Special Schedule for Start of School
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Returning to Campus Conversations
As mentioned in Head of School John Packard’s letter yesterday, be sure to watch your email for information on next week’s webinars about the opening of school. If you would like to submit a question in advance, please click here.
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Upcoming Housing Survey — Please Remind Your Child
As we work through the housing process, we will be soliciting students for information about their preferences when it comes to housing. We will not be able to meet every request, but do want to have as much information as we can as we think about our residential spaces. Students will be receiving surveys in their email from Dean of Students Willie Waters in the coming week. We ask for prompt responses to these surveys, so we can move through the process efficiently. *The information provided in the new student questionnaire will be used to make roommate matches for new boarding students. New day students who have chosen on campus for this semester will receive their own version of the survey.
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Could You Spare Some Gear?
The addition of Outdoor Club as an afternoon activity has us looking for some outdoor gear to help students enjoy our beautiful campus this fall. We would love it if you have items you could pass along! Specifically, we are looking for the items listed below. If you are able to donate any of these items, please contact Ryan Dobbins. It would be much appreciated!
- Bikes (mountain or otherwise)
- Helmets
- Adult-size PFDs (life jackets)
- Fishing rods
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Masks: All You Need to Know
Students will be asked to bring a supply of masks with them to campus. Masks will be worn when inside buildings, as well as outside when physical distancing is not possible. Masks should be laundered each day after use, so we strongly recommend students bring a one-week supply of washable masks to school and label each with their name. Students are responsible for the laundering of their own masks (either through E&R, or if you are doing your own laundry). Masks must fit the following criteria:
- Fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Completely covers the nose and mouth
- Is secured with ties or ear loop
- Includes multiple layers of fabric, preferably cotton. Polyester alone is insufficient
- Has no vents or valves
- Allows for breathing without restriction
- Is not a bandana, gaiter or scarf
- Can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
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New Families: Communication from Advisors
Your child’s advisor will be reaching out (if they have not already) with an introduction within the week. Please remind your student to check their Brooks email for this important introduction!
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Still Need to Order Books?
Please have textbooks ordered to your residence and not to campus, so that your student may have them in the opening weeks of online classes. Furthermore, as long as you get the correct ISBN and edition from the Follett site, you may order the texts from any vendor. If it says a text is backordered, please consider purchasing the online e-text version, so that your student can gain immediate access and be prepared for the start of classes. All information about backordering status comes from Follett; Brooks does not receive this information. If you have any questions, please email dean of academic affairs Susanna Waters.
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Supplies for Art Classes
Students enrolled in arts classes requiring supplies (AP Studio, Arts Exploratory, Ceramics, Drawing, Stagecraft Carpentry, 2D and 3D Art) will be provided individual kits that include tools, smocks, safety goggles, art supplies and small equipment once we return to on-campus learning in September. Students will be engaged in artistic lessons using minimal or digital supplies for the first two weeks of classes. We suggest having a sketchbook or unlined paper, pencils, pens, ruler, scissors, and tape for creative work from home. For students who will remain in a virtual mode throughout the remainder of the semester, the Arts Department will ship or arrange pick up of the kits, and will also provide a course-specific list for ordering supplies to international students. Any questions please email Arts Department Chair Babs Wheelden.
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Interested in Private Music Lessons?
Please complete this form if you are interested in signing up s student for private lessons and would like more information regarding instrumental and voice lessons available through Brooks. Lessons can be done whether your child is a boarding or virtual student.
Private instruction is available for most instruments and voice on a weekly basis at Brooks School. Instruction is provided by some of the finest musicians in the greater Boston area. Lessons are not for academic credit, are scheduled with the individual instructor for an additional fee. Students enroll by completing an online form per request or by contacting Arts Department Chair Babs Wheelden directly.
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Has Your Child Been Busy Reading?
Reminder to students: Continue working on summer reading and assignments! Check in OnBrooks > Groups > Summer Reading & Assignments for details about the required readings and classwork, as well as a letter from Dean of Academic Affairs Susanna Waters on summer reading and work expectations. Deadlines vary so please read the information carefully.
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Reminder: Fall Purchases on Campus/Student Debit Accounts
In the Fall, we will be unable to accept cash as a form of payment for purchases on campus and will be unable to dispense cash to students from student debit accounts. Should students need access to cash, there is an ATM available in the student center that accepts bank debit cards. Supplies, snacks and Brooks Gear will be available for purchase in the store, but the purchases must be made with a funded student debit account or bank debit/credit card. Student debit accounts are provided to each student via MyKidsSpending.com and can be funded by parents/guardians online via echeck, debit card or credit card.
- Parents of Returning Students: Your student's MKS (My Kids Spending) account is already set up and available to you throughout the Summer to add additional funds for the upcoming school year.
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Parents of New Students: You should have received an automated email -- coming from MyKidsSpending with Brooks School (support@mykidsspending.com). Please read through MyKidsSpending's online guidebook for the steps to create an account, log in, make deposits and other helpful information.
For your convenience, the site link and guidebook are posted in OnBrooks Go to: Groups/Parents Page/Topics).
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Stay Connected!
Please join our Brooks School Parents Facebook page. We hope it will be a great resource that is active with questions, advice and information-sharing. Fellow parents are always willing to answer any questions!
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The Parents' Academic Corner |
Parents of new students: If you would like to have your son or daughter continue with their academic accommodations from a previous school, please provide Brooks School's Learning Center with a copy of a neuropsychological evaluation completed within the last three years. The documentation can be emailed to the Director of the Learning Center Moira Goodman.
Parents of returning students: If your child would like to request accommodations for the SAT or ACT, please contact Learning Specialist Karina Moltz as soon as possible. This process takes six to eight weeks.
Back to School Supplies: Our list of recommended school supplies are as follows:
- three-ring binders
- loose leaf paper
- dividers
- pocket folders
- planner
- Pencils, pens and highlighters
- TI 84 graphing calculator
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Stay in touch: Follow Brooks on social media for news, photos and more!
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