SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
Self in Community students enjoyed class outside on the Lehman Art Center terrace this past Monday.
Schedule Alert

  • On Monday, September 27, Brooks' annual all-school photo will be taken during Chapel time. Dress for the photo is the same as the Chapel dress code (formal academic dress). The class of 2022 formal photo (and "fun" dress-up photo), as well as the all-school image, will be available for families to purchase. Information about ordering photos will be coming soon.

  • On Saturday, October 2, there will be no classes. The SATs will be administered on campus but we will still have afternoon athletic competitions.
Parent/Guardian OnBrooks Sign-In Requirements Update
Parent/guardian sign-in requirements for our community information system, OnBrooks, have been updated with new password requirements to increase security. All parent/guardian account passwords must meet the following minimum standard of 12 characters, one special character, one upper case character and one lower case character. This security enhancement will be in effect for all accounts on Oct. 12. Any parent/guardian account that does not meet these minimum requirements when they sign in on or after October 12 will be prompted to reset their password.

To change a parent/guardian OnBrooks password in advance of October 12: At the OnBrooks sign-in screen, click the "Need Help" button, enter the associated email address for the account, select the password box, and click "Send." Retrieve a password-change link from the associated email account and follow the link to update the password. For questions or additional assistance, please contact Registrar Lisa Saunders.
Activities on Campus This Weekend
View details about the weekend activities on campus, including a volleyball tournament, art-and-pancakes event and a dance!
Sixth-Form Parents Reminder
On Oct. 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available to send to colleges. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to start this process as soon as possible. To begin registration, visit fafsa.ed.gov. If you have any questions, please be in touch with members of Brooks’ college counseling office: Dean of College Counseling Andy Campbell, Associate Director of College Counseling Wendy Brennan, Associate Director of College Counseling Brenna Kelly and Assistant College Counselor Christine Jackson.
New Deans' Den Blog
This week for her Deans' Den Blog, Associate Head of School for Academic Affairs Susanna Waters sneaks a peek into Pre-Modern World History class to learn how they're integrating Brooks' All Community Read, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, into the course. She also checked out a Self in Community class, too. Learn more and see photos from her visits in this latest post.
Spectator Protocols for Other Schools
As the sports season is now in full swing (see the athletics schedule), we anticipate more families attending school athletic events both here and away. If you are planning to attend any away competitions, we strongly encourage you to visit the website of the school where your student will be competing. Every school has crafted its own spectator protocols, so prior to your visit to another school please review their guidelines so you can prepare what to bring and so you can be informed.
What is Happening in The Robert Lehman Art Center?
"Show of Hands," an exhibition of more than 35 framed photographs devoted to the subject of hands from the Henry M. Buhl '48 collection, is on view now through Oct. 15 in the Lehman Art Center. To schedule an in-person viewing, please sign-up on our Visiting the Lehman page. All guests must register to visit the gallery.

A virtual exhibit — curated by Advanced Open Studio Photography student Ella Dooling '22 — is available with highlights from “A Show of Hands,” on our Lehman Art Center page, as well. 

We also encourage families to follow the Brooks School Arts Department Instagram @brooks_school_art. This account features frequent updates on Brooks students participating in music, theater and visual arts, and also gives you access to a variety of artistic events happening on campus. 
Send Your Boarding Student Some Sweets!
Is it your child’s birthday? Do you just want to surprise them with a treat? Send cupcakes or a cake made by local bakery Cakes by Kathie directly to them through Brooks! See prices and details on the order sheet.
Save the Date: Family Weekend is Oct. 22-23
We are thrilled to be hosting an in-person Family Weekend in October. Our goal for this event is to balance the safety of our community with a chance for our students, families and faculty to come together and learn more about Brooks and your student's experience. Please contact Director of Advancement Gage Dobbins or Director of the Brooks Fund and Family Engagement Mary Merrill with any questions. (Opportunities to meet with your child's advisor will be scheduled directly with that advisor). A more detailed schedule and registration details will be shared in early October, but areas of note include:
 
Friday, October 22

  • College Counseling event: Demystifying the College Search and Application Experience. Andrew N. Carter, Interim Deputy Director of Admission at College of the Holy Cross, will share his insights about the college search process, including current trends in admissions, and will offer advice about how to make the experience a positive one. This session is particularly relevant for families of fifth-form students. 


  • A gathering: We'll host an evening, all-family reception and a "Center for the Arts Works in Progress" showing!
 
Saturday, October 23

  • Academic Open House and school presentations

  • State of the School from Head of School John Packard

  • Afternoon athletic events and hospitality tents
Health & Wellness Team Update

Meet new school counselor Kimberly Cratty, LICSW (below on left), and Director of Student Wellness Steph Holmes, LICSW (on right). Both Kim and Steph work in Brooks' Health Services, offer confidential counseling support to students and are here to support your child's social-emotional health. 
While you may have noted your child's mental health history on your Magnus health form, you can always speak to them directly at any time during the school year to raise concerns or to learn more about the support they offer. Mental health concerns are ever more present in our children and families, and Brooks is prepared to provide necessary support during these challenging times.

A couple of resources . . .

Stay in touch: Follow Brooks on social media for news, photos and more!