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IN THIS ISSUE:
- TODAY: Green Team Meeting 2:30- 3:30pm: Food Waste and Rescue!
- Deadline for signing up for the Brackett Directory is TOMORROW October 13th!
- Advertising Opportunity for Business Owners
- NEW! Brackett Chess Club for 4th and 5th Graders Begins Tomorrow!
- First Food Pantry Drive a Huge Success!
- Sign up: Culture and Creativity Night, Fri. 11/3
- Brackett Bank Opening for 32nd Year!
- Flu Shot Clinic at Brackett Next Weds. 10/18
- Early Morning Reading in the Brackett Library begins next Thursday 10/19
- 5th Grade Science Camp Next Month- Parent Chaperones Needed!
- Stop and Shop A+ Rewards/ Amazon Smile
- New Brackett Outdoor Committee
COMMUNITY NEWS:
- This Saturday: Come to Bishop’s Great Pumpkin Sale and Fall Celebration
- Old Schwamb Mill's Family-Friendly Oktoberfest Fair, Sat. 10/14, 12-4pm.
- Cradles to Crayon Local Collection Event
- Robbins Farm Park Annual Field Day, 10/28, 1-5pm
- Arlingtonians, Get Ready for Spooky Walk, 10/28!
- Arlington Independent Film Festival (including Kid-Friendly Flicks!) 10/26-29
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SAVE THE DATES
10/12/17- Green Team Meeting (Thurs.)
10/19/17 - Early Morning Reading Time (Thurs.)
11/1/17 - No School Teacher Professional Day
11/2/17 - Early Morning Reading Time (Thurs.)
11/10/17 - No School, Veterans Day (Wed.)
11/16/17 - Early Morning Reading Time (Thurs.)
11/3/17 - Culture and Creativity Night (Fri.)
11/14- 11/17/17 - 5th Grade Science Camp
11/23- 11/24/17 - No School Thanksgiving Holiday (Thur.,Fri.)
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 TODAY: Green Team Meeting, 2:30- 3:30pm: Food Waste and Rescue!
The Brackett Green Team meets again today, 2:30-3:30pm in the Art Room. We will begin our exploration of food waste and food rescue, and how we can do less of the first one and more of the second! Come check out some “funny-looking” but perfectly edible veggies, share your thoughts on what to do about how much uneaten food we throw out in the lunchroom each day, and take home some delicious recipes. For more information about the Brackett Green Team, please contact GIG (Green Initiatives Group) co-chairs Rachel Oliveri (rachelboliveri@gmail.com) and Hilary Graham (hilgraham@aol.com).
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 Deadline for signing up for the Brackett Directory is TOMORROW October 13th!
Tomorrow is the last day to enter your family's information in the Brackett Directory. If you haven't signed up yet, visit https://www.arlington.k12.ma.us/pto_directory/ and follow the login instructions. After logging in, click on the "Family Information" tab at the top and enter or update your family information. Then click on the "Edit Children" tab and enter your child's information. Make sure to view your listing and then click "Finish." You should receive an email confirmation when you are done.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to ensure your student is included in the Brackett School Directory! If you have any questions, please contact:
Danna Rosenberg: rosenberg.danna@gmail.com,
Karen Yi: almostsundaydesigns@gmail.com, or
Karen Gold: karen.gold@gmail.com
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Advertising Opportunity for Business Owners
Do you own a local business? Advertising in the annual Brackett Directory is a great way to promote your business by getting into the hands of every school family - and helps offset the cost of printing the directory. Advertising opportunities range from $75 for a quarter page ad to $400 for a two-page spread. Interested individuals should contact Danna Rosenberg at rosenberg.danna@gmail.com asap! Thank you, Brackett Families
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 NEW! Brackett Chess Club for 4th and 5th Graders Begins Tomorrow!
Come play chess with your friends and learn new skills! The Brackett Chess Club will be open to 4-5th Graders, and parents are also welcome to join and play. We will meet five Fridays in the Fall Semester:
- Friday, October 13
- Friday, October 27
- Friday, November 10
- (skip a couple of Fridays for Thanksgiving)
- Friday, December 1
- Friday, December 15
We will meet in Room 201 at 2:35pm and play ‘til 3:30pm. (Please bring a chess board if you have one, but not required)
If your child is interested in playing, please RSVP via email to Mike or John. Thank you to the Brackett PTO for sponsoring,
Mike Stern- massinvestor@gmail.com
John Chiaverini- john.chiaverini@gmail.com
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 First Food Pantry Drive a Huge Success!
Our first Food Pantry drive was a huge success! The Food Pantry folks were so thrilled with the amount of food you all donated. Thank you so much Brackett families! We will be running drives throughout the year. Lets keep up the good work!
- Rachel Fanopoulos and Annie Schwab
Brackett PTO Food Drive Coordinators
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Sign up: Culture and Creativity Night, Fri. 11/3
Please join the Brackett Community for our first Culture and Creativity Night, November 3rd from 6-8pm. It's a chance to share the diverse school community we have and to learn where we all come from, be it a new arrival or perhaps your family has been here for many generations!
We're looking for volunteers to "host" country tables and to make food customary of your culture. Multiple families may host a table together. Host tables can include a poster board with a picture of the country flag, information about the geography, population, music, sports, food, traditional wear... whatever you want to share!
To sign up to host a table, make/donate food, or host a craft, please sign up here:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f094facad2cab9-bracketts
Curious about what a host table looks like? Here are some ideas below. Questions? Contact 4th Grade Teacher Nicole Schwartz at nschwartz@arlington.k12.ma.us
Thanks!
Brackett PTO
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 The Brackett Bank Opening for 32nd Year!
What is the Bank? Students in grades 1 through 5 are invited to open an account and make deposits and withdrawals from their account on Friday mornings between 8:30 and 9:15 am during the school year. Interested 5th grade students may sign up to become student volunteers at the bank. This is a great opportunity for our children to learn about saving their money!
When Does it Open? Open for 1st Grade tomorrow, all grades next Friday, 10/20.
| Event |
Date |
Location |
Time |
| Bank Open for 1st Grade Only |
Friday, October 13 |
Brackett Cafeteria |
8:30 AM |
| Bank Open for All Grades |
Friday, October 20 |
Brackett Cafeteria |
8:30 AM |
| Bank Assembly |
Friday, December 10 |
Gym |
9:00 AM |
How Can I Help – Brackett Bank Volunteers:
We are seeking parent volunteers to help with bank activities on Fridays between 8:30 and 9:30 am. Parent volunteers will be assisting 5th grade workers with deposit/withdrawal transactions and other bank activities.
If you interested in opening an account for your child or have questions about the bank, please send an e-mail to brackettbank@gmail.com.
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 Flu Shot Clinic at Brackett Next Weds. 10/18
The Arlington Department of Health's flu vaccination clinic comes to Brackett School next Weds., 10/18 during the school day. You can register online: https://tinyurl.com/apsfluform by Monday 10/16.
The form will not need to be printed out as it will be directly uploaded to the Arlington Health Department. You will need to provide a copy of your health insurance card which can also be uploaded via the online form. If you would prefer a paper copy, these will be available in the main office and must be returned with a copy of your child’s insurance card by Monday 10/16.
If your child misses the flu clinic at Brackett or you would prefer to accompany your child during the vaccination, you may bring them to the Ottoson clinic on 11/16 5-7pm (this clinic for any children, 6 months - 18years). For more information visit www.arlingtonma.gov/health or call the Health Department at 781-316-3170.
Thank you,
-Diane Vergnani RN
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 Early Morning Reading in the Brackett Library begins next Thursday 10/19
Early risers! Join us on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:30 in the library! Come with your kids to spend some quiet before-school time reading in our beautiful library space, and check out books. (No drop-offs please - this is for students and parents.)
Mark your calendar with these upcoming dates:
10/19
11/2
11/16
12/7
12/21
See you soon! -Friends of Brackett Library PTO Committee
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 5th Grade Science Camp Next Month- Parent Chaperones Needed!
Fall is here, and it’s almost time for 5th Grade Science Camp, November 14th - 17th. Our 5th Graders will travel to the W. Alton Jones Environmental Education Center at the University of Rhode Island for fun, hands-on science learning. This trip is always a highlight of 5th Grade for many students.
 We are in need of MANY parent chaperones - both male and female. Chaperones receive free lodging and meals, and will spend the evening and overnight with the students. Chaperones are free to join in on the camp activities during the day or spend that time as they wish. Wi-Fi is available at the camp for parents who need to work remotely or catch up on news, read etc.
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 Stop and Shop A+ Rewards/ Amazon Smile
Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards Program - Brackett is once again participating in this great school fundraising program that runs from 10/16/2017 - 3/15/2018. Help us earn CASH each time you/ your family & friends shop. Please sign up asap!
How to sign up for A+ Rewards:
- Visit www.stopandshop.com and select Savings & Rewards. Follow the prompts to create an online account, have your 13-digit Stop & Shop Card number handy and utilize Brackett's School ID # 08583.
- If you don't know your Stop & Shop Card number, call: 1-877-366-2668 Option #1
Amazon Smile - There's an easy way to earn money for our school every time you shop on Amazon! Just visit the website www.smile.amazon.com which uses the same interface as the regular Amazon site, with the added benefit of a percentage of each purchase to our school. It's easy! Visit Amazon Smile and look for Brackett Elementary School PTO on the charities search box!
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 New Brackett Outdoor Committee
Want to improve the outdoor spaces at Brackett? We're forming a committee to brainstorm ideas to enhance the playground area and create an outdoor learning space. If you've got a background in landscaping, architecture, playground areas, or just have an interest in being creative, we need you! Email Garret Alyea (garret@garret.org) or Catherine Fenollosa (cfenollosa@gmail.com) Thanks!
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This Saturday: Come to Bishop’s Great Pumpkin Sale and Fall Celebration
Come get your pumpkins and cider doughnuts before we sell out! This Saturday, 10/14, from 10am- 2pm in the John A. Bishop School parking lot: 25 Columbia Rd. Arlington.
Please stop by Bishop on Saturday to buy:
- Pumpkins (mini, sugar, and field) from Wilson Farm
- Hot apple cider
- Delicious cider donuts
- Caramel apples
- Vegetables fresh from Bishop’s garden
- and nut-free Halloween treats
Enter a Raffle to win a designer carved pumpkin or Guess the candy corns in the jar… This is always a fun family outing!
Please let your friends and neighbors know about the sale. Sponsored by the Bishop PTO — all proceeds benefit Bishop students and teachers. Thank you!
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 Old Schwamb Mill's Family-Friendly Oktoberfest Fair, Sat. 10/14, 12-4pm.Join us at the Old Schwamb Mill, 17 Mill Lane in Arlington Heights, for Oktoberfest in celebration of the Schwamb family’s German immigrant heritage. This family-friendly event will feature authentic Bavarian refreshments, including craft beer from Somerville’s Aeronaut Brewery, bratwurst, pretzels, and pastries, as well as live music, games, & more! Admission: $5 person/$15 family (cash only, please) www.oldschwambmill.org 781-643-0554
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 Cradles to Crayons Local Collection Event!
Looking for a place to donate your kids outgrown clothes, shoes and books? Looking for a way to volunteer with your kids?
Cradles to Crayons is collecting new and nearly-new essential children's items that will help local children living in homeless or low-income situations have the essentials they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued. Here is how you can help:
COLLECT: Clean out your closets and drop off new and like-new children's items at the Cradles to Crayons collection unit in the rear parking lot of St. Eulalia’s Parish, 50 Ridge St., Winchester from now through Fri., 10/20.
FAMILY SORTING EVENT: Sat., 10/21, 10am-12pm @ St. Eulalia's Manion Hall. Bring your family and join volunteers of all ages, as we come together to sort, inspect, and organize donations collected as a community. Please register to volunteer by contacting Chris Bavaro: cbavaro@cradlestocrayons.org
For more information, please email Brackett mom, Jessica Callaghan at ojcallaghan@comcast.net. Thank you! |
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 Robbins Farm Park Annual Field Day, 10/28, 1-5pm
Friends of Robbins Farm Park is excited to announce the 17th Annual Field Day at Robbins Farm Park Sat., 10/28, 1-5pm! While the new field opening isn't until next year, after a long summer of construction- it is time for a little fun! Come join your friends, neighbors and Brackett classmates for games, rides, temporary tattoos, and fall food favorites!
Calling for Volunteers: The Friends are looking for many volunteers to help with the games, bouncy houses, concessions, set-up, and clean-up. We have several 1-2 hour shifts available for Parents or responsible teens (qualifies for AHS volunteer credits). Please email Christian to help out. Volunteers like you make everything happen, and nothing happens without our volunteers.
Thank you all, and I really hope you and your family can join us.
Christian Klein
FoRFP Events
volunteer@robbinsfarmpark.org |
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 Arlingtonians, Get Ready for Spooky Walk, 10/28!
Please join us for Spooky Walk at Menotomy Rocks Park (Jason Street entrance) from 6:30-8:00 pm on Saturday, 10/28. (Rain date Sunday October 29th). It’s a great way to get into the Halloween spirit and test drive those costumes!
For those who have enjoyed it for years, please pay it forward. We’re looking for 4th-8th grade and adult volunteers to dress up or create a “spooky station” for the little ones to enjoy. For more information, email kelleydamoreferguson@gmail.com
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Arlington Independent Film Festival (including Kid-Friendly Flicks!) 10/26-29
Come to the Capitol Theatre October 26-29 and see some of the best in independent filmmaking! The Arlington Independent Film Festival offers a unique opportunity for cross-cultural education by promoting understanding of the many cultures represented in our town and beyond, and spotlights local high school students' film and graphic work. Below are a few titles suggested by the Festival's Executive Director for suiting families and children. We hope you can go enjoy a film! https://www.aiffest.org
| Fri. 10/27, 8:30pm |
CHIKA: The Dog in the Ghetto (17 mins) |
Sandra Schießl, Director | Germany | 2016 | Animation |
In this beautifully animated short film, five-year old Mikasch and his family, along with his dog Chika, face the occupation of Poland. Jury Prize for Animation Short, Thessaloniki Animation Festival.
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| Fri. 10/27, 8:30pm |
THE HAPPIEST MAN (55 MINS) |
Jasmin Lord Gassmann, Director | Germany | 2017 | Doc |
The story of a personal journey, a 24-year old female journalist from Germany to Sydney, Australia, to portrait the 94-year-old Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku, who after more than thirty years of silence speaks to people from all walks of life about his experience. By sharing his life story, he transforms the pain of the past into joy and happiness and teaches especially younger generations how happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times.
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Fri. 10/27, 9:52pm
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CHASING TRANE (99 MINS)
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John Scheinfeld, Director | USA | 2017 | Doc | BEST OF FESTIVAL |
Set against the social, political and cultural landscape of the times, the life and work of legendary jazz musician John Coltrane is THE definitive documentary film about an outside-the-box thinker with extraordinary talent whose boundary-shattering music continues to impact and influence people around the world. The film is produced with the full participation of the Coltrane family. Scheinfeld takes the audience to unexpected places supported by commentary from Denzel Washington, Carlos Santana, Common, Cornell West, Bill Clinton, and others.
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| Sat., 10/28 5:10pm |
MAKE ME DANCE (65 mins) |
Tatyana Bronstein, Director | USA | 2016 | Doc |
Make Me Dance is a documentary that takes an in-depth look at one of the most prestigious dance schools in the United States, The Boston Conservatory. World-renowned choreographer, Darrell Grand Moultrie, has chosen to hold a residency at the Boston Conservatory to craft his new work, “Winds of Now” for young students. The film documents Moultrie’s choreography and preparation for his piece from conception through rehearsals, culminating in opening night at BoCo Theater. Q&A with Tatyana Bronstein, Director
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| Sun., 10/29 1:25pm |
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS PROGRAM II (90 mins) |
| DOWNSIDE UP (15 mins) |
Peter Ghesquiere, Director | Belgium | 2016 | Nar |
Imagine a world where everyone has Down’s Syndrome…it is the absolute norm. One day a little boy is born who is different. Anders is his story and that of his parents and their society. A warm tale of love and diversity.
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| PHIL’S CAMINO (28 MINS) |
Annie O'Neil, Director | USA | 2016 | Doc | BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT |
Award-winning short doc, tells the story of free spirit Phil, a man living with Stage 4 cancer and dreaming of walking the 500-mile spiritual pilgrimage, Camino de Santiago across Spain. Unable to make the trip, he does the next best thing: he builds a camino in the forest behind his house. Phil's journey is one of hope, acceptance, and freedom, and is sure to inspire anyone who has ever dreamed of doing something that sounded impossible. Along the way he realizes his true pilgrimage is the one he travels within.
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| THE TYPEWRITER REPAIRMAN (7 MINS) |
Thomas Draudt, Director | USA | 2017 | Doc |
A Typewriter repairman, with almost 40 years in the business, is busier than ever...in the digital age. How is this possible and why? Discover the joy of a man working with his hands on vintage machines that were made to be repaired. Q&A with Director Thomas Draudt and Principle of Cambridge Typewriter Tom Furrier Cambridge Typewriter, 102 Mass Ave, Arlington.
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 For up to the minute updates please visit the Brackett Website at http://brackettelementary.org/
and like the Brackett PTO Facebook Page
Send your news to TheBrackettEnews@gmail.com
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