BRUNSWICK SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2011
MONTHLY MAILING A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER Schools Should Serve Students With a challenging economy and both municipal as well as personal budgets under pressure, there has been more very necessary focus upon the cost and product of education in this country. At the public school level, this issue has played out as a discussion about the power of teachers unions and the merits of tenure. At the university level, this issue has evolved into a careful consideration of the costs of an undergraduate education weighed against its apparent value (i.e., can a graduate find a job that is equal to the $200,000+ cost of four years at a private college?). Some interesting facts to note in this conversation: ‐ According to a recent PIMCO Investment Outlook report by Bill Gross, college tuition has increased at a rate of 6% higher than the general rate of inflation for the past 25 years, making it four times as expensive relative to other goods and services as it was in 1985. ‐ It is harder now to find a job after graduating from college than it has been in a long time, perhaps ever. ‐ Teachers in many public schools are, thanks to tenure and unions, effectively “un-fireable, ”even in the face of evidence that they are underperforming in a significant way. It is hard, thinking about the current state of things, not to conclude that the current situation is unsustainable. In fact, at its core, I worry that in significant ways, many academic institutions, both at the elementary and secondary level as well as at the college level, have evolved from institutions meant to serve students, into institutions that are dedicated to serving teachers (even if it means doing so at the students’ expense). I know that making a statement such as that is an impolitic thing to say, but all evidence seems to point to the fact that there are several “elephants” in the classroom: ‐ College is too expensive and not enough effort is being made to manage costs so as to make higher education affordable and to avoid students graduating with unhealthy burdens of debt. ‐ If college graduates can’t find jobs, it begs the question that either a) they aren’t being taught the right things, or b) they don’t need a college education anyway. ‐ Unions came into being during the industrial age when workers were being severely mistreated by owners and management; no one, however, can justify keeping an ineffective teacher in his/her job at the expense of the students he/she teaches and at the cost of the taxpayer. At Brunswick, I feel we are (and should be) measured and evaluated each and every day: ‐ Do our graduates attend colleges and universities that reflect the perceived worth of a Brunswick education? ‐ Do our faculty and staff serve as engaged and talented role models and educators for our boys and if not, what is being done about it? There are no unions at Brunswick and no teacher is awarded tenure. ‐ Does the School work hard to limit tuition increases and to cut costs to greatest degree reasonably possible? The bottom line, it seems to me, is that we all need to maintain our focus, or, if needed, re-focus on the fact that schools and universities are for the students, to teach them facts and skills that will serve them and the society of which they are a part to the betterment of all. Adults who are not dedicated to that goal shouldn’t be in the teaching business.
Upper school
OCTOBER 2011
From the Deans’ Office: October is keeping to its reputation as being one of the busiest months of the school year. Please be sure to make note of the following events. Some important events in October: Brunswick Upper School Joint Curriculum Night, October 6th at 6:30pm: The Upper School Curriculum Night will be joint with GA this year and will held at Greenwich Academy for all your son’s Brunswick and GA courses. As always, we hope that you will join us for the opportunity that the evening’s program provides to meet your son’s teachers and to follow the course of his academic schedule. 1st Interim, Friday, October 7th: At this juncture we will send home a complete set of comments on all new students and will also send home comments for students in any course in which they are encountering difficulty Dates to Remember in October: (currently performing at below the C- level). 10/1 10/6
SATs at GA 8am Joint US Curriculum Night AT GA 6:30pm 10/7 End of 1st Interim 10/10 Columbus Day NO SCHOOL 10/12 PSATs 8am For juniors & sophomores 10/14-15 Homecoming Weekend 10/21 US Fall Concert 7pm Baker Theater 10/25 Picture Re-take Day
Long Weekend: There will be no school on Monday, October 10th in observance of Columbus Day. PSATs, Wednesday, October 12th: These standardized tests will be administered to all sophomores and juniors during the morning. Students should arrive at school at the usual time and should be in regular Brunswick School dress code. All testing will be held at Brunswick and students should bring several #2 pencils as well as a calculator with them to the test. After testing is concluded, students will return to their normal daily schedule.
Homecoming, Friday and Saturday, October 14th and 15th: Homecoming is a wonderful school-wide event beginning with the cookout and Bonfire on Friday night on Maher Avenue, and a variety of athletic competitions followed by the Homecoming Dance on Saturday at Brunswick’s King Street campus (Burke Field House). A detailed letter regarding the dance will be sent home shortly. Upper School Fall Concert, Friday, October 21st: At 7:00pm on the 21st, please join us in Baker Theater on Maher Avenue for a wonderful evening of music and song featuring a wide variety of our instrumental and choral ensembles. 1st Quarter, Friday, November 4th: The end of the First Quarter marks the close of the first academic quarter of the year. Comments will be written for all students in every academic course. In addition, parents will receive a report card assessing the academic results achieved by your son thus far in the year. We expect to email report packets home by the end of the week of November 7th. Please use this packet as a valuable opportunity to sit down with your son to discuss his progress.
OCTOBER 2011
MIDDLE school From Sarah Burdett:
Life in the Middle School is in full swing. In the short month of September, our boys have worked hard learning the systems and routines of their new grade levels. In addition, they took some time out of the classroom to welcome students new to Brunswick and to take team-oriented field trips. Our club program is busier than ever and the boys are exploring all sorts of new talents from robotics to chess to Arabic to journalism. Now as we approach the academic midpoint of the trimester, we want to remind all parents that this time is a good one to discuss effort and school routines; advisors will also be having midpoint discussions at school to help the boys realize how to put forth their very best effort. Dismissal Procedures: Middle School pick up and drop off procedures are as follows: the lane closest to the curb is where students should enter and exit from vehicles. Please pull all the way through the yellow lines during pick up and drop off times to maximize the number of cars that can line the curb. The outside lane should be for passing only. If you must get out of your car for any reason during pick up or drop off, you must park your car by the field house. You may not exit your car during pick up or drop off if you are parked in front of the MS building. The boys will be Dates to Remember in October: reminded of this procedure as well and will make an effort to get 10/5 MS Curriculum Night 6:30pm st out to the pick up line as quickly as possible at the end of the day. 10/7 1 Trimester Midpoint 10/10 Columbus Day 10/14 Bonfire 10/14 7th and 8th Dance 10/15 Homecoming & Bear Fair 10/21 Mayfair 10/30-11/1 Book Fair
NO SCHOOL 6:00pm 7:30 – 9:30pm
After School Supervision: For security reasons Middle School students are not allowed to remain on campus after 4:30pm unless they are signed up for the MS After School Program that runs until 5:30pm or are under the supervision of a responsible adult. If your child is still on campus unsupervised at 4:30pm, we will place him in the After School Program until you pick him up and charge your account for the day. Thank you for your cooperation. Please email Brian Callahan or call the Middle School Office if you need information on the After School Program. Blackboard: Please ask your sons to show you how to login to their Blackboard pages and learn from them how to check weekly homework and their calendar for major assignments. If your son is absent from school, he will use Blackboard to see what classwork and homework he missed. Homework Folders: Homework folders for each student can be found in the Middle School lobby. If your son is sick and he has homework sheets that cannot be downloaded from the website, teachers will put hard copies in his file. Files will be ready to pick up at the end of the school day. Note: you may want to call the office to check and see if there is work before driving all the way to King Street. Middle School Curriculum Night: We look forward to welcoming all parents to our Middle School Curriculum Night that will be held on Wednesday, October 56h at 6:30pm. On this night your son’s teachers will hold mini-classes and will give a brief overview of curriculum and teaching methods. Please remember that because of the condensed schedule this evening it is not the time to discuss your son’s specific progress with his teachers. The First Midpoint: The midpoint of the first trimester closes on Friday, October 7th. The midpoint is not a formal grading period; thus no report cards will be issued. Rather, midpoints serve as an opportunity to review a student's performance half way through the marking period and to provide you with written comments from each of your son’s academic teachers. These comments should help the boys understand how to focus their efforts for a strong end to the trimester. Homecoming: All Middle School families are encouraged to join in this year’s Homecoming activities during the weekend of October 14th-16th. Please check the mailing from the Alumni Office for times and places of specific events. In addition, 7th and 8th grade parents please note: we have invited the GA girls to join us for a dance in the Pre School Gym on the Maple Avenue campus from 7:30 - 9:30pm on Friday, October 14th following the bonfire. A letter from your class dean will follow with more details and guidelines.
PRE
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LOWER school
OCTOBER 2011
From Gina Hurd and Katie Signer: After a busy start, we have now assumed a smooth routine at the Pre and Lower Schools. New students and their families have been warmly welcomed and older boys have been serving as role models for our younger Bruins. Class coffees were well attended and we are grateful to the many parents who have offered their talents as volunteers. As we look ahead to October, please take note of the various opportunities we will have to come together as a community. Pre School Curriculum Night: An important night for all Pre School parents is Tuesday, October 4th. At 6:30pm the evening will begin with an opportunity for you to visit your son’s classroom, view his work, and meet his teachers. The teachers will present their curriculum, daily classroom routines, and general goals and expectations for the year. Lower School Curriculum Night will take place on Thursday, October 13th at 6:30pm. Following some welcoming remarks in the Lower School Gym, you will visit your son’s classroom, meet his teachers, view his materials and admire his work. In their presentations, the homeroom teachers will share their grade level curriculum and year-end goals. Teachers of special subjects will also be available to meet informally with you. Dates to Remember in October: 10/4 10/6
Pre School Curriculum Night 6:30pm BPA Pre School Assembly “Doodlebugs, Earthworths, and Dirt” 10/10 NO SCHOOL - Columbus Day Observed 10/13 4th Gr. Trip to Greenwich Symphony 10/13 Lower School Curriculum Night 6:30pm 10/14-15 Homecoming/Bear Fair 10/19 3rd Grade Trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art 10/19-20 4th Grade Trip to Plymouth 10/21 No School for Fourth Graders 10/25 3rd Grade Trip to the Audubon 10/23 LS/MS Admission Open House 1-3 pm 10/30-11/1 Book Fair 10/25 Picture Retake Day 10/27 BPA Sponsored Author Visit: Peter Louhrie 10/31 Halloween Parade/Civies Day
Please note that Curriculum Night is reserved for a general overview and is not intended for individual conferences. Parent/teacher conference sign-up sheets will be posted in each classroom and we certainly invite you to contact your sons’ teachers at a different time should you have any questions specific to your child. Homecoming, October 14 and 15 - Celebrate Brunswick! The entire family is invited to share in the fun of this special weekend. Highlights include a Friday evening bonfire, Saturday Bear Fair and varsity matches for our football, soccer, water polo, and cross-country teams, as well as a barbecue lunch. Thanks in advance go to Bear Fair Coordinators, Maine Park and Tiffany Burnette, and our numerous parent volunteers who have contributed to this year’s Bear Fair. This family event is sure to be a huge hit! Don’t miss it!
Fourth Graders visit Plymouth, Massachusetts: To launch their study of early American history, the fourth graders took a day trip to Sturbridge Village in September and on Wednesday, October 19th at 7:00am they will depart with their teachers and chaperones for an overnight trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts. A visit to Plymouth Rock, a tour of the Mayflower II and Plimoth Plantation are just a few of the highlights of this exciting trip. The boys will return on Thursday, October 20th at 4:00pm having gained a deeper understanding of our country’s early history. Please note Fourth Graders will not have school on Friday, October 21, and are encouraged to rest up as they are sure to be tired. Pre and Lower School Celebrates Halloween, October 31: Pre School boys are asked to bring their costumes to school labeled in a bag on that day. Pre Kindergarten will have a special snack in each of their classrooms from 9:45 to 10:30am. Shortly thereafter, the entire Pre School will gather on the playground and will parade through the Upper School and around the block. We welcome our parents to join us (in costume of course!) Following the parade, our Kindergarten boys will have a Halloween party in their classrooms from 11:15am to 12:15pm. At the Lower School, the boys will have a Civies Day and may dress in casual attire. In the afternoon, just prior to the parade, they will take time to change into their costumes. As in previous years, we are asking that any costume accessories such as swords, knives, etc. please stay at home. Boys and teachers will march around the Green and will return to the Lower School for cider and donuts. Book Fair: This year’s Book Fair, “Paws for Reading,” is scheduled from October 30th through November 1st. Families are invited to attend the Book Fair Preview Party on Sunday, October 30th from 2pm to 5pm in the Burke Field House. Besides the marvelous array of book choices, families can expect an afternoon filled with entertainment for all ages. Parent Visiting Day: We invite Pre and Lower School parents to visit your son’s classroom on November 1st. Lower School parents are invited from 8:15 to 11:00am. Pre School parents may visit in the afternoon from 1:30 to 2:30pm. We look forward to an enjoyable day with parents in our midst. If you are unable to come and would like to send a close friend or family member in your place, please feel free to do so. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more specifics regarding your visit.
BRUNSWICK PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS
OCTOBER 2011
President’s Letter This year is off to an amazing start. I would like to begin by thanking a few BPA members who worked "overtime" this summer to prepare for the new year. In many instances they not only organized, but also completely re-engineered their committees. Many thanks to Doreen Griffin and Sarah Barringer for totally redesigning the Bearly Used Closet, which now looks fantastic! Lisa Magliocco and Fiona Kingery spent the entire summer reinventing Happenings which has been renamed ‘Wickends. After surveying the boys and reviewing their suggestions, the ladies created what we think will be an exciting slate of activities for the 7th and 8th grade. Not to be outdone, the Mayfair Committee chaired by Catherine Cone and Tracy Grossman has enhanced the longstanding dance program with the addition of Lovely Manners. So, the next time your son commits a random act of manners, please thank Jill Ciporin who developed and donated her time facilitating the new program. Thank you also to the parents who enthusiastically stepped forward and volunteered to set up for the Annual Dinner. The field house was transformed in record time thanks to the effort and tireless leadership of Shelby Saer and Tracy Yort. By the time you read this, we will have hosted all of our Class Coffees. Many thanks to our Division Representatives, Kimberly Fett, Beba Errichetti, Meg Russell, and Afton Fraser for working with our class parents to organize each grade’s activities for the entire year! And finally, thank you to Rene Chronert and Robin Sherwood for welcoming back our faculty with sweet treats to start the year. Wow, it is hard to believe we are just getting started! Christina Kazazes, President, Brunswick Parents Association Hospitality Committee would like to thank all of the volunteers for helping with set up for Annual Dinner. Bearly Used Closet The newly renovated Bearly Used Closet is bursting with khakis, brown sweaters, shirts, athletic clothing and equipment, all at bargain prices! Located on the ground floor of the Lower School, the closet is open anytime school is open. The key is in the Lower School lobby; just sign in and follow the directions in the binder. Purchases support the BPA and are charged to your bookstore account. Clothing and equipment donations are welcome all year long! For more information, contact Doreen Griffin doreen.griffin@gmail.com or Sarah Barringer ssbarringer@gmail.com. Happy shopping! Teacher Appreciation On behalf of all Brunswick parents, we welcomed our faculty back to school with a big pack of Tic Tacs with the message "The BPA wishes you a sweet year!" We will have our first drawing for our teacher appreciation monthly raffle at this month's BPA meeting. Our goal is to give 8-10 raffle gifts to faculty members each month so all of our teachers will receive something by the end of the year. In order to meet this goal, we need donations of gift cards from our parent body. It is a nice way to treat our wonderful faculty to a special thank you for all they do for our boys! Please consider donating a gift card from Amex, Visa, grocery stores, local retail stores, restaurants, sports tickets, or concert tickets. Please send gift cards or other donations to Rene Chronert, 10 Marlow Court, Riverside, CT 06878. Questions - please email Rene rchronert@aol.com. Thank you for your help with this important program! Brunswick School Fall Fundraiser! Please support the BPA with purchases of Innisbrook quality wrapping paper, magazines and an array of hostess gifts! Just go to www.Innisbrook.com and enter our school code 103912. Drop payment in the box in the lobby of each division. 50% of proceeds go directly to the BPA. Fundraiser ends October 16.
BRUNSWICK PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS
OCTOBER 2011
Save the Dates: Homecoming, October 14-15 Bear Fair - Saturday, October 15, 10am - 3pm at the Burke Field House, rain or shine! Come join us and celebrate this fun-filled Brunswick tradition! Tickets and bracelets available through Friday Folders, online at brunswickschool.org/parents/bear-fair-2011, or on the day of the event. Pre-pay to avoid lines! It’s not too late to contribute time or baked goods to the Bear Fair – we appreciate your help! • Please consider making bake sale donations on October 14 – please contact Katie Boehly katieboehly@gmail.com, Jenny Klein jennyklein@me.com or Katie Neviera kneviera@me.com. • Parents and Middle School Boys – We need you to run the games and you can earn volunteer credit at the same time! To volunteer, please contact Maritza Block maritza.block@gmail.com for parent volunteers or Mary Jones pinej@optonline.net for Middle School volunteers. General Bear Fair or merchandise questions? Contact: Maine Park mainehuang@aol.com or Tiffany Burnette taburnette@aol.com. Parent Programs Mark your calendars for our special guest Dr. Edward Hallowell, a highly sought after speaker from around the world and author of over 18 books on parenting. You won’t want to miss his insights and advice on increasing a child's chance of leading a joyful and meaningful life. Wednesday, October 26 Massey Theater 8:00am, coffee 8:30am – 10am, presentation "Dr. Hallowell will outline a five-step plan for promoting successful learning and lifelong joy that parents, teachers and all others who care about children can use to give children the gift of happiness that will last a lifetime: Connect, Play, Practice, Mastery and Recognition. As fundamental as these five concepts are, they hold the key to raising children with healthy self-esteem, moral awareness and spiritual values.” This talk is the first in a series of Parent Programs for the GA and ‘Wick communities. There is no charge to attend. Book Fair “Paws” for Reading! The fun gets underway on Sunday, October 30th from 2-5pm at the Preview Party. Come shop the incredible selection of books and be entertained and inspired by the Myachi guys, who will teach your kids all the tricks and moves with our custom ‘Wick Myachis! The shopping continues Monday, October 31st from 8am-3pm and Tuesday, November 1st from 8am12pm, Parents' Visiting Day. The Book Fair will be held at the Burke Field House on the King Street Campus. For any questions or to volunteer, please contact co-chairs Bridgette Jean-Jacques jeanjacquesfamily@msn.co or Kim Augustine kimcaugustine@gmail.com. Mayfair - To the parents of all 5th and 6th graders Mayfair is in full swing. We are looking forward to our next class that takes place on Friday, October 21st. Please contact Catherine Cone catherinecone@earthlink.net or Tracy Grossman tracygrossman@optonline.net with any questions. Brunswick Benefit Learn more about more this year's Benefit happening May 12, 2012! It's Only Rock - N- Roll - - A Tribute to 110 Years! Come to our kick-off coffee. Tuesday, October 18th at 8:15am at 404 Round Hill Road, Greenwich. Contact Beth Pope popies@optonline.net. Co-chairs are Katie Boehly katieboehly@gmail.com and Tracy Miller abmtracym@aol.com
BRUNSWICK PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS
OCTOBER 2011
Upper School Performing Arts This year's first performance on the stage of Baker Theater will take place on Friday, October 21st at 7pm. Brunswick Upper School vocal groups and instrumental ensemble performances, directed by Shane Kirsch and Paul Raaen, present their Fall Concert. Please check the website regarding ticket sales. Brunswick and Greenwich Academy actors are already hard at work on the Brunswick fall drama production entitled "Black Comedy," directed by Seth Potter. Performances will take place in Baker Theater at 7pm on November 3rd, 4th and 5th.This production promises to be a hysterical, fun-filled performance! The fall production at Greenwich Academy is a series of comedic one act plays which will be performed in Massey Theatre on Friday November 18th and Saturday November 19th at 7pm. Middle School Performing Arts The musical "Seussical" will be produced by our Middle School Arts Department and will feature a combined Middle School cast from Brunswick and Greenwich Academy. You won't want to miss this spectacular production featuring terrific music and starring a host of memorable characters. The production will take place in the beautiful Baker Theater on Thursday, December 1st at 7:00pm and Friday, December 2nd at 3:30pm. Ticket sales for both performances will be announced to the entire community and will only be available through the Brunswick box office. We hope that your entire family will join us! Bear Hugs Our mission is to embrace families, faculty and staff in the Brunswick Community during difficult, life-changing events by providing meals, organizing play-dates, carpooling and other forms of support. Thank you to all those who have already volunteered to help. If you were not able to sign up at the class coffees but would like to join us in providing assistance to families who can use our help then please email Sally Polak sallypolak@aol.com. Join the Brunswick Parents’ Association (BPA)! Please join the BPA for the 2011-2012 academic year by mailing in your $25 dues with the convenient form below. Additional contributions towards general donations and Teacher Appreciation are also welcome. Please tear off the form below and enclose it with your check made payable to Brunswick Parents’ Association, 100 Maher Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830. If you pay by bookstore charge, you may scan and email your form to cnbednar@gmail.com or fax to 203-422-5393. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Brunswick Parents’ Association Dues and Contributions 2011-2012 Annual Dues @ $25 per family __$25.00 _ General BPA Contribution
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Check made payable to Brunswick Parents’ Association Bookstore Charge (Son’s name ____________________________ Grade_____ ) Name:
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