FROM YOUR PTO PRESIDENTS

Dear Brown Community,

Last weekend’s winter storm certainly kept us busy! Between the heavy shoveling and the biting cold, we hope everyone is staying warm and giving their sore backs a well-deserved rest.

Despite the weather, our school spirit remains bright. What a wonderful week of music we just shared! It was a joy to see so many families filling the auditorium to support our talented student musicians during the Band, Orchestra, and Chorus concerts. The energy in the room was a testament to the hard work our students and teachers have put in, and we are so grateful to everyone who attended or made a donation to the Music Department to keep these programs thriving.

Here are a few key reminders for the week ahead:

EARLY RELEASE

This coming Thursday is an early release day and all students will be dismissed at 11:20AM

LOST AND FOUND

Our Lost and Found tables will be on display from Tuesday through Friday (2/3–2/6). Students are encouraged to stop by and reclaim any lost items.

TEACHER APPRECIATION

Help us treat our amazing faculty and staff by signing up to donate individually wrapped candies and cookies for our special February Candy Bar! More info. below.

LION DANCE

To keep a cherished Brown MS tradition alive, we are seeking community contributionsof any amount to cover the $450 cost of our Chinese Language Program’s Lion Dance Performance as part of Lunar New Year celebration at school. More info below.

SAVE THE DATE

March 5th at 8:30AM – Principal Coffee with special guests: Superintendent Nolin and some of her colleagues on the School Committee

BOOK FAIR POSTPONED

We are still in the process of rescheduling the Book Fair and anticipate it will take place later this spring. Thank you for your patience!

8TH GRADE FAMILIES

See below for some helpful information for 8th grade families transitioning to Newton South.

TAX RECEIPTS

Donations to the PTO are tax deductible; however, our records may not include all the information needed to issue formal tax receipts. If you would like a tax receipt for your 2025 contribution, please email the Treasurer at treasurer@brownpto.org with the date(s) and amount(s) of your donation.

Have a great week!
The Brown PTO Team
brownpto@brownpto.org

Continue ReadingFROM YOUR PTO PRESIDENTS

Teacher Appreciation Candy Bar, Wednesday, Feb. 11th

 

The Brown PTO is organizing a special February candy bar to show appreciation for our faculty and staff and we are asking Brown families to help by donating items. We are looking for individually wrapped candy (e.g. Lindt chocolates, Hershey Kisses, or hard candy) or individually wrapped cookies (e.g. Milano, cookie variety packs, etc.). Hot chocolate/coffee will also be provided. Click the link above for more information and to sign up.

Sign up here!

Items may be shipped to or dropped off any time before Tuesday Feb 9th at the address in the enclosed Sign-Up Genius.

Want to donate but don’t have the time? Please Venmo @Debbie-Kuronen (last four digits are 8224) and we will purchase items for you!

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Co-chairs: Debbie Kuronen and Yael Gill

Continue ReadingTeacher Appreciation Candy Bar, Wednesday, Feb. 11th

Lion Dance Performance

It has become a special Brown MS Tradition for our Chinese Language Program to host a Lion Dance performance as part of their Lunar New Year Celebration at school enabling our students to experience the joy, excitement, and cultural significance of this important celebration.

With vibrant drums, dazzling colors, and dynamic movements, the Lion Dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune while driving away negative energy. This performance will be a memorable and enriching cultural experience for all of our students.

In this past, this event has been underwritten by one generous individual. Unfortunately, that sponsorship is no longer available so we are reaching out to our caregiver community to cover the reasonable $450 cost for this full school performance.

Please consider a contribution in any amount to PTO Lunar New Year Donations

Thank you for your consideration and support. Your generosity will help create a special moment of shared joy, learning, and community for our students.

Continue ReadingLion Dance Performance

Note for 8th grade families transitioning to Newton South High School

Please check Parent Square for an important announcement about South Incoming Family Night for Class of 2030 from NSHS Principal Stras on March 5th at 6:30 pm (in-person).

Additionally, on February 12th at 4:45 pm, NPS will hold a tour of Career and Technical Education Programs at Newton North (information about these programs will also be available at the March 5th event).

And, on March 12th at 7:00 pm there will be a Grade 8 Sports Night at the NSHS Field House to meet representatives from the HS athletic teams and learn more about the offerings.

Some more information for our 8th grade families who will be moving up to Newton South High School:

  • In late February the NSHS Deans will present to the 8th graders about what to expect.
  • Teachers and Counselors will then speak with the students about recommended core classes.
  • Recommendations will be recorded in Aspen and parents will have an opportunity to address, discuss and potentially change any concerns.
  • The NSHS course book will be fully digital, and teachers and counselors will help students access the information and formulate their requests for electives (also to be reviewed by parents).
  • Registration is an iterative process that happens mid-late April and can be reviewed and amended as necessary.
Continue ReadingNote for 8th grade families transitioning to Newton South High School

Community Events

Newton South High School Teen Summer Expo

Tuesday, February 10 | 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm | 140 Brandeis Road, cafeteria

Meet in-person with the directors of more than 75 of the best summer enrichment programs for students ages 12-18 and efficiently find the perfect summer opportunities. From local day programs to worldwide adventures, there are programs for every interest and budget.

The Expo includes pre-college programs on university campuses, academic enrichment, community service, teen tours, test prep, traditional summer camps, STEM, internships, theatre arts and music, language learning, outdoor adventure and much more!

The Expo is FREE and open to everyone. Parents should attend with their teens and bring friends.  To see the programs attending go to www.TeenSummerExpos.com. For more information: Newton South.

Pre-register here to get in quickly and receive a reminder.

NCE Winter/Spring Clubs

Winter/Spring middle school clubs are open for registration, with offerings such as Dungeons & Dragons, Babysitting/CPR, and EmpowHER: Movement, Strength, & Mindset! Families can explore and register through the new NCE Registration Portal. Scholarships are available through NCE’s Financial Assistance program.

NCE Summer Camps

2026 summer programs are now open for registration. Middle school options include Basketball (Boys and Girls).

Continue ReadingCommunity Events

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Tues., Feb. 3, 7:30PM: Brown MS School Council Meeting
  • Wed., Feb. 4: Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • Thurs., Feb 5: Early release day (11:20AM dismissal)
  • Wed., Feb. 11:  Teacher Appreciation Candy Bar in Jordan’s Corner from the PTO
  • Wed., Feb. 11: Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • Feb. 14 – 22:  Vacation Week
  • Wed., Feb. 25: Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • Thurs., March 5: Grade 8 Open House at NSHS, 6.30PM
  • Thurs., March 12, 7pm: Grade 8 NSHS Sports Night
  • Mon., March 16:  Grade 5 Parent Information Night in auditorium, 7PM
Continue ReadingLOOKING AHEAD