AUGUST 25, 2022
Brooks families in Korea met up at a gathering earlier this month. New families, don't forget the New Family Reception on campus this Monday!
Back to School
Arrivals & Packing Reminders

  • Coming to campus: The countdown is on to opening days, Sept. 2 through Sept. 5! An updated opening schedule has been added to the Parents Resources page. Check it out for details about where students/families need to be — and when. If you cannot arrive during your scheduled time, please contact Associate Dean for Student Affairs Andrea Heinze directly.  

  • Boarding students: As your boarding student is preparing to pack for dorm living, please keep in the mind the following regulations and read the dormitory fire and decoration regulations guide for dorm rooms. If a student arrives with any of the restricted items, they will need to take them back home. In particular, please note:

  1. Monitors/TVs may only be up to 32" (with an exception for sixth-form students: They may bring devices with a larger size screen.)
  2. Gaming consoles are only allowed in rooms of sixth-form students.
  3. Any outside furniture must meet the fire regulations explained in the decoration guide.
  4. No air conditioners
 
  • Packing: In addition to items in the packing guide, please consult Brooks School's dress code for guidance about attire to bring to Brooks. Don't forget a swimsuit for the swim test (see details below)!

  • New families: New families who are arriving on Friday are invited to return on Monday for new family programming, which begins at 1 p.m., if you are able to attend. 
Student Life
Swim Test
Given Brooks' beautiful location on Lake Cochichewick, our sailing and crew programs, and other opportunities to participate in water activities on and off campus, Brooks administers a swim test for students at the start of the school year. This is to assess swimming proficiency. We will be giving the swim test to all new students. Students will not be allowed to participate in the sailing or crew programs unless they have passed the swim test. Students who are not proficient swimmers should indicate so and will not be asked to participate in the swim test. The test will be held on Sept. 6 as part of orientation. Students should bring a bathing suit and towel.
Campus Leaves Procedure
As Associate Head for Student Affairs Andrea Heinze shared in her student affairs information email on Tuesday, there are procedures and expectations for any campus leaves — for all students. Please review the communication to learn the rules regarding leaving campus, taking overnights and missing school or school commitments for various reasons. We will work with the students once they arrive to learn the REACH system for leave requests.
Academics, Athletics & Arts
Class Schedules Are Available
Parents and guardians can now view assigned blocks and teachers for student-enrolled courses in OnBrooks. Once in OnBrooks using the assigned parent/guardian account, click the name of the student and then select the Progress Tab to view the classes, blocks and teachers. To determine the weekly schedule match the blocks with the weekly schedule. For more information or assistance, please contact Registrar Lisa Saunders.
Special Academic Schedule (Sept. 6-7)
Click to view the special academic schedule for the start of school.
Still Need to Order Books?
Please make sure to check your student's course enrollment in OnBrooks, especially if they are signed up for electives, and order the books. 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 choose to have your shipment delivered to Brooks, you can pick it up in the Student Center, adjacent to the mailroom, upon arrival to campus. Should you have any questions please email Associate Head of School for Academic Affairs Susanna Waters.
Help Prepare Your Student for Classes
A reminder to students: Continue working on summer reading and assignments! Check OnBrooks > Groups > Summer Reading & Assignments for details about the required readings and classwork. Deadlines vary so please read the information carefully. Of course, don't forget to join us in our All Community Read: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, required of all students and faculty!
The new Robert Lehman Art Center exhibit of paintings by Julia Powell opens Sept. 1.
Interested in Music Lessons and Ensembles?
Please complete the Music Opportunities and Ensembles for 2022-2023 form if you would like more information regarding instrumental and voice lessons available through Brooks or to inquire about joining an ensemble this fall. Private instruction is available for most instruments and voice on a weekly basis at Brooks. Instruction is provided by some of the finest musicians in the greater Boston area. Lessons are not for academic credit and are scheduled with the individual instructor for an additional fee. Students enroll by completing the online form or by contacting Director of Music Dr. Michael Bruschi.
Athletics Equipment Reminder
Invitation only, pre-season team practices begin on Sept. 2. All afternoon programs begin on Sept. 6. Students should be ready to participate in their activities at that time and have brought from home all the equipment they will need. Please review the note from the athletics department for a detailed list of the equipment required for each fall activity and for more information about the upcoming sports season.
Brooks students, alumni and faculty who worked on campus this summer for Brooks School Summer Programs celebrated the end of day camp a couple of weeks ago!

Family Information
New Family Events

  • We are looking forward to welcoming our new families at our New Family Reception on Aug. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. Please note: We have moved the event to the Robert Lehman Art Center, located in the Luce Library.

  • We are having a New Family Zoom Q&A with school leaders on Aug. 31 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (EST). Please join us using this updated link for the online gathering. We hope to see you there!
Tell Us About Your Family
In an effort to keep our school records up to date, please take a few minutes to fill out our Family Update 2022-2023 form. This information is for internal school use only. We request that you fill out this update by Sept. 9. Thank you!
Family Volunteer Zoom Meeting
Are you interested in volunteering for Brooks? If so, join us for our family volunteer Zoom meeting on Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. Fellow parent volunteers will outline the schedule of events and opportunities to become involved with school life on and off campus. You can also note your areas of interest on the Family Update 2022-2023 form.
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