in exchange for the cleats. Please email Elizabeth Gugliotti <egugliotti@brooklinema.gov>
tickets in exchange for the cleats. Please email Elizabeth Gugliotti <egugliotti@brooklinema.gov>
MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCUSSION BASELINE SCREENING PROGRAM
The town is holding a FREE concussion screening program session using ImPACT software to assess our middle school athletes. This is open to all Brookline children ages 11 years old to high school and aims to service the children who are old enough to take the test but are still too young to qualify through the high school screening program. The baseline testing can be used to monitor their recovery and help guide the return-to-play decision in the event that they sustain a concussion. We encourage anyone who wants to be baseline tested to attend, but particularly urge children in the higher impact sports such as lacrosse, soccer, hockey, football and baseball to participate.This week marks our first week of baseline screening and there are many openings. It is last minute, but please consider signing your child up, particularly before spring sports start in earnest. To sign up, go to the Brookline Recreation websitehttp://www.brooklinerec.com > register online > click the browse activities icon and perform a keyword search for "concussion" (no quotes).
The dates currently scheduled are:
3/27/2012, 3/28/2012, 4/3/2012 and 4/5/2012
all 6:30-8 pm at Brookline High School
If you have any questions, please contact Meredith Saillant at dggmls@yahoo.com for more information.
The dates currently scheduled are:
3/27/2012, 3/28/2012, 4/3/2012 and 4/5/2012
all 6:30-8 pm at Brookline High School
If you have any questions, please contact Meredith Saillant at dggmls@yahoo.com for more information.
Join Steps to Success at its annual fundraiser, celebrating the
achievements of the Steps students and their families.
The always lively "Step Up to the Plate" event is Wednesday, April 4th at Jerry Remy's Bar and Grill (next to historic Fenway Park) features student presentations,
fabulous raffle items, live music, great food and drink.
Purchase tickets to "Step Up to the Plate", sign up to receive news updates, and read about Steps' results and programs at www.stepstosuccessbrookline.org.
fabulous raffle items, live music, great food and drink.
Purchase tickets to "Step Up to the Plate", sign up to receive news updates, and read about Steps' results and programs at www.stepstosuccessbrookline.org.
Hunger Banquet: Learn about Food Justice, eat food from area restaurants and support the Brookline Food Pantry at our 9th annual event.
April 3, 2012, 6:30 pm @ Brookline High School. Admission: a non-perishable food item to benefit the Brookline Food Pantry.
Learn about the hunger and nutritional problems faced by millions across the globe at this interactive dinner. Participants will debate the complex issues of pesticides, genetically modified food, organic farming, government regulation and climate change. Dinner provided by local restaurants, including Anna's Taqueria, Brothers Pizza, Clearflour Bakery, Dok Bua, Jojo Taipei, Mandarin Gourmet, Party Favors and The Real Deal.
Learn about the hunger and nutritional problems faced by millions across the globe at this interactive dinner. Participants will debate the complex issues of pesticides, genetically modified food, organic farming, government regulation and climate change. Dinner provided by local restaurants, including Anna's Taqueria, Brothers Pizza, Clearflour Bakery, Dok Bua, Jojo Taipei, Mandarin Gourmet, Party Favors and The Real Deal.
Pierce Sports Standouts!
We proudly announce that two sixth grade Pierce students Sascha W.S. and Dania B., were on the GU12 Brookline travel team that won the championship in their division! Their team went into the playoffs as underdogs and played wonderful, exciting, team-oriented, tough-defense basketball. www.metrowestbball.com/sportsite2.html
BULLY BUSTERS HOST A BAKE SALE!!!
Thursday, April 5, 2:30-3:30 @ Pierce cafeteria
Frances 6G, Baylee 6F, Carolin 6S, Lyra 6F, and Hannah 6G (Bully Busters) will be selling baked treats for $1 apiece on April 5 to raise money for our special project. Money we raise will be used to fund prizes to motivate fifth grade students to participate in our anti-bullying poster contest.
Frances 6G, Baylee 6F, Carolin 6S, Lyra 6F, and Hannah 6G (Bully Busters) will be selling baked treats for $1 apiece on April 5 to raise money for our special project. Money we raise will be used to fund prizes to motivate fifth grade students to participate in our anti-bullying poster contest.
USED CLOTHES BEING COLLECTED FOR CRADLES TO CRAYONS BY GIRL SCOUT TROOP
Maisie (5VW) and her Girl Scout Troop are collecting used clothing for Cradles to Crayons in Brighton. A bin is located outside the office for donations.
SIXTH GRADERS SHINE AT BROOKLINE SCIENCE FAIR
A number of Pierce 6th graders participated in the town-wide science fair, hosted at Devotion School March 17. Students worked in teams, exploring various scientific questions. All four Pierce teams were invited to take their projects to the next round, the Regional Science Fair. The team including Liam (6F), Spencer (6F), and Dashiell (6G) won top prize for Exploring the Angle of a Basketball Shot. Congratulations!
Other participating teams included:Carolin, Miles, Paul (all 6S) - Exploring Wet Cell BatteriesAiden (6G), Henry (6F), Maxime (6S)- Exploring ElectromagnetsQuinn (6L), Max (6G) - Exploring Alternative Energy
Other participating teams included:Carolin, Miles, Paul (all 6S) - Exploring Wet Cell BatteriesAiden (6G), Henry (6F), Maxime (6S)- Exploring ElectromagnetsQuinn (6L), Max (6G) - Exploring Alternative Energy
HEALTHY EATING FOR A LONG LIFE
4/2, 1pm @ Brookline Senior Center, 93 Winchester St. Brookline Free and open to the public
JOIN B-LINE'S MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL-GIRLS HOCKEY TEAM
If you are a strong skater born during the years 1998 through 2001 and you are ready to compete and have fun by joining the first all-girls' hockey team for this age group, please email us and let us know by March 23. We are looking for girls who can commit to regular practices and scheduled games for the 2012-13 Brookline Hockey season beginning in Sept 2012. Please email elena.fernandez@3ds.com and ray_howell@howellcomm.com. If you have any questions, feel free to call Elena (one of the hockey girl's mom) at 617-947-2855.
BROOKLINE PANCAKE BREAKFAST (PSED fundraiser)
Saturday, March 31, 8am
Brookline High School Cafeteria, 115 Greenough Street, Brookline. Tickets are $6/person; children <5 FREE.
ALL YOU CAN EAT pancakes, ham, sausage and more. The Pierce School Extended Day (PSED) will be selling tickets to the Annual Brookline Pancake Breakfast.
Children's entertainment includes music, clowns, balloons, fire engines and all kinds of FUN. Please purchase tickets at the PSED office weekdays from 2:30- 6:00pm.
This is a fundraiser for PSED. Our program is guaranteed to make 50% of the ticket price for each ticket sold. Enjoy a fun-filled breakfast while helping to support PSED.
Brookline High School Cafeteria, 115 Greenough Street, Brookline. Tickets are $6/person; children <5 FREE.
ALL YOU CAN EAT pancakes, ham, sausage and more. The Pierce School Extended Day (PSED) will be selling tickets to the Annual Brookline Pancake Breakfast.
Children's entertainment includes music, clowns, balloons, fire engines and all kinds of FUN. Please purchase tickets at the PSED office weekdays from 2:30- 6:00pm.
This is a fundraiser for PSED. Our program is guaranteed to make 50% of the ticket price for each ticket sold. Enjoy a fun-filled breakfast while helping to support PSED.
PIERCE STUDENTS EXCEL AT ESSAY CONTEST
Over 350 Brookline students submitted essays to the annual "Women Who Inspire Us" contest, sponsored by the Brookline Commission for Women.
Pierce students who distinguished themselves include: 2nd Prize for 5th Grade Students -- Carter, 5K
2nd Prize for 6th Grade Students -- Timothy, 6S
1st Prize for 6th Grade Students - Marcella, 6GWell done! The annual awards ceremony will be held Thurs., March 29th, at 5:30pm at Hunneman Hall in the Main Library, 361 Washington Street.
Dr. Sonya Elder, Director of Food Services for Brookline Public Schools, will be honored as the 2012 Woman of the Year, and student essay winners from the 5th-8th grade will read their winning essays. Come support these young writers and get inspired!
Pierce students who distinguished themselves include: 2nd Prize for 5th Grade Students -- Carter, 5K
2nd Prize for 6th Grade Students -- Timothy, 6S
1st Prize for 6th Grade Students - Marcella, 6GWell done! The annual awards ceremony will be held Thurs., March 29th, at 5:30pm at Hunneman Hall in the Main Library, 361 Washington Street.
Dr. Sonya Elder, Director of Food Services for Brookline Public Schools, will be honored as the 2012 Woman of the Year, and student essay winners from the 5th-8th grade will read their winning essays. Come support these young writers and get inspired!
BOUNTIFUL BROOKLINE HOSTS 1ST “DIRT BALL”
April 1 fundraiser to celebrate local food and gardening
Bountiful Brookline will host its first “Dirt Ball” on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at the Goodwin Gardens (11 Goodwin Place, Brookline Village) to support its programs in the community celebrating local food and gardening. Proceeds will benefit our school gardens and go toward hiring a part-time garden coordinator.
The fundraiser begins at 5:00 p.m. and will feature The Frank Morey Band playing “dirty blues,” specialties from Brookline restaurants, “dirty” cocktails, games, and gifts and prizes.
Tickets, $40/member or $45/non-member, can be purchased at bountifulbrookline.org or at the event. Annual memberships can also be purchased for $20. Membership supports
Those interested in further information may visit bountifulbrookline.org or contact bountifulbrooklineevent@gmail.com.
Bountiful Brookline will host its first “Dirt Ball” on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at the Goodwin Gardens (11 Goodwin Place, Brookline Village) to support its programs in the community celebrating local food and gardening. Proceeds will benefit our school gardens and go toward hiring a part-time garden coordinator.
The fundraiser begins at 5:00 p.m. and will feature The Frank Morey Band playing “dirty blues,” specialties from Brookline restaurants, “dirty” cocktails, games, and gifts and prizes.
Tickets, $40/member or $45/non-member, can be purchased at bountifulbrookline.org or at the event. Annual memberships can also be purchased for $20. Membership supports
Those interested in further information may visit bountifulbrookline.org or contact bountifulbrooklineevent@gmail.com.
It may be April Fools, but this is no joke! The Brookline Public Library is being transformed into a mini-golf course.
Saturday night, teens can enjoy a round of mini-golf, test their gaming skills (Wii, XBOX 360), get a henna tattoo and chow down on free food. Then, Sunday morning, the golf course is open for families! Enjoy mini-golf, breakfast treats, and a photo booth to capture your memories. Be sure to register online with the Brookline Recreation Department here: http://www.brooklinerec.com or call at 617-730-2069 in order to guarantee a tee time. Saturday, March 31st the doors will open at 7:30pm for teens, and Sunday, April 1st at 8:30am for kids and families. The Saturday night event is open to teens 7th to 12th grade. Tickets for the night will be $5.00 per teen. The Sunday morning event is open to kids ages 5 and up and their families. Tickets for each four-person family will be $10.00.
Suitcases wanted!
Non-profit Partners In Health would gladly accept donations of gently used suitcases if you’re doing any spring cleaning. We only accept rolling suitcases and can only use bags that have working zippers & wheels – but are grateful for pretty much any type (flowered, polka-dots, large or carry on sized, etc). Contact Ellen Ball <eball@pih.org>
Will you have a garden this year?
Do you want to grow tomatoes but lack a good space to do it in? Do you have potential garden space but no interest in working it or want someone to work it with you—or instead of you?
In a town like Brookline, with neighborhoods ranging from dense urban apartment blocks to single family houses to grand estates, there is bound to be some mismatch between people who would like to have a vegetable garden but don't have space and people who have space but don't have the time, energy or know-how to put in a garden, or just want to share. Garden sharing is a perfect solution - a way to share not only the physical space, but also the work, the knowledge, the camaraderie and the produce.
Bountiful Brookline, Brookline’s own local food initiative, offers a dedicated email address for people seeking gardening space and people wishing to provide space for gardening. We will do our best to facilitate contact between people who want to make a match for garden sharing. Write to brooklinegardenmatch@gmail.com. For more information about Bountiful Brookline please visit our website at www.bountifulbrookline.org.
National Public Health Week Celebration in Brookline, 2012
A few highlights:
Why Not Pot: Marijuana and the Teen Brain, MLK Room, BHS, Tuesday, March
27, 7:00PM, MLK Room, Brookline High School.
Questions about the relationship between diet and diseases such as cancer,
heart disease, and Alzheimer’s, Brookline Senior Center on Monday, April
2, 1:00 PM.
A free workshop on Emergency Preparedness at the Brookline Department of
Public Health, Tuesday, April 3, 6:30 PM.
9th annual Hunger Banquet to be held at Brookline High School,Tuesday,
April 3, 6:30 pm.
Why Not Pot: Marijuana and the Teen Brain, MLK Room, BHS, Tuesday, March
27, 7:00PM, MLK Room, Brookline High School.
Questions about the relationship between diet and diseases such as cancer,
heart disease, and Alzheimer’s, Brookline Senior Center on Monday, April
2, 1:00 PM.
A free workshop on Emergency Preparedness at the Brookline Department of
Public Health, Tuesday, April 3, 6:30 PM.
9th annual Hunger Banquet to be held at Brookline High School,Tuesday,
April 3, 6:30 pm.
TRIVIA NIGHT@PIERCE
Bingo for Books 3/29
Grades 1-3 event, learn more here.
BHS Camerata Choir Auditions
8th graders interested in singing at the High School should plan on auditioning for Camerata Choir. Students do not need to prepare anything.
Audition Times: 3/29, 3/30. Contact Mr. Driscoll to set up an audition time at 617-713-5322 or mike_driscoll@brookline.k12.ma.us
Auditions will take place at BHS, room 324 (chorus room)
Audition Times: 3/29, 3/30. Contact Mr. Driscoll to set up an audition time at 617-713-5322 or mike_driscoll@brookline.k12.ma.us
Auditions will take place at BHS, room 324 (chorus room)
B-CASA (Brookline Coalition Against Substance Abuse) invites 6th, 7th & 8th grade parents to
Why Not Pot: A Community Forum on Marijuana and Teen Brain.
Marijuana use is the most widely used illegal drug among today’s young people. In Brookline marijuana use is on the rise fueled, in part, by the
decriminalization of marijuana in Massachusetts and the misperception that marijuana is harmless. Twice as potent as it was decades ago, 1 in 6 teens who try marijuana become chronic users. Our keynote speaker Yasmin Mashhoon, PhD will tell us how marijuana impacts developing brains. Others panelists will share stories of dependence and recovery. Please join us on Tuesday, March 27 at 7 pm to learn more about marijuana and the teen brain and how to reverse the current trend of teen marijuana use.
Learn more at www.B-PEN.org .
Join the conversation and share information at facebook.com/
BrooklineParentEducationNetwork.
Marijuana use is the most widely used illegal drug among today’s young people. In Brookline marijuana use is on the rise fueled, in part, by the
decriminalization of marijuana in Massachusetts and the misperception that marijuana is harmless. Twice as potent as it was decades ago, 1 in 6 teens who try marijuana become chronic users. Our keynote speaker Yasmin Mashhoon, PhD will tell us how marijuana impacts developing brains. Others panelists will share stories of dependence and recovery. Please join us on Tuesday, March 27 at 7 pm to learn more about marijuana and the teen brain and how to reverse the current trend of teen marijuana use.
Learn more at www.B-PEN.org .
Join the conversation and share information at facebook.com/
BrooklineParentEducationNetwork.
Executive Functioning Presentation
Thursday, March 29th 7 pm
Driscoll Theater - All are welcome!
Does your child struggle with: Organization, Planning and Time Management, Large School Projects?? These are all related to Executive Functioning skills.
Creating Successful Students
Every child can be successful in school. Unfortunately, for some success doesn't come as easily or quickly. Research has shown that many students who struggle academically are not less intelligent than their peers; instead, they often times do not possess the learning tools and strategies they need to effectively organize, prioritize, and manage their learning. Join Dan Levine and Louisa Pitt of Engaging Minds, an after school learning center located in Newton, for a discussion about these "executive functions" and how you can
help your child strengthen these important skills and strategies at home.
Driscoll Theater - All are welcome!
Does your child struggle with: Organization, Planning and Time Management, Large School Projects?? These are all related to Executive Functioning skills.
Creating Successful Students
Every child can be successful in school. Unfortunately, for some success doesn't come as easily or quickly. Research has shown that many students who struggle academically are not less intelligent than their peers; instead, they often times do not possess the learning tools and strategies they need to effectively organize, prioritize, and manage their learning. Join Dan Levine and Louisa Pitt of Engaging Minds, an after school learning center located in Newton, for a discussion about these "executive functions" and how you can
help your child strengthen these important skills and strategies at home.
SEPAC hosts: Transitioning To Brookline High School, fall of 2012
A meeting for parents of 8th grade students with IEP's. Thursday, March 29th 7:00 - 9:00p.m. MLK Room, Brookline High School
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING... Important School Committee Vote - Get Informed
UPDATE 03/27/12: We are writing to update the Pierce parent and teacher community regarding the Brookline School Committee's consideration of a proposal from a Heath School parent group to raise private funds for public school facility improvements. The Policy Subcommittee considered the matter at a meeting on March 21, and determined that they would in principle consider private funding for capital school facility improvements. They also agreed to begin drafting a policy to guide the acceptance of such private gifts and report back to the full School Committee by the end of the school year. At this writing, a vote by the full School Committee on the specific proposal from the Heath parent group has been postponed until such a policy is developed.
The leadership of the Pierce PTO has taken a formal position on this issue, specifically because any policy developed by the School Committee will have a direct impact on how all of the town's PTOs can allocate their privately raised funds. The PTO leadership will continue to ask the School Committee to develop a policy that explicitly addresses how and when private funding can be used for public school facility improvements, and in particular addresses how to do so in a manner that is equitable across all Brookline schools.
We encourage all Pierce parents and interested parties to stay informed about this topic. Both full School Committee meetings and subcommittee meetings are open to the public, and public comment periods are built into all full School Committee meetings.Upcoming meeting schedule
School Committee meeting Thursday 3/29, 7 pm, Town Hall
Policy Subcommittee meeting Wednesday 4/11, 8:30 am, Town Hall
School Committee web page
Policy Subcommittee
Judy Meyers (Chair)
Barbara Scotto
Rebecca Stone
Henry Warren
School Committee
full membership
Links for further reading on this topic
Boston Globe Article
Brookline TAB Article
Heath proposal
UPDATE 03/19/12: We are writing to update you on Thursday's School Committee meeting, at which was considered a request from a group of Heath School parents to launch a large capital fundraising campaign to construct a new auditorium with private funds.
The results: The Chair of the School Committee used her executive powers to defer the vote and refer the matter to the Policy Subcommittee, to develop guidelines for whether and the conditions under which the School Department could receive private gifts for capital facilities. She requested that the committee report back no later than the end of the school year. Subsequently, the Chair of the Capital Subcommittee invoked her right to put the item back on the agenda for vote at the next School Committee meeting on 3/29. The Policy Subcommittee, whose members are listed below, will meet on Wednesday 3/21 at 8:30 am at Town Hall. That meeting, like all School Committee meetings, is open to the public.
School Committee web page
Policy Subcommittee Judy Meyers (Chair)Barbara ScottoRebecca StoneHenry Warren
We encourage all parents in town to stay informed about this issue and make your opinion heard to our elected School Committee members. Why is the Pierce PTO involved? As the officers charged with carrying out the PTO's fiscal responsibility, we think it is important to keep the PTO community informed about issues concerning school facilities. The outcome of both the specific vote on the Heath campaign on 3/29, as well as the outcome of the Policy Subcommittee's work, will have direct impact on how the Pierce PTO can allocate parent contributions and on how the School Department deploys public funding for school building needs. We welcome the chance to discuss with anyone who is interested in more information.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012
6:00 PM – 8:40 PM
Lincoln School Auditorium
Heath Parent Community Advocates for a private capital campaign to raise $1.8 million from parents to build a new auditorium at Heath School.
This Thursday, March 15 the School Committee will vote on a proposition put forth by a Heath parent group to raise private funds to build a new auditorium at Heath School. Your voice is needed to help inform our elected School Committee members on how we feel about this.
Details of the proposal were covered in The Tab this week.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/brookline/news/education/x1785610927/Brookline-School-Committee-balks-at-parents-plan-to-raise-money-for-Heath-auditorium#axzz1ofVN1Otm
The Pierce PTO and School Council are opposed to this proposition based on our concerns regarding equity across the school district. What happens when other school communities cannot raise the capital needed for their 'priority' project? What happens when the bids come in over budget (as the current Pierce auditorium project did)? How does the town fit this project into their management workload when it was not prioritized by the town? There is currently no policy regarding the issue of raising private capital for public school facility buildings.
The PTO and School Council have submitted a formal letter to the School Committee and will make public comment at the vote this Thursday. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1_H7Pm9TgBeMnprb0d2N2hUdy1KZTBoOTMyVUVmZw/edit?pli=1
We are VERY concerned that currently many school committee members are in favor of this proposal and are urging you to get informed and make your voice heard.
Please take some time to send your thoughts to the school committee members listed below.
rebecca_stone@brookline.k12.ma.us
alan_morse@brookline.k12.ma.us
helen_charlupski@brookline.k12.ma.us
elizabeth_childs@brookline.k12.ma.us
susan_ditkoff@brookline.k12.ma.us
amy_kershaw@brookline.k12.ma.us
judy_meyers@brookline.k12.ma.us
barbara_scotto@brookline.k12.ma.us
henry_warren@brookline.k12.ma.us
The leadership of the Pierce PTO has taken a formal position on this issue, specifically because any policy developed by the School Committee will have a direct impact on how all of the town's PTOs can allocate their privately raised funds. The PTO leadership will continue to ask the School Committee to develop a policy that explicitly addresses how and when private funding can be used for public school facility improvements, and in particular addresses how to do so in a manner that is equitable across all Brookline schools.
We encourage all Pierce parents and interested parties to stay informed about this topic. Both full School Committee meetings and subcommittee meetings are open to the public, and public comment periods are built into all full School Committee meetings.Upcoming meeting schedule
School Committee meeting Thursday 3/29, 7 pm, Town Hall
Policy Subcommittee meeting Wednesday 4/11, 8:30 am, Town Hall
School Committee web page
Policy Subcommittee
Judy Meyers (Chair)
Barbara Scotto
Rebecca Stone
Henry Warren
School Committee
full membership
Links for further reading on this topic
Boston Globe Article
Brookline TAB Article
Heath proposal
UPDATE 03/19/12: We are writing to update you on Thursday's School Committee meeting, at which was considered a request from a group of Heath School parents to launch a large capital fundraising campaign to construct a new auditorium with private funds.
The results: The Chair of the School Committee used her executive powers to defer the vote and refer the matter to the Policy Subcommittee, to develop guidelines for whether and the conditions under which the School Department could receive private gifts for capital facilities. She requested that the committee report back no later than the end of the school year. Subsequently, the Chair of the Capital Subcommittee invoked her right to put the item back on the agenda for vote at the next School Committee meeting on 3/29. The Policy Subcommittee, whose members are listed below, will meet on Wednesday 3/21 at 8:30 am at Town Hall. That meeting, like all School Committee meetings, is open to the public.
School Committee web page
Policy Subcommittee Judy Meyers (Chair)Barbara ScottoRebecca StoneHenry Warren
We encourage all parents in town to stay informed about this issue and make your opinion heard to our elected School Committee members. Why is the Pierce PTO involved? As the officers charged with carrying out the PTO's fiscal responsibility, we think it is important to keep the PTO community informed about issues concerning school facilities. The outcome of both the specific vote on the Heath campaign on 3/29, as well as the outcome of the Policy Subcommittee's work, will have direct impact on how the Pierce PTO can allocate parent contributions and on how the School Department deploys public funding for school building needs. We welcome the chance to discuss with anyone who is interested in more information.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012
6:00 PM – 8:40 PM
Lincoln School Auditorium
Heath Parent Community Advocates for a private capital campaign to raise $1.8 million from parents to build a new auditorium at Heath School.
This Thursday, March 15 the School Committee will vote on a proposition put forth by a Heath parent group to raise private funds to build a new auditorium at Heath School. Your voice is needed to help inform our elected School Committee members on how we feel about this.
Details of the proposal were covered in The Tab this week.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/brookline/news/education/x1785610927/Brookline-School-Committee-balks-at-parents-plan-to-raise-money-for-Heath-auditorium#axzz1ofVN1Otm
The Pierce PTO and School Council are opposed to this proposition based on our concerns regarding equity across the school district. What happens when other school communities cannot raise the capital needed for their 'priority' project? What happens when the bids come in over budget (as the current Pierce auditorium project did)? How does the town fit this project into their management workload when it was not prioritized by the town? There is currently no policy regarding the issue of raising private capital for public school facility buildings.
The PTO and School Council have submitted a formal letter to the School Committee and will make public comment at the vote this Thursday. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1_H7Pm9TgBeMnprb0d2N2hUdy1KZTBoOTMyVUVmZw/edit?pli=1
We are VERY concerned that currently many school committee members are in favor of this proposal and are urging you to get informed and make your voice heard.
Please take some time to send your thoughts to the school committee members listed below.
rebecca_stone@brookline.k12.ma.us
alan_morse@brookline.k12.ma.us
helen_charlupski@brookline.k12.ma.us
elizabeth_childs@brookline.k12.ma.us
susan_ditkoff@brookline.k12.ma.us
amy_kershaw@brookline.k12.ma.us
judy_meyers@brookline.k12.ma.us
barbara_scotto@brookline.k12.ma.us
henry_warren@brookline.k12.ma.us
FY13 SCHOOL BUDGET
Superintendent Bill Lupini
and Deputy Superintendent Peter Rowe will be hosting a series of open forums to discuss the FY13 SCHOOL BUDGET; all are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.
Hunneman Hall, Main Library
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 – 6:30 p.m.
Baker School Library
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 – 8:15 a.m.
Devotion School Library
and Deputy Superintendent Peter Rowe will be hosting a series of open forums to discuss the FY13 SCHOOL BUDGET; all are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.
Hunneman Hall, Main Library
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 – 6:30 p.m.
Baker School Library
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 – 8:15 a.m.
Devotion School Library
2012 BEF Spelling Bee a Great Success!
Congratulations to the following Pierce School 5th graders who participated in the BEF's 15th Annual 5th grade Spelling Bee on Sunday: Ari F., Coleman J., Da-Sol S., Sam R., Orla E., Alex G., Miriam R., Krystal D., Nica R., Arthur S.
Special kudos to Pierce 5th grader Krystal D. who spelled “brochure” to win the Bee! Runners up were Basya K. from Driscoll School, and Maisie K. from Heath School.
The contest couldn’t have gone on without the hands-on help from Pierce students Talia R., Steffi, Christian and Lilly G.
The list of teachers and parents helping out, spelling, supporting from Pierce was equally impressive and formidable: Melissa London, Chris Smith, Rob Garrison, Melanie May, Eve Rittenberg, Ryan Bailey, Kristin Hicks, Katherine Yih, Elizabeth Ferry, Jonathon Bell, Libby Berke, Alison Smith, Dan Lyons, Suzanne Elovecky, Joanna Vartanian, Ingrid Lederman, Edel Ohara, Robert Chow, Charles Walsh, Cass Miller, Gigi Wizowaty, Dennis Mendoza, Carin Aquiline, Brian Bergstein, Phil Kramer, Damon Burnard,
Thank you to everyone who spelled, helped, sponsored, or came as spectators! You helped make the BEF’s fundraising goal come true: Cherie Gaehde, Ian Roffman, Michele Mendoza!
Special kudos to Pierce 5th grader Krystal D. who spelled “brochure” to win the Bee! Runners up were Basya K. from Driscoll School, and Maisie K. from Heath School.
The contest couldn’t have gone on without the hands-on help from Pierce students Talia R., Steffi, Christian and Lilly G.
The list of teachers and parents helping out, spelling, supporting from Pierce was equally impressive and formidable: Melissa London, Chris Smith, Rob Garrison, Melanie May, Eve Rittenberg, Ryan Bailey, Kristin Hicks, Katherine Yih, Elizabeth Ferry, Jonathon Bell, Libby Berke, Alison Smith, Dan Lyons, Suzanne Elovecky, Joanna Vartanian, Ingrid Lederman, Edel Ohara, Robert Chow, Charles Walsh, Cass Miller, Gigi Wizowaty, Dennis Mendoza, Carin Aquiline, Brian Bergstein, Phil Kramer, Damon Burnard,
Thank you to everyone who spelled, helped, sponsored, or came as spectators! You helped make the BEF’s fundraising goal come true: Cherie Gaehde, Ian Roffman, Michele Mendoza!
JOIN THE BROOKLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR!
Saturday, March 17, 11:30-1PM @ Devotion cafeteria
Registration deadline Feb. 17
Sponsored by the Devotion PTO, the Middle School Science Fair is part of the larger Devotion Science Fair and open to any Brookline student in grades 6-8. Participants may qualify to go on to middle school regional and state science fairs.
Each Brookline school can send up to 10 projects to the Massachusetts Region V Middle School Science and Engineering Fair, which will be held at Regis College in Weston on April 28.
Projects are completed outside of school. A downloadable information packet and registration form are available here.
Registration deadline is February 17th.
SPRING EARLY RELEASE PERFORMANCES:
PSED will begin accepting registrations for the early release performance concerts starting Tuesday March 6th.
These shows aim to provide parents with an attractive childcare option on early release days. These performances are
open to all Pierce children in grades 1-5. The cost for each
show is $12 per child. Here are the great acts that we have lined up this season.
These shows aim to provide parents with an attractive childcare option on early release days. These performances are
open to all Pierce children in grades 1-5. The cost for each
show is $12 per child. Here are the great acts that we have lined up this season.
- “The Toe Jam Puppet Band” - Wednesday April 4th (12:30 - 2:20)
- “Quartet of Happiness” - Thursday April 12th. (12:30 - 2:20)
- “Jungle Jim: Wild Balloons Show” - Wednesday April 25th. (12:30 - 2:20
- “Tommy James Magic” - Thursday May 3rd.
B-PEN Updates
Sleep – few of us ever seem to get quite enough, and probably the hardest hit are today’s adolescents, whose developing brains crave down time. Yet they are constantly confronted with the demands of school work, extra curricular activities, friends and family needs, and often jobs, not to mention the social pressure to be on top of the latest cultural trends and digitally connected 24/7. Some kids even report responding to text messages in their sleep. (Yes, Virginia, there really is such a thing as “sleep texting!”) In a recent study published in the Journal of School Health, 90% of 12-17 year olds reported getting less than the recommended nine hours of sleep per night, and according to Psychology Today, 40% of teens fall firmly into the category of “sleep deprived.” March 5 ushers in National Sleep Awareness Week, giving us a little prod to examine how critical sleep is to cognitive function and overall health in developing adolescents. What do parents need to know? And how do we help our sleep-deprived kids get the critical rest they need?
Check out B-PEN’s special Parent Network Update on Teens & Sleep at www.B-PEN.org
Check out B-PEN’s special Parent Network Update on Teens & Sleep at www.B-PEN.org
TOWN OF BROOKLINE APPROVES POET LAUREATE PROGRAM
Applications to be accepted through March 16On January 17, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the creation of
the Town of Brookline Poet Laureate Program.Under the direction of the Board, the Brookline Commission for the Arts is
now accepting applications for the town's first Poet Laureate. Under the guidelines of the program, which will begin in April, the town will appoint a poet to a two-year term. The poet's charge will be to enhance the town's cultural life, promote awareness and appreciation of poetry and the literary arts, and connect members of the community through poetry.The program is open to residents of Brookline who have composed a
substantial body of work, including published work, and a demonstrated commitment to the community. Duties of the new Poet Laureate position will include public performances, outreach to schools and community centers, and undertaking creative and innovative projects to energize the town's residents in the spirit and power of the written word. Applications may be made between now and March 16th, 2012. Candidates should submit a letter of interest, a current CV and a selection of representative poetry to Arts Commission administrator Gillian Jackson, at brooklinearts@gmail.com. Residents may also inquire with Ms. Jackson for a full description of the program and the duties of the Poet Laureate.A selection committee, composed of commissioners and citizens, will convene in early April to review applications, make a selection and submit it to the Board of Selectmen for approval. Those interested in joining this committee, please contact Ms. Jackson at brooklinearts@gmail.com by March 16.
the Town of Brookline Poet Laureate Program.Under the direction of the Board, the Brookline Commission for the Arts is
now accepting applications for the town's first Poet Laureate. Under the guidelines of the program, which will begin in April, the town will appoint a poet to a two-year term. The poet's charge will be to enhance the town's cultural life, promote awareness and appreciation of poetry and the literary arts, and connect members of the community through poetry.The program is open to residents of Brookline who have composed a
substantial body of work, including published work, and a demonstrated commitment to the community. Duties of the new Poet Laureate position will include public performances, outreach to schools and community centers, and undertaking creative and innovative projects to energize the town's residents in the spirit and power of the written word. Applications may be made between now and March 16th, 2012. Candidates should submit a letter of interest, a current CV and a selection of representative poetry to Arts Commission administrator Gillian Jackson, at brooklinearts@gmail.com. Residents may also inquire with Ms. Jackson for a full description of the program and the duties of the Poet Laureate.A selection committee, composed of commissioners and citizens, will convene in early April to review applications, make a selection and submit it to the Board of Selectmen for approval. Those interested in joining this committee, please contact Ms. Jackson at brooklinearts@gmail.com by March 16.
“Working with Challenging Behaviors in Children and Adolescents”
Guest speaker Ross W. Greene, Ph.D. will present on Tuesday, March 13 at 7-8:45pm in the Driscoll Elementary School Theater, 64 Westbourne Terrace. Dr. Greene is the originator of the Collaborative Problem Solving approach and author of the highly acclaimed books, The Explosive Child and Lost at School. Open to all! Parents, child and adolescent professionals, and educators shouldn’t miss this free event! Hosted by Brookline SEPAC. Visit us at www.brooklinesepac.org.
TEAM BROOKLINE OPEN TO GREATER BOSTON RUNNERS
Dreamed of running the 2012 Boston Marathon? Join Team Brookline! Team members will receive:
- An official marathon bib number
- Personalized training with a coached team along the marathon course
- Nutrition and fitness guidance
- Fundraising support
Brookline Youth Baseball Spring Registration is Now Open!
Visit our new, easy-to-use website to register and for more info on how to have a great time this spring! Just click the big red "Register Now" button on the upper right. It's that simple.
Tryouts will be at BU's Athletic Enhancement Center on March 10th & 11th from 1-4 p.m. You must register first to try out. Team placements will be announced by the end of March. Practices may begin mid-April. Games continue through mid-June. Batter up!
Tryouts will be at BU's Athletic Enhancement Center on March 10th & 11th from 1-4 p.m. You must register first to try out. Team placements will be announced by the end of March. Practices may begin mid-April. Games continue through mid-June. Batter up!
ANNUAL BROOKLINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION SPELLING BEE CHALLENGE
SUNDAY, MARCH 11
Each spring, the Brookline Education Foundation Adult Spelling Bee brings our diverse community together for a wonderful fundraising event.
Businesses, PTOs, neighborhood and community groups, town and public safety organizations all sponsor teams of three spellers. Distinguished judges, pronouncers, and prizes contributed by local businesses, as well as a diabolical selection of words, all contribute to the festivities.
Competition is intense to win the coveted Bee Trophy, as well as the prize for the best costume. We need spellers to join the Pierce team sponsored by the Pierce PTO - or sponsor your own team with some friends. We need you!
Contact Cherie Gaehde cgaehde@gmail.com or brooklinefoundation.org.
Each spring, the Brookline Education Foundation Adult Spelling Bee brings our diverse community together for a wonderful fundraising event.
Businesses, PTOs, neighborhood and community groups, town and public safety organizations all sponsor teams of three spellers. Distinguished judges, pronouncers, and prizes contributed by local businesses, as well as a diabolical selection of words, all contribute to the festivities.
Competition is intense to win the coveted Bee Trophy, as well as the prize for the best costume. We need spellers to join the Pierce team sponsored by the Pierce PTO - or sponsor your own team with some friends. We need you!
Contact Cherie Gaehde cgaehde@gmail.com or brooklinefoundation.org.
Special Education at BHS:A Comprehensive Agenda
Thursday, March 8th 7-9 PM in the MLK Room
at Brookline High School. BHS Interim Special Education Director, Dr. Margaret Reed and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Dr. Kirsten Esposito Balboni, will join us in a SEPAC meeting to share news with us all about the future of Special Education at BHS. Everyone is welcome to attend this meeting but we especially
encourage parents and caregivers of students on IEPs and 504 plans to attend. Any questions, comments and concerns contact BHS Co-Liaisons Wendy MacMillan, wendyjakemac@yahoo.com, or Daniela Caruso, danielac@bu.edu
at Brookline High School. BHS Interim Special Education Director, Dr. Margaret Reed and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Dr. Kirsten Esposito Balboni, will join us in a SEPAC meeting to share news with us all about the future of Special Education at BHS. Everyone is welcome to attend this meeting but we especially
encourage parents and caregivers of students on IEPs and 504 plans to attend. Any questions, comments and concerns contact BHS Co-Liaisons Wendy MacMillan, wendyjakemac@yahoo.com, or Daniela Caruso, danielac@bu.edu
Pierce Basketball in the townwide Semi-Finals
In front of a packed gymnasium the Pierce 7/8th grade Girls basketball team put up a tough fight, but lost to a talented and experienced Lincoln team. The Pierce girls displayed a lot of talent and determination themselves, giving #1 seated Lincoln a run for their money. Congratulations girls on your accomplishment! And congratulations Coach Parent for a marvelous season!
Dr. Lupini, Superintendent of Brookline Public Schools PRESENTS at PIERCE!
Friday, March 9, 8am @ Pierce Auditorium Why? Dr. Lupini visits each school annually to discuss relevant district issues with the parent community, such as budget. This is a good opportunity to hear more about Brookline public schools and Pierce overall. Coffee will be provided. Please feel free to bring a light snack to share.
Media and Children expert @Driscoll
Monday March 5 - 7pm
Dr. Michael Rich, known as the mediatrician, will speak at Driscoll School Theater on the role of media in our children's lives. Dr. Rich is the Director of The Center on Media and Children and a pediatrician of adolescent health at Children's Hospital . http://www.cmch.tv/
Dr. Michael Rich, known as the mediatrician, will speak at Driscoll School Theater on the role of media in our children's lives. Dr. Rich is the Director of The Center on Media and Children and a pediatrician of adolescent health at Children's Hospital . http://www.cmch.tv/
Students' Corner - February 22, 2012
As part of the 5th grade science curriculum, this winter 5K explored
environmental issues affecting our planet. After studying the causes and
effects of different types of pollution, students worked in cooperative
groups to get their message out to the Pierce community. Many groups made
posters that are now hanging in the school cafeteria. One group decided to
focus on the value of solar panels. Since the audience for this (in the
Pierce community) would be parents, they decided to write an article for
the Bridge. It appears below.
With global warming posing a major threat, many people are looking for
alternative energy sources other than fossil fuels. Since fossil fuels
heat the earth more and more because of the greenhouse effect, solar
energy is a great alternative. Solar energy makes little to no pollution
and noise, and just 5 square meters of panels is enough to replace the
average American's fossil fuel electricity use for a month.
Solar panels can be used to heat water, run your T.V. and many other
things using various methods. If you use solar power as a primary energy
source you can kiss your electric bill goodbye because solar energy is
FREE! And even though it may be expensive to install solar panels it's
less expensive than using fossil fuels because that electric bill can add
up to almost half a million dollars in a lifetime!
This is how it works. When sunlight hits the panels, electrons are knocked
from their atoms. As the electrons flow through the panel, electricity is
generated. So all in all it wouldn't be such a bad idea to put solar
panels on your house.
By Matthew F. and Oliver
environmental issues affecting our planet. After studying the causes and
effects of different types of pollution, students worked in cooperative
groups to get their message out to the Pierce community. Many groups made
posters that are now hanging in the school cafeteria. One group decided to
focus on the value of solar panels. Since the audience for this (in the
Pierce community) would be parents, they decided to write an article for
the Bridge. It appears below.
With global warming posing a major threat, many people are looking for
alternative energy sources other than fossil fuels. Since fossil fuels
heat the earth more and more because of the greenhouse effect, solar
energy is a great alternative. Solar energy makes little to no pollution
and noise, and just 5 square meters of panels is enough to replace the
average American's fossil fuel electricity use for a month.
Solar panels can be used to heat water, run your T.V. and many other
things using various methods. If you use solar power as a primary energy
source you can kiss your electric bill goodbye because solar energy is
FREE! And even though it may be expensive to install solar panels it's
less expensive than using fossil fuels because that electric bill can add
up to almost half a million dollars in a lifetime!
This is how it works. When sunlight hits the panels, electrons are knocked
from their atoms. As the electrons flow through the panel, electricity is
generated. So all in all it wouldn't be such a bad idea to put solar
panels on your house.
By Matthew F. and Oliver
Brookline Titans Basketball Team
We are currently putting together an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) 12U & 13U boys basketball teams. For those of you have not had a child play AAU, the games take place over the weekend and are hosted by the various teams in the conference.
The typical cost of playing with an AAU team is $500-600 dollars for the season.
Our cost is significantly less, because there is no tryout, coaching, practice or administration cost to you. The cost to play is for the uniform and tournament fees only!
Tryouts:
Tuesday January 31st (5-6PM) Driscoll School Gym
Tuesday February 7th (5-6PM) Driscoll School GymTuesday February 14th (5-6PM) Driscoll School GymTuesday February 21st (5-6PM) Driscoll School Gym
While winning is what we all want, our goal is for the boys to improve their individual and team basketball skills in a competitive environment!! We will enter teams in a summer league. We did this last summer and
finished in the elite eight of 31 teams!! (Go Brookline Titans!). To confirm your child's attendance for the upcoming tryouts or if you have questions, please send email toeric.k.woolfork@gmail.com
The typical cost of playing with an AAU team is $500-600 dollars for the season.
Our cost is significantly less, because there is no tryout, coaching, practice or administration cost to you. The cost to play is for the uniform and tournament fees only!
Tryouts:
Tuesday January 31st (5-6PM) Driscoll School Gym
Tuesday February 7th (5-6PM) Driscoll School GymTuesday February 14th (5-6PM) Driscoll School GymTuesday February 21st (5-6PM) Driscoll School Gym
While winning is what we all want, our goal is for the boys to improve their individual and team basketball skills in a competitive environment!! We will enter teams in a summer league. We did this last summer and
finished in the elite eight of 31 teams!! (Go Brookline Titans!). To confirm your child's attendance for the upcoming tryouts or if you have questions, please send email toeric.k.woolfork@gmail.com
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, 3/1, 6pm @ Town Hall, James F. Walsh School Committee Room, 5th floor - Open to public. Docket for this meeting can be found at www.brookline.k12.ma.us.
FREE WORKSHOP: INTEGRATE HEALTHY EATING INTO YOUR DAILY LIFE
Brookline Department of Public Health, 11 Pierce Street, Brookline, Feb. 29 from 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm.
FREE workshop: “Eating well. Good food decisions made easy.”
Brookline resident and Savory Living’s founder, Sue R. Levy – a health
coach and natural foods chef, will share information and tips to help you
make informed food choices, move beyond “a diet,” and build an enjoyable,
practical and sustainable approach to healthy eating and living.
Registration is required. Please email events@savoryliving.com to reserve a spot.
FREE workshop: “Eating well. Good food decisions made easy.”
Brookline resident and Savory Living’s founder, Sue R. Levy – a health
coach and natural foods chef, will share information and tips to help you
make informed food choices, move beyond “a diet,” and build an enjoyable,
practical and sustainable approach to healthy eating and living.
Registration is required. Please email events@savoryliving.com to reserve a spot.
PIERCE 5th GRADE PARENT EXCHANGE MEETING
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7pm @ Pierce Library
Meeting topic: Technology and its impact on our children
Meeting topic: Technology and its impact on our children
BENEFIT BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT FOR VICTIMS OF THE JAN 16 FIRE
Friday, Feb. 17th @ Brookline High's Schluntz Gymnasium
1st Game 6:00 PM; 2nd Game 7:00 PM
Tickets are $5 students, $10 adults.
Children under 10 admitted free.
On January 16th, 2012 a fire badly damaged apartment buildings at 1469 and 1471 Beacon Street. In order to help a Basketball tournament between BHS students and members of the police department is organized, followed by a game between the BHS faculty and members of the Brookline Fire Department. All proceeds will go to the fire victim’s fund that has been set up at the Brookline Credit Union. Anyone unable to attend who would like to make a donation can mail a check payable to "Beacon Street Fire Fund", to the Brookline Credit Union, 334 Washington Street, Brookline, Ma 02445.
For further information, please call either Alan Balsam, Director or Public Health and Human Services 617 730--2302 or Joe Campagna, BHS Assistant Athletic Director, 617-713-5290.
1st Game 6:00 PM; 2nd Game 7:00 PM
Tickets are $5 students, $10 adults.
Children under 10 admitted free.
On January 16th, 2012 a fire badly damaged apartment buildings at 1469 and 1471 Beacon Street. In order to help a Basketball tournament between BHS students and members of the police department is organized, followed by a game between the BHS faculty and members of the Brookline Fire Department. All proceeds will go to the fire victim’s fund that has been set up at the Brookline Credit Union. Anyone unable to attend who would like to make a donation can mail a check payable to "Beacon Street Fire Fund", to the Brookline Credit Union, 334 Washington Street, Brookline, Ma 02445.
For further information, please call either Alan Balsam, Director or Public Health and Human Services 617 730--2302 or Joe Campagna, BHS Assistant Athletic Director, 617-713-5290.
BHS CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT
Feb. 16 @ 7p.m.
Black Box
FREE ($5 contribution suggested)
This lively concert features some of Brookline High School's most talented classical musicians in intimate chamber groupings -- duos, trios, quartets, and quintets. The performance includes music by Bach, Telemann, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Bruch and Janacek. Expect some surprises, too!
Black Box
FREE ($5 contribution suggested)
This lively concert features some of Brookline High School's most talented classical musicians in intimate chamber groupings -- duos, trios, quartets, and quintets. The performance includes music by Bach, Telemann, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Bruch and Janacek. Expect some surprises, too!
SEPAC PRESENTATION: UNDERSTANDING THE IEP
Feb. 16, 6:30pm @ Edward Devotion School Library
345 Harvard Street, Brookline
Brookline SEPAC hosts "Special Education Basic Legal Rights" with guest presenter, Attorney Daniel Perlman of Massachusetts Advocates for Children. This presentation is geared for parents who want to understand the process of IEP development, responsibilities of school districts in the provision of special education, and what parents can do when they feel school districts are not meeting their children's needs. Bring your questions.
Have a Heart Chocolate Extravaganza
The Brookline Rotary Club is sponsoring the second annual “Have a Heart Chocolate Extravaganza” on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 12 noon to 3:00pm at the Brookline Holiday Inn located at 1200 Beacon Street. Proceeds go to the Brookline Emergency Food Pantry.
This is a very worthy cause. 13% of the Brookline population is living at or below the poverty line and the number of visits to the pantry has increased by 65% this past year.
Twenty vendors will be there and there will also be a Silent Auction. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 6-9 and seniors (65+), and free for children under 6 years old. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $25 or in advance online at the website.
This is a very worthy cause. 13% of the Brookline population is living at or below the poverty line and the number of visits to the pantry has increased by 65% this past year.
Twenty vendors will be there and there will also be a Silent Auction. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 6-9 and seniors (65+), and free for children under 6 years old. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $25 or in advance online at the website.
15th ANNUAL BROOKLINE LIBRARY WINTER GALA & AUCTION COMING SOON!
Sunday, Feb. 12, 7-10pm
Main Library, 361 Washington St.
Tickets $100 per person
Dine, dance, bid on fabulous items and meet local authors while supporting our treasured libraries. To buy tickets, preview auction items or bid online visit www.brooklinelibrary.org. Tickets are also available at the Main Library. For more info contact Jennie Roffman, Library Gala Committee (and Pierce school parent) @ 617-566-6876 .
BHS PERFORMING ARTS
Feb. 8 @3:30, Feb. 9-11 @ 7:30
Roberts/Dubbs Auditorium
Tickets: $7 for students, $10 for adults
BHS SNAGS TONY AWARD-WINNING THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, FEB. 8-11.Circle your calendars. This year's all-school musical, the 2006 Tony Award-winning "The Drowsy Chaperone," opens Feb. 8, and it should be a winner for the whole family.
Brookline High School is one of the first high schools in the Greater Boston area to present this recent, highly-acclaimed show. An homage to American musicals of the Jazz Age and their devoted fans, the show is a play-within-a-play in which an agoraphobic Broadway fanatic's vivid imagination brings the characters of a fictional musical into his dingy apartment, transforming him and everything around him. To learn more about this lively, family friendly show, go to www.FoPA.weebly.com
Roberts/Dubbs Auditorium
Tickets: $7 for students, $10 for adults
BHS SNAGS TONY AWARD-WINNING THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, FEB. 8-11.Circle your calendars. This year's all-school musical, the 2006 Tony Award-winning "The Drowsy Chaperone," opens Feb. 8, and it should be a winner for the whole family.
Brookline High School is one of the first high schools in the Greater Boston area to present this recent, highly-acclaimed show. An homage to American musicals of the Jazz Age and their devoted fans, the show is a play-within-a-play in which an agoraphobic Broadway fanatic's vivid imagination brings the characters of a fictional musical into his dingy apartment, transforming him and everything around him. To learn more about this lively, family friendly show, go to www.FoPA.weebly.com
K-3 Families - SPARK Program Presentation
Thursday Feb. 9, 8-8:30am @ Auditorium
Bagels/coffee served, younger siblings welcome
K-3 Families: Want to hear about how exercise helps your child do better in school? Please join PE teacher and Brookline Education Foundation grant recipient Amanda Grindstaff in an informal presentation about the SPARK program at Pierce. SPARK is an award-winning program based on research linking phyiscal activity to academic performance!
Contact BEF Reps Michele Mendoza, Ian Roffman or Cherie Gaehde for more info.
Bagels/coffee served, younger siblings welcome
K-3 Families: Want to hear about how exercise helps your child do better in school? Please join PE teacher and Brookline Education Foundation grant recipient Amanda Grindstaff in an informal presentation about the SPARK program at Pierce. SPARK is an award-winning program based on research linking phyiscal activity to academic performance!
Contact BEF Reps Michele Mendoza, Ian Roffman or Cherie Gaehde for more info.
PIERCE 6th GRADE PARENT NETWORK MEETING
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7:30pm @ Pierce School, Room 6F
Topics:
1) balancing school with extracurricular activities
2) the social/emotional development of 6th graders.
Light refreshments served. All parents and caregivers welcome!
Topics:
1) balancing school with extracurricular activities
2) the social/emotional development of 6th graders.
Light refreshments served. All parents and caregivers welcome!
Buffer Zone Special Committee - Open Forums 1/26 and 2/9 7pm
In light of accelerating enrollments in the Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) and the resulting crowding of all eight elementary schools, the Brookline School Committee is seeking recommendations for how to expand the flexibility allowed the Superintendent to assign students to schools where resources afford the best possible education for that student. That flexibility is given to the Superintendent when a Brookline student lives in a designated "buffer zone." Last December, an Ad Hoc Subcommittee was established to make recommendations to the School Committee on how best to expand PSB buffer zones. That Subcommittee has finished its preliminary set of proposals and now seeks input from the public before taking recommendations to the School Committee. You can find the following documents at the school website: 1) map showing current buffer zones, 2) map showing the Subcommittee's initial proposed changes to buffer zones (with current buffers included marked with a cross-hatch), and 3) a fact sheet on Buffer Zones and this process. The Subcommittee invites public comment on these draft proposals. There will be public hearings for this purpose on Thursday, January 26, 2012 and Thursday, February 9, 2012. Both hearings are at 7:00 PM at Town Hall in the School Committee Room, 5th Floor. You can also send comments to the Subcommittee Chair, Rebecca Stone.
BASEBALL COACHES NEEDED FOR SPRING
Batter Up! Brookline Youth Baseball's Instructional League is looking for one or more enthusiastic first grade moms or dads at the Pierce School to coach, help coach, or help with the organization of a youth baseball team this spring.
Introducing first graders to the game of baseball is a truly rewarding experience that involves only a modest commitment of time. No prior coaching experience is required -- just bring your enthusiasm for baseball and we will provide support and training. Please contact James Wyner at instructional@brooklineyouthbaseball.com for more information.
Introducing first graders to the game of baseball is a truly rewarding experience that involves only a modest commitment of time. No prior coaching experience is required -- just bring your enthusiasm for baseball and we will provide support and training. Please contact James Wyner at instructional@brooklineyouthbaseball.com for more information.
CITY SINGERS TO PERFORM WITH DAN ZANES AT SOMERVILLE THEATRE
Sunday, Feb. 5 @ 3pm
Come and support Kate (3B) and Sophia (3G), who sing with the Boston City Singers. The City Singers will perform a few songs with the talented Grammy-award-winning Dan Zanes & Friends at the Somerville Theatre during the 3pm show.
For more info about Dan Zanes & Friends click here.
Come and support Kate (3B) and Sophia (3G), who sing with the Boston City Singers. The City Singers will perform a few songs with the talented Grammy-award-winning Dan Zanes & Friends at the Somerville Theatre during the 3pm show.
For more info about Dan Zanes & Friends click here.
PIERCE SUPPORTS TWO HOMETOWN TEAMS! Pierce for Pats & Food Pantry Day
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Wear your favorite Patriots hat or red, white & blue clothes Thursday, Feb. 2, to show your support for the Patriots heading to the SuperBowl!
Support another hometown team by bringing a non-perishable food donation for The Brookline Emergency Food Pantry!
Food drop-offs begin Monday, Jan. 30, outside the Main Office and in the Historic Building(enter far right door, box in hallway).
THANK YOU for supporting the Pats & the Brookline Emergency Food Pantry!
Questions? Please contact Martha Huntley at huntley.martha@gmail.com
Wear your favorite Patriots hat or red, white & blue clothes Thursday, Feb. 2, to show your support for the Patriots heading to the SuperBowl!
Support another hometown team by bringing a non-perishable food donation for The Brookline Emergency Food Pantry!
Food drop-offs begin Monday, Jan. 30, outside the Main Office and in the Historic Building(enter far right door, box in hallway).
THANK YOU for supporting the Pats & the Brookline Emergency Food Pantry!
Questions? Please contact Martha Huntley at huntley.martha@gmail.com
FREE DENTAL CLEANING FOR CHILDREN AGE 1-17
Saturday, Feb. 4, 9 am - 1 pm
Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston
Give Kids A Smile is an annual, national event created to provide free dental care to children and increase awareness about the barriers some children and their families face in accessing dental care.
At the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, students and faculty provide free oral health education, dental exams, teeth cleaning, and fluoride treatment for local children. Also, mouth guards can be made for children of 10 years old or older on the day of the event.
The event is a first-come, first-served basis. So we encourage the parents or guardians to call at 857 209 4963 as soon as possible to reserve a spot. For more information contact Carmen Santos at csantos@roxmulti.org.
Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston
Give Kids A Smile is an annual, national event created to provide free dental care to children and increase awareness about the barriers some children and their families face in accessing dental care.
At the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, students and faculty provide free oral health education, dental exams, teeth cleaning, and fluoride treatment for local children. Also, mouth guards can be made for children of 10 years old or older on the day of the event.
The event is a first-come, first-served basis. So we encourage the parents or guardians to call at 857 209 4963 as soon as possible to reserve a spot. For more information contact Carmen Santos at csantos@roxmulti.org.
Family Math Game Afternoon
Wed. 2/1 4-5:30pm @ Pierce Auditorium
For 1st & 2nd grade students and families
It'll be an afternoon of fun with plenty of math games for all!
Drop by and play a few games with your friends, family members, and favorite teachers.
For 1st & 2nd grade students and families
It'll be an afternoon of fun with plenty of math games for all!
Drop by and play a few games with your friends, family members, and favorite teachers.
BROOKLINE PASSPORT TO HEALTH AND FITNESS 2012
Brookline on the Move introduces a 2012 Brookline Passport to Health & Fitness. The $10 passport allows each holder to begin their journey to health & fitness through a variety of classes and fitness opportunities. Each participating partner will provide you with an opportunity to sample their services. To purchase your passport, register online at brooklinerec.com or call 617.730.2069
Math League Awards
Pierce did great at the Jan. 18th Math League Competition, read more here.
ASPINWALL HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
The Brookline Center, 41 Garrison Rd.
Sunday, Jan. 29, 3-5 p.m.,
In addition to our business meeting with election of officers and sharing of ideas and information, we will also enjoy a wine-tasting presentation by Vinodivino of Washington Square. AHNA membership is required. Membership is extended to residents of the Aspinwall Hill neighborhood (bordered by Beacon, Washington and Greenough Streets, the D-line tracks and Regent Circle) who have paid dues of $5/person or $10/family, and dues may be paid at the meeting. Come join your neighbors!
Sunday, Jan. 29, 3-5 p.m.,
In addition to our business meeting with election of officers and sharing of ideas and information, we will also enjoy a wine-tasting presentation by Vinodivino of Washington Square. AHNA membership is required. Membership is extended to residents of the Aspinwall Hill neighborhood (bordered by Beacon, Washington and Greenough Streets, the D-line tracks and Regent Circle) who have paid dues of $5/person or $10/family, and dues may be paid at the meeting. Come join your neighbors!
2012 Summer Opportunity Fair
BTC CLIMATE WEEK 2012
JAN. 28, 12-4PM @ 40 Aspinwall Av. Brookline
The Brookline Teen Center is excited to be participating in Climate Week 2012.
The BTC will offer tours of the raw garage space at 40 Aspinwall Ave. We will highlight our plans for making the Center as green as possible, as we pursue LEED certification. More info at BrooklineTeenCenter.org.
The Brookline Teen Center is excited to be participating in Climate Week 2012.
The BTC will offer tours of the raw garage space at 40 Aspinwall Ave. We will highlight our plans for making the Center as green as possible, as we pursue LEED certification. More info at BrooklineTeenCenter.org.
BROOKLINE CLIMATE WEEK 2012: JANUARY 21-29
Put Brookline Climate Week on your calendar and look for more details soon on family and eco-friendly events and displays happening around Brookline. Over 40 events & displays from Larz Anderson Park to Brookline Village, including a Winter Marketplace,Eco Arts installations, Smart Energy workshops, Celebrate Winter events at Larz Anderson Park and more.
For details and updates go to climatechangeactionbrookline.org. Together we can keep making Brookline green!
Brookline Climate Week 2012 is sponsored by Climate Change Action Brookline, Selectmen's Climate Action Committee, Brookline School Committee, Brookline Adult and Community Education, Brookline Department of Public Health and New England Institute of Art.
For details and updates go to climatechangeactionbrookline.org. Together we can keep making Brookline green!
Brookline Climate Week 2012 is sponsored by Climate Change Action Brookline, Selectmen's Climate Action Committee, Brookline School Committee, Brookline Adult and Community Education, Brookline Department of Public Health and New England Institute of Art.
Family Math Game Afternoon
LET'S RENOVATE PIERCE'S LITTLE GYM
Tue. 1/31, 2:45 @ in conference room off the cafeteria.
Interested in helping expand how Pierce promotes fitness? Please join the PE teachers and other parents in a planning session for the renovations of the Little Gym (it's that smaller gym space between the Spanish and Pre-K rooms). The vision is to create a space for student use which supports increased physical activity and fitness during the school day. RSVP to pierce.pto@gmail.com or just drop by the meeting!
Interested in helping expand how Pierce promotes fitness? Please join the PE teachers and other parents in a planning session for the renovations of the Little Gym (it's that smaller gym space between the Spanish and Pre-K rooms). The vision is to create a space for student use which supports increased physical activity and fitness during the school day. RSVP to pierce.pto@gmail.com or just drop by the meeting!
ROCK CLIMBING
Brookline High School Gym, Jan. 24, 7-8pm
Did you know that there is a rock-climbing wall right at Brookline High School? Join us in a safe and structured environment where both you and a child can learn to climb. Brookline Adult & Community Education has a Beginning Rock-Climbing for Adults and Children class that meets for 4 Tuesdays, 7 - 8 pm. Begins January 24, Brookline High School Gym, $61 per pair ($51 plus $10 materials fee). Please call 617-730-2700 for more information or visit us online.
Did you know that there is a rock-climbing wall right at Brookline High School? Join us in a safe and structured environment where both you and a child can learn to climb. Brookline Adult & Community Education has a Beginning Rock-Climbing for Adults and Children class that meets for 4 Tuesdays, 7 - 8 pm. Begins January 24, Brookline High School Gym, $61 per pair ($51 plus $10 materials fee). Please call 617-730-2700 for more information or visit us online.
How To Run for Local Office FREE Workshop
Monday, January 23, 2012, 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
Brookline Town Hall, Room 103, 333 Washington St.
This workshop will provide prospective candidates for town-wide and town meeting member (the next Town Meeting is November 15 - come and check it out) offices with the resources and tools they need to run an effective campaign. Panelists will describe the duties and responsibilities of each office on the ballot for the spring 2012 Town Election. Also, panelists will discuss campaign strategies and requirements to run for local office in Brookline.
7th & 8th Grade Variety Show!
PTO EVENING MEETING
Jan. 25, 7 pm, Pierce Cafeteria
Curious about the structure of the PTO leadership? Want to hear about proposed changes to the PTO structure and by-laws? Wondering what the co-chairs do? We will also discuss volunteer opportunities. Find out what works for you! Come and join us.
AGENDA:
1. Review current by-laws and proposed changes
2. Discuss organization structure - discuss proposed alternatives
3. Review volunteer needs
4. Open comment
Curious about the structure of the PTO leadership? Want to hear about proposed changes to the PTO structure and by-laws? Wondering what the co-chairs do? We will also discuss volunteer opportunities. Find out what works for you! Come and join us.
AGENDA:
1. Review current by-laws and proposed changes
2. Discuss organization structure - discuss proposed alternatives
3. Review volunteer needs
4. Open comment
SEPAC TO DISCUSS ESY SUMMER PROGRAMMING
Friday, Jan. 20 from 8:30-9:30am @ Town Hall, James Walsh School Committee Room, 5th floor.
SEPAC's monthly meeting features a presentation on ESY Summer Programming and Recreation 2012. Your voice is important! Get informed, ask questions, raise concerns.____________
SEPAC's monthly meeting features a presentation on ESY Summer Programming and Recreation 2012. Your voice is important! Get informed, ask questions, raise concerns.____________
METCO Merits More:
The History and Status of METCO
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 7:00 PM*
James F. Walsh School Committee Room, 5th Floor, Brookline Town Hall, 333 Washington Street
The Brookline School Committee invites you to join them at their January
19 meeting to hear an important presentation on the history and status of
the METCO Program. Professor Susan Eaton and Gina Chirichigno will be
presenting their comprehensive review of the Metropolitan Council for
Educational Opportunity (METCO), the nation’s second-longest running
voluntary school desegregation program. Their work was jointly published
by Harvard Law School's Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and
Justice (CHHIRJ) and the Pioneer Institute.
METCO Merits More: The History and Status of METCO, co-authored by Susan
Eaton, research director at CHHIRJ, and Gina Chirichigno, a post-doctoral
researcher at the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at
Ohio State University, highlights METCO’s positive track record and
includes data on student enrollment, performance, demographics, graduation
and college attainment rates, waiting list, and funding. The program, one
of eight voluntary inter-district school desegregation programs in the
country, was created in 1965 by a coalition of parents and educators, both
African American and white, who were dissatisfied with the segregated
status of education during the Civil Rights Movement. The report details
METCO’s successes and future challenges.
Here is a link to the full report.
http://www.pioneerinstitute.org/pdf/110616_METCOMeritsMore.pdf
*This presentation is part of a regularly scheduled meeting of the
Brookline School Committee. The presentation is scheduled to start at
7:00 PM and to last approximately 45 minutes.
James F. Walsh School Committee Room, 5th Floor, Brookline Town Hall, 333 Washington Street
The Brookline School Committee invites you to join them at their January
19 meeting to hear an important presentation on the history and status of
the METCO Program. Professor Susan Eaton and Gina Chirichigno will be
presenting their comprehensive review of the Metropolitan Council for
Educational Opportunity (METCO), the nation’s second-longest running
voluntary school desegregation program. Their work was jointly published
by Harvard Law School's Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and
Justice (CHHIRJ) and the Pioneer Institute.
METCO Merits More: The History and Status of METCO, co-authored by Susan
Eaton, research director at CHHIRJ, and Gina Chirichigno, a post-doctoral
researcher at the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at
Ohio State University, highlights METCO’s positive track record and
includes data on student enrollment, performance, demographics, graduation
and college attainment rates, waiting list, and funding. The program, one
of eight voluntary inter-district school desegregation programs in the
country, was created in 1965 by a coalition of parents and educators, both
African American and white, who were dissatisfied with the segregated
status of education during the Civil Rights Movement. The report details
METCO’s successes and future challenges.
Here is a link to the full report.
http://www.pioneerinstitute.org/pdf/110616_METCOMeritsMore.pdf
*This presentation is part of a regularly scheduled meeting of the
Brookline School Committee. The presentation is scheduled to start at
7:00 PM and to last approximately 45 minutes.
7th GRADE PARENTS POTLUCK
FRIDAY, Jan. 20, 6:45pmWhere: 403 Washington St. #6 (home of Eileen and Serge Regis, otherwise known as Becca's parents)
Time for the 7th grade parents to have some fun! Let's get together for a potluck dinner.
Topic: Parents Choice. At some point during the night, we'll break for a short discussion about questions/concerns on the minds of 7th grade parents! Feel free to submit your questions/topics in advance.
Please bring a dish to share (appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts)
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. Potluck and chatting
7:45 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion
8:30- 9:15 p.m. Dessert
Please RSVP to Eka Maraneli (otherwise known as Nana's mom) at <eka@bu.edu
Time for the 7th grade parents to have some fun! Let's get together for a potluck dinner.
Topic: Parents Choice. At some point during the night, we'll break for a short discussion about questions/concerns on the minds of 7th grade parents! Feel free to submit your questions/topics in advance.
Please bring a dish to share (appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts)
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. Potluck and chatting
7:45 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion
8:30- 9:15 p.m. Dessert
Please RSVP to Eka Maraneli (otherwise known as Nana's mom) at <eka@bu.edu
FREE MATH TUTORING Grades 3-6
5TH GRADE PARENT MEETING
The first "Fifth Grade Parent Exchange" meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Pierce Library.
These meetings will be held every six to eight weeks during the school year to discuss parenting issues.
The model for the group will be guided by BPEN, The Brookline Parent Network -
http://www.b-pen.org/.
Please come and bring issues and topic ideas for future meetings, as well as thoughts for the format and location of upcoming meetings.
These meetings will be held every six to eight weeks during the school year to discuss parenting issues.
The model for the group will be guided by BPEN, The Brookline Parent Network -
http://www.b-pen.org/.
Please come and bring issues and topic ideas for future meetings, as well as thoughts for the format and location of upcoming meetings.
HATS FOR HAITI: FRIDAY, JAN 13!
Wear a ball cap, a tall cap, a silly hat, or a frilly hat! Wear a hat to help Haiti! This month marks the two year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. On Friday January 13th, Pierce School students, teachers and staff will have permission to wear a hat during school hours in exchange for a donation to help Haiti. If you would like to participate, donations will be collected in the classrooms and split between The American Red Cross and Partners in Health efforts in Haiti. http://www.pih.org/pages/haiti/ We ask that each person donate at least $1, but any donation is welcomed and appreciated!
"Men anpil, chay pa lou."
With many hands, the burden is light.
-- Haitian proverb
"Men anpil, chay pa lou."
With many hands, the burden is light.
-- Haitian proverb
PIERCE COOKBOOKS: GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA!
Asian Beef with Haricot Verts and Tomatoes, Chipotle BBQ Turkey Burgers with Slaw, Ricotta Pancakes, Penne with Kale and White Beans, Masoor Daal, Three LayerPeppermint Squares, Thick and Chewy Triple-Chocolate Cookies (to name but a few)...and so can you !
The Pierce Family Cookbook is on sale for $10 per copy. Enjoy over 100 of our community's favorite recipes and support Pierce at the same time. All proceeds go directly to the PTO.
They make great stocking stuffers, Hanukkah gifts as well as teacher, crossing guard and hostess gifts. Buy a copy for each cook in your life! Trust us when we say these recipes are delicious and family friendly.
Delivery guaranteed by the cookbook crew and can be arranged by emailing Meredith Saillant at: dggmls@yahoo.com.
BROOKLINE REC B'BALL REG NOW OPEN!
Please visit our website at brooklinerec.com to login and register online today!
HOPE FOUND OUTREACH PROJECT BY THE PIERCE SCHOOL 8th GRADERS
This year 8th graders will carry on the tradition that beloved retired teacher Ginny Carroll initiated with her 3rd graders, by giving "self-care" items to guests at Hope Found (formerly called: Shattuck Shelter). The shelter is located in Jamaica Plain and houses between 200 and 250 men and women.
Items you can donate: soap, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, shaving cream, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, playing cards.
Please take the time to dig into your storage closets to find some items worth donating. Each item should be in good condition and sealed closed.
Simply send your child to school with the items to be donated and she/he can drop them off in the collection bag in his/her classroom.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING WITH THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT!
Items you can donate: soap, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, shaving cream, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, playing cards.
Please take the time to dig into your storage closets to find some items worth donating. Each item should be in good condition and sealed closed.
Simply send your child to school with the items to be donated and she/he can drop them off in the collection bag in his/her classroom.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING WITH THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT!
Last Call - Lost & Found
Please claim your lost items in the LOST and FOUND located outside the gym in the main building by Friday, December 16. After that date ALL items will be donated to the charity Cradles to Crayons.
Pierce Winter Enrichment Opens 12/16
Find out more here.
BHS WINTER CONCERT
Dec. 17, 7:30 @ Roberts/Dubbs Auditorium
Tickets $5, FREE TO ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
Brookline High School's annual Winter Concert is the single best introduction to the wealth of music going on at BHS, and it's one of the liveliest concerts of the year to boot.
Jazz Band, Orchestra, Camerata, Concert Choir, A Cappella Choir, Concert Band: this one has it all!
It's a fabulous showcase for Brookline High School's top musical ensembles performing repertoire ranging from classical masterworks and jazz/pop tunes to movie theme music and original student compositions.
Don't miss this rousing musical extravaganza by more than 200 of BHS's finest. This accessible and inexpensive family evening also offers Brookline's elementary students an inspiring glimpse of what they have to look forward to at BHS.
Tickets $5, FREE TO ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
Brookline High School's annual Winter Concert is the single best introduction to the wealth of music going on at BHS, and it's one of the liveliest concerts of the year to boot.
Jazz Band, Orchestra, Camerata, Concert Choir, A Cappella Choir, Concert Band: this one has it all!
It's a fabulous showcase for Brookline High School's top musical ensembles performing repertoire ranging from classical masterworks and jazz/pop tunes to movie theme music and original student compositions.
Don't miss this rousing musical extravaganza by more than 200 of BHS's finest. This accessible and inexpensive family evening also offers Brookline's elementary students an inspiring glimpse of what they have to look forward to at BHS.
SOCCER CLINIC
The BC Lady Eagles Soccer School Winter Clinic for girls ages 6-14
December 27-30, 12-5pm, 'Bubble' at Alumni Stadium on the BC main campus
Come join us for soccer fun and development. Register here.
December 27-30, 12-5pm, 'Bubble' at Alumni Stadium on the BC main campus
Come join us for soccer fun and development. Register here.
3-6 Grade Play Announced
Artwork for Education
FREE MATH ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP, GRADES 5-8
Ilya Bronshtein is a Pierce School alumnus and co-founder of a local math and computer science education organization (gentleknowledge.com).
We are trying to excite kids about math by bringing together professional mathematicians with strong education backgrounds to teach classes and to run free enrichment workshops. We run classes for kids in grades 3-8, but this year we are also launching a free weekly math enrichment program open to all kids in grades 5-8. You can find more information about it here. Contact Ilya at 617-792-9998 with questions
We are trying to excite kids about math by bringing together professional mathematicians with strong education backgrounds to teach classes and to run free enrichment workshops. We run classes for kids in grades 3-8, but this year we are also launching a free weekly math enrichment program open to all kids in grades 5-8. You can find more information about it here. Contact Ilya at 617-792-9998 with questions
2nd Annual Craft Fair
Proceeds to benefit Pierce School
-Free Admission-
Saturday, December 10, 2011, 4:00-7:00pm (between showings of musical), Pierce School Cafeteria.
More information here.
THANK YOU TO HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE PARTICIPANTS
Many thanks to the teachers and parents who displayed their wares last Saturday at
the Holiday Marketplace. It was a wonderful display of community and creativity!
A special thanks to Laura West and Robin O'Malley for spearheading this effort. As a result, a $508 contribution was made to the PTO.
-Free Admission-
Saturday, December 10, 2011, 4:00-7:00pm (between showings of musical), Pierce School Cafeteria.
More information here.
THANK YOU TO HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE PARTICIPANTS
Many thanks to the teachers and parents who displayed their wares last Saturday at
the Holiday Marketplace. It was a wonderful display of community and creativity!
A special thanks to Laura West and Robin O'Malley for spearheading this effort. As a result, a $508 contribution was made to the PTO.
MATH LEAGUE
SHOP MAGIC BEANS DEC. 14 TO SUPPORT THE BROOKLINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION!
Wednesday, December 14, 6-9 pm @ The Magic Beans Store
Magic Beans in Coolidge Corner is sponsoring a night of shopping for BEF supporters, with 10% of all proceeds going to the BEF. This is a great opportunity to support a local business and the work the BEF does to drive innovative and creative education in the Brookline Public Schools.
So collect your children's wish lists, grab a friend and head on over to Magic Beans on Wednesday, December 14, for a fun night of shopping.
Support a local business, help the BEF and get your holiday shopping done all at the same time!
Magic Beans in Coolidge Corner is sponsoring a night of shopping for BEF supporters, with 10% of all proceeds going to the BEF. This is a great opportunity to support a local business and the work the BEF does to drive innovative and creative education in the Brookline Public Schools.
So collect your children's wish lists, grab a friend and head on over to Magic Beans on Wednesday, December 14, for a fun night of shopping.
Support a local business, help the BEF and get your holiday shopping done all at the same time!
BHS FRESHMAN PLAY: SHIPWRECKED! AN ENTERTAINMENT
Black Box Theater, Tickets $5
This year's Freshman Play is Donald Margulies' fanciful Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, a tale of a sickly young lad who vows to see the world before he is no longer able. He embarks on a magical adventure involving exotic lands and remarkable creatures.
Dec. 7 @ 3:30
Dec. 8 & 9 @7:30
Dec. 10 @ 3:30 and 7:30
This year's Freshman Play is Donald Margulies' fanciful Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, a tale of a sickly young lad who vows to see the world before he is no longer able. He embarks on a magical adventure involving exotic lands and remarkable creatures.
Dec. 7 @ 3:30
Dec. 8 & 9 @7:30
Dec. 10 @ 3:30 and 7:30
2011 7th/8th Grade Musical - Cole Porter's Anything Goes
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP - THERE ISN'T AN APP FOR IT
Monday, December 5, 2011 - 7 - 8:30 pm @ Devotion Auditorium
Hosted by Edward Devotion School
Digital citizenship is quickly becoming the newest buzzword used in conversations around cyber safety. But what does it really mean to be a responsible digital citizen? Kids continue to become more digital savvy and parents, teachers and community leaders work to keep pace. Now is the time to start important, active conversations about how to navigate cyberspace safely, while embracing all the benefits, creativity and innovation that it offers.
JOIN US - In response to requests from across the Brookline community, a local expert in cyber security will lead the first in a series of highly informative and interactive conversations. You will walk away with new information, greater understanding, and tools to help you and your family stay safe online.
For more information please email devopto@gmail.com.
BHS FACULTY/ STAFF VARIETY SHOW
Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. @ BHS, Roberts/Dubbs Auditorium
Tickets $5 students, $10 adults
BHS's wild and wacky faculty/staff variety show, Moonlighting, has the singing/guitar- playing headmaster and the dancing dean. Come see Brookline High School's most esteemed faculty and staff set their academic priorities aside and let their hair down to perform songs, dances, skits, and routines that are anything but routine.
It's a can't-miss evening that's fun for the whole family. Come support the performing arts at BHS in the department's biggest and baddest fundraiser of the year.
For more information, contact Lynn Modell, 617-713-5228.
Tickets $5 students, $10 adults
BHS's wild and wacky faculty/staff variety show, Moonlighting, has the singing/guitar- playing headmaster and the dancing dean. Come see Brookline High School's most esteemed faculty and staff set their academic priorities aside and let their hair down to perform songs, dances, skits, and routines that are anything but routine.
It's a can't-miss evening that's fun for the whole family. Come support the performing arts at BHS in the department's biggest and baddest fundraiser of the year.
For more information, contact Lynn Modell, 617-713-5228.
BATV 24-HOUR MOVIE MARATHON FUNDRAISER!
December 2 @ 6pm - December 3 @ 6pm
46 Tappan Street, Brookline Access Television, Theater Room,
Top Floor, Brookline High School Unified Arts Building
All proceeds will go to purchase cameras to be used by schools in the Brookline!
SCREENING:
Despicable Me
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Hook
Megamind
Feris Buellers Day Off
Sherlock Holmes
E.T.
The Shining
Blues Brothers
Back to the Future
Jumanji
How to Train a Dragon
Space Jam
Registration, now open, ends November 30th.
Register online now at BATV.org
For more help registering, or to receive more information about this event, please contact
Nicole Rosenberg
Nicole@BATV.org
617-731-8566
46 Tappan Street, Brookline Access Television, Theater Room,
Top Floor, Brookline High School Unified Arts Building
All proceeds will go to purchase cameras to be used by schools in the Brookline!
SCREENING:
Despicable Me
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Hook
Megamind
Feris Buellers Day Off
Sherlock Holmes
E.T.
The Shining
Blues Brothers
Back to the Future
Jumanji
How to Train a Dragon
Space Jam
Registration, now open, ends November 30th.
Register online now at BATV.org
For more help registering, or to receive more information about this event, please contact
Nicole Rosenberg
Nicole@BATV.org
617-731-8566
2011 Brookline Flu Clinics:
All persons 6 months and older are eligible and there is no charge for the vaccine. Please bring a health insurance card. Call (617)730-2336 if you have any questions.
CALLING ALL CRAFTERS!
2nd Annual Craft Fair, Sat., Dec. 10, 2011, Pierce School Cafeteria.
Pierce & Co., the Pierce Community Crafters Team, is looking for crafters of all kinds (jewelers, knitters, authors, calligraphists, etc.) to join us at our 2nd Annual Craft Fair at the New Holiday Marketplace.
This event will be held Sat., Dec. 10, 2011, in the Pierce School Cafeteria. Applications can be downloaded at www.divinelotushealing.com, under the Holiday Marketplace tab.There's a discount if you apply by November 4, 2011. The deadline to apply is Friday, December 2, 2011. Space is limited so register early!
This event is only weeks away. Contact the Pierce & Co. co-chairs Robin O'Malley or Laura West for more details.
Pierce & Co., the Pierce Community Crafters Team, is looking for crafters of all kinds (jewelers, knitters, authors, calligraphists, etc.) to join us at our 2nd Annual Craft Fair at the New Holiday Marketplace.
This event will be held Sat., Dec. 10, 2011, in the Pierce School Cafeteria. Applications can be downloaded at www.divinelotushealing.com, under the Holiday Marketplace tab.There's a discount if you apply by November 4, 2011. The deadline to apply is Friday, December 2, 2011. Space is limited so register early!
This event is only weeks away. Contact the Pierce & Co. co-chairs Robin O'Malley or Laura West for more details.
Brookline Food Day 2011
Click here to download the Food Day recipes and here to download some healthy Thanksgiving Day recipes.
3rd ANNUAL WARRIOR 5K RUN
November 27 at 9.30 a.m. - Late registrants please arrive by 9.
Larz Anderson Skating Pavilion, Newton Street, Brookline MA
Brookline High School cross-country teams invite you to join the 3rd Annual Warrior 5K Run. We look forward to seeing runners of all ages the Sunday after Thanksgiving. You are welcome to come and run the 5K race or simply cheer from the sidelines and join in the breakfast. The race will be followed by a raffle, awards and bagel breakfast for all inside the warm skating pavilion with everything over by 11 am allowing alumni to catch their trains and planes. Advance registration is $10 and includes ten raffle tickets; day-of-race fee is $15. Download the event application here. Any questions about the race, please email Mike Glennon or call Chris McArdle at 617.566.3316.
Larz Anderson Skating Pavilion, Newton Street, Brookline MA
Brookline High School cross-country teams invite you to join the 3rd Annual Warrior 5K Run. We look forward to seeing runners of all ages the Sunday after Thanksgiving. You are welcome to come and run the 5K race or simply cheer from the sidelines and join in the breakfast. The race will be followed by a raffle, awards and bagel breakfast for all inside the warm skating pavilion with everything over by 11 am allowing alumni to catch their trains and planes. Advance registration is $10 and includes ten raffle tickets; day-of-race fee is $15. Download the event application here. Any questions about the race, please email Mike Glennon or call Chris McArdle at 617.566.3316.
BIONICLE LEGO BUILDERS CLUB
Sunday, 11/20 3-5pm @ 15 Salisbury Road, Brookline
Driscoll 6th Graders would like to invite all Bionicle fans for an afternoon of sharing and building. Please bring your favorite Bionicles, Bionicle mocs and creative building ideas to 15 Salisbury Road, Brookline, on Sunday, November 20th from 3-5pm. Please RSVP or send questions to staceybatista@gmail.com or call 617-686-0587.
BYL FALL LACROSSE CLINIC
Downes Field, 50 Highland Ave., Brookline
11/6, 11/13 and 11/20
Brookline Youth Lacrosse (BYL) is holding its annual Fall Lacrosse Clinics for both new and returning boys and girls in grades 1 through 8 on three consecutive Sundays in November.
The clinics are one-hour sessions led by veteran coaches with assistance from Brookline High School players.
All interested players and newcomers are welcome at any or all sessions. Equipment will be available for those who do not have their own and the clinics are FREE.
For more information go here.
11/6, 11/13 and 11/20
Brookline Youth Lacrosse (BYL) is holding its annual Fall Lacrosse Clinics for both new and returning boys and girls in grades 1 through 8 on three consecutive Sundays in November.
The clinics are one-hour sessions led by veteran coaches with assistance from Brookline High School players.
All interested players and newcomers are welcome at any or all sessions. Equipment will be available for those who do not have their own and the clinics are FREE.
For more information go here.
GRIGGS PARK CLEANUP
B-BALL SHOOTING AND SKILLS CLINIC
Open to both boys and girls in grades 4-9.
- When: Nov. 1, Nov. 8, and Nov. 15 (Three Tuesdays)
- Grades 4-6 from 6:30 to 7:30pm; Grades 7-9 from 7:30 to 8:30pm
- Where: Schluntz Gym at Brookline High School
- Cost: $10 per session, paid at the door. Cash or check made out to Muddy River Boosters
Fall Early Release Shows - Registration Open
The early release concert series is sponsored by PSED. These concerts are designed to provide parents with an attractive childcare option on early release days. All Pierce School students in grades 1-5 are welcome to register. For more information and to register, please visit the PSED website. Register online November 4-14!
Show schedule:
11/17: Animal Farm - 11/30: The Yo-Yo People
12/8: Len Cabral - 12/14: Stephen Baird
Show schedule:
11/17: Animal Farm - 11/30: The Yo-Yo People
12/8: Len Cabral - 12/14: Stephen Baird
Greening Cities
What Can Brookline Learn from the European Experience?
Monday, Nov. 14, 7-9 pm, Town Hall, Room 101.
Climate Change Action Brookline presents two distinguished European speakers, as well as panelists from Brookline, to describe changes European cities are making and discuss measures and obstacles for going greener in Brookline.
Find out what Brookline is doing and explore where we go from here. Light refreshments will be served.
Monday, Nov. 14, 7-9 pm, Town Hall, Room 101.
Climate Change Action Brookline presents two distinguished European speakers, as well as panelists from Brookline, to describe changes European cities are making and discuss measures and obstacles for going greener in Brookline.
Find out what Brookline is doing and explore where we go from here. Light refreshments will be served.
INT'L POTLUCK CANCELLED
The International Potluck Supper scheduled for November 3rd has been cancelled. As we began to plan for this event we realized that our present enrollment, now at 722, our inadequate auditorium space, and the construction in the amphitheater, make this event particularly challenging to manage safely. Our hope is that we will identify other opportunities in our existing
programming to continue to recognize and celebrate the diversity of Pierce.
We are considering our ongoing efforts in the classrooms, assemblies, concerts and other PTO and family-sponsored events. Thank you for understanding and for your support for this event over the years.
programming to continue to recognize and celebrate the diversity of Pierce.
We are considering our ongoing efforts in the classrooms, assemblies, concerts and other PTO and family-sponsored events. Thank you for understanding and for your support for this event over the years.
BROOKLINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES RAFFLE WINNERS
An enormous thank you to all who bought Brookline Education Foundation raffle tickets this year.
This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, raising more than $50,000 for our schools! The BEF supports teacher training and professional development at Pierce and in all of the Brookline public schools. We appreciate your generosity and support now and throughout the year. Here are the raffle winners:
FIRST PRIZE (Mini or $12,000): Gretchen Thompson, a Lincoln School teacher
SECOND PRIZE (iPad): Shauna Rives, a Runkle School mom with a 1st & 3rd grader.
THIRD PRIZES (iTunes gift certificates): Emma Samuels, Lawrence School mom, Tara Kelly, Driscoll School teacher, and Cindy Tungate, Devotion School mom.
This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, raising more than $50,000 for our schools! The BEF supports teacher training and professional development at Pierce and in all of the Brookline public schools. We appreciate your generosity and support now and throughout the year. Here are the raffle winners:
FIRST PRIZE (Mini or $12,000): Gretchen Thompson, a Lincoln School teacher
SECOND PRIZE (iPad): Shauna Rives, a Runkle School mom with a 1st & 3rd grader.
THIRD PRIZES (iTunes gift certificates): Emma Samuels, Lawrence School mom, Tara Kelly, Driscoll School teacher, and Cindy Tungate, Devotion School mom.
NATIONAL FOOD DAY A SUCCESS
Did you know that last Monday, October 24th, was the first National Food Day? The Brookline Department of Public Health spread the word about the Harvard School of Public Health's new "Healthy Eating Plate." Check out the bulletin board in Pierce School cafeteria! Pierce students had an opportunity to try vegetarian moussaka for the school lunch, drink some cider from the Allandale Farm in front of the Town Hall; learn about healthy foods from Savory Living owner/chef Sue R. Levy; see the projection of the Food Day School Curriculum: Helping Youth Eat Real. Check out the beautiful pictures and the eye opening, easy-to-read comparisons at foodday.org.
7th GRADE CAR WASH!
LARZ ANDERSON CROSS-COUNTRY MEET A SUCCESS!
Congratulations to the 88 Pierce students in grades 5-8 who participated in a town-wide, 1-mile cross-country race at Larz Anderson Park last Friday.
All Pierce athletes did a fantastic job training to prepare for the Oct. 21 race and were strong competitors.
Many students finished within the top six places, which is impressive given that the largest race had 108 students racing. The top finishers in each category are:
All Pierce athletes did a fantastic job training to prepare for the Oct. 21 race and were strong competitors.
Many students finished within the top six places, which is impressive given that the largest race had 108 students racing. The top finishers in each category are:
- Emma Larrabee - 2nd Place, Girls, 8th Grade, with a time of 7:20
- Jack Miller - 5th Place, Boys, 8th Grade: 6:08
- Nathan Ewen - 1st Place, Boys, 7th Grade: 6:08
- Duncan Grant - 1st Place, Boys, 6th Grade: 6:14
- Jake Sacks - 3rd Place, Boys, 6th Grade: 6:25
- Lisa Gerbi - 4th Place, Girls, 5th Grade: 7:42
ART TEACHER'S WORK DISPLAYED AT DECORDOVA
DeCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, Lincoln MA.
Pierce School art teacher Steven Rae is represented in a group show now on view at the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, MA. His sculpture is included in a show titled: Art and Nature, which runs through the end of October.
For questions and inquiries please contact Steven Rae at Steven_Rae@brookline.k12.ma.us
FALL POTLUCK DINNER - 7th Grade Parents Network
Friday, 10/28 @ 7 Elm Street, Apt. 3 (home of Laurence Mialot, Alex's mom)
Time for the 7th grade parents to have some fun! Let's leave the kids at the RAFT Open Gym or at home and get together for a potluck dinner.
Topic: Parents Choice. At some point during the night, we'll break for a short discussion about what's on the minds of 7th grade parents. Feel free to submit your questions in advance.
Bring a dish to share (appetizers, or salads, entrees, desserts).
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. Potluck and chatting
7:45 - 8:15 p.m. Discussion
8:15 - 9:15 p.m. Dessert
Please RSVP to Eka Maraneli (Nana's mom) at eka@bu.edu.
Time for the 7th grade parents to have some fun! Let's leave the kids at the RAFT Open Gym or at home and get together for a potluck dinner.
Topic: Parents Choice. At some point during the night, we'll break for a short discussion about what's on the minds of 7th grade parents. Feel free to submit your questions in advance.
Bring a dish to share (appetizers, or salads, entrees, desserts).
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. Potluck and chatting
7:45 - 8:15 p.m. Discussion
8:15 - 9:15 p.m. Dessert
Please RSVP to Eka Maraneli (Nana's mom) at eka@bu.edu.
BROOKLINE HIGH ROWERS PARTICIPATE IN ERG-A-THON
Sunday, 10/30, 1-3:30 pm
Come see Brookline High School students row on Devotion School's front lawn this weekend. They'll row over 60,000 meters on stationary rowing machines called ergometers, taking part in the Friends of Brookline Rowing's annual "Erg-a-thon" fundraiser.
Please support these students as they row for donations that have been pledged to them in advance. To learn more about crew at Brookline High School and this team's accomplishments, go to brooklinerowing.org.
Come see Brookline High School students row on Devotion School's front lawn this weekend. They'll row over 60,000 meters on stationary rowing machines called ergometers, taking part in the Friends of Brookline Rowing's annual "Erg-a-thon" fundraiser.
Please support these students as they row for donations that have been pledged to them in advance. To learn more about crew at Brookline High School and this team's accomplishments, go to brooklinerowing.org.
Brookline Teen Center OPEN HOUSE!
Sunday, OCT. 30 @ 1 - 4 pm
Come tour The Garage, the future home of the new Brookline Teen Center at 40 Aspinwall Ave., and envision what's to come. We'll feature live entertainment, great food, details about the new Teen Center and lots of surprises. This event is free and open to the public.
What you can do:
1. Please help spread the word! Forward this news to your people!
2. Volunteer to make this event incredible. Email Volunteers@BrooklineTeenCenter.org.
3. If you are an electrician, or know someone who is, there is a small event-related task that needs doing.
Please email Volunteers@BrooklineTeenCenter.org for more info.
For the most current info about the BTC visit BrooklineTeenCenter.org.
Come tour The Garage, the future home of the new Brookline Teen Center at 40 Aspinwall Ave., and envision what's to come. We'll feature live entertainment, great food, details about the new Teen Center and lots of surprises. This event is free and open to the public.
What you can do:
1. Please help spread the word! Forward this news to your people!
2. Volunteer to make this event incredible. Email Volunteers@BrooklineTeenCenter.org.
3. If you are an electrician, or know someone who is, there is a small event-related task that needs doing.
Please email Volunteers@BrooklineTeenCenter.org for more info.
For the most current info about the BTC visit BrooklineTeenCenter.org.
CYBERSPACE: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY
Thursday Oct. 27, 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Brookline High School, Martin Luther King Room
Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, texting, gaming, skyping, internet surfing - kids as well as adults are often spending more time in the virtual world of cyberspace than interacting with the real world. B-PEN invites you to join BHS Peer Leaders, school staff and local experts a special community forum to address "Cyberspace - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly." An expert panel will give mini-presentations examining current trends in technology, followed by table discussions to craft action plans for helping our children use this technology in ways that are healthy and productive.
For detailed invitation/program and to RSVP, please click below:
http://www.weebly.com/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/_cyber_breakfast_flyerfinal.doc
Responsive Classroom
Thank you to all who attended the Principal's Forum focused on Building Community. For more information on Responsive Classroom or Developmental Design please visit www.responsiveclassroom.org.
Food on Wheels
From today until Friday October21, Please bring non-perishable foods and drop them in the collection bins at the entrance to the main building and in both entrances to the Historical building.
Then, join the Pierce community on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 1pm to deliver the food to the Brookline Food Pantry. We will meet four other Brookline K-8 Schools at the Pantry who will be delivering their own donated foods. Download the flyer for more information.
The Pantry has specifically asked for the following items:
- Canned meals (tuna, ravioli, beef stew, etc)
- Canned fruit
- Personal care items (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.)
- Jams or Jelly
- Mayonnaise
- Instant Coffee
- Anything else you can provide is much appreciated
The Need is Great
The number of weekly customer visits to the pantry over these past few years has more than doubled:
- In 2005 they averaged 40 customer visits per week.
- This year, 2011 the Pantry is averaging 85 customer visits per week
- Last week it had over 100 customer visits for the fourth time in the last two months!
In annual terms customer visits have increased as follows:
- 2005 2,000 visits
- 2009 2,700 visits
- 2010 3,300 visits
- 2011 4,400 visits projected for the year (3,300 visits so far as of 9/30)
Opportunity Knocks
This is a great opportunity to talk to your children about the issue of hunger in our world, in our country and in our own community and what we as individuals and families can do to help. Please join us!