Brimmer Middle School Viewbook

1880

BRIMM R

INSPIRED TO LEARN • ENCOURAGED TO EXPLORE • EMPOWERED TO LEAD

From the North, West, or South of Boston

Take Route 128 to Exit 20-Route 9 East. Follow Route 9 for 3.6 miles. Turn left onto Hammond Street. At the first stop sign, turn right onto Middlesex Road. Drive down Middlesex Road to the first stoplight. Brimmer and May is located on both sides of the street.

From Downtown Boston by Car

Follow Route 9 West through Brookline to the intersection of Route 9 and Hammond Street.

(Route 9 is also called Huntington Avenue in Boston and Boylston Street in Brookline.) Turn right onto Hammond Street. At the first stop sign, turn right again onto Middlesex Road. Drive down Middlesex Road to the first stoplight. Brimmer and May is located on both sides of the street.

Parking

Admissions parking spaces are available in our main parking lot on the left preceding all School buildings and along the side of the Admissions Building at 73 Middlesex Road. On-street parking is also available.

69 MIDDLESEX ROAD | CHESTNUT HILL, MA 02467 | 617-738-8695 | www.brimmer.org

middle school

Our Guiding Principles Inspired to Learn

We foster active learning and challenge students to think and work independently and collaboratively to become confident problem solvers and critical thinkers.

Encouraged to Explore

We encourage students to engage their curiosity, expand creativity, explore interests, develop voice, and strive for personal best in an inclusive environment.

Empowered to Lead

Brimmer and May is a Pre-K to grade 12 coeducational day school that upholds high academic standards while implementing innovative ideas. We develop lifelong learners who are informed, engaged, and ethical citizens and leaders in our diverse world.

We empower learners to embrace opportunities in our student-centered environment. We believe developing intellect with character prepares our students to succeed in our global community.

Our Core Values Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Kindness

combining

tradition & innovation for a 21st-century education

A Model and Leader Brimmer and May has a proud history of more than 135 years of academic excellence and community involvement. Brimmer is also a school on the cutting edge. Emerging

These include: •

Academically Demanding Curriculum

•

Project-based Learning

•

Classrooms that Extend Beyond School Walls

•

Digital Technologies and a Global Perspective that Infuse the Program

technologies, interdisciplinary learning, and experiential and applied learning define the Brimmer experience. No other school in New England has been designated a “Model School” by the National Association of Independent

•

Vibrant Arts Programs

•

Learning Communities

•

A Culture of Engagement and Support

•

Transformational Leadership

Schools (NAIS). The recognition is based on

The future of education is already

what NAIS considers to be “Essential Capacities

here at Brimmer.

for the 21st Century.”

a

globally focused education

A Time of Change

A World of Change

As they make the exciting, unpredictable journey

Brimmer’s globally focused curriculum prompts

between childhood and adolescence, Brimmer

students to compare histories, cultures, languages,

Middle School students tackle new academic

ecosystems, economies, and political systems. It

challenges that lay the foundation for secondary

teaches them to approach learning from numerous

school work. Encouraged to be independent thinkers,

perspectives, helping to develop not only critical

fearless explorers, and tireless experimenters, they

thinking skills but also empathy and a sense of identity.

feel empowered by their ability to solve problems

Through service in our local community and

and excited by the idea that human knowledge and

engagement in School activities, they develop a

technology will always be advancing.

sense of competence and self-worth, with an understanding of their ability to make an impact both locally and globally.

lauren lapat

parent ’18, ’21

“ I’ve partnered with Brimmer for 10 years and seen that at each age and stage of development my children are being encouraged to think about their relationships with others and their role in creating a caring and thoughtful community. I think there is no one type of Brimmer kid, but rather Brimmer is an environment where your child discovers the best version of him- or herself. You find the best version of yourself when you discover how you contribute to the School in ways you didn’t expect— and that often comes from trying new things.”

“ I think to be successful you need two things. One: to have a passion for what you are doing. Two: to know how to work hard. Without these two things someone cannot be successful. Brimmer and May is a perfect school for me because I feel welcome here. The class sizes are perfect because it is easy to get more academic attention. The School is supporting my passions because I am able to do them both: I am able to perform in the School productions and play on a team. I have learned how to be a team player and how to work with people so that everyone’s strengths make for a better outcome.”

emma hastings

8th grader

pete slaski

middle/upper school math teacher

“ The advisor program gives the student an adult who is a confidant, someone who will encourage them to be diligent in their studies and support them by attending games and performances, and a person who will advocate for them. What I feel sets Brimmer apart in regard to its advisor program is the individual attention each student gets. Besides normal weekly meeting times, advisees will routinely search you out to tell you good news about a test result or to share a concern with you.

I have gotten to know my advisees so well that I continue to have lunch with them even when they are in Upper School.”

“ The Middle School program works to help students learn about identity, community, and culture throughout the disciplines. As they move through the program, students think critically and expand their understanding about who they are and what their place is in the world. As they learn about new cultures, students come to recognize that there are both similarities and differences between their lives and those of other people across the globe. Through studying various histories, belief systems, values, and lifestyles, students expand their horizons and recognize that there is much to learn about the world, and this often leads to further exploration as students grow.”

kelly neely

humanities department co-chair, director of global studies program

confident &

versatile learners The approach to teaching and learning in Brimmer’s Middle School emphasizes thematic grouping and the interconnectedness of disciplines, ideas, and phenomena. At Brimmer, we’re training our students to think about complex topics from a variety of perspectives and to demonstrate knowledge in many different ways.

dynamic

learning experiences

How do you nurture a love of learning in middle-schoolers?

Provide a curriculum that helps them make sense of their world. Give them assignments that involve technology, artistic creativity, and collaboration— and play to the strengths of different kinds of learners.

Build up their skills and then ask them to show confidently what they know.

The Curriculum: Humanities & the Arts English and history courses are components of the Middle School’s interdisciplinary humanities curriculum. It features the study of ancient and modern civilizations, related literature, critical reading, and creative and analytical writing. Students take classes in music, drama, and visual arts. Their experiences in the arts often connect to their work in other disciplines. For example, students might compose songs or scripts, create props or costumes, or make posters or drawings related to projects in history, language arts, and the sciences. In keeping with the globally focused curriculum, each student studies a world language, choosing from French, Mandarin, and Spanish.

The Curriculum: Math & Science

Key Skill Building

Combining a variety of topics and an overall broad foundation, the

In Life Skills classes, Brimmer students explore such topics as

integrated science sequence includes physical, life, and earth

problem solving and health and wellness. The Life Skills curriculum

sciences, with laboratory and field experiences and training in the

culminates in an eighth grade course that examines the challenges

scientific method. Interdisciplinary units include the sixth grade’s

of adolescence through the lens of ethical decision-making.

STEAM project on the science of bridge building and the eighth grade’s

The use of technology is incorporated into classroom learning

study of the geology and geography of China in conjunction with

across the disciplines. Students are also instructed in a technology

their humanities work on China’s history and culture. Brimmer’s

curriculum designed to give them skills in research methodology

mathematics sequence builds the foundation that leads to the

and the real-world use of technology resources. Exhibitions of

completion of Algebra I in eigth grade.

Knowledge are culminating events that give students the opportunity to share what they’ve learned in a particular unit or area of study. An example is the seventh grade Family History Short Story Exhibition. In addition to requiring synthesis of information and effective communication by visual and written means, these exhibitions help students develop public speaking and presentation skills.

eager

explorers There are infinite ways to learn that don’t involve sitting at a desk. Brimmer’s Signature Programs give students the opportunity to discover some of them. Global Connections immerses students in our fascinating multicultural world, Exploration Week capitalizes on experiential learning, and Inspirations prompts students to examine what motivates them.

Inspirations Inspirations is an exercise in reflection, a formal speech, and one of the highlights of a student’s Middle School career. Through the program, each eighth grade student works with a faculty member to develop an eight-minute presentation about something or someone who is a source of inspiration.

The speech is an opportunity for students to share their passions with others in the community.

Global Connections Program Over the course of their three years in the Middle School, Brimmer students will explore in depth three areas of the world through our unique, semester-long Global Connections program. This integrated, experiential arts and humanities curriculum immerses students in the history, culture, and artistic traditions of the region being studied. For example, the exploration of the culturally diverse continent of Africa might involve a visit to the School by a professional African drum ensemble and a master class with a

Exploration Week

drummer; a field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts’ permanent African

Each spring, Exploration Week gives the

exhibit, where students draw inspiration from mask designs and

seventh grade an opportunity to explore

textile patterns for their own artwork; the dramatization of African

Washington, D.C., for four days as part of

folktales; the composition of political protest songs; and the

the humanities curriculum in U.S. history

creation of maps depicting natural resources, climate, historical

and American literature. For grades 6 and

kingdoms, and religions of the continent. The culminating event

8, Exploration Week takes place on and

is a festival week of art exhibits, digital presentations, and

around the Brimmer campus and involves

musical and dramatic performances.

a diverse range of stimulating learning experiences. Some examples include: a trip to the MIT Museum and a corresponding robotics project; a day of indoor rock climbing; and a brain-teasing collaborative scavenger hunt around Boston that is a unique learning experience.

,

a caring community Our students grow into productive, compassionate, confident, and ethical citizens through engagement in our caring community. School life is characterized by faculty members who really believe in students, peers who come from a variety of backgrounds and a diversity of personal strengths, and numerous opportunities to grow outside of the academic realm.

Building Community: The Outdoor Education Program

a place for

Our signature Middle School Outdoor Education Program combines personal and group challenges outside the classroom, fitness

self-discovery

and problem solving, outdoor educational experience, and opportunities to develop leadership skills. It begins at the start of each school year with a three-day trip to an off-site summer camp.

There students set individual and class goals for the upcoming year, build beneficial relationships with peers and faculty members, and take safe risks that help them grow personally. The program

Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, and Honesty.

These Core Values set the tone for our inclusive community and help create an environment in which all students are known as individuals, appreciated for their contributions, and encouraged to grow into their best selves.

Adults Who Know Students Well

continues with three other days during the year, which may feature

Middle School students need engaging teachers. They also need

camping, canoeing, cycling, rafting, orienteering, and other

supporters and advocates, mentors and role models. At Brimmer,

community-building adventures.

the student’s advisor is all of that and more. Meeting with students weekly—with plenty of impromptu opportunities to touch base as well—the advisor is proactive in monitoring a student’s well-being and responsive to a student’s needs, academic or non-academic.

The Student Support Team (SST), which includes administrators as well as the Middle School psychologist and School nurse, is an additional resource to ensure student success. The team oversees the academic, social, and emotional progress of each student.

Community Service: The Rewards of Giving to Others Brimmer students develop a sense of social responsibility—and come to take pride in their ability to make a difference—through community service.

The entire Middle School dedicates time to service activities that are connected to local organizations such as Cradles to Crayons. As leaders of the Middle School, eighth graders additionally each undertake an eight-hour independent service project. With guidance from a faculty advisor, they set up and complete their individual service initiatives, keep a journal of their efforts, and prepare a presentation for the culminating Service Fair.

Clubs of All Kinds

opportunities to thrive

Brimmer students try new endeavors, pursue interests, enjoy being with friends, and get to know faculty members outside of the classroom through optional after-school clubs and activities. Creative Technology, the Math and Science Clubs, Photography, Book Club, and the Peer Leadership Program are among the offerings. Students develop leadership skills as founders of new clubs, as club leaders, and as members of the Student Senate.

Trying something new is a great way to discover a fun pastime or develop a lifelong passion.

Brimmer’s activities schedule is designed to eliminate conflicts— meaning students can be everything they want to be. They can go out for an interscholastic sports team, join the cast or crew of the play, and explore new areas of interest.

Creative Arts Are Everywhere Exposure to the arts, exploration of diverse cultures, and creative expression are important aspects of the Brimmer educational experience. All students in grades 6 to 8 take classes in visual arts, music, and drama, while a variety of other learning experiences,

Boys

Girls

in particular the humanities curriculum, integrates creativity. Through

Baseball

Basketball

the After-School Creative Arts Program, Middle School students

Basketball

Cross Country

can act in the fall play or spring musical, or participate as technical

Cross Country

Curling

theater hands or costume designers. Other arts electives have

Curling

Field Hockey

included music, dance, and studio art. Among the opportunities for

Fitness

Fitness

student musicians are the May Chorale (the Middle School chorus),

Golf

Golf

the Instrumental Band, and the After-School Music Program, which

Lacrosse

Lacrosse

provides quality musical instruction.

Soccer

Soccer

Tennis

Softball Tennis

Sports and Fitness Physical activity, individual sports, and team athletic endeavors have benefits for the mind, the body, and the personal development of students. At Brimmer, sixth grade is the transition year, in which students continue to have physical education classes twice a week but also have the option to play team sports. In grades 7 and 8, students fulfill a sports requirement that offers them all the benefits of interscholastic sports, including teamwork, individual skill building, and the joys of school spirit. Whether students have sports experience or are true beginners, they can wear a Brimmer uniform at an appropriate level of competition.

the brimmer

advantage

As a Pre-K to grade 12 school, Brimmer presents a number of advantages to students at each stage along their educational journey. Middle School students have the opportunity to be good role models to younger students. They also benefit from their interactions with Upper School students. On the stage, on the playing fields, in assemblies, and at School events, they look to what older students are accomplishing and take inspiration. The continuity of the academic curriculum ensures that Middle School students have the foundation to take advantage of the Upper School’s special academic offerings, such as the Signature Diploma Programs—Creative Arts, Global Studies, and STEAM. Comfortable in the community and confident in their own abilities, Middle School students head to the Upper School with the values and skills that will serve them well as they transition to more independence, more responsibility, increasingly sophisticated work, higher expectations, and greater opportunities.

a message from

the head of school What makes a school special is both who its people are and what they power to effect change and that one person can make a difference. They believe in themselves because their teachers and peers believe in them— and are personally invested in them. With the support of exceptional people, there is no limit to what our students can achieve.

At Brimmer, you will find students working with teachers who model what it means to be lifelong learners. You’ll find students working well in teams, thinking creatively and analytically about complex topics, speaking publicly, and demonstrating their knowledge.

Among our greatest strengths as a school are three key characteristics.

The first is a decidedly global focus. Every day our students learn about other cultures, languages, and people while developing critical skills for our increasingly interconnected global society. The second is a penchant for innovation with a pedagogical approach that includes teachers working alongside our students and coaching them to succeed. Our many interdisciplinary initiatives, including STEAM programs that bring out extraordinary examples of inventive and inspired thinking and problem solving, are evidence of this. The third is our value-centered culture, which helps our students become honest, kind, respectful, and responsible citizens—the type of people who enhance their own communities.

Thank you for getting acquainted with us. I invite you to visit in person to sense the energy, high standards, and dynamic spirit of this remarkable school.

Judith Guild Head of School

© Design & Primary Photography: Peapod Design, New Canaan, CT / Copywriting: Leslie Virostek / Additional Photography: Oxygen Group

believe. At Brimmer and May, our students believe that they have the