Principal's Corner - May 9, 2012
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Teaching and learning is a very complicated dance. What it means to be a skilled and effective teacher is often difficult to define in simple terms. Brookline principals had this confirmed at a conference just last week.
With the support of the Brookline Education Foundation, I attended a statewide principals' conference with the other K-8 principals. The conference included a half-day session led by Robert Marzano, a nationally known education researcher and author. His work has focused on instruction, including a recent bookThe Art and Science of Teaching.
What I appreciate most about his work is that it recognizes the complexity of teaching. He identifies 60 elements of teaching. Some of these feature routines such as learning goals, rules and procedures. Other elements relate to specific ways that content is taught, which varies depending on whether material is being introduced, practiced, deepened, or applied. These elements comprise the "science" of teaching.
The segment of his remarks that spoke to me, however, was what Marzano refers to as teaching "enacted on the spot." In other words, how a teacher responds to students and situations in the moment. This is the art of teaching. It is this art that is so very important to how teachers build an effective community of learners. The science is critical to the content. The climate and context of the community of teaching and learning make that science accessible to all.
This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. I would like to take this occasion to express my deep appreciation for the hard work and tireless efforts of the teachers at Pierce School. Already adept at teaching, they are constantly striving to learn more about the science of teaching in order to develop their skills and enhance student learning. They also understand the intangibles, including a belief that all students can learn and with great efforts connect with all students. These intangibles contribute to the art of teaching. Taken together, the art and science of teaching are what make Pierce a vibrant learning community.
I invite you to take a few moments this week and express your appreciation o your children's teachers and help your children to do the same. After all, teaching and learning is a complicated dance. It's always great to hear appreciation from our dance partners.
Thank you.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
Teaching and learning is a very complicated dance. What it means to be a skilled and effective teacher is often difficult to define in simple terms. Brookline principals had this confirmed at a conference just last week.
With the support of the Brookline Education Foundation, I attended a statewide principals' conference with the other K-8 principals. The conference included a half-day session led by Robert Marzano, a nationally known education researcher and author. His work has focused on instruction, including a recent bookThe Art and Science of Teaching.
What I appreciate most about his work is that it recognizes the complexity of teaching. He identifies 60 elements of teaching. Some of these feature routines such as learning goals, rules and procedures. Other elements relate to specific ways that content is taught, which varies depending on whether material is being introduced, practiced, deepened, or applied. These elements comprise the "science" of teaching.
The segment of his remarks that spoke to me, however, was what Marzano refers to as teaching "enacted on the spot." In other words, how a teacher responds to students and situations in the moment. This is the art of teaching. It is this art that is so very important to how teachers build an effective community of learners. The science is critical to the content. The climate and context of the community of teaching and learning make that science accessible to all.
This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. I would like to take this occasion to express my deep appreciation for the hard work and tireless efforts of the teachers at Pierce School. Already adept at teaching, they are constantly striving to learn more about the science of teaching in order to develop their skills and enhance student learning. They also understand the intangibles, including a belief that all students can learn and with great efforts connect with all students. These intangibles contribute to the art of teaching. Taken together, the art and science of teaching are what make Pierce a vibrant learning community.
I invite you to take a few moments this week and express your appreciation o your children's teachers and help your children to do the same. After all, teaching and learning is a complicated dance. It's always great to hear appreciation from our dance partners.
Thank you.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
Principal's Corner - May 2, 2012
Pierce Reads Rocks!
Our 17th Annual Pierce Reads Program was a huge success last week. Over 150 students, parents, and teachers enjoyed a lovely evening celebrating and discussing books. As one student exclaimed, "Pierce Reads is awesome!"
This year, we were thrilled to have the Honorable Judge Julian Houston join our seventh and eighth grade discussion of his book New Boy. His reading and insights were inspirational and both students and parents enjoyed hearing him speak.
Thank you to everyone who made Pierce Reads possible this year. We could not have this program without our wonderful teacher volunteers: Nancy Springer, Deborah Levine, Ben Conlon, Gretchen Adams, Beth Collins, Chris Smith, Cheryl Klausner, David Carter, Mary Gabriel, Amy Woogmaster, Rob Garrison, Sandra Sicard, Annice Kra, Kim Manasevit and Sandee Phelan. We would also like to give a very special thank you to our volunteer organizers Catalina Roseto, Anna Asphar, Eve Rittenberg, and Alexandra Carlson who worked behind the scenes to make the evening run smoothly.
Finally, I'd like to thank Pierce librarian Amanda Kretchmar for her tireless efforts to pull every aspect of this program together making it such a success. Thank you parents and students for participating!
We look forward to seeing all of you at Pierce Reads 2013!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
Our 17th Annual Pierce Reads Program was a huge success last week. Over 150 students, parents, and teachers enjoyed a lovely evening celebrating and discussing books. As one student exclaimed, "Pierce Reads is awesome!"
This year, we were thrilled to have the Honorable Judge Julian Houston join our seventh and eighth grade discussion of his book New Boy. His reading and insights were inspirational and both students and parents enjoyed hearing him speak.
Thank you to everyone who made Pierce Reads possible this year. We could not have this program without our wonderful teacher volunteers: Nancy Springer, Deborah Levine, Ben Conlon, Gretchen Adams, Beth Collins, Chris Smith, Cheryl Klausner, David Carter, Mary Gabriel, Amy Woogmaster, Rob Garrison, Sandra Sicard, Annice Kra, Kim Manasevit and Sandee Phelan. We would also like to give a very special thank you to our volunteer organizers Catalina Roseto, Anna Asphar, Eve Rittenberg, and Alexandra Carlson who worked behind the scenes to make the evening run smoothly.
Finally, I'd like to thank Pierce librarian Amanda Kretchmar for her tireless efforts to pull every aspect of this program together making it such a success. Thank you parents and students for participating!
We look forward to seeing all of you at Pierce Reads 2013!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
Principal's Corner - April 25, 2012
STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE ON BULLYING
The school district has disseminated the Olweus Bullying Quesionnaire (OBQ) for students in grades 3-9. Hopefully, all parents with students in these grades received the electronic copy of the superintendent's letter describing the questionnaire. Below is an excerpt with some of the details from that letter. Please take time to review these details and help your child understand the importance of participating in this online survey. As indicated below, students and parents may opt-out of taking the survey. Please be sure to let the classroom teacher know.
We believe that the information your child shares will give us baseline data as we launch the Olweus Bullying Prevention program next year. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
EXCERPT FROM DR. LUPINI'S LETTER:
As part of our bullying prevention and intervention plans, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program offers students an opportunity to participate in an on-line survey known as the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire (OBQ).
The OBQ is a standardized, validated questionnaire designed for students in grade 3 and higher.
The multiple-choice survey addresses questions including: How frequently are students in a school bullying or being bullied? What types of bullying are most common? Where does bullying occur? How often do students report bullying and to whom? How responsive do students feel adults are to bullying at school? Clearly defining and surveying students about bullying can help our district's efforts to obtain detailed and reliable information on bullying behavior, attitudes, and related issues in the school environment, thereby increasing awareness and motivation on the part of school staff and parents to address bullying at school. Participation in the OBQ is voluntary and responses will remain anonymous. Students will not be putting their names on the questionnaire. Rather they will each be given a unique username and password. Therefore, we will be unable to identify particular students, even if they report having been bullied or having bullied others.
The questionnaire will provide the district with information about the nature of bullying in our schools. Any student can choose not to complete the questionnaire or to skip any questions that they prefer not answering. The Olweus Bullying Questionnaire will be administered on-line to students in grades 3-9 during a five-week period beginning Monday, April 23, 2012 and concluding Friday, May 25, 2012. We expect that the questionnaire will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. If you wish to review the OBQ, you may do so by going to http://www.obqsurvey.org and enter the following: Username: eSample
Survey Password: Olweus
The school district has disseminated the Olweus Bullying Quesionnaire (OBQ) for students in grades 3-9. Hopefully, all parents with students in these grades received the electronic copy of the superintendent's letter describing the questionnaire. Below is an excerpt with some of the details from that letter. Please take time to review these details and help your child understand the importance of participating in this online survey. As indicated below, students and parents may opt-out of taking the survey. Please be sure to let the classroom teacher know.
We believe that the information your child shares will give us baseline data as we launch the Olweus Bullying Prevention program next year. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
EXCERPT FROM DR. LUPINI'S LETTER:
As part of our bullying prevention and intervention plans, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program offers students an opportunity to participate in an on-line survey known as the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire (OBQ).
The OBQ is a standardized, validated questionnaire designed for students in grade 3 and higher.
The multiple-choice survey addresses questions including: How frequently are students in a school bullying or being bullied? What types of bullying are most common? Where does bullying occur? How often do students report bullying and to whom? How responsive do students feel adults are to bullying at school? Clearly defining and surveying students about bullying can help our district's efforts to obtain detailed and reliable information on bullying behavior, attitudes, and related issues in the school environment, thereby increasing awareness and motivation on the part of school staff and parents to address bullying at school. Participation in the OBQ is voluntary and responses will remain anonymous. Students will not be putting their names on the questionnaire. Rather they will each be given a unique username and password. Therefore, we will be unable to identify particular students, even if they report having been bullied or having bullied others.
The questionnaire will provide the district with information about the nature of bullying in our schools. Any student can choose not to complete the questionnaire or to skip any questions that they prefer not answering. The Olweus Bullying Questionnaire will be administered on-line to students in grades 3-9 during a five-week period beginning Monday, April 23, 2012 and concluding Friday, May 25, 2012. We expect that the questionnaire will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. If you wish to review the OBQ, you may do so by going to http://www.obqsurvey.org and enter the following: Username: eSample
Survey Password: Olweus
Principal's Corner - April 11, 2012
UPDATE ON PIERCE AUDITORIUM IMPROVEMENTS
Efforts have been ongoing to improve Pierce's auditorium.
Yet bids on the Pierce Auditorium project came in substantially over the project budget. Therefore Town Meeting, to be held May 22, 24, 29 (and 31, if required) will be asked to approve a supplemental appropriation.
The request is outlined in Warrant Article 7- FY 12, asking for $400,000 beyond the project budget.
Prior to Town Meeting, several boards will consider Warrant Article 7, including the Selectmen and the Building Commission. The Capital Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee and the full Advisory Committee will also vote on a recommendation.
Please consider attending these meetings if possible or send a letter of support for the auditorium project to Town Meeting members (Vote YES on Article 7!).
Construction on the project is due to start in summer 2013 and we are all looking forward to an improved auditorium.
Have a great vacation week everyone!
Principal
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Efforts have been ongoing to improve Pierce's auditorium.
Yet bids on the Pierce Auditorium project came in substantially over the project budget. Therefore Town Meeting, to be held May 22, 24, 29 (and 31, if required) will be asked to approve a supplemental appropriation.
The request is outlined in Warrant Article 7- FY 12, asking for $400,000 beyond the project budget.
Prior to Town Meeting, several boards will consider Warrant Article 7, including the Selectmen and the Building Commission. The Capital Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee and the full Advisory Committee will also vote on a recommendation.
Please consider attending these meetings if possible or send a letter of support for the auditorium project to Town Meeting members (Vote YES on Article 7!).
Construction on the project is due to start in summer 2013 and we are all looking forward to an improved auditorium.
Have a great vacation week everyone!
Principal
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal's Corner - April 4, 2012
As the spring weather brings sunny days and warmer temperatures, we find the need to send this friendly reminder about drop off and pick up times and places. Please help us protect teaching and learning time by adhering to these guidelines and sharing this information with caregivers.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Principal's Corner - March 21, 2012
Beauty and the Beast a smashing success!
Congratulations to both the casts and crew of this year's 3-6 play, "Beauty and the Beast."
Pierce theater productions continue to be a source of pride as our students demonstrate their talents outside the classroom and in the dramatic arts.
The play was not only well-done and entertaining, but provided a great message: the importance of accepting differences and not judging by appearances.
I couldn't have been more pleased to see over 150 of our 3rd- to 6th-grade students take part in this classic musical.
Our students make connections to the themes of the play in their classes when the topic of bullying behavior is discussed. I believe these discussions inspire some to look even more closely at the messages in "Beauty and the Beast." This closer look then assists us in keeping the spirit of fair play and acceptance of
those different than ourselves ever present at Pierce School.
The production of this play would not be possible without the long hours, fabulous creativity and unending energy of the volunteer Pierce parents, who helped make the show so successful.
In addition to those named below, please also join me in congratulating and thanking parent producers Deb Dowd and Joshua Abrams, parent director Ryan Bailey, parent musical director Min Lew, parent chorus director Laura Prichard, and chorus choreographer Laura Stillman.
With such great casting, directing, dancing, singing, music, costumes, set design, lighting and props, one might think it was simple to do. We know better and we thank you all! Many hands made light work!
Please help me thank and congratulate the additional parents who participated behind the scenes:
Set designer Susan Levin; set coordinator Blanka Bogdanovic; costume coordinators Martha Huntley and Eileen Regis; rehearsal volunteers Elizabeth Ferry, Melanie May, Cass Miller, Edel O'Hara, Kate Risse, Jackie Rossey and Suzanne Steele; chorus coordinators David Elzy, Kate Ewen, Joanne Evans, Nancy Levanthal; chorus volunteers Tamara Bloch, Debi Martin Kao, Stacey Downey, Ruth Feldstein, Mimi Lee, Jami Loh, Michele Mendoza, Lise Nigrovic, and Marjorie Whittaker; tech and lighting coordinator David Elzey; set crew Blanka Bogdanovic, Susan Chorley, Frank Criscione, Hilary Elkins, Susan Levin, Peter Sacks also Carpenter; props crew Frank Criscione, Wendy Grossman, Melanie May and Joseph O'Farrell; rehearsal snacks Sushma Boppana, Stephanie Cprrado, Ann Kamensky, Donna Luff, Cara Murray, Elizabeth Stillman, Tara Washburn, and Bee Keng Yeo; bake sale coordinators Cherie Gaehde and Pam Wolf; bake sale volunteers Stacey Downey, June Duchesne, Hilary Elkins, Ruth Feldstein, Marcia Ferrigno, Kristin Hicks, Debbie Jacobs, Mary Lee, John Murphy, Jackie Rossey, Myrna Solomon, Karen Sutton, and Bee Keng Yeo; program poster/ticket/t-shirts Eric Friedman, Sarah Bishins, Jeanine Dias-Gaylor; photographer Aynsley
Floyd and photographer's assistant Jenn Mason; videographer Phil Schroeder; show volunteers Deb Abrams, Blanka Bogdanovic, Cara Ferragamo-Murray, Elizabeth Ferry, Ellen Geller, Nicole Lapidus, Eve LaPlante, Silvia Lee, Melanie May, Yolanda Mendez-Rainey, Cass Miller, Emma Morton-Eggleston, Edel O'Hara, Jeannine Pinto, Kate Risse, Olga Rogozina, Jackie Rossey, Suzanne Steele, Laura Stillman, Karen Sutton, Tara Washburn and Chi-Chi Wu, curtain repair Sarah Bishins and Cass Miller; and ticket sales coordinator Meredith Saillant.
Also, our thanks to 8th grade violinist Sophia T.!
My apologies if I've inadvertently forgotten someone.
Thanks again for another wonderful theater experience for our students and our community!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Congratulations to both the casts and crew of this year's 3-6 play, "Beauty and the Beast."
Pierce theater productions continue to be a source of pride as our students demonstrate their talents outside the classroom and in the dramatic arts.
The play was not only well-done and entertaining, but provided a great message: the importance of accepting differences and not judging by appearances.
I couldn't have been more pleased to see over 150 of our 3rd- to 6th-grade students take part in this classic musical.
Our students make connections to the themes of the play in their classes when the topic of bullying behavior is discussed. I believe these discussions inspire some to look even more closely at the messages in "Beauty and the Beast." This closer look then assists us in keeping the spirit of fair play and acceptance of
those different than ourselves ever present at Pierce School.
The production of this play would not be possible without the long hours, fabulous creativity and unending energy of the volunteer Pierce parents, who helped make the show so successful.
In addition to those named below, please also join me in congratulating and thanking parent producers Deb Dowd and Joshua Abrams, parent director Ryan Bailey, parent musical director Min Lew, parent chorus director Laura Prichard, and chorus choreographer Laura Stillman.
With such great casting, directing, dancing, singing, music, costumes, set design, lighting and props, one might think it was simple to do. We know better and we thank you all! Many hands made light work!
Please help me thank and congratulate the additional parents who participated behind the scenes:
Set designer Susan Levin; set coordinator Blanka Bogdanovic; costume coordinators Martha Huntley and Eileen Regis; rehearsal volunteers Elizabeth Ferry, Melanie May, Cass Miller, Edel O'Hara, Kate Risse, Jackie Rossey and Suzanne Steele; chorus coordinators David Elzy, Kate Ewen, Joanne Evans, Nancy Levanthal; chorus volunteers Tamara Bloch, Debi Martin Kao, Stacey Downey, Ruth Feldstein, Mimi Lee, Jami Loh, Michele Mendoza, Lise Nigrovic, and Marjorie Whittaker; tech and lighting coordinator David Elzey; set crew Blanka Bogdanovic, Susan Chorley, Frank Criscione, Hilary Elkins, Susan Levin, Peter Sacks also Carpenter; props crew Frank Criscione, Wendy Grossman, Melanie May and Joseph O'Farrell; rehearsal snacks Sushma Boppana, Stephanie Cprrado, Ann Kamensky, Donna Luff, Cara Murray, Elizabeth Stillman, Tara Washburn, and Bee Keng Yeo; bake sale coordinators Cherie Gaehde and Pam Wolf; bake sale volunteers Stacey Downey, June Duchesne, Hilary Elkins, Ruth Feldstein, Marcia Ferrigno, Kristin Hicks, Debbie Jacobs, Mary Lee, John Murphy, Jackie Rossey, Myrna Solomon, Karen Sutton, and Bee Keng Yeo; program poster/ticket/t-shirts Eric Friedman, Sarah Bishins, Jeanine Dias-Gaylor; photographer Aynsley
Floyd and photographer's assistant Jenn Mason; videographer Phil Schroeder; show volunteers Deb Abrams, Blanka Bogdanovic, Cara Ferragamo-Murray, Elizabeth Ferry, Ellen Geller, Nicole Lapidus, Eve LaPlante, Silvia Lee, Melanie May, Yolanda Mendez-Rainey, Cass Miller, Emma Morton-Eggleston, Edel O'Hara, Jeannine Pinto, Kate Risse, Olga Rogozina, Jackie Rossey, Suzanne Steele, Laura Stillman, Karen Sutton, Tara Washburn and Chi-Chi Wu, curtain repair Sarah Bishins and Cass Miller; and ticket sales coordinator Meredith Saillant.
Also, our thanks to 8th grade violinist Sophia T.!
My apologies if I've inadvertently forgotten someone.
Thanks again for another wonderful theater experience for our students and our community!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal's Corner - February 15, 2012
Dear Pierce families,
The 100th day of school is behind us and we concluded the half way day festivities. Thank you to all who contributed to Half Way Day! Your donations raised $270 for Brookline's New Pathways Halfway House!We are now anticipating the end of winter and start of spring as we get ready for February vacation next week. Wishing you all a very enjoyable February break!
Sincerely,
Pipier Smith-Mumford
The 100th day of school is behind us and we concluded the half way day festivities. Thank you to all who contributed to Half Way Day! Your donations raised $270 for Brookline's New Pathways Halfway House!We are now anticipating the end of winter and start of spring as we get ready for February vacation next week. Wishing you all a very enjoyable February break!
Sincerely,
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal's Corner - February 8, 2012
ELEMENTARY WORLD LANGUAGE, K-8
Hola, nihao and Happy Chinese New Year!
It is a pleasure to provide a brief spotlight on Elementary World Language as we mark the 4th year of K-6 instruction.
Brookline's content-enriched FLES (Foreign Language in Elementary School) program provides a sequential language learning experience for students to develop language proficiency appropriate to the grade level.
By now, you may have heard your child share a song or recount a game played in Spanish class. These approaches, in addition to stories, books, role-plays and other interactive activities are the foundation of elementary language learning, providing immediate opportunities for students to practice language.
The K-6 curriculum is composed of thematic units that spiral throughout the grade levels, developing additional knowledge and skills in those themes each year.
The themes in grades K-2 are School and Community, Family, and Climate, with the cultures of the countries of the Andes integrated throughout the units. The themes in grades 3-6 are Community, Leisure Time, Climate, and Food with the cultural focus of Mexico.
In grades 7-8, students work with a textbook that expands on these themes, includes grammatical concepts, and incorporates a broader lens on the cultures of China and Spanish- speaking worlds.
This fall and winter, K-12 teachers and world language curriculum coordinators participated in two days of professional development with Greg Duncan, a nationally recognized consultant, to deepen their understanding of proficiency levels. This foundational work helped teachers to understand the characteristics of each level to establish proficiency targets for the K-12 program, and to connect those targets to instruction. We look forward to continuing this work in department meetings as our K-8 program develops and transforms.
Here's a glimpse into some current learning at Pierce School:
Grades K-2: Winter: weather, colors, produce/where food comes from, winter clothing and designing patriotic winter clothing for Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Colombia
Grades 3: Self descriptions, basic conversations (Q&A)
Grade 4: Map skills and community places (including description and compass directions);
identifying likes/dislikes of activities
Grade 5: Expands on Grade 4 with full sentences and details, description of self and others, including features and personality, verbs and activities, comparing student life here to life in Mexico.
Grade 6: Expands on Grade 5 with more details of family and friends with pen pal letters to Baker School.
Grades 7-8: Classes, schedules, and teachers; the body and our emotional health; food and shopping.
Current 6th graders are making their choice for next year's language, Chinese or Spanish.
Those requests are due this Friday, Feb. 10, to classroom teachers.
Our 8th graders will hear a presentation from the World Language department from Brookline High School next Thursday, Feb. 16. Teachers and coordinator, Agnes Alberola, will inform students of the language choices there.
We are committed to a rich and meaningful curriculum to develop proficient language speakers who understand and appreciate the diverse world in which they live. We thank you for the strong community support of world language instruction for all elementary school students in Brookline.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Hola, nihao and Happy Chinese New Year!
It is a pleasure to provide a brief spotlight on Elementary World Language as we mark the 4th year of K-6 instruction.
Brookline's content-enriched FLES (Foreign Language in Elementary School) program provides a sequential language learning experience for students to develop language proficiency appropriate to the grade level.
By now, you may have heard your child share a song or recount a game played in Spanish class. These approaches, in addition to stories, books, role-plays and other interactive activities are the foundation of elementary language learning, providing immediate opportunities for students to practice language.
The K-6 curriculum is composed of thematic units that spiral throughout the grade levels, developing additional knowledge and skills in those themes each year.
The themes in grades K-2 are School and Community, Family, and Climate, with the cultures of the countries of the Andes integrated throughout the units. The themes in grades 3-6 are Community, Leisure Time, Climate, and Food with the cultural focus of Mexico.
In grades 7-8, students work with a textbook that expands on these themes, includes grammatical concepts, and incorporates a broader lens on the cultures of China and Spanish- speaking worlds.
This fall and winter, K-12 teachers and world language curriculum coordinators participated in two days of professional development with Greg Duncan, a nationally recognized consultant, to deepen their understanding of proficiency levels. This foundational work helped teachers to understand the characteristics of each level to establish proficiency targets for the K-12 program, and to connect those targets to instruction. We look forward to continuing this work in department meetings as our K-8 program develops and transforms.
Here's a glimpse into some current learning at Pierce School:
Grades K-2: Winter: weather, colors, produce/where food comes from, winter clothing and designing patriotic winter clothing for Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Colombia
Grades 3: Self descriptions, basic conversations (Q&A)
Grade 4: Map skills and community places (including description and compass directions);
identifying likes/dislikes of activities
Grade 5: Expands on Grade 4 with full sentences and details, description of self and others, including features and personality, verbs and activities, comparing student life here to life in Mexico.
Grade 6: Expands on Grade 5 with more details of family and friends with pen pal letters to Baker School.
Grades 7-8: Classes, schedules, and teachers; the body and our emotional health; food and shopping.
Current 6th graders are making their choice for next year's language, Chinese or Spanish.
Those requests are due this Friday, Feb. 10, to classroom teachers.
Our 8th graders will hear a presentation from the World Language department from Brookline High School next Thursday, Feb. 16. Teachers and coordinator, Agnes Alberola, will inform students of the language choices there.
We are committed to a rich and meaningful curriculum to develop proficient language speakers who understand and appreciate the diverse world in which they live. We thank you for the strong community support of world language instruction for all elementary school students in Brookline.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal's Corner - January 25, 2012
MLK Assemblies 2012
Pierce celebrated the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday by recognizing his legacy in two different assemblies.
Our K-4 student assembly was led by two 4th graders, Adam and Jenny, who served as our masters of ceremony (MCs). With music as the major theme of the assembly, all of our students performed songs which captured the spirit of the times of the civil rights' movement of the 1960s.
In addition, I read A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson to help our youngest students understand that some young people whose names we may never know were part of marches and other activities during this time.
This was a great book to share at the assembly because it speaks of two young sisters participating in a Civil Rights march. The story reminded me of my own family during the 60s. I expressed how proud I am and how proud Dr. King would be of how Pierce is realizing part of his dream: that young people of all colors work and learn together.
This is always one of Pierce's most treasured annual events. I am most pleased that we were able to arrange a live feed for parents who could come. The Brookline Access TV (BATV) provided this opportunity by projecting the assembly onto a screen in the cafeteria.
Thank you PTO co-chairs, Stacey Downey, Gioia Perugini and Chuck Silverston for making this happen.
In the spirit of Dr. King's legacy, we had the opportunity to present the energetic and dynamic story teller, Valerie Tutson, to students in grades 5-8. Valerie Tutson recounted significant moments in our history when many black people worked to make the revolutionary ideals of the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness a reality for themselves, their community, and their children.
Two of the stories Tutson recounted were about Elizabeth Freeman, known as Mumbet, whose court case paved the way to abolishing slavery in Massachusetts, and James Forten, who, as a teen, risked his life fighting against the British. Her tales took the audience on a voyage. She was refreshing...enthusiastic...and intriguing.
Thank you to the Pierce PTO for sponsoring this wonderful performer from Young Audiences!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Pierce celebrated the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday by recognizing his legacy in two different assemblies.
Our K-4 student assembly was led by two 4th graders, Adam and Jenny, who served as our masters of ceremony (MCs). With music as the major theme of the assembly, all of our students performed songs which captured the spirit of the times of the civil rights' movement of the 1960s.
In addition, I read A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson to help our youngest students understand that some young people whose names we may never know were part of marches and other activities during this time.
This was a great book to share at the assembly because it speaks of two young sisters participating in a Civil Rights march. The story reminded me of my own family during the 60s. I expressed how proud I am and how proud Dr. King would be of how Pierce is realizing part of his dream: that young people of all colors work and learn together.
This is always one of Pierce's most treasured annual events. I am most pleased that we were able to arrange a live feed for parents who could come. The Brookline Access TV (BATV) provided this opportunity by projecting the assembly onto a screen in the cafeteria.
Thank you PTO co-chairs, Stacey Downey, Gioia Perugini and Chuck Silverston for making this happen.
In the spirit of Dr. King's legacy, we had the opportunity to present the energetic and dynamic story teller, Valerie Tutson, to students in grades 5-8. Valerie Tutson recounted significant moments in our history when many black people worked to make the revolutionary ideals of the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness a reality for themselves, their community, and their children.
Two of the stories Tutson recounted were about Elizabeth Freeman, known as Mumbet, whose court case paved the way to abolishing slavery in Massachusetts, and James Forten, who, as a teen, risked his life fighting against the British. Her tales took the audience on a voyage. She was refreshing...enthusiastic...and intriguing.
Thank you to the Pierce PTO for sponsoring this wonderful performer from Young Audiences!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal's Corner - January 4, 2012
Dear Pierce families,
Welcome to 2012! I hope everyone had a great holiday vacation. I thoroughly enjoyed mine as it also included my birthday on New Year's Eve! How's that for one big celebration?
Having a birthday close to Christmas wasn't always the best as a kid. But as an adult, I found that there's always a party somewhere, even if it's to count down the last moments of your birthday.
This side of the school year calendar really moves quickly. We have much to look forward to with the upcoming school markers: Skate Night on Saturday, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and assemblies, half-way day (January 27, with no snow days), Chinese New Year, Black History Month and in six weeks, February vacation! When we return it's the long month of March with March Madness, the grades 3-6 play and MCAS!
So, bundle up and stay warm as I'm sure the cold temperatures will remain or return often during these next eight to 10 weeks of winter!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Welcome to 2012! I hope everyone had a great holiday vacation. I thoroughly enjoyed mine as it also included my birthday on New Year's Eve! How's that for one big celebration?
Having a birthday close to Christmas wasn't always the best as a kid. But as an adult, I found that there's always a party somewhere, even if it's to count down the last moments of your birthday.
This side of the school year calendar really moves quickly. We have much to look forward to with the upcoming school markers: Skate Night on Saturday, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and assemblies, half-way day (January 27, with no snow days), Chinese New Year, Black History Month and in six weeks, February vacation! When we return it's the long month of March with March Madness, the grades 3-6 play and MCAS!
So, bundle up and stay warm as I'm sure the cold temperatures will remain or return often during these next eight to 10 weeks of winter!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal's Corner - December 21, 2011
Dear Pierce families,
All the best for a wonderful, well-deserved vacation week!
Much happiness and good health in the New Year!Happy Holidays!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
All the best for a wonderful, well-deserved vacation week!
Much happiness and good health in the New Year!Happy Holidays!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal's Corner - December 14, 2011
ANYTHING GOES: JUST FABULOUS!
I remember listening to the song "Anything Goes" as a teenager and thinking, "What an interesting song, hmm." Having never seen the musical, I was really entertained, and, at times, found myself singing along with the Pierce seventh and eighth graders from this year's musical production. Our students just concluded their performances this past weekend. They brought back lots of memorable songs for quite a few of the adults in the audience. This was a fabulous show, performed fabulously!
Our students did a great job recreating the 1930's, in costumes and in character. Both casts were absolutely entertaining in bringing this musical to the Pierce stage.
We feel so much excitement watching adolescents perform a classic Broadway show. We feel pride in their accomplishment of not just getting through until the end, but also in capturing moments of magic from the original musical (now on Broadway). Participating in this production will give all the students involved the "I remember when" memories when they reflect on their theater experience at Pierce.
We had the privilege to see great and diverse talent. We saw two casts that took great pride in a fun-filled and spirited performance. They skillfully presented "Anything Goes" to a new generation of children.
Thank you to the casts, tech crews and other student volunteers who helped make this show so successful. A special thank you to producers, Suzanne Elovecky and Jessica Roland; director, Ryan Bailey; choreographer, Shannon Lee Jones; musical director, Steven Lipsitt; costume design, Lisa Goldblatt Grace; set design, Eka Maraneli; prop coordinators, Wendy Swart Grossman and Adele Mathieu.
Thanks to a host of other parent volunteers who put in countless hours to give us all yet another incredible theater production.
Thank you all! Pipier Smith-Mumford
I remember listening to the song "Anything Goes" as a teenager and thinking, "What an interesting song, hmm." Having never seen the musical, I was really entertained, and, at times, found myself singing along with the Pierce seventh and eighth graders from this year's musical production. Our students just concluded their performances this past weekend. They brought back lots of memorable songs for quite a few of the adults in the audience. This was a fabulous show, performed fabulously!
Our students did a great job recreating the 1930's, in costumes and in character. Both casts were absolutely entertaining in bringing this musical to the Pierce stage.
We feel so much excitement watching adolescents perform a classic Broadway show. We feel pride in their accomplishment of not just getting through until the end, but also in capturing moments of magic from the original musical (now on Broadway). Participating in this production will give all the students involved the "I remember when" memories when they reflect on their theater experience at Pierce.
We had the privilege to see great and diverse talent. We saw two casts that took great pride in a fun-filled and spirited performance. They skillfully presented "Anything Goes" to a new generation of children.
Thank you to the casts, tech crews and other student volunteers who helped make this show so successful. A special thank you to producers, Suzanne Elovecky and Jessica Roland; director, Ryan Bailey; choreographer, Shannon Lee Jones; musical director, Steven Lipsitt; costume design, Lisa Goldblatt Grace; set design, Eka Maraneli; prop coordinators, Wendy Swart Grossman and Adele Mathieu.
Thanks to a host of other parent volunteers who put in countless hours to give us all yet another incredible theater production.
Thank you all! Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal's Corner - December 7, 2011
Amphitheater and Playground are Open!
The long awaited amphitheater and playground renovations are complete and now open for use. Yeah!
Students have already begun to enjoy the new playground space, which consists of the structure, an artificial turf area, and the same paved area behind the
historical building. We are asking that students not use the area just beyond the trellis toward the amphitheater as a play area. After school, we need parent support to be sure that the green areas with the new plantings and mulch spaces are preserved. These areas add to the aesthetic of the amphitheater and are not to be travelled upon or utilized. Please help us keep these areas clear. The amphitheater section will be closed when snow arrives. We want to protect the concrete from salt damage. The playground area will remain open throughout the winter.
We now have a beautiful amphitheater space for small performances, outdoor classes and an area for planting in the raised beds. Stay tuned for more information as we determine how families might help maintain plantings during the summer. This project required a great deal of patience, support and understanding given the restraints of the construction. Thank you K teachers, Eowyn Daly, Abby Gedstad, Colleen Muldoon, and Laura West for trekking their classes to Emerson park for recess everyday! We have been so lucky to have had such mild weather this fall. Thank you Sytske Humphrey and 2H students for bearing with the transitions during the day through the classroom. Thank you Anne Sheridan and Rachael Zeiring, and all of the teachers and students in the Historical Building, for dealing with all of the inconvenience, noise and smells throughout the 12 weeks since school began! Thank you to all who pitched in to minimize the disruption to our teaching and learning routines. We have a wonderful new space for our school as a result! If you haven't, please check it out!
Thank you.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
The long awaited amphitheater and playground renovations are complete and now open for use. Yeah!
Students have already begun to enjoy the new playground space, which consists of the structure, an artificial turf area, and the same paved area behind the
historical building. We are asking that students not use the area just beyond the trellis toward the amphitheater as a play area. After school, we need parent support to be sure that the green areas with the new plantings and mulch spaces are preserved. These areas add to the aesthetic of the amphitheater and are not to be travelled upon or utilized. Please help us keep these areas clear. The amphitheater section will be closed when snow arrives. We want to protect the concrete from salt damage. The playground area will remain open throughout the winter.
We now have a beautiful amphitheater space for small performances, outdoor classes and an area for planting in the raised beds. Stay tuned for more information as we determine how families might help maintain plantings during the summer. This project required a great deal of patience, support and understanding given the restraints of the construction. Thank you K teachers, Eowyn Daly, Abby Gedstad, Colleen Muldoon, and Laura West for trekking their classes to Emerson park for recess everyday! We have been so lucky to have had such mild weather this fall. Thank you Sytske Humphrey and 2H students for bearing with the transitions during the day through the classroom. Thank you Anne Sheridan and Rachael Zeiring, and all of the teachers and students in the Historical Building, for dealing with all of the inconvenience, noise and smells throughout the 12 weeks since school began! Thank you to all who pitched in to minimize the disruption to our teaching and learning routines. We have a wonderful new space for our school as a result! If you haven't, please check it out!
Thank you.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal's Corner - November 16, 2011
THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO PIERCE!
One of the wonderful aspects of this community is the mutiple ways in which Pierce gives. The PTO's Annual Appeal:Pierce Gives is in full swing and we are thankful to all of you who have already made donations to this crucial fundraising effort.
This is an opportunity for all to find the most appropriate way to be a part of this campaign. Every donation truly makes a difference.
PTO funds directly impact every child at Pierce, supporting a variety of academic enrichment programs (such as Bingo for Books and Pierce Reads), classroom supplies, activities, and field trips. We count on this partnership to make our school a robust community that we are all proud of.
Take some time this week to get familiar with the PTO, its budget and its programs. Please find a way to be a part of the PTO's Appeal and its activities.
Here are a number of other opportunities that support Pierce students:
* Art Work for Education: Orders are currently underway for greeting cards created using artwork of Pierce students.
* Gift wrapping at Henry Bear's Park, Dec 1-4: Yet another fundraiser that symbolizes the variety of ways that parents give both money and time.
* Pierce Community Crafters: a new event and a collaboration hosted by Pierce & Co. The Craft Fair Holiday Marketplace will be held at Pierce on Dec. 10 from 4-7 p.m.
Thank you!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
One of the wonderful aspects of this community is the mutiple ways in which Pierce gives. The PTO's Annual Appeal:Pierce Gives is in full swing and we are thankful to all of you who have already made donations to this crucial fundraising effort.
This is an opportunity for all to find the most appropriate way to be a part of this campaign. Every donation truly makes a difference.
PTO funds directly impact every child at Pierce, supporting a variety of academic enrichment programs (such as Bingo for Books and Pierce Reads), classroom supplies, activities, and field trips. We count on this partnership to make our school a robust community that we are all proud of.
Take some time this week to get familiar with the PTO, its budget and its programs. Please find a way to be a part of the PTO's Appeal and its activities.
Here are a number of other opportunities that support Pierce students:
* Art Work for Education: Orders are currently underway for greeting cards created using artwork of Pierce students.
* Gift wrapping at Henry Bear's Park, Dec 1-4: Yet another fundraiser that symbolizes the variety of ways that parents give both money and time.
* Pierce Community Crafters: a new event and a collaboration hosted by Pierce & Co. The Craft Fair Holiday Marketplace will be held at Pierce on Dec. 10 from 4-7 p.m.
Thank you!
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
Principal's Corner - November 9, 2011
Once again, all of us at Pierce send thanks to our parent community for supporting our ongoing work with such wonderful students!
Within just the past few weeks, we saw one of our highest participations in the town-wide cross country meet with very impressive results. We also shared in some fun and interactive Halloween activities, donated food items as a school to the Brookline Food Pantry, and applauded several of Pierce's 5th and 6th grade actors who were in the Art Barn production of "Down in the Dump."
Academically, our students have been making serious efforts to fully engage in their assignments, preparing for quarterly exams, sharing projects and engaging in learning in a commendable fashion.
We are hoping that your conference time has been scheduled or that you are in the final stages of confirming your conference time with your child's teacher. This is a very important opportunity for you to connect with the Pierce staff and hear about your child's learning in more detail. Please be sure to keep this as a high priority.
Education Leadership magazine offers great tips about questions to ask at your conference. Here are some tips from the 1999 magazine that I think are worthwhile and should be considered timely even in 2011: What skills and knowledge will my child(ren) be expected to master this year? How will my child(ren) be evaluated? What can I do as a parent to stay involved in my child's academic progress? How do you accommodate differences in learning? What is a goal you would like to see my child achieve?
As we approach the holiday season and specifically, Thanksgiving, one of my favorites, please take the opportunity to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. Take time during these coming weeks to share with your children what you most value in them.
I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderfully peaceful holiday season.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
Within just the past few weeks, we saw one of our highest participations in the town-wide cross country meet with very impressive results. We also shared in some fun and interactive Halloween activities, donated food items as a school to the Brookline Food Pantry, and applauded several of Pierce's 5th and 6th grade actors who were in the Art Barn production of "Down in the Dump."
Academically, our students have been making serious efforts to fully engage in their assignments, preparing for quarterly exams, sharing projects and engaging in learning in a commendable fashion.
We are hoping that your conference time has been scheduled or that you are in the final stages of confirming your conference time with your child's teacher. This is a very important opportunity for you to connect with the Pierce staff and hear about your child's learning in more detail. Please be sure to keep this as a high priority.
Education Leadership magazine offers great tips about questions to ask at your conference. Here are some tips from the 1999 magazine that I think are worthwhile and should be considered timely even in 2011: What skills and knowledge will my child(ren) be expected to master this year? How will my child(ren) be evaluated? What can I do as a parent to stay involved in my child's academic progress? How do you accommodate differences in learning? What is a goal you would like to see my child achieve?
As we approach the holiday season and specifically, Thanksgiving, one of my favorites, please take the opportunity to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. Take time during these coming weeks to share with your children what you most value in them.
I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderfully peaceful holiday season.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
Principal's Corner - November 2, 2011
Amphitheater Construction Project Update
The unexpected snow this past weekend has heightened urgency to complete the construction of the amphitheater. The work is drawing to a close as the contractors have indicated that the substantial completion date is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16th. This means that all major work will be completed. However, planting will wait until spring to give optimal options in our selection of plants and greenery. At this time of year, the nurseries have less for us to choose from. We will also keep the amphitheater access closed until the spring. The newly-laid concrete needs to remain free of salt and sand this first winter so it will not serve as a pathway between the buildings. The plan is for the playground to be open for our kindergarten students after we return from the Thanksgiving holiday.
If you have not yet had a chance to see the transformation of this space over the last weeks, please ask your child to describe what the process has been like. Almost every class has had an opportunity to observe the construction and witness the changes when they go to art class or while in the cafeteria during lunch.
I want to take this time to thank the students of 2H and their teacher, Ms. Humphrey, for their patience as we have rerouted classes from the Historical Building through the tunnel and the 2H classroom during the pouring of concrete. I am very pleased to also report that our 7th and 8th graders have shown their best community selves during these times when their routes to class have been adjusted. A big thank you also goes to the 7/8 teachers for escorting our older students between their classes.
Thank you all for working collaboratively to make this process as smooth as possible.
Pipier Smith-Mumford, Ph. D.
Principal
The unexpected snow this past weekend has heightened urgency to complete the construction of the amphitheater. The work is drawing to a close as the contractors have indicated that the substantial completion date is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16th. This means that all major work will be completed. However, planting will wait until spring to give optimal options in our selection of plants and greenery. At this time of year, the nurseries have less for us to choose from. We will also keep the amphitheater access closed until the spring. The newly-laid concrete needs to remain free of salt and sand this first winter so it will not serve as a pathway between the buildings. The plan is for the playground to be open for our kindergarten students after we return from the Thanksgiving holiday.
If you have not yet had a chance to see the transformation of this space over the last weeks, please ask your child to describe what the process has been like. Almost every class has had an opportunity to observe the construction and witness the changes when they go to art class or while in the cafeteria during lunch.
I want to take this time to thank the students of 2H and their teacher, Ms. Humphrey, for their patience as we have rerouted classes from the Historical Building through the tunnel and the 2H classroom during the pouring of concrete. I am very pleased to also report that our 7th and 8th graders have shown their best community selves during these times when their routes to class have been adjusted. A big thank you also goes to the 7/8 teachers for escorting our older students between their classes.
Thank you all for working collaboratively to make this process as smooth as possible.
Pipier Smith-Mumford, Ph. D.
Principal
Principal's Corner - October 26, 2011
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all of the Pierce families that donated food and came out Sunday to walk our donated food over to the Brookline Food Pantry. We collected more than 60 bags of groceries! Thanks for your time, your generosity and your commitment to our community.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
_________________________________________________________
Fall Principal's Forum Follow-Up
We had a very successful turn-out for the Fall Principal's Forum, where we discussed "How We Build Community."
Parents in grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 were divided into groups. Each group learned about and practiced the techniques and strategies from the Responsive Classroom program (http://www.responsiveclassroom.org) used in grades K-5 and the Developmental Designs program (http://www.originsonline.org/dd_index.php) used in grades 6-8.
The forum gave parents an opportunity to learn more about these classroom methods. It also reinforced the underlying principles of Responsive Classroom and Developmental Design, teaching respectful listening and interaction skills, building community and creating feelings of safety about participating in a classroom/group.
While not every classroom employs these methods, teachers in every classroom are using general principles and strategies and will begin moving toward adopting Responsive Classroom and Developmental Designs throughout the year.
Many teachers who use these strategies learn more about them from trained colleagues. The district will be offering introductory training for both programs during our Professional Development (PD) Day and additional training throughout the school year and summer.
The forum succeeded in helping parents understand how teachers work with students to create a safe and respectful community throughout the school. The evening's success was confirmed by the feedback of many participating parents who stated and/or wrote that the event was truly informative and fun.
Thank you to all who came out and to the following Pierce staff who planned for the forum, attended, facilitated and participated.
Special thanks to Gretchen Adams, John Badger, Amie Buchman, Jin Yu Chen, Daryl Frischling, Brian Gallagher, Dawn Galolo, Jenna Goodearl, Susan Harvey, Kelly Hayes, Melissa London, Kim Manasevit, Chris Smith, David Vitale-Wolff, Yaping Tang and Heidi Young for sharing your work with our families!
Our next Principal's Forum will be held this spring. The topic will be Technology's Impact on Education. More details to follow as we get closer to the date.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
Thank you to all of the Pierce families that donated food and came out Sunday to walk our donated food over to the Brookline Food Pantry. We collected more than 60 bags of groceries! Thanks for your time, your generosity and your commitment to our community.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
_________________________________________________________
Fall Principal's Forum Follow-Up
We had a very successful turn-out for the Fall Principal's Forum, where we discussed "How We Build Community."
Parents in grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 were divided into groups. Each group learned about and practiced the techniques and strategies from the Responsive Classroom program (http://www.responsiveclassroom.org) used in grades K-5 and the Developmental Designs program (http://www.originsonline.org/dd_index.php) used in grades 6-8.
The forum gave parents an opportunity to learn more about these classroom methods. It also reinforced the underlying principles of Responsive Classroom and Developmental Design, teaching respectful listening and interaction skills, building community and creating feelings of safety about participating in a classroom/group.
While not every classroom employs these methods, teachers in every classroom are using general principles and strategies and will begin moving toward adopting Responsive Classroom and Developmental Designs throughout the year.
Many teachers who use these strategies learn more about them from trained colleagues. The district will be offering introductory training for both programs during our Professional Development (PD) Day and additional training throughout the school year and summer.
The forum succeeded in helping parents understand how teachers work with students to create a safe and respectful community throughout the school. The evening's success was confirmed by the feedback of many participating parents who stated and/or wrote that the event was truly informative and fun.
Thank you to all who came out and to the following Pierce staff who planned for the forum, attended, facilitated and participated.
Special thanks to Gretchen Adams, John Badger, Amie Buchman, Jin Yu Chen, Daryl Frischling, Brian Gallagher, Dawn Galolo, Jenna Goodearl, Susan Harvey, Kelly Hayes, Melissa London, Kim Manasevit, Chris Smith, David Vitale-Wolff, Yaping Tang and Heidi Young for sharing your work with our families!
Our next Principal's Forum will be held this spring. The topic will be Technology's Impact on Education. More details to follow as we get closer to the date.
Pipier Smith-Mumford
Principal
