|
|
|
|
 April 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
IN THIS ISSUE:
- SAVE THE DATES
- Brackett GIG Earth Day Celebrations All Week!
- Brackett Bank Re-opens This Friday!
- SEPAC's 5/4 Special Education Elementary to Middle School Transition Breakfast
- Brackett Community Art Show next Fri., 5/5- Volunteers Needed
- Brackett's new after school club, the Rainbow Alliance, welcomes 4th and 5th graders Mondays after school
- Next Mon., 5/8, Bag and Basket Bingo, Get Your Tickets TODAY!
- Consider becoming involved with the Arlington Vision 2020 Diversity Task Group
- Coming next week: Brackett Spring Coffee Sale, benefiting our sister city, Teosinite, El Savador!
- Thank you Textile Recyclers!
- Brackett's Beloved June Fair is Just Around The Corner
Community News:
- Celebrate the Week of the Young Child!
- This Weekend, All around Town: Arlington Jazz Festival!
- This Fri./Sat., Ottoson's Beauty and the Beast Jr.
- 4/29-30 'Family ArtVenture' at Cyrus Dallin Museum
- Register for 5-week APF Forum 'Guiding Good Choices' (Parents of kids aged 9-14)
- Arl. Comm. Ed.'s 7-Week SummerFun Program Registration is Open
|
|
SAVE THE DATES
4/24- 4/28 - Art Show submissions accepted
4/24- 4/28 - Brackett GIG Earth Week Activities
4/28/17 - Brackett Bank open (Fri, 8:30am)
4/29-30: ArtVenture- Cyrus Dallin, Ottoson's Beauty & The Beast, Jr., Arlington Jass Festival.
- - - -
5/1- 5/5 - Teacher Appreciation Week
5/4/17 - SEPAC Special Education Middle School Transition Brkfst
5/5/17 - Brackett Spring Coffee Orders Due
5/5/17 - Brackett Community Art Show (Fri., evening)
5/8/17 - 5th Grade Bag & Basket BINGO (Mon, 7pm, Common Ground Restaurant)
5/8/17 - Arl. Vision2020 Diversity Task Group Mtg., (Mon., 7pm, Jefferson Cutter House)
5/9/17 - SEPAC Meeting
5/11/17 - Early Morning Reading Time (Thur.)
5/25/17 - Early Morning Reading Time (Thur.)
- - - -
6/11/17 - Brackett June Fair (Sun.)
|
|
Brackett GIG EARTH DAY Celebrations All Week!
Brackett celebrates Earth Day all Week! Join us April 24th- April 28th! See schedule below!
Mon., 4/24 Adventure Walk to Menotomy Rocks Park!
Tue, 4/25, Trashless Tuesday. Pack a lunch using reusable or recyclable containers—nothing disposable!
Wed., 4/25 Playground Cleanup After school picking up litter on our playground
Thur., 4/26 Spring Planting after school until 3:30pm, visit the Full Circle Garden by the kindergarten playground and participate in a hands-on planting activity!
Fri., 4/27 Green Film Festival , after school until 3:30pm, Music Room: Join us for some popcorn and laughs as we screen some entertaining and educational “green” videos including our very own Brackett Green
Team Recycling Video!
Thank you to all of the students, staff, families and administrators who help Brackett "Make Everyday Earth Day"!
|
|
 The Brackett Bank Re-opens This Friday!
What is the Bank? Students in grades 1-5 are invited to open an account and make deposits and withdrawals from their account on Friday mornings between 8:30 and 9:30 am during the school year. Interested 5th grade students may sign up to become workers at the bank. This is a great opportunity for our children to learn about saving their money!
This is our 31st year running the Brackett School Savings Bank and the Students love it. If you have any questions about the bank or are interested in volunteering, please contact brackettbank@gmail.com. Thank you!
Patty, Mom to Andy, 1st Grade
|
|
SEPAC's 5/4 Special Education Elementary to Middle School Transition Breakfast
SEPAC invites Parents and Guardians of 5th Grade Special Education students transitioning to 6th grade next year to join their Special Education Elementary to Middle School Transition Breakfast next Thursday, 5/4 8:30- 9:30am at Ottoson Middles School.
- Come meet some of your child’s new teachers, support staff and administrators
- Hear from your supports at SEPAC and OPAC
- Get names and numbers of key Ottoson contacts, if you ever have questions or information to share
- Get sample 6th grade schedules
- Time for questions and answers
- Snacks and beverages will be provided
We look forward to seeing you there! -SEPAC Committee
|
|
 Brackett Community Art Show next Fri., 5/5- Volunteers Needed
Please join us at the Brackett Community Art Show from 6-8pm on Friday, May 5th. In addition to the many works of art to look at, there will be hands-on art projects, music, pizza and a bake sale.
We are still accepting submissions for the Art Show. You can drop them office in the "Art Show" box in the main office on Thursday, Friday or Monday. Don't forget to fill out a submission form (extras can be found in the same box). No submissions will be accepted after Monday, May 1st.
The Art Show needs many helping hand each year. Please use the following links to volunteer. No art experience needed!
We need donations for the bake sale:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f49a5ae2caaf58-donate
We need help selling pizza and baked goods:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f49a5ae2caaf58-sell
Please sign up to help set-up and take down the Art Show from 5/4-5/6 here:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a45aaab2daaf94-artshow3/
Thank you for all you art and all your help!
The Brackett Art Squad
|
|
 Brackett's new after school club, the Rainbow Alliance, welcomes 4th and 5th graders Mondays after school
The Rainbow Alliance (Brackett's new after school club) had a great start this past Monday. All 4th and 5th grade students are invited to join the club Mondays 2:30-3:30 in room 318 from 4/24- 6/5.
Led by 4th grade teacher AnitaCristina Calcaterra, school psychologist Michael Aboulafia, TA Carla Leone, and president of Mystic LGBTQ+ Youth Support Network Anna Watson, each meeting focuses on different topics through age- and developmentally- appropriate art projects, discussions, and group activities. (Including vocabulary, LGBTQ+ representation in the media and in sports, diverse family structures and history).
It is never too early to learn about our diverse community while making some new friends. So, join in the fun at the fabulous Rainbow Alliance! Thank you!
|
|
Next Mon., 5/8, Bag and Basket Bingo, Get Your Tickets TODAY!
Come join us for a fun adult night of playing BINGO with chances to win a Bag or a Basket (Each valued at $75.00). Save the date for Mon., 5/8, at 7pm, at Common Ground Restaurant. Come enjoy a night out with friends and a fun night of BINGO! Light Snacks, Cash Bar and a fun 50/50 Raffle will be featured at the event and we suggest dining at the Common Ground before the games begin!
Reserve your seat today! To book your seat, please submit $20/seat in an envelope marked "Bingo" with your name to the Brackett Office, either with cash or check made payable to Brackett PTO. Seats can also be purchased at the door for $25. Tables of 10 may also be purchased in advance. Ticket Price includes admission and 2 BINGO Sheets Tickets are Limited- Reserve Your Seats Today.
|
|
 Thank you Textile Recyclers!
Thank you to everyone who participated in Arlington's Textile Recovery Challenge. The Peirce School won the challenge with an impressive 1,678.4lbs (6.04 lbs/student).
Not too far behind was our Brackett community, collecting an awesome 1,178.4 lbs. in total, which is roughly the weight of a adult male grizzly bear, and equates to 2.46 lbs/student!!
All of the schools together collected close to 6,000 lbs of textiles--diverted from the waste stream and going to reuse and recycling! Thanks to the Brackett school community for their participation and contributions!
|
|
Consider becoming involved with the Arlington Vision 2020 Diversity Task Group
Arlington Vision 2020's Diversity Task Group welcomes Arlington residents and Brackett families to help us fulfill our commitment to make our town inclusive. "We are a conduit for change: we foster awareness of issues related to diversity and garner the strengths of our diverse communities to create an inclusive, equal and participatory Community in Arlington."
- We volunteer our time in order to promote and support diversity in Arlington. We define diversity as broadly and inclusively as possible, to include race, ethnicity, skin color, religious views, national and geographic origin, gender, age, citizenship, ancestry, family/marital status, sexual orientation, ability/disability, source and amount of income, education, and military status.
- Our approach is grassroots, community organizing. We select projects by group consensus. We strive to bring all residents into the public conversation.We believe that doing so honors and promotes diversity.
- We promote conversation by creating safe spaces where traditionally excluded individuals and groups can speak and be heard. These conversations might be among like-minded individuals or groups: an opportunity for individuals to openly express concerns, share experiences of exclusion and consider means through which to influence public discourse. Or a conversation might invite a broader audience to recognize the issues of exclusion for underserved groups and to propose solutions and actions.
- Our aim is to draw everyone into the conversation, so that the town’s plans, policies, and atmosphere are influenced by all groups."
To become involved, or to find out more, please visit our website:
https://arlingtonmadtg.org and consider joining us at our next meeting, Monday, 5/8/17 at 7pm, Jefferson Cutter House. Thank you!
|
|
 Coming next week: Brackett Spring Coffee Sale, benefiting our sister city, Teosinite, El Savador!
Order Forms coming soon! Make sure you try this excellent fair-trade coffee which supports a wonderful cause! Each pound of coffee you purchase supports health, education and community
development projects in Arlington's sister city, Teosinte, El Salvador and the growers in Izotalillo, El Savador!
2nd Grade Connection to Coffee... Did you know that all Arlington 2nd graders learn about the unique relationship between Arlington and our sister city Teosinte? Via the “Learning from International Friendship" curriculum, they study the geography, culture, weather and daily life of their peers in Teosinte.
About the Communities Supported: Arlington has partnered with Teosinte, El Savador as a Sister City for 29 years. To find out more, visit www.arlingtonteosinte.org . The Brackett Spring Coffee Sale also benefits Izotalillo, El Savador who grows the coffee. Izotalillo is a tiny village tucked into the mountains near the border with Honduras and sustain through corn and bean farming, in addition to coffee.
What is the Coffee Like?.. Izotalillo creates a shade-grown, smooth coffee with a mellow, nutty-chocolate character. Our aim is to advance the well-being of this amazing village while bringing a delicious and fair trade product straight to your home.
Order forms will be coming home in backpack mail. Please return your order form and check (make checks out to “USESSC- Teosinte" (US-El Salvador Sister Cities – Teosinte) via backpack mail in an envelope marked “Brackett Spring Coffee Sale” by Friday, May 5. Coffee will be sent home with your student later in May.
Contact Amy Moyer (aewilliams@hotmail.com) with questions.
|
|
B rackett's Beloved June Fair Is Just Around the Corner!
Save the Date!! The Brackett June Fair will be held on Sunday, June 11th, and you don't want to miss it! Jose's Food Truck (owned and operated by a former Brackett family) will be there serving up authentic, homemade Mexican cuisine. Andrina's Pizza will also be available, along with delicious treats from the bake sale. The fun includes board breaking and karate demonstrations from Elite Freestyle Karate, a dunk tank, bouncy house, dance music, games and crafts and much, much more! Stay tuned for more details and we can't wait to celebrate Summer with you!
|
|
Community News
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the Week of the Young Child!
Brackett recognizes all of our wonderful teachers, administrators, and families that inspire our young learners. We invite you to celebrate learning through fun activities: http://www.naeyc.org/woyc
|
|
 This Weekend, All around Town: Arlington Jazz Festival!
Great Jazz is coming to town this weekend, featuring several smaller performances at Kickstand, Common Ground and others, Free Events at Town Hall, and Culminating in the Rufus Reid Trio complemented by the AHS Jazz Band on Sunday!
Find out more:
http://www.morningsidemusicstudio.com/arlington-jazz-festival.html
|
|
 This Fri./Sat., Ottoson's Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Join your neighbors at Ottoson Middle School's Department of Performing Arts' presentation of Beauty and the Beast, Jr. this weekend at Ottoson's Wood Auditorium:
- Fri 4/28 7pm
- Sat 4/29 2pm & 7pm
(Lobby opens 1hr before each show, doors 1/2 hr. before)
- Tickets are $10/person
|
|
|
4/29-30 'Family ArtVenture' at Cyrus Dallin Museum
All Arlington elementary school families are invited to Explore the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum and discover the art and life of Arlington's celebrated sculptor! Sat.-Sun. 4/29-30, from 12-4pm the museum will be open exclusively to students and their families for tours, art hunts, and art making activities. This fun, interactive program was developed in partnership with Arlington Public Schools to supplement the K-5 curriculum. Children will learn how to observe, think, and talk about Cyrus Dallin's sculptures and use their observations to discover fascinating details about Dallin's extraordinary life, values, and his commitment to Arlington. $5/child suggested donation. Note: All participating ArtVenture families will receive a complimentary one-year family membership to the Dallin Museum. Prizes will be given to children who complete all (or part) of the art hunt. For more info visit www.dallin.org or contact the museum at hleavell@dallin.org or 781-641-0747.
|
|
Register for 5-week APF Forum 'Guiding Good Choices' (Parents of kids aged 9-14)
Guiding Good Choices offers proven techniques and effective tools to help parents of children ages 9-14:
- Improve communication with their children
- Develop healthy family values and clear behavioral expectations
- Control and express anger constructively
- Strengthen family bonds and trust
- Prevent children from engaging in substance use and other risky behaviors
Guiding Good Choices consists of five workshops, held once a week for five consecutive weeks. GGC is a free, evidence-based program that is held twice a year in Fall & Spring. Email ayhsc@town.arlington.ma.us for more information or to sign up.
|
|
|
Arl. Comm. Ed.'s 7-Week SummerFun Program Registration is Open!
Arlington Community Education's SummerFun Program offers more than 100 enrichment classes taught by experienced classroom teachers. Designed to appeal to kids of all interests, we will help you create the perfect summer for your child. Many classes fill quickly so please register early. SummerFun! is open to residents of Arlington and surrounding communities.
- Small class sizes
- Single and multi-week options
- Choose from any of seven weeks
- Open to students entering grades 1-9
- Morning, afternoon & full-day options — Choose a morning class, an afternoon class, or combine both to create a full-day of fun
- Extended day: 3:30-5:30 pm (Mon-Thur).
To find out more, visit:http://www.arlingtoncommunityed.org/youth-programs/summer-fun/
|
|
 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
