December 20, 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this letter finds you well and reunited with your children for winter break. As I have said throughout the fall, days are full here and this holiday season is a welcomed time for our students to pause after such a fast-paced semester. With EOLs wrapped up, I hope your students are feeling proud of getting through their final assessments. I also hope they are truly able to take time to sit back, relax and enjoy the time with family and friends. 

The weather finally feels like winter here on campus and it added a perfect backdrop to our end of semester events and celebrations. Between a Winter Wonderland themed dance, cookie decorating parties, and other festive activities, we have set up the season well. Winterfest and the Winter Concert were additional performances that not only displayed the immense musical talent within our community, but left us in the holiday spirit with a rousing rendition of All I Want for Christmas. Winter afternoon activities started several weeks ago, and sporting competitions are in full swing with winter tournaments starting up this weekend for a few of our 1st teams. Our Lessons and Carols services, including a community dinner, brought a perfect holiday close to the semester, and it was wonderful to be together in celebration to kick off break. Up next will be Winter Term and I know many are eager to explore their area of study upon their return. 

I couldn’t have asked for a better time to serve as Acting Head of School. I had the right combination of people, weather and events that made this fall so memorable and special. I have learned an immense amount in my time at the helm and thank all of you for entrusting me with this leadership position. John Packard and I have been in touch several times now to prepare for his transition back to school. He is energized and eager to meet all our new families and students and reunite with those he has known for years. I am looking forward to his return and working with him again in my Assistant Head role. We are bound to have another fantastic semester ahead. 

There are not enough words to thank you for your support, warmth, laughter, candor, kindness, integrity and spirit. I will hold these last six months dear to my heart. It’s been amazing!

With appreciation,

Nina Freeman

Acting Head of School

Brooks School • 1160 Great Pond Road, North Andover, MA 01845